by Rebecca Contreras LEADERSHIP Leading with Resolve A Journey of Empowered Leadership for Women As women business leaders, we chart our course through a dynamic landscape, facing challenges that test our resilience, adaptability, and vision. These experiences shape us into the leaders we are today, offering invaluable lessons for aspiring women in business. Leadership is vital in calm waters. But, it becomes paramount during turbulent times, requiring us to steer through storms with unwavering resolve. In reflecting on my personal journey, I’ve distilled four key lessons that hold particular relevance for women leaders, leveraging the unique strengths and perspectives we bring to the table. Lesson 1 Building Resilience, the Foundation of Empowered Leadership The early days as a CEO at my consulting company, AvantGarde, were marked by uncertainty and challenges. Resilience, a skill cultivated through interest and grit — and often a characteristic of women in business — became a cornerstone of my leadership style. Confronting fear and adversity, adapting to new situations, and learning from failures were crucial steps in my journey. Transitioning from a stable government role to launching AvantGarde demanded not just a change in mindset, but also a resilient spirit to face the unknowns of entrepreneurship. Each setback became an opportunity to fortify my resolve and enhance my leadership capabilities. Lesson 2 Navigating Chaos with Agility and Vision At the helm during profound change, the ability to navigate chaos with agility and vision has been crucial. Agility is not just about quick reactions; it’s about anticipating changes, adapting strategies, and leading teams through transitions effectively. Women business leaders, utilizing their natural inclination toward collaboration, often develop this ability early on. My own experience in both government and business emphasized the importance of a clear vision, especially during uncertain times. Serving government clients, many of whom I admired for their dedication and hard work, often underscored the need for adaptability due to bureaucratic hazards. The synergy of vision and agility proves instrumental in thriving during tumultuous periods, fostering stability for the team. Lesson 3 Determination and Ethical Leadership in Business Determination has been the bedrock for my success as a leader, especially as a woman in a leadership role. It goes beyond achieving goals to persisting through setbacks and challenges with integrity and maintaining ethical leadership. Ethical dilemmas are inevitable in any business. My own commitment to ethical leadership reinforces that true success comes from building a legacy of integrity. Upholding ethical standards during AvantGarde’s early stages steered us away from pitfalls, building trust with clients and employees, and driving success that still continues more than 12 years later. Lesson 4 Extending Leadership Beyond the Boardroom: Community and Societal Impact Leadership transcends the boardroom for all leaders. Using influence, resources, and skills to make a broader impact is integral to our commitment. Contributing to society through community initiatives, including philanthropy, enriches our company culture, fostering a sense of purpose among team members. Involvement in programs supporting underprivileged youth, like my Girls of Legacy initiative, mirrors the values upheld in my company — integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to positive change. A Call to Lead with Purpose and Resolve: Women Empowering Women To all the women business leaders out there, I believe our journey is a testament to the power of leading with resolve. It’s about creating a legacy of resilience, upholding ethical conduct, and making a societal impact. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, adapt with agility, and uphold ethical standards. Our leadership is a catalyst for positive change, extending beyond profit margins to the communities to which we belong. I believe we are inherently wellequipped to navigate the complexities, leading not just with our minds, but with our hearts and conscience, shaping a more sustainable and impactful future for generations to come. REBECCA CONTRERAS is the president and CEO of AvantGarde LLC (https:// www.avantgarde4usa. com), a human resources and IT consulting firm based in the Austin, TX area, with employees in nine different states. She is also the author of the best-selling book Lost Girl, which recounts her transformative journey to success. She is a philanthropist whose non-profit organization supports programs that reach out to disadvantaged inner-city youth and a member of the Enterprising Women Advisory Board. Connect with her at https://www.rebeccacontreras. com or on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin. com/in/rebecca-contreras-98059013/. enterprising Women 95
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