17 Women on Self-Reliant Leadership

In preparation for a talk I was asked to give at the 17th Annual Women’s Success Forum in Denver, I had the opportunity to sit down with 17 amazing leaders to discuss self-reliant leadership.  The group was comprised of 8 Baby Boomers, 7 Gen X’ers, and 2 Millenials.  The leaders were from large companies, small companies, government, military, non-profits, and entrepreneurial ventures.  I asked them four primary questions:

1. Leadership Challenges – What is the biggest crucible (challenge) facing leaders today?
2. Self Reliance – What does self-reliance have to do with leadership?
3. Leadership Traits – What is the one characteristic you believe every leader should possess?

• Humility – mentioned three times
• Authenticity – mentioned twice
• Emotional Intelligence – mentioned twice
• Drive
• Curiosity & Listening
• Integrity & Compassion
• Sense of Humor
• Empathy
• Establish Rapport
• Self Awareness
• Care
• Grace (in my opinion – the most unique response)

4. Solitude & Introspection – How does solitude and the power of introspection inform your actions as a leader?

Click on the 4-minute video to hear the collective insight:

I am grateful to the leaders interviewed (with the help of Jill Lohmiller):

1. Debra Fine, Speaker/Author, The Art of Small Talk
2. Kathleen Quinn Votaw, CEO, TalenTrust, LLC
3. Jill Terry, Director, CSU Executive MBA Program
4. Lida Citroen, Personal Branding Expert, Lida 360
5. Tasha Eurich, Author, “Bankable Leadership”
6. Theresa Letman, VP of Marketing, VerusGlobal
7. Colleen Stanley, Founder/CEO, Sales Leadership
8. Angie MacPhee, CEO, RGL Forensics
9. Sharon Knight, CEO, Warren Village
10. Pam Jeffords, Partner, Mercer
11. Emily Gehrmann, Account Management & Pricing Manager, Johns Manville
12. Heather Haugen, Managing Director, Breakaway Group
13. Colette Palmer, VP of Client Services, Breakaway Group
14. Kim DeLashmit, Principal, ‘orange’ marketing – interactive
15. LTG Flora Darpino, Judge Adjutant General, U.S. Army
16. Regina Ellis, CEO, Children’s Cancer Association
17. Colleen Abdoulah, Chairwoman, Wide Open West