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Why Women In Business Should Take Risks -- Thoughts From Sallie Krawcheck

This article is more than 9 years old.

Have you ever wondered why even though women are more prone to share and engage with brands on social media, female thought leaders still don't receive the recognition they deserve? Just take a look at conference speakers and you'll find plenty of male leaders - but WHERE are all the social ladies? In my podcast, “All The Social Ladies,” I interview females at the fore-front of social media and how they use it both personally and professionally. This is the first of many in a series of interviews sharing key insights from these successful women in which I’ll share their experiences and advice.

Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing Sallie Krawcheck, business leader of Ellevate Network, on “All The Social Ladies”. Sallie has often been referred to as one of the most successful and influential executives in financial services, and she was named “The Last Honest Analyst” by Fortune magazine. She has also served on a variety of boards and worked in a number of C-Suite positions over the past ten years. With a renewed focus on her passions – women in business, regulatory reform, and investor protection –Sallie has become a sought-after expert in the business and financial services industry. After embracing social media, Sallie now has more than 700,000 followers as a LinkedIn Influencer and 25,000 followers on Twitter. She also spends her time advising start-up companies and focusing on education-oriented philanthropy.

Here Sallie shares her thoughts on women in business, tips for being fearless in the workplace, and how to develop your career by working with a sponsor or mentor.

Women In Business

Sallie’s impressive background and extensive experience have firmly placed her as an advocate for women in business. Sallie currently chairs Ellevate, a global professional network dedicated to networking, lifelong learning for business success, and the economic engagement of women worldwide. And she has some sage advice if you’re a women in business – no matter where you are in your career:

  • “You have to be thoughtful about how you can be most effective and best listen to those around you”.
  • “Take opportunities to learn about communication, leadership, and management – you don’t have to change yourself, but you have to be willing to learn”.
  • “Research shows that women get less feedback at work. You need to ask for this.”
  • “Accept feedback, even if it doesn’t seem fair. Perception is reality. Don’t have an emotional discussion. Instead, adjust to it and then check over time how that feedback is changing.”
  • “When giving feedback, give little bits. Say it and then move on – don’t apologize.”

Taking Risks:

Openly discussing the risks she has taken throughout her career, Sallie is unafraid to acknowledge that: “If you don’t take risks, you will always wonder what if.” Trusting your gut instinct while also identifying what makes sense for you is key in navigating this tricky landscape. You have to be clear with yourself about the potential downside and whether you can “stomach it.” Insecurity in moderation can be a good thing – it can push you forward when you might have otherwise stopped.

Importance of a Sponsor/Mentor

Having someone in your corner who can help grow your career could ultimately be the difference between success and failure. Sallie knows that to get the right sponsor, you also have to be great at what you do - and part of this is really enjoying your job. To women who have been out of the workplace for periods of time while raising a family, her advice is to navigate their way through the changing business scenery and see it as an adventure. Find something you are passionate about, ask for advice, and plant that seed to find the right mentor. “Be open to these connections – it is positive and affirming to have a community that wants to learn from each other.”

Are you a woman in business? What are your tips for being fearless at work? Have you worked with a mentor? Please share your comments in the section below.