As a part of Women’s History Month, we’re celebrating the women that lead and drive change at A&F Co. In a recent panel discussion titled: Women Who Lead: Inspiring Generations Through Storytelling, our associates received invaluable insight and lessons from three women leaders who have achieved professional success, all while navigating the balance between careers and families and everything in between.
Read below for a few takeaways from the participants: Allison Eckes (Planning), Lauren Morr (Digital & Technology) and Arifa Sheikh (Corporate Strategy).
Moderated by Chief Marketing Officer, Carey Krug and Women & Allies Associate Resource Group Member, Kelsey Ferguson.
Practice “above the line” thinking – Allison
When challenges arise, put your best foot forward and practice ‘above the line thinking.’ Empower yourself and others around you to assume positive intent, to be open and to listen when problem solving or navigating business critical issues. In addition, have trusted colleagues that can help pull you up when you drop ‘below the line,’ where you can slip into shaming, blaming and judging.
Control your own narrative – Arifa
You are a brand, and you are in control of your narrative. It’s important to be your own, personal advocate. Build a network, speak up for yourself and share your point of view with open, direct lines of communication.
Find a support system – Lauren
When it comes to navigating balance between personal and professional life, know that you are not alone. Find a manager, mentor or colleague that you can confide in to get the support you need and in return, be that same person that someone on your team can lean on as well.
Embrace the uncomfortable – Arifa
Put yourself in situations that force you outside of your comfort zone. Career growth can come from new experiences and projects that challenge you to think outside the box and expand your knowledge base.
Take feedback as a gift – Lauren
Be a colleague that is open to getting feedback and in return, be the same colleague that can give feedback when needed. When you adopt the mindset that you win and lose as a team, you can shift your perspective to focus on the greater goal of growing and evolving as a collective unit.
Your leadership cannot be undervalued – Allison
Whether you are leading yourself, a team of two people or a team of one hundred people, you are leaving a mark and making an impact. Don’t undersell yourself and have confidence in the work you are doing.
There is power in listening – Arifa
You don’t need to be the loudest person in the room or the first person to speak in order to have an impact. Listening and observing help frame discussion and move conversations forward.
