We interact with numerous people in our careers. We learn and earn experiences that shape us for life and help us move up the corporate ladder.
For women though, this can be a slightly more difficult task.
Too often, women in the workplace deal with gender‐biased judgements and work/life imbalance – especially in male-dominated industries.
However, we are living in a time where gender equality, inclusivity and diversity are gaining prominence, encouraging women across the world to drive changes in their workplace environment.
When I started my career almost 20 years ago in Mexico, the airline industry was predominantly male‐dominated.
Subscribe to our newsletter below
I had to make myself relevant and develop the right skills to execute and deliver flawlessly so I would be given a chance to rise. I was fortunate to be taken under the wing of a feminist leader.
He strongly believed in the empowerment and development of women, he saw potential and believed in me - and yes, he was a man.
We often forget that men play a critical role in the empowerment of women.
He allowed me to become and active player in strategic projects pushing my intellectual boundaries, both within the company as well as in international forums. His faith and guidance did wonders for my self‐esteem.
With a safe, supported environment to thrive in and express my views, I was able to break the cultural and hierarchical barriers.
Last year, at The Phocuswright Conference’s debut Women’s Leadership Initiative, I was able to join forces with some of the travel industry’s top female leaders to share how we’ve implemented women’s leadership initiatives at work.
As I reflect on this important subject, I’d like to share some personal tips that have greatly helped shape my professional journey and can potentially guide other women looking to develop and rise within their organizations.
Be willing to learn, and keep learning
At an early age it helps to shortlist interests and natural abilities, have a goal in mind and dare to explore out of your comfort zone.
The path to the goal will likely change, but the end goal must remain strong.
Also, no two journeys are the same. It is important to move beyond peer comparisons and focus on yourself ‐ in excelling, developing a competitive advantage and going beyond expectations in whichever position you are at, from intern to manager and above.
At the start of our careers we don’t have too many responsibilities. This time is golden.
Use it to take ample chances, go beyond what the job requires of you, understand the business and industry, learn new capabilities, network with people, take workshops or simply participate in tasks with other teams to sharpen your skills.
An important tip I followed in my early days was to think like a decision‐maker. You are perceived as you act‐ so be someone who can take control of situations, has a solution and executes with confidence.
Taking ownership of projects, no matter how big or small, will set you apart from your peers and help you move to the next level faster.
More importantly, if you want something, ask for it. Nothing is ever served on a platter ‐ show that you are eager to learn and have the drive to succeed. Be the best version of YOU!
Hone your natural abilities
As you grow in an organization you have a higher propensity to demonstrate your understanding of the business, strategic thinking and decision‐making capabilities.
I believe women are born multitaskers and strong solution providers. We are also blessed with a cracking sense of intuition and high EQ.
These intrinsic traits can help in working well with other people and proving value.
Use your strengths to help others succeed: The success of your team ultimately translates into growth for you both personally and professionally. At Travelport, this is one of our core values: “Think ‘we,’ not me.”
We build an environment of collaboration, where others can express their views, voice their opinions and succeed.
Be goal‐oriented but also flexible
Never forget your goal. As cliched as it might sound, knowing where you want to be three to five years down the road will only help you work towards it from the start.
Apart from being confident that you are the best at what you do, it is also important to stay ahead of the game.
Showcase your projects and acknowledge the contribution of the team that has helped you achieve successes.
This will drive your teams to go beyond the necessary and instill a sense of trust towards you as a leader.
Humility goes a long way: Be open to learning from others. Be mindful that everyone’s strengths are different and learn to bring them together to build a stronger team.
The higher you move up the corporate ladder, the less it is about you, and the more it is about the stage you build for others to shine.
With a safe, supported environment to thrive in and express my views, I was able to break the cultural and hierarchical barriers.
Erika Moore - Travelport
Be selfless and inspirational. Motivate and bring others along on the journey with you. The very inspiring Simon Sinek even titled his book Leaders Eat Last!
Remember to dream BIG. Sometimes, we undermine our own potential: Will I be able to do this? Will I be able to juggle work and my household? What if I have kids?
It is important to know what you want to accomplish and work out a plan to achieve it with the resources available.
It also helps to be flexible with your plans. This might require learning new skills or doing things differently. The ability to adapt to new situations should never be a worrying factor.
Ultimately, you are your own driver and the only one who knows what you truly want to achieve.
In the end, there is no substitute for hard work, planning, confidence and a trusted and driven team and support system that can help you reach newer heights in your career.
Be a role model and push the boundaries. As famously said by Estée Lauder: "I didn’t get there by wishing for it or hoping for it, but by working for it."