For so many of us, taking that professional leap is intimidating. Sure, a promotion sounds wonderful. But what about all the extra responsibilities that come along with the job? Many of us have and will ask ourselves the question, “Am I going to be a good fit?”
Leaders often view these challenges as opportunities.
“You need to be looking for those opportunities where you are nervous that you’re going to do well,” said Deverre Lierman, associate vice president and delivery head with Infosys. “If you’re too confident, then you’re not challenging yourself.”
Lierman was one of three speakers at our Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon in February. More than 400 people registered to attend the lunch at the Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley, hearing from women who are executives in the Triangle.
Along with Lierman, we heard from Stephanie Jensen, director of Professional and Specialty Solutions at BASF, and Marshae Mansfield, the vice president and chief operating officer of Lenovo (United States) Inc. Our moderator was Ashley Cagle, assistant executive director with Wake County Economic Development, a program of the Raleigh Chamber.
Each talked about the importance of finding a work-life balance.
“To me, it’s about doing the thing that needs to get done when it needs to get done,” said Jensen. “It’s always about priorities. Sometimes, it’s making sure my kids are at hockey practice. Sometimes, it’s working until 11.”
Mansfield reminded everyone to take the time to rejuvenate themselves.
“I give Lenovo everything I have when I’m in the office and I give my family everything I have when I’m at home,” she said. “Everyone respects that.”
Lierman said we all have the same 24 hours in a day and it’s difficult to get everything accomplished in that time period. But, she said, things are different when you take a broader approach to time.
“Rather than 24 hours, I try to look at it with what I’m able to accomplish over the course of a week, or a month, or a year,” said Lierman.
Each also shared their thoughts on how women can chart their leadership journeys.
Mansfield said it is important to have a manager who believes in you and a strong personal brand.
“What is your brand,” she asked. “What do you want to be known for in your organization? When you walk through the hall, what do you want people to say about you?”
Jensen said one person’s journey should not look the same as another.
“Own your own journey and make it what you want it to be,” she said. “Come up with your plan for success.”
Lierman reminded the audience to take that leap.
“Take the opportunity,” she said. “Be uncomfortable. There’s never going to be a perfect moment. Set aside that self-doubt and go for it. You never know where it might take you.”
We want to thank all of our speakers for their great insight and stories that they shared. We also want to thank our CPW sponsors. Your support and partnership ensured this event was a great success.
Discussion of this CPW event reached beyond the luncheon as our official Twitter hashtag, #RaleighCPW, was among the top trending topics throughout the day in the Raleigh area.
Please also join us on May 29 for our Women’s Leadership Conference. This conference has grown so much that it is now our most attended Chamber event. More than 800 professionals will attend. The half-day conference features a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and panel discussions with local successful executives. It also is a great way for women in business to connect and network.
We hope to see you there!
Leaders often view these challenges as opportunities.
“You need to be looking for those opportunities where you are nervous that you’re going to do well,” said Deverre Lierman, associate vice president and delivery head with Infosys. “If you’re too confident, then you’re not challenging yourself.”
Lierman was one of three speakers at our Chamber Professional Women’s Luncheon in February. More than 400 people registered to attend the lunch at the Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley, hearing from women who are executives in the Triangle.
Along with Lierman, we heard from Stephanie Jensen, director of Professional and Specialty Solutions at BASF, and Marshae Mansfield, the vice president and chief operating officer of Lenovo (United States) Inc. Our moderator was Ashley Cagle, assistant executive director with Wake County Economic Development, a program of the Raleigh Chamber.
Each talked about the importance of finding a work-life balance.
“To me, it’s about doing the thing that needs to get done when it needs to get done,” said Jensen. “It’s always about priorities. Sometimes, it’s making sure my kids are at hockey practice. Sometimes, it’s working until 11.”
Mansfield reminded everyone to take the time to rejuvenate themselves.
“I give Lenovo everything I have when I’m in the office and I give my family everything I have when I’m at home,” she said. “Everyone respects that.”
Lierman said we all have the same 24 hours in a day and it’s difficult to get everything accomplished in that time period. But, she said, things are different when you take a broader approach to time.
“Rather than 24 hours, I try to look at it with what I’m able to accomplish over the course of a week, or a month, or a year,” said Lierman.
Each also shared their thoughts on how women can chart their leadership journeys.
Mansfield said it is important to have a manager who believes in you and a strong personal brand.
“What is your brand,” she asked. “What do you want to be known for in your organization? When you walk through the hall, what do you want people to say about you?”
Jensen said one person’s journey should not look the same as another.
“Own your own journey and make it what you want it to be,” she said. “Come up with your plan for success.”
Lierman reminded the audience to take that leap.
“Take the opportunity,” she said. “Be uncomfortable. There’s never going to be a perfect moment. Set aside that self-doubt and go for it. You never know where it might take you.”
We want to thank all of our speakers for their great insight and stories that they shared. We also want to thank our CPW sponsors. Your support and partnership ensured this event was a great success.
Discussion of this CPW event reached beyond the luncheon as our official Twitter hashtag, #RaleighCPW, was among the top trending topics throughout the day in the Raleigh area.
Please also join us on May 29 for our Women’s Leadership Conference. This conference has grown so much that it is now our most attended Chamber event. More than 800 professionals will attend. The half-day conference features a keynote speaker, breakout sessions, and panel discussions with local successful executives. It also is a great way for women in business to connect and network.
We hope to see you there!
RSS Feed
