by Jennifer Bardot and Marianne Biangardi
When you began your career did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role like you have now? What advice would you give your younger self?
I don’t think I ever imagined being in the top leadership position in this organization, but I knew I was meant to be a leader. It was very clear to me as a child that I was meant to be a leader. I was always a taller child, so I think others saw me as a leader first. How did I get into this leadership role? When our CEO died very suddenly, I was named our interim CEO, and I had to quickly pivot to think about our entire staff. It was frightening to shepherd the company forward but exhilarating because my talent and skill set was exactly what was needed for the organization during that time.
Who inspires you and why? What is your most valued attribute in the leaders you respect or mentors you have had?
I appreciate when someone tells you exactly what you need to hear. The hard things that sting are helpful for you to grow as a leader. Receiving honest feedback is constructive, and I really admire a leader who can deliver the hard truth. Leaders who help you get better and point out the hard things, who hold up a mirror and identify the things that could help you improve.
What did it take in order to trust yourself to step into leadership?
I had to start to feel safe asking questions. Often everyone is thinking the same thing and not understanding something. Making sure you ask the right questions so you understand and can really see the full dimension of a problem or an opportunity. Being curious is so important in a leadership role.
What do you attribute your success too? Secret to your success…
Being optimistic and positive. Leaders can’t get sidelined by the little things that get under your skin. I saw a quote by Muhammad Ali that said something like, ‘It’s not the mountains that lay before us, but it is the pebbles in our shoes.” Often, we get tripped up over the little things. If we’re focused on the big picture and the 90% that goes well instead of the 10% that doesn’t, we’re going to be successful and happier.
What advice would you give other local women leaders?
Don’t seek perfection. Be transparent about what you are working on and if it’s working. And ask for help.
Other items you would like to highlight?
I’m inspired by people who realize their ideas aren’t realistic and need to pivot or pull back. I’m inspired by people who take great care of themselves. I’m inspired by professionals who don’t play the martyr role and are able to not say no to things rather than defaulting to yes.
Join the GRIT Community:
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/8987243/
A professional women’s group that provides
support, encouragement, and tools for women to thrive.
Jennifer Bardot (ownyourgrit@gmail.com, or
314-630-1451) is CEO and Founder of G.R.I.T. Community For Women.
Marianne Biangardi (mbiangardi@uhy-us.com or 314-322-4871) is Sr. Associate, Marketing and Business Development, at UHY LLP.