IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge: Ingrid Pierce

Disclaimer: Please note that all commentary and opinions provided in this interview are those of the individual and not the organisation/company they are employed by. 

How can female leaders ensure they get a seat at the table? 
If you are a leader, you are entitled to eat lunch! We are talking here about women who are proven leaders, who have excelled in their particular field. They may just need to take the next step, prioritise something they are really good at which is also beneficial for the business. Great ideas need to be shared and then developed and pushed through to execution. There is no point crafting an initiative and putting so much energy into it only to remain silent or mention it to just one person without following up.

What is one thing women don’t talk about enough?
I have found that women tend to underplay their professional accomplishments. This can lead to understating their professional goals. Part of this may come from a fear of being seen as too pushy or not wanting to seem too ambitious. I would encourage women to acknowledge their accomplishments, take a few risks, build more confidence and then pay it forward by encouraging and supporting others to do the same.

Why is it important that we “choose to challenge” and call out gender bias, discrimination and stereotyping? 
Because it is the right thing to do. Leaders need to have a voice here otherwise how will those more junior feel empowered to find their own? While not everyone is comfortable speaking publicly about every issue, there are numerous ways in which to challenge and effect change. We can all recognise that bias can be conscious or unconscious. Many people are coming from a good place although they may unintentionally alienate and discriminate against others without even recognising their actions. That’s why education and training is so important and why, even in 2021, we still have to make noise about it. Those who don’t challenge or indeed change will be left behind.

Click below to read the full edition of IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge: Female Leaders Across The Globe.