IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge: Holly E. Ciccarella
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.
What is one lesson you learnt the hard way?
Growing in my career and into leadership roles, learning which battles to fight has been key to my growing pains. Having a seat at the table is imperative and but keeping it there is more important. Knowing when the time is right and will it be important to the company’s bigger picture. As women, we are not always heard – so it is valuable in our positions to be heard correctly. Understanding when to give the good fight and when to let it die and try again. We can’t win them all but it’s also about not taking those defeats personally. Triumph only comes on the backbone of defeat, so it’s learning when to take a stand.
What are you really, really good at?
Being in the business of people – I’ve always been a good listener, not only listening to what they are saying, but understanding what they truly mean. I pride myself in being really good in my line of work, because it is not about fitting someone to a position, but adding value to a team. Making those connections fit are most rewarding.
What has held you back in your career to date and how did you come to overcome that barrier?
Confidence. My career started in sales, in male dominated teams so proving myself has always been such an endeavor. When I excelled or dominated at tasks or performance, it was recognised differently. It has allowed me to build a thick skin and be competitive with myself, however, it has also made me second guess my abilities a lot in the past. Over time, the small wins I’ve had helped build my confidence. I’ve learned to know my value, take chances and take any opportunity to prove myself and my capabilities. I didn’t want to be “one of the boys,” because being who I am was enough – a strong woman.
Click below to read the full edition of IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge: Female Leaders Across The Globe.https://indd.adobe.com/embed/bb2678fd-fafb-4e5f-b57b-bbe97612e7cf?startpage=1&allowFullscreen=true