Seven things I learned from PwC 's Women in Leadership program

Over the past several months I have had the privilege of taking part in PwC Canada’s Women in Leadership program. It’s been a remarkable journey, with a group of incredible women who have been supporting and encouraging each other to rise in our careers. As the program comes to a close I have been thinking about our time together, and the lessons I have learned.

Coaches, mentors and sponsors all play key roles in your success: They say it takes a village to raise children. What I have learned from this program is that it also takes a village to build a career. I now understand the importance of being able to learn from, lean on, and ask for help from supporters. While coaches, mentors and sponsors are all key to building a career, they do play different roles.

• A coach at PwC is typically the person you report into. I think of a coach as the person who is there to help you excel in your role. That doesn’t mean hand holding - it means providing feedback, opportunity, encouragement and coaching on areas you want (or need to), develop.
• A mentor is someone who can guide you, provide advice, open doors and help you create a roadmap to reach your goals. But it’s important to remember, they're not your therapist. Respect that your mentor is likely very busy and come prepared to your meetings. Set an agenda and stick to it.  Figure out what you want from a mentor, how they can help you, and make a plan.  
• Sponsors are earned, not assigned. I have learned that sponsorship is essential to career development. A sponsor puts their own brand on the line, to open doors, create opportunities and to help you move ahead in your career. They are at the table when promotions and special projects are being discussed, and they have influence. If you want to read a great article on sponsorship check out Philip Grosch’s article on sponsorship and HeforShe success.

Get inspired: Through this program I figured out out what inspires me to work towards becoming the type of leader I want to be. I use my commute in the morning to reflect, and to get prepared for the day. I find inspiration in listening to audiobooks, watching TED Talks, scrolling through my twitter feed and watching recaps of late night TV (I have a long commute). The point is, it’s important to take the time to reflect and get inspired.

Be uncomfortable: I have learned that some of the best opportunities come from taking a risk, stretching skills and trying something new. That doesn’t necessarily mean changing roles or employers. It means thinking differently about what you're currently doing, and pushing yourself to go beyond what you have previously done.

Impostor syndrome is real —and even leaders have it: Have you ever had the thought that your leader was going to figure out that you don’t exactly know what you’re doing, and then replace you with someone else? I have. Through this program I have pretty much gotten over this, but every once in awhile the thoughts can creep in. What I have learned is that it’s nonsense, and that even people at the top of their game have doubts. No one is 100% confident, and if they are, that might not be a good thing. You need to understand what you’re bringing to the table and put the creeping thoughts in check. I highly recommend checking out Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk. Amy talks about the importance of body language, executive presence, and overcoming the impostor syndrome.

Opportunity doesn’t always knock on your door. Sometimes you need to ask for it, (and it doesn't always mean a promotion): In Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean in, she talks about the jungle gym. Careers aren’t always a ladder — sometimes you need to weave around an organization to round out your skills and find where you will make the most impact. An important lesson I learned is that opportunity doesn’t always knock. If you're waiting, you may be waiting a long time. If you see a gap in your organization and you know how to fill it, put your hand up. Maybe it’s the lack of a mentorship program at your work, or a process that you know how to fix, either or,if you want it, the opportunity is there.

If opportunity does knock — say yes: During this program we heard from outstanding women who are at the top of their fields. A common thread was that they all jumped at opportunity. They stretched, made themselves uncomfortable and grabbed hold of the opportunities they were presented, or found.  What I took away is that if you’re asked to take something on, and you think it’s a good opportunity don’t say no just because you might not have all the boxes checked. Dive in, and take your supporters with you on the journey.

Don’t eat your young: One of the extraordinary people we heard from was Jenn Martin. Jenn, a Lieutenant in the Navy talked about her experiences leading in the military. The story that stood out the most was ‘don’t eat your young’. It’s about how you treat people coming up within the organization after you. What I took away is not to be scared of the skills and expertise those junior to you bring. Play to people’s strengths and help them to excel. Don’t block people, or sabotage chances for others to rise. Be part of their success, and celebrate with them. If you have the chance to build a team, don’t think you need to be the smartest, or even the most experienced person on it. Build a team with people who compliment each other, and play to each other’s strengths. Find people who challenge you, and challenge them back.

Overall what I learned is that a career is a journey, and you're in charge of that journey. It isn’t up to those around you to find the opportunities for you. You need to take control and figure out what it is you need, and how your supporters can help you get there. If you are feeling stagnant —like you have stopped growing and are ready for a new challenge, look for it, talk with your coach and take a leap.