When I first entered the medical marketing industry, things were very different. Women were underrepresented in leadership positions, and the path to success often felt like an uphill battle.
As a baby boomer and former CEO of the pharmaceutical advertising industry (Flashpoint Medica, now DDB Health), I am proud of this current crop of talented women. Also, somehow I and other female executives feel like we belong in corporate America. Over the past few decades, we have helped pave the way for them.
Perhaps it's by being a role model, making other women up for the promotion believe that they too can achieve similar success, and in the process giving them more confidence in their own abilities. It may have been. Perhaps it was to show them that they too can reach for the stars. If you ask a mid-career woman, “Where do you want to be?”, does she want to be a president or a CEO? ” She wanted them to know it was possible.
They got to see Medical Advertising Hall of Fame inductees Maureen Regan, Lisa Bernstein, Stacey Singer and Carol DiSanto. They were successful CEOs and executives who left behind strong legacies. It clearly showed that women leaders can achieve great things in this business.
I'm honored to be part of an industry that has seen major changes in gender dynamics over the past 20 years. The workplace for women has evolved over the past decade with a focus on diversity in leadership at the corporate level. This includes measuring women's progress. And as the saying goes, “What gets measured gets done!”
Wise male leadership can also go a long way. Men like Harrison and Star founder Tom Harrison have given many women CEO opportunities and seen them reach the pinnacle of success. Organizations such as the Healthcare Businesswomen's Association have promoted careers through leadership programs, mentoring, and strategic networking. And women themselves are becoming more proactive in their professional growth, advocating for themselves and getting what they want.
So, here is some advice for female leaders who want to make their mark. If I had to do it all over again, here are the top 10 lessons I would like to know.
Never eat alone. Relationships and trust are key to getting the job done, and there's nothing like talking to people over lunch to foster that. You don't have to work or spend time at a desk. Work should include getting to know people.
Let's take more chances. I love the saying, “Fortune favors the brave,” and I have lived my life that way. When the opportunity comes, grab it. If not, create one for yourself. believe in yourself. Believe that you have the skills to solve problems and lead people, and go for it.
Lead with empathy. People want to be understood, and if they are understood, they will follow you. Women tend to have a naturally empathetic style, so use that to your advantage. Yes, we could have focused on decision-making, confidence, and vision, but those are essential leadership ingredients. In contrast, not everyone is empathetic.
It's about people and the journey. I learned this over time. I have always been results-oriented, but somewhere along the way in my career I realized that people were at risk for burnout. Treat people the way you want to be treated and they will come along with you on your journey. Find their motivational hotspots.
Meet with vendors, consultants, and other “outsiders.” I've always said that the best ideas are behind my desk. The more people you talk to, the more ideas you generate. People from the outside can give you a feel for the industry that you don't get when you're at your desk. It's also interesting to meet people in different roles and environments.
Please have some guts Guts, resilience, positivity, and tenacity. Take chances and find resilience when things don't work out. We all have setbacks from time to time, but winners tend to be the ones who bounce back from them. Leaders always take initiative and never give up.
Stay curious. Our industry is constantly evolving, so staying ahead of the curve requires a commitment to lifelong learning and adaptation. Be curious, be open to new ideas and innovation, and don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. To that point: If you're not learning AI now, why not?
Find a sponsor or mentor. Every company has a lot of work to do, but having someone to talk to and a mentor is really helpful. The ideal scenario? To find a true sponsor, someone who will push you to find new opportunities within your organization.
Let's create a circle of trust. Identify six or seven women who can form an advisory group of colleagues. Consider whether there are people outside your company who are on the same level as you, with whom you can build trust and open up. Be vulnerable and ask for advice, wisdom, and friendship.
Pay in advance. As you climb the ladder of success, don't forget to lift others up along the way. Mentorship is a powerful tool for developing the next generation of women leaders.
As we look to the future of pharmaceutical advertising, I am optimistic about continued progress and progress in gender equality. By empowering women to lead and succeed, we not only drive growth and innovation, but also inspire future generations to dream big.
Congratulations to this year's Women of Distinction and Women to Watch. Our future is in your hands!
Charlene Prounis co-founded and led Accel Healthcare and Flashpoint Medica. She was inducted into the Medical Advertising Hall of Fame in her 2019 year.
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