Nicola Lloyd

1. What is the biggest challenge facing women in our industry today and how do you overcome it?

This won’t be a popular answer but…ourselves. While gender imbalances have not been resolved, we have reached a precipice where support for women in leadership is at an all time high.  Women need to take advantage of these opportunities, and do so now. Find a mentor, find a sponsor, advocate for yourself. Set big goals and stretch yourself. If you don’t have 100% of the skills needed for what you are trying to achieve, that’s ok. You’ll learn while doing. We also need to challenge domestic imbalance and ask our spouses/partners to equalize the household and childcare burden. Gender equality at home is a key enabler of gender equality in the workplace.

2. To what do you attribute your biggest career successes?

A strong role model, my mother. When I was young my mom enrolled in university. She attended classes while my brother and I were in school and worked a job from home through the night while we slept. She sacrificed everything to create a better opportunity for herself. She earned a masters, landed a well paying job and carried a “I can do anything” mentality throughout her career. She is the most hardworking and successful person I know. She used to keep this picture on the wall of a frog being swallowed by a heron. The frog is halfway down the heron’s throat but reaches out and is trying to strangle the heron. The caption says ‘Never Give Up’. I think about that picture (and my mom) whenever I feel overwhelmed.

3. What is one characteristic that you believe every leader should possess?

Respect for all colleagues, not just peers or superiors. It’s something we all feel we do well but can easily forget to apply at a granular level, especially when time slips past us so quickly. Leaders should continually remind themselves that an hour of someone else’s time is just as valuable as your own. That you’re not the only one with priorities and stressors and that others are likely hiding theirs beneath the surface. Giving the benefit of the doubt or an opportunity to discuss only takes a few minutes.

4. What is the most effective way to make decisions?

Quickly and firmly, but only after you have the full story. When a decision presents itself, ask yourself, do I have the full picture? If you don’t, get it. Call a meeting to discuss it, but only if this conversation is necessary. So often we schedule a meeting to discuss, not because we need to, rather to add the decision to our to-do list and delay the time until we need to think about it. Asses the scenario as soon as you can apply your full attention to it. Only include the essential people in the process. Consider all options and the potential outcomes of each. Pick one that you feel confident you can commit to. Then pull the trigger and don’t look back.