Bidvest Noonan

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Janice Knight – How to develop confidence as a leader

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What are some traits you think great leaders possess?

For me, I admire a person that is decisive and works with great integrity, a leader that has humility. Someone that can inspire others to make a difference and has unwavering resilience.

Which woman has inspired you the most and why?

My Sister Patricia, older by 4 years. I always looked up to and adored my sister, she was my biggest supporter and my toughest critic, always there to guide and mentor me. She most certainly kept my feet on the ground and was brilliant at helping me tease out any difficult decision. She was in banking for most of her life and had such a unique way of connecting with people. Later in her life, she took a risk, which paid off, and swapped banking for a life in the music industry, unsurprisingly she excelled there too. She had a can-do attitude that was infectious and had the unique ability to make people feel that they were capable of everything, she passed away from Ovarian Cancer in June 2017 at the age of 45.

How have you developed your confidence as a leader?

My passion is people, supporting and ensuring people feel connected to purpose, that they are enabled to do their job successfully and bring their best every day.

I have always felt this and believed this is what makes a difference. From my first role as a team leader to my role now as a Director, these values remain for me and I am dedicated to enhancing my team so that they feel that connection.

Confidence grows over time and with experiencing disappointments and failures. I have these experiences on occasion and I have grown from them. It’s tough, and its stings but it’s key to your own development. 

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

Do not feel you need to be everything to everyone, understand your strengths and play to them. If you are a natural ideas person, be that. Equally, if you are better at analysing the idea once presented, then do that. There is space for everyone at the table, once you have that realisation your confidence grows as does your contribution.

Naomi Austen – Lessons for aspiring leaders

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In your opinion, what are the characteristics of a great leader?

A great leader is someone who has integrity, is professional, and inspirational. They promote balance, focus on others, are able to plan and lead. For me, a leader needs to show empathy, be open, and listen to other people’s ideas, I see that as a strength. A great leader delegates, praises, and empowers others. I think they should have an element of fun about them too.

Women leaders bring balance and look at things holistically and encompass the work/life balance into the delivery of what is required.

Why is it so important that women have leadership positions?

It is important to have a mixture of genders in leadership positions. Regardless of what gender you are, you add a value that no one else can bring. You bring yourself, your individual traits, which is what makes you a great leader. For me, it is vital to have balance in leadership, creating empowerment for those around you. Showing confidence and giving credit to others’ abilities. There is still a lack of women in leadership roles and we want to ensure that we are showing the next generation of women what opportunities can be afforded to them, with the right pathways.

How do you think female leaders can be seen as powerful allies and champions by other women at all levels?

I think if I told my 15-year-old self that other girls/women would be powerful allies, I may have been cynical! However, as I have grown up and progressed in my career, I have truly found this in abundance. This is about creating a good and positive network of people around you, people that can mentor you, guide you, you can learn from, and they can learn from you. You just have to be yourself and embrace those around you. Rid yourself of negative people.

Which woman has inspired you the most and why? 

I have three. My first HR line manager, a lady called Mandy Fitzmaurice. We still speak now, and often, and if I am in a situation where I am unsure of something, I quite often ask myself what Mandy would do. Mandy was the best line manager, she gave me confidence, opportunities, and helped my growth. I admire Michelle Obama and Jacinda Ardern. Both women have shown amazing empowerment and leadership skills. They use their positions for good causes, to highlight the challenges around the world, and help create and promote solutions and opportunities. Both are never afraid of speaking up about wrongdoings.

How have you developed your confidence as a leader?

I’ve been myself, which is critical. I can be fierce, loyal, but also empathetic. I truly believe that everyone has a place and with the right managers and leaders, everyone is capable of great things. My confidence has come from having great line managers, the opportunities afforded to me, and also from making mistakes. We all make mistakes, and when we do, we learn and do it differently next time. The transition from Manager to Leader is integral. One of the main things I have kept is a sense of humour!

What advice do you have for women aiming for leadership positions?

Have a route (it’s ok to take the scenic route!), know your goals, but mostly be yourself. Find a mentor outside your organisation and learn, listen, and understand. Don’t be afraid of anything, have confidence.