Leap Academy Podcast with Ilana Golan Episode: The Woman Who Transformed How We Think About Inclusive Leadership | Sally Helgesen
Release Date: September 17, 2024

Introduction to Sally Helgesen

In this compelling episode of Leap Academy with Ilana Golan, host Ilana Golan engages in an insightful conversation with Sally Helgesen, a renowned expert in women's leadership. With a prolific career spanning 35 years, Sally is an international bestselling author of seven books, including the widely acclaimed How Women Rise co-authored with Marcia Goldsmith. Her expertise as a speaker and leadership coach has influenced countless individuals and organizations globally.

The Genesis of Her Work on Women’s Leadership

Sally Helgesen’s journey into the realm of women’s leadership began unexpectedly in the late 1980s while she was immersed in corporate communications. Noticing a glaring gap, she observed that companies underestimated the strategic contributions women could make. This realization fueled her determination to document and study successful women leaders, leading to the publication of The Female Advantage in 1990, which has remained in print ever since.

Sally Helgesen [01:16]:
"I don't believe that one half of the human race can come into organizations and not change things. And secondly, I believe that how we do leadership is starting to change."

Despite facing significant pushback, Sally's commitment to her mission propelled her to leave a stable corporate job to focus entirely on her work advocating for women in leadership.

Overcoming Challenges and Pushback

Transitioning from a secure career to entrepreneurship was fraught with difficulties. Sally faced criticism not only from men but also from women who misinterpreted her advocacy as stereotyping. This period was marked by low financial returns and skepticism from both genders.

Sally Helgesen [06:48]:
"I got a tremendous amount of pushback. I got a lot of pushback from men. ... but I also got a lot of pushback from women who were telling me, you're stereotyping women."

Nonetheless, her unwavering belief in the necessity of inclusive leadership and the changing dynamics of the workplace kept her steadfast in her mission.

Evolution of Leadership and the Role of Women

Sally discusses the significant evolution in leadership paradigms over the decades. Traditional top-down models exemplified by leaders like Jack Welch have given way to more inclusive, networked forms of leadership. She credits women for playing a pivotal role in this transformation, contributing to a more diverse and equitable workplace that benefits not just women but all underrepresented groups.

Sally Helgesen [14:40]:
"There has been an evolution in how we think about what constitutes good leadership. Women have had a key role in that."

This shift is partly due to technological advancements and the knowledge economy, which prioritize collaboration and diverse perspectives over rigid hierarchies.

Addressing Unconscious Bias

A significant portion of the discussion centers on unconscious bias and its pervasive impact in the workplace. Sally emphasizes the importance of moving beyond merely recognizing biases to implementing practical strategies that foster inclusive cultures.

Sally Helgesen [19:57]:
"My emphasis has always been on how I think. It's partly because I don't come at this from the point of view of unacademic."

Her latest book, Rising Together, delves into actionable steps for leaders to build inclusive environments by focusing on behaviors that promote equity rather than just identifying biases.

Insights from "How Women Rise"

How Women Rise, co-authored by Sally Helgesen and Marcia Goldsmith, is highlighted as a groundbreaking work that identifies the unique habits and behaviors that can hinder women’s career advancement. Initially inspired by Marshall Goldsmith’s What Got You Here Won’t Get You There, Sally recognized that many of the barriers women face are distinct from those faced by their male counterparts.

Sally Helgesen [26:22]:
"The challenge of visibility, the challenge of building networks when you feel like you're not part of the old boys network... These are things that are really putting your job before your career."

The book's success, translated into 24 languages, underscores its global relevance and the universal nature of the challenges it addresses.

Resilience and Entrepreneurship

Sally shares her personal experiences of resilience, particularly during the financial downturn of 2008-2009. Facing severe business challenges, she underscores the importance of mission focus, intentionality, and networking in overcoming adversity. These principles not only helped her navigate through financial strain but also reinforced her commitment to creating impactful leadership models.

Sally Helgesen [32:43]:
"You have to have a mission focus. And I think that is particularly important for entrepreneurs."

Her narrative highlights the necessity of adaptability and the strength derived from supportive networks in entrepreneurial endeavors.

Advice to Aspiring Leaders

Towards the end of the episode, Sally imparts valuable advice to listeners aspiring to lead and succeed:

1. Trust Your Instincts:
   Rely on your gut feelings and remain true to your mission, even in the face of adversity.

2. Stay Humble:
   Regardless of successes, maintain humility and avoid taking achievements for granted.

3. Build and Leverage Networks:
   Cultivate a network of allies and mentors who can provide support and guidance.

4. Be Intentional:
   Make deliberate choices about your path, allies, and the behaviors that align with your goals.

Sally Helgesen [41:10]:
"Trust your instincts. ... Don't expect that just because certain things are successful that it means everything is going to become successful from now on out."

She emphasizes that success is a journey of continuous learning and adaptation, urging leaders to embrace resilience and collaborative support systems.

Conclusion

This episode of Leap Academy with Ilana Golan offers a profound exploration of inclusive leadership through the experiences and insights of Sally Helgesen. From overcoming early career challenges to redefining leadership paradigms and addressing unconscious bias, Sally provides a roadmap for aspiring leaders to craft impactful and equitable careers. Her emphasis on mission focus, intentionality, and the power of networks serves as an inspiring guide for both men and women striving to make meaningful contributions in their professional lives.

Notable Quotes:

• Sally Helgesen [00:00]:
  "There's been an evolution in how we think about what constitutes good leadership and women have had a key role in that."

• Sally Helgesen [04:53]:
  "I'm not buying that... I don't believe that one half of the human race can come into organizations and not change things."

• Sally Helgesen [10:17]:
  "Building a tough skin... is really a question of having allies."

• Sally Helgesen [22:38]:
  "That's always been my goal. And I think that you provide hows by looking at behaviors and what behaviors serve your goals and what behaviors undermine it."

• Sally Helgesen [37:31]:
  "I did not have a plan B? No. Did I then quickly get a plan B and act on it? Yes."

• Sally Helgesen [45:17]:
  "Step by step, one thing at a time, really learn from your mistakes."

This summary encapsulates the essence of the conversation between Ilana Golan and Sally Helgesen, highlighting the transformative impact of inclusive leadership and the strategies to cultivate resilience and intentionality in one’s career.