45... Wait. what?

This week, I'm celebrating my 45th birthday (thef#k 😳), and I have mixed feelings. On one hand, I really don’t care. I'm not too bothered about getting older because it means I've lived many experiences, and I’m a wise woman now. But on the other hand: Am I a wise woman now? Should I understand anything about life? And why am I experiencing back pain after an afternoon of gardening? (And why are words like gardening and back pain alarming, whahaha?) Whatever, no time for more philosophical questions because I am working around the clock (yesss because of FTI and&), leaving no room for celebrations. So, this edition of the newsletter will be brief.

➡️ Leadership: My lessons learned

I'm not sure about you, but I rely heavily on the notes app on my phone. Whenever I feel inspiration coming up, I quickly write it down. Sometimes, these notes just sit there, other times, I revisit them, and occasionally, they become material for this newsletter. These lessons, which I've apparently gathered over the years, serve as reminders to myself. But hey, consider them my birthday gift to you! Here are my 12 lessons learned about leading a team:

• The Worst Deadline is No Deadline - Having a deadline is crucial. It provides direction and urgency, pushing us to complete tasks.

• Plant the Flag - If you're unclear about your destination, no one else will be. Even in meetings, decide beforehand what you aim to achieve.

• Letting Go vs. Holding On - Know when to hold on tightly and when to let go for greater flexibility and innovation.

• Encourage Team Dialogue - Let your team members talk and learn from each other. Avoid micromanaging to foster a culture of trust and collaboration.

• The World Is Built on Assumptions - Recognize that many decisions and actions are based on assumptions. Questioning them can lead to better outcomes.

• Offer Trust and Freedom - Some thrive on freedom, while others need more guidance. Allocate your attention accordingly to nurture individual growth.

• Enjoy, Play, and Learn - These are basic needs, even at work. Ensure your workplace supports these aspects to enhance well-being and productivity.

• Pay Attention - Observe and understand. Each team member requires a unique approach to grow. Continuously learn and seek inspiration yourself.

• You Are a Mirror - Focus on seeing opportunities, not problems. This mindset can transform challenges into chances for growth.

• Stay Calm - Each day brings new challenges, or rather, opportunities. Maintaining calmness helps in navigating these effectively.

• There is nothing wrong with an executive decision - It doesn't necessarily need to be the perfect choice, what's important is making a decision. I apply the concept of 'executive decision' not only in my professional life but also in dealing with my teenagers. This approach acknowledges that there are advantages and disadvantages to every option, but ultimately, someone has to make a choice.

• Maintain Perspective - Taking time off is essential. It provides the distance needed to gain new insights and perspectives. (I’ve already planned my next getaway!!)

➡️ Sales: chatting with the right person

I’m again mentoring several entrepreneurs, and I only want you to say: In sales, chatting directly with decision-makers is a game-changer.

Here's why:

When you get to talk directly to the decision-makers, it’s like skipping the queue. You get right to the point, saving time and making sure you’re talking to the person who can actually say yes or no. It's like having a direct flight to your destination - no layovers.

Plus, getting to know these decision-makers personally can make a huge difference. It's kind of like making a new friend. You build trust and understanding, which makes everything smoother and helps make agreements stick for longer.

And here’s the cherry on top: when you chat directly with the decision-maker, you get the real scoop on what they’re looking for. It's like having the answer key before a test. You can tweak your pitch to match exactly what they want!

Embrace these insights, go and find the persona who is the decision-maker in your domain and watch as your sales strategy transforms!

➡️ Brandlove : Women’s day

Last Thursday, as we do every year, we celebrated Women's Day. Some might wonder if it's still needed. But what happened in Ireland last weekend has left me speechless and convinced that the dialogue around women's roles and equality is as relevant as ever.

Ireland voted on significant changes to their constitution concerning family and women's roles, with two major updates proposed by the government:

Expanding the Family Definition: The government wanted the constitution to recognize not just traditional married couples as families but also to include people living together with their children. This change aimed to acknowledge a broader view of what a family can be.

Updating Language on Caregiving: They proposed changing an outdated reference to a "mother’s duties in the home" to a more inclusive clause that recognizes all the care provided by family members, not just by mothers.

However, the people of Ireland voted against these changes. Yes, against. Despite the government's push for progress, the majority felt these updates weren't the right step forward. This outcome serves as a reminder of the ongoing discussions and debates around women's roles and family structures, even as we celebrate strides made during events like Women's Day.

That’s why I’d like to show you this campaign released on International Women’s Day in 2022. This shows the power of good copy.

It captured the “Break the Bias” theme of the year perfectly and challenges us to confront our unconscious biases. I love it when a marketing campaign is driven by purpose and leaves an impact. And also, we have to stay focused, my dear fellow women. Times are changing.

➡️ To read or to watch

I had no time to read, no time to watch. And also a bit tired and a bit less sharp. But hey, never forget 😅👇

But to all women who read this newsletter, FOLLOW THIS ACCOUNT : Women Pride! Be confident. Feel empowered ✨

See you next week?!
Bye!
x Ingrid