Our ProjectNext team and community are the heart and soul of our firm. If you have had the chance to meet any of them, then you know what we are talking about. Passionate, low-ego experts that truly care and are invested in you, your organization, and your leaders. We feel pretty lucky to be able to work with them day in and day out.
We asked three of our ProjectNext colleagues for their perspectives on Women’s Leadership today and we think you will be interested in what they have to say!
Swati Bharteey-Buck
Swati, with her experience in executive-level positions across functions, brings a unique, enterprise mindset as one of our key facilitators and coaches of our High Impact Women’s and our Mosaic High Impact BIPOC Leadership Programs.
What are you most excited about when you look to the future of women in leadership?
How outspoken and powerful women’s individual and collective voices are. Together, I believe we can shift and change “the system” to be more adaptable and inclusive of all voices. We can also support each other with being resilient as change always takes time and is not easy. By the way, I am also appreciative of the non-female voices who support us in leading change.
What is the most common challenge you hear from women leaders you coach or have supported through our programs?
Believing that they are alone in the leadership challenges they are facing. For example, I often hear about executive presence. I strongly believe there are many ways to show up as powerful and influential – not just one way. It’s up to us to change how presence is defined, and that will only happen by keeping the conversation going, expanding our own mindsets, and showcasing an openness to new ways to show up with presence. I do want women to know they are not alone. I encourage them to share your experiences and both seek and offer guidance.
Meghan Doherty
Meghan leads the design, development & delivery of many of ProjectNext’s core projects and programming. Her experience spans working with leaders from Director level up to the C-Suite.
What are you most excited about when you look to the future of women in leadership?
We’ve been doing a lot of research this past year about the critical leadership skills to be successful today and in the near future. Some of the most common words we are hearing are “humility”, “empathy”, “listening skills”. Women are well-positioned to be seen as role models and natural leaders within this newer definition of ‘leadership’ as these are traits which women, in my experience, tend to have in spades.
What is the most common challenge you hear from women leaders you coach or have supported through our programs?
Many of the most common challenges I hear from my clients are relatively standard across men and women – managing through uncertainty and dealing with increased responsibility without increased support. The women I work with seem to realize the current mode of operating is not sustainable. They are thinking about how to work smarter, more efficiently, prioritize and set boundaries rather than just powering through it.
Judith Honesty
Judith, who specializes in leading senior executive teams through transformational experiences that break down silos, create alignment on core priorities, and enhance group decision-making, brings her perspective from working at the top-levels of organizations to our High Impact Women’s Leadership and Black/African American High Impact Leadership Programs.
What are you most excited about when you look to the future of women in leadership?
As the number of women in leadership continues to grow, I’m excited to see more women being recognized for their achievement and potential. And when recognition isn’t forthcoming, I’m excited to see women creating new businesses and opportunities where they can shine.
What is the most common challenge you hear from women leaders you coach or have supported through our programs?
Being heard, recognized, and rewarded for their contributions remains a challenge for many women leaders.
