1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

What I have found most challenging as a leader is embracing my own vulnerability to lead by example. I think society teaches us that vulnerability is a weakness and that leaders need to hide things from others to appear strong. I have learned over the years that there is nothing stronger than being authentic. There is nothing stronger than being able to take personal responsability for our mistakes; using them as learning opportunities for ourselves, and teaching opportunities for others.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I think being a leader is a mindset. Anyone can become a leader if they have the drive and the desire. I became a leader when I said to myself, "What more can I give? What can I give that provides the most amount of value to others?" When I started asking myself those quality questions, I created opportunities to do more, to give more, and to become more. When you do that, you become valuable--to the company you work for, your customers, and to those around you. That is when you become an inspiration to others and can lead by example.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I have a morning routine inspired by Hal Elrod's Miracle Morning. I get up early, meditate, write in my journal, repeat my mantras and affirmations, eat a healthy breakfast, spend time with my kids, and go for a walk. I set my intentions before I start my work day; what is the most important thing for me to achieve today, this week, this month, and what actions am I taking to do that? Doing this helps me start off each day with positive energy. I am mindful of my time and the time of my staff during the day not to waste time on things that don't serve. I try to finish my work by 6pm, spending time with my family and alone time with my husband before going to bed.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A lesson I have been reminded of recently is that people go where they are celebrated. It's important to recognize people's efforts, even if they don't always achieve the desired result. It's important to take time to celebrate as a team the accomplishments we have reached together, and also the small wins that each individual has reached on their own.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

There are so many books that have impacted my leadership, but if I had to pick one, I would say The Culture Map; Decoding How People Think, by Erin Meyer. Learning how to communicate effectively with people of other cultures is a huge part of what I do each day, as part of an international company. Undertanding implicit versus explicit communication has been very helpful in my role as a leader to release my judgement and get curious about how other people behave.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Many young leaders struggle because they either let their egos get in the way, or because they think they know better than everyone else. If I could only give one piece of advice to a young leader it would be: learn how to ask for help and find the mentors you need who have already done what it is you want to do. They will be a precious aid to pull you up when you are down, and can help pave the way for you to be successful.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One meaningful story that comes to mind is about what happened to me when I was writing my book, Tune In & Dial Out: How to Win at B2B Cold Calling. I had a lot of monkey chatter about whether or not I should write the book, a lot of self-doubt about publishing it, and how it would be received. We all experience moments of uncertainty. Some people decide to give up during those moments, preferring to play it safe and not put themselves out there for fear of rejection. What the experience taught me is that the more we allow ourselves to feel discomfort and do it anyway, the more resilience we build up inside ourselves. The more we get out of our comfort zones, the easier it is next time, and the time after that to keep going until we achieve what it is we are after.