Name: Adilah Holivay

Title: Principal Consultant/ CoFounder

Organisation: DNA Legacy Blockchain Brokerage LLC

Adilah Holivay, a seasoned financial services professional with 12+ years' experience, leads innovation in cryptocurrency and blockchain as the Principal Consultant at DNA Legacy Blockchain Brokerage.

Co-founder of DNA Legacy and a Deloitte alum, she brings extensive expertise to the crypto landscape. As a Certified Cryptocurrency Auditor and Investigator, Adilah excels in building application systems for fiduciary institutions. Her leadership extends to compliance and risk management, highlighted by her past role as Chair of the Board for the National Association of Black Compliance & Risk Management Professionals. Nominated for Board Member of the Year in 2021, Adilah is a rising leader shaping the future of finance and blockchain technology.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

We’ve gone through the interviews and asked the best of the best to come back and answer 7 MORE Questions on Leadership.

I hope Adilah's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. As a leader, how do you build trust with employees, customers and other stakeholders?

Building trust is paramount in any leadership role. For employees, it begins with transparent communication and active listening. I foster an open environment where ideas are valued, and concerns are addressed promptly. Consistency in actions and decisions is crucial to demonstrate reliability.

With customers, trust is built through delivering on promises and maintaining a high standard of service. I prioritize customer satisfaction and seek feedback to continuously improve our offerings. Transparency in business practices also contributes to building lasting customer relationships.

For stakeholders, I emphasize accountability and ethical conduct. By aligning our actions with our values, we establish trust that goes beyond transactions. Building and maintaining trust is an ongoing commitment integral to the success of our shared endeavors.

2. What do 'VISION' and 'MISSION' mean to you? And what does it actually look like to use them in real-world business?

To me, 'VISION' and 'MISSION' are the guiding forces that shape our company's identity and purpose. The 'VISION' is the aspirational destination we strive to reach, painting a vivid picture of the future we aim to create. It's the beacon that inspires and aligns our team towards a common goal.

On the other hand, the 'MISSION' outlines the actionable steps and values that drive us daily. It's a roadmap, detailing how we'll realize our vision and the principles that guide our decisions and actions.

In the real-world business, our vision and mission manifest through strategic planning, decision-making, and daily operations. Our actions and initiatives are directly tied to our mission, ensuring that every step we take is in line with our broader vision. This clarity fosters a sense of purpose among our team, resonates with customers, and provides a foundation for sustainable growth and impact.

3. How can a leader empower the people they're leading?

Empowering those I lead is at the core of my leadership philosophy. As a female African American co-founder, I believe in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where every voice is heard and valued. It starts with providing opportunities for professional growth and skill development, acknowledging and celebrating diverse perspectives.

Transparency and open communication are crucial – keeping the team informed and involved in decision-making builds trust. Recognizing and amplifying individual strengths while encouraging collaboration cultivates a sense of ownership and belonging. Ultimately, a leader empowers by creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and inspired to bring their best selves to the table.

4. Who are some of the coaches or mentors in your life who have had a positive influence on your leadership? Can you please tell a meaningful story about one of them?

My most significant coach and mentor in life has undeniably been my mother. Her positive impact on both my business acumen and leadership capabilities is immeasurable. A woman of extraordinary talents, she dedicated herself to educating and empowering her six children to be independent and self-reliant.

Growing up in Cleveland, OH, we faced challenges with the local educational system. Recognizing this, my parents, especially my mother, took proactive steps to create opportunities for a better education. She placed a strong emphasis on math, science, and extracurricular activities, fostering an environment that allowed us to thrive academically.

One poignant memory that encapsulates her influence is the time when I encountered a particularly difficult academic hurdle. With unwavering support and encouragement, my mother dedicated extra time to help me understand complex concepts, ensuring I not only overcame the challenge but also developed resilience and a love for learning.

Her commitment to providing us with a strong educational foundation, coupled with a deep sense of faith, has been the cornerstone of my success. I attribute my leadership capabilities and business acumen to the invaluable lessons instilled by my mother. She exemplifies the strength, determination, and nurturing spirit that have shaped me into the person and leader I am today, further enriching my leadership journey.

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5. Leadership is often more about what you DON'T do. How do you maintain focus in your role?

Maintaining focus as a female co-founder involves a deliberate and disciplined approach. I prioritize by recognizing that leadership is often about restraint and choosing what not to do. Clarity of vision is crucial; I consistently align my actions with our overarching goals. Setting clear priorities and communicating them transparently to the team fosters a shared understanding of our collective objectives.

I embrace delegation, trusting my team's capabilities, and fostering a culture of accountability. Saying 'no' to distractions is essential to safeguard our core mission. Regular reflection, staying attuned to industry trends, and seeking input from the team are integral to my focus. Ultimately, it's a balance of strategic decision-making and knowing when to step back that defines effective leadership.

6. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Everyone plans differently. How do you plan for the week, month and years ahead in your role?

With a stellar track record, meticulous planning is the cornerstone of my success as a female co-founder. Weekly, I conduct strategic reviews, setting short-term goals aligned with our broader vision. This involves prioritizing tasks, assessing progress, and adapting to emerging needs.

Monthly, I engage in a deeper analysis, evaluating key performance indicators and refining strategies. This allows for agility in responding to market dynamics. Looking ahead years, I envision the trajectory of our company, identifying industry trends and potential disruptions to inform long-term strategies.

Consistent communication with the team ensures everyone is aligned, fostering a culture of shared purpose and accountability. My planning approach combines flexibility with foresight, navigating the intricacies of business with a proactive mindset.

7. What advice would you give to a young leader who is struggling to delegate effectively?

To the young leader grappling with effective delegation, remember this journey is a climb, not a sprint. Embrace the challenges as opportunities to grow. Have faith in your abilities and acknowledge the uniqueness you bring to the table. Understand that no one sees the world quite like you do, and that perspective is invaluable.

Believe in yourself, for it's your distinctive qualities that make you a leader. Trust your team, share your vision, and empower them with responsibilities. Delegation isn't just about offloading tasks; it's about fostering collaboration and enabling collective success. Embrace the climb, look for the silver lining in challenges, and never underestimate the strength you possess. You're capable of conquering any mountain before you.