Join our CEO (EMEA), Sue Mountford, and President (Americas), Heather Collins, for an inspiring and candid conversation on Women in Leadership.
In this edition of Inspired Thinking, we are privileged to listen to an honest and empowering conversation with two incredible women leaders, Sue Mountford, CEO (EMEA), and Heather Collins, President (Americas).
Both of these powerhouse leaders reflect on their personal journeys as women in leadership roles, sharing with us the experiences and individuals who have inspired them along the way. Their stories provide not only inspiration but also invaluable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and the importance of embracing one’s unique journey.
The conversation delves into the challenges women face in the business world, from managing the delicate balance between career and family to navigating personal struggles like women’s health and dealing with the ever-present feeling of imposter syndrome.
As both women open up about their experiences, it’s clear that their paths have not been without challenges, but they have continually overcome these obstacles with strength, determination, and a commitment to lifting each other up.
Sue and Heather stress the importance of sharing personal experiences and creating open spaces where women can support one another. One of the key themes of their discussion is the notion that leadership, particularly as a woman in business, is not a solitary journey.
By sharing their stories, Sue and Heather have created an atmosphere where other women can draw strength and guidance. They emphasize that these conversations aren’t just important—they are essential for encouraging future generations of women to aspire to leadership roles and pursue their dreams with confidence.
One of the most powerful aspects of the conversation is how both Sue and Heather discuss the tension between work and family life. As mothers, they have had to balance the demands of their careers with their responsibilities at home. This juggling act, often viewed as one of the most significant hurdles for working women, is something both leaders have faced head-on. They discuss how embracing flexibility, understanding the importance of boundaries, and finding support within their networks has allowed them to thrive both at work and in their personal lives.
Throughout their discussion, Sue and Heather also touch on an issue that resonates with many women in the workplace: imposter syndrome. Despite their remarkable accomplishments, both women admit to experiencing feelings of doubt and questioning whether they truly belong in leadership positions. This vulnerability is a powerful reminder that even the most successful individuals are not immune to self-doubt. Their willingness to be open about these struggles not only humanizes them but also offers hope to others who might be facing similar challenges. Through Inspired Thinking, they encourage women to acknowledge these feelings but not let them define their journey.
Moreover, Sue and Heather dive deep into the concept of embracing one’s unique path in life and leadership. They discuss how harmful it is to compare oneself to others, especially in today’s social media-driven world where it’s easy to fall into the trap of measuring personal success against others. Instead, they advocate for focusing on one’s own growth, progress, and the lessons learned along the way. Their message is clear: there is no single definition of success, and each woman’s journey is hers to define. This approach is not only liberating but also empowering for women at all stages of their careers.
As they reflect on the individuals who have inspired them, Sue and Heather highlight the importance of mentorship and the power of lifting others as you rise. They attribute much of their success to the support and encouragement they’ve received from other women who have paved the way before them. By giving back and mentoring others, they believe they are continuing the cycle of empowerment that has been such a pivotal part of their own success.
At the heart of this conversation is the realization that leadership, especially for women, is about more than just achieving career milestones. It’s about resilience, community, and staying true to oneself. The insights shared by Sue and Heather during this Inspired Thinking session are not just valuable to women in leadership but to anyone who is striving to break barriers and create meaningful impact.
This edition of Inspired Thinking is a powerful reminder that leadership is not a solitary pursuit but a collective effort that thrives on support, shared experiences, and kindness. Sue and Heather’s stories are a testament to the strength of women who have faced adversity, overcome challenges, and used their experiences to inspire and uplift others. Their journey encourages us all to embrace our own unique path, trust in our abilities, and support one another along the way. As they have proven, when women support women, the possibilities for success are limitless.
Watch the full episode to hear their empowering advice and reflections.