I’ve always enjoyed helping people in life. I think knowing that I’ve helped someone dive into something they haven’t done before, reach a new goal or made a difference in their life brings about this unique kind of happiness inside myself. Even the smallest of differences leaves a lasting impression that has continually helped fuel my passions.

I can’t exactly remember if I ever wanted to manage people earlier in my career. I think it was one of those things that just presented itself to me and I took charge and grabbed it. I was looking for a new opportunity for myself and a way to evolve my career. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but I was ready for the challenge.

Being a leader in creative, not to mention also being a woman can have its difficulties. I was always afraid of not being listened to or even having a voice. I think it really just takes confidence in yourself to dispel those thoughts and perceptions. Your gender should not matter in the workplace. Don’t let it keep you from achieving great things in your journey. Keep your focus forward and never give up.

In the beginning I was trying to grasp my new role as a people manager and it was hard. I knew what kind of manager I wanted to be but I also had to balance that with the needs of the business. I wanted to bring value to my team, help support them in any way possible and still find a way to get things done. There are many different types of leadership styles. I’ve been told before on how I should lead and what I should do. But I wanted to go down my own path and stay true to the kind of person I am.

Leadership isn’t about “being the boss” or having the power to tell people what to do. To myself, it’s about what you can bring to an individual. When you empower someone and give them the opportunity to grow and flourish, you’ll see great results. With that it takes patience, nurturing and empathy. Teaching and mentorship is part of my leadership style and I’ve wholeheartedly embraced it.

I’m nowhere near the perfect leader. I have still so much to learn and I will continue to do so because I love my team and want to be the best I can for them. Having an incredibly strong and amazing manager has also helped me further define my career path by giving guidance I need as creative leader. Her leadership and mentorship spark a new kind of light in me that inspires me to do more. I will continue down my path of leadership keeping in mind learning is a part of it. So never stop learning because the best leaders in life always want to keep growing.