Three Defining Lessons on Leadership by Catherine Becker

Leadership is a vital attribute and skill set that can be identified in every part of society.

The ability to lead and influence groups of individuals or organisations is beyond simply a role and a skill, but also a character trait. Leadership is such a multi-faceted concept, whereby numerous research, studies, and theories have sought to understand it more. 

And don’t get me started on the countless leadership-style questionnaires and quizzes!

In episode 34 of In Her Corner, we spoke to Catherine Becker who has recently become the new UK CEO of Freeda Media. Freeda is the leading social media content company for young women covering real-world stories to inspire positive change across passions, culture, and news that matters, including climate and diversity. 

Prior to becoming Freeda’s UK CEO, Catherine was Head of Media for Europe at Electronic Arts (EA) and a board member of Women in Advertising and Communication Leadership (WACL). As you’ll see from Catherine’s journey and insights, there’s no one set way to lead as leadership styles vary depending on personalities. As Catherine puts it: 

There’s been a lot written about introverts, [they] could be really good leaders. You don’t have to have this type-cast type of leader that we’ve been used to. As long as they’re successful in their own style and they’re authentic doing that, then I think that’s the real key.

This is really encouraging, to know and a helpful reminder that anyone can be a good leader. You don’t have to be boxed into one type of leader. But, how can we do this confidently and successfully? To answer that, here are Catherine’s three career-defining lessons that have helped shape her into an authentic, inspiring and empowering leader.

1

JUST DO IT

This is not simply a trade-marked motto from Nike. This is something that we may not by default venture into within our careers or goals, which in turn may delay or impede our progression and success. As Catherine says: “Really believe in yourself. Go for it. If people say no…. use that [as] positive energy to drive you to achieve more.”

2

ONE THING AT A TIME

“Focus on one thing. We’re very tempted, especially as women, to do lots of things; and say, ‘If we’re doing more then we’re succeeding more, or we’re pleasing more.” 

I am sure that I’m not the only one who’s been there! Not just women, but we as a human race can be inclined to multi-task with certain goals and careers as if to say that is the sole indication of one’s level of success or even growth rate of success. Which could be as a result of self-and/or external pressure. “That can be counterproductive because you end up doing a lot of things not very well. Focus on one thing and finish it.” 

3

DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK

I appreciate how straightforward Catherine phrased this: “It’s very simple: just ask for a pay rise or promotion”, and when listening I laughed, thinking is it really that simple? As a woman working in a male-dominated industry position, she states: “As women, we tend not to… but women, what they would do is stew for ages... But they’ll delay asking because they’re finessing that. Certainly, ask it and push it.” To do this at any level requires courage. It is a vital ingredient of what makes a good leader since courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it (Nelson Mandela).

The experiences and choices Catherine has made have resulted in her leading teams in world-renowned companies, working with other women to create inclusive policies that enable women to progress and thrive in the workplace and more. It is great to have women like Catherine who are inspiring, empowering, training and releasing the next generation of female leaders. Will you be next? Think about how the choices you are making today can help you get there, no matter how big or small. We can all have a positive impact and taking ownership of this is a vital step in all our leadership development.

To learn more about how to set yourself up for a successful life and career journey, tune in to hear Catherine’s full episode of In Her Corner here or wherever you find your podcasts.