IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge: Belinda Ristevski

Disclaimer: Please note that all commentary and opinions provided in this interview are those of the individual and not the organisation/company they are employed by.

What skills and attributes do female leaders bring to create diverse leadership at management level?
From my own personal experience, I would say females are socialised to be more empathetic – to see things from other people’s perspectives – and thus female leaders are more inclusive and able to see the whole business picture. Many female leaders are juggling multiple professional and personal responsibilities, so have learned to be adept at coming up with creative and efficient solutions to business problems.

What is one lesson you learnt the hard way?
Present calmly, confidently and with conviction. How you present your opinions and proposals at an executive level is often just as important as the content. Executives want to see supporting data, delivered in a clear and authoritative manner. Too often smart females doubt themselves, or deliver in a hesitant manner, seeking approval from other leaders. If you have put in the hard work and done your research, then trust that you are the expert in your subject matter and your opinion matters. Then you’ll be heard.

What are you really, really good at?
Through my career I’ve learnt just how adaptable I really am, and that I can learn and do anything that I put my mind to. The business landscape has changed so much from when I graduated university and practiced as a lawyer, to then retraining in technology recruitment and now heading up a HR division. Along the way, through the challenges of having a family and COVID-19, I’ve found that I’m really good at persevering and reinventing myself when required.

Click here to read the full edition of IWD2021 #ChooseToChallenge: Female Leaders Across The Globe.