Women's Equality Day: A Lesson in Listening

Women's Equality Day honors the work of pioneering suffragettes who struggled, fought, and ultimately won women's right to vote and have an equal voice. Political leanings aside, the recent news that Kamala Harris will be the democratic candidate for President of the United States brings the conversation about women in leadership to the forefront. As a leader of a small and mighty team at Achieve myself, I often take a step back to look at how I lead, where I can improve, and my role as a mentor for their personal and professional growth.

I often look to my mom when it comes to leading others with empathy and strength. Everything I've learned comes from years of watching her succeed in her career, and it's something I've always valued and carried with me.

The moment I was hired as a people manager, my first phone call was to my mom. I understood the gravity of my new role and the potential impact I could make on my team like my mother did for many others.

"As a woman in a leadership role, how do I gain respect and find my voice?" Her response was simple. "See the whole person. Sometimes, what they need to succeed has nothing to do with their job. If you can see them authentically and help them, even in small ways, you'll form a partnership, and that's the best type of leadership."

My mother was a teacher for over twenty years. Occasionally, she would substitute teach at my elementary school and once stood at the front of my second-grade class. And yes, she made me call her Mrs. Friedlander, which elicited giggles from my classmates who knew we were related.

My mom, all five feet of her, commanded respect no matter where she stood. I was amazed when I would come to watch her teach Shakespeare to vocational school seniors, many towering over her by more than a foot. But they sat, read along as the characters, and participated with joy and laughter. No matter who she was engaging with, her confidence and ability to connect with people allowed her to lead people in any size of room. 

Beyond the classroom, she took strides to create opportunities in life for them by helping them prepare for job interviews or submit college applications. From solving a complex challenge at home or work to readying themselves for a new job to making sure they had the correct attire from prom, she was invested in their full potential.

My mother's guidance has deeply influenced how I approach leadership at Achieve. I've formed partnerships by seeing each teammate as a whole person and not just an employee with specific job responsibilities. This has allowed me to foster a sense of belonging throughout my team, gain respect from peers, and find my voice as a woman in leadership.

Just as my mother went above and beyond for her students, I strive to do the same for my team. I can provide meaningful career guidance and support by understanding their personal goals and challenges. Whether it's helping them develop new skills, navigate challenging projects, or pursue a new career path, I'm dedicated to nurturing their full potential beyond their day-to-day work.

No matter what job someone has, they all are juggling so much to create better futures. Whether they are parents, serving as caregivers to family members, or offering support for those in need around their communities, they're more than the job they do—they're human. And sometimes the thing they need most to be successful has nothing to do with their 9 to 5. Sometimes, they need someone to be there for them to feel heard, supported, and cared for. For me, effective leadership starts with listening, seeing the whole person, and always providing an empathetic ear.

I'm proud of the impact this approach has made on my career and those around me. I've watched many teammates grow both personally and professionally. By embracing my mother's advice, I've created a work environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Ann Friedlander with her daughters and grandchildren offering proof that you don’t need to be tall to lead.