Lessons Learned by a Legendary Leader
A Conversation With Maureen Hurley, 2010-2011 WFF Chairman and EVP, Chief Administrative Officer for Rich Products Corporation
In this episode of Success Talks, Maureen Hurley shared personal stories and professional insights, centered on the key competency of Strategic Thinking/Visioning. Maureen defines Visioning as determining where you’re headed and Strategic Thinking as determining how you will get there. Her advice around this competency included the following:
- Start with the end in mind. Paint a picture of what you want to accomplish.
- Allow yourself to dream; find a place/environment where you can dream freely.
- Surround yourself with individuals who support your dream rather than what Maureen calls “dream killers”.
- Anticipate barriers, think through “what-ifs” and come up with a contingency plan (also known as Plan B).
- Stay flexible and understand you can’t fall in love with the plan, as it will inevitably change along the way.
Maureen shared additional advice regarding career decisions, balancing work/home life, and handling challenges that occur along the way:
- Think about how to stretch yourself in your current position and at your current company to make the most of your career, especially if you’re in a place that matches your values.
- Consider new employment carefully; just as companies investigate candidates fully, candidates should investigate companies fully to make sure they’re making the right choice.
- Every person in a company is a reflection of the brand. Behave in a way that’s consistent with what your company’s culture should be.
- Talk to others who have gone before you or who have done what you’re trying to do, regarding balancing work/home life, etc.
- Remember there is no “right choice” when it comes to balancing family and work priorities. Customize your own solutions.
- Look for common ground or shared experiences when trying to establish rapport with someone who may not be open to your ideas.
Maureen focused on the importance of WFF in her career, and the ways it inspired her and provided leadership opportunities. It has also provided her with personal connections that provided to get through challenging times. She has appreciated the opportunity to get a much more strategic view of the industry as a result of her WFF membership.
Maureen shared powerful personal insights throughout this powerful session. She recommended, “ Take your work seriously and yourself lightly” as a way to balance confidence and humility and advised, “Every woman needs to own her career,” a lesson she learned early in life.