Latest news with #rolemodels
Fast Company
a day ago
- Business
- Fast Company
The leaders who shape us: A journey of influence and impact
Leadership is often described as a journey, but it is rarely a journey we walk alone. From our earliest experiences to the highest levels of executive responsibility, the leaders we become are profoundly shaped by the leaders we observe. Role models' and mentors' impact on leadership development is undeniable and transformative. Throughout my career leading Fortune 500 companies through times of growth, transformation, and uncertainty—from Coca-Cola to Hewlett-Packard to Xerox to Greif—one truth has remained consistent: We lead how we have learned. Whether those lessons come from extraordinary mentors who inspire us or from cautionary examples we vow never to repeat, they are the blueprint for how we show up for others. THE POWER OF POSITIVE ROLE MODELS Exceptional role models are often the unsung heroes of great leadership. They teach us not by lecturing or commanding, but by embodying the values, behaviors, and principles that make a difference. A true role model: Demonstrates integrity consistently Leads with humility and purpose Empowers others rather than overshadows them Listens as actively as they speak Stays calm and principled under pressure Early in my career at Xerox, I worked under a leader who demonstrated these qualities. She taught me that leadership was not about being the loudest voice, but about being the most consistent presence. She modeled how clear values could be the anchor during turbulence, and her empathy created an environment where ideas thrived and people grew. From her, I learned that leadership is not a title you wear, but a responsibility that you carry always. I learned a fundamental truth from role models like her: Great leaders plant seeds of greatness in others. They do not seek followers; they build more leaders. LEARNING FROM THE 'ANTI-MODELS' Interestingly, some of the most important leadership lessons come from what I call 'anti-models'—individuals whose behaviors, while perhaps unintentional, serve as vivid reminders of how not to lead. At one point in my career, I witnessed leadership that valued short-term wins over long-term trust. Decisions were made with little consultation in that environment, and fear often replaced inspiration. Observing this firsthand taught me that leadership without empathy is unsustainable and that fear cannot create lasting commitment. From these experiences, I made a promise to myself: No matter how challenging the business environment, I would lead with empathy, dignity, and unwavering respect for every individual. LEADERSHIP IS A CONSCIOUS CHOICE One of the most profound realizations I have had is that leadership is not inherited. Rather, it is a conscious, daily choice shaped by the role models we emulate. When I transitioned to Coca-Cola, the company was expanding its global footprint, and I intentionally modeled transparency and resilience. We faced massive change, and I knew I needed to demonstrate that change is not something to fear, but an opportunity to lead with courage. Later, at Hewlett-Packard, navigating a period of significant technological innovation and organizational transformation, I emphasized the importance of authentic and compassionate leadership. Self-awareness is critical. At every major inflection point, I have asked myself: Who am I modeling today? Am I channeling the humility and resilience of my best mentors? Am I rejecting the fear-driven patterns I once witnessed? Growth begins with gratitude for the good models and vigilance against repeating the mistakes of the bad ones. Today, one of the most inspiring aspects of leadership is realizing that we are someone else's role model. At Greif, as we navigated transformation and global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, I understood deeply that every decision and every interaction mattered. Employees watched not just what I said but how I behaved: how I treated people during times of stress, celebrated quiet contributions, and showed up in moments of uncertainty. This knowledge humbles me. It reminds me that: Someone is learning courage by watching how we handle fear. Someone is learning fairness by observing how we allocate opportunity. Someone is learning resilience by seeing how we navigate setbacks. Leadership, then, is not just about achieving business results. It is about leaving a legacy of character, commitment, and community. THE CALL TO ACTION FOR LEADERS TODAY Leaders have an even greater responsibility to be intentional role models in an era of relentless change and uncertainty. We must: Model adaptability, not anxiety Model empathy, not entitlement Model inclusion, not insularity The world is not waiting for more powerful leaders. It is waiting for more human ones. We must recognize that leadership is less about commanding and authority, and more about authenticity and coaching. The leaders who will thrive in the 21st century inspire others to say, 'Because of you, I did not give up.' FINAL REFLECTION As I reflect on the leaders who shaped my journey—from the compassionate mentors at Xerox to the courageous visionaries at Coca-Cola and Hewlett-Packard to the resilient teams at Greif—I feel deep gratitude and a powerful sense of responsibility. Leadership is a living chain of influence, and we each have the power to strengthen or weaken it. Let us choose to strengthen it. Let us lead in ways that honor those who led us well, redeem the lessons of those who did not, and inspire others to one day lead even better than we did. Because leadership, at its core, is not about being remembered for what we achieved. It is about remembering how we made others feel—about themselves, their potential, and the future.
ABC News
4 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
My Little Pony and inspiring the next generation: Is the marketing of women's sport falling short?
What do you picture when you think of women's sport? You might see excited young women holding homemade signs, a family-friendly crowd, or role models on the field creating a better future for women. In a domain that has traditionally excluded women, whether as players, spectators or administrators, women's sport is claiming space. Deloitte predicts that in 2025, sponsors of Australian women's sports teams will see a 75 per cent higher return on every dollar invested compared to sponsors of men's teams. But are elite women's sports selling themselves short when it comes to marketing? In a 2024 study, researchers interviewed more than 100 English and American fans who attended the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup about their perceptions of women footballers as role models. While many fans praised the athletes for their accessibility, selflessness and being relatable, some felt this angle devalued women's athleticism and competitiveness. The researchers worried that this perspective inadvertently puts pressure on women athletes, on top of their day jobs, to motivate the "next generation" who will reap the rewards of professionalisation. They believed this takes the responsibility off those who hold the power to make change to improve conditions now, like clubs, leagues and the media. The research found that this cultural narrative was propelled by athletes, sport organisations and corporate sponsors alike. In Channel Nine's recent documentary charting the rise of Women's State of Origin, Breakthrough, Australian Rugby League Commission chair Peter V'Landys called women's rugby league players inspirational. "I'm proud of what they do in the communities, I'm proud that they juggle jobs, family and playing," he said. "We want to use them as much as we can to inspire the future." Jess Richards, a senior lecturer in sports management at Western Sydney University, is concerned about a sole focus on women's sport as inspirational for girls and young women. "That all comes down to clubs and organisations all over the country improving the fan engagement," Dr Richards said. "Female empowerment is very important. But I think sometimes it can actually overshadow the athletic ability of these players … their competitive nature, aggression and those types of things. "Media coverage has really highlighted women's sport as primarily this vehicle for social change, and I think that draws attention away from the athleticism of the players." AusPlay data from 2023 shows more than 600,000 Australians aged 15 and over play netball annually. It's a sport broadly accepted as a fun and social way to keep fit. And while just under 14 per cent of that participation comes from men, it's a fast-growing sector of the sport. The major sponsorship of the elite national netball competition is "Team Girls", a partnership focused on keeping girls playing sport. Demonstrating the positives of team sport, like making friends and learning life skills like resilience, it aims to "support every girl's endgame". Since 2021, Netball Australia has also partnered with toy brand My Little Pony, encouraging children through its junior program NetSetGo to "find their sparkle" and be proud of their individuality. While these are meaningful inclusion initiatives, combined they could suggest to adult fans that the professional sport they're following is predominantly for children. Take a passing look at the Matildas' Instagram page and you'll find an emphasis on girls — fans on game day and at training holding signs seeking selfies and match-worn uniforms. You'd be forgiven for forgetting the diverse fanbase the Tillies have developed across Australia, particularly since they hosted the Women's World Cup in 2023. Carleigh Yeomans, a lecturer in sports management at Swinburne University of Technology, says engaging girls in sport is important so they can imagine themselves participating. Numerous studies have shown the high drop-out rates of girls in sport, with some suggesting up to 50 per cent stop playing by the time they turn 17. "We want them to get the mental and physical health benefits," Dr Yeomans said. "We need to be able to carry them through that 13 to 16-year-old drop in participation so that [their participation] can be sustained." Do you have a story idea about women in sport? Email us abcsport5050@ The perception of women athletes as role models is reinforced by the ongoing marketing of women's sport as family-friendly. "We want to make sure our marketing is highlighting the skill, the competition, the toughness that comes with women's sport just like it does with men's," Dr Yeomans said. Dr Richards agrees. In 2021, she co-authored a study of the Sydney Sixers Women's Big Bash League games, which found that the contrast in marketing with men's matches contributed to their atmosphere. Men's games were portrayed as a battle between rivals, while women's games were marketed as "cheap and enjoyable family days out." This framing, Dr Richards says, "may inadvertently reinforce stereotypes in a way that [suggests] girls need a softer approach. It subtly implies that they're not suited to competitive, intense environments." "I don't understand why we only just focus on the women's team when we talk about creating safe and inclusive spaces, because every sports game in any code in Australia should be a safe place for people to go and watch sport." In April, UK-based broadcaster Sky Sports released a study on women's sport fandom in the United Kingdom. Surveying more than 2,500 fans across age groups and sports, it found that women's sport's dominant audience is actually fans who follow both men's and women's sport, with 80 per cent of UK sports fans interested in at least one of each. According to the report, their fandom is driven by passion for the sport and its skill and achievement — not the gender of who's playing. Yet, only 1 in 2 women's sport fans thought analysis content on women's sport was easy to find, in comparison to more than two-thirds of men's sport fans accessing the same content. The report concludes that women's sports should deepen their engagement with these existing fans for commercial value by spotlighting individual athletes and their successes, rather than focusing exclusively on attracting new fans or fans of women's sport only. It takes concerted effort to shift away from a dominant narrative, but Dr Richards and Dr Yeomans agree that it comes back to concentrating on game play. Dr Richards points to the Women's State of Origin ads in 2024 that showed the athletes tackling and visibly sweating, in contrast to previous years' marketing. "We're still uncomfortable watching women sweat, bleed, and bruise," she says. "I think there's certainly been progress in this space around the way that we market women's sport, [as] not just something that women should have an opportunity to have a try [at]… it is a physical competition." Dr Yeomans was pleased to see Cricket Australia engage women and men in the same marketing campaigns last summer, and highlighted the increase in game play in AFLW promotional material. "[They're promoting it as] a contest as opposed to a player standing there and smiling. And I think that's an important transition to make because we want it to be comparable from a competitive landscape." Finally, another starting principle is not to expect everyone of the same gender to like the same things. "Women and girls sometimes are still viewed as a homogenous audience, like they're all the same," Dr Yeomans says. "We need to get a little more specific about what that target audience is." ABC Sport is partnering with Siren Sport to elevate the coverage of Australian women in sport. Danielle Croci is a policy officer and freelance writer and podcaster specialising in women's sport.
Telegraph
12-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
Who will be Britain's future heroes?
It's crucial that as a nation we take time to remember and celebrate the heroes of the past. Countless gave their lives for this country, allowing future generations to enjoy the fruits of freedom. The 80th anniversary of VE day last week was a poignant moment to remember those who fought, embodying bravery in its most complete form, and willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in hope of a better world. Coming together as a nation and paying our respects to the heroes of the past each year means we never forget. But are we doing enough to build the heroes of the future? We all need someone to look up to. That's true for our young people, particularly boys, now more than ever. As more and more of their time is taken up online, young people are increasingly becoming isolated and turning to the wrong kind of influencers, sometimes with devastating consequences. Where generations before them learned first-hand about the heroes of this country, today our youth are exposed to new and damaging pressures every time they open their phone. Without suitable role models, boys in particular struggle in education, suffer with their mental health, are less likely to get into stable work and more likely to be caught up in crime. This is heartbreaking when we know our young people have so much to offer. The Netflix show Adolescence brought this phenomenon to national attention, creating a conversation around the struggles that young people face, and how we can tackle these. We owe it to them to make sure they are supported by trusted adults in safe spaces and give them the encouragement they deserve. In many ways, I can relate to the feeling of isolation that young people face today. When I arrived in the UK from Jamaica at the age of six, I felt lost. I was getting used to an unfamiliar urban environment after being in nature; my father wasn't part of my life, and I was missing my great-grandmother, who'd been such an amazing mentor for me. I needed someone I could trust, who believed in me, and could lift me up when I was down. Luckily, I found that at my Cub Scout Pack. The volunteer leaders there welcomed me in; made me feel included and seen. Originally, I'd just gone along to Cubs with a friend on the way home and wasn't thinking about getting involved. But the leaders said: 'No spectators here. Everyone joins in.' The confidence and self-belief they gave me was incredible. Ultimately that would put me on a path to become the first black Briton to reach the South Pole. And the same is true today: when given the space and support to thrive young people can achieve incredible things. This week, we celebrated these young people with my Chief Scout's Unsung Heroes Award. Each year, we find 20 young people who've done something remarkable – from overcoming a personal struggle to helping other people or embarking on epic adventures. These are Scouts like Cameron, aged 11, who used his Scout first aid training to save someone who was choking while on holiday in Dorset. Or Harry, also 11, who cycled from Lands' End to John O'Groats raising over £40,000. And George, who rescued a young child while kayaking on Ullswater in the Lake District, or Ivy, the five-year-old Squirrel Scout who became the young poppy seller in Bradford, raising over £5,000. All these young people have gone above and beyond. They've achieved things that most of us will never do, even as adults. It just goes to show that when given the opportunity and space to learn new skills, build connections and explore the great outdoors – as the Scouts do – young people can thrive. As we reflect on the heroes of the past, we should not forget about young people and the need for positive role models. Today, we have 140,000 volunteers in Scouts who are role models for nearly half a million young people. They come from every walk of life, from every background, and in almost every community across the UK. Thanks to these brilliant leaders, young people have hope for the future and go on to do incredible things. It's a privilege being a role model and our volunteers never take this for granted. If more people stepped forward to volunteer, we could welcome so many more young people off our waiting lists and into Scouting. We could give that same hope and self-belief to so many others and inspire a new generation. We all remember that one person who made all the difference in our lives – who spurred us on to find our best selves; who gave us the courage to dream big and go for it in life. You could be that person.
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Dame Deborah James named among most empowering female role models of past 25 years
DAME Deborah James has been named among the most empowering female role models of the past 25 years. The late BowelBabe cancer campaigner ranked third behind burns survivor Katie Piper, 41, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, 61. 7 7 Sun columnist Deborah died of bowel cancer aged 40 in June 2022 after a fearless campaign to destigmatise the disease. Her BowelBabe fund has raised more than £16million. Other women who were voted into the top 20 include music legend Tina Turner, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, fictional character Bridget Jones and actresses Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who spent her life fighting for gender equality and civil liberties, also earned a place on the list. The study of 4,000 adults found that the traits most valued in a role model are honesty, kindness and intelligence. Galaxy chocolate conducted the research as part of an ongoing partnership with the Young Women's Trust. Galaxy director Romi Mackiewicz said: "We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career and even health. "Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and it's also shown that we need to celebrate and highlight women who embrace a new definition of empowerment." It also emerged role models inspire people to make meaningful life changes - from putting their mental health first, to aiming for leadership roles, or simply not being afraid to speak up. Others say they've been encouraged to take time out for themselves, or talk more openly about issues that matter, after being inspired by someone they look up to. On average, almost three in ten (29 per cent) believe the workplace is a key setting for positive role models. However, there is a generational divide, with older generations saying they don't look for role models at all (67 per cent), compared to just seven per cent of Gen Z. For older generations who do look for role models, they seek inspiration from family members or friends (48 per cent). Likewise, Gen Z also turn to family or friends (63 per cent) as their main role models, but are increasingly looking to influencers (34 per cent), the television (28 per cent) and celebrities (23 per cent) too. When asked what type of content inspires them most online, 29 per cent said they're moved by people being honest about the tough times. And 15 per cent said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most, according to the findings carried out by 7 7
The Sun
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Most empowering women of the last 25 years revealed from Dame Deborah James to Katie Piper
MICHELLE Obama, Katie Piper and the late Dame Deborah James have been named the most empowering female role models of the last 25 years. A poll of 4,000 adults found the trio topped the list – with music legend Tina Turner, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, climate activist Greta Thunberg and fictional character Bridget Jones also making the top 20. 4 Other powerful women to rank highly include poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, and actress and humanitarian Emma Thompson. Trailblazers like mathematician and broadcaster Hannah Fry, known for making science and data accessible to the masses, and the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who spent her life fighting for gender equality and civil liberties, also earned a place on the list. The study found the traits most valued in a role model are honesty (32 per cent), kindness (30 per cent) and intelligence (27 per cent). The research was conducted by Galaxy as part of its ongoing partnership with the Young Women's Trust, who are on a mission to build a fairer financial future for women. Romi Mackiewicz, director at Galaxy, said: 'We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career and even health. 'Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and it's also shown that we need to celebrate and highlight women who embrace a new definition of empowerment.' It also emerged role models inspire people to make meaningful life changes – from putting their mental health first, to aiming for leadership roles, or simply not being afraid to speak up. Others say they've been encouraged to take time out for themselves, or talk more openly about issues that matter, after being inspired by someone they look up to. On average, almost three in ten (29 per cent) believe the workplace is a key setting for positive role models. However, there is a generational divide, with older generations saying they don't look for role models at all (67 per cent), compared to just seven per cent of Gen Z. For older generations who do look for role models, they seek inspiration from family members or friends (48 per cent). Likewise, Gen Z also turn to family or friends (63 per cent) as their main role models, but are increasingly looking to influencers (34 per cent), the television (28 per cent) and celebrities (23 per cent) too. When asked what type of content inspires them most online, 29 per cent said they're moved by people being honest about the tough times. And 15 per cent said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most, according to the findings carried out by 4 The Galaxy spokesperson added: 'Our top 20 list highlights women who have stayed true to themselves, standing up for what they believe in, even when faced with criticism. 'We champion women and are partnering with the Young Women's Trust to to help women and their communities thrive. 'We are excited to showcase such an incredibly diverse list of empowered women, celebrate their achievements and also remind brits the importance and power of identifying a role model.'
