Think Women’s 40 Outstanding Global Women 2023 - Zarina Ward, Kantar Public
We spoke to Zarina Ward, global chief people officer at Kantar Public to profile as one of Think Women's inspiring international leaders. The series demonstrates the calibre of women working in international leadership roles. The profiles are part of our celebration for International Women's Day 2023.
What are the qualities of female leadership?
She says that female leadership and the importance of authenticity and empathy is becoming more recognised.“Having been through redundancy myself, I try to have as much human kindness and empathy as I can when having to make other people redundant, and it doesn't always have to be an adversarial negotiation,” she says.She argues that women should not try to fit into societal norms or whatever version of female leadership they might think is the right one. Instead, just be yourself and seek out the opportunities that enable you to shine.“For example, I think it's important to have a bit of a laugh and a joke because otherwise I just don't think you get through the day,” she explains. “In some organisations that wouldn't be that accepted: that's fine, but that organisation isn't for me. You have to be bold about making those decisions, not feel grateful for having a job but instead thinking about what really works for you.”Zarina’s tips for women leaders
- If you work hard, you will do well: I worked really hard and opportunities landed at my door because I delivered on things I had been given to do.
- Move out of your comfort zone: sometimes it is OK to learn on the job.
- Give yourself permission to take time out: after I had been working for a while I took time off and went travelling around the world. When I got back I set up my own business.
- Don’t give in to imposter syndrome: I got a job at Ernst & Young (EY) in London and I remember walking through the doors thinking I had never dreamed with my background and my education that I would work in a place like this and be treated as an equal.
- Be your authentic self at work: often people in senior positions don’t feel able to share the professional and personal challenges they face, particularly as a woman around childcare and family, but it can make you a more authentic and human leader.
- Don’t be afraid to have fun: people always comment that I bring quite a lot of levity to my work and that I always have a smile on my face. I think life is too short to be miserable at work.
- Don’t underestimate the power of networking: I got my job as director of talent at Oliver Wyman through chatting to a colleague over a cup of coffee.
- Try to get the balance right: I'm a really big believer in work life sustainability, as opposed to work life balance. I can work through periods of high demand at work as long as there is an opportunity later to spend time with my family.
- Find yourself a coach: if you can ask someone to be a mentor or coach, then seize the opportunity. I have benefited from professional coaching, which has been life-changing in helping me set my personal and professional goals.
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