Julie talks about treating leadership as a craft to be developed and nurtured in both women and men talent, providing flexibility for women’s long-term success, her leadership philosophy emphasizing self-sacrifice and empowerment, how to invest in oneself and in relationships, and the significance of role models, mentors, and coaches in a woman’s career journey.
Chapter: Attracting female talent
About: Julie Anding is a chief administrative officer and executive VP at Harley-Davidson, Inc. and a president at Harley-Davidson Foundation, Inc. She is on the board of directors at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre and the UW-Whitewater Foundation, Inc. She also served on the board at Wrtp/Big Step. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater and her doctorate from Fielding Graduate University.
What leadership traits should organizations nurture in their female talent?
The same as they nurture in their male talent. Organizations should treat leadership as a craft to be developed and nurtured by all; leading people is a privilege and a huge responsibility. It requires deep self-reflection, vulnerability, and empathy while holding people accountable for outcomes.
How can organizations ensure the long-term success of their female talent?
By providing flexibility so women can navigate life stages and events without worrying about losing ground or missing opportunities. The pandemic gave us all an opportunity to see what a different way of working could provide for everyone. I believe we are still in the very early stages of redefining work in our lives, and there are many exciting discoveries ahead if we keep an open mind.
“There are many exciting discoveries ahead if we keep an open mind.”
Could you share with us your leadership philosophy and what being a leader means to you?
Leadership is the most noble of professions, and I think great leaders know this and work hard to hone their skills. Leadership requires self-sacrifice, along with an ability to be present when a million other things are pulling you in multiple directions. Being a leader means showing up, stepping up, lifting up, helping up, and never giving up on the people you are responsible for—helping them to learn from their mistakes and celebrating their successes all while fostering their development so they can achieve more than they ever thought possible.
“Being a leader means showing up, stepping up, lifting up, helping up, and never giving up on the people you are responsible for.”
If you could give one piece of advice to women, what would it be?
Invest in yourself. Don’t miss opportunities to continue to discover who you are and develop who you choose to be. Invest in relationships. Women know this instinctively, I think: that there is immense power in relationships. However, we can get so busy that we forget to make the time to nurture those relationships. You will never regret making investments in those two things. You can live off the dividends they pay.
“Don’t miss opportunities to continue to discover who you are and develop who you choose to be.”
What is your view on the importance of role models in a woman’s career journey?
It’s important to learn from others; role models, mentors, coaches can all be important teachers as you navigate the ups and downs of your working life. Diversify your portfolio.
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