by Rona Jobe
Are you a driven person? In my experience, women are comfortable calling themselves “smart” but haven’t considered calling themselves “driven.” I noticed this after recording the first few episodes of the “Smart, Driven, Women” podcast. After hearing the guests’ stories, though, it is clear that each of these women is focused, hard-working, and purpose-led – my definition of driven.
We can learn so much by listening to the smart, driven women around us, whether we are just starting our careers or leading an organization. Here are a few highlights of what Laura Jennings, Lynn Pina, and Evelyn Miller shared with listeners.
The Difference Between Mentorship and Sponsorship
One key takeaway from my discussion with LVL-Up Chief Strategy Officer Laura Jennings (Ep. 1: Who are Smart, Driven, Women?) is the importance of mentorship and sponsorship. While mentors provide advice and guidance, sponsors actively open doors and create opportunities. Identifying these key individuals early in one’s career can be a game-changer. However, not everyone will play these roles. Not everyone you admire can be your sponsor. Learn to spot genuine support and be clear in the expectations for you and your sponsor. Negative voices will always exist, but the ability to compartmentalize and focus on those who uplift and empower you is a critical skill for success.
Leadership and Parenting is a Symbiotic Relationship
In my interview with GeoBlue Chief Marketing Officer Lynn Pina (Ep. 2: From Firstborn to Chief Marketing Officer), Lynn talked about how similar parenting and leadership are. Both require strong listening skills, mentoring, and coaching. Leaders, much like parents, must put effort into understanding the people they guide to tailor their approaches accordingly
One of the most profound lessons in both parenting and leadership is recognizing individuality. Lynn shared a powerful story about how one strategy that works for you might not work for someone you are mentoring. When Lynn’s daughter was young, she voiced her discomfort with the way her mom was speaking to her. Rather than dismissing the concern, Lynn praised her daughter for speaking up for herself.
This moment underscored an important principle: authority does not automatically command respect, respect is earned.
The Power of Perseverance
SMART Settlements Partner Evelyn Miller’s journey in our discussion (Ep. 3: A Lawyer’s Path to Leading a Title Company) highlights the importance of perseverance. Despite moving to a new city during a real estate downturn, facing licensing challenges, and building a network from scratch, Evelyn remained determined to reach her goal. Her ability to handle complex transactions in difficult times not only strengthened her expertise; it also positioned her company for long-term success. If she could grow in a difficult market, then she would be poised to win when the market improved. Evelyn shared that one of the keys to persevering is to continuously take steps. Big or small, steps toward your goal help you outlast the challenges and come out from the other side stronger than before
Smart, Driven Women Support Other Smart, Driven Women
Strong communities and networks are pillars for personal and professional growth, and hosting this podcast is like getting to bring you incredible mentors every month. A special thank you to Laura, Lynn, and Evelyn for sharing their experiences with the smart, driven women in our community. I look forward to hearing from more incredible women in the future!
For more information about being a guest on Smart, Driven, Women or having Rona Jobe as a guest on your podcast, email [email protected].
Rona Jobe, CEO of LVL-Up Enterprises and host of the Smart, Driven, Women podcast
Rona Jobe is the host of the Smart, Driven, Women podcast, where she amplifies the voices of accomplished women and shares insights on mentorship, leadership, and career growth. Passionate about fostering meaningful connections, Rona brings together purpose-driven professionals to inspire and empower others. Through engaging conversations with industry leaders, she highlights the challenges and triumphs of women navigating their careers. Connect with Rona and explore more stories from Smart, Driven, Women by emailing [email protected].