Welcome to today's episode where we dive into the realms of leadership, resilience, and the transformative power of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Our host, Brooke Skinner Ricketts, embarks on a journey that unravels the essence of authentic leadership and the secret to sustaining energy and resilience at the pinnacle of professional success with our remarkable guest, Cynthia Soledad, a leader at Egon Zehnder's Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice.
Imagine navigating from the vibrant world of marketing to the impactful domain of DE &I, all while mastering the art of self-awareness and transitioning from a doer to a pivotal enabler. Cynthia opens up about her personal and professional evolution, sharing stories that illuminate the path to developing an authentic personal brand and the courage it takes to face and grow from professional setbacks.
So, are you ready to unlock the secrets that have propelled Cynthia Soledad to the forefront of leadership and advisory? Tune in to this episode for an enriching experience that might just redefine your approach to leadership, resilience, and the power of diversity and inclusion. Don't miss out on these invaluable lessons from the top.
In this episode you will:
- Uncover the secrets to building diversity and inclusion in leadership that fosters innovation and success.
- Elevate your leadership skills with effective development practices that drive team performance and growth.
- Unlock powerful strategies to build a compelling personal brand that sets you apart in your industry.
- Harness the key to managing energy and resilience in leadership for sustained success and well-being.
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Highlights
The key moments in this episode are:
[00:00] Podcast Introduction
[00:30] Powerful Guest Quote
[01:22] Episode Summary
[02:47] Meet Cynthia Soledad
[04:42] Lessons from Making the Leap
[12:07] Identifying Effective Leaders
[15:06] Shifting Mindset as a Leader
[18:15] Building Your Personal Brand
[19:15] Authenticity, Confidence and Resilience
[26:05] Managing Energy and Boundaries
[31:41] Daily Habits and Mental Breaks
[33:19] Supporting Each Other at Work
[38:23] Balancing In-Person and Hybrid Relationships
[40:58] Passion for Diversity and Inclusion
[45:54] Lightning Round Questions -
Lightening Round Questions
Q: What book has greatly influenced you?
A: Harry Potter Series – I wish we could all see the magic in the world.This has been a connection point that I look back on really fondly with my kids.Q: What is your favorite inspiring quote or saying?
A: Anything Maya AngelouQ: What is one word or moniker you would use to describe yourself?
A: AuthenticQ: What is one change you've implemented that made your life better?
A: I went back to singing more! It's always been a passion of mine. But I hadn't studied and done anything like regularly for quite some time.I participate in adult recitals and it's so fun because everybody who's performing at these adult recitals is like a total hobby, right? We're all like consultant by day, singer by night, like doctor by day, organist by night! It's been so joyful.Q: What power song would you want playing as you walk out onto a stage?
A: Roar by Katy Perry -
Quotes
DEI work is about expanding opportunities. It's about helping people unlock their potential.
Cynthia Soledad
‘I lived through that failure’ is where resilience comes from.
Cynthia Soledad
A lot of employee resource group leaders are passionate. And think, if I just exude my passion to enough people in an effective way, then change will come. And, passion and will is actually not sufficient.
Cynthia Soledad
Great leaders build great businesses by unlocking the potential of their people. I feel strongly about helping them on their journey.
Cynthia Soledad
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About
Cynthia Soledad, based in Chicago, leads Egon Zehnder’s Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Practice, conducting consulting engagements in Inclusive Leadership best practices and leading DEI executive searches across industry sectors. Cynthia is also an active member of the firm’s Board, Consumer, and Chief Marketing Officer practices.
Prior to joining Egon Zehnder, Cynthia served as Senior Brand Director at Whirlpool Corporation with responsibility for the KitchenAid brand, which included refreshing its positioning and redesigning the main products. She also led Marketing Services and established the company's first digital center of excellence. Earlier, Cynthia was a Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble, where she held various roles in business delivery, upstream innovation, and shopper marketing. Throughout her career, Cynthia has been engaged in developing leadership and promoting employee diversity and inclusion, for example by leading the Whirlpool Women's Network and P&G's Asians in Marketing and CMK group.
Cynthia earned a BA in Anthropology from the University of Chicago and an MBA from the Darden Graduate School of Business at the University of Virginia. Outside work, she and her husband Burke are proud parents of two young adult children. An experienced singer herself, she also serves as Board Chair for the Chicago Chorale, a Hyde Park based 60-voice choir.