As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th, our spotlight turns to Mrs. Elizabeth Kings, a HR professional working as the Head of Operations at HRLeverage. In a recent interview, she shared her journey as a woman leader – real, raw, and inspiring. From conquering challenges to celebrating victories, Mrs. Kings’ story is a testament to the power of resilience and empowerment. Follow along for this unfiltered glimpse into the leadership journey that shaped her Steller career:
Interviewer: Mrs. Kings, thank you for joining us. To kick things off, could you share your life’s mantra and how it guides you in your role ?
Mrs. Kings: Certainly. My life’s mantra revolves around not being ashamed to ask for what I want, as the worst you can get is a ‘No.’ Additionally, in human relations, I always expect the unexpected – a mindset that prevents undue disappointment.
Mrs. Elizabeth Kings, Head of Operations, HRLeverage
Interviewer: A powerful guiding principle indeed. Now, let’s talk about your pivotal career moment. Can you recount the experience that marked the beginning of your journey in HR and how it shaped your approach to leadership?
Mrs. Kings: Absolutely. My entry into HR was transformative. I was assigned a major task of employee data curation, I initially felt overwhelmed. However, under the mentorship of my boss, Stallone, who believed there was nothing I couldn’t do, I learned the art of innovation and problem-solving. This experience became the cornerstone of my leadership journey.
Interviewer: Facing challenges as a woman leader, you’ve overcome stereotypes and excelled in your role. Could you share specific strategies you employed to overcome these challenges?
Mrs. Kings: Certainly. First and foremost, I addressed skepticism by consistently providing solutions to workplace challenges. To dispel stereotypes about women and family commitments, meticulous time management became my ally. Lastly, I silenced doubters by making impactful contributions to discussions, proving that competence knows no gender.
Interviewer: Very profound and well said. Reflecting on the workplace’ evolution for women leaders, you express a vision for equality in decision-making positions. What improvements would you like to see, and how can organizations facilitate this change?
Mrs. Kings: I envision a future where the number of women in decision-making positions equals that of men. Organizations can play a pivotal role by considering women’s opinions, offering equal opportunities, providing relevant training, and acknowledging achievements. Striking a balance through thoughtful company policies, especially in work-life integration, is key.
Interviewer: Shifting gears, let’s discuss your mentors and role models. How have figures like Jesus Christ, Mr. Ken Olumese, and your current boss, Mr. Seyi Babatunde, influenced your leadership style?
Mrs. Kings: Jesus Christ sets the foundation for values like focus, integrity, love, and humility. Mr. Ken Olumese instilled in me the belief in recognizing and rewarding performance, while Mr. Seyi Babatunde influences my leadership with his qualities of doggedness, result-oriented focus, open-mindedness, and comradeship.
Interviewer: Your professional journey is marked by accomplishments, one notably being the successful onboarding of a multinational client in Kenya. How did this achievement impact you, and what did it signify for HRLeverage?
Mrs. Kings: The successful onboarding of BD, a multinational client in Kenya, was a defining moment. It not only showcased our organizational capabilities but also highlighted the dedication and competence of the entire team. The positive recognition from my boss added a meaningful layer of accomplishment.
Interviewer: Before we conclude, what advice do you have for aspiring women leaders looking to climb the corporate ladder?
Mrs. Kings: Build yourself holistically, set targets, stay focused and never surrender your dreams. Equip yourself with the necessary skills, maintain a resilient mindset, and never succumb to setbacks or disappointments. Your journey might be challenging, but with the right attitude, you’ll reach the summit.
While wrapping up this illuminating conversation with Mrs. Elizabeth Kings, we are reminded that leadership is not merely a title but a journey marked by resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Aspiring leaders, take heed of Mrs. Kings’ wisdom: “See you at the top.”
By partnering with HRLeverage, you gain access to a dedicated team of HR professionals who can alleviate your HR burden and empower you to focus on your core business. We offer a collaborative approach, working closely with you to build a strong foundation for your organization’s success, one high-performing team at a time.
Contact HRLeverage today at info@hrleverageafrica.com and let’s build the foundation for your future success, together !