If The Devil Wears Prada…
…Then The Angel Wears Manning Cartel
It was my first year back working in Australia after nearly two years overseas living in London and travelling through Europe.As I walked into my new workplace, I saw her come towards me…she was dressed immaculately and carried herself with such composure. Like a swan, she glided so gracefully, in fact she would not have looked out of place in a high-end Parisian movie scene. Yet this beautiful, tall brunette had a warmth and smile on her face that naturally drew people towards her. Little did I know at the time that this woman would one day become my Manager and have a significant impact on my life.
Fast forward 18 months and I had my first meeting with Naomi, the woman that to this day I call a friend, mentor and inspirational role model.
Although she was a natural and warm person, initially I felt slightly intimidated by her poise and grace.
And after working together I discovered that not only was Naomi beautiful externally, but on the inside as well.
At this time she was a senior executive in a large financial services firm as well as a mother of two gorgeous children, a friend and confidant to many, a free spirited creative at heart and a lover of all things art, film and fashion.
I began working with her at a pivotal point in my career, when I was on the brink of moving into more senior roles and on track to becoming a leader myself.
I ended up working with Naomi for a little over 4 years and as with all wonderful experiences in life, it isn’t until they are gone that you realise just how great they really were.
So, what made Naomi such an inspirational leader?
Apart from her impeccable presentation, style and dress sense that could rival the hottest high flying executive from an episode of Suits, Naomi possessed a laundry list of amazing qualities.
There were 4 key elements that had a significant impact on me.
- Instilled confidence within individuals
It wasn’t until I had worked with her for over 12 months that I realised almost with shock what she had done for me.
On multiple occasions, she would give me tasks to stretch and grow my capabilities, and would not hesitate in pushing me forward. Regardless of whether I had done something similar, she made me feel as though anything was possible.
There was no doubt that I could achieve what was asked.
- Showed her vulnerability
I recall vividly the first-time Naomi was vulnerable in front of the team. It was my second month working with Naomi when the team’s then Executive General Manager resigned. In the short time that I had been in the team, it was clear how close her working relationship was with the GM and how well they worked together.
After the announcement Naomi was quite upset coming to terms with the news. She was visibly in shock, but she wasn’t afraid for us to see that. Instead, she allowed us to support her and give her strength in what was a difficult time. She demonstrated that it is okay to be human and whether she knew it or not, it gave us permission to be vulnerable with each other.
- Genuinely listened to her team
I have seen and met many Managers over the years that say they want to hear what their teams have to say.
Sadly, that often isn’t the case and any feedback, ideas or opinions fall on deaf ears.
Naomi, on the other hand, was a leader who genuinely cared what her team had to say. She treated no one better than anyone else (regardless of their level) and everyone had a valid contribution to offer.
She made it very clear that no matter your experience, role title, or gender, everyone had something to offer.
She is a true modern leader who harnesses the power of diversity of thought.
Her ability to create a culture of sharing and conversation led to the team respectfully debating with her (and others), and ultimately creating a high performing and close knit team.
- Fiercely protective & supportive of her team
Another quality I admire was knowing how much she supported her team and “had their backs”.
When one of us were facing our own challenges, or the team’s reputation or quality of work came into question, Naomi was 110% behind us and she would not hesitate to back us up should the situation require.
I recall distinctly one day Naomi came past my desk when a co-worker from another team had upset me immensely. I was not one for crying at work, but on this occasion, I had felt demoralised and my tears won out.
When Naomi saw me, the look of sincere care and concern on her face was enough to dry up the tears alone, but she immediately asked with such fire in her eyes what had happened and how she could resolve the situation for me.
In that moment, I felt so supported and cared for and although I knew I had the strength to resolve the situation myself, there would not be a time when I couldn’t go to her for help. But, wait there’s more!
It has now been close to 6 years since I first started working with Naomi and it hasn’t been until the last 12 months that I truly understood just how selfless her leadership really was and how much she gave to her team. Added to the fast-paced nature of her role, leading multiple teams, managing endless high profile stakeholders, she faced extremely difficult times in her own personal life.
Traumatic health concerns, major family challenges and managing a complete restructure of both her own job and her team (that she treated like family), were just a few of her challenges. However, the part that really blew me away was during the years when these stressful events were slowly compounding in her personal life, her support and guidance to her team was unwavering and if anything, stronger than ever before.
To this day, I attribute the success I’ve had in my career to Naomi. I have no doubt that it was in these pivotal years of my career that Naomi’s leadership shaped me into the confident and talented person that enables me to run my own coaching business today. And for anyone wondering, yes I do plan on working with Naomi again one day… but all good things come to those who wait!