Today, we’re diving headfirst into the world of leadership, girl power, and a sprinkle of humor with Suhaiba M. Neill’s “Like A Girl: 22 Leadership Lessons for Women on the Rise.” Buckle up, because this one’s a rollercoaster of wisdom, wit, and a dash of “You go, girl!”
Oh, and let me share a little behind-the-scenes magic! I had the incredible chance to meet Suhaiba at the Women in Paint Conference in Nashville, where she graced the stage as a guest speaker, fresh off the launch of her book. The catch? Her book was so new that she didn’t even have copies in hand yet! Eager to get my hands on it, I raced home and attempted to order a copy. But alas, shipping to Canada played hard to get. Not one to be defeated, I decided to reach out to Suhaiba, and guess what? She was an absolute gem! Without a second thought, she sent me a copy of her book, proving that her generosity knows no bounds.
In my unconventional business model, I’ve carved out a unique niche by exclusively employing women in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Embracing the power of diversity, my team breaks barriers and brings a fresh perspective to the table. I highlighted and underlined my favorite insights from each chapter and I am inspired to conquer challenges, celebrate victories, and thrive together in an industry where women continue to pave the way.
First things first, the title – “Like A Girl.” Forget the playground taunts; Suhaiba turns this phrase into a battle cry for every woman stepping into her leadership shoes. It’s like she’s saying, “Yeah, I’m doing it like a girl, and it’s freakin’ awesome!”
The book is a treasure trove of 22 lessons, each served with a side of Suhaiba’s trademark humor. It’s not your typical leadership manual that feels like it’s been dipped in formaldehyde. Nope, this one is more like a conversation with your favorite stand-up comedian who happens to be an expert in boss lady moves.
Lesson 1: “Be Fearless”
Suhaiba kicks off with a bang, pushing you to embrace your inner fearless warrior with the enthusiasm of a kid in a candy store. The anecdotes she shares are not only relatable but will have you nodding along like you’re at a Taylor Swift concert.
Lesson 8
Let’s be honest; the key to effective leadership is about tuning in and genuinely grasping what’s happening around you. Suhaiba takes a different route, unraveling the nuances of active listening with the precision of a seasoned expert perfecting their craft. Perhaps the ultimate ‘aha moment’ in the entire book came with the straightforward wisdom: “Listen more than you speak.” It’s a mantra as simple as it is profound—after all, you’ve got two ears and one mouth for a reason. So, why not take heed of the advice: listen more than you speak?
Lesson 14: “Focus on Communication and Relationships.”
Suhaiba shifts gears, diving deep into the importance of communication and relationships. Outstanding leaders invest time in understanding their team, industry partners, vendors, and anyone involved in the success of their company. Going beyond, exceptional leaders go the extra mile to ensure others feel appreciated, valued, and heard through genuine connection.
Lesson 21: “Learn to Lead from the Back.”
Suhaiba delivers another gem, urging you to master the art of leading from behind. It’s like being the puppeteer behind the scenes, orchestrating success with a subtlety that would make a ninja jealous. By the end of this short lesson, you’ll realize that – sometimes, the real power is in orchestrating the show from the shadows.
But it’s not all laughs and high-fives. Suhaiba delves into the nitty-gritty of leadership challenges with a refreshing honesty. It’s like having a heart-to-heart with your mentor, complete with the occasional pep talk and a sprinkle of tough love.
By the time you reach the last page, you’ll feel like you’ve just finished a power brunch with Suhaiba herself. “Like A Girl” is not just a book; it’s a manual, a manifesto, and a stand-up comedy show all rolled into one.
So, grab your copy, and get ready to conquer the world! Suhaiba, you’re a rockstar, and this book is a game-changer!
