One of the goals we made for 2015 was to do better, not just by bringing you more events coverage but to be better conduits of helping you in your career aspirations and perhaps we could learn a thing or two along the way.
The great thing about what we do here at SociaLifeChicago is we are afforded the opportunity to meet and engage with some great, talented and successful people on different levels. From CEOs to deep pocketed philanthropists and so on. We wish some of these people could serve as mentors to us all, take us under their wings and help direct our career path but alas not everyone can do that.
As a publication with a focus on the next generation, we are always looking to gain insight from those that have achieved levels of success we aspire towards even if they can’t be our mentors. Enter our new series called “Life Lessons from the C-Suite.” We will ask successful, accomplished industry leaders to give life lessons to the next generation.
The first in our series is Kate Bensen. Kate Bensen, is the President/CEO of The Chicago Network, a premiere organization for professional women in the Chicago area who have reached the highest echelons of business, the arts, government, the professions and academia. Her role not only allows her to meet industry leaders but also to help cultivate the next generation.
We asked Ms. Bensen to share some life lessons with you. Read on and enjoy.
SLC: What advice can you give to someone aspiring for more in their career?
Kate Bensen: Be authentic and a good listener. Pursue your passions. Raise your hand and take the less glamorous assignments. Work hard and work smart.
SLC: What do you mean by pursue your passion?
KB: When considering a move, lay out all the pros and cons and do a personal inventory of what’s most important to you. Money should never be the sole driver. At the top of my list would be opportunites for professional growth and the culture of the organization, but someone else’s priorities may be different.
SLC: In one of your responses you had stated to pursue your passion, there’s been an influx of the young generation being more entrepreneurial and doing their own thing. Do you mean passion in what you’re really passionate about or passion ofr your career path?
KB: When I say pursue your passion I mean you should find joy in what you do. You have to be planful. For example, if your long term plan is to have your own business, make sure you are developing valuable skill sets in your current position that will put you on the path to opening your own company in the future.
You will have to look at the big picture. How are you going to raise capital? How are you going to support yourself during the startup period?
SLC: After a performance review, your manager tells you a raise is not in the picture right now but you feel you deserve one, how can you counter that?
KB: This notion of saying I deserve something is not the way to go, you build your case. Let your track record make the case. If you can, look back on the last year and half and look at your professional goals, have you met or exceeded them? Have you added value to the company you’re working for? Have you been a great part of the team or how have you supported your boss?
All those things plus any quantifiable achievements such as you increased sales by a certain amount, whatever the metrics are that demonstrates you’ve added value then you’ve made a wonderful case for getting an increase. Walking in saying that you deserve something on the other hand will not be well received.
SLC: What is your favorite animal? Why?
KB: Dogs in general but in particular my dog. They are great companions, unconditional love, adorable and rule the roost what more do you need?
SLC: When you decide to commit to volunteering your time or to join a junior board, there are times where ones philanthropic interests intersects with professional ambition, what advice would you give someone looking to take this path?
KB: I see volunteering as something that can pay dividends and it’s really not about what it can do for you but what you can do for the organization.
I think if you go in there and do a great job whether it’s offering your professional skill set or rolling up your sleeves, you will add value and people will take a look at you.
I think simply taking on a board role because it is going to grow your network is not the right way to go about it and ultimately will not make you satisfied.
SLC: There’s a saying “When you look good, you feel good and you do well” but how can one looking to help a friend with their outward professional presentation convey this without hurting the friendship?
KB: If someone has neglected their outward presentation, it may reflect a lack of confidence. Working on a fundamental issue that is holding someone back may require some professional guidance. A person won’t be ready to be out there until she or he is ready on the inside.
Friendship and support are critical but perhaps a third party who is neutral that can help work through those issues may be needed. If you are a good friend and you notice this in one of your friends, perhaps taking them aside and just say “Hey listen, you’re really spectacular but am sensing that you are feeling not as confident as you would like to be; is there something I can help you with?”
SLC: What are 5 key things someone should have in their arsenal at all times?
KB: They may not be things in terms of material but I would say:
1) Be present. Whatever you are doing, give that person your attention. Be present, be a good listener so you can be responsive, which means you will probably advance the conversation.
2) Undertstand the objectives of your assignments and the company’s needs. Understand how your company makes money and how your role is integral to tthat.
3) Think about ways that you can make calculated risks that will set you apart from the pack.
4) Be kind.
5) Feel comfortable in your own skin. Be authentic.
Those are my five things. They are not accessories or the best shoes or purse but these are things that you’ll take with you for the rest of your life.
The Chicago Network will host their annual Women in the Forefront Luncheon with keynote speaker Maurice Lévy, Chairman of Publicis Groupe. Details HERE
We will bring you these life lessons on a monthly basis for now. Do you have someone that you would love to gain insight or advice from? email us their name and industry. INFO@SOCIALIFECHICAGO.COM
