“My expertise comes from a diverse range of experiences, including serving as the first Black Woman Executive Leader of the United Way of Metropolitan Detroit, founding City Connect Detroit, and launching Figure Skating in Detroit, a leadership development program for girls. I’ve raised millions for community change initiatives, served as a university trustee, and even won Ms. Black Fit & Fine at 69.” – Dr. Geneva Williams
In today’s ever-changing world, effective leaders recognize the importance of encouraging and welcoming change. Growth and success occur when leaders step out of their comfort zones, challenge the status quo, and embrace opportunities for improvement.
Dr. Geneva Williams, CEO of Dr. Geneva Speaks, a vibrant life and master leadership strategist, explores the impact of diversity in leadership, focusing on the increasing female presence in Michigan’s government and the importance of continuing to recruit diverse leaders.
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Breaking Barriers
Michigan is currently experiencing unprecedented female leadership in its government. Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the second-ever woman governor of Michigan, stood before the first female Senate majority leader and first Black house speaker as she delivered her State of the State Address in January. The Michigan Legislature now holds a record number of women and LGBTQ+ individuals, reflecting a wide range of lived experiences and perspectives that help inform decision-making.
Diversity in leadership has been proven to create positive outcomes across various sectors. Executive teams with greater gender and ethnic diversity tend to have higher profitability, while diverse groups tend to be more innovative and productive. In academia, papers written by diverse authors receive more citations and prestige.
Studies have shown that women are particularly effective leaders, with research demonstrating that they outperform men in transformational leadership, leadership effectiveness, humility, self-control, and moral orientation. As Michigan’s elected leaders continue to face significant challenges and opportunities, a diverse range of experiences and leadership styles is crucial for achieving greater prosperity and success.
Thus, to continue fostering diversity in leadership, it is essential to recruit more women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals to run for elected office at all levels of government in Michigan. Providing the necessary support for these candidates is key to ensuring a more inclusive and effective political landscape.
To help leaders maintain a healthy work-life balance, Dr. Williams offers three action steps:
- Establish “protected time” in your calendar: Block out at least two hours each week for self-care or quality time with loved ones. This practice can help restore balance and boost productivity and decision-making abilities.
- Start your day with a “mindful morning”: Set aside 15 minutes each morning for meditation, reflection, or journaling. This practice can help align your thoughts, set intentions for the day, and create a sense of balance.
- Delegate one key responsibility: Identify a significant task that consumes your time or energy and delegate it to a trusted team member. This act can free up valuable time for self-care or quality time with loved ones while empowering your team and fostering their growth.
Dr. Geneva Williams has a wealth of experience in leadership roles, including serving as the first Black Woman Executive Leader of the United Way of Metropolitan Detroit, founding City Connect Detroit, and launching Figure Skating in Detroit, a leadership development program for girls. She has raised millions for community change initiatives and has dedicated her life to empowering high-achieving women to overcome self-doubt, elevating their confidence by leaps and bounds.
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The journey to success, both personally and professionally, is paved with challenges and opportunities. Through her coaching and consulting services, Dr. Geneva offers a personalized approach that has transformed the lives of over 1,000 women by focusing on goal-setting, confidence boosting, and mindset shifting. Drawing from her extensive experience and proven ‘What’s Next Formula,’ Dr. Geneva is committed to guiding women leaders in achieving a vibrant, happy life, and a business full of purpose and power. By embracing the concept of Vibrantpreneur, women can truly look good, feel good, and do good, ultimately making a meaningful impact on their personal, professional, and community lives.
Connect with Dr. Geneva Williams
https://www.drgenevaspeaks.com
