132. Leveraging Support Networks and Sponsorship in the C-Suite

Want to break into the C-suite? It’s not just about talent—it’s about who’s in your corner. Rising to executive leadership requires more than skills; it demands a strong network. Building strategic relationships with mentors for guidance and sponsors who advocate for you is essential for professional growth and your path to the top.

In this episode of the Power, Purpose, & Prosperity Podcast, Sabine speaks with Jessica McClain about leadership, power, and navigating C-suite roles for women. Jessica is the CFO for Girl Scouts Nation's Capital and had previously served as the Controller for Brand USA. She spent 11 years in public accounting and seamlessly transitioned into the non-profit industry by merging her passion for finance with social impact.

Listen in to learn how to powerfully lead with authority and influence and embrace emotional intelligence as a female leader. You will also learn the importance of teaching young girls to define power for themselves instead of adopting others’ definitions.

Key Takeaways:

• How to become an effective and powerful woman leader by combining authority and influence.
• The importance of emotional intelligence and teaching her people how to manage emotions.
• How to leverage your support system and words of affirmation to stay confident in moments of self-doubt.
• How to earn sponsorship and advance to C-suite roles by building solid relationships through leadership and work ethic.
• The importance of diverse allies and how men can also be crucial sponsors for women.
• The importance of building and maintaining a personal and professional brand for long-term success.

What You Will Learn in This Episode:

• [02:4] Jessica’s career journey from public accounting to becoming CFO and her passion for combining finance with social impact.
• [04:01] How she transitioned from public accounting to the non-profit world and what the future looks like.
• [07:07] Defining power as a combination of authority and influence and why both are necessary for true leadership.
• [11:33] How early experiences and childhood influences shape adult perceptions of power and authority.
• [18:30] How to use power to empower your team with resources and autonomy rather than micromanaging.
• [20:44] How her support system and words of affirmation help her stay confident during moments of self-doubt.
• [24:00] The importance of teaching young girls to define power for themselves instead of adopting others’ definitions.
• [27:44] The power of sponsorship in helping women advance to C-suite roles, plus how to earn sponsorship.

Connect with Jessica:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-e-mcclain

Book Recommendation:

• What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith

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HOST INFO:

Sabine Gedeon is a dynamic force in the world of leadership and personal development. As the Founder of Transformed Leadership Institute and CEO of Gedeon Enterprises, Sabine leverages nearly 20 years of experience to guide clients in both startups and Fortune 500 companies. Her unique approach combines human-centered principles with tech-enabled solutions, delivering customized programs for leaders at all levels to tackle crucial leadership and talent development challenges.

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