In this episode of the Lead Like a Girl podcast, Jessica Smith shares her personal journey of career growth, strategic networking, and the importance of seizing stretch opportunities. She details a transformative lunch meeting at the Cheesecake Factory that led to a significant business deal for her company's new business unit focusing on mobile cleaning and maintenance. Jessica emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, telling one's own success stories, and setting measurable goals with deadlines. She also discusses the challenges and learning experiences she faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, including homeschooling her children and launching a new sanitization product. Throughout her narrative, Jessica highlights the power of relationships in career advancement and the importance of resilience, time management, and faith in navigating life's trials. Her story serves to inspire and empower women to embrace their inner leaders and navigate their professional and personal lives with purpose and passion.
00:00 Welcome to Lead Like a Girl: Empowering Women's Leadership
00:16 The Power of Networking: A Success Story
01:55 Embracing Opportunities and Navigating Corporate Environments
04:28 The Importance of Telling Your Own Success Story
07:59 Setting Goals and Overcoming Challenges
11:49 Navigating the COVID-19 Pandemic: Personal and Professional Growth
17:04 The Impact of Relationships and Recognizing Opportunities
30:32 Reflecting on Achievements and the Journey Ahead
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