I’m going to narrow our focus today and share my thoughts on how you can become a female leader in knowledge management (KM) by branding yourself as a thought leader. A thought leader is perceived as an authority in their domain. These people are seen not only as experts in their field, but also as inspiring leaders who help influence people in positive directions. I believe each of us has the potential to be a thought leader.
Statistics do not lie. According to Texas Woman’s University, women make up 50.8% of the population; earn 59% of master’s degrees, 48.5% of law degrees, 47.5% of medical degrees, and 38% of MBAs; and account for 47% of the US labor force.Texas Woman’s University. “Thought Leadership & Why It Matters.” https://twu.edu/language-culture-gender-studies/thought-leadership/thought-leadership--why-it-matters/ However, the highest positions of leadership in the academic, legal, corporate, and political spheres are not held by women. By being an active member of ISPE’s Women in Pharma®, we can be significant contributors in the collaboration needed to close this gap. How? Through thought leadership.
Finding Value in Everyone
Princess Diana is thought of as one of the most influential thought leaders in history. Her actions, belief system, and integrity positioned her to bring attention to social causes and challenge public perception through humanitarian efforts. Princess Diana led by example as she fought the stigma against HIV/AIDS patients and extended compassion to leprosy sufferers. She believed everyone needed to feel valued and she shared that value with others. Through her royal status, Princess Diana became a force in the philanthropic community as she shifted perspectives and challenged the status quo, and most important, she inspired others to do the same.
Shaping the Future of Pharma
You too can take a leap of faith! Put yourself out there and talk about subjects that matter to you. You could host a webinar in your Chapter or Affiliate about inclusivity, speak on a global Women in Pharma® webinar about sustainability, or lead a think tank series. Your voice matters, and you can be an agent of change.
You can start today by:
- Believing in yourself
- Suggesting an ISPE/Women in Pharma® webinar
- Joining an executive training for women
- Participating in ISPE Engage
- Asking your leadership to be more involved in your company’s operations and functions
- Taking on more visible and challenging tasks
- Promoting the success of other women
- Finding a sponsor or mentor
- Joining ISPE’s Women in Pharma®
I’ll leave you with this: Be bold, take risks, and put yourself out there. Elevate yourself with the choices you make, the knowledge you share, and how you share it. You have the potential to be a thought leader, and you deserve recognition for your hard work.
Join Women in Pharma®
