Embracing Boldness and Authenticity: Insights from Kim Ziomek for Women in Leadership
In this episode, Kim Ziomek shares her journey, strategies, and candid advice for women aspiring to grow and lead fearlessly in their careers. With a focus on advocacy, relationship-building, and authentic self-presentation, Kim offers actionable insights to empower women at any stage of their professional journey.
In this episode:
- The importance of rejection and persistence: “Not yet” is the key mindset.
- Building powerful alliances across genders to advance careers.
- How organizations like LRIG create safe spaces for senior women to share openly.
- Translating hard work into metrics that leadership understands.
- Fostering advocacy and self-promotion without crossing into boastfulness.
- The significance of authentic personal branding and staying true to oneself.
- Practical tips for effective networking, including body language and communication.
- The value of mentorship and long-term relationship-building vs. one-off connections.
- How women can leverage internal and external organizations for career Growth.
- Navigating gender dynamics and promoting equity in male-dominated fields.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Why “not yet” is a powerful mindset for women facing rejection
02:12 – Kim’s journey into leadership and her pivotal moments
06:37 – The founding and purpose of Legacy Refirement Influencers Group (LRIG)
11:20 – Addressing gender disparities and the importance of advocacy
14:07 – The impact of early mentorship and relationship-building at age 26
17:16 – Navigating organizational politics and “right-sizing” lessons
21:18 – The power of allies of the opposite sex in career advancement
24:36 – Common behaviors holding women back in male-dominated settings
28:32 – Balancing assertiveness and authenticity during networking
33:17 – Action strategies for women in their 20s and 30s to accelerate growth
37:28 – How to communicate confidently and avoid boasting
41:18 – Practical tips on executive presence and networking resources
44:46 – Recommended organizations and conferences for women to join
45:44 – Building a community of like-minded women committed to empowering each other
47:12 – The importance of continuous communication and self-awareness in leadership
Resources & Links:
- Women in Manufacturing: https://www.womeninmanufacturing.org/
- LRIG – Legacy Refirement Influencers Group
- Connect with Kim Ziomek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-ziomek-74918a1/
No Woman Left Behind: https://nowomanleftbehind.com
Free Impact Clarity Tool: https://nowomanleftbehind.ac-page.com/impact-clarity-ai-optinÂ
Rosie Zilinskas is a leadership coach and expert in “Career Progression.” She is an executive vice president specializing in high-net-worth personal insurance, with just under 30 years of experience climbing the corporate ladder.
Rosie is an international bilingual speaker, executive career coach, podcast host, author, and corporate trainer. She appeared on podcasts, such as “Bravehearts Radio,” “The Driven Entrepreneur,” and “Lead at any Level.” She was also a featured storyteller at “The People Tree.”
Rosie is the creator of the Corporate Ladder Kickstart Formula, which helps individuals take command of their profession. She has helped dozens of people obtain the promotion they sought to shred the frustration of a dead-end position. Rosie is a first-generation Mexican American and fluent in Spanish. She is living proof that you really can have it all and move up the ladder of success despite the odds.
