Since 2016 Jacqueline has been dedicated to empowering and inspiring future female leaders, sharing her tips and strategies through Elevate, a global virtual programmed where over 9000 women have graduated. She is the host of the Finding Your EPIC podcast and author of the Finding Your EPIC book, published 2024.
Last year, we launched a podcast ‘Finding Your EPIC®’ to complement our Elevate programme, which has supported emerging female leaders for eight years. The podcast’s goal was for senior women to share the moments they discovered their superpowers. These stories were meant to inspire other women to tap into their own strengths and use them effectively in the workplace.
Over the years, the idea of bringing your whole self to work has been popular. However, it never resonated with me as it seemed like asking for the impossible. Instead, we focused on bringing your best self to work. The podcasts with these inspirational women discussed how they achieved this. A common theme was the emphasis on adding value, moving the dial, making a difference, and contributing meaningfully to ensure the work had significance.
3 ways to add value to your team & organization, inspired by our podcast
1. Identify and leverage your strengths
Recognize your unique skills and talents. By understanding and utilizing your strengths, you can contribute more effectively to your team. The senior women on our podcast highlighted how knowing their superpowers allowed them to excel and inspire others. This process involves understanding what roles are important in a team along with self-reflection of which ones line up best with your ‘EPIC’ abilities; when you are doing what you love to do and do best. It’s your own set of honed talents and the passion that drives you to contribute in the ways that most motivate you. It describes the “you” that makes you who you are. Once identified, use these strengths to take on roles and projects where you can shine the most.
2. Align your skills to make the most impact
Focus on areas where your strengths can have the greatest impact. This means strategically choosing projects or tasks that benefit most from your abilities. The women in our podcast often discussed how they identified opportunities where their contributions would be most significant, thereby enhancing their value to the organization. For instance, if you excel at communication, seek roles that involve stakeholder engagement or team leadership. Aligning your skills with organizational needs not only boosts your productivity but also amplifies your value to the team.
3. Continuously seek improvement and learning
Stay committed to personal and professional growth. Regularly updating your skills and knowledge ensures you remain valuable to your team and organization. Our podcast guests frequently mentioned the importance of continuous learning and adaptation to maintain their effectiveness and relevance in the workplace. Or, as Satya Nadella coined it, “be a learn-it-all, not a know-it-all”. Through continuous improvement, you not only enhance your own capabilities but also bring fresh insights and innovation to your team.
Applying these principles strengthens your contribution to your team and organization, ensuring your work is both impactful and fulfilling. Embrace your strengths, align them with strategic opportunities, and commit to ongoing learning to continually add value and drive success.
Listen to Season 1 of the Finding Your EPIC® podcast! Season 2 launching 11th September!
Read more from Jacqueline Frost
Jacqueline Frost, Founder and Creative Director at Elevate Talent
Jacqueline is a recognized leader in female executive development and mentoring. While her background includes a significant tenure in investment banking, her passion lies in empowering women to excel in leadership roles. She started her mentoring journey in 2009, sharing invaluable strategies for navigating high-pressure environments. Realizing the transformative effect of these lessons, she founded Elevate in 2016. This global virtual leadership program has equipped over 9,000 women from 50 countries with the skills to lead and influence in diverse industries. Her vision is to make leadership development accessible to women worldwide.
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