Unlocking Leadership Insights: Gretchen Coss' Masterclass for 30 UNDER 30

Gretchen Coss, with her 41 years of experience, recently conducted a masterclass on leadership for the participants of the 30 UNDER 30 program. During this insightful session, both mentees and mentors had the opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of leadership, discussing obstacles they face as leaders and exploring ways to turn challenges into opportunities.

Gretchen's Background and Lessons Learned

Gretchen's journey in leadership began with aspirations of becoming a graphic designer and an Olympic athlete, ultimately deciding to pursue a career in graphic design. She is now Senior Vice President at G&A, an international group involved in diverse projects spanning music, arts, natural history, social and cultural history, and corporate experiences.

Throughout her career, Gretchen has learned valuable leadership lessons:

1.     Lead & Get Out of the Way: Leaders should provide clear direction and empower their teams to succeed. Avoid micromanagement and let your team shine.

2.     It's Not About You: Leadership is about the team's success, not personal glory. Understand what your team needs and earn their trust and respect.

3.     It Only Takes One: Toxic environments can be created by just one person. Avoid contributing to negativity and always be part of the solution.

4.     Positive Reinforcement: Offer praise, even for small achievements. But, be genuine, as smart individuals can discern insincere compliments.

Building Relationships

Effective leadership hinges on building strong relationships, both internally and externally. Key points include:

·      Collaborate and make plans with your team, not just for them.

·      Cultivate relationships by giving and receiving. Acts of kindness have a way of coming back to you.

·      Find intersections between business development, partnerships, and thought leadership. Synergy happens when connections are made.

·      Get involved early and often in professional organizations and mentorship opportunities.

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Finding Your Voice

Patience is vital. Building trust and respect takes time. You can't demand respect; you must earn it. Actions speak louder than words. Articulate your vision and take tangible steps to achieve it. Collaboration is essential in the creative industry, so embrace it and never stop learning.

Navigating Challenges and Opportunities

Responding to challenges and using your earned authority requires listening, being a facilitator, asking questions, and showing vulnerability. Let others speak and don't feel threatened by their ideas. Asking for help and seeking guidance can earn respect without undermining your position.

Leadership is an ongoing journey that evolves with time. Aspiring leaders must understand that their journey doesn't end until retirement. Key takeaways include knowing when to lead, balancing empathy, being open to learning, and respecting others' expertise.

Throughout the masterclass, participants shared insights on topics such as knowing your audience, respecting others' expertise, and giving both positive and constructive feedback. Surrounding oneself with inspirational people and embracing differences as strengths were also emphasized.

In the ever-changing landscape of leadership, Gretchen Coss' masterclass provides valuable guidance and insights for the emerging leaders of the 30 UNDER 30 program and beyond.