EmpowHERto Founder and multipreneur, Janeen Brown, shares her insight into what it means to be a leader and how compassion and transparency make great leadership traits.

Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship, and why?

My father has been quite the mentor for me. Every decision I make, he is the first person I ask what route to take. Throughout my entire life, he has been my go-to for all of my decisions. I do hope one day I can find a woman that I can look up to for inspiration as a mentor. This was actually my motivation for starting EmpowHERto. 

What traits or qualities do you think make someone a leader? 

In order to be a leader, you need to have compassion. You need to always think about why a person acts or says the things they do. Be transparent and understanding, as people make mistakes. You most definitely have to be headstrong and most importantly, confident. You want to lead a team, and you have to be able to be confident in your ability to do so. 

What is something you wish someone had told you during your career journey?

I wish someone would’ve told me that this ride would not be easy, especially when overseeing a team. Everyone has different personalities, and learning how to work with different people is very important. 

What has been the most important risk you’ve taken as a leader?

Quitting my job with nothing to hold onto if my entrepreneurial journey didn’t work out. I definitely do not regret doing so though, as it’s been quite the ride.

What leadership skills do you continue to grow and develop, and why?

I’m currently working with a leadership coach. I do believe I still have a lot to learn! I’m learning about emotional intelligence and how crucial it is in this position. As well as remembering that I cannot do everything. I need to delegate and let the rest of the team take care of what they were hired to do. 

How do you balance planning for the future while being present within your organization?

By planning strategically and taking time at the end of the year to plan ahead. As well as always having a backup plan. You never know when something can go wrong.

What has been one of your biggest challenges as a leader?

Staff engagement. How do we keep our team engaged so they are not leaving the organization? How are we recognizing and appreciating our staff? This has been challenging, as everyone is different and has their own motivation for being in their role. 

Follow us online @empowherto and on our blog for more leadership content.