We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Beth Hilbing a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Beth, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
As an executive woman in leadership in many different companies and roles and techology I have been the only female in the room on many occasions and it present unique challenges. Drawing from personal experiences, I have learned several key strategies to thrive in such situations:
Embrace Your Unique Perspective: Leverage the distinct viewpoints that come from your background. Your insights can enrich discussions and lead to innovative solutions.
Cultivate Confidence: Confidence is essential. Believe in your expertise and the value you bring to the table. This self-assuredness can influence others and foster respect.
Build Alliances: Seek out mentors and allies within and outside your organization. Strong support networks can provide guidance, amplify your voice, and create a sense of belonging.
Be an Advocate for Diversity: Use your position to champion inclusivity. Advocate for more diverse representation in leadership, which can ultimately enhance organizational performance.
Stay Resilient: The journey may be challenging, but resilience is key. Learn from setbacks and use them as opportunities for growth.
Communicate Effectively: Tailor your communication style to resonate with your audience. Clear, assertive communication can help you articulate your ideas and influence others.
By embracing these principles, I have not only navigated the complexities of being “the only one in the room” but have also turned these experiences into platforms for broader change within my career and ultimately lead me to start C-Sweet with my friend and peer Dianne Gubin.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Sr Executive with over 25 years + in management spanning Aerospace, Financial Institutions, Media and Entertainment, and Insurance companies. i.e., Northrop Grumman, Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union, Met Life, AOL/Time Warner, and currently The Boeing Company. An Executive that has managed staffing levels of 500+, budgets of 120 million dollars, and IT Software Contract Negotiations in multiple multimillion dollar awards. Senior level experience in global program management, merger and acquisitions, data center management, cyber security technology and IT strategic planning. Over Ten years of experience in corporate and non-profit boards, and Co-CEO for C-Sweet a National Executive Women’s Networking Organization with over a network of over 16,000 executives and offers over fifty programs a year with chapters in major cities nationwide. Received multiple awards for Women’s Executive Leadership, Small Company CEO, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. MBA with an emphasis in Finance and Business.
On the personal note I am a wine collector, cat lover, wife, and proud aunt to many wonderful nieces and nephews. Love to travel, cook, read, and organize anything. C-Sweet is my passion to give back as well as my board work that I love.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Executive Leadership and CEO: Demonstrating strategic vision and operational excellence, this strength involves guiding the organization toward its goals while ensuring effective team dynamics. A strong executive leader inspires and motivates employees, fosters a culture of accountability, and drives performance through clear objectives and metrics.
Fortune 100 Program and Service Builder: Experience in developing programs and services within Fortune 100 companies denotes a strong understanding of market trends and competitive landscapes. This involves strategic planning, program execution, and performance assessment to deliver high-value offerings that meet customer demands.
Board Member for Profit and Non-Profit: Serving on boards highlights your governance and strategic advisory capabilities. This experience provides insights into best practices in leadership and management while contributing to the overall health and sustainability of both for-profit and non-profit organizations.
Together, these strengths helped to aid me in being a well-rounded leader that is capable of driving growth, innovation, and sustainability while effectively navigating the complexities of leadership in diverse environments.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents instilled in me a strong sense of grounding and security, fostering the confidence that I can achieve anything. Their guidance also helped shape my moral compass. Additionally, my grandmother’s ownership of a restaurant and catering service, along with my grandfather’s clock company and both of my parents’ professional careers, contributed to my development of a strong work ethic. These experiences provided a solid educational foundation and exposure to diverse backgrounds, reinforcing the importance of kindness towards others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.csweet.org
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhilbing/
- Other: Csweet.talks podcast
https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-sweet/
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
