3 important lessons that I’ve learned from my experience in the corporate world
Life proved to me time and again that there is no strong beginning without a good ending. Reason why every time there is a small or a big closing I like to reflect upon what I am taking with me out of that experience. I am going to share 3 of the learnings from my experience in the corporate world, that are closest to my heart.
Takeaway #1: “People are all we’ve got”
This line from Christine Scott Thomas in “Fleabag” resonates deeply with my own philosophy of life, which has been reinforced by my experience in the corporate world.
Many factors contribute to the quality of experience in a company – the values that are genuinely lived, not just written in statements and policies, the workplace culture, the listening channels, the assessment system, the appetite for innovation, and more.
In the end, however, the most valuable asset of any social construct is people. The quality of people determines the quality of relationships, which profoundly colors the overall experience.
As I wrote to my colleagues before wrapping up my work for Microsoft: “I’ve had the privilege of meeting incredible people and building strong, lifelong friendships. They say you are as rich as the many people who have touched your heart. I am undoubtedly richer for all the laughs, tears, and acts of love and kindness that have touched my heart while working at the best company in the world.”
Leaders who connect with people at a deeper level, showing curiosity to who they are as human beings and what they care for, actively investing in their growth, generate a culture where collaboration, experience sharing and support become the norm.
Takeaway #2: Leaders Are Human Too
Leaders may hold high positions and inspire admiration or respect, but they’re human too. Building a connection on a human level can often deepen relationships in unexpected ways.
For instance, a friend shared how a visiting executive was overwhelmed by a packed schedule. She offered something simple—a quick stop at a local veggie store for fresh salads. The team was grateful, and the gesture made a lasting impression, showing care beyond titles or roles.
Remember, leaders also have their own vulnerabilities, biases, and blind spots. Trusted advisors who speak honestly, even challenging leaders respectfully, are invaluable. Equally, leaders bear the responsibility to create a safe space for open dialogue, encouraging team members to voice concerns.
Psychological safety in teams is a subject I hold close, one I’ve focused on for the past seven years. I’ll share more about this in a future post.
Have any stories about connecting with leaders on a personal level? I’d love to hear how it impacted your relationship.
Takeaway #3 – How you are becomes more important than what you do
It is my view that the human quality of leaders is what drives the overall culture in an organization, a segment or a team. Leaders who take accountability for their own humanity, actively working on improving themselves at the core of who they are, will also be focused to create the right environment, support and energy for their teams.
This is why, growing up in your professional career, how you are as a human being becomes essential and more important than what you do.
I’ve seen deep impact of leaders working based on principles and values and putting people first, and I witnessed the opposite as well – leaders who play the corporate game for their own advancement, with less focus on the people, thus declining the vibe in a team of tens.
The capacity of the leader to maintain inner balance under pressure, to keep a clear mind in times of turmoil, take hard decisions while also showing empathy and support to the team members, and act with authenticity in every interaction requires intentional focus on working with your body, mind and heart. It requires that you know your own strengths, and your shadows as well, you own them, work on them, and accept that you might not always be the smartest person in the room, nor the strongest. Yet at every point in time, you know well, what you are bringing at the table, and why you are there. Building a great culture requires leaders who manifest inner balance and character.
For me, such inner balance came after years of meditation, yoga, self-reflection in various retreats, and various types of therapy. I’ve got to a point where not doing my morning meditation or my regular yoga practice is like missing on brushing my teeth, I feel I can’t face the world out there. It clears my mind and balances my energy.
I am really eager to find out what practice did you build in your own schedule to keep your mind clear off the noise and restore your inner balance?