International Women’s Day Spotlight: Leila Ansart

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Rethreaded had the opportunity to interview some amazing women: 

Leila Ansart is a beloved member of the Rethreaded community. She has a big heart for giving back to the community and is an incredible leader. Anyone who has the pleasure of meeting Leila is blessed by her kindness. Rethreaded is grateful to know her and have her as a Circle of Sisters member. 

We hope you enjoy her interview: 

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do (Job, interests/hobbies, how did you become involved with Rethreaded)?

A: I’m a Leadership Advisor and Executive Coach. I work with senior leaders in professional services, tech and scientific companies, helping them to navigate change so they can increase revenue, align teams and deliver on goals. Personally, I love the outdoors, especially hiking in the mountains, biking and walking. I’m also a wife and mom of two children.

I learned about Rethreaded at the beginning of 2019 while speaking with Kristin Keen. I couldn’t wait to help make a difference for such an amazing organization and immediately joined the Rethreaded Circle of Sisters. It’s a privilege to be able to help these resilient women regain their lives and hope.

Q: Have you faced any struggles while being a woman in leadership? What has been the hardest for you to overcome?

A: The biggest struggle I’ve faced with being a woman in leadership has been removing the obstacles I’ve placed in front of myself and thinking with a fresh perspective.  

Many times, I wasn’t aware that I had adopted the obstacles in front of me, but in reflection, I realized that I was living by ‘rules’ that were set by no one but myself. Learning to break these rules, so to speak, and define my own path has been the way to catapult myself forward. This has come into play across the gamut of my experience in business: from how I believe I am perceived (which translates to confidence and willingness to risk) to my ability to see innovative solutions to problems.

Q: What has been the most rewarding part of your life this far? What is the best part about that?

A: Making an impact in the lives of others has been the most rewarding part of my life. From raising my children to be strong and caring; being open to opportunities to serve in my community; I absolutely love seeing an immediate positive impact from my actions. I’m so lucky to have a career and volunteer work that both fulfill this ideal.

Q: What advice would you give women in leadership who are struggling to feel empowered in the workplace?

A: Focus first on the inner game and become strong there. Get help if you need it. Then pay attention to how you show up professionally: your leadership behaviors, habits and results and look for opportunities to grow. These behaviors are much simpler to isolate and change than we may believe when we first become aware of them. Invest in yourself with training, coaching, and a social circle that challenges and supports you. Finally, be intentional about speaking positively about your female peers. Update your language to represent the reality we want to experience and work together to elevate women in your workplace.

Q: What is an inspirational quote/verse/practice that you try to live by?

A: “What does this make possible?” When an opportunity doesn’t pan out, I try to actively look for the other open doors that may be there, but were hidden by my focus on the original one.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a colleague or someone you look up to professionally?

A: Plan only three priorities for each day. Any more than that, and none of them are priorities at all.

Thank you, Leila, for taking the time to share a little bit about yourself. We are grateful for leaders like you! 

Check out our other International Women’s Day Interview here: 

Jennifer Kowkabany 

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