In this week's episode of OWN IT, we’re talking to Ellen Faulkner of Lewis Communications. We are going to learn a lot this week. Ellen is the CEO of Lewis where she has been for almost 39 years. She started as an account coordinator, but moved up and was SVP and managing director until last year.
Interestingly enough, she purposefully avoided ownership. But as time went on, she joined five others to take over the business from the former owner. She’s been the CEO for the last year and a half.
Now Ellen is also a bit of a legacy in our topic of ownership. Her mother owned the first woman-owned real estate company in the South Alabama region.
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Many women, especially mothers, put immense pressure on themselves, leading them to avoid opportunities like ownership. It's crucial for leaders to foster an environment where employees feel supported in prioritizing personal and family events without fear of career setbacks.
The advertising industry is in perpetual flux, requiring continuous adaptation. Businesses must constantly innovate and be willing to change their services and mindset to remain relevant and competitive. The past approaches may not work in the present or future.
When navigating significant business changes, such as ownership transitions or legal complexities, bringing in external consultants and legal counsel can be invaluable. Their specialized knowledge helps streamline processes and address challenges that internal teams might not be equipped to handle.
A truly successful company values its employees' well-being over solely client demands. Creating an environment where people feel supported during personal challenges and are encouraged to prioritize important life events leads to greater loyalty and a healthier work culture.
In a fast-paced environment, it's easy to get bogged down by minor issues. Leaders should encourage quick decision-making on less critical matters and empower themselves and their teams to "go for it" and not wait for perfect information, as learning is a continuous process.
