In this episode of Career Can Do, host Mary Ann Faremouth interviews Rachel Bellow, the co-founder of Bonfire, a leadership development program for women. Rachel discusses her journey in creating the program and the importance of providing women with the tools and skills necessary to become effective leaders. She also shares her insights on how leadership has evolved over time, emphasizing the need for emotional intelligence and influence rather than just inspiration.
It’s often difficult to persuade companies and leaders to adopt a fresh approach to leadership, Rachel tells Mary Ann. Many people in management positions are set in their ways and are resistant to change. This mindset can have negative consequences on the company’s bottom line, as high turnover and low employee morale can hurt productivity and performance. Branding and marketing are the keys to convince these leaders to adopt a new approach to leadership, Rachel believes. Developing a distinctive brand that catches their attention is often all it takes to help them acknowledge the necessity for change.
Bonfire’s unique branding and community-focused program has helped catch the attention of HR leaders, many of whom are women themselves. They understand the importance of creating an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and fosters community. Rachel believes that women are natural architects of change and can influence the workplace to work for everyone.
The results of her program show that women who participate are energized and empowered to create positive change in their workplaces, contributing their unique skills and perspectives to make their companies more profitable, fun, and fulfilling places to work.
Rachel shares valuable advice for individuals who may be at a crossroads in their career paths. She stresses the significance of following your own curiosity when it comes to your career development. Rather than trying to map out your career trajectory in your head, she suggests that you ask yourself what you want to learn more about, who you want to learn from, and what kind of physical environment you want to learn in. These three questions, according to Rachel, are the most reliable compass you have when trying to determine your career path. By following your curiosity and being mindful of your interests, you can find a career that is not only fulfilling but also aligns with your passions and aspirations.
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