6 Advancing Women Conference Deanna Ciaccia Christine Gillespie’s presentation at the Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference (AWCWEST2024) in Calgary was truly inspiring. Christine is seasoned leader with an extraordinary story, whose journey from living independently at 16 to becoming President and CEO of Gaia Global Advisors is both compelling and motivational. Her talk did not just highlight career strategies; it offered a fresh perspective on how to navigate growth in a way that is strategic and empowering. Christine’s story began with challenges that shaped her determination. Living on her own at 16 and married and then becoming a mother at 19, she was a single mom just a few short years later. She set out to create stability for her family and secure a future with financial independence. After buying her first home, she hit an unexpected wall. Without a plan beyond that milestone, she realized ambition could plateau without a long-term vision. This insight led her to set goals that pushed her beyond her comfort zone—a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG). Career growth is not linear explains Christine; it is a series of steps that shift as you progress. Christine suggests that early on in a career journey, women should focus on developing core skills like reliability, adaptability, and trustworthiness. As people move into leadership roles, their perspective needs to expand; it is not just about doing your job well but inspiring others, building a network, and crafting a personal brand. Christine likened career progression to a slope: performance is most crucial at the start, forming a foundation for early success. At mid-career and executive levels, influence, leadership, and strategic networking drive continued growth. Christine shared an intriguing exercise called the 100-year vision to guide decisions. It involves imagining yourself at age one hundred, considering your surroundings, relationships, and finances. Then, step back by decades to when you are 90, 80, and so on, asking the same questions each time. This visualization helps clarify Career growth is not linear explains Christine; it is a series of steps that shift as you progress. AMBITION TO IMPACT INSIGHTS ON NAVIGATING CAREER GROWTH AND BUILDING STRATEGIC SUCCESS
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