WIL Talk #129 Dr. Andrea Simon, PhD, CEO of Simon Associates Management Consultants (SAMC)

What does it take to navigate the labyrinth of challenges that women confront daily in our work and in our lives? Dr Andrea “Andi” Simon joins us to discuss just how we might do this. Dr Andi is a pioneering corporate anthropologist renowned for guiding companies through transformative change.  She is the author of two acclaimed books and now a third which she co-authored in order to amplify the wisdom of over 102 women. She is joined by Edie Fraser and Robyn Spizman in the creation of “Women Mean Business”. She is also the CEO of the award-winning, Simon Associates Management Consultants, where she brings theories, methods, and the tools of anthropology into businesses to help them “see, feel, and think” in new ways, revolutionizing change.Dr. Andi and I take a deep dive into understanding what drives her passion for transformative change and what prompted her approach of using ethnography and the observations garnered from anthropological research to help companies to change and also this focus on empowerment of women by sharing their wisdom and expertise. So what exactly is an anthropology approach, it is an approach that is focused on observing, being curious, and just watching what happens before we make any conclusions or assumptions. There is great power in being ok with uncertainty and just watching to see what unfolds. Her mission is to help organizations not only see what needs to happen but to be able to feel and think it through. If you pay attention there will always be themes that emerge.So why are so many of us resistant to change? Change is scary and it is the unknown. We as humans like to feel safe and so three things, she shares with us to know:Know your mind has a story – whether it is true or not is dependent on you.You live it and therefore it becomes a habit.Makes you feel consciously incompetent.We are not sure how to play the game so change seems scary. The pandemic is a great example of how we quickly adapted to the uncertainties and so the important thing is to manage your mind and just show up.In her latest book, “Women Mean Business” she and her co-authors celebrate and elevate women by showcasing their wisdom and stories to help us better navigate the complexities in life. She reminds us if we cannot see our role models it’s hard to be one. We must engage on all levels and be aware of what and how we show up. Her own personal mottos include that it’s not about me but about us, to make change your friend, and build your resilience so that you can thrive. Such a great episode packed with many examples of how change can help you to thrive.Interested in knowing how you might be showing up as a leader? Visit us at www.wilempowered.com and take our free leadership quiz. #change #anthropology #celebratewomen #womenleaders #wilempowered #wiltalk