As a working society, much progression has been made over the years with the advancement of women holding leadership positions in areas that may once have been considered nontraditional female roles. However, there is still plenty of room for women to break through the gender gap glass ceiling.
On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, corporate America could take a lesson or two from powerful female leadership that represent a gamut of industries. Why? When you get down to it, it’s not about a competition between a suit and tie versus a suit and heels; it’s about getting the job done effectively with excellence.
Dorothy Shaw with Ingalls Shipbuilding and Kathy Scarbrough with Navigator Credit Union are two women who have broken through that gender gap glass ceiling. In this Q&A, they offer valuable insight about what they have learned on their journey to leadership.
Dorothy D. Shaw
Manager, Community Relations/Government affairs Ingalls Shipbuilding, Pascagoula
In the position you hold, what are your responsibilities?
I am responsible for:
- Developing, implementing and administering community affairs and social responsibility programs for the company
- Coordinating participation in community and charitable activities, philanthropy projects and interactions with community-based organizations
- Representing the company at public functions
- Interacting with local and state governments
- Ensuring that employees and leadership team members are provided opportunities for community engagement
- Managing annual budget
Do you feel you have to work harder to be successful in your nontraditional female role?
I do not feel that I have to work harder. I do have to make sure that I am always prepared for whatever situation arises. I have to ensure that I am always included in the conversation so that I am aware of what is happening in the organization and that I can adequately address those business issues.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
This may sound somewhat unconventional, but I think the most significant barrier to female leadership is the fact that we sometimes underestimate our own power and ability. The possibilities for women are unlimited and we must seize every opportunity to lead. I want to quickly acknowledge, though, that there are still some barriers such as there not being enough women in the pipeline to move into available positions. This may be due, in part, to the fact that women have not always been readily accepted in mid-level leadership positions and therefore are not in line to move into the next level when there are opportunities. Another barrier is that some companies are just not ready to have women in leadership roles and women are sometimes held to a higher standard than male counterparts.
What does leadership mean to you?
To me, leadership means having the ability to move out of the way and allow others to maximize their potential. It means not micromanaging but motivating others to excel. It means leveraging the strengths of your team members so that they feel valued. It means having the ability to make tough decisions when needed. It means working to ensure that I am trusted, respected, that I am accountable and that I always lead by example. It means that I maintain the highest moral and ethical standards at all times and in all situations.
How do you balance family and work?
This one is not always easy. The nature of my work requires me to attend numerous after-hour functions, some occurring on weekends. I have a very supportive husband who often accompanies me to these activities. I do find time, however, to enjoy a great book or enjoy fun events with friends.
What was your dream job as a kid and why?
My dream job as a child was to become a lawyer because I thought they were really smart, made a lot of money and lived in beautiful homes. As I matured, I found that to be a fantasy and I explored other options.
What woman inspires you and why?
I was most inspired by Dr. Dorothy I. Height. She managed to overcome many obstacles in her life, worked fervently to help ensure the rights of minorities and women were protected and lead a national organization to prominence. All the while, she was focused on the innate power of women and inspired them to soar to new heights. She mentored me and I am grateful for that.
What advice would you give to other women who may encounter gender-related roadblocks in their pursuit of a nontraditional female role?
Never, ever give up. Always believe in a Power higher than yourself. Believe in yourself more than others. Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone because your comfort zone may become your failure zone. If you’re asked to take on new assignments, do it. Go beyond the norm. Build a network of supportive women and ask them for advice on the “do’s and don’ts.” Always know that you may have to work a bit harder than others, but the reward comes in the end.
Kathy Scarbrough
Chief Communications Officer Navigator Credit Union
In the position you hold, what are your responsibilities?
As a senior executive team member, I have been fortunate to be part of Navigator Credit Union’s ongoing success. I am particularly proud of the role I have played in ensuring 19 consecutive years of member, asset and loan growth. My primary responsibility is the management of the Navigator brand through strategic marketing initiatives and developing both short and long-term solutions to achieve corporate objectives. Throughout my tenure, I have been called upon to lead Operations, Human Resources, Training and our Call Center during times of transition. I also oversee one of the most successful wealth management programs in the country — a true testament to our incredible teamwork that puts the member first.
Do you feel you have to work harder to be successful in your nontraditional female role?
It certainly has been a challenge for women in the past to break barriers and achieve the same levels of success as their male counterparts. As an advocate for working women, I’m pleased with the progress our nation has made. It is my hope that we will continue to move forward so that women will not have to work as hard to receive the salary, promotions and recognition they deserve.
What do you think is the most significant barrier to female leadership?
The greatest obstacle for women in today’s marketplace is to see oneself, and be seen by others, as a leader. In spite of our best efforts to educate and encourage young women to take leadership roles, the transition necessary to move to the next level involves a change of mindset and a belief in one’s own competence. There is still more we can do to mentor other women and help them make the transition to a leader.
What does leadership mean to you?
Leadership is the ability to see solutions that no one else sees and devise a workable plan that can be easily understood and executed by others. Leadership requires collaboration, transparency and an openness to ideas. For others to follow, a leader must exemplify integrity, be willing to share credit and effectively communicate expectations of desired results.
How do you balance family and work?
I cannot say enough about a strong support system. Family and friends have been invaluable when travel and projects have consumed my schedule. I am a big believer in efficiency and do everything I can to maximize my personal productivity. I’m still working on making exercise and relaxation a consistent part of my life. When I do, I am much more effective in tackling any task — whether personal or professional.
What was your dream job as a kid and why?
When I was young, I wanted to be an actress and, of course, become famous. I imagined sharing my wealth and using my fame for worthy causes. Of course, the celebrity lifestyle was a definite attraction as well! I’ve never seen the bright lights of Broadway or Hollywood, but I have been blessed to share my talents on stage to entertain and educate others throughout my career.
What woman inspires you and why?
I’ve always loved to read biographies about famous people. In particular, I have been inspired by the achievements of pioneering women whose contributions have made a lasting difference. I’m fascinated by the accomplishments of women who have led their countries such as Catherine the Great, Elizabeth I, Indira Gandhi and Margaret Thatcher. I’ve also been inspired by the lives of women such as Marie Curie, Madame C.J. Walker, Amelia Earhart and Helen Keller who have persevered against unimaginable odds. There are also stories about women such as Mother Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Sojourner Truth and Maya Angelou whose contributions remind me of the power of words and actions to change the world.
What advice would you give to other women who may encounter gender-related roadblocks in their pursuit of a nontraditional female role?
I would tell any individual to work hard and strive for excellence. Both are noticed by others and will lead to success. There is no substitute for being passionate about what you do and giving every task and project your absolute best. The rewards are not always instant, but they will follow the person who consistently delivers outstanding results. If others doubt you, it is much easier to convince them of your skill and worth with a proven record of accomplishment.