| Jennifer Garner, famous for her roles in Hollywood, is also a businesswoman. Committed to organic, healthy foods for kids, she co-founded and now serves as Chief Brand Officer for Once Upon a Farm, a plant-rich snacks and meal company.
While she has never taken a business class, Jennifer does not allow her lack of education and experience to hold her back. Instead, she shared in an interview recently that she enjoys “just being completely ignorant and having this incredible group of brilliant people to talk to.” Jennifer then revealed how she keeps learning from this group. “As we’re in meetings, I circle what I don’t understand so I can ask later.” With a resolve to grow from the people around her, Jennifer has learned to lead while leading. “It’s been a full-on education for me, but I’m happiest in a community.” “In the beginning, I was always asking [Once Upon a Time CEO John] Foraker. We’d finish a call, and I would call him back to ask these basic business questions.” But as Jennifer’s understanding and proficiency strengthened, so did her questions. She continued, “I started going deeper and asking questions that were more CPG-specific [Consumer Packaged Goods], then I would ask more grocery-related things and even go on sales calls all over the country.” How Jennifer’s belief in mentoring bolstered her leadership:
Jennifer didn’t allow her fear or imposter syndrome to derail her desire to join the company and become a leader. Rather, she looked to her community and leaned on the power of her peers to bridge the gaps in her wisdom. Her sage advice: “There is strength in believing in your partners.” © 2022. Ann Tardy and MentorLead. www.mentorlead.com. All Rights Reserved. |