A forward-thinking leader isn't someone who has all the answers all the time—no one is expected to function flawlessly. (Even ChatGPT doesn't always get it right!) Instead, it's someone who can adapt and evolve quickly, knowing when to pivot and guide their teams through growing pains. Adaptable and resilient, they turn challenges into valuable learning opportunities. But it's one thing to describe them, and another to see them in action.
In this roundup, four women leaders share why committing to continuous growth matters and how conscious, strategic future-proofing drives their upward journey.
Erika Frieze, Owner & CEO at Bridges of the Mind
My realization for future-proofing came from the critical need for timely psychological services; seeing 9-month waitlists for neurodevelopmental assessments in hospital systems spurred me to create a more accessible model. My first steps involved transitioning to independent private practice and actively pursuing business acumen through the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business National Cohort 22, where I learned how to scale effectively.
A significant roadblock was maintaining our neurodiversity-affirming, individualized approach while rapidly expanding to multiple locations and securing major contracts. We overcame this by designing state-of-the-art facilities and transitioning to a concierge model for neurodevelopmental assessments, ensuring both clinical excellence and a welcoming, efficient environment.
My commitment to career growth helped empower others by enabling the development of Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) membership training programs for doctoral interns and postdoctoral fellows within Bridges of the Mind. For emerging women leaders, I recommend focusing on identifying critical service gaps, then leveraging business strategy education to translate passion into scalable, high-level solutions while prioritizing a culture of mentorship and professional development.
Jule Salem, Founder & Managing Director, Salem Solutions
I realized the need for future-proofing early in my career when I saw how quickly industries and people could become outdated if they didn't keep evolving. In the staffing and contact center world, especially in the technology sector, client needs and workforce expectations are constantly changing. I knew that if I wanted to stay relevant and lead others effectively, I couldn't rely on what had worked in the past.
The first step was self-awareness. I got really honest about where my skills were strong and where I needed to grow. Then, I committed to continuous learning—whether that meant reading, finding mentors, or investing in training programs. I also made a point to seek feedback from people around me, because they often noticed blind spots on my behalf.
One of the biggest roadblocks was time. Running a business and leading a team leaves little room for free time. Another was self-doubt— wondering if I could keep up with everything changing around me. I overcame those by being disciplined with my schedule, carving out non-negotiable time to learn, and reminding myself that progress is better than perfection. I believe that small, consistent actions compound over time.
By committing to my own growth, I set a positive example for my team. I show people my growth and what it looks like in real-time. That creates a culture where learning and evolving are the norm. My growth also expands my capacity to mentor others, open doors, and provide them with frameworks that I hope will help them succeed faster than I did.
I encourage everyone to:
- Build confidence through action: Don't wait to "feel ready"—take the step, and confidence will follow.
- Ask bigger questions: Instead of "How do I get promoted?" consider, "How can I solve the problems my leaders care most about?" That shifts you into solution mode.
- Invest in relationships. Careers accelerate when you build trust, credibility, and genuine connections.
- Own your voice. Don't water yourself down to fit in. The very thing that makes you different is often your greatest asset.
- Create your own playbook. Learn from others, but don't be afraid to lead in a way that feels authentic to you.
Jessica Lovell, SVP, Director of Customer Experience, First National Bank Texas
I saw future-proofing as a necessity when I noted how quickly customer expectations were shifting. As a community bank, this was a struggle because our strength has always been in personal relationships rather than the rapid adoption of new technologies. But customers wanted both high-touch service and high-tech solutions. We had to evolve if we wanted to continue making an impact and bridge that gap.
My first step was being honest with myself about where I needed to grow. I leaned into learning and took the lead on by launching a new digital chat and securing a messaging solution for our bank. That experience pushed me to understand the technical side while also helping our employees and customers adapt, which polished both my digital fluency and my leadership skills.
One of the biggest roadblocks over the years was self-doubt. I questioned whether I had the right background or skills to step into new spaces. I stopped seeing my nontraditional journey as a setback and started viewing it as my differentiator and embraced it as my strength.
By choosing growth, I permitted others to do the same. At our bank, we've launched specialized customer service training and recognition programs that have elevated the customer experience and built confidence in employees. Through Financial Women in Texas, we are creating mentorship opportunities to help women see what's possible. Growth multiplies when you use it to open doors for others.
Don't wait until you feel 100% ready. Start before you're comfortable. Focus on developing transferable skills, such as communication and adaptability, in addition to technical expertise. Seek out mentors and peers who will both encourage and challenge you. And above all, lead with authenticity. The future belongs to those who are resilient, real, and open to learning.
Natalie Beckerman, Chief Business Officer, iQor
I realized the importance of future-proofing early in my career when technology began reshaping how customers interacted with brands. Seeing how automation, analytics, and now AI were influencing customer expectations made it clear that leaders could no longer rely on past playbooks and had to continuously adapt to stay relevant.
The first step was humility, acknowledging what I didn't know and actively seeking out learning opportunities. I invested time in understanding AI-driven customer insights, omnichannel platforms and digital self-service tools. I also built a strong network of peers, vendors, and advisors to exchange knowledge and stay ahead of trends. I continue to learn everyday and encourage others to do the same.
One roadblock was information overload and how to rummage through new tools and trends that emerge constantly. It is super easy to get lost in "shiny object syndrome." I overcame this by focusing on technologies directly tied to customer impact and operational efficiency, and piloting small, controlled projects before scaling them up. Another challenge was bringing teams along on the journey, which I still find extremely important to this day. I learned that future-proofing isn't just about personal growth, but also about creating a culture of curiosity, innovation, and constant learning and evaluation.
By consistently learning and adapting, I've been able to model a growth mindset for my teams. I encourage colleagues to experiment, share ideas, and see technology as an enabler rather than a threat. This approach has helped create pathways for others to step into leadership roles with confidence, knowing they too can adapt and thrive in an evolving landscape.
I suggest a few best practices:
- Stay curious and hands-on: Don't wait for someone to explain new technologies to you. Explore, test, and learn firsthand.
- Find advocates and mentors: Surround yourself with people who both challenge and support you.
- Claim your voice: Bring data-driven insights and bold solutions to the table, even if they push beyond the status quo.
- Balance confidence with humility: Be proud of what you know, but stay open to feedback and continuous learning.
- Lead by lifting others: True elevation comes from showing others the path forward and bringing them along with you.
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