conversations
Ask me anything
Dell ’ s rising talent sit down with seasoned executives to ask the questions on the minds of Gen Z .
Jen Felch , chief digital officer and CIO / Megan Wylie , software analyst How do you interpret success ? There are at least two ways that I look at success . The first is if I am solving problems and creating value , and the second is about providing an environment where individuals from diverse backgrounds can flourish and do the same . Both of these interpretations need continuous investment to get and stay strong , just like a professional athlete is always training to get better .
How does vulnerability play a role in your leadership ? Vulnerability demonstrates that it ’ s okay not to know everything and that we ’ re all going to make mistakes . What ’ s important for leaders is how you embrace others ’ ideas and how you react when things go wrong or when obstacles arise . Without these things , you ’ ll never get innovative ideas from your team .
At a time when you doubt yourself , how do you regain confidence ? Self-reflection is a powerful tool . When I have doubts about a decision , I start by outlining the pros and cons and try to remove emotion from the equation . For regaining confidence , focus on things that have gone well . If you make a mistake , acknowledge it , correct it and understand how you can avoid repeating it — do that and then move on . It ’ s all part of the learning process .
PHOTO BY JEFF WILSON
How do you continue to grow while leading ? My mantra is : “ If you want to change the world , become a better listener .” Also , have a network of people who support you , give you confidence and offer you real-time feedback when you do things wrong — it ’ s so important . And you ’ ve got to keep learning , including from the people and events around you .
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