Judith Williams – TV star, investor, successful entrepreneur – speaks in an interview about important managerial qualities, crazy jobs and the worst advice she has received.
Do you think women or men are better bosses? And why?
I would never change that in this context and say that one or the other is better, it’s ultimately about the values that the person in question displays in their leadership. I am also convinced that a leadership role requires both female and male attributes. So I wouldn’t say that someone is better or worse because of their gender.
But what I do believe is that women are good at certain things and men are good at other things. Not because they actually can’t do some things, but because certain areas are simply not trained, because they may be socially connoted with one gender or the other. There are stigmas in our heads about how men or women should be. That’s why we have to get away from stereotypical thinking. Men have a lot of feminine sides that are completely crushed and atrophied and it would do them great to be able to live out this feminine side as well. And of course vice versa for women. And we are all allowed to develop further and better understand what an employee actually needs.
What was the craziest job you’ve ever done?
I’ve really done so many jobs in my life. Usher, ice cream seller, waitress, worked on the assembly line and in the stadium. But the craziest thing was a courier job where I got money for sitting on the plane. I was supposed to be transporting something medical – I didn’t know what it was. So I sat on the plane with the package, handed it in at the agreed place and flew back. When I say it like that, it actually sounds crazy. But that was all legal. I hope.
In your opinion, what are the top 3 skills you should have for a management position?
Empathy is definitely part of it, having an open mindset and acting calmly. But at the same time being able to act in a visionary way. I think this combination puts you in a good position for a management position. And being patient can also help a lot, just like reflecting on yourself again and again.
Is there one thing that you regret in your professional career?
No, I don’t regret anything. Because if for some reason you could have done it better or differently, you would have done it. You make your own experiences and have always caused corresponding actions yourself. These things always happen for a reason. I think it’s important to reflect and learn from your mistakes. That is something wonderful and one of the greatest treasures there is. Realizing that everything around you is a mirror of yourself definitely helps. I believe everything in life comes as it should, so I have no regrets.
What does female empowerment mean to you?
There are many aspects to female empowerment, the further development of the role of women in society is fundamental. In my opinion, the most important thing is the mindset. If we don’t manage to free ourselves from sentences like ‘What does a woman have to fulfil’, ‘What is the role of a woman’ or ‘What is female?’ and the requirements behind them, it becomes difficult with empowerment.
I see this narrative as a pitfall and not to be solved with aggressiveness, but to actively engage in exchange as the only solution. Above all, men must be held more accountable. Empowerment is: breaking with old images and saying, hey, there is another way. The younger generation does things differently and will go their own way.
Nevertheless, the previous generations were sometimes even more empowered than we are. My grandmother, for example, had five children, a great job and was already in a great position when it came to combining family and career and was simply a self-employed woman. She felt responsible and I think that’s the core of female empowerment. That we women act on our own responsibility and use what we can and may actually do and what we have worked for.
What was the worst advice you’ve ever received? And what the best?
‘You just have to hit it now’, that was the worst and most blunt advice. That’s just not my maxim in life. Anything that’s always about banging it breaks. That has never helped. Speaking a clear word is something else, but stupid outbursts to demonstrate power are of no use. The best advice is always: reflect and invest in yourself.
Who is your personal role model?
Oh, I have so many role models. There are so many great people around us. I always try to go through the world with open eyes and empathy to see what everyone is creating and to be grateful. I have new people around me every day who inspire me. It could be the woman at the cash register, it could be anything.
In a professional sense, I find Annemarie Börlind very inspiring and a strong woman. She was the pioneer of natural cosmetics when no one else was talking about it. Just how Estée Lauder founded and built her company impresses me.
What would you like to have more time for?
I’m always short on time and I would like not to be short on time – I don’t even know how that works. But seriously. I wish I had more time to dance.
The Mission Female business network, founded by Frederike Probert, is actively committed to more female power in business, society, media, culture, sports and politics. It unites successful women across all industries with the aim of making further professional progress together.
