Back yourself and have a go – you’re capable of more than you realise.
Lana has spent her career working in IT, starting out as a software developer and quickly expanding into senior management roles on large scale system implementations and transformation programs. She is the Head of Change & Development at CMC Markets APAC, responsible for shaping and delivering the strategic roadmap for the region. Lana is the co-chair of the Women@CMC Leadership Committee and also a member of the Executive Committee.
Lana has lived in South Africa, the UK and Australia and travelled extensively for business and leisure. It’s through experiencing different countries and cultures that she’s come to appreciate the diversity and the richness it brings to life and is a strong advocate for gender diversity in the
Top tips
- Keep honing your communication skills. These are essential in every aspect of life, and particularly for good leadership and getting your message across. Practise public speaking and presenting whenever you get the chance, tackle difficult conversations, be clear and concise.
- Ask for feedback often and welcome it with an open mind. It’s an invaluable way to gauge how others see you and where you can improve.
- Never underestimate the value of time invested in building personal relationships and meeting people. It will help you find new ideas and opportunities and develop a diverse network of resources. Join a networking group, attend industry conferences, go to your company social events, talk to colleagues in the kitchen, offer your help.
- Be conscious of how you present yourself and the impression you create when you turn up. You are building your personal brand whether you choose to or not, so always bring a positive attitude.
- Find a mentor or a role model you can look to for guidance and read the books of the people you admire. I love “Live Lead Learn” by Gail Kelly, former CEO of Westpac Bank, and “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Best piece of advice I have been given
Back yourself and have a go – you’re capable of more than you realise. It’s a message that really stuck with me from Gail Kelly’s book “Live Lead Learn”.
Key Advice for someone looking to progress
Change takes action. Make a plan, work consistently at it, and never stop learning.
