Anisa Crespo of My Mompreneur Studio On How We Can Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and Management

An Interview With Vanessa Ogle

Flexible Work Arrangements: Providing flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, flexible hours, or job sharing opportunities, can increase women’s engagement in leadership and management roles. Flexible work arrangements enable women to better balance their work and personal responsibilities, allowing them to pursue leadership positions without sacrificing their family or personal life. By offering flexibility, organizations demonstrate their commitment to supporting women’s career advancement and create an environment where women feel valued and empowered to take on leadership roles.

Despite strides towards equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership and management roles across various sectors. In this series, we would like to discuss the barriers to female advancement in these areas and explore actionable strategies for change. We are talking with accomplished women leaders, executives, and pioneers who have navigated these challenges successfully, to hear their experiences, tactics, and advice to inspire and guide the next generation of women toward achieving their full potential in leadership and management roles. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Anisa Crespo.

Introducing Anisa Crespo, Founder of My Mompreneur Studio, a passionate advocate for empowering women to build empires by discovering their purpose. Guided by the core values of faith, family, health, wealth and freedom, Anisa is on a mission to inspire and uplift women to achieve their dreams.

As a dedicated mompreneur, Anisa is no stranger to a healthy work-life balance. With an unwavering commitment to these pillars, she strives to create a life that exemplifies the harmony of these values. Her journey is a testament to the belief that women can excel in both their personal and professional lives.

In her pursuit of health, wealth, and freedom, Anisa has become a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female mompreneurs, solopreneurs and entrepreneurs. Through her own experiences, she has learned to leverage resources effectively and is passionate about sharing these insights with others. She believes that every woman has the potential to craft her own path and build a successful empire.

Driven by the desire to encourage and support women in their entrepreneurial endeavors, Anisa has become a mentor and guide for those seeking to navigate the world of business. Her approach is rooted in empowerment, providing women with the tools and knowledge to confidently chase their dreams. She is on a laser focused mission to help 1,000 moms become truly happy and financially independent by 2030 so they can have freedom to spend time and money with their families!

With a sparkle of inspiration and a heart full of determination, Anisa stands as a shining example of what it means to live by one’s values. She envisions a world where women embrace their potential, break barriers, and create lasting legacies. Join Anisa on this empowering journey, where the pursuit of dreams is not just a goal but an extraordinary way of life.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

I was raised by a single mom in a household where the scarcity mindset was prevalent, but love was abundant. After going through her divorce, my mom taught me the importance of independence and self-reliance, instilling in me the belief that I should never depend on anyone else to take care of me. This early lesson shaped me into the fiercely independent woman I am today.

Throughout my life, I faced numerous challenges, but I never let them define me. Instead, I viewed each obstacle as an opportunity for growth and learning. Despite significant setbacks, my comebacks have always been 10X and have made me stronger than before.

After spending years in male-dominated industries, I experienced a spiritual awakening that led me to discover my true purpose: helping women. I believe that every failure has been a blessing in disguise, as it has equipped me with the knowledge and wisdom to guide other women on their journeys to success and happiness.

Now, I’m committed to fast-tracking women to success by sharing the lessons I’ve learned along the way. My mission is to empower women to avoid the mistakes I made and unlock their full potential.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

One of the most fascinating experiences I’ve had since shifting into the women empowerment movement was completely accidental: starting a podcast. It all began with a spontaneous decision during a Zoom call with another business owner. We recorded and swapped our stories to our networks, and the response was overwhelming. Women from all over reached out, wanting to join in. Overnight, “She Swaps” was born.

Suddenly, my calendar was filled with conversations with women from diverse backgrounds, all over the world, sharing their struggles, journeys, businesses, fears, and achievements. “She Swaps” became a safe space for women to use their voices and share their stories with the world. It’s been an honor to facilitate these conversations and connect with such incredible women worldwide.

Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that significantly influenced your path to leadership?

A pivotal moment in my career that profoundly shaped my path to leadership was when I became a partner in the Women’s Impact Network (WIN). This opportunity quickly caused me to develop a close relationship with the founder, Janet Clark, with whom I share core values such as faith, family, health, wealth, freedom, and a mission to change the world one woman at a time.

Through my partnership with WIN, I’ve been given the platform to lead and empower women on their journey to freedom and abundance. It’s been an incredible opportunity to help women discover their purpose and achieve their goals. For this, I am eternally grateful.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Undoubtedly, the person I’m most grateful to for helping me on my journey is my husband. Throughout our 10 years together, we’ve experienced significant growth, overcoming hurdles and evolving together. Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a summit in Las Vegas hosted by She Rises Studios, where I made invaluable connections with inspiring women.

While my husband couldn’t join me at the summit, his unwavering support was palpable. From ensuring my safe travel, booking my accommodations, to providing comfort and care for our twin toddlers in my absence, he went above and beyond to support my dreams. His belief in me, coupled with his own unwavering support, has been the cornerstone of my success.

It takes a strong man to stand beside a strong woman, and I’m endlessly grateful for his grace and honor in doing so. His support has been instrumental in my journey, and I’m forever thankful for his presence in my life.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

“Rich Dad Poor Dad” opened my eyes to a new way of thinking about money and wealth. Kiyosaki’s story of contrasting his “poor dad,” who was his biological father and struggled financially despite being highly educated, with his “rich dad,” a friend’s father who was financially successful despite not having a formal education, challenged my beliefs about wealth and success, especially resonating with my childhood where money was often a source of stress and uncertainty.

One of the key lessons from the book is the importance of financial education and understanding the difference between assets and liabilities. This concept was revolutionary for me and prompted me to reassess my approach to money management and investing, leading me to my journey in real estate investing.

Moreover, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and investing in oneself to create financial independence. It inspired me to take control of my financial future and pursue opportunities to build wealth and create passive income streams.

Overall, “Rich Dad Poor Dad” has been a guiding light in my journey towards financial literacy and empowerment. It’s a book that continues to remind me of the importance of mindset and taking calculated risks in achieving financial success and freedom.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?

I am a firm believer in the power of mindset and the importance of believing in oneself. The quote, “Whether you think you can or think you can’t, you are correct,” has been a guiding principle for me, reminding me that my beliefs shape my reality.

One significant moment where this quote resonated deeply with me was when I made the decision to uproot my family and move over 1000 miles to Florida. It was a dream I had long harbored, but the logistics seemed daunting, and doubts crept in. However, I reminded myself of the power of belief and took a leap of faith.

Despite not having all the answers or a clear roadmap, I knew that I had to believe in my ability to make it happen. I refused to let fear hold me back from pursuing my dreams. With faith as my compass, I trusted that I would figure it out along the way, and I did.

Throughout the process, there were challenges and uncertainties, but my determined belief in myself and my vision kept me going. And eventually, we made it to Florida, turning my dream into reality.

This experience reaffirmed to me the importance of mindset and the incredible power we hold within ourselves to shape our destinies. By choosing to believe in our abilities and facing challenges with courage rather than fear, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our dreams.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

I’m thrilled to share that I am on a mission, and I want all women to be a part of it! My goal is bold: to empower 1000 moms to find and fund their own missions by 2030. How do I plan to achieve this? By showing up every day as my authentic self and staying true to my audience.

Through the pages of my books, I share insights, strategies, and stories to inspire and empower moms on their journey to success. Each word penned is a step closer to helping moms unlock their potential and pursue their dreams with confidence.

In my courses and mentorship program, I provide practical guidance, tools, and support tailored to help moms navigate the path to success. It’s not just about imparting knowledge, it’s about fostering growth, resilience, and self-belief.

My podcast, She Swaps, serves as a platform for women to amplify their voices and share their stories. It’s a safe space where diverse perspectives are celebrated, and where every woman’s voice is heard, valued, and respected.

In the Women’s Impact Network (WIN), I’m dedicated to creating connections, collaborations, and opportunities that bring value to each and every member. Together, we can uplift, support, and empower one another as we strive to make a difference in the world. I am linking arms and joining forces to make an impact. Every step we take, every woman we empower, brings us closer to our goal of creating a world where women can thrive, succeed, and fulfill their greatest potential.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this report, only about 31.7% of top executive positions across industries are held by women. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from leadership and management?

In my humble opinion and experience, while external factors such as gender bias and systemic barriers undoubtedly play a role, I believe the biggest obstacle holding women back from leadership and management roles is their own beliefs in themselves. As I’ve mentioned before, limiting beliefs can be detrimental to success in any environment, particularly in the business world.

In a society where women have historically faced challenges, it’s crucial for women to overcome these self-imposed limitations and cultivate a mindset of confidence and self-belief. By empowering themselves with a strong sense of worth and capability, women can break through barriers and thrive in leadership positions. It’s essential to address internal barriers alongside external ones to create a more equitable and inclusive workplace where women have equal opportunities to succeed.

In addition, building a supportive community is essential for women to thrive in leadership and management roles. Instead of competing against each other, we should focus on lifting each other up and creating spaces where we can share ideas, discuss challenges, and offer support. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration, we can empower women to navigate obstacles more effectively and build the confidence needed to pursue leadership opportunities. Together, we can create a network of encouragement and empowerment that enables women to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential in the workplace.

This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become leaders and managers?

Women are hard wired by nature to possess innate qualities such as empathy, compassion, and an inclination towards collaboration that uniquely qualify them for leadership and management roles. By embracing these qualities, female leaders bring diverse perspectives to the table, enriching decision-making processes and problem-solving in organizations. Their ability to consider a wider range of viewpoints fosters inclusivity and ensures that the needs and concerns of all stakeholders are addressed. Moreover, women’s natural tendency towards communication and relationship-building enhances team dynamics, creating a supportive and cohesive work environment where every member feels valued and empowered to contribute.

In addition to promoting collaboration and inclusivity, female leaders drive innovation and creativity within their organizations. Research has consistently shown that diverse teams, including those with gender diversity, are more innovative and better equipped to tackle complex challenges. Women leaders often bring fresh ideas and approaches to the table, pushing boundaries and driving positive change. By harnessing the diverse talents and perspectives of women in leadership roles, organizations can achieve better results and sustainable growth, ultimately leading to improved organizational performance.

Furthermore, the presence of women in leadership positions serves as a powerful catalyst for inspiring and empowering future generations of female leaders. Female leaders serve as role models and mentors, providing guidance and support to aspiring leaders and helping to cultivate the next generation of female talent. Their success demonstrates that leadership knows no gender, encouraging other women to pursue their own leadership aspirations with confidence and determination. Ultimately, encouraging more women to become leaders and managers not only promotes gender equality but also leads to more effective and successful organizations, driving positive change in society.

Can you please share “5 Things We Need To Increase Women’s Engagement in Leadership and Management?”

1 . Mentorship Programs Tailored to Women: Implementing mentorship programs specifically designed to support and empower women in their leadership journeys can significantly increase their engagement in leadership and management roles. These programs can pair aspiring female leaders with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and support tailored to their unique challenges and aspirations. By fostering meaningful mentorship relationships, women can gain valuable insights, expand their networks, and develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in leadership positions. Additionally, companies can consider hiring women coaches to facilitate these programs, thereby supporting female entrepreneurs and coaches while also enhancing the development of future women leaders within the organization. Through mentorship, women receive personalized guidance and support, ultimately increasing their readiness and motivation to pursue leadership opportunities.

2 . Flexible Work Arrangements: Providing flexible work arrangements, such as remote work options, flexible hours, or job sharing opportunities, can increase women’s engagement in leadership and management roles. Flexible work arrangements enable women to better balance their work and personal responsibilities, allowing them to pursue leadership positions without sacrificing their family or personal life. By offering flexibility, organizations demonstrate their commitment to supporting women’s career advancement and create an environment where women feel valued and empowered to take on leadership roles.

Example: Consider a company that introduces a remote work policy, allowing employees, including women, to work from home several days a week. This flexibility enables women to better manage their work-life balance, particularly if they have caregiving responsibilities or face challenges related to commuting. As a result, women feel more supported and empowered to pursue leadership opportunities within the company, knowing that they have the flexibility to balance their professional and personal lives effectively. Additionally, the company benefits from increased employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention, as well as a more diverse and inclusive leadership team.

3 . Eliminating the Stigma around Women in Leadership: Addressing and eradicating the pervasive stigma that suggests women are less capable or suitable for leadership positions is crucial to increasing their engagement in leadership and management roles. This can be achieved through proactive efforts to challenge stereotypes, promote gender equality, and celebrate the achievements of women leaders. By highlighting the successes of women in leadership and showcasing diverse leadership styles and capabilities, organizations can help shift perceptions and demonstrate that women are equally capable of excelling in leadership roles. Creating inclusive cultures that value and embrace the contributions of all individuals, regardless of gender, is essential for breaking down barriers and empowering women to step into leadership positions with confidence and pride.

4 . Cultivating Inclusive Leadership Cultures: Creating inclusive leadership cultures where diverse voices are heard, valued, and respected is essential for increasing women’s engagement in leadership and management roles. For example, leaders can foster open communication channels, solicit feedback from all team members, and actively promote diversity and inclusion initiatives. By championing inclusivity and creating environments where women feel empowered to contribute, organizations can cultivate a pipeline of diverse leadership talent and drive meaningful change. Additionally, incorporating fun activities or outings into the workplace can help relieve day-to-day stress and encourage team bonding. This could include team-building exercises, wellness workshops, or social events that provide opportunities for relaxation and connection among team members. By prioritizing employee well-being and creating a positive work environment, organizations can further enhance engagement and retention among women leaders.

5 . Promoting Transparent and Equitable Policies: Instituting transparent and equitable policies and practices is essential for fostering women’s engagement in leadership and management roles. Organizations can achieve this by implementing clear and fair promotion criteria, salary structures, and performance evaluation processes that are free from bias and discrimination. By ensuring transparency and accountability in decision-making, organizations can create a level playing field where women have equal opportunities for advancement and recognition. Additionally, providing training and resources on diversity, equity, and inclusion can help leaders and employees alike understand and address unconscious biases and create a more inclusive workplace culture. Through these efforts, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to gender equality and empower women to thrive and succeed in leadership positions.

In your opinion, what systemic changes are needed to facilitate more equitable access for women to leadership roles?

By implementing these systemic changes, organizations can create more equitable and inclusive environments where women have equal opportunities to access and thrive in leadership roles. These changes not only benefit individual women but also contribute to overall organizational success and societal progress towards gender equality.

While there are many answers, the biggest one in my opinion is implementing flexible work policies, such as remote work options, flexible hours, and parental leave policies. This can help remove barriers that disproportionately affect women’s career advancement. By accommodating diverse work styles and caregiving responsibilities, organizations can support women in balancing their professional and personal lives while pursuing leadership roles.

What strategies have you found most effective in mentoring and supporting other women to pursue leadership positions?

This is the core of my mission, and something I am passionate about. In my experience, the most effective strategy in mentoring and supporting other women to pursue leadership positions is to lead by example. I demonstrate various paths that women can take and guide them toward the one that aligns best with their goals and aspirations.

Additionally, I prioritize meeting each client where they are in their journey. Recognizing that every individual is unique with different needs, learning styles, and objectives, I tailor my approach to suit their specific circumstances. By building a strong relationship with my clients, I can provide personalized mentorship that goes beyond mere advice, drawing insights from historical events and supporting their individual needs and challenges. Through this approach, I aim to empower women to overcome obstacles and achieve their leadership aspirations with confidence and resilience.

How would you advise a woman leader about how to navigate the challenges of being a woman in a leadership role within a male-dominated industry?

Navigating the challenges of being a woman in a male-dominated industry requires a blend of confidence, finesse, and strategic thinking. Drawing from my experience in such environments, having been in a male-dominated industry for the better half of my career, I offer the following advice:

Recognize it’s not always about you. In male-dominated industries, like any other industry, decisions and actions may occur that have nothing to do with your performance or capabilities. Understanding this can help you navigate situations with a clearer perspective and avoid internalizing unnecessary pressure or criticism.

Differentiating assertiveness from aggressiveness is paramount. While it’s important to assert yourself and ensure your voice is heard, it’s equally crucial to do so in a respectful and professional manner. Aim to earn respect through your competence and contributions rather than through intimidation.

When faced with challenges or conflicts, approach them with professionalism and poise. Responding calmly and confidently, while also maintaining empathy and understanding, can help defuse tensions and foster constructive dialogue.

In leadership roles, particularly when leading teams with diverse backgrounds and experiences, building relationships and demonstrating empathy are essential. Take the time to connect with your colleagues, understand their perspectives, and show genuine care and concern. This can help bridge gaps, build trust, and encourage a more inclusive work environment.

When leading individuals, especially those who may have preconceived notions or reservations about female leadership, it’s important to sidestep ego and focus on collaboration. Emphasize the shared goals and objectives, highlight each person’s strengths and contributions, and strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.

By employing these strategies, women leaders can navigate the challenges of male-dominated industries with confidence, resilience, and effectiveness, ultimately driving positive change and paving the way for greater gender equality in leadership.

How do you balance the demand for authoritative leadership with the stereotypical expectations of female behavior in professional settings?

Balancing the demand for authoritative leadership with stereotypical expectations of female behavior in professional settings is a delicate dance that requires subtlety and strategic navigation. I prioritize authenticity in my leadership style, embracing my unique strengths while challenging societal norms. By communicating with confidence and clarity, I assert my authority while also fostering collaboration and empathy among team members.

I challenge stereotypes through action, consistently delivering results and advocating for gender equality in the workplace. Through mentorship and support, I empower women to defy expectations and pursue leadership roles with confidence. By championing inclusivity and driving positive change, I aim to create a professional environment where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

If I could inspire a movement, it would be centered around creating a world where gender equality is not something women have to fight for, but rather a fundamental principle ingrained in society. This vision aligns closely with my work in the Women’s Impact Network (WIN), where I am already actively engaged in empowering women and fostering inclusivity.

Through my endeavors, including authoring books, leading in WIN, and hosting my podcast, I aim to bring awareness to gender equality issues and inspire positive change. However, I also recognize the importance of inclusivity in this movement, acknowledging that men can also benefit from and contribute to the advancement of gender equality. As I sit here typing away, I am wondering if I should be offering my mentorship to men as well to expand my mission.

Ultimately, I believe that real change begins with individual transformation. By empowering individuals to challenge societal norms, biases, and stereotypes, we can collectively work towards creating a more equitable and just world for all. And most importantly, women possess the compassion and feminine energy to inspire change and harmony.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can easily follow my work online by visiting linktr.ee/anisacrespo, where you can connect with me on social media, join the Women’s Impact Network, subscribe to my podcast, or book a session directly through my calendar.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

Thank you!

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.

Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.