Leading with Heart: Odette Peralta of The Social Savvy On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership
An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping my authentic leadership style. My mentors have provided invaluable guidance and support, helping me navigate challenges and unlock my full potential. By communicating authentically with both my mentors and mentees, I aim to inspire and empower others to embrace their unique strengths and lead with authenticity.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Odette Peralta.
Odette Peralta is a renowned digital marketer with over seven years of experience in the field. She holds a New Media degree from Molloy University and a Certification in Technology Entrepreneurship from HarvardX. Odette has gained global recognition as one of the Top 100 Marketers and Influencers.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
Thank you so much for having me! My journey into the world of digital marketing began with a deep passion for blending creativity and technology. After completing my New Media degree, I embarked on a mission to revolutionize how businesses connect with their audiences online, leading me to found The Social Savvy.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
One of the most memorable moments in my career was when we launched a campaign for a small local restaurant. Despite limited resources, our team’s innovative approach garnered widespread attention, resulting in a significant increase in foot traffic and revenue for the business. It was a testament to the power of creativity and strategic thinking in achieving remarkable outcomes.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
What sets The Social Savvy apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity and personalized solutions. We believe in going beyond conventional marketing tactics to create genuine connections between brands and their audiences. One instance that truly exemplifies this was when we collaborated with a health food startup. By aligning their messaging with their core values and leveraging user-generated content, we helped them establish a loyal customer base and stand out in a crowded market.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
The three character traits that have been instrumental to my success are resilience, empathy, and adaptability. In one instance, our team faced a major setback with a client’s campaign. Despite the challenges, I remained resilient, rallying the team to pivot our strategy and deliver exceptional results. Through empathy, I understood the concerns of both the client and our team, fostering trust and collaboration. Lastly, adaptability allowed us to evolve and thrive in an ever-changing industry landscape.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
Leadership often presents tough decisions, and one that stands out for me was when we had to part ways with a longstanding client due to misalignment in values. It was a difficult choice, but ultimately, it allowed us to uphold our integrity and focus on serving clients who truly resonated with our approach. This experience reinforced the importance of staying true to our principles, even in challenging situations.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
Embracing my unique leadership style, characterized by authenticity and empathy, has led to a significant positive impact within my organization. By fostering a culture of openness and inclusivity, we’ve seen improved collaboration, creativity, and employee satisfaction. One notable instance was when a team member shared a bold idea during a brainstorming session, which ultimately led to a breakthrough campaign that exceeded our client’s expectations.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience, often seen as a masculine trait, with showing vulnerability, which is equally powerful, but typically feminine? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
Balancing resilience and vulnerability has been key to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment within my team. By demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity while also showing vulnerability, I’ve created a space where team members feel empowered to voice their opinions and share their challenges. This balance has enhanced trust and communication, ultimately driving better outcomes for our projects.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes, especially in situations where traditional male-dominated approaches are the norm? What strategies have you employed to remain authentic to your style?
As a woman in leadership, challenging gender stereotypes has been an ongoing journey. I’ve navigated male-dominated environments by staying true to my authentic leadership style, which emphasizes collaboration and empathy. By leading with integrity and confidence, I’ve been able to challenge traditional norms and inspire others to embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?”
Emotional intelligence and active listening are fundamental to creating an inclusive environment within my organization. By actively listening to team members’ perspectives and empathizing with their experiences, I’ve fostered a culture of respect and understanding. One instance where these qualities enhanced team dynamics was during a conflict resolution meeting, where open dialogue and empathy led to a mutually beneficial resolution.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style, and how do you communicate authentically to inspire and empower both your mentors and mentees?
Mentorship has played a pivotal role in shaping my authentic leadership style. My mentors have provided invaluable guidance and support, helping me navigate challenges and unlock my full potential. By communicating authentically with both my mentors and mentees, I aim to inspire and empower others to embrace their unique strengths and lead with authenticity.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
Absolutely! Leading authentically as a woman can have a profound impact on leadership. Firstly, it fosters trust and loyalty among team members, leading to improved collaboration and productivity. Secondly, it encourages diversity of thought and perspective, driving innovation and creativity within the organization. Thirdly, it promotes a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, where every voice is valued and respected. Fourthly, it enhances resilience and adaptability, enabling leaders to navigate challenges with grace and integrity. Lastly, it inspires others to embrace their authenticity and lead with purpose, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the workplace and beyond.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
While being an empathetic leader can yield numerous benefits, there are potential pitfalls to be mindful of. One challenge is the risk of burnout, as empathetic leaders may prioritize others’ needs over their own. To address this, it’s crucial to practice self-care and set boundaries. Additionally, there may be instances where empathy leads to difficult decisions, such as providing constructive feedback or enforcing accountability. However, by balancing empathy with clear communication and strategic decision-making, these challenges can be navigated effectively.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)
If I could start a movement, it would be focused on promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By fostering environments where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered, we can unlock untapped potential and drive innovation on a global scale. This movement would advocate for equitable hiring practices, mentorship programs, and diversity training to create a more inclusive and welcoming workforce for everyone.
How can our readers further follow you online?
You can follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok at @CEOdette or @Thesocialsavvy for more insights and updates on digital marketing and leadership. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts, and I wish you all continued success in your endeavors!
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Pirie is a TedX speaker, author and a Life Empowerment Coach. She is a co-host of Own your Throne podcast, inspiring women in the 2nd chapter of their lives. With over 20 years in front of the camera, Pirie Grossman understands the power of storytelling. After success in commercials and acting. She spent 10 years reporting for E! Entertainment Television, Entertainment Tonight, also hosted ABC’s “Every Woman”. Her work off-camera capitalizes on her strength, producing, bringing people together for unique experiences. She produced a Children’s Day of Compassion during the Dalai Lama’s visit here in 2005. 10,000 children attended, sharing ideas about compassion with His Holiness. From 2006–2009, Pirie Co-chaired the Special Olympics World Winter Games, in Idaho, welcoming 3,000 athletes from over 150 countries. She founded Destiny Productions to create Wellness Festivals and is an Advisory Board member of the Sun Valley Wellness Board.In February 2017, Pirie produced, “Love is Louder”, a Brain Health Summit, bringing in Kevin Hines, noted suicide survivor to Sun Valley who spoke to school kids about suicide. Sun Valley is in the top 5% highest suicide rate per capita in the Northwest, prompting a community initiative with St. Luke’s and other stake holders, to begin healing. She lives in Sun Valley with her two children, serves on the Board of Community School. She has her Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and is an Executive Life Empowerment Coach, where she helps people meet their dreams and goals! The difference between a dream and a goal is that a goal is a dream with a date on it!
