Airport Experience® News - Leadership 2022

Women in Leadership (from left to right): Larissa C. Dubose, Nicole Burns, Véronique Dubois, Cassandra Bozeman and Nikki Tinsley Harland

I took a longer road than necessary at times by not reaching out to others. It’s one thing to advocate for myself, right? But asking for help, that can be a completely different scenario. NIKKI: I think strong and independent women often have a problem asking for help because it gives the cultural perception that you are weaker. But I think it’s important. LARISSA: Yes, I look at my daughter for that inspiration. Since she was two, she’s spoken affirmations in the mirror every morning. And so, just being a great example for her is important. I talked about doubt getting in my own way, and my job is to not project that on her. If I can give her the tools to have productivity without the drama, without those voices getting too loud, that’s really my goal. And paying it forward is something that’s

really important to me. If I can continue to be an example or mentor, that’s how I continue to edify the next generation and give them the tools that I didn’t have. It shouldn’t be as hard for that next generation, and my job is to make sure that it isn’t. MARIA: I agree. Always pull somebody up. You value yourself and then pass that on to the next. It’s important for women to feel capable of accomplishing what they want to do. I have eight things that I try to live by to help accomplish that and I’ll share just a few. First, invest in women-owned businesses. How else can they come along if we don’t You value yourself and then pass that on to the next. Always pull somebody up.

support them? Second, make impactful introductions. A powerful introduction can make an immense change on a career. Next, share the knowledge. If your past mistakes or successes can help other women avoid similar mistakes or provide a great idea, then you’ve made a positive impact with little effort. Finally, promote women out loud on social media. Those testimonials and real stories are what sell products and services. Supporting women in this way is easy and free. NIKKI: Absolutely. Raising our voices, loudly sometimes, in support of each other is so important for empowering women in all stages of their careers. Thank you so much for this amazing discussion, ladies. You are a sample of the incredible women that make it happen every day for Paradies Lagardère – part of our secret sauce. You show up every day ready to take on the world and contribute to our diverse and inclusive team that makes us such a strong family here. Your honesty, introspection, and insight have been so inspiring, and I hope that those who read this get as much out of it as I have.

One of Paradies Lagardère’s first Employee Resource Groups is Women in Flight, offering resources, guest speakers, programs and more for our employees.

47

A X N E W S L E A D E R S H I P I S S U E 2 0 2 2