05/03/2017 by Carney Sandoe Staff |
Conferences
“Lean On” Spotlight: Lisa and Becky
For the first time ever, CS&A is hosting a Women's Institute designed to support women and their allies in the education community by creating a trusted space for personal and professional advancement and mentorship. Taking place on June 16 in Boston, the event will feature co-keynote speakers, panel discussions hosted by a group of Honorary Faculty members from schools across the country, and dedicated time for mentorship. The event is open to all women and their allies in education.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we'll be shining the spotlight on the incredible individuals who will be speakers and panel leaders at the event, the theme of which is “Lean On: Strengthening One Another Through Mentorship and Collective Wisdom.” To start, let's learn more about our co-keynote speakers, Lisa Lyle and Becky Sykes.
Lisa Lyle
Lisa Lyle-Head of School, MICDS
-Former Assistant Head of School, The Blake School
-Former faculty member, Housemaster, and Day Student Advisor, The Lawrenceville School
Describe a key moment, person, or other event that was critical in getting you to where you are now, whether personally or professionally.
When I was 18, my father died. Rather than moving home as my mother wanted, I took off for Europe. After hitch-hiking through many countries, I found my way to a family in Nice, France. It was while living there with them that I realized my understanding of the world was limited by my experience and shaped by my upbringing. Things I’d taken for granted didn’t hold for others–and when I returned to college the following year, I did so a changed person: one less afraid and more curious, resilient and eager to see the world from the perspective of others.
What are some of your favorite books?
Some of my favorites on leadership are “Conscious Leadership” by Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman and Kaley Warner Klemp; and “The Heart of Coaching” by Thomas Crane.
What do you think is one of the biggest challenges women in the educational community face? How to you hope it’s addressed at the Institute?
While it's not only women that find themselves hesitant to step into positions of leadership out of fear of conflict, many women are especially averse to engaging with angry parents and alumni and peers. As our society has become less civil and more confrontational, good people find themselves making the choice to fly below the radar and step back from leadership roles. Learning to feel more confident and skilled at navigating difficult conversations is key! Leading with questions is my go-to strategy. That, and not taking very much personally!
Why do you think it’s important we host the Institute?
Our industry is facing a crisis of leadership–many of my peers and I will retire in the next 5-10 years, and as I look around and talk with women I think have great potential to step into this role, I am surprised to see how unwilling most are. We must share with them a pathway forward; make it clear that this is great, joyful work; be effective and honest and affirming in our feedback; provide lots of opportunities to lead from many places in our organizations; and we must demystify leadership with each other and prospective leaders. As leaders, we often aren't sure if what we have built is a house of cards or not. We take the risk of building with those around us and hope that a gust doesn't blow through. Being authentic and vulnerable is an asset, not a weakness, and in my experience it's a way of being that often comes more easily to women.
Becky Sykes
Becky Sykes-President, the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation
-Former Associate Head of School, Philips Academy
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? How does that compare to where you are now?
When I was growing up in Shreveport, Louisiana, I wanted to be a pediatrician. Poor preparation in the sciences before college made that dream impossible, yet I have managed to serve children my entire working life. I wish I could say that getting where I am today was a result of careful planning and strategic thinking. Instead, I consider myself fortunate that when opportunities came along, I was ready to make the most of them.
Have you been a mentor or mentee? Describe your experience.
Most of what I do now could be characterized as mentoring, especially with girls and younger women in South Africa. I am still amazed by how a little acknowledgement goes a long way. I don't have to have the answer, so long as I am wiling to listen and let a student, friend, or colleague know I hear her and her concerns matter.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Your timeline is not identical to that of anyone else. Life is not a sprint; it is a marathon.
Why do you think it's important we host the Institute?
The Institute promises to be both thought-provoking and practical. Women who attend will be surrounded by other who are wrestling with the same big questions and are on the same journey. We may be at different points along the path, but most of us encounter the same essential challenges and chances.
Check back as we share more about the fantastic and talented Honorary Faculty members who will be joining us in June.
Want to learn more about the Women's Institute or register now? Click here!
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