The finalists for WashingtonExec’s Chief Officer Awards were announced March 17, and we’ll be highlighting some of them until the event takes place live, in-person May 10.
Next is Chief Growth Officer finalist in the Private Company: >$100M & <500M category Zhenia Klevitsky, who’s CGO for Sev1Tech. Here, she talks learning from failures, proud career moments and more.
How do you help shape the next generation of government leaders/industry leaders?
The next generation of leaders will have to manage highly diverse teams and continue to build an inclusive environment in a hybrid, multifaceted post-COVID world. I believe that shaping the next generation of leaders comes down to two fundamental things:
- Being a mentor ⏤ not just a boss. It’s important to be receptive to ideas and respect feedback. I believe in reverse coaching as well, which entails next generation leaders sharing their knowledge and feedback.
- Creating ownership ⏤ allow the next generation to be part of and contribute to visible projects versus just being aware of them. Allow them to develop a sense of ownership and accomplishment in what they do so they can prepare for developing and leading the plans a few years down the line.
What’s one key thing you learned from a failure you had?
In my opinion, you don’t have success without failure in the business world. How you handle failure enables you to grow and succeed in the future. I’ve learned the following are keys to that success:
- Be accountable. Figure out what could have been done differently, looking at both internal and external factors.
- Welcome and adopt change. Often, failures force us to make drastic changes, which ultimately lead to one’s growth and development.
- Build self-trust. When you fail, there will often be non-constructive and negative feedback. Learn to listen to yourself, as well as constructive criticism to move forward.
- Figure out what to do better in the future, and identify the steps for future success.
Which rules do you think you should break more as an industry leader?
Are there really rules to successful leadership? Some principles I live by as a leader include the following:
- You can’t always follow the same approaches to get results. The environment is always changing and so should your approach to leadership and results. You need to be able to make decisions quickly and find innovative solutions to problems.
- Take risks and reward risk takers even if they aren’t always successful.
- Get your hands dirty! A common misconception is that leaders don’t get in the trenches and support their teams. Lead by example ⏤ this only increases respect, commitment and morale from your teams.
- You don’t have to know everything as a leader. Rely on your team to provide feedback and share ideas. This will enable more productivity and increase morale.
Looking back at your career, what are you most proud of?
Never giving up and always looking forward. Regardless of the mistakes and failures I encountered throughout my career, I’m most proud of the fact that I never gave up to get to where I am. I took many risks and made career changes, often taking a couple steps back knowing that this would ultimately propel me four steps forward. Every step is a chance to learn and grow.
What’s your best career advice for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Believe in yourself, first and foremost. Go outside of your comfort zone and take every opportunity to learn from your successes, as well as failures. Build long-lasting relationships and seek out mentors, but at the end of the day, you need to make your own path and do so with humility.