Christie Browne

I think one common challenge female leaders face is access to other female leaders for mentoring and coaching. There’s something special about the ability to process not only career aspirations and goals with a female mentor, but how those mesh with family and community. At NLS, I have an open door to mentor and share with other women looking to advance in leadership while maintaining a well-rounded life.

Leadership style

People are to be valued over resources. Every person on my team is a human being with unique skills, hopes, fears, past experiences and goals. If I’m leading well, I’m developing the type of open, trusting relationship that allows me to know my team members’ motivations and position them for their best possible life-work balance, growth and contribution to our organization.

Leadership lessons 

Seek wise counsel. Find someone who can challenge, mentor and inspire you to grow. Be coachable. No one ever has it all figured out. Be a person who can accept and adapt to constructive feedback. Be brave. Define what you want, ask for it, and go for it.

Growth mindset is critical. Early in my career, the fear of failure and my responses to failure held me back from so many opportunities. Learning that failure is to be expected, and even welcomed, as a catalyst for improvement has been a life-changing mindset. 

The future of leadership

 I believe the demands placed on women are only going to increase. Our rapid-paced society, overwhelming amounts of information, and packed schedules will continue to dominate our way of life. Leaders of the future will be folks who are a grounding force in the face of constant change, fostering workplace cultures where individuals are valued and empowered to bring their best contribution to every facet of their lives.