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Summary

In this insightful video, a leader reflects on their decision to work part-time in a leadership role, despite facing skepticism, particularly from other women. Initially a marketing director at a digital agency in Munich, the speaker found the traditional full-time work schedule unsustainable and opted for a career path that prioritized work-life balance. They discuss the challenges of part-time leadership, including earning less but gaining valuable time for personal growth. The speaker encourages others to break free from societal norms and embrace career choices that align with their strengths, values, and personal well-being.

Takeaways

• 😀 The decision to work part-time in a leadership role was driven by a desire for a healthier work-life balance and a rejection of traditional full-time work culture.
• 😀 Many people, especially women, questioned the decision to work part-time, often associating it with laziness or a lack of ambition.
• 😀 The speaker experienced a lot of skepticism, especially from others who followed the conventional 9-to-5 schedule, which made the transition challenging.
• 😀 Although working part-time meant a reduction in salary, the speaker valued the extra time gained for personal life, which felt more valuable than the financial sacrifice.
• 😀 Finding a leadership position in part-time was difficult, and the speaker had to search diligently and network with others already working part-time in similar roles.
• 😀 Eventually, the speaker found a part-time leadership role in a tandem setup, where mutual trust and a results-oriented mindset were key to the success of the team.
• 😀 Working as a part-time leader requires discipline and trust, both personally and from the team, as the leader is not always present in the office.
• 😀 Over time, the speaker's role evolved, and they now work full-time in a leadership capacity, but continue to operate within a part-time schedule.
• 😀 The speaker advocates for people to make career decisions based on what fits their needs and strengths, rather than conforming to outdated societal structures or beliefs.
• 😀 One of the greatest benefits of part-time work is the freedom it offers to pursue personal interests and a deeper sense of balance in life.
• 😀 The speaker encourages others to trust their instincts and challenge traditional expectations when making career decisions, particularly when it comes to work-life balance.

Q & A

What led the speaker to transition to part-time work as a leadership position?

The speaker was motivated by a desire for a healthier work-life balance and felt that traditional full-time work schedules did not suit them. They realized that leadership and career progression do not necessarily require working full-time hours.

What challenges did the speaker face when deciding to work part-time in a leadership role?

The speaker faced significant skepticism from others, especially from women who struggled to understand why anyone would voluntarily choose part-time work. This judgment was often rooted in assumptions about laziness or lack of ambition.

How did the speaker's decision to work part-time affect their career progression?

While the speaker experienced some reduction in salary due to working fewer hours, they found the time gained through part-time work invaluable. The decision did not prevent them from advancing in their career, although finding leadership positions that allowed part-time work was challenging.

What was the process for finding a part-time leadership role?

The speaker searched for a long time, engaging with others already working part-time to understand the possibilities. Eventually, they found a leadership role that was part-time and in a tandem arrangement with another person.

What key values did the speaker and their part-time work partner share?

Both the speaker and their work partner valued results over hours worked and trusted each other rather than relying on strict control. This shared mindset helped them succeed in the part-time leadership role.

How did the team adapt to the speaker's part-time leadership role?

The speaker's part-time role required the team to adjust to the fact that the leader wouldn't be available every day. This introduced new dynamics, particularly around scheduling and communication, but it was a manageable transition.

What does the speaker's typical work week look like now?

Currently, the speaker works part-time as a leadership figure and spends Tuesdays through Fridays in a normal leadership routine. Mondays are left free, and the speaker enjoys this personal time, which others often fail to understand.

How does the speaker feel about having free time on Mondays?

The speaker finds the free time on Mondays invaluable, providing them with a sense of inner balance and calm. They enjoy having time to themselves without the pressure of work, allowing them to recharge before the workweek starts.

What advice does the speaker offer to others considering a career decision?

The speaker advises individuals not to conform to rigid societal expectations or outdated beliefs. Instead, they encourage people to be aware of their strengths and carefully choose the work environment that best fits their personal needs and career aspirations.

What is the speaker's current role, and what are they about to start doing?

The speaker is currently the Head of Communications at Beta Ventures Group, where they oversee corporate communications and public relations. They are about to start building a new team within the company.