In conversation with Leonie Hynds, Director, Hynds Group
The Hynds Group, Director, Leonie Hynds gives her personal insights on her role as a female leader working in a family business in the interview below.
What do you love most about your business?
I love the variety of experiences and the fact that we get to manufacture and distribute solutions for our infrastructure problems throughout New Zealand with a great team of people.
What is something you wished you knew starting out?
In all honesty I hadn’t realised that having your own business would be a lifetime’s work and the responsibility that goes with it is all encompassing. I found it is very important to surround yourself with good advisors and mentors, and not to try and go it alone.
What have you found to be the biggest hurdle to female leadership?
Working in a business which is very male dominated and working in a partnership with my husband, I found it was difficult to be taken seriously and credited with the necessary smarts. Preconceived role expectations are a barrier and must be constantly pushed up against.
What do you think are the top 3 habits to successful leadership?
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Good organisation, priority setting and management processes.
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Lead by example and be Team based.
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Employ the skill sets you don’t have.
What is the best advice you have received in business that has supported your success?
Stick to your knitting. Stay focused. Good industry intelligence.
Have good Governance with independent Board Directors.
What advice you would give to the next generation of female leaders?
Have good support Networks - Home, Business, Relationship.
