My Parenting Journey to Leadership: Kellie Laguzza
Kellie Laguzza’s story is not just about the trials and tribulations of balancing work and family life.
It's about the transformative power of embracing authenticity and vulnerability in leadership and how her parenting journey has propelled her career forward.
Kellie's journey began with a stark realisation: as a young mother, she experienced firsthand the uphill battle of asking for time off for family obligations in a culture resistant to family-centric values. Yet, instead of succumbing to the pressures, Kellie chose a different path guided by empathy and understanding.
Her evolution into a respected leader is marked by a profound understanding of the intricate interplay between personal and professional realms.
Early on in her parenting journey, Kellie was met with an unsupportive employer, who didn’t understand the benefits of offering a little flexibility. This prompted her to seek new opportunities that aligned better with her values as a working parent and reshaped her approach to job hunting.
“I changed my interviewing approach”
For those embarking on the journey of parenthood or facing the stress and pressure of balancing work and family responsibilities, Kellie offers invaluable advice. She advocates for open communication with managers, encouraging parents to share their challenges and needs openly.
"Talk to them. Let them know you're human.”
Kellie embraces the ethos of openness and empathy in her managerial approach. She prioritises creating a supportive environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their personal commitments and struggles.
“They don't have to give me their whole personal life, but be open enough to say, 'I didn't get much sleep last night.' We can work through this."
Through fostering a culture of open dialogue, Kellie witnesses firsthand the benefits for both her team and the business.
"Your leave overall goes down. They're more engaged. They're happier employees."
By nurturing trust and understanding, Kellie cultivates strong relationships with her team members, building bonds that go beyond their time working together.
As Kellie reflects on her journey, she recognises the invaluable skills she has gained from parenthood, including negotiation, time management, and resilience. These transferable skills have not only made her a better parent but also a more empathetic and effective manager.
Her story serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of working parents, who navigate the complexities of modern life with grace and determination.
I invite you to draw inspiration from her journey and remember that within every trial lies the opportunity for growth and transformation.
Kellie recently joined Creditor Watch as their NSW Sales Manager, keeping true to her commitment to finding an employer whose values align with her own. Reflecting on her decision.
“From the first interview, I just knew they were the right company for me. Their values really resonated, especially their emphasis on creating an environment where staff love to come to work and celebrate success together."
Kellie resonated with their culture of flexibility and genuine care for staff well-being. From the thoughtful welcome message from the VP of Sales to the company's commitment to trust, accountability, and nurturing excellence, Kellie believes that Creditor Watch is a place where she will be understood and supported not just as an employee, but as a person with multifaceted responsibilities and aspirations.
