Vered Levy-Ron: Female Leadership, Mentorship, and Self-Confidence

Overcoming Barriers and Finding Your Unique Voice

Vered Levy-Ron's trajectory, like that of many women, has been marked by barriers and prejudices. Whether due to being young or a woman in leadership positions, the expectation of being ignored or undervalued was common. Vered had to develop strategies to deal with these situations, which included everything from comments about her appearance to the challenge of asserting herself in male-dominated environments.

Over time, she learned to transform what she once saw as a disadvantage into an advantage. The key was to find her own leadership style, without trying to imitate more aggressive approaches that didn't align with her personality. Vered values active listening to her team but knows that, as CEO, she needs to make decisions. Her approach is to listen to everyone before deciding, showing that it's possible to be firm without losing kindness. Being different can be a powerful differentiator.

Negotiation, Salary, and the Boost of Self-Confidence

Livia Matos presented a surprising fact: women negotiate job offers less than men. While 50% of men negotiate, only 12% of women do so, especially when it comes to salary and promotion. Livia, who was mentored by Vered in this aspect, confesses that negotiation is still a challenging topic for many.

Strategies for Better Negotiation

Vered emphasizes that women often only apply for positions if they meet 95% or 100% of the requirements, unlike men who apply with 50-60%. This statistic drives her passion for mentoring women on how to ask for promotions and negotiate salaries.

Her advice is to prepare intensely for the conversation. Approach it like a "play" where you need to rehearse your "script." Practice what you're going to say, how you're going to say it, and how far you're going to "push." Know your objectives, what you've already achieved, and where you need to improve. One of Vered's most important tips is: "don't talk too much." Often, nervousness leads us to speak excessively. Prepare your speech, say what you need to, and let the other party speak. And remember: this might be the first of many conversations.

Balance and Passion: A Non-Linear Journey

The pursuit of work-life balance is a constant challenge, especially for female executives. Vered Levy-Ron confesses that she doesn't believe in "daily balance," but rather in balance over periods of time. In an international and demanding career, it's natural to have phases of greater dedication to work and others with a greater focus on family or personal life.

For Vered, overall satisfaction is what matters. If unhappiness persists for a long period, it's a sign that something needs to change. She integrates her personal life with her professional life, scheduling "meetings" with her daughters for coffee, for example. "There's no difference between the personal and professional on a full day," she states. Passion for what you do is a powerful engine; when there's pleasure, the energy to "balance" everything flows more naturally.

Non-Linear Careers

Vered also challenges the idea of linear careers. She herself had "parking periods" and breaks to dedicate to her children. The message is clear: it's okay not to follow a straight path. The important thing is to know the general direction, allow yourself small breaks, and be patient with yourself. Self-awareness is fundamental to identifying your goals and aligning your passion with your work.

Advice for Women Aspiring to Leadership

For women who dream of reaching leadership positions, Vered offers practical and inspiring advice:

• Know what you want: Understand that leadership can mean managing a large team or having significant influence. Discover which role best fits your desires and skills.
• Build your journey: If you want to manage teams, start with smaller teams and grow. Have clear conversations with your boss about your career goals and how to create opportunities for yourself.
• Seek exposure: Accept projects that, even if not direct leadership roles, offer responsibility and exposure to senior managers.
• Invest in yourself: Leadership requires time, effort, and preparation. Livia Matos, for example, sought a coach when she took on her first leadership role, as a leader's skills differ from those of a good technical professional.
• Be honest and ask for help: It's crucial to recognize when something isn't working or when you need support. Don't be afraid to ask for help, whether from a mentor, a coach, or your own manager.

A Message to Her Younger Self

At the end of the conversation, Vered is asked what she would tell her 15-year-old self. Her answer is a valuable reminder for all of us: "Calm down, things will work out." She, a "tomboy" who loved sports and travel, without a clear path, now understands that her unique characteristics – such as being competitive and loving to play soccer with men – prepared her for her executive journey.

Embrace your qualities, be patient with yourself, and focus on what you love to do. Passion is the catalyst that makes things fall into place, no matter your age or stage of life. Empower yourself, get inspired, and transform with Vered Levy-Ron's lessons, and continue building the career and life you deserve.