Name: Emily Burroughs

Title: Vice President, Communications & Culture

Organisation: BGSF

Emily Burroughs is the VP of Communications and Culture at BGSF, a leading consulting and staffing company. With a passion for brand strategy and digital innovation, she's known for expanding marketing departments globally, leading rebranding efforts, and integrating acquisitions seamlessly.

Committed to positive cultures, she oversees employee recognition, tracks philanthropic impact, and develops workforce partnerships. Emily, a graduate of Oklahoma State University, has been recognized for her contributions to Forbes and SIA's 40 under 40 list. She volunteers with organizations like Girl Scouts and enjoys family time with her husband, two daughters, and two pugs.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Emily's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

As a leader, one of the most challenging aspects I've encountered is effectively managing change while maintaining the human connection in communications. Navigating the complexities of human dynamics within teams, such as managing different personalities, resolving conflicts, and motivating individuals with diverse backgrounds and skill sets toward a common goal, can be quite demanding.

Furthermore, leading through change often requires making tough decisions, dealing with uncertainty, and adapting to rapidly evolving environments.

In this context, maintaining open and transparent communication becomes essential. It's crucial to empathize with team members and stakeholders, understanding their concerns and addressing them proactively. Balancing the need for change with the human element requires finesse and sensitivity. It's about inspiring and empowering others while also providing the necessary support and reassurance during times of transition.

Ultimately, effective leadership in change management involves fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and resilience. By prioritizing communication, empathy, and a people-centric approach, leaders can navigate change more successfully while preserving the human connection within their teams and organizations.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

My leadership journey began in my youth, shaped by the invaluable lessons instilled by my parents. They emphasized that everyone possesses unique leadership qualities, setting the stage for my development. Attending leadership trainings and conferences early on ignited my passion for personal growth and leadership.

Actively seeking opportunities to refine my skills, I embraced challenges, learned from experiences, and honed my abilities over time. My leadership style prioritizes empathy, communication, collaboration, and empowering others. Guided by my parents' principles and fueled by a passion for growth, my journey continues, aiming to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

My typical workday as a working mom is structured to balance professional responsibilities with family commitments. It all begins with starting the day positively by waking up my daughters in a cheerful manner, setting the tone for a productive day ahead. Prioritizing tasks with deadlines early in the day is crucial, especially as I manage team members across different time zones, ensuring smooth coordination and timely completion of projects.

Throughout the day, I make it a point to take short breaks to get some fresh air, whether it's going for a walk or simply stepping outside for a phone call. These moments of rejuvenation help me maintain focus and recharge my energy amidst the busyness of the day.

In the evening, I prioritize family time, including dinner and our bedtime routine. Reading together and saying a nightly prayer, a tradition from my own upbringing, is an important part of our evening routine, fostering a sense of connection and tranquility before bedtime.

Once the girls are settled, my husband and I carve out time to catch up on our day and connect. We always make it a point to end the day on a light-hearted note by watching something that brings us joy and laughter, ensuring we unwind and relax before heading to bed.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent leadership lesson that has stood out to me, particularly in my role as a troop leader for a multi-level Girl Scout troop, is the importance of embracing and learning from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. In this role, I've been reminded of the significance of fostering an environment where creativity, curiosity, and fearless exploration are encouraged, while also emphasizing the importance of respectful and considerate communication.

This lesson extends beyond my volunteer work with the Girl Scouts and holds true in my professional endeavors, where I collaborate with diverse cultures across the globe. In my professional world, I strive to ensure that everyone feels valued by effectively communicating stories and actions across different ecosystems. I recognize that each culture has its own priorities and perspectives, and it's essential to create an inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and respected.

By actively listening, understanding, and communicating stories and actions effectively across different ecosystems, I strive to create environments where every individual feels respected, understood, and empowered to contribute their unique insights and talents. Embracing diversity not only fosters innovation and collaboration but also cultivates a sense of belonging and unity within our teams and organizations.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has had a profound impact on my leadership journey is "The Power of TED: The Empowerment Dynamic" by David Emerald. This book fundamentally changed my perspective on leadership by introducing me to the concept of shifting from a "victim" mindset to an "empowerment" mindset.

Before reading this book, I often found myself feeling overwhelmed by challenges, viewing myself as a victim of circumstances beyond my control. However, "The Power of TED" taught me to recognize these moments as opportunities for growth and empowerment.

By understanding the roles of the Victim, the prosecutor, and the Rescuer outlined in the book, I learned to identify and break free from patterns of negative thinking and behavior. Instead of reacting passively or defensively to challenges, I began to approach them with a proactive and empowered mindset, taking responsibility for my own actions and outcomes.

This shift in perspective not only transformed my leadership style but also improved my relationships with team members and colleagues. I became more adept at fostering collaboration, inspiring others to take ownership of their roles, and creating a culture of empowerment within my team.

"The Power of TED" taught me that true leadership isn't about controlling outcomes or rescuing others from their problems; it's about empowering individuals to take control of their own lives and destinies. This book continues to serve as a guiding light in my leadership journey, reminding me of the transformative power of embracing an empowerment mindset in both my personal and professional life.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

If I could offer just one piece of advice to a young leader, it would be to embrace the mantra: "Be the change you wish to see in the world." This timeless wisdom encourages taking ownership of your actions and their impact on the world around you. It reminds us that change begins from within and that each individual has the power to make a difference through their choices, behaviors, and attitudes.

Remember, you possess the ability to make a meaningful difference, regardless of the daunting challenges you may face. Understand that the influence of your leadership might not always be immediately visible, but it resonates through the decisions you make and how you respond to various situations.

Have faith in yourself and your capability to instigate change. With persistence, resilience, and a readiness to learn and evolve, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. Stay steadfast in your principles, lead by example, and trust that your actions have the potential to inspire others and catalyze a ripple effect of positive transformation in the world.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One particularly meaningful story from my time as a leader underscores the profound impact our actions can have, even when we least expect it.

During a particularly challenging period at work, I found myself grappling with numerous demands and pressures. Despite the difficulties, I remained committed to maintaining a positive attitude and leading by example. Little did I realize the ripple effect my actions were creating.

One day, a colleague approached me and shared how my resilience and unwavering determination during that tough time had inspired them to persevere through their own challenges. They explained how seeing me navigate adversity with grace and determination gave them the courage and motivation to push through their own obstacles.

This encounter served as a powerful reminder of the impact leaders have on those around them. It reinforced the notion that our actions, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, can serve as sources of inspiration and encouragement for others. It also highlighted the importance of leading authentically and with integrity, as we never know who may be observing and drawing inspiration from our behavior.

This experience reaffirmed my belief in the power of leadership to uplift and empower others. It underscored the importance of setting a positive example and cultivating a supportive and encouraging environment within teams. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that leadership is not just about achieving goals or driving results, but also about positively influencing and impacting the lives of those we lead.