Name: Lynn Power

Title: Co-Founder & CEO

Organisation: MASAMI

I'm a long time ad exec (formerly CEO of J. Walter Thompson NY) turned entrepreneur. I launched MASAMI, clean premium haircare in 2020 and the Conscious Beauty Collective in 2022.

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

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

Cheers,

Jonno White

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

Marketing used to be a lot simpler. These days, it's challenging trying to understand and leverage so many different channels -- that are also always evolving. You need to bring in experts but that can be hit or miss too.

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

I spent most of my career in advertising and worked my way up the ladder. I realized in my 30's that I needed to advocate for myself (please ignore Obama's advice about just putting your head down and working hard and people will notice). I started to change my jobs if I didn't feel I was in an environment that was going to appreciate me. Being proactive was huge as I was able to put myself in situations where I could not only show my capabilities, but be recognized for them.

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

I usually check email first thing in the morning and then get my social media out of the way. From there, every day is different. Sometimes I'm onboarding a new e-commerce partner. Other days I'm reaching out to salons. Or managing manufacturing or shipping. I like the variety.

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

If you're someone who likes to be in control (like me), the last few years have taught me patience. I struggle with that but it's been a good lesson to focus on the things you can control and let go of some of your anxiety over the things you can't.

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?

I loved the booked Thinking, Fast and Slow. by Daniel Kahneman. That book really illuminated the way we think and process information and the need to help people find "short cuts".

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

Don't be intimidated to speak up and share your opinion. You might be surprised that the people in the room are usually not smarter than you.

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

Probably one of the best things I've done as a leader is help someone find their voice and find their role. Often, people have an image in their head about how they see themselves that doesn't line up with reality. For example, they may want to be a copywriter, but their strength is in finding insights. Or they may think they are a great account person but they are really a much better project manager. Helping people align their skills with their role generally leads to personal satisfaction for them, which helps them be more confident, more vocal and more successful.