Name: Sherry Ibrahim

Title: CEO/Partner

Organisation: Springfield

An astute K12 professional with 17 years operational and academic expertise leading school improvement and learning accreditation teams in international educational organizations and environments. Track record in successful implementation of national initiatives aligned to regulatory frameworks and standards, with a focus on developing and consulting on strategic public-private stakeholder partnerships and US K12 curriculum and assessment reviews.

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

I hope Sherry'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, your team is looking to you to provide inspiration and motivation to complete their work. This can feel tough in a challenging work environment or if you’re not feeling motivated yourself.

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

I have been working in the Education sector for more than 20 years ,started as a passionate literature teacher till I reach my CEO position in one of the most inspiring Publishing companies in the world.I was always searching for perfection in each and every station in my career path ,I was struggling in compromising things that could not be compromised.Always believe in Team work importance and the hidden treasure aspects burried in any well structured fiery and inspiring team members spirit -if existed- decided to dedicate all my expertise in motivating and mentoring my team in whatever position I had. I noticed at the end that this was always my big reward , in each new journey I take....

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

These are my adopted habits everyday since a long time.

Pray and Meditate

Listen to Music with Cup of coffee

Read about the world highlights of the day

Plan,Listen and share with my team

Reframe

Improve

Ending the day by inspiring or be inspired.

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

Give attention and Listen to the smallest things around which might take you to the bigger hidden picture,you were searching for.

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?

"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey

It provides the strategies of powerful communication. He teaches you how to speak with eloquence and persuasion—not by simply repeating platitudes, but by diving into what makes them true and how they make communication more effectivities is exactly what we need to learn whether in our personal life or professional's life.

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

Leaders who are humble share the success of the team with other team members. They might do this by drawing attention to the hard work of each individual within the team and recognizing the effort of each team member against external forces when they have the chance to do so. This type of humility can help all team members feel a sense of inclusion and pride in their work.Be goal oriented ,always look for the solution on what should be fixed.Always try to build a team trust ,they are your army.

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

My meaningful story is described as,Good leaders know how to effectively motivate their employees. They understand that people are different and that what works for one person may not work for another. As a result, they take the time to get to know their team members and discover what works best for them.This is my pride .