Name: Silvia Pregal

Title: CEO

Organisation: CARERS4WORLD LTD

I'm a 53-year-old mother pf six wonderful children. I embarked on a different entrepreneurial journey 12 years ago when I founded Carers4World, where I've been dedicated to making my vision a reality.

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

I hope Silvia'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 has been striking the right balance between fostering creativity and maintaining structure within the team. Encouraging innovation while ensuring the team stays focused on our goals can be quite a juggling act. It's has been a delicate challenge.

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

My role as a mother of six children contributed to my leadership qualities as I nurtured and guided my family. I became a leader after had discovered my deep passion for what I do, dealing with people, learning with them. Over the years I developed the necessary skills and knowledge to inspire and guide others. My jouney involved learning from experiences, taking on roles of responsability and demonstrating my ability to lead.

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

Usually I wake up at 6.00am and start my day with a healthy breakfast and some personal time.

Until 8.30 am I do email management, checking and responding to emails.

From 9.00am to 13.00pm University, dedicating the morning to my studies (I'm taking a Law graduation).

From 14:00pm until 20.00pm my focus is on my company projects and tasks. I allocate time for checking and responding to emails, engaging with clients and candidates, addressing their needs and inquiries, amoung other company needs.

In the end of the day it's family time, reconnecting with my family, have dinner together, and take personal time.

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

I learned that taking the time to actively listen not only builds trust but also leads to better-informed and more effective decisions. It's a timeless lesson that's always worth remembering.

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 book "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown impacted my leadership style. The book's emphasis on vulnerability, courage, and empathy resonated with me, reminding me of the importance of being authentic and open as a leader. It taught me that vulnerability isn't a weakness but a source of strength and connection with my team, clients, and candidates. Has helped me build more trusting and resilient relationships, ultimately improving my leadership effectiveness.

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

I would advise a young leader to prioritize his self-awareness. The foundation for becoming an effective leader is to understand our strengths and weaknesses, our values and purposes.

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

The meaningful story that comes to my mind is the successful launch of Carers4World that was particularly challenging. Despite having started without knowledge of the markets, with just one ideal, to change the mentality in recruitment, not being known, not having a structure and facing numerous obstacles and setbacks, my determination and the dedication led to a triumphant outcome.