In the 195th episode of The Leadership Project podcast, we had the privilege of talking with Kristina Fusella, Senior Director at Novo Nordisk, to discuss her nonlinear career path and the valuable lessons she’s learned on her journey to leadership. From her early days working at IHOP during a recession to becoming a pivotal leader in a globally recognized pharmaceutical company, Kristina's story is one of resilience, curiosity, and continuous growth.
Embracing Nonlinear Career Paths
Kristina Fusella’s career journey defies the traditional linear path often expected in the corporate world. She began by sharing her early career experiences, starting as an engineer by training and then transitioning into various roles including consulting, deep analytics, and even waitressing at IHOP during a tough job market. These diverse roles allowed her to develop a wealth of skills and insights that would later shape her leadership style.
Kristina emphasized the importance of embracing fear and stepping out of one’s comfort zone. She believes that fear should never be a deterrent in making career decisions. Instead, it should be an impetus for growth. This mindset allowed her to take on roles that seemed daunting at first but ultimately added to her repertoire of skills.
The Role of Chief of Staff: An Apprenticeship in Leadership
One of the pivotal moments in Kristina’s career was her time as a Chief of Staff, a role she highly recommends for anyone aspiring to be a senior executive. This position allowed her to get an in-depth understanding of the myriad responsibilities and decisions that come with senior leadership roles. Kristina described the role as being akin to an apprenticeship, where she learned through close observation and direct involvement in high-stakes decisions.
Kristina also highlighted the importance of aligning oneself completely with the goals of the executive and the organization. As a Chief of Staff, her success was deeply intertwined with her ability to support and challenge her executive, providing a unique dual role of confidant and sparring partner. This not only benefited her own growth but also brought value to the executive she served.
Building Trust and Leading Specialists as a Generalist
Transitioning into learning and development at Novo Nordisk, Kristina faced the challenge of leading a team of L&D specialists, despite not being a specialist herself. She underscored the critical importance of building trust with the team and being genuinely curious about their expertise. Establishing strong interpersonal relationships and listening intently made it possible for her to harness the strengths of her team members while offering her strategic vision to drive the team forward.
Kristina shared insightful advice for leaders stepping into unfamiliar roles: resist the urge to prove yourself right away and instead focus on listening and learning from those around you. This builds a foundation of trust and demonstrates respect for the team's existing expertise.
Advice for Aspiring Leaders and Professionals
Towards the end of the conversation, Kristina reflected on her career journey and offered advice to those at the early stages of their careers or at a pivotal point where a nonlinear path might be an option. She emphasized the value of patience and spending intentional time mastering one’s role. Kristina advised young professionals to embrace opportunities with a learning mindset and to be comfortable with the discomfort that comes with growth.
For those considering roles like Chief of Staff, she highlighted the need to be comfortable with losing some individual autonomy and fully aligning with the goals of the executive and organization. This immersive experience offers unparalleled insights and accelerates leadership acumen, making it a valuable step for any aspiring leader.
Conclusion
Kristina Fusella’s nonlinear career journey offers a compelling narrative on the importance of curiosity, resilience, and strategic thinking in leadership. Her insights serve as a valuable guide for anyone looking to navigate their own path to leadership, demonstrating that the journey is just as important as the destination. By embracing fear, building trust, and maintaining a growth mindset, professionals can achieve remarkable success and satisfaction in their careers.
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