Barbara Staub

My success wouldn’t have been possible without relentlessly pursuing a natural gift. From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a writer, and I never let go of that goal. I interned at a local newspaper in high school, completed two digital magazine internships in college, and said yes to every freelance opportunity I could—many of them unpaid. My tactics for success have always been persistence, hard work, and a personal promise that I would make a living in this field. 

Resist the urge to “fake it until you make it.” You'll never have to fake it (and you'll get further, faster) if you're willing to ask the right questions! In my career, I've been lucky to learn from people who are honest about what they don’t know and never settle for a half-baked understanding. These leaders have empowered me to keep a student mentality—even when I'm the teacher—and always be humble enough to learn from others.

Learn to confidently articulate your expertise and defend your decisions. This is often referred to as your executive presence. If it doesn’t come naturally, seek out mentors who will recognize your strengths and challenge your insecurities. Consider joining a debate team or public speaking group. Invest in professional development that builds your presentation skills and teaches you how to navigate high-stakes conversations. It’s an investment you won’t regret.

Not everyone is a natural communicator, but it’s a nonnegotiable skill for people leaders. Now more than ever, as AI tools replace many once-human touchpoints, there’s a real opportunity for companies to invest in professional communication training for managers. The return on that investment is priceless. Managers who can communicate clearly and impactfully are better positioned to help their direct reports grow, confidently navigate change, and do their best work.

Empathy is my foundational value—whether that means listening deeply to colleagues, creating space for honest dialogue, or supporting teams through difficult situations. I bring the same people-centered approach to my volunteer work, showing up to challenge systems that fall short. Personally and professionally, I push for process changes that are rooted in care for others.