Welcome to the sixth instalment of our new interview series Leadership Insights: 3 questions with… where we ask the same three questions to each of the exceptional leaders we interview, revealing some very unique and insightful answers.
This month we spoke to Catriona Bolger, who is the Portfolio Director of the Homes titles at Hearst, and responsible for brands such as Country Living & House Beautiful. Catriona has over 25 years expertise across a broad range of publishing brands, with specific expertise in change management, innovation, transformation and concept development.
And here’s what Catriona had to say…
If you could rewind the clock to when you started on your leadership journey, what advice would you give yourself?
I, like many I expect, had something of a baptism by fire – earning my first Publisher role in a newly acquired business having been part of the strategy team leading on said purchase.
It was exactly the role I’d long wanted, and indeed been studying the theory of (‘borrowing’ brands from colleagues to fulfil the requirements on the fabulous PPA Diploma in Publishing!) whilst working in an R&D Role.
Overnight I went from being a lone wolf, albeit a fairly senior one, to running a portfolio of Travel brands and a sizable cross discipline team. Suffice it to say, I wasn’t great at it initially! If I could turn back the clock I would tell myself to take my time, to feel confident to say ‘I don’t know, but I’ll find out’ and to ask my colleagues and peers for advice and support.
Having personal confidence in what you do know, and are really good at, and also in acknowledging what may not be a natural or as yet unlearned skill, is a super power. I’d definitely tell myself I didn’t need to know everything or to be able to solve everyone’s problems.
What is the best advice you have been given about creating a positive team culture / being a leader?
I’ve been very lucky and benefited from working for some outstanding leaders during the course of my career.
Some 25 years ago (ahem) fresh from university and working at Bauer (then Emap Consumer) I was struck by the CEO walking the floors and distinctly remembering him encouraging everyone to read our magazines, to ensure we were experiencing what our audience were. The fact that he seemed to be able to recall everyone’s name and job was amazing too!
Visibility, engagement and appreciation are priceless attributes in leaders and can quickly establish a shared culture within a team or business. Whilst no-one may have told me this directly, they have certainly modelled it. Notable thanks to Chris Kerwin here!
I like to think I have some innate traits that help here. I do love a good natter and have a relatively short attention span, so I need to break up the day with a walk around! Nonetheless, I can also withdraw when under pressure or unhappy and have learnt through some great mentoring and leadership programs to be aware of that and actively remind myself to re-engage.
At the end of a long week, or project, I will always ensure I thank people for their efforts and contribution. It amazes me how often this simple, human thing, doesn’t happen.
What is the one book that has most influenced your approach to leadership?
Now I feel bad I’ve never really read a leadership book, despite being a keen reader generally! My friend and ex-colleague Hannah Williams (Managing Director, Digital Content, Immediate Media) has often quoted Brene Brown to me though, and I’ve embraced awareness of armouring up as a leader (not a good thing!).
From a couple of integral leadership programs I’ve been grateful to have been put through, I’ve taken away a selection of go-to tools I can reach for when needed – the concept of Pace, Pace, Lead for example and Perceptual Positioning.
As a reminder that ‘this too will pass’ when things are feeling particularly challenging, I like to reference Tuckman’s phases of Team Development. It is useful, and important, to be able to adapt your leadership approach to the situation.