Innovator Charlene Li Communicates her Vision with Passion

After another Spring break, ("le pont du mois de mai": "bridge" for long May week ends  in France...), I'm back  with an Inspiring  Role Model for Women Leaders.

Following up with my Women Speakers Series, here is another illustration for the Innovator Style of Leadership, with Charlene Li.

The corporate world would be such a better place if more leaders were to invent a new kind of leadership, an "innovative leadership", an open leadership, opening new possibilities, solutions and collaborations. We need more role models, especially for girls and women, to show us the way and inspire us to action. That's the reason why I'm writing this series, and collecting stories of remarquable women leaders, from different cultures, with different personal styles and values. We can't identify anymore with the stereotyped representation of the "LEADER" ( a WASP Superhero). We aspire for different models, reflecting the diversity of the world, in cultures, in genders, in classes, in skin colors, and ...in souls also.

Now, back to Charlene Li!

Typically, someone communicating with a strong preference for The Innovator dimension (from the SPM Spony Profiling Model), would be seen as:

"Prolific and creative brain-stormers who are attracted by abstract issues and intellectual challenges. Attached to freedom of expression, they feel comfortable in initiating original and unconventional projects."

There are many American women leaders who fit in The Innovator Style of Leadership and Communication. Just like the Persuader and the Pioneer styles, it makes perfect sense with the Anglo-Saxon cultural result and change orientation:

• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Pragmatic
• Informal style
• Openness for change

One of the most famous today is Charlene Li, and I want to make a special post about her and highlight her communication and leadership style.

Who is Charlene Li?   Who does she know?    What does she do?

I'm asking these 3 questions, because it's what Charlene stresses in her talk, and I found it original and fun to present her this way, as well!

Who are you? IDENTITY

Who do you know? RELATIONSHIPS

What do you do? ACTIVITIES

Who is Charlene Li?

Her Identity? You can find everything about her on her site: charleneli.com

She's the founder of Altimeter. Altimeter is " a strategy firm that provides clients with a pragmatic approach to using new technologies".

Three keywords here: Pragmatic, New and Technologies

Who does she know and who knows her?

" Charlene is frequently quoted by leading media channels such as The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, USA Today, Reuters, and The Associated Press. She has appeared on 60 Minutes, The McNeil NewsHour, ABC News, CNN, and CNBC.  As noted social technologist, Charlene has earned a vast following through her blogs, website, columns, articles, and keynotes." (from her website)

Her social networks could be illustrated by one of them, Twitter:

What does she do?

She "provides clients with a pragmatic approach to using new technologies"

She creates: she writes blogs and books (the last one is a must read "Open Leadership", I have ordered it and will write a post about it very soon)

... and she speaks at SX about The Future of Social Networks!

Why is she emblematic of the Innovative Leadership and communication style?

She was named one of the 12 most creative minds of 2008 by Fast Company, and one of the most influential women in technology 2009.

She's innovative in the way she talks:

• Simply

• With energy and passion

• Openly

• Fast paced

• Informally, dressed casually

She's innovative in what she says:

• Future oriented she takes us 5,10,15, 20 years from now!

• Visionary: "The Social network will be like air" "Open: how open leaders win by letting go"
  

• Planting new Ideas, Encouraging Change:  "The open network will be the new norm."
  

               "Leaders will engage at all levels, outside as well as inside the organization."

She's a role model for the next generation of girls and young women entrepreneurs and business owners and might also be an inspiration for women executives who aspire to be on the 21st century boards!

She's congruent : her style of communication conveys who she really is, how she's perceived as a leader, leading from the inside out, openly and pragmatically. She really is an open leader.

"If you truly want to get advantage of the social networks, you've got to get your own identity, inside your house, in order." Charlene Li.

If you truly want to be a leader, start by leading yourself, with your own style and create your own life!

Next, in Geronimo Leadership Women Series, the Networker, with Arianna Huffington

Comments

[Tanveer Naseer]

Hi Marion,

As the other commentators have noted, I think you're doing a great job showcasing the variety of styles of communication that one can employ to be effective in a leadership role. I also like the fact that you're using this as a platform to offer various role models for girls, women and even men to see as examples of women leaders. Through your examples, you're helping to highlight people of different races, cultures, ethnicities, personalities, and vocations, variations that help to offer possibilities and insights that wouldn't normally be evident by simply focusing on just one of these markers.

Bravo, Marion. Looking forward to the next installments in your series.

[marion]

Re: TypePad: [Geronimo Leadership Coaching ] Gwyn Teatro submitted a comment on "Innovator Charlene Li Communicates her Vision with Passion"

Thank you so much, Gwyn!
Reading comments like yours encourages me to keep on writing, when millions of “good excuses” come in the way. Very grateful!

[marion]

Re: TypePad: [Geronimo Leadership Coaching ] Allen Mireles submitted a comment on "Innovator Charlene Li Communicates her Vision with Passion"

I’m a lucky girl,Allen,  to be cheered and cherished by amazing women...The real proof, if needed, that women sisterhood is strong, alive and kicking! MERCIIIIIIIIIII!

[marion]

Re: TypePad: [Geronimo Leadership Coaching ] Monica Diaz submitted a comment on "Innovator Charlene Li Communicates her Vision with Passion"

How are you managing, Monica? Every post I read, and “think about” commenting, you’re almost always there before, and have left a smart comment!
You’re a living example of caring and active social presence!
I agree with the ratio, followers, following, what is most important is the depth and quality of the connections you choose to make, rather than the reciprocal follow.
I guess you’d be rather informal, in the way you present and speak, with a lot of warmth, empathy and presence!
Thanks again for taking the time to engage, with your intelligence, your humour and your heart.

[marion]

Re: TypePad: [Geronimo Leadership Coaching ] Tanveer Naseer submitted a comment on "Innovator Charlene Li Communicates her Vision with Passion"

Thank you Tanveer, who is competing for the most supportive women’s ambassador in leadership!
Again, you help me tremendously by speaking your voice here, as I believe women need to walk hand in hand with men in an innovative way. It motivates me to keep on bringing on examples, stories and role models, for next generation women , for our girls! (and I was thinking of your two girls, too!)