My path to leadership has been an ever-changing one. It began when I made the decision to attend law school. It was a risk for me as I was a new senior manager at the firm, but represented a dream that I had always had. It exposed me to an entirely new skill set, which in turn gave me more confidence in my own abilities and helped me to begin to think more seriously about my long-term career.
The second important step for me was taking an international assignment, which opened many opportunities for me to assume leadership roles early on, establish an extensive personal network within PwC, and stretch my experience outside my core areas of expertise. Finally, taking an assignment as Sam DiPiazza's Chief of Staff gave me an opportunity to develop a more strategic thought process, and interact with and learn from some of our best leaders. Overall, the eleven years that I have spent in international roles has significantly influenced my development as well as shaped my longer term career opportunities. I have been fortunate to have many mentors, both men and women, over the years including partners who have looked out for me and pushed me to develop and aim high.
Taking Risks
My advice to other women is to push yourself to look for and take calculated risks in setting your career ambitions. Sometimes the best opportunities to set yourself apart, do interesting work and extend your skills come in unusual packages or at inconvenient times. It can feel too hard, given everything women must balance, but don’t be afraid of failing: seek help from people in defining and getting the future you want. Often there are ways to creatively work around the challenges. |
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Laurie Endsley is a partner and has worked for nineteen years as an auditor and attorney. She has recently accepted the role of regional general counsel for PwC Central and Eastern Europe, where she will also serve as a member of the CEE management board. Between 2004 and 2007, she served as the chief of staff in the Office of the CEO. Prior to that, she spent eight years working for PwC in Russia as Chief Operating Officer and general counsel as well as serving as a member of the Russia leadership group and board.
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