In celebration of Women’s History Month, Hilary Headlee, EVP and Advisory leader at Insight Partners brought together three dynamic leaders for a conversation on career growth, inclusive leadership, and the power of showing up as your authentic self. The panel featured Irina Novoselsky, CEO of Hootsuite, Leigh-Margaret Stull, CEO of Mural, and Diane Schwarz, CIO of Smurfit Westrock—three women with very different journeys, but one shared mindset: leadership doesn’t require conformity. It requires courage.
Whether you’re an early career professional or seasoned executive, their stories offered tactical advice, reflection-worthy moments, and plenty of inspiration.
Key Takeaways
1. Authenticity is an Efficiency Tool
Irina Novoselsky spoke candidly about her early leadership style—trying to emulate her predecessor—and how it stifled connection. Her mentor’s advice was simple and powerful:
“Just be Irina.”
When leaders lead as themselves, they unlock permission for others to do the same. Authenticity isn’t just feel-good—it drives performance.
2. If You’re 100% Ready, You’re Not Learning
Each speaker emphasized that growth rarely happens in comfort zones. Whether shifting into M&A (Leigh-Margaret), moving from finance to operations (Irina), or taking on a role she didn’t want (Diane), all three had moments of uncertainty that became career accelerators.
“If you’re 100% ready, you need a new job.”
3. You Don’t Need the Title—You Need the Experience
Planning a career isn’t about picking a title; it’s about seeking out the experiences you want to gain.
“You wouldn’t go to work without knowing the goal. Why do that with your career?” – Irina
She encouraged attendees to actively map their paths and involve others in the process—mentors, managers, and advocates.
4. You Are Allowed to Be Multi-Dimensional
Leigh-Margaret emphasized the importance of embracing all aspects of your personality:
“You can be powerful and soft. Assertive and joyful. You can be multi-dimensional.”
Authenticity doesn’t mean being the same every day—it means showing up in alignment with who you are and what matters most.
5. Build Your Ecosystem—Start with Five
Diane reflected on founding T200, a global network of top women CIOs, that began with just five peers at a dinner table.
“She who wants to go fast goes alone. She who wants to go far goes together.”
Across the board, panelists stressed the value of surrounding yourself with people who have been where you want to go—and who challenge you to grow further.
