She Leads – With Miranda Mataafa

Name:

Miranda Mataafa

Title: 

Project Manager, CAI

What would you tell your younger self? 

Don’t be afraid to try things and make mistakes sooner and quickly.  You’ll learn way more if you just get started

How do you balance your work and personal life?

Often times one has more importance, and we’re curious to know how you’ve handled the balance. 

What is your favorite quote? 

Change that takes the longest, stays the longest.  This is true in every part of my life – financially, physically and especially when change involves others. Don’t discredit the process because it’s taking longer than you thought – that’s where the real staying power is coming from

What does leadership mean to you? 

Leadership is different to management.  Management is a title and good leadership involves developing others. Leadership should be values based first and focused on bringing the best out of the group. Leadership is hard because you don’t often get instant results that something is working. It requires time and patience because you’re waiting for others and their results to change but when it does, it’s the best part of the work

What’s your advice on mentoring? 

You’re the average of the 5 people you hang out with. Make sure they’re people who are doing what you want to do or become. You’re going to need help getting somewhere better than you are and finding people to help you get there is key. A good mentor will be predictable/stable, they’ll help normalize the struggle but they won’t let you be mediocre. You’ll be 1000x better for it

What’s your favorite ice cream? 

Chocolate ice cream with cookie dough

Is there any other information that you think Girl Talk members would benefit from? 

Finding a good group of empowering women to surround yourself with is the difference between fighting to be better and being inspired to be better