In an increasingly competitive professional landscape, key qualities over traditional credentials are what many business leaders identify as the factors that make individuals stand out. Six influential figures from diverse industries reveal the traits they value most and offer guidance for those eager to distinguish themselves.
Removing Self-Imposed Limits
Charlotte Tilbury, a prominent figure in the beauty industry, advocates for a mindset that defies the constraints imposed by others. She emphasises that perceived impossibilities often stem from self-doubt. “Nothing is impossible in life – it’s only your own limitations you give yourself,” she states, encouraging individuals to view setbacks not as failures, but opportunities for growth. Her personal triumphs over challenges have strengthened her leadership journey.
Embrace Confidence
Charlie Bowes-Lyon, co-founder of deodorant brand Wild, underlines the significance of an enthusiastic attitude over perfect skills. He stresses the importance of the mindset, saying, “For me, it’s 90% attitude and 10% skills, as skills can be taught, attitude can’t.” Bowes-Lyon suggests maintaining curiosity by asking insightful questions during interviews, as creativity can often be the decisive factor in hiring.
Valuing Curiosity
Marcia Kilgore, known for her entrepreneurial success with brands like Beauty Pie, looks for curiosity in potential hires. She highlights the value of individuals willing to engage actively and pose inquisitive queries. Effective communication is crucial, and Kilgore advises considerate responses over immediacy, reinforcing that misunderstandings often stem from poor communication practices.
Embrace Opportunities
Anabel Kindersley of Neal’s Yard Remedies champions the idea of venturing into the unknown by seizing varied opportunities. Her career, spanning acting, writing, and business, exemplifies the growth that comes from saying “yes” to diverse experiences. She also prioritises emotional intelligence alongside intellectual ability when hiring.
Step Into New Challenges
Charlie Nunn of Lloyds Banking Group appreciates curiosity and resilience, along with the ability to effectively collaborate within teams. He recommends stepping outside personal comfort zones to gain broader experiences, noting how his own early apprehensions in retail roles led to substantial learning and professional development.
AI as a Complementary Tool
James Reed of recruitment company Reed cautions against over-reliance on what employers can provide, advocating instead for demonstrating what individuals can contribute. In an era where AI plays a significant role in recruitment, he advises applicants to align their skills with job requirements effectively. While AI is a useful resource, Reed insists it should augment rather than replace personal judgement in applications.
Reporting based on coverage first published by bbc.co.uk.