When we hear the word "leader," we often think of individuals like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, or Lee Iacocca. We frequently read descriptions that leaders are individuals with the ability to motivate and inspire. Gigi Schweikert is the Chief Operating Officer of Lightbridge Academy, a successful franchise in the childcare industry.

Redefining Leadership

In my interview with Gigi, I was particularly impressed with her high level of energy and ability to communicate a message—both key traits of a successful leader. Gigi suggests that there are many types of leaders: the typical leaders like Presidents, COOs, retail managers, principals, or directors.

However, Gigi also suggests there are other types of leaders we come across in everyday life that may be considered more understated but just as important. For instance:

• The first person to push the button in an elevator.

• Those who pull off their shoes and socks to feel the grass at the first sight of Spring.

• People who say "hello" first.

• The one who is the first to smile.

The lesson is: You may not consider yourself a leader, but you most likely are.

Modeling Effective Leaders

One purpose of the "Views from the Top" series is to provide a model of effective women leaders. You don’t have to duplicate an individual leader entirely. As a starting point, take notice of the leadership traits and skills that you feel you may need to develop.

A common misnomer is that great leaders are born. This notion of "born leadership" is simply not true. Anyone has the ability to become a leader. To begin, identify the skills you need to develop. For example, if you decide you need to be more assertive, you might start by accepting more responsibilities at work and practicing the delegation of tasks.

About Gigi Schweikert

COO, Lightbridge Academy

Gigi Schweikert is the Chief Operating Officer of Lightbridge Academy, an educational childcare provider. She is a renowned keynote speaker on topics including education, leadership, parenting, and work/life balance.

• Author: Written 18 books in three languages, including her most recent, Being a Supervisor.

• Experience: 25 years in the industry. Directed the United Nations Early Childhood Program in NYC and developed the Johnson & Johnson System of Family Centers.

• Current Roles: Vice President with Children's Choice and consultant to Fortune 100 clients.

• Media: Former host of the television show, Today's Family.

• Personal: Lives in New Jersey with her husband, four children, three dogs, many chickens, and one turtle.

The Interview

1. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received or given?

"I have a heart for the struggles of working parents. Never forget that children grow up very quickly, and no matter what age, they always need you! The adage is true: 'Little children, little problems; big children, big problems.' It’s not that children are 'problems'; it’s that life’s challenges become larger. Work will always be there. As a parent, it’s your job to guide them through the journey of life."

2. Share with me your insight on the following topics:

Four Must-Have Skills

• Maintain Focus: Have a clear purpose in personal and professional settings. This keeps schedules organized and prevents stress from weighing you down.

• Set Expectations & Delegate: Figure out what you must complete and give yourself a reasonable amount of time. Surround yourself with a strong team that shares your vision.

• Assess and Pivot: Life changes quickly. The most successful organizations are strategic but flexible enough to seize opportunities. Keep a pulse on your goals and shift gears when warranted.

• Become a Good Listener: Listening is the key to leadership. It is often not what you say, but what you hear that unlocks potential. Good listeners are sought after for counsel and are easy to approach.

Five Things to Look for in a Mentor

• Trust and Accountability: They should be someone you trust who will hold you to your word.

• Honesty: Look for someone not afraid to deliver difficult messages. To learn from mistakes, you need to hear the truth.

• Encourages Independence: A strong mentor allows you to experience tasks firsthand. Hand-holding is helpful initially, but doing it too long is disempowering.

• Availability: A good mentor is there when needed. While they have their own schedule, offering advice should never feel like a burden to them.

• Empathy and Positivity: Seek a mentor who creates a relaxed environment. Harsh or aggressive mentors only teach you what not to replicate. If they are fun, that's a bonus!

The Habits of Successful Women

1. Control Your Response: You cannot control others, but you can control how you react. Staying calm makes problem-solving easier.

2. Practice Gratitude: Perspective is everything. The worst situations can teach the best lessons and cause you to grow.

3. Be an Earth-Shaker: Take risks! Life inside a box is boring. People afraid of mistakes often end up filled with regret.

4. Ignore the Critics: Stop worrying about what other people think.

5. Be Yourself: Everyone is different. Don't change who you are just because someone else has a problem with it.

6. Fuel Your Health: Thinking healthy leads to acting healthy. Good health provides the energy needed to pave new pathways.

7. Stay Organized: Balancing work and life is a challenge, but you must keep both in check. Achieve at least one goal a day in both areas and celebrate it.

8. Celebrate Life: We don’t know our last day on earth. Take time to laugh and have fun, whether at work or home. Most problems are not worth the stress.