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 # The Path to Leadership is Not Always a Straight Line

 


 

 Mar 4, 2015 2:00 PM ET

  Campaign:  [Woman's History Month](/news/campaign/womans-history-month)  ![](https://3blaws.s3.amazonaws.com/styles/carousel_2x/s3/images/Jennifer_Williamson_Sept_2013-1__0.jpg) 

[Sodexo Insights ](http://sodexoinsights.com/the-path-to-leadership-is-not-always-a-straight-line/)

Jennifer Williamson  
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, Sodexo

In relation to Women’s History Month, a junior manager recently asked me “*what inspired you to become a leader*?” I had to ponder her question because there was no silver bullet or magic moment for me. I did not start my career with specific goals or a well-laid plan or even a desire to lead others. In fact, my career progression into senior leadership was not a clearly defined step-by-step move up the proverbial corporate ladder. Instead, it looked more like the up, down and across pattern of a lattice.

As a child, I certainly didn’t dream about an executive leadership role in a large corporation. Let’s face it, in the 1970s—the formative years of my childhood—there simply were not role models or social cues for women in senior leadership positions. I remember the popular board game for girls called “Tressy Career Girl.” Players had to navigate a path to be a successful “career girl” by becoming a nurse, secretary, teacher, model, dancer or actress. There was no mention of accountant, doctor, engineer or business executive.

[**Read more on Sodexo Insights**](http://sodexoinsights.com/the-path-to-leadership-is-not-always-a-straight-line/)

**About Sodexo Insights**

Sodexo Insights is a blog that allows us to share our first-hand experience into the issue areas that are fundamental to us. This includes ending hunger through our Foundation, helping achieve A Better Tomorrow and providing Quality of Life services to countless Americans. Please join us for a constructive dialogue!



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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