When I was 23 years old, I had the privilege of being the youngest member of the first ever all-female crew to sail 53k kilometers around the world. It was a life changing experience that taught me about the power of perseverance and teamwork. What you can achieve with a bunch of people when you are very deliberate about becoming a high-performance team is immense. Just because no one who looks like you has ever done it before, doesn’t mean you can’t. These are the lessons that I’ve carried with me throughout my career.

True leadership is about fostering collaborative environments where teams thrive on diversity, shared purpose, and mutual respect. My approach to team building diverges from traditional hierarchies; instead, I view teams as unified entities where leadership is distributed, and every member's strength is maximized.

I prioritize diversity in all its forms — gender, background, and career stage. I firmly believe that a diverse team brings a wealth of perspectives and experiences to the table, driving innovation and creativity. By embracing diversity, we create a more inclusive and dynamic work environment where every voice is heard and valued.

We are only as good as the people around us — Building a high-performing team requires trust, support, and a shared sense of purpose with a healthy dose of fun. We do some serious stuff in life, but we don’t need to take ourselves too seriously. Effective leaders should provide equal measures of challenge and support.

When selecting team members, I look for more than just technical skills — I seek individuals who align with our core values and purpose. Personal accountability is non-negotiable. I want team members who are committed to excellence and willing to go above and beyond to achieve our goals.

People remember you when you are different. Authenticity and self-awareness are key. By staying true to myself and consistently demonstrating our values, I earn the trust and respect of my team, fostering a culture of openness and collaboration.

The most important thing about strategy is not keeping it a secret. I involve the entire team in the strategic planning process, soliciting their input and insights. After all, a well-crafted strategy is meaningless without effective execution, and that requires buy-in and commitment from everyone involved.

My leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that success transcends financial achievements — it's about effecting positive change in the world. By prioritizing diversity, trust, and social impact, my aim is to cultivate teams that are not merely high-performing, but also driven by a profound sense of purpose.

Jeni Mundy, Global SVP Merchant & Acquiring at Visa (LinkedIn).

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