To kick off Women’s History Month, the Leadership and Service Center featured former Student Body President Lindsay Richardson in a student spotlight Wednesday night. She took the opportunity to lead a discussion on the importance of female leadership and to reflect on her own managing style.
“Lindsay Richardson is the most visible student leader on campus," Erin Steiner, a fourth-year political science and women’s and gender studies student, said. "And I wanted to bridge to everyday students and help them learn from Lindsay, who has been here for four years and had a variety of leadership positions and experiences, so they can dig into Carolina and all the leadership opportunities."
Steiner is also an intern for the Leadership and Service Center and compiled the calendar of events for Women’s History Month.
During the most recent student government election cycle, no female students ran.
“This is why it’s so important to celebrate women’s accomplishments and help women visualize themselves in leadership roles. Because I think a lot of times it seems intimidating, especially if the previous leaders have been men,” Steiner said.
The focus of the discussion was on different negotiation and leadership styles for women. Richardson started in hall government her first year and moved all the way up to Student Body President. She said it wasn’t easy, and she didn’t become truly successful until she identified and reflected upon her leadership style.
“My leadership style is an accommodator. Accommodation lends greatly to leadership because it takes the focus off of you and onto other people," Richardson said. "I like to focus on what other people are feeling and help them through it.”
Students went around and discussed their own styles, and many shared that they were also accommodators.
“For women it’s typical that we are accommodators," Richardson said. "It’s nothing to be ashamed of — I think it’s a good thing. You will be making an impact way beyond your time at Carolina. I embrace my leadership style and although at times I know I can be a pushover, I’m proud to make a lasting relationship and see that people matter. This world is made of people and that’s what can drive your success.”
Richardson plans to attend law school to study copyright and trademark law after graduating and believes that her leadership positions, services and experiences have revolved around serving others and will help her to continue serving others in her future.
One main focuses of the discussion was the phrase "nice girls finish last." Richardson has heard this often and doesn’t believe that it’s true at all.
“Nice girls do win the race by building meaningful relationships and developing lasting impacts,” Richardson said.