VP Of Meta: Running A Trillion Dollar Business With An Incurable Illness: Nicola Mendelsohn

1. Combat Secondary Worrying

When facing bad news or chaos, avoid catastrophizing or imagining worst-case scenarios; instead, focus on what you can control in the present moment and take things one day at a time.

2. Break Down Chaos

In chaotic moments, identify the small milestones you can control, focusing on one step at a time rather than being overwhelmed by the entire challenge, like climbing Everest base camp by base camp.

3. Apply Discipline to Personal Life

Be as intentional and disciplined about your personal life and core values (e.g., family) as you are about your work life, even if it means trading off career paths or promotions for greater fulfillment.

4. Proactively Ask for What You Want

Research your market value and clearly articulate your desires (e.g., pay raises, career opportunities) rather than passively accepting what’s offered, using data to support your case.

5. Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Challenge the fear of getting it wrong or being seen as stupid; trust your instincts and contribute your opinions to the conversation, especially if you are a woman.

6. Embrace Openness, Vulnerability

Sharing personal challenges, like a health diagnosis, can foster support and prevent the added burden of hiding, ultimately strengthening your mental resilience.

7. Reframe Nerves as Performance Fuel

View feelings of nervousness not as imposter syndrome but as a natural adrenaline rush, a signal to be fully prepared and on your ‘A game’ for important moments.

8. Practice Vision Writing

Write down your goals and aspirations as if they’ve already happened a year from now, covering personal, professional, and community aspects, and share them to increase accountability and likelihood of achievement.

9. Set Clear Objectives

In leadership, provide very clear direction, define measurable objectives, and communicate expectations to align teams and drive performance effectively.

10. Foster Learning from Failure

Create a safe environment where ambitious goals are set, and failures are seen as opportunities for learning, debriefing, and continuous improvement, like military operations.

11. Demonstrate High-Conviction Leadership

When making strategic pivots, show strong conviction through practical actions (e.g., refusing meetings on old priorities, reallocating resources) to drive rapid organizational change.

12. Be an Active Ally

As a leader or colleague, actively call out biases, invite quieter women into conversations, share stories of successful senior women, and promote women even during maternity leave to foster equity.

13. Normalize Paternity Leave

Encourage male employees to take paternity leave, as this sets an example for others, supports family well-being, and fosters a more equitable workplace culture.

14. Avoid Gender-Biased Questions

Refrain from asking women about ‘work-life balance,’ as it carries an implicit bias; instead, inquire about ’top tips’ for managing responsibilities to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

15. Prioritize Continuous Learning

Move on from roles or organizations when you stop learning or growing, seeking new opportunities that offer steep learning curves and align with an exciting vision.

16. Actively Seek Mentorship

Learn from experienced individuals and proactively solicit 360-degree feedback to understand how others perceive you and develop leadership muscles.

17. Embrace Curiosity, Questioning

Don’t be afraid to ask questions and push for deeper understanding, even if it challenges norms, as this drive for knowledge can shape your success.

18. Seek Believers in Potential

Identify and surround yourself with people, especially early in life, who believe in you and your potential, as their support can counteract negative influences.

19. Leverage Diverse Skill Sets

Recognize how skills gained from seemingly unrelated activities, like acting (confidence, presentation, teamwork), can be vital assets in your professional career.

20. Maintain Fulfilling Work

If well enough, continue engaging in work you love, as it can provide energy, purpose, and a sense of normalcy during challenging personal times.

21. Implement Intentional Lifestyle Changes

Proactively adjust diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors based on scientific evidence (e.g., reducing inflammation) to improve health, especially when facing a chronic condition.

22. Use a Physical Alarm Clock

Keep your phone out of the bedroom and use a physical alarm clock to reduce distractions and improve sleep quality.

23. Support Female Entrepreneurship

Encourage and equip women with digital skills and networks to set up businesses, recognizing the significant economic and societal benefits of increased female entrepreneurship.