A Personal Journey in Leadership
We’ve spent this year exploring various aspects of the subject of leadership, and I thought it would be appropriate in this closing issue of “Image Matters News” for 2023 to share my own journey in leadership with the Association of Image Consultants International (AICI).
AICI is a professional organization that I joined in 2005 and earned my certification with in 2007 as a Certified Image Consultant (AICI CIC). According to its website, “AICI is the leading and largest professional association of personal and corporate image consultants worldwide. Our members counsel both individual and corporate clients on appearance, behavior, communication and soft skills. As experts in image consulting, AICI professionals guide clients to achieve their specific goals with authenticity, credibility and confidence.”
AICI proved to be a place where I could grow my knowledge in the image industry beyond the appearance-focused services that I’d previously offered. This broader approach soon became the foundation of the work I do today — assisting individuals and teams in developing a “total presence” (in how they think, look, act, sound and dress) to present an authentic and poised presence that supports them in all that they do. When I joined AICI I had no idea what additional skills I would gain from being a member of this global professional community. They’ve included (to name just a few) strengthened self-confidence, invaluable communication skills, time management and organizational skills, and the ability to work more effectively with people of varying personalities and cultural backgrounds.
Somewhat to my own surprise, I stepped promptly into roles that supported the organization and my own professional and leadership development. Within my first year of membership, I was asked to join a committee that supported our annual global conference. My role was to seek out, vet and sign on the talent for our gala event. This also included hosting and introducing our ventriloquist comedian talent for the evening!
My local “home” for this global organization was the Chicago Midwest AICI Chapter. Soon the VP of Marketing position opened for a partial term with my chapter’s board. From there my active duties in serving AICI were launched. I served next as incoming president and then president of the Chicago Midwest chapter for the 2009-2011 term. This was followed by a year in the past president’s role, and then on to chapter secretary and treasurer for three terms. They honored me with the Chicago Chapter Member of the Year Award in 2011.
Fast forward to August 2023, and my years of service and due diligence to the craft and organization of image consulting led to an offer/request that I join the AICI Global Board of Directors. (What growing a personal brand will do for you!) After deep deliberation about what this would mean professionally and personally, in September I chose to accept and stepped onto the global board as VP Treasurer and Executive Committee. Overseeing AICI’s finances … helping to support 36 chapters worldwide … assisting with upholding and navigating a global organization. Although I don’t yet fully understand what this will require and where I’ll end up, it’s clear that my own journey in leadership has just begun!
In reviewing my experiences with leadership, all of these roles have tested my limits, grown my soft and hard skills, forged friendships and professional relationships with other image consultants around the globe, and helped to develop ideas and skills that I didn’t know I had or could ever develop. All of this is wonderful. But the best part is that I get to transfer all of this learning on to my own client base. Because I’ve walked a similar path, I can offer the kind of advice and support that can help them get promoted, land a new career, and become more self-confident and assured in all areas of their lives.
All my best wishes to you for your own exciting opportunities for growth in leadership in 2024!
