Listen to this article

Gillian Bleimann-Boucard
CEO
Berjé

What leadership traits have served you well? And on the flip side, what have you learned that tends to hold women leaders back?

I think that patience and empathy have helped me enormously. I try to take time to listen and understand different perspectives which I think has helped to build a strong collaborative team. I also think that at times women hesitate to make themselves heard, worrying that it might come across as overconfident but over time, I’ve learned that it’s important to balance humility with a belief in my own abilities.

What is one quote or phrase you refer to when you need inspiration?

I love the quote: “to handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.”

We are fortunate at Berjé to work with different and wonderful people, from all corners of the world, but without fail, using my heart and compassion, usually leads me in the right direction.

Mentorship is so important to women in the workforce these days. Do you mentor other women through a specific program? Or did you have a mentor that was inspirational to you?

I have been part of two of our industry associations, the WFFC (Women in Flavor and Fragrance Association) and FEMA, that have given wonderful opportunities to engage with mentees new in our industry. However, I strongly believe that mentors and mentees can come from many different directions. I often say that I have over 70 female mentors at Berjé who teach me values of hard work, motherhood, and dedication. Being approachable and open to learning means that you can often find these connections available. I still remember one of my most impactful mentors (although it was far from a formal mentorship) was from working with a colleague on a presentation panel. I still reference her confidence, poise, and kindness.

What valuable career lesson or lessons would you like to share with others?

One lesson that stands out to me is the importance of taking the time to pause. This is critical when, in a leadership role, you are continuously faced with differing perspectives and decisions throughout your day. Active and slow listening can be critical in this process. Don’t be afraid to “sleep on it”: some of my best decisions have come after a good night’s sleep, a long drive home with the radio on, or simply taking the time to pause and say, “let me think about it.”