In episode two of Women Leadership Reframe, Podcast co-host Ellie interviews Margot Birbeck, the Executive General Manager of Operations at Prospa.
Margot’s Biography
Margot has successfully navigated early-stage startups, scale-ups, and established enterprises. Her passion for disruptive technology and differentiation through innovation has been a driving force behind her career. She played a key role in the global expansion of an Enterprise SaaS into APAC from Johannesburg, which led her to Sydney, Australia, where she pivoted into Financial Services. Currently,
Margot serves as an executive at ASX-listed Prospa, Australia and New Zealand’s leading non-banking small business lender. It supports thousands of small business owners in running and growing their businesses – the lifeblood of the economy.
With a BSc in Computer Science, an MBA from the University of Cape Town, and a PMP, Margot has built a career characterised by strategic vision, accountability, and a human-centred approach to leadership. Her specialties in GTM strategy, product distribution, customer acquisition and retention, and business operations have been instrumental in driving business success and sustainable value creation.
As a female leader in sales and operations, Margot mentors female startup founders, embodying the customer in her approach and building pathways that achieve both business and customer success. She is a role model for authentic leadership, demonstrating genuine care for people and the positive impact businesses can have on communities.
Margot leads with integrity, courage, and a commitment to creating future possibilities. Her strategic, visionary leadership ignites passion and action, while her innovative thinking and adaptability keep businesses dynamic and competitive.
Episode summary
Margot shares her journey from a rural area in South Africa to becoming a senior executive in Australia. She discusses the challenges faced by women in leadership, the importance of self-awareness, overcoming perfectionism, and building confidence.
Margot emphasises the need for organisations to create cultures of trust and empowerment and provides practical tips for women to use their voice and build strong professional relationships.
The episode is filled with inspirational advice and tools for ambitious women seeking to rise without compromising their authenticity.
Overview of show with timestamps
00:00 Welcome to Women Leadership Reframe
01:18 Introducing Episode 3: Interview with Margot Birbeck
01:57 Margot's Personal and Professional Journey
02:53 Career Hurdles and Overcoming Challenges
04:01 Building Confidence and Mentorship
04:47 Margot's Career Story and Lessons Learned
08:59 Navigating Major Career Transitions
13:31 Daily Routines and Setting Boundaries
19:54 Empowering Teams and Building Trust
30:23 Integrating Women Leaders and Overcoming Bias
35:56 Conclusion and Staying Connected
Highlights:
● Margot's morning routine and how it sets her up for success
● The role of executive coaching in developing leadership skills
● Overcoming self-doubt and building self-confidence
● The importance of speaking up and contributing early when in a new leadership role
● Advice for organisations on developing and supporting female leaders
Quotable Moments:
"I 100 percent see myself as the same person, my personal and professional self. I transition seamlessly between myself, my personal self, my family, my work, my friends, my social. It's very much a holistic person."
"Success comes from within. It's not from that external definition of achievement of accomplishments that society deems valuable."
"Trust is fundamental for teams and leadership. [...] People really grow through empowerment, like let people make mistakes, give them feedback, but let them do it themselves and give them that guidance to do it."
Connect with Margot Birbeck on LinkedIn for more insights on leadership and women in business.
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