An Interview With Pirie Jones Grossman
Managing Chaos: Demonstrates your capability to handle high-pressure situations with grace, a skill honed through personal experience and applicable in professional settings where such calm is essential for leadership. Juggling the diverse needs of raising five children has honed my ability to manage chaos, a skill I apply in professional settings where unexpected challenges and simultaneous demands are common. This ability to maintain calm and prioritize effectively under pressure directly results from managing a busy household.
In today’s dynamic world, the concept of leadership is continuously evolving. While traditional leadership models have often been male-dominated, there is a growing recognition of the unique strengths and perspectives that women bring to these roles. This series aims to explore how women can become more effective leaders by authentically embracing their femininity and innate strengths, rather than conforming to traditional male leadership styles. In this series, we are talking to successful women leaders, coaches, authors, and experts who can provide insights and personal stories on how embracing their inherent feminine qualities has enhanced their leadership abilities. As part of this series, we had the pleasure of interviewing Theresa Pidcock.
Theresa Pidcock is the Chief Leadership Officer at zant, a NYC-based tech startup transforming the world of coaching by connecting entrepreneurs, leaders, and changemakers with expert coaches who can help them thrive. She is also the founder and CEO of Theresa Pidcock Consulting, where she combines executive coaching and organizational strategy to drive leadership development and business growth within the companies and leaders she coaches. With a Master’s in Business Dynamics and certifications in executive coaching, grief counseling, emotional intelligence, and exit planning, Theresa has a proven track record of increasing company value and improving team culture.
Formerly a Regional VP specializing in leadership and revenue growth in the advertising sales industry, Theresa is known for resolving complex challenges and aligning professionals’ careers with their values. A respected speaker and thought leader, she shares her expertise on leadership, team building, and the link between mental health and productivity, helping individuals and teams reach their full potential.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series. Before we dive into our discussion about authentic, feminine leadership, our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you share with us the backstory about what brought you to your specific career path?
My career began on the West Coast of California, where I worked in advertising sales. Over the next 12 years, I climbed the corporate ladder, advancing from Account Executive to Regional Vice President for the West Coast Region.
Towards the end of my advertising career, the stress of my job began seriously affecting my health, leading me to reevaluate what I valued most, personally and professionally. During this period, I discovered executive coaching and quickly realized its potential to heal and humanize Corporate America. I embraced the idea that it’s possible to be profitable while still enjoying your job and living an extraordinary life.
For the last decade, I’ve dedicated myself to this belief, committing to providing the best possible education for my clients to prove that business success can coexist with personal happiness. My passion is to show professionals that you can indeed thrive in the business world without sacrificing your well-being.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started your career?
There was one interesting thing I will never forget. While managing multiple offices in California, I had organized a special celebration for a team that had performed exceptionally well, planning a limousine ride to a scenic lunch by the ocean in a quaint coastal village. The day was beautiful, and everyone was enjoying the celebration when suddenly, we noticed large plumes of smoke rising from the direction of our second office. None of us had good cell service, which prevented us from reaching the office and news reports, which were all reporting a rapidly spreading fire. I had to make quick decisions.
I activated a phone tree and instructed the office to close immediately, prioritizing everyone’s safety over everything else. During this crisis, I received texts from my first responder husband, who was heading towards the danger I was trying to escape. It was a stark reminder that leadership often involves preparing for the unexpected, even on seemingly normal days. This experience tested my crisis management skills and deepened my appreciation for resilience in leadership and relying on my teams. It reaffirmed my belief that leading with heart is about the confidence gained when you become a leader and learn to trust yourself and your teams. Trusting my intuition and the lessons I’ve learned from moments like these have significantly influenced my approach at zant and in my business, emphasizing that effective leadership is as much about guiding as it is about growing alongside your people.
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
My company stands out because I commit to walking the journey with our leaders. Whether they face a battle over revenue, people, personal challenges, or strategic decisions, they know that when I say I care and I’m there, I mean it. It’s not just a series of feel-good phrases on the walls; it’s about doing the work together, side by side.
I’ve been there when clients have written and received their first seven-figure checks and during hard times, like discovering hundreds of thousands of dollars in fraud. I’ve walked with them through unimaginable loss and when they’ve achieved dreams they’ve only previously seen on their vision boards. These moments underscore the magnitude of the journey I share with them. It’s an honor to be trusted in such crucial times.
I specifically focus on being present and offering genuine involvement and support that make a tangible difference in people’s lives and work. This is what sets us apart and defines our success.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Emotional intelligence, positivity, and advanced communication skills have been instrumental to my success. Each has uniquely contributed to my journey as a leader.
- Emotional Intelligence (EI): Emotional intelligence has been the cornerstone of my professional and personal interactions. It encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, flexibility, and more. These components have allowed me to navigate complex human dynamics and foster a culture of mutual respect and understanding within my team and with my clients. I often think about the potential impact on our society if we prioritize these ‘soft skills’ as much as we do ‘hard skills’ in our school system. It’s a change that could fundamentally enhance how we interact and succeed in our communities, workplaces, and world.
- Positivity: My natural inclination towards positivity and joy has propelled me to undertake challenges that seemed impossible. Whether it was embarking on a sales career, starting my company, or pursuing higher education, my positive outlook has often led me to ‘climb mountains’ without fully knowing the steepness of the climb before beginning. This trait has been a driving force behind my ability to start and persist in endeavors without being deterred by the overwhelming details that might have otherwise held me back. It’s about seeing possibilities where others see obstacles.
- Communication Skills & Empathy: Beyond basic communication, my ability to connect deeply through empathy has been a superpower. Since childhood, I’ve had the innate ability to feel and share the emotions of others, which has enhanced my leadership by allowing me to truly understand, connect, and address the needs of those around me. This level of empathy has not only created stronger relationships but has also enabled me to lead with heart, making decisions that align with both organizational goals and individual well-being.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader? I’m curious to understand how these challenges have shaped your leadership.
We are leaders at work and home, and a significant leadership decision that my family and I faced a few years back involved prioritizing the continued career advancement of my husband over immediate professional gains for myself, as he has done for me many times in our marriage. After retiring in 2017, we moved away from the West Coast to another state. However, after several years, my husband realized he wasn’t ready to leave the profession he had loved for so many years. While he had the option to work in our new state, returning to the West Coast, where he had deep community and professional ties spanning nearly 20 years, was the more favorable option for him.
The decision-making process was complex and required weighing multiple factors. We still had our youngest child at home, and I managed my business. Being a leader isn’t confined to professional contexts; leading within the family is equally important, providing the same stability, support, kindness, and well-thought-out planning you would apply in a workplace.
We chose to live in two different locations for a while; he would commute on his days off, and we managed the challenges of a bicoastal marriage until we became empty nesters, which gave us more freedom to make decisions that best suited our family’s needs. This experience reinforced the idea that, whether with your work team or your family, the priority should always be to foster teamwork and support from within because the world can be challenging enough. Effective leadership at home involves making thoughtful decisions that prioritize the well-being and goals of the entire family.
This situation also profoundly shaped my leadership because, though I was already highly independent, the responsibility of managing the “whole family” often fell on me. During this period, some people we deeply loved whispered behind our backs, wondering if we were divorcing, rather than asking directly about what was happening, which was hurtful. Some days forced me to look far into the future and question whether I wanted all the responsibility that came with being essentially on my own. Did I even want to worry about lawn maintenance at 75?
These challenges tie directly into the narrative of career leadership, especially as a woman. When I was climbing the professional ladder, the prevailing message was that you could “have it all,” the career, the house, the car, the marriage, the kids, the body, the life. Yet, on many of those days, when something would break, when our children and I weren’t seeing eye to eye, when our hundred pound Rottweiler wanted to challenge every delivery driver in sight and would only listen to “Dad”, or when a tornado alert hit and it was just “me”… I had to dig deep and really continue to decide if this was what I wanted. Did I still want it all? The house, the career? Was I really up to this?
It would have been so easy to run away and quit. But just like with our companies and dreams, refocusing after the rain usually does a world of good. These experiences not only tested but also strengthened my resolve and ability to lead under pressure, teaching me invaluable lessons about resilience and determination.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you share a personal experience where embracing your unique leadership style, which might not align with traditional expectations, led to a significant positive impact in your organization or team?
This is an excellent question because it gets to the heart of what I believe makes a leader effective. I debate this with others in the field who might prioritize strategy or the bottom line above all else. But in my experience, if you focus on getting the people right, areas like execution or strategy can fall into place more easily.
It’s common in leadership to treat everyone the same, apply one-size-fits-all solutions, and not take the time to dive deep into what makes each person tick. But when you do take the time and invest in understanding your people, from what motivates them to their personal “why”, you build a level of trust and loyalty that’s nearly unbreakable.
I’ve seen this approach work wonders. My teams didn’t just meet their own goals; they were always looking out for the bigger picture. “What does the team need next?” they’d ask after hitting their targets. When they led their own teams, they’d think bigger: “What does the office need?” or “How can we help another office that’s struggling?” It was like success by osmosis: everyone was eager to share what they knew and to keep learning.
Some leaders might debate this people-first approach, but I’ve seen its power firsthand many times. We can smooth over a bumpy strategy or recover from a misstep in execution because the team truly cares. That’s why I’ll always believe that the secret sauce in leadership isn’t just about managing well; it’s about truly caring for your people and understanding the incredible impact of strong human dynamics.
In your journey as a leader, how have you balanced demonstrating resilience, often seen as a masculine trait, with showing vulnerability, which is equally powerful, but typically feminine? Can you give an example where this balance created a meaningful difference?
In my leadership journey, balancing the traditionally masculine trait of resilience with the powerful yet typically feminine trait of vulnerability has been a nuanced challenge, especially as a woman in leadership. Early in my career, being young and relatively inexperienced, I often adopted leadership styles that didn’t quite fit me, as it’s easy for new leaders to mimic others until they establish their own style. I overcompensated, which led me to adopt a “burn the candle at both ends” approach, which involved extremely long hours, working non-stop.
As I gained leadership experience, I began to ask deeper questions about what truly mattered and why. This shift in perspective led me to trade the metaphorical chainsaw for a scalpel, approaching problems with precision rather than force.
Over time, I observed the stark contrasts between “command and control” leadership styles, which often prioritize results at significant human costs, and more intuitive, empathetic approaches. Witnessing the toll that overly aggressive leadership took on people around me, I steered my style towards a blend of resilience and vulnerability. This hybrid approach allowed me to lead effectively, showing that resilience doesn’t have to exclude care, nor does vulnerability detract from strength.
Embracing both resilience and vulnerability has taught me that effective leadership is as much about fostering strength as it is about recognizing and addressing our human limits. This balance has enhanced my ability to lead and nurture more cohesive and resilient teams.
As a woman in leadership, how have you navigated and challenged gender stereotypes, especially in situations where traditional male-dominated approaches are the norm? What strategies have you employed to remain authentic to your style?
In my climb up the leadership ladder, being one of the few women in such roles became more apparent the higher I went. Before that, I remember one incident early in my career as a new account executive when my sales manager, a woman, publicly measured my skirt on the sales floor to check if it met the dress code (which it did). This was in front of dozens of my colleagues.
Another time, early in my career as a sales account executive, I faced a particularly challenging encounter that tested not only my professionalism but also my resolve against gender-based disrespect. During a routine visit to renew contracts with a male client, I was subjected to a demeaning attitude throughout the presentation. He took phone calls mid-discussion, dismissed my answers with rudeness, and finally, he leaned back and degradingly commented, “We both know you’re just a pretty face. Do you expect me to resign your contract and pay higher rates this year because you’re good-looking?”
This blatant disrespect left me momentarily stunned; my cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and tears welled up from his statements’ shock and hurt. At that moment, the young woman I was didn’t have the words to respond. However, I didn’t let this incident pass quietly. I reported the behavior to my sales manager, who became an invaluable ally by accompanying me back to the client, ensuring the client’s behavior was formally addressed. Although the client was less abrasive with my manager present, the experience crystallized my understanding of my boundaries.
This incident profoundly shaped my professional principles. I resolved that no account or opportunity was worth enduring mistreatment, a standard I have upheld for myself and advocated for my teams. It reinforced my belief that we teach people how to treat us, a lesson I carry into every professional interaction today.
These experiences underscore a broader issue that persists even today. I’m currently familiar with an organization that hesitates to hold women accountable in the same way as men. This avoidance often stems from a fear of a potential backlash. However, this approach can lead to significant challenges, including creating environments where issues are not addressed promptly or effectively, potentially crossing legal and ethical boundaries. This lack of accountability undermines the professional growth of all individuals involved and places the entire organization at risk, leading to gridlock, resentment, and loss of trust in leaders.
In my role, I strive to educate and raise awareness of these issues by sharing my experiences and those of others who face similar challenges. I discuss the importance of fair and equitable management practices in my writings, presentations, and any platform I’m given. It’s crucial to address and correct these outdated practices and ensure that leadership and accountability standards are applied uniformly, regardless of gender.
I also focus on building supportive alliances within the workplace to foster an inclusive environment where past misconceptions and mistakes are openly addressed. By creating a culture that values transparency and fairness, we can work towards a workplace that truly works for everyone, making it a place where leadership is measured by one’s ability to perform and inspire, irrespective of gender.
I also know for sure that more often than not, when people know you care and are given a safe environment they know is “for them,” where people own mistakes and communication skills, emotional intelligence, and vulnerability are practiced as strengths, people THRIVE! I prioritize creating such an environment, as it enhances individual performance and cultivates a thriving organizational culture.
How do you utilize emotional intelligence and active listening to create an inclusive environment in your team or organization? Could you share a specific instance where these qualities particularly enhanced team dynamics or performance?
Emotional intelligence and active listening are crucial for building an inclusive environment in any team or organization. I use these skills to get to the heart of what my team members need and feel.
Recently, one of my clients was struggling with her team. The frustration was mounting on both sides, and it was clear from our many calls that the original plan of having her train the team wasn’t the best way to go. Seeing this, I suggested a shift in approach: I would take over the training directly with the team. This setup allowed the team members to open up and ask questions freely without feeling like their CEO monitored every word. It also gave my client a break to focus on other areas, knowing her team was in capable hands. The team’s engagement picked up with this more relaxed approach, and I could dig deeper into their real issues.
This situation proved to me how important it is to be flexible in your leadership style. Emotional intelligence isn’t just about empathy, stress management, or optimism; it’s also about adapting and solving problems as they come. Knowing when to pull the right tool out of the EI toolbox can make all the difference in smoothing out team tensions and boosting overall performance.
What role has mentorship played in developing your authentic leadership style, and how do you communicate authentically to inspire and empower both your mentors and mentees?
Mentorship has been instrumental in shaping my leadership style. I wouldn’t be where I am today without the guidance of many mentors along the way. While most of my mentors have been fantastic, a few were heartbreakingly toxic. But that’s the reality of leadership; it’s not all highlights and success stories. It’s important to share the full spectrum of experiences, both good and bad, because that authenticity is what truly informs and shapes a leader.
Leadership is about navigating through highs and lows; each experience adds a layer to your development. It’s about making a difference and being prepared to stand out. Not everyone is cut out for this role, and even those who aspire to lead will find their paths uniquely their own.
When I’ve had great mentors, I absorbed every lesson and took detailed notes. Learning from someone who has paved the way is a privilege, and I believe in paying it forward by lifting others. My goal has always been to make the world a better place because I am compelled by a desire to contribute, not out of obligation.
However, leadership also tests your values, especially as you rise higher. Early in my management career, I faced a serious health crisis that sidelined me for nearly two years. During that time, I reflected deeply on my life choices, what I was proud of, and what I regretted. I thought about the times I held back in meetings out of fear or didn’t stand up for my team against criticism. I promised myself that if I got another chance to lead, I would never waste those opportunities again.
Today, I am committed to using my experiences to help others live better lives. I strive to be a mentor who shares successes and struggles because true leadership requires authenticity, resilience, and the courage to stand alone when necessary. This approach not only honors those who have mentored me but also empowers those I mentor to embrace their own leadership journeys with honesty and bravery.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your experience and research, can you please share “5 Ways Leading Authentically As A Woman Will Affect Your Leadership”? If you can, please share a story or an example for each.
1 . Managing Chaos: Demonstrates your capability to handle high-pressure situations with grace, a skill honed through personal experience and applicable in professional settings where such calm is essential for leadership. Juggling the diverse needs of raising five children has honed my ability to manage chaos, a skill I apply in professional settings where unexpected challenges and simultaneous demands are common. This ability to maintain calm and prioritize effectively under pressure directly results from managing a busy household.
2 . Intuition and Empathy: Showcases how leveraging traditionally feminine traits like intuition and empathy can lead to deeper connections with team members, fostering an environment where people feel supported and understood. I noticed a team member becoming increasingly withdrawn due to feeling undervalued. By applying intuition and empathetic listening, I engaged them in a one-on-one conversation that revealed their concerns and restored their confidence. This approach helped the individual and improved team morale and productivity overall.
3 . Empowered Leadership: Reflects a proactive approach to leadership that focuses on achieving goals and empowers team members to overcome challenges, embodying a balance of guidance and autonomy. During an important project that encountered numerous delays, my “get it done” attitude ensured we stayed on track and met our deadlines. An Empowered Leadership approach and insistence on pushing through barriers inspired the team to adopt a similar resilience, leading to our success.
4 . Helper vs Protector: Illustrates your understanding of when to step in and act versus when to support from the sidelines, balancing nurturing with empowering, a nuanced aspect of leadership. During a particularly demanding season, I absorbed extra workload to protect my team from burnout. This allowed them to focus on their core responsibilities without additional stress, preserving their energy and morale, which are crucial for maintaining productivity under pressure.
5 . Willingness to Cheer Them On: Highlights the importance of recognition and positivity in leadership, creating an uplifting and motivating atmosphere that enhances team morale and productivity. I initiated a monthly recognition program that highlighted individual and team achievements. Celebrating these successes motivated the team and reinforced a culture of appreciation and teamwork, which is critical for sustained success and positive team dynamics.
Are there potential pitfalls or challenges associated with being an empathetic leader? How can these be addressed?
Being an empathetic leader certainly has its challenges. One of the biggest risks is burning out, becoming so involved in giving yourself to others that you end up with nothing left for yourself. It’s crucial to remember the importance of self-care. And by self-care, I don’t just mean indulging in relaxation activities like bubble baths or golf but instead focusing on the fundamentals like getting enough sleep, eating well, staying hydrated, and managing stress effectively.
Self-care also involves being mindful about what’s happening in your life, understanding why, and recognizing how it affects you emotionally. This deeper self-awareness can help you create positive, lasting changes in your life.
As empathetic leaders, we are often deeply tuned into the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of others, which can be overwhelming, especially in today’s world. It can sometimes feel like you’re drinking poison if you don’t manage it carefully. So, what can be done? In addition to all I’ve mentioned about self-care, guarding your heart and mind is vital. Understand that you can’t save the world on your own. Do your best and establish boundaries that protect your mental and emotional health. This means knowing when to step back and recharge, ensuring that you’re not only giving to others but also giving back to yourself.
By implementing these strategies, you can maintain empathy and compassion as strengths rather than letting them become vulnerabilities that lead to burnout.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
I would spearhead a movement to remind people that we can achieve success, earn well, and truly enjoy life simultaneously. I help companies create and implement strategies that are designed to yield these results, fostering environments where joy and profitability coexist. However, sometimes people doubt the process and prematurely abandon these plans before seeing the outcomes. This movement would emphasize the importance of patience and perseverance in personal and professional endeavors. We need to revive our appreciation for our wonderful world and remember to cherish and enjoy our journey through it.
How can our readers further follow you online?
I can be found online on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresahampsonpidcock/ or on my website: www.theresapidcock.com
Thank you for the time you spent sharing these fantastic insights. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
About The Interviewer: Pirie is a TedX speaker, author and a Life Empowerment Coach. She is a co-host of Own your Throne podcast, inspiring women in the 2nd chapter of their lives. With over 20 years in front of the camera, Pirie Grossman understands the power of storytelling. After success in commercials and acting. She spent 10 years reporting for E! Entertainment Television, Entertainment Tonight, also hosted ABC’s “Every Woman”. Her work off-camera capitalizes on her strength, producing, bringing people together for unique experiences. She produced a Children’s Day of Compassion during the Dalai Lama’s visit here in 2005. 10,000 children attended, sharing ideas about compassion with His Holiness. From 2006–2009, Pirie Co-chaired the Special Olympics World Winter Games, in Idaho, welcoming 3,000 athletes from over 150 countries. She founded Destiny Productions to create Wellness Festivals and is an Advisory Board member of the Sun Valley Wellness Board.In February 2017, Pirie produced, “Love is Louder”, a Brain Health Summit, bringing in Kevin Hines, noted suicide survivor to Sun Valley who spoke to school kids about suicide. Sun Valley is in the top 5% highest suicide rate per capita in the Northwest, prompting a community initiative with St. Luke’s and other stake holders, to begin healing. She lives in Sun Valley with her two children, serves on the Board of Community School. She has her Master’s degree in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica and is an Executive Life Empowerment Coach, where she helps people meet their dreams and goals! The difference between a dream and a goal is that a goal is a dream with a date on it!
Leading with Heart: Theresa Pidcock Of zant On The Power of Authentic Women’s Leadership was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.