Growing Success With Joanna Hoeft, Director at Studio Italia
How do you define effective leadership, and how has your definition evolved over time?
Effective leadership can be defined as the ability to inspire and guide individuals or teams towards achieving common goals. Over time, my understanding of effective leadership has evolved to encompass not just the ability to direct, but also to listen, empathise, and adapt to the needs of the team. It’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best efforts.
What strategies do you use to build and inspire a high-performing team?
Building and inspiring a high-performing team involves several key strategies. Firstly, fostering open communication is essential, as it encourages team members to share ideas and feedback. Secondly, setting clear goals and expectations helps align the team’s efforts towards a common objective. Additionally, recognising and celebrating achievements can boost morale and motivation. Lastly, provide training on product knowledge, and encourage creativity in marketing our unique offerings.
Can you share an example of a leadership challenge you faced and how you overcame it?
A significant leadership challenge I faced was navigating supply chain disruptions during the pandemic. I overcame it by fostering strong relationships with suppliers and diversifying our sourcing strategies.
What roles do mentorship and networking play in your approach to leadership?
Mentorship and networking are crucial in my approach to leadership. They allow me to learn from industry veterans and connect with other business owners, which helps in making informed decisions.
How do you balance maintaining authority while fostering collaboration and inclusivity?
It’s important to find a balance between maintaining authority and encouraging collaboration and inclusivity. One effective approach I have found is to establish clear guidelines and expectations while also inviting input and feedback from team members. This way, you can lead with confidence while creating an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
What is the most challenging obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how did you navigate it?
In the realm of design, one of the greatest challenges I have encountered is the need to adapt to evolving styles and the ever-changing expectations of clients. To navigate this, I focused on continuous learning and staying updated with industry innovations and international developments. Engaging with fellow designers and business owners helped me gain fresh perspectives, allowing me to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and creativity.
How do you maintain resilience and focus during periods of uncertainty or failure?
In the world of design and retail in particular, maintaining resilience and focus during uncertain times is key. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, and remember that every setback can lead to a new creative breakthrough. Stay connected with your team and most importantly, clients, and keep the lines of communication open. Together, you can navigate through any storm and emerge stronger than before!
What are your go-to strategies for managing stress and avoiding burnout?
My go-to strategies for managing stress include regular exercise, setting aside time for creative thinking, and ensuring I have a support system in place.
Can you share a time when you turned a significant setback into an opportunity for growth?
Turning a challenging moment into a chance for growth was a great experience! During a slow sales period, I decided to focus on training our amazing team. This not only boosted our customer service but also helped our sales performance soar!
How has your perspective on resilience changed as your career has progressed?
My perspective on resilience has changed to recognise that it’s not just about enduring challenges but also about learning and evolving from them as a business owner. Also, not taking yourself too seriously and enjoying the journey.
What habits or routines have been instrumental in your personal and professional growth?
As I reflect on my journey, I realise that some of the key habits that have helped me grow include setting clear goals, checking in on my progress regularly, and always being open to feedback from my amazing team and valued customers!.
How do you stay motivated and continually strive for improvement in your career?
Staying motivated is all about celebrating those little victories and always being curious about the world of furniture and the kitchen design industry, whether here in New Zealand or around the globe!
What advice would you give your younger self when you were just starting out?
If I could share some advice with my younger self, it would be to really embrace taking risks and to not shy away from being innovative. The furniture market is constantly changing, and it’s such an exciting journey!
What role does feedback play in your journey of self-improvement, and how do you approach it?
Feedback is super important for my journey of self-improvement! I always try to keep an open mind about it because I see it as a great chance to enhance my leadership style and business strategies.
