Women who Advise

Women Who Advise: A Conversation with Dr. Adeola Mead, Fractional Wellbeing Officer

In honor of Women’s History Month, Reverb is featuring our newest advisor Dr. Adeola Mead. 

“I most enjoy how advising means I get to connect with people in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and empowered. I love seeing the look in people’s eyes when they learn something new about themselves or consider a new, exciting approach to a challenge.”

Q: What value do advisors add?

A: Advisors play a pivotal role in the success of new and growing businesses by providing invaluable guidance and a wealth of experience. One of their key contributions lies in offering alternate perspectives, enabling entrepreneurs to see beyond their own vantage point and consider diverse viewpoints. Every time I meet my advisors or ask them a  question, I come away smarter and making better decisions. 

This diversity of thought that advisors bring helps founders and CEOs make well-informed decisions, steering the company away from potential pitfalls and towards innovative solutions. Additionally, advisors serve as reflective sounding boards, allowing business owners to articulate their thoughts and concerns. This kind of self-reflection not only improves communication but also aids in navigating the complex dynamics of entrepreneurship. Advisors bring a fresh set of eyes to your business, sharing insights and ideas about potential opportunities and future innovation. The right advisors will help you identify trends and anticipate challenges. The long term impact of working with advisors includes increased personal resilience and business sustainability.

Women Advisors Add Perspective and Empathy

Three of my four advisors are women, which reflects the makeup of our team and client base at Reverb. Our advisors bring a unique perspective and experiences that complement the leadership team. In my experience women advisors can possess a heightened awareness of interpersonal dynamics, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative approach, helping foster an inclusive and welcoming environment. 

Professional women possess a mix of grit, drive, and perseverance resulting from their own experiences and challenges they’ve faced. Additionally, female advisors may bring a different lens to strategic decision-making, offering insights that might be overlooked by a more homogeneous group of people. For a female CEO, having women advisors is particularly beneficial as it creates a supportive network where shared experiences increase empathy and relatability. I truly value each of my advisors for their unique perspectives, dedication, and commitment. 

Q: How did you get into advising and what do you enjoy about it?   

A: It comes naturally to me to share insight and experience. As a physician, I’ve had the opportunity to mentor students and new doctors, and that led to advising on practice/business models too. I most enjoy how advising means I get to connect with people in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and empowered. I love seeing the look in people’s eyes when they learn something new about themselves or consider a new, exciting approach to a challenge.

Q: What are your unique strengths and perspectives as a female advisor?  

A: I can assess situations quickly and holistically while connecting with those involved empathetically. I give insight but make space for people to reflect on their process and come to their own solutions organically.

Q: What advice would you give a founder or CEO who doesn’t have advisors?  

A: Get some! It makes all the difference so that you don’t feel alone as you grow. It can be lonely at the top and advisors give you perspective and expedite your progress by sharing their insight/experience. Also, advisors are great resources for referrals of all kinds so you can fill your team and network of collaborators with high-quality professionals.

Q: Anything else you want to share?  

A: Advisors can become life-long confidants and treasured friends. Having meaningful friendships and relationships is the #1 predictor of adult happiness, therefore… advisors make you happy!! An investment in good advisors is an investment in your own happiness 🙂

I think Dr. Mead said it best: 

• Don’t have advisors? Get some!

• Advisors can provide perspective, insights, and contacts.

• Having advisors can actually increase your happiness. 

Thank you to Dr. Mead for joining me in this conversation. I am grateful for all of our advisors – Vanessa Laughlin, Ruchika Tulshyan, and Dave Gartenberg.