"Growth happens when we step beyond our comfort."
Welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine, where we bring you exclusive interviews with visionary leaders who are shaping the business landscape with their unique insights and strategies. In today’s feature, we have the privilege of sitting down with Sanela Osmic, the driving force behind Ethical Governance and an advocate for emotional intelligence in corporate governance.
Sanela Osmic’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and purpose. Hailing from Bosnia but calling Australia her home for the past two decades, her professional path meandered from the financial sector to a diverse array of roles, including government positions, lecturing at esteemed institutions, and working at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
It was during her tenure at the AICD that she was introduced to the captivating world of corporate governance, an encounter that ignited a fervent passion for ethical leadership.
At the heart of Ethical Governance is a resolute commitment to reshaping how organizations approach decision-making by infusing ethics into their DNA. Sanela and her team tirelessly work to drive positive change, foster transparency, and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the corporate world.
Join us as we delve into the remarkable journey and vision of Sanela Osmic, a true advocate for ethical leadership and emotional intelligence.
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Table of Contents
We are thrilled to have you join us today, welcome to ValiantCEO Magazine’s exclusive interview! Let’s start off with a little introduction. Tell our readers a bit about yourself and your company.
Sanela Osmic: For the last two decades, I’ve called Australia my home, although I originally hail from Bosnia. My professional journey began in the financial sector, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that my true passion lay in working with people, not just numbers. Since that realization, my career has led me through various sectors, including professional services, disability services, government roles, and lecturing at several esteemed institutions.
It was during my tenure at the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) that I first encountered the captivating world of corporate governance, and I instantly fell in love with it. Following my departure from the AICD, I took the entrepreneurial leap and founded my own company. I chose the name “Ethical Governance” symbolically, as I firmly believe that ethics should form the cornerstone of decision-making in any realm.
About Ethical Governance
Established as a beacon for ethical business practices, Ethical Governance champions the cause of integrity and principled decision-making. Ethical Governance is not just a company; it’s a philosophy brought to life. At Ethical Governance, we are committed to revolutionizing the way organizations approach decision-making.
Our mission is to infuse ethics into the very DNA of corporate governance, guiding businesses toward responsible, sustainable, and morally sound practices. We offer a comprehensive range of consulting services, training programs, and advisory solutions, all designed to help companies prioritize ethical considerations in their strategic choices.
With a team of dedicated experts who share a profound belief in the power of ethical leadership, we work tirelessly to drive positive change, foster transparency, and uphold the highest standards of integrity in the corporate world. Ethical Governance is not just a company; it’s a movement towards a brighter, more ethical future for businesses and society as a whole.
Quiet quitting, The Great Resignation, are an ongoing trend causing many businesses to struggle to keep talent engaged and motivated. Most are leaving because of their boss or their company culture. 82% of people feel unheard, undervalued, and misunderstood in the workplace. In your experience, what keeps employees happy? And how are you adapting to the current shift we see?
Sanela Osmic: In our experience at Ethical Governance, we firmly believe that the key to keeping employees happy lies in fostering a workplace culture built on trust, respect, and genuine empathy.
Recognizing the individual worth of each team member and ensuring they feel valued and appreciated goes a long way. We prioritize open communication, active listening, and providing regular feedback. By encouraging a sense of belonging and empowerment, we create an environment where employees feel heard, understood, and respected.
Adapting to the current shift represented by the Quiet Quitting trend and the Great Resignation, it is important that organizations take proactive steps. This can be done by placing a heightened focus on enhancing communication channels, encouraging leadership transparency, and providing ample opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
Our training programs emphasize emotional intelligence, empowering leaders to better understand and respond to the needs of their teams. It is also important to address workplace stressors promptly, ensuring a healthy work-life balance, and offering mental health support.
Furthermore, we are continuously evolving our strategies, leveraging technology for remote collaboration, flexible work arrangements, and fostering a culture of flexibility. We’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and motivated.
By staying agile, empathetic, and responsive to the evolving needs of our employees, we believe in not only weathering the current challenges but also thriving as a team united by a shared commitment to ethical leadership and a supportive workplace culture.
Here is a two-fold question: What is the book that influenced you the most and how? Please share some life lessons you learned. Now what book have you gifted the most and why?
Sanela Osmic: About ten years ago, I stumbled upon a book, “The 15 Irrefutable Laws of Growth”, by John Maxwell, and it profoundly altered the course of my life. This book served as a catalyst for a journey of personal growth and self-discovery that I’m still traveling on.
What struck me most about this book was its empowering message that I should be in the driver’s seat of my life, fully responsible for what does or doesn’t happen. It ignited a sense of proactive ownership in me, inspiring me to actively seek out opportunities rather than passively waiting to be noticed or promoted.
This shift in mindset had a remarkable impact on my career. It instilled a newfound drive and determination in me, and I started to embrace challenges with enthusiasm. I became more receptive to learning, more resilient in the face of setbacks, and more open to taking calculated risks.
As a result, my career began to soar. I proactively pursued opportunities, sought out professional development, and took on leadership roles I might have shied away from in the past. This book not only changed the trajectory of my life but also unleashed a level of personal and professional growth I hadn’t thought possible.
It’s a reminder that, ultimately, we hold the reins to our own destiny, and it’s up to us to steer our lives in the direction we desire. Indeed, the journey of trying, failing, and starting anew has taught me a priceless life lesson: to never give up on my dreams.
Through these experiences, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the incredible power of persistence and resilience. I’ve learned that every setback is merely a setup for a comeback. Life’s obstacles, rather than being roadblocks, are stepping stones on the path to personal growth and success.
This resilience has become a driving force in my life, propelling me forward in the face of adversity and challenges. It has given me the courage to persevere when the going gets tough and to view setbacks not as failures but as opportunities for growth. I’ve found that it’s in these moments of adversity that we often discover our true strengths and capabilities.
They test our resolve, push our boundaries, and enable us to emerge stronger and more determined than before. Life has a remarkable way of unfolding our dreams in unexpected ways, often different from the scenarios we’ve envisioned.
The lesson of embracing discomfort and welcoming growth is a vital one in my journey. I’ve come to understand that true personal and professional development often requires stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
It’s about venturing into the unknown, taking on new challenges, and willingly experiencing the discomfort that accompanies growth. I’ve learned not to be afraid of discomfort; rather, I’ve come to see it as a sign of progress. It’s in those uncomfortable moments that we stretch our limits, test our capabilities, and discover the boundless opportunities that lie beyond our familiar boundaries.
It’s where innovation and transformation happen. It’s an acknowledgment that the most remarkable achievements often arise from pushing beyond what’s comfortable and familiar. This mindset has been instrumental in my journey, opening doors to new horizons and leading to opportunities that I might have missed if I had chosen to remain in my comfort zone.
It’s a reminder that the path to success and self-discovery is frequently paved with moments of discomfort and uncertainty, and it’s in those moments that we find our greatest potential.
Lastly, I’ve grasped the importance of refraining from comparing myself to others. This was a realization that we all progress at our own unique pace, and making comparisons with others can often be discouraging and counterproductive.
Instead, I’ve come to understand that it’s essential to focus on our individual progress and celebrate our own achievements, no matter how small they may seem in the grand scheme of things. This lesson has instilled in me a sense of patience, self-acceptance, and a deep understanding that my life is a deeply personal and individual journey.
Each of us has our own strengths, weaknesses, and life circumstances, and it’s counterproductive to measure our success against the achievements of others. This realization has allowed me to approach my personal and professional growth with a greater sense of self-compassion and understanding.
By focusing on my own journey and celebrating my unique accomplishments, I’ve found greater contentment and fulfillment in my pursuits. It’s a reminder that our worth is not determined by how we measure up to others but by the progress we make on our own path. This lesson has been instrumental in my self-development, allowing me to embrace my own strengths and challenges and to continually strive for personal excellence on my terms.
As for the book I’ve most frequently gifted, it is my own work, “Leading with Emotional Intelligence: A Guide for Board Directors.” I believe that emotional intelligence (EI) is a vital skill that all individuals should develop. EI not only enhances our personal relationships but also plays a crucial role in our professional success.
It empowers us to understand and manage our own emotions and connect with others on a deeper level, fostering collaboration, empathy, and effective leadership. By gifting my book, I aim to share the knowledge and tools that can help others enhance their emotional intelligence, fostering better connections and understanding in their lives.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that books have the power to shape our perspectives, fuel our personal growth, and inspire positive change. They are not just sources of knowledge; they are catalysts for transformation, enabling us to become the best versions of ourselves.
Christopher Hitchens, an American journalist, is quoted as saying that “everyone has a book in them” Have you written a book? If so, please share with us details about it. If you haven’t, what book would you like to write and how would you like it to benefit the readers?
Sanela Osmic: Yes, I’ve had the privilege of writing a book titled “Leading with Emotional Intelligence: A Guide for Board Directors.” This book delves into the crucial role that emotional intelligence (EI) plays in effective leadership, especially within the context of board directors and governance.
It explores the significance of self-awareness, empathy, and social skills in decision-making, conflict resolution, and building strong relationships.
The goal of this book is to offer practical insights and strategies that enable board directors to harness their emotional intelligence and become more effective leaders. By enhancing their EI, they can not only make better decisions but also foster a positive and productive board culture.
Ultimately, the book is designed to benefit readers by providing a roadmap for leading with empathy and integrity, resulting in stronger, more ethical, and successful governance.
2020, 2021, and 2022 threw a lot of curve balls into businesses on a global scale. Based on the experience gleaned in the past years, how can businesses thrive in 2023? What lessons have you learned and what advice would you share?
Sanela Osmic: The past few years indeed brought unprecedented challenges to businesses worldwide. Drawing on the experiences and lessons learned during this period, here’s some advice on how businesses can not only survive but thrive in 2023:
- Adaptability Is Key: One critical lesson is the necessity of adaptability. The ability to pivot quickly and adjust to changing circumstances is paramount. It’s crucial for businesses to maintain flexibility in their strategies, operations, and workforce to stay resilient in the face of uncertainty.
- Embrace Technology: The digital transformation accelerated during the pandemic. Investing in technology and digital solutions is no longer an option but a necessity. Businesses that integrate technology effectively into their operations can enhance efficiency, reach wider audiences, and stay competitive.
- Prioritize Employee Well-Being: The well-being of employees is fundamental. Recognize that a happy and healthy workforce is a more productive one. Ensure that your employees have the support they need, both in terms of physical and mental health.
- Supply Chain Diversification: Supply chain disruptions were a significant issue in recent years. Diversifying supply chains and building redundancy can mitigate risks. Consider sourcing from multiple suppliers and maintaining safety stock.
- Remote Work and Hybrid Models: Remote work is likely here to stay. Offering flexible work arrangements, including hybrid models, can attract top talent and increase job satisfaction. Ensure that employees have the tools and support needed for remote collaboration.
- Customer-Centric Approach: Businesses should continue to focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. Listen to customer feedback, adapt to their changing needs, and personalize interactions to build brand loyalty.
- Sustainability and Social Responsibility: Consumers are increasingly valuing businesses that are environmentally responsible and socially conscious. Embrace sustainability practices and engage in social responsibility initiatives to resonate with your audience.
- Financial Resilience: Maintain a robust financial strategy with a focus on cash flow management, budgeting, and cost optimization. Building financial resilience can help businesses weather economic fluctuations.
- Continuous Learning and Innovation: Foster a culture of continuous learning and innovation. Encourage employees to adapt, learn new skills, and be open to change. Innovation often emerges from adversity.
- Scenario Planning: Prepare for a range of scenarios, including potential crises. Having contingency plans in place can help businesses respond effectively to unexpected challenges.
- Collaboration: Building partnerships and collaborations with other businesses can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. Sharing resources and knowledge can help businesses thrive.
The key is to remain agile, innovative, and people-focused. Businesses that can adapt to change, prioritize well-being, and leverage technology will not only survive but also thrive in the evolving landscape of 2023.
On a lighter note, if you had the ability to pick any business superpower, what would it be and how would you put it into practice?
Sanela Osmic: If I were to choose a business superpower, it would be the ability to foresee future market trends and consumer behavior. I would harness this power to anticipate the evolving needs and preferences of customers, enabling my business to proactively develop innovative products and services that cater to these changing demands.
This foresight would provide a competitive edge by allowing us to stay ahead of the curve, rather than constantly playing catch-up. It would also guide strategic decision-making, investments, and resource allocation to align perfectly with the direction the market is headed. Ultimately, this superpower would transform my business into an industry leader known for its prescient, customer-centric approach.
Jerome Knyszewski VIP Contributor to ValiantCEO and the host of this interview would like to thank Sanela Osmic for taking the time to do this interview and share her knowledge and experience with our readers.
If you would like to get in touch with Sanela Osmic or her company, you can do it through her – Linkedin Page
Disclaimer: The ValiantCEO Community welcomes voices from many spheres on our open platform. We publish pieces as written by outside contributors with a wide range of opinions, which don’t necessarily reflect our own. Community stories are not commissioned by our editorial team and must meet our guidelines prior to being published.
