The ILI is proud to announce Pascale Dubois (Lic. Jur., Ghent University; LL.M., New York University) as the new course advisor for our Management and Leadership Skills for Women in International Development program. Ms. Dubois formerly served as the Integrity Vice President of the World Bank Group (WBG). She has held an array of leadership and advisory positions, including the WBG’s first Chief Suspension and Debarment Officer, and has taught as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University Law Center for over a decade. Now, she will combine her experiences to bring women, in particular leaders and future leaders in government, together. Sharing their experiences and skills, participants will further their capacity to address the unique challenges women in leadership face every day and throughout their careers.
In a discussion with Ms. Dubois, she noted that this course will provide the space for participants to reflect on their leadership style, where they are now, and where they want to go next in their professions. Participants will leave with new, practical “tips and tricks,” while developing and improving their leadership skills, to better “handle the day-to-day complexities of their demanding functions” and realize their ambitions.
Reflecting back, when asked about the one thing she wishes she had known before her first leadership position, Ms. Dubois emphasized the power of meditation and “anything else that can be done to keep the relentless pressures under control.” In retrospect, some of the key lessons she learned, she recalls, relate to networking, personal agility, and integrity. Her advice on the role others play in your leadership is to have a close group of people in similar positions to brainstorm with and rely on, and find allies, and equally manage, up, down, and sideways – inside and outside of your organization. “Have a clear vision of where you want your team to go,” she said, and communicate it clearly. Leading is not only about your relationship with others: she also underlined the importance of continuously evolving and learning as a leader yourself. “Know yourself and don’t be afraid to work on those areas that need improvement,” she advised. “Stay true to yourself and your integrity.”
Her message for the women looking to participate: “You are not alone.” “Many people are dealing with the same issues,” she continued, “there are solutions out there.”
For more information – ILI Management and Leadership Skills for Women in International Development
Pascale Dubois by the C&O Canal while on break from teaching at the ILI