Lead Well, Live Well: Women Leaders, Wellness and Purpose with Cigdem Bildirici
Authentic Sales Leadership with Cigdem Bildirici
In Episode 56 of the Her Resources Podcast, host Linda Misegadis sits down with senior commercial leader Cigdem Bildirici to explore what it means to lead with authenticity, purpose, and impact—especially as a woman in male-dominated industries. This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone navigating leadership, sales, or organizational culture. (YouTube)
From Transactional to Relational: A New Sales Mindset
Cigdem opens the conversation by reflecting on her unexpected entrance into sales and how her mindset evolved from a focus on transactions to building deep, relationships-based partnerships. As markets and teams shift, she emphasizes that relationships—not quotas—are the foundation of sustainable success. (YouTube)
Why Authenticity Matters in Leadership
One of the core themes of this episode is authentic leadership. Cigdem explains that authenticity isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up genuinely and consistently, even when it’s uncomfortable. She challenges leaders to prioritize trust, clarity, and empathy over short-term gains and surface-level metrics. (YouTube)
Facing the Challenges Women Leaders Encounter
Cigdem shares candid insights about navigating male-dominated industries and why representation matters. She explores the barriers many women encounter in leadership and offers practical guidance on how to support one another, elevate diverse voices, and drive cultural change within organizations. (YouTube)
Leading with Integrity Beyond the Numbers
Quotas and performance metrics are real pressures in sales, but Cigdem warns about the cost of overlooking bad behavior for the sake of hitting targets. True leadership requires holding teams accountable with integrity and fairness—creating environments where people feel respected and empowered. (YouTube)
Practical Ways to Advocate for Women
A standout moment in the episode is Cigdem’s call to action for women to sponsor and champion each other. From mentorship to visibility and sponsorship, she offers tangible ways listeners can open doors for women at all levels of their careers. (YouTube)
Defining Success: Impact Over Activity
As the episode winds down, Cigdem shares her personal leadership mantra: “Impact over Activity.” She challenges listeners to think about the legacy they want to build and to focus on meaningful work that creates results while honoring individual values. (YouTube)
Why You Should Listen
Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned professional, or someone navigating the complexities of workplace dynamics, this episode offers valuable reflections and actionable leadership principles grounded in authenticity, trust, and human connection. It’s a compelling reminder that real leadership goes beyond the numbers. (YouTube)
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