Supporting the next generation of women leaders in PR and communications

(By Alma Raheem) When I asked Cleola Anderiesz what people often underestimate about being a CEO, she described it as "the weight of knowing." The responsibility of carrying information that can't always be shared. Understanding challenges, risks and difficult decisions before they become visible to others. Continuing to lead with confidence and clarity while holding realities that your team, stakeholders or community may not yet be aware of. It was a perspective I hadn't heard articulated quite like that before. As CEO of the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF), Cleola brings more than two decades of leadership experience across research, government and the not-for-profit sector. Throughout our conversation, we explored executive readiness, leadership capability, AI and the challenges facing the sector.  Our conversation covered everything from strategic thinking and organisational performance through to technology and leadership development, but a common thread ran through much of what Cleola shared: the responsibility leaders carry when navigating complexity while remaining anchored to purpose. As I continue this series, I'm including a few self-reflection prompts throughout each conversation. The intention is not only to share the perspectives of experienced leaders, but also to create space for readers to think about how these ideas might relate to their own leadership and career journey.