SAFM’s Millie Starling on the importance of being an approachable leader

SAFM Content Director Millie Starling is a firm believer that being a compassionate, empathetic leader doesn’t make you a weak one.

There’s a quote from former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern that resonates strongly with her:

‘One of the biggest criticisms I’ve faced is that I’m not aggressive enough or assertive enough, or maybe somehow, because I’m empathetic, it means I’m weak. I totally rebel against that. I refuse to believe that you cannot be both compassionate and strong’

They’re words of wisdom which Millie feels best describe her own style of leadership.

“I like to be able to get on everyone’s level and be an approachable leader,” Millie shares with Serena Ahern in Radioinfo’s Wisdom of Women in Media series.

Millie – who’s mum to an eighteen-month-old baby and also Executive Producer of SAFM’s Bernie and Emma G Breakfast show – says it’s the people she’s worked with along the way who’ve been her greatest mentors.

They include Lucy Cornes, Amanda Keller and Laura Bouchet.

“However, I have found that my detractors have been my biggest teachers,” Millie reveals.

“The ones who haven’t been a great experience to work with/for are the ones I have learned the most from, especially about myself.”

More stories from Radioinfo’s Wisdom of Women in Media series here.