Defying the Odds: Shellye Archambeau’s Journey to Becoming Unapologetically Ambitious

Often we fail to fulfill our dreams not because they're big, but because we lack enough intention to pursue them. 

Regardless of how great your ambitions may become, it's never too hard. It only takes being intentional, purposeful, and committed to achieve your goals.

In this episode of Fifth Dimensional Leadership podcast, I interview Shellye Archambeau, Fortune 500 Board Director. Shellye is the former CEO of MetricStream, a governance, risk, and compliance software company based in Palo Alto, California. Under Shellye’s leadership, MetricStream became a global market leader with over 1200 employees that serves customers around the globe. On top of that, Shellye serves on four corporate boards: Verizon, Nordstrom, Roper Technologies, and Okta, and is a Strategic Advisor to the Royal Bank of Canada, Capital Markets Group.

Shellye is a great example of a truly ambitious woman, who has ascended the ranks and created a name for herself in the technology industry. She’s incredibly purposeful, intentional, and driven. She has a powerful story to share about defying the odds that she also shares in her book, Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms

In our conversation, Shellye talks about being purposeful and intentional in turning your ambitions into everyday decisions, which is the key to achieving your dreams.

Key Takeaways:

How being purposeful and intentional propels a leader and why ambition is not enough Understanding the what, why, and how of Imposter Syndrome What it takes to serve on not one, but  four corporate boards  How getting a “seat-at-the-table-job”, where interacting with the CEO and board enhance the odds of advancing Moving forward from the loss of her life partner. How to be an intentional leader during this disempowering time Homework does not end in school; always do your homework.

Quotes

“A lot of people set goals, and some plan to achieve them, but very few people make everyday decisions consistent with those plans where the power lies.” - Shellye Archambeau

 

“Risk and reward are two sides of the same coin.” - Shellye Archambeau

 

“Being intentional about watching, learning, and listening will make you a valued manager and leader going forward.” - Shellye Archambeau

 

Find cheerleaders, those who remind you how good you are.” - Shellye Archambeau

 

“The higher you rise, the more your reputation plays a role in what opportunities come your way.” - Shellye Archambeau

 

“A lot of people focus on the next job they want, but you've got to nail the job that you have to set yourself up for the next one.” - Shellye Archambeau

 

“The more you do to increase your ability to have more options means you get more choice, which helps you make better decisions.” - Shellye Archambeau