50 Second Q&A with Christie Hunter Arscott

Christie Hunter Arscott (@chunterasrcott) is principal of Quest, a global leadership institute for early career women (www.herquest.org). She gets pithy with Thinkers50.

What book are you currently reading?

“Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by Carol Dweck. Dweck’s research fascinates me because I am interested in analyzing the impact of not only skill set development but also, mindset shifts on early career women (I believe a focus on skills must be coupled with with targeted efforts to address one’s mindsets. Both are critical parts of the gender equation!).

How do you describe what you do?

I am a “Gender & Generations Strategist”. As a strategic advisor and thought partner, I support organizational leaders in their quest to attract, retain and advance the next generation of women leaders.

Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I find the work, research, writings, career impact and service of so many individuals a source of constant inspiration. There are too many to count. Gloria Steinem and Michelle Obama are two individuals leading the list.

What does success look like?

I am a firm believer that each individual should craft their own definition of success and understand that this definition may evolve and change over time.

For me right now, career success is the ability to function at the intersection of 3 areas: my passions and interests; my skillsets and expertise; the evolving needs of the market (in particular how these needs relate to women and millennials).

What is your competitive advantage?

The ability to combine research and advisory work as part of my practice.

My research continues to inform my work with organizations – ensuring my approach is experientially grounded and evidenced based, while focusing on bridging the gap between research and practice.

Our new venture QUEST – The Global Leadership Institute For Early Career Women – is differentiated by the research driven nature of the content and approach.

How do you keep your thinking fresh?

I approach life, including every day human interactions, with a spirit of inquiry.

I am constantly asking questions, absorbing knowledge, and refining my points of view based on new inputs.

I read. I have deep conversations. I observe. I research. I write. Fresh thinking comes from innate curiosity and approaching life with this spirit of inquiry.

How much time do you spend travelling?

Too much :-)

What is the secret of a great presentation?

Believing in your message. Authenticity always wins.

What advice would you give to anyone who wants to follow in your footsteps?

What people question may in fact end up being your greatest differentiator. When I was awarded a Rhodes scholarship I was featured in a newspaper article with an opening line that read, “While most Rhodes scholars go to Oxford to study medicine or law, Christie’s going to study women’s studies”. Even from the outset, I felt a kind of juxtaposition about what “conventional” Rhodes scholars do and what my plans were.  People asked me monthly what I planned to do with my degree. In the end, what was questioned the most became my greatest differentiator.

What is your next goal?

Immediately, expanding the reach and impact of QUEST – The Global Leadership Institute for Early Career Women

Longer term, writing a book … stay tuned!