This week on Own It we’re talking to Lauren Bello from Sia Partners. She joined the firm as a partner two years ago after several years at Ready Set Rocket where she ultimately served as CEO. Sia Partners is a next-generation global consulting group in strategy, artificial intelligence and management.
We talked about so much. Her roles as an owner, a mom, her journey to ownership and so much more. And I loved her thoughts on closing the gender gap in agency ownership. I so enjoyed getting to know Lauren. I know you will too.
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Lauren emphasizes that she "never got anything she didn't ask for." This highlights the importance of self-advocacy and confidently communicating one's contributions and desire for growth or ownership stakes, especially when seeing the impact of your work.
Creativity isn't just about art; it's essential for business leadership. It involves thinking differently, connecting dots, reinventing business models, and fostering potential in others. Critical thinking, on the other hand, is crucial for questioning briefs, challenging assumptions, and ensuring strategies remain relevant in a constantly evolving market.
Investing in a positive, people-first culture is not just a nice-to-have but a strategic business imperative. A strong culture fosters team chemistry, improves communication, impacts the quality of work, helps retain talent, and ultimately contributes to business success. Prioritizing employee well-being and flexibility shows respect and yields better results.
Lauren discusses the "overconfidence gap," where men are statistically more likely to start businesses due to a greater assumption of success, while women, despite often outperforming in leadership, tend to be more measured and long-term in their thinking. To encourage more female agency ownership, greater representation and sponsorship (not just mentorship) are needed to inspire and empower women to take entrepreneurial risks.
Rather than waiting for permission or a specific role, Lauren advises individuals to "think like an owner" by proactively identifying problems, finding solutions, and going above and beyond their defined responsibilities. This mindset not only drives personal growth but also positions them for ownership opportunities by demonstrating their value and capability to lead.
