2025

Michelle Gadsden-Williams

Managing Director and Co-Head of Global Talent & Culture, BlackRock

“While striving for excellence and high standards can be beneficial, perfectionism can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations, unnecessary stress, and a fear of failure.”

What qualities make a person with Power?

Agency, influence, decisiveness, humility, strategic thinking, leadership, followership, vision, self-assurance, accountability, adaptability, integrity, resilience, empathy, continuous learning and charisma.

With all the different divided issues in the world one could focus on (e.g. gun violence, gender equality, child poverty etc.), which do you think is the most pressing in today’s world?

Diversity and Inclusion impacts all of us. It’s good for business and society.

What do you think is the number one action we as a society can take toward a better society?

One of the most impactful actions we can take towards a better society is to promote education and awareness. Education empowers individuals with knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities, enabling them to make informed decisions and contribute positively to their communities. By fostering a culture of learning and awareness, we can address societal issues, reduce inequities, and encourage active participation in the development of our society. Education also promotes empathy, understanding, and collaboration, which are essential for building an inclusive society. Investing in education and ensuring access to quality learning opportunities for all can create a foundation for a better future.

Can you tell us about a time in which you encountered a difficult challenge in life and how did you overcome this?

In 1996, I was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and in 2020 with Rheumatoid Arthritis, two chronic autoimmune diseases which impact various parts of the body including vital organs. As a result, my physical health, and quality of life have been compromised where I can no longer function as robustly as I used to. What once were simple tasks are now difficult, like walking up a flight of stairs or exercising. It has taken years of acceptance that I am not as healthy as I used to be. I cannot say that I have fully overcome this diagnosis, but I have accepted the fact that I now have a “new normal” and have systems and processes in place to ensure that I maintain my personal wellness so that I can function fully and do all of the things that bring me the most joy in life.

What was a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today?

The most defining moment in my life and career was making the decision to live and work abroad early on—including 10 years in Switzerland. Little did I know that this transformative experience would later serve me well as I continued to ascend in my career. My leadership style, global perspective and ability to navigate complex situations have all been tested and adjusted accordingly as I’ve been exposed to various cultural norms, global business practices and market dynamics. “Going global” was the best decision that I’ve made and has paid off in dividends!

Which trait of yours makes you most uncomfortable? And which trait of yours is your favorite? Why?

The trait that makes me the most uncomfortable (and is also my favorite trait) is what I call unrelenting straight talk! It is a style of communicating that my parents instilled in my siblings and I at a very early age. It is a method of communicating that is direct, honest and uncompromising. It involves expressing your thoughts and opinions clearly and candidly, without sugar-coating or avoiding difficult conversations. This style of communicating prioritizes transparency and authenticity, while aiming to address issues head-on. While unrelenting straight talk can be effective in fostering open dialogue and resolving conflicts, it requires balance to ensure that the message is delivered respectfully. It can be particularly valuable in environments where clarity and honesty are essential for progress and mutual understanding. It is a style of communication that I have received high praise for but also criticized for as it can oftentimes be uncomfortable for those on the receiving end of the discussion. Trying to strike a balance makes me uncomfortable at times as I feel somewhat disingenuous.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Some people argue that perfectionism might be an overrated virtue. While striving for excellence and high standards can be beneficial, perfectionism can sometimes lead to unrealistic expectations, unnecessary stress, and a fear of failure. It can also hinder creativity and innovation, as individuals may become overly cautious and avoid taking risks. In my view, embracing imperfection and learning from mistakes can often lead to growth and progress. We all make mistakes. How you recover from them is what people pay attention to.

What one unbreakable rule works for you?

Honesty is an unbreakable rule for me. It is the foundation that underpins trust and integrity in relationships, whether personal or professional. Being truthful and transparent in one’s actions and words is essential for building and maintaining trust with others. It fosters open communication and mutual respect.

Who do you yell at in the quiet of your head?

From time to time, I yell at myself in the quiet of my head. We all have frustrations, self-doubt or insecurities in our personal or professional lives. I acknowledge that these thoughts oftentimes take up space in my head—but not for very long. I won’t allow these negative thoughts to live “rent-free” in my head for extended periods of time. Instead, I try to find healthy ways to address them by talking to a trusted confidante or mentor.

What is the big risk, and what is the tiny risk?

A big risk is one that has the potential for significant consequences, whether positive or negative. This could involve substantial financial investments, major life changes, or decisions that could greatly impact one’s career or personal life. For example, starting a business, changing careers, or moving to a new country are all big risks that I’ve taken over the years because they involve a high level of uncertainty and the potential for significant outcomes – positive or negative.

On the other hand, a tiny risk involves minimal consequences and usually has a low impact on one’s life. These are everyday decisions that carry little to no significant repercussions. Examples of tiny risks include trying a new restaurant, taking a different route to work, or experimenting with a new hobby.

These risks are generally easy to recover from and do not have a lasting impact on one’s overall well-being. The key difference between big and tiny risks lies in the potential impact and the level of uncertainty involved.

What’s your biggest fear?

One of my biggest fears is the fear of failure. However, I have embraced this fear and learned to tackle it head-on, recognizing that accepting failures can lead to growth and opportunities. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of pushing past comfort zones and doing things that scare me the most in order to live audaciously and make positive changes in the world. I would encourage others to lean on their support networks and not to “hoard our dreams,” as collaboration and seeking help can be crucial for achieving goals. As the saying goes, “If your dreams and aspirations don’t scare you, they are not big enough!”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

We are not employed by these companies to simply occupy space. We are tasked to make a difference. It’s up to each of us to determine what that difference is and do everything within our power to make that difference. (This advice was given to me by my father early on in my career). Another reminder—especially for women—is to get paid what you’re worth; ask for what you want and negotiate your salary and benefits with confidence.

What’s the most challenging thing you’ve ever overcome?

My fear of extreme heights! I have since confronted (not overcome) this fear by skydiving! Again, this goes back to my principle of facing your fears head-on and doing the things that scare you the most!

If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be?

A dog, specifically a Yorkshire Terrier. I had the cutest Yorkie named Myles. My dog was so smart he learned commands in three languages, when I lived in Switzerland. Dogs are “(wo)man’s best friend.”

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Never stop learning. Continuous learning and personal growth are essential for adapting to change and achieving success. Embrace curiosity and seek knowledge throughout your life.