South Africa, Aug. 25 -- Asked how she enables other people's success, she recognises that visibility doesn't come automatically to functions that work behind the scenes. She has learned that speaking truthfully, keeping stakeholders informed and letting the work speak for itself are what matter most. Her goal is not recognition, but ensuring that her thinking is consistently part of the right conversations.

"I try to measure my contribution by the outcome, not by applause. If the goal is hit, that feels like a win to me, whether my name is attached to it or not."

Leading teams has challenged some of her earlier instincts. Early on, she found herself wanting to direct every step, believing a consistent process was the safest way to prot...