Daria Rudnik: Can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey?

Michal Katznelson: Thank you, Daria. I'm Michal Katznelson. I retired from the IDF five years ago and now I’m a leadership mentor. I help managers be the best version of themselves, focusing on female leadership and overcoming obstacles in male-dominated organizations. I served in military intelligence and strategic planning roles, retiring as a lieutenant colonel. A defining moment in my military career was when I, as a junior officer, refrained from voicing my correct opinion during a critical meeting, leading to a missed opportunity for my unit. This taught me the importance of speaking up and having confidence in my perspectives.

Daria Rudnik: What inspired you to join the military?

Michal Katznelson: At a young age, I was fascinated by the Arab world and Islam. I knew that working in military intelligence would allow me to have an impact. This perspective of seeing the Arab world as an opportunity for cooperation influenced my career. I felt that by joining the military, I could contribute to a better understanding and potential cooperation with our neighbors.

Daria Rudnik: How did you handle being the only woman in a male-dominated environment?

Michal Katznelson: Initially, it was challenging due to the ego and competition in the room. Over time, I grew more comfortable and confident in voicing my perspective. Being true to my values and maintaining professionalism helped me navigate these environments. I now aim to instill this confidence in my daughters and mentees, teaching them to bring their unique perspectives to the table and not be intimidated by male-dominated settings.

Daria Rudnik: What is your definition of leadership in a military context?

Michal Katznelson: Leadership in the military is similar to civilian organizations. It involves finding meaning in your work, striving for excellence, and maintaining integrity. Being a mentor to your team, growing them, and giving them credit and freedom are key aspects. Leadership is about setting an example, being transparent, and ensuring that your team's success is your success.

Daria Rudnik: What was the most significant challenge in your leadership career?

Michal Katznelson: Balancing my career and personal life was the hardest part. I wanted to be a good mother and spouse while excelling in my job. I refused to work late just for the sake of promotion and instead focused on delivering high-quality work. This decision sometimes came at a cost, but I was committed to my values and chose to excel without compromising my family life.

Daria Rudnik: How did you tackle gender-based obstacles?

Michal Katznelson: I stayed true to my values, maintained professionalism, and demonstrated my unique value. This approach helped me overcome toxic atmospheres and discrimination. For example, when a senior officer denied me a promised promotion due to my pregnancy, I continued to prove my worth through my work and eventually earned the position.

Daria Rudnik: Can you tell us about mentors who supported you?

Michal Katznelson: One of my mentors, Yossi, supported me during my first pregnancy by offering me a promotion despite my personal plans. He taught me to give credit and opportunities and not to leave before you leave, a concept I share with other women. He believed in my potential and encouraged me to pursue my career ambitions without holding back due to personal circumstances.

Daria Rudnik: How did you transition to mentoring female leaders?

Michal Katznelson: After retiring, I realized my passion for mentoring. I left my government job and pursued mentoring full-time, helping female leaders navigate their careers. I had always been involved in mentoring, both formally and informally, and decided to make it my primary focus after recognizing the impact I could have.

Daria Rudnik: Can you share some success stories of your mentees?

Michal Katznelson: One mentee successfully implemented a major organizational change despite initial fears. She overcame her fear of presenting to the board and is now leading a significant transformation in her company. Another story involves a male tech leader who improved his team's dynamics by understanding the perspective of the only woman in his team. This understanding led to better communication and a more cohesive team environment.

Daria Rudnik: What advice do you have for female leaders?

Michal Katznelson: Know who you are, stay true to your values, and have a vision. Address your inner critic, recognize your unique value, and dare to lead. Women bring a unique perspective to organizations and should embrace their leadership style. It's important to be confident, assertive, and not shy away from opportunities due to fear of failure or criticism.

Daria Rudnik: How can people reach out to you?

Michal Katznelson: They can visit my website, Michal-KL.com, or connect with me on LinkedIn.

Daria Rudnik: Any final piece of advice?

Michal Katznelson: Be loyal to your values, don't listen to diminishing voices, dare to lead, believe in your unique value, and be a mentor to your employees. Mentorship is crucial for both personal growth and the development of your team.