Insights from Kelly Weston, COO of The Data City: Leadership, Success, and Navigating the C-Suite

Kelly Weston (Sebine) , Chief Operating Officer of The Data City , is an inspiring leader with a wealth of experience and insight into what it takes to succeed in executive roles. In our conversation, Kelly shared her views on the essential qualities for women in leadership, the challenges and rewards of navigating the C-suite, and how personal growth fuels professional success.

The Most Important Qualities for C-Suite Success

When asked about the qualities women need to succeed in the C-suite, Kelly emphasised empathy. “The one thing you have to have is to be an empath,” she explained. “Sometimes, women have fought so hard to get to where they are that they become hardfaced. But empathy helps build connections and foster respect among diverse teams.”

She was quick to point out that no single set of qualities defines a successful leader. “Different C-suite roles require different skills. The key is for everyone to be comfortable with what they bring to the table and to respect what others bring as well.”

This focus on mutual respect and self-awareness extends to how organisations operate. Kelly believes events, for example, should lead to meaningful outcomes. “You need to walk away with three actionable takeaways—not just greenwashing or vague promises.”

A Personal Perspective on Leadership

Kelly’s leadership style has been profoundly influenced by her personal experiences. She described feeling particularly fortunate to have started her career with a strong leader in a small business. However, she’s also acutely aware of the challenges women face. “I’ve heard stories of women introducing themselves as CEOs and then having questions directed at their male juniors. That shows why belief in people is so critical.”

Her experiences underscore the importance of support and encouragement in leadership. “The belief someone has in you can move you forward in ways you might not expect. It’s about going full circle—paying it forward because someone believed in you.”

A pivotal moment in her journey was working on growth mindset principles for her daughter, inspired by Matthew Syed’s work. “Understanding people at different levels and meeting them where they are has shaped how I lead. Sometimes, you need to go back to basics. Just because you’re right doesn’t mean you need to approach things in a way that discourages others.”

Defining Success: Alignment and Agility

For Kelly, success is all about alignment. “As a SaaS scale-up business, we have to be agile. Every quarter, we involve the team in the business plan. They each take a section and work on it, so everyone understands their role in the bigger picture.”

This collaborative approach fosters engagement and demonstrates how different skills come together to achieve common goals. Her definition of success has evolved over time, moving from individual achievements to creating a cohesive, mission-driven team.

To maintain strategic clarity, Kelly uses practical tools like PESTLE and SWOT analyses. “Even if something doesn’t work, you can see the effort, learn from it, and adjust.”

Addressing Imposter Syndrome: A Controversial Take

When discussing imposter syndrome, Kelly offered a fresh perspective. “Controversially, I’m not sure I believe in it,” she said. “Great people doubt themselves and question their abilities, and that’s a positive thing. It shows you care and pushes you to improve.”

Rather than seeing self-doubt as a problem, Kelly encourages reframing it as an opportunity for growth. “Don’t think of yourself as ‘suffering’ from imposter syndrome. See it as identifying areas to improve and using that to drive yourself forward.”

Balancing Work, Life, and Passion Projects

Kelly emphasized the importance of knowing yourself and embracing projects that bring personal fulfillment. “Everyone’s life is different. Whatever stage you’re at, understanding what you need and having passion projects can give you the energy to keep driving forward.”

Drawing inspiration from figures like Oprah Winfrey, Kelly believes in aligning work and life priorities with your current phase of life. “Whether it’s something in your community or a personal passion, these projects fuel you for the challenges ahead.”

The Value of Coaching and Giving Back

As a football and running coach, Kelly finds immense satisfaction in helping others. “I get more back than I give,” she shared, referencing Stephen Covey’s quadrant of prioritising meaningful contributions. Coaching allows her to stay grounded, connected, and continuously learning.

Final Thoughts

Kelly’s insights are a powerful reminder that leadership is not a one-size-fits-all journey. It’s about empathy, self-awareness, and fostering respect for diverse perspectives. It’s also about embracing challenges, whether in the form of self-doubt or evolving definitions of success, and using them as opportunities for growth.

In Kelly’s world, leadership starts in the boardroom but is sustained by the passion, resilience, and energy each individual brings to the table. Whether you’re a woman aspiring to the C-suite or simply looking to grow in your career, her advice is clear: believe in yourself, stay aligned with your goals, and never stop learning. Thank you Kelly Weston (Sebine) for a thoroughly enjoyable chin wag!