SM: What qualities does it take to be a good leader?
Stefani Schaeffer: A good leader needs to also be a good team player. It’s important to relate well to the people you’re working with and when you do that, you gain your team’s confidence—and then they want to work more and better and smarter. Attack every single thing that you do with an unparalleled amount of enthusiasm and passion because it’s contagious and it really inspires people. The more you can put out that positive vibe, the more people will want to be around you and work with you, and for you, and it’s a sort of domino effect.

SM: What can we do if we’re not natural leaders?
Stefani Schaeffer: Recognize what your weaknesses are and attack those head first. If you’re shy for instance, go and join toastmasters and start becoming comfortable speaking to people and being around people. And if you’re not able to walk into a room full of strangers and work the crowd, start attending events where maybe you know a person or go and meet one person and then learn how to work the room.

SM: Are there any qualities leaders shouldn’t have?
Stefani Schaeffer: Leaders shouldn’t refuse to listen to others’ opinions. Leaders shouldn’t act like dictators; nothing is a dictatorship in business and the person you’re working next to one day, you might be working for the next.

SM: As a young female in a leadership position, what is your biggest challenge?
Stefani Schaeffer: I think it’s just that: it’s being young. Because you might have people who are older than you who resent the fact that you’re young and in a more advanced position. So you have to tread lightly and realize that there are people’s feelings involved. Realize you can be diplomatic and be professional and respectful regardless of the age difference.