Mercy Vettese
BDR Team Lead, Americas, Contentstack
đź“ŤAustin, United States
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
I think that leaders in todayĘĽs world must be resilient and empathetic above all. As an industry and a society, we have made a progressive shift past grit and grind, and see the importance of a well rounded life. It is important to push your team forward and help them thrive in discomfort, while understanding that at the end of the day they are human beings with lives, loves, and interests. Resilience in fast-paced, ever changing environments is also incredibly important- to endure for not only yourself, but your team.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
I would describe my leadership style as adaptive, because no two days in my role are the same. In the world of outbound, things change all the time and we must be open to new ideas, solutions, and challenges. Being adaptive for my team helps me stay fluid and keep up with shifts in the industry.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
For me, being in leadership is all about paying it forward and giving back to the community that helped me get to where I am today. Being part of a company and workplace who echoes this mission in so many ways is so comforting and exciting! It tells the story that we are part of something bigger than ourselves.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Companies can champion and support female leadership by listening to women- their ideas, their stories, their struggles. Female leaders are powerful and inspiring and deserve our support.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Whew! I would say, buckle up, girl. You are going to experience tough days, but you are also going to learn more than you thought you were capable of. The tough times will be worth it, and I am so proud of you for it all. Be strong, bold, and don’t back down. You are here for a reason, and your voice matters.
Karina Henderson
Founder, Jasper Strategy
đź“ŤMilwaukee, WI, USA
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Leaders today need to focus on creating trust and confidence in an atmosphere of transparency and clarity. I teach Public Relations Principles at Marquette University, and the first two principles are “tell the truth” and “prove it with action.” It sounds so simple, but we discuss case study after case study of leaders who lose sight of these two fundamental things.
As a leader, it’s imperative to understand that capturing trends or changing your vision isn’t necessarily what inspires people. When people know they are trusted, valued, and listened to, they’re more likely to bring their best every day.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Human. I think people should be the top priority and the bottom line. Many leaders feel pressured to pass along their own experiences without being truly open to and moved by the experiences of others. It’s hard work – it’s much easier to narrow what you believe to be your sphere of influence and accountability than it is to center human impact.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
When I decided to lean into working independently full-time, I wanted to build in ways to keep myself accountable to prioritizing a broader impact. I joined Pledge 1% before even launching my company as a full-time consultancy, making that commitment as a part of building my business model. I believe in a workplace culture that recognizes the power of businesses to shape the world, not just create profits. Building this into my workplace culture shows contrast between my organization and cultures that value burnout, lose focus, and constantly move the goalposts. This recognizes that I’m building something that lasts – and looking to sustain each person and the world we live in.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
I think companies need to enact guiding principles that help check their biases and build shared accountability. We all carry around archetypes of what we think leaders should be, but few companies spend time building a sense of how they want leaders to show up. This particularly helps women who don’t match outdated archetypes or feel excluded from the still-very-much-existing “old boys’ club.” These shared principles can help take the gamesmanship and the guesswork out of leadership – making leaders better and demystifying the path to leadership. When everyone – from the top leaders to the newest intern – understands what leadership looks like in their company, we can both hold each other accountable and reinforce those traits every day.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Trust what matters. You don’t have to be anyone other than you, but you will grow if you let yourself be shaped by understanding others. Ask more questions than you think you need to – it’s a sign of confidence, not weakness, and it will get you unexpectedly valuable insights.
Carley Scott
Founder, CEO and CTO, Space CoLAB
đź“ŤGeelong, Australia
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
A willingness to learn, an enthusiasm to help others be their best, and a persistence and drive to keep finding a way forward in a fast evolving world.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Persistent. Every meaningful achievement I’ve approached in my career, it has required a persistence to navigate through changes, challenges and find a way forward to eventually get to the outcome that was always possible!
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
From the regular conversations about being part of the program, to consciously valuing the in kind work we enjoy doing to contribute to our community and younger professionals, being part of the Pledge 1% program helps to show that doing good things for the world is a core business value, not a fringe consideration that might or might not make the cut.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Highlighting women in leadership roles, their thoughts and their path into their role, are great ways to help celebrate women doing well and encourage other women to continue to strive for leadership roles.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Doing that work when no one else is looking – will definitely pay off, keep it up.
Yesha Sharad Brahmbhatt
Associate Director – People India, Contentstack
đź“ŤMumbai, India
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Today’s leaders need a balance of clarity, courage, and empathy. Clarity to set direction and expectations in an increasingly complex world. Courage to make difficult decisions and have honest conversations when things are not working. And empathy to understand that people bring their whole selves to work.
Leadership today is not about having all the answers. It is about creating an environment where people feel safe to ask questions, challenge ideas, and grow. The leaders who will make the greatest impact are those who can combine strong business thinking with genuine care for people.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Authentic. I believe leadership should be steady and authentic rather than performative. I try to stay grounded in fairness, transparency, and listening to people. When teams feel that decisions are thoughtful and consistent, it builds trust. And trust is the foundation of any strong culture.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Programs like Pledge 1% reinforce the idea that companies are not just economic entities but members of a broader community. When organizations commit time, resources, or expertise to social causes, it reminds employees that their work can contribute to something larger than quarterly results. It creates pride, purpose, and a shared sense of responsibility. Most importantly, it shows that our company values are truly lived and not just words on paper. For me, culture is strongest when people see that their workplace cares about both performance and impact.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Supporting female leadership goes beyond representation. It requires intentional action. Companies need to create environments where women have access to meaningful opportunities, visible leadership roles, and sponsors who advocate for their growth. It is also important to normalize different leadership styles and ensure that performance is evaluated fairly.
Most importantly, organizations must build cultures where women feel confident speaking up, taking risks, and shaping decisions. When women lead authentically, organizations benefit from broader perspectives and stronger teams.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Trust yourself earlier. Your voice and your perspective matter more than you realize. And be kind to yourself along the way. Careers are long journeys, and growth rarely happens without a few uncertain steps. Also, take the time to build genuine relationships with people along the way. Careers are shaped not just by the work we do, but by the trust and respect we build with others.
Qiana Daniels
Co-founder and Co-Executive Director, Kindred Bakery BK
đź“ŤNew York, United States
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Leaders today need empathy, collaboration, and a deep commitment to creating opportunity for others. Throughout my career as an educator in the New York City public school system, I have focused on ensuring that students with disabilities and learning differences have access to meaningful education and the opportunity to thrive.
I personally interview every family before enrollment, calls parents with updates, celebrates student milestones, and creates an atmosphere where every participant feels seen and valued. Leadership, to me, is about listening, building trust, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. When people feel supported, they gain the confidence to grow and contribute in ways they may not have imagined.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Nurturing. As a lifelong educator and Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Kindred Bakery BK, my leadership style is rooted in creating environments where people feel supported as they learn and grow. At Kindred, we work with neurodiverse young adults who are too often excluded from traditional workforce programs. Through our curriculum, which blends artisan baking, education, and employment training, we focus on helping participants build skills, confidence, and pride in their work. My goal is to create an atmosphere where every participant feels seen, valued, and capable of thriving.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Pledge 1% reflects the kind of culture we strive to build at Kindred every day. As Co-Founder and Co-Executive Director of Kindred Bakery BK, I designed a curriculum that blends artisan baking, education, and employment training for young people who are often excluded from traditional workforce programs.
My background in special education and literacy, my experience as a mother, and my lived understanding of inequity shape every aspect of Kindred’s teaching and mentorship. Our work is rooted in community and mentorship, and we believe that businesses can play a meaningful role in creating opportunity. Programs like Pledge 1% reinforce the importance of generosity, collaboration, and investing in the communities we serve.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Companies can champion female leadership by creating environments where women’s experiences and perspectives are valued and trusted. As the mother of a young adult with autism, I transformed my personal journey into a broader mission of building a space where young people with disabilities can gain confidence, skill, and belonging through meaningful work.
At Kindred, that commitment shapes how we lead and how we care for our community. Families who participate in our program often describe Kindred as “a family,” which reflects the culture of care we work to cultivate. When companies support women in bringing their full experiences into leadership, they create stronger and more inclusive communities.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Remember where you come from and let it shape how you show up for others. Growing up in public housing in Queens gave you a firsthand understanding of the barriers many families face when navigating systems that were not built with them in mind. One day, your journey as a mother, especially raising a neurodiverse son, will deepen that understanding even more.
Stay grounded in that purpose and trust the path ahead. The work you do will grow into a community where young people and their families feel seen, supported, and experience a true sense of belonging.
Aisya Aziz
Chief Technology Officer, LiquiDonate
đź“ŤFremont, United States
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
With all the shifts happening in today’s world, leaders need clarity in chaos and resilience without ego. In just a few years, we’ve seen major political shifts and rapid AI evolution. The only real constant is change. No matter how experienced or skilled we are, there will be moments when our thinking or approaches become outdated – and that’s okay. Strong leaders acknowledge it, adapt quickly, and focus on what truly matters. More than that, we create stability and confidence for our teams, helping others navigate uncertainty with purpose. Our role isn’t just to keep up – it’s to continuously redefine priorities, guide our teams forward, and turn change into opportunity.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
I’d say purposeful. I lead with purpose, build with purpose, and approach every challenge with intention. I focus on clarity and impact, helping my team see what truly matters and guiding decisions that drive meaningful results. I was drawn to LiquiDonate because the mission itself is purposeful – turning excess inventory into social impact. That same sense of purpose shapes how I lead every day. Our work even caught Time Magazine’s attention as one of the Best Inventions of 2025 for sustainable retail logistics software – which is a great reminder that meaningful work can also make waves!
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
At LiquiDonate, the Pledge 1% program isn’t just a perk – it’s embedded in how we work (and in our work!). We celebrate volunteering in our #volunteer Slack channel, which is a great nudge to step away from the keyboard and give back in person. We also offer paid time to volunteer and intentionally block time for group volunteering during on-sites. Giving back isn’t just encouraged here – it’s who we are.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
If anything, companies just need to be equitable. Women are more than capable – we don’t need special treatment. What we need is equal access to opportunity, equal pay, equal trust, and equal standards. Championing female leadership isn’t about lowering the bar or creating exceptions. It’s about removing bias, ensuring representation in decision-making rooms, and creating environments where women can lead fully and authentically.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Dive in and give your all – that’s part of who you are – but also make space to explore, experiment, and try new things outside of work. Take risks, pursue interests, and embrace experiences that challenge you in different ways. The perspectives and skills you gain beyond the job will make you more creative, resilient, and ultimately a stronger, more thoughtful leader.
Gill Whelan
General Manager, DECJUBA Foundation
đź“ŤMelbourne, Australia
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Leaders today need courage, clarity and compassion – it can be tough making bold calls but I’ve learned that when you back yourself with confidence you win the respect of others. In a fast-paced environment you need clarity to stay anchored in purpose, and the compassion to genuinely listen, care and adapt.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
My word would be tenacious. For me, that means I don’t scare easily, I stay on the field when things get hard, and I’ll keep pushing for what I believe is right long even if it means playing the long game.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Pledge 1% hard-wires generosity into how we do business, so giving back isn’t an add‑on, it’s part of our identity. It tells our team that impact is everyone’s job but also that we can all contribute – every sale, every role, becomes impactful and can help create real, lasting change.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Companies can champion female leadership by backing women with real opportunities: stretch roles, support, endorsement, trust and mentoring. It also means designing flexible, inclusive workplaces and loudly celebrating female leaders so the next generation can see what’s possible.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
You’re allowed to take up space – trust your gut and don’t wait to be “ready” before you say yes. The moments that scare you most will be the ones that shape you, so lean into them and back yourself. And you’re not too much!
Renee Holland
VP, People, Contentstack
đź“ŤDenver, USA
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Leaders today need clarity, courage, and deep empathy, and for women leaders, those aren’t “nice to haves,” they’re survival skills. We are often navigating higher scrutiny and more invisible labor, so being grounded in our values and willing to make hard, transparent decisions really matters.
I also think women leaders, in particular, need strong boundaries and self‑trust: the ability to say “no,” to push back on unrealistic expectations, and to advocate for themselves with the same energy they use to advocate for their teams. Pair that with a learning mindset, and you get leaders who can both adapt quickly and bring others along.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Authentic. As a female leader, I’ve learned that the most powerful thing I can do is show up as my real, whole self, and create space for others to do the same. Authenticity means my words, actions, and decisions are aligned with my values, even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
For me, being authentic looks like naming the hard things instead of dancing around them, sharing the “why” behind decisions, and admitting when I don’t have it all figured out. It’s bringing both head and heart into the room: being transparent about trade‑offs, clear about expectations, and human about how those decisions land on people. That combination builds deep trust. When leaders are authentic, people feel safe to be honest, to disagree, to bring forward ideas and concerns early. It creates a culture where we don’t have to perform a version of ourselves at work, we can be who we are, grow faster, and do better work together.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Pledge 1% directly supports the kind of culture I want to be part of : one where care, impact, and business outcomes are all part of the same conversation. It reinforces that using our product, time, and resources to support communities isn’t an afterthought, it’s embedded in how we define success.
For women especially, who are often expected to carry the “emotional glue” of an organization, it’s powerful to have a formal structure that recognizes and channels that desire to contribute into real, resourced programs. It creates shared purpose, cross‑team connection, and a sense that our work can meaningfully improve lives beyond our own walls.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
First, companies have to do the unglamorous systems work: clear promotion criteria, equitable pay ranges, consistent calibration, and regular audits for gender and intersectional equity. If the system is biased, no amount of “confidence training” for women will fix it. Second, move from mentorship to sponsorship. Women need leaders who will say their name in the rooms they’re not in yet, put them on high‑visibility projects, and back them when they take smart risks.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
You’re not “lucky to be here”, you earned your seat, and you’re allowed to take up space. Speak up earlier, even if your voice shakes a little. The questions you’re afraid to ask are usually the ones everyone else is wondering, too. Don’t shrink your ideas to make other people comfortable. The way you see people, systems, and culture is a real strategic skill, not a soft side note. What you do matters to people and to the businesses – never accept “You’re not a revenue-producing department” as a rationale for minimizing the impact and difference your expertise provides. Protect your energy, find other women who will tell you the truth and cheer for you at the same time.
Jacqueline Purcell
CFO, Rokt
đź“ŤNew York, USA
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Leaders need to be curious, courageous and humble.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Grounded. I try to lead with perspective and calm judgment, especially when things are moving quickly or stakes are high.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Being a force for good is one of Rokt’s core values, and our Pledge 1% commitment brings that value to life. It helps shape a culture where giving back is embedded in how we think about success and the role we play in the communities in which we live and work.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Companies champion female leadership by creating environments where women have real opportunities to grow, lead, and take risks. That means investing in mentorship and sponsorship, ensuring equitable access to opportunities, and building cultures where diverse perspectives are genuinely valued and supported.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
Don’t hold back. Be confident in your voice, take the opportunities in front of you, and remember that growth often comes from stepping forward before you feel completely ready.
