Sandra Amezquita
Chairwoman, Viventa
Coral Gables Florida
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Last month, we conducted 5 workshops to establish our new culture in integrating two merging companies. At the end, the leaders gave me feedback. In the “From You, I Learned” exercise, my colleagues highlighted qualities that set my apart: “Your humanity (highly emphasized), empathy, tolerance, appreciation for the positive aspects in each person, and calm communication.” Each of these qualities underscores my essential role in this collective journey.
“Humanity, Empathy, Tolerance, Appreciation for the positive aspects in each person, and calm communication.”
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
In the business world, there is a wide range of corporate social responsibility initiatives, often clouded by doubts about the transparency of intentions.
However, a well-implemented strategy in this regard positively impacts the well-being and quality of life of a company and its employees. At Viventa, we understand that most people prefer working for a company committed to its community. Recent studies show that generosity has a direct effect on brain areas related to happiness. Thus, we aimed to genuinely engage the company, providing resources and meaningful experiences for all involved.
Community giving has been a significant concern since the inception of Viventa. Despite initial challenges, we wanted to fulfill our commitment to giving back. Considering our reality and work, we believed in the importance of contributing to the community. When ready to embark on this journey, we fully committed to our promise of giving. Exploring options, we came across the Pledge 1% platform, aligning with our goal of dedicating 1% of our economic, productive, or time resources to community work. This pledge has been taken by thousands of companies worldwide.
With our social responsibility program under the 1% Pledge, we sought allied companies to donate our time. We aimed to collaborate with organizations whose missions aligned with ours, focusing on improving the lives of immigrants, particularly women. After close examination of over 25 organizations, we selected two allies: Americans for Immigrant Justice, advocating for immigrant rights, and Branches, an organization educating for financial stability.
Together with our allies, we’ve implemented impactful projects to enhance the lives of immigrants through resource and time donations. On average, each employee dedicates 2 to 6 days to the cause, demonstrating their empowerment through volunteering. This initiative has diversified our ways of helping, making our employees doubly happy.
Our promise to give combines technical expertise and human compassion. The skills of Viventa members and supported organizations have been crucial to two years of contributing to this social responsibility project. Our ongoing task is to find ways to help others live better, with projects impacting the medium term and involving our human capital. We will continue to invest in a comprehensive project to improve our environment based on what we know how to do.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Viventa continuously supports any opportunities to give back to the community. We support different causes from three important lines of action: Resources, Services and Time. Here are the works that we did.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice was not to create a foundation but to work with Pledge 1%.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Don’t wait to make your 1% contribution in whatever way you can.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We will be building 4 houses with Techo Colombia and creating more impact in financial education.
Abigail Matchett
VP, Data Strategy, Bounteous
Philadelphia, PA
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Empowering. Success in my role requires me to empower our clients through data and digital strategy and also to empower the people that I lead within a client and management context. For example, I know that I am successful when the teams I lead feel empowered to solve for challenges and obstacles within their reach, but that they also feel empowered to escalate when they need support.
When I lead with the intent to empower others, I find that people are more likely to stay engaged and work more creatively, thus also enjoying their roles and growing their influence within the company.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Absolutely. Social impact missions and plans are essential to transform our communities, meet consumer expectations, and retain best in class talent.
We live in a world where corporate leaders must consider the communities that they serve, identifying causes where time, talent, or funding can make an impact. Consumers have high expectations of the brands that they bring into their homes. We see more and more that consumers are choosing to shop and spend their time with companies that share in a positive mission, meaning that social impact is not just important for society but for brand equity.
Moreover, employees are also seeking to positively change their communities, and are choosing roles within companies that stand behind a meaningful social impact plan for a higher sense of purpose.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
I feel that it is important to personally and professionally give back to the community. Bounteous translates to “generously given or giving; bountiful”, and we take this seriously.
Sometimes giving back means donating financially to causes we support (and, our company matches donations!) but other times it means being supporting employees to get out in the community with our time and skills (during work hours!). One such example near and dear to my heart is 412 Food rescue, a local to Pittsburgh food rescue service that solves for the disconnect of food waste and gives a surplus to those who need it. Our team engages regularly in food rescues through the app, which deliver fresh food to nonprofits who serve our neighbors experiencing food insecurity. And, we also contributed our time and expertise to enhance the app itself, donating our skills to help implement analytics and data tracking. We continue to partner with 412 Food Rescue and other companies that positively impact our communities.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I have a mentor who has always encouraged me to “be the leader of my own life”. This perspective has enabled me to strategically cultivate my path forward and work towards goals that matter to me.
Its been great advice because when you own your own choices, you shift away from a victim mindset (or feeling helpless) towards accountability and ultimately leadership. I highly encourage anyone who feels like their career has slipped out of their hands to consider crafting a thoughtful plan forward for how they can begin to lead their life, what they can control, and how they can start to shift their decision making towards leadership and accountability.
“Be the leader of my own life.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
First and foremost, senior executives and leaders must align and agree that work equity is important. This culture shift has to start at the top and be led through example. But, more tactically, workplaces can provide wage transparency, establish flexible work arrangements, and provide more active training to managers and leaders for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
For wage transparency, women still often are paid less than their male counterparts of equal education and qualification. Providing ranges for positions empowers all applicants and employees to self advocate, starting from the same footing. Additionally, women often bear the responsibility for childcare and other commitments that make a flexible work arrangement so important. And its important that they feel safe in taking these benefits, whether its work from home or flexible work hours, and that participating in flexible work arrangements won’t negatively impact their performance or earning potential.
And lastly, when managers are trained on diversity, equity, and inclusion appropriately, they can often more effectively support of women within the workplace.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Build your network. It takes time, but just like any investment, it pays off. The majority of my former colleagues and friends have found new career opportunities through their network, with recommendations or interviews scheduled outside of a typical application process.
But building a network doesn’t have to be all about new positions or roles outside of a company. Sometimes this may look like reaching out to someone you think highly of for mentorship or a weekly coffee, or staying in touch with a former colleague who you admired. But it may also be executing great work and ensuring that people remember your name so that when interesting projects are discussed, you become a top choice for participation or leadership.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m most looking forward to creating new consumer experiences and collaborating with our clients who see 2024 as the year to re-invent their digital footprint. I am always energized by working through strategies for transformation, really doubling down on the why behind the work and rolling up our sleeves to ensure we are working towards the most impactful and valuable outcomes. Lets go!
Boladale Olagoke
Founder, Dalewears and Head Of Marketing, Shoptreo
Lagos Nigeria
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
I will choose creativity. From a young age, I was drawn to the art of shoemaking. With a natural flair for design and a meticulous attention to detail, I poured my heart and soul into every pair of shoes I have ever crafted.
But my creativity didn’t stop there. By day, I served as the Head of Marketing at Shoptreo, a renowned B2B fashion marketplace. I infused their campaigns with innovative ideas and bold concepts, always pushing the boundaries of what was possible.
At some point, faced with the challenge of launching a new line of shoes, I knew I had to do something extraordinary. Drawing inspiration from my passion for shoemaking and love for art, I devised a campaign that went on to captivate my audience.
From the humble beginnings of tinkering with shoe designs to leading groundbreaking marketing campaigns, my creativity has been the driving force behind my success. With endless zeal and a relentless pursuit of innovation, I knew I would continue to leave my mark on the world of shoemaking, one creative step at a time.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Yes, it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact. Prioritizing social impact is not only the right thing to do ethically but also makes good business sense by fostering long-term sustainability, attracting talent, mitigating risks, driving innovation, and enhancing reputation and brand value.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
For me, giving back to the community is not just a gesture; it’s a core value that drives everything I do. Together with my team at Shoptreo, we’ve embarked on various initiatives aimed at making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
One of our proudest endeavors has been our shoe donation program to local orphanages. Seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they receive a new pair of shoes fills us with immense joy and reinforces our commitment to serving those in need.
Additionally, I spearheaded a “One Shoe Per Time” campaign, inspired by the belief that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a difference. Through this campaign, we encourage our customers to donate a pair of shoes with every purchase, amplifying the reach of our efforts and fostering a culture of giving within our community.
Beyond shoe donations, we’ve also allocated funds to support child foundations dedicated to nurturing the talents and aspirations of underprivileged children. Whether it’s providing access to education, mentorship programs, or extracurricular activities, we believe in empowering young minds to reach their full potential, regardless of their circumstances.
For me, giving back to the community isn’t just about writing a check or ticking a box; it’s about actively engaging with those around us, leveraging our resources and influence to create positive change, and leaving a lasting legacy of compassion and empathy. It’s an integral part of who I am, both personally and professionally, and I’m grateful to have a team at Shoptreo who shares this commitment to making the world a better place, one step at a time.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received on my journey is to always be resilient and intentional about my goals. Resilience has been my guiding principle, enabling me to weather storms and emerge stronger than before.
Remaining steadfast in the face of adversity, setbacks, and unexpected obstacles has taught me the importance of perseverance and determination. By staying focused on my goals and refusing to be deterred by temporary setbacks, I’ve been able to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and learning.
Moreover, being intentional about my goals has been instrumental in shaping my path forward. Rather than drifting aimlessly, I’ve learned to define clear objectives, develop actionable plans, and consistently take steps towards their realization. This deliberate approach has helped me stay aligned with my values, priorities, and aspirations, ensuring that every decision I make contributes to my overall vision for success.
“The best piece of advice I’ve received on my journey is to always be resilient and intentional about my goals.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
To foster a workplace environment that is truly equitable and inclusive for women, we need to take proactive steps and implement meaningful initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. Some of the strategies we can adopt are:
1. Equal Pay and Benefits: Employers should ensure that women receive equal pay for equal work and have access to the same benefits and opportunities as their male counterparts. Conduct regular pay audits to identify and address any disparities this women might have.
2. Diverse Representation: We should also cultivate the habit to promote gender diversity at all levels of the organization, including leadership positions. Implement targeted recruitment and advancement programs to attract and retain talented women, and provide mentorship and sponsorship opportunities to support their career growth.
With this initiatives and more, I believe we can create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all employees, regardless of gender, can thrive and succeed.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
For women embarking on their career journeys for the first time, it’s very important to equip them with the guidance and support they need to navigate the professional landscape with confidence and resilience. Women need to embrace authenticity, seek mentorship and sponsorship, never stop learning, speak up and advocate for themselves, build a strong support network, take risks and embrace failure, and champion diversity and inclusion.
With this tips, I believe women can embark on their career journeys with confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose, and of course, paving the way for future success and fulfillment.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
As I look forward to this year, I am incredibly excited about the opportunities to expand my shoe brand, Dalewears, and to further deepen my expertise in the fashion industry. My vision is to elevate Dalewears to become Africa’s biggest shoe brand, representing quality craftsmanship, innovative design, and a commitment to sustainability.
Expanding Dalewears presents a multifaceted journey that involves not only scaling production and distribution but also cultivating brand identity, fostering customer engagement, and forging strategic partnerships. I am eager to embark on this journey, fueled by a passion for shoemaking and a determination to make a meaningful impact in the fashion landscape.
In addition to growing Dalewears, I am also committed to deepening my expertise in the fashion industry. This entails immersing myself in the latest trends and technologies, honing my design skills, and expanding my knowledge of business strategies and market dynamics. I am excited about the prospect of pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation within the fashion industry and contributing to its vibrant evolution.
By pursuing these goals, I am not only investing in my own personal and professional growth but also contributing to the broader narrative of African entrepreneurship and creativity. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and am committed to embracing them with enthusiasm, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Dr Polly McGee
Founder and Principal, Second Mountain
All over Tasmania
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
All-purpose. Ok – its hyphenated and I am cheating as I describe myself as an all-purpose human being, which is a cheeky multi-dimensional concept. So often we credential to show our identity, expertise and capacity rather than showing our humanity.
I am strongly driven by purpose, as well as being an avid bread baker, so being an all-purpose human being can be broken down into someone who is being not doing, who is agile and adaptive, who is all purpose, and who is a common flour with great baking outcomes.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Absolutely. I have been part of Pledge 1% since the beginning as giving is one of the surest ways I know to feel connection and meaning. The act of giving is so powerful, and it is never a one way exchange, despite how transactional we are shaped to be in our working lives. There is material benefit to giving, but an equal or greater amount of intangible benefit in creating a culture that is steeped in caring, in sharing resources, in kindness and reciprocity.
This sends a powerful message about the priorities and values of a company which benefits the brand, its retention and the psychological safety and courage of its people.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
100% hard yes. I do as much pro-bono work as I can. I prioritize working with leaders and organizations that have a large impact on their communities or sectors as this rippling of capacity then has significant multipliers that continue their reach far beyond me.
I largely donate my time for free, but I do also give actual cash where needed. My prop bono projects include leadership programs where I donate all my time per cohort, keynotes and workshops. I also have a little side hustle called Compassionate Grounds that sells coffee parachutes that are delicious and also 100% biodegradable packaging. The profits from this funds free trauma therapy for people who need clinical sessions with me but can’t afford it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be a student first and a master second, the teachers job is not to lead you to them, but to lead you to yourself.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
As a non-binary identifying person, inclusion is a daily lived experience for me, and I know how important it is for safety and belonging.
The people who hold the power need to move beyond simply knowing about inclusion, to really seeking to understand what it is to have to fight for a voice and identity in the smallest ways every day. Put in gender neutral toilets. Be a fierce ally and advocate to your people, understand that sometimes you really have to disrupt to change complacency and habit in cultures.
Get uncomfortable and ask all the questions then make the changes that are suggested, see if there is movement in your inclusion metrics, and keep evolving and innovating. The more diversity, the higher the innovation: when people are not locked in daily survival they are much more creative.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Resist the temptation to adapt strategies of compliance and misalignment with your values and authenticity to get ahead. Understand what your optimum life including work feels (not thinks) life and pursue that with purpose and determination.
Be open to the unknown and the unplanned, as long as you are authentic, compassionate and curious to the world, your path will find you.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m looking forward to challenging and disrupting myself, sitting deeper in discomfort to grow my inner life so I can keep pushing to the edge of how we see leaders and leadership, continuing to integrate self and neurobiology. I am looking forward to student my pizza dough projects to the next level, making lots of time to not work hard and not falling of my new motorbike.
“Be a student first and a master second, the teachers job is not to lead you to them, but to lead you to yourself.”
Paula Gómez Anaya
Global Data/AdTech Director, Making Science
Madrid, Spain
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Constant and entrepreneurial person. I love to set goals and not stop until I achieve them. I’m very insistent and I love to go beyond and create business.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Of course it’s important, how you communicate and what people receive is key for companies to do things properly.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
I contribute to society through accessibility, education, research, creativity, and responsible development. As I learn and grow, I strive to further my positive impact through language.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
That consistency is the key to success. You can know a lot but if you are not persistent with things you are not going to get anywhere. That is the key to professional success.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Address the gender pay gap, offer family-friendly policies, and provide equal opportunities for development.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Pursue your dream and as I said before be consistent in everything you do because that is the key to success. Overcoming challenges and believing in one’s true potential is fundamental.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
On a professional level, to grow the countries in the areas of data and tech and to continue overcoming new individual and team challenges.
“That consistency is the key to success.”
Rushenka Perera
Head of Marketing ANZ, SAP
Sydney, Australia
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Change agent. Ok that’s two words, but my approach is to look at all things with an open mind and to see how we can facilitate results by reworking our current processes or programs. An example is to use our technology to promote our brand in low cost promotions where we lack brand awareness funding.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Social impact is important to me as it allows me to provide focus to my team around the difference they are making in the world which contributes to our well being. The feel good vibes mean it makes a happier person. I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to do good and especially corporates such as SAP when we are responsible for driving upwards of 80% of the world’s commerce.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Every year we participate in some community work whether it is cleaning rubbish on beaches with Clean Up Australia or packing Christmas gifts for under-privileged children.
In 2023 we did a day of tree planting in Mullumbimby with Reforest Now to back up our corporate focus on sustainability.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Ask for what you want.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
More seasoned women should champion younger women and mentor them. Rally your male colleagues to be more considerate of women who are less likely to ask for inclusion in ‘boys clubs’ and to add them in to activities and to consider them for promotion.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Be bolder. Ask for what you want.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am looking forward to a more mature relationship with my two sons as they get older and to a number of overseas trips I have planned to Europe with my family and my girlfriends celebrating our significant birthdays.
Professionally I am looking forward to the ANZ marketing team once again being recognized as a top performer within ANZ and more broadly.
“Be bolder. Ask for what you want.”
Soujanya Rachakonda
Associate Director – Marketing, ABSYZ Software Consulting Pvt Ltd
Hyderabad, India
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Altruistic – I firmly believe in empathy rather than sympathy, as empathy entails understanding others’ perspectives and actively seeking solutions to assist them. In my approach, I consistently strive to identify mutual benefits for the organization, customers, employees, and society/environment. This mindset guides my efforts to find meaningful ways to support and create positive outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Yes. In fostering an empathetic and positive approach, I advocate for every organization to actively contribute to society, particularly in the realms of Education, Environment, and Health. These areas present significant opportunities for impactful change.
Organizations and their leaders should consider incorporating a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for social and environmental support. Regular reporting on these efforts should be a norm, as this makes a substantial difference and aligns with a broader vision of corporate responsibility.
Embracing such initiatives goes beyond mere altruism; it becomes a powerful tool for brand marketing. These endeavors resonate with people emotionally, creating a lasting connection that transcends the rational mind. Aligning marketing with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) isn’t just a strategic move; it embodies empathetic marketing, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and positive impact. Moreover, this approach cultivates mutually beneficial relationships, enhancing the overall well-being of the organization and its community.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
At ABSYZ, we take pride in our commitment to philanthropy, and our calendar is adorned with flagship events and numerous activities throughout the year. Embracing the spirit of teamwork, we collectively celebrate these moments by sharing joy and support with the children and women. A recent initiative I spearheaded involved a visit to Sarvodaya School Vidyalaya in Hyderabad in January 2024, which was truly extraordinary.
A dedicated team of over 35 volunteers from ABSYZ Software Consulting came together to create an impactful experience for 300+ students and weave a tapestry of unforgettable moments. This marks the beginning of our year-long commitment to support Sarvodaya School, engaging in various activities, including specialized educational sessions, financial aid for experienced teachers, distribution of school dresses, contribution to Science Laboratory equipment, and educational materials tailored to each student’s standards.
Our team also went the extra mile by supplying meals, distributing healthy fruits, and engaging students in enjoyable activities that broaden their learning experiences. The culmination of these collective efforts left an indelible mark, evident in the countless happy faces and the sparkle in the eyes of the students.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
One valuable piece of advice that profoundly resonates with me is consistently seeking solutions that maximize benefits for both. A concrete example of this principle in action is our initiative to distribute sanitary napkins to orphan and labor women. In this instance, I promptly suggested procuring these essentials from a women-run NGO instead of buying from stores.
The team embraced the idea, and as a result, we not only met the immediate need but also extended our support to the NGO, fostering a positive impact on both fronts. This approach, guided by empathy, extends to various aspects of my role, such as sourcing customer gifts and event goodies from NGOs or individuals supported by the government. It reflects a commitment to making choices that fulfill our objectives and contribute to the well-being of the community and people.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Considering my commitment to maximizing benefits and supporting initiatives that uplift women, I believe we can make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive by actively seeking opportunities to invest in women. This involves creating platforms for women’s voices to be heard, fostering mentorship/counselors’ support programs that help them heal from stress, and championing equal opportunities for career growth.
Embracing initiatives(I spoke about in the above question) that empower and support women-owned businesses, internally and externally, can contribute to a more inclusive work environment. Additionally, promoting educational and awareness programs to address unconscious biases and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion will further enhance workplace equity. It’s essential to recognize and celebrate the diverse contributions of women, ensuring that their achievements are acknowledged and valued within the organizational framework.
I had a notable experience at a previous company where I proposed a solution to address the mid-level women’s team hiring ratio. We organized an exclusive women’s hiring drive for three weeks on weekends. To encourage attendance, we promoted the availability of daycare services and provided food during the interviews, inviting candidates to bring their children along. The response surpassed expectations, creating an unprecedented turnout.
Taking it a step further, we introduced an additional incentive at the interview stage. We shared information about an onsite daycare facility within the building, offering to cover daycare fees and provide free transportation for mothers who joined the company. The impact was remarkable, leading to a significant increase in the joining ratio. By approaching the situation from their perspective and tailoring solutions to address their needs, we created a personalized and welcoming experience. Negotiations with the daycare facility were part of the process, but the result was astonishing. Those who joined found the solutions practical and were deeply touched by the company’s commitment to making their work-life balance seamless. This thoughtful approach improved the hiring ratio and contributed to more extended retention periods, as these initiatives resonated profoundly with the employees’ hearts.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Embrace a continuous learning mindset as valuable advice for new women juniors. Strive to absorb knowledge daily, and equally importantly, share your learnings with others. Remember that sharing is essential, whether it’s the wisdom gained from your parents or your time. Giving back, be it through knowledge or your valuable time, forms a crucial aspect of personal and collective growth. Make sure your environment is psychologically safe.
“Remember that sharing is essential, whether it’s the wisdom gained from your parents or your time.”
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
This year, I have set a goal to enhance my leadership capabilities and eagerly anticipate personal and professional milestones. On the professional front, I am committed to advancing my skills in Authentic Leadership, contributing to impactful assignments at work, and exploring new brand activities for growth within the company.
On a personal level, I am excited about my Ph.D. I plan to dedicate my psychology thesis and journals to activities that bring joy to my goal—exploring more books and spending quality time with my little princess to get her dance performances on track. Overall, I am enthusiastic about the prospect of continuous professional and personal learning and embracing new experiences that contribute to my overall psychological growth and well-being.
Belinda Paul
Founder and Director, RCYCL
Melbourne, Australia
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Curious! After being evacuated from the bushfires of the summer of 2019/2020 I questioned the reasons for this catastrophe. I looked inward to work out what skills I had as a professional to make an immediate difference at scale – I came up with RCYCL.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Absolutely! It has to come from the top to influence and guide industry decision makers to act not just talk.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
100% of my business gives back to the immediate decline in landfill rates in Australia. I work alongside governing bodies, educational institutions and smaller businesses to learn from them.
I also teach what I have learnt on my journey through my experience in the fashion industry for 25 years in addition to the new skills that I have had to manage along the way navigating a space like sustainability and fashion.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Keep going, do not give up!
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
The most important thing anyone can have is a voice, a valid voice. To feel respected and appreciated in their roles in life – be it at work or at home.
Women are the general house keepers and play the role of support on all levels yet they are expected to be strong and faultless.
“Sometimes a listening ear can make all the difference to empower and encourage.”
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Be confident in your abilities to succeed and go for it.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am the finalist for the eBay circular fashion fund which is announced in the coming days and RCYCL is holding it’s first ever Melbourne Fashion Festival event for their Independent Programme in 2024.
I look forward to really empowering everyone to make a difference within their own households and bring RCYCL into that space.
Elena Mocan
Head of Sales, Mekanys Inc
Republic of Moldova
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Ambitious. I constantly strive to improve and innovate, pushing my limits to achieve new heights. For instance, when faced with a challenging project at work, I set ambitious goals, worked diligently, and collaborated with teammates to not only meet but exceed expectations, showcasing my drive for continuous improvement and success.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Yes, it’s increasingly important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact. Beyond traditional profit-driven objectives, businesses are now seen as integral parts of the larger community and society.
Prioritizing social impact through initiatives like Pledge 1% not only enhances a company’s reputation but also fosters employee morale, attracts socially conscious consumers, and contributes to building a sustainable and responsible business model. In the current business landscape, companies that actively engage in social responsibility are often better positioned for long-term success and positive societal contributions.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.” This advice encourages a mindset of resilience and learning from setbacks. It reminds me that failures are not the end but rather opportunities to grow, adapt, and ultimately move closer to achieving my goals.
“Embrace failure as a stepping stone to success.”
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Remember that every career journey is unique, so stay true to yourself, be adaptable, and enjoy the learning experiences along the way.