Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Jaime Brown
Vice President of Operations, Appluent Business Solutions
Phoenixville, PA, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the Vice President of Operations, I’m responsible for overseeing the operations team and ensuring Client Success while assisting in company growth.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
To ‘Embrace Equity’ is to ensure there are fair opportunities and treatments for all individuals within an Organization. To practice this, you must first be aware that these barriers and advantages do exist. Once you accept and understand that, you can start working towards improving these situations for all individuals.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
My family. My family is very hard working, supportive, and encouraging. Everyone is constantly striving to do their best and work hard which has been a great environment to grow up in. The environment they provided has shaped me into who I am today both professionally and personally.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Never stop learning or growing as a person. I always strive to continue to learn and improve on myself. Whether it is learning from failing, learning from other individuals or learning from difficult situations. It is important to stay open minded and find ways to grow and improve in every aspect of your life. Things happen out of our control and the best we can do is take that experience and learn something from it. I do believe everything happens for a reason and part of that is to help us learn and grow.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
The last few years have been incredibly challenging on everyone. We have experienced situations that we have read about in our history books but I never thought we would experience in our lifetime. Some of the situations we have been handed is out of our control. If it is out of our control, the best we can do is adapt and stay positive. Understand that things and situations change throughout our lives and we need to adapt with that. We can take a moment to be upset or sad about a situation but then we need to adjust and continue on. Life it too short to not be optimistic about the future. To quote Dave Matthews Band “Whatever tears at us, whatever holds us down, and if nothing can be done, we’ll make the best of what’s around” which I think is a great quote to live by.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
It is extremely important for companies to incorporate social impact in their organization. Finding time for individuals to help contribute can be difficult in their daily lives but if organizations give their employees the option to contribute all together we are increasing the impact. Our company schedules days throughout the year where we volunteer and donate our time to help local organizations.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Reliable. You can rely on to do what is expected of me in my professional life. You can rely on me to be there for you if you need a friend. And my family can rely on me to be there for them always.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I wouldn’t say it is unique but I personally find it useful. I enjoy incorporating music into my day. It really helps me focus and ‘get in the zone’ to make my day most productive.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Being in the technology space, I love apps and tools that make my job responsibilities easier. I regularly use Salesforce, Conga and Slack in my day to day but there is one tool in particular that stands out called FilePulse. FilePulse layers on top of the Salesforce and alerts me when new files or file versions are created. This tool helps keep me in the loop with Sales for large quotes are being generated and when new Statement of Works are executed. I get a notification so I can prepare on the Operations side appropriately for resources. In addition, when a client uploads a new file into our Community for a support case we get a notification to help support them faster. If you use Salesforce, I would definitely recommend looking into this app.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m excited to start enjoying experiences again such as travel, sporting events and concerts. It has been difficult the last few years with these activities disappearing and I’m going to enjoy the events we took for granted previously. Hopefully we can celebrate another World Series appearance – Go Phillies!
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Roshawn Blunt
President, Corsaire
La Jolla, CA, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I am the founder and president of Corsaire Corporation, a Black-woman-owned small business tailored to clients in the life sciences sector.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
I can only hope that the term “Embrace Equity” is not just a platitude but rather a sentiment that takes root and drives individuals to acknowledge that differences exist, and such differences require different levels and types of resources, needs and/or opportunities.
Organizations can embrace equity first by acknowledging that, due to historic systems and current mechanisms of oppression, not everyone is starting from the same place. Organizations can embrace inclusion by fostering a sense of belonging among people of different backgrounds, valuing their experiences and identities, and welcoming everyone equitably as decision-makers.
While there can be a strong financial return on investment when you achieve a workplace that values equity and inclusion, striving for that goal also comes with costs in terms of time, energy, and resources. Organizations that want to be more equitable and inclusive should set priorities, revise processes, and/or adjust targets as needed. The reality is, though, that it is very difficult to quantify all the ways that equity initiatives increase productivity, improve retention, attract better talent, help build better products, and connect you with customers. And frankly, some equity initiatives will result in no additional profit—but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth doing. If an executive team is convinced that embracing equity can be a critical strategic initiative only if it drives revenue or saves money, or if the executive team doesn’t actively champion the work via financial investment, it’s very difficult to make tangible progress.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
There have been many times in the formative years of my career when I stumbled. I found out later—sometimes much later—that Kathryn West, a legend in the oncology advocacy world, had reached out to provide silent assistance. What you do as a mentor or role-model when you see that your mentee’s career may be is “stalled” on the way up may be far more important. Kathryn actively monitored my career progression and intervened, without my knowledge, where appropriate and necessary, to ensure that my “stumbles” did not become “derailers.” I miss her every day.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
If you don’t like the rules of the game, you have three choices: be unhappy playing the game—even if you’re good at it; change games; or move up the ranks, become the commissioner, and change the rules.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
It’s laughter—I stay motivated by finding a way to have fun and laugh as much as possible. One of my mantras is: Take your work seriously, but not yourself.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Press releases and public statements touting equity and inclusion are akin to thoughts and prayers for change. As a Black business owner with a company mission to illuminate paths to healthcare access for members of marginalized communities, I’ve learned that corporate America may not always make good on its pledges. Prioritizing social impact is only meaningful if we materialize such commitments and drive actual measurable change.
I’ve found that, as a consultant working in corporate America and the pharmaceutical industry specifically, my opportunity to make an impact in this arena is unique. My organization helps companies navigate the pharmaceutical value chain. In doing so, we can simultaneously help our clients consider business factors through the four types of social impact: clear, high, wide, and deep. Further, we suggest deliberate initiatives they can enact while advancing their business goals. For example, in order to address the long-standing challenges presented and created by the underrepresentation of various racial groups in clinical trials, the DEPICT Act requires drug companies to submit diversity action plans for registrational trials. Access to life-changing therapies for all communities is too important for this legislation to fail in its overarching purposes. Therefore, each time we work together with our clients to understand the unique circumstances and needs of different consumer groups and find ways to address such differences in an ethical and meaningful way, we help that company reach tangible business goals while taking steps towards equity and ultimately towards equal access to health care.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Enigmatic. I once had a colleague who said I am the definition of Bushnell’s Law: easy to learn and difficult to master.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Because my business is client services, I have to plan my day knowing that one of my clients might have an emergency that I need to help resolve. So I keep a few hours on my calendar each day free for that. Should an emergency or unexpected critical task present itself, I don’t have to juggle my schedule or work extended hours to handle it. And if nothing else takes precedence, I have time to get ahead on my work or make progress on a personal initiative.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
No, I am a bit of a technology Luddite. And sometimes a pencil and a notebook are really all you need to get a lot accomplished.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
On the personal front, I set a goal to treat myself in 2023 to a concert or performance at least once a month. I am ahead of schedule and have been able to see some amazing artists already; what’s more, I have some exciting big-name events I am looking forward to. See you in June, Lizzo!
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Chloe Watts
Internal Communications Lead, Atlassian Foundation, Atlassian
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Creating communications that inspire Atlassian employees to make an impact on a global scale and in their own backyards through the Atlassian Foundation.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
My first job out of university was at an engineering firm where I used to receive emails addressed “Dear Gents”. We’ve progressed since then but still have far to go. I have a three-year-old son and a two-year-old daughter and I’m dismayed about the myriad ways that society constrains and shapes them according to their gender.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My dad is a sailor and taught me how to use the Southern Cross constellation to find due south.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
I subscribe to Future Crunch as an antidote to the fear-inducing news cycle.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I love that Pledge 1% challenges the notion that you work all your life, build your wealth and then give back to those who are less fortunate. The belief is that businesses can, and should, bake social impact into their DNA from the very beginning.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I don’t look at my phone after 8pm. Would recommend!
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’ve started ocean swimming. It reliably delivers these lovely, unique endorphins – I think perhaps it’s a combo of the exertion, cold water and seeing so much horizon.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Gabrielle Hendryx-Parker
CEO and Co-Founder, Six Feet Up, Inc.
Fishers, Indiana, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the Integrator (we are an EOS company), I strive to create an inclusive and diverse company culture, where staff members commit to doing the right thing for our clients, rely on teamwork, use a can-do attitude and give back to their community, both local and global. I help remove roadblocks and I work hard to make sure our staff is clear on our vision and priorities.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Embracing equity means leveling the playing fields and removing barriers for workers who can’t do the traditional on-site 9-5 schedule. This means offering flexible hours, part time options and the possibility to work remotely. And making it ok for anybody struggling with little kids, aging parents, a sick family member, a mental health problem, and other personal issues to talk about it openly at work.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
Early on in my career I witnessed plenty of injustice and people treated unfairly at work. I vowed never to follow that path in my own company.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Obstacles are the raw material of our goals” (Dan Sullivan)
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
Embrace change. We are incredibly lucky to live in this day and age. We have access to thousands of years of knowledge and wisdom for free. Use it to grow and transform yourself and your community.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Prioritizing social impact makes good business sense as it helps with employee retention by boosting morale, creating a sense of purpose and self-worth, and developing empathy in the workplace. It is also a great way to fulfill many entrepreneurs’ goals to make the world a better place.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Resourceful. I believe we can all solve many more problems than we think we can.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I focus on doing my best, no matter what it is, so I can’t have any regrets. If I feel down, I first look at fixing my sleep. Beyond that, I have developed a crisis management list for myself for times when I get stressed out so I can remind myself of things that have helped me out in the past.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
All the real time collaboration tools: Slack, Notion, DropBox Paper, Todoist. And Oura to track my sleep stats.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Kaia Vincent
Director, Brevity Marketing
Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
My role is to direct, nurture and empower the team, through support and guidance as well as scale-up the business by discovering new opportunities for growth.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
My motto has always been treat people like you want to be treated regardless of age, disability, gender or race. I think there’s a lot of top levels talk about EDI but organisations, especially SMEs do struggle to successfully implement as it’s a huge subject. A good starting point is to address the personality of the business through the development of authentic values. But like anything it requires continuous development and improvement.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I’ve always invested in a coach and she supports me on both my business and personal journey. Having someone neutral to soundboard off is so important for any business owner.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
That’s a hard one. But for my SME business I think the best advice was from my accountant when I was a start-up. Have four bank accounts. One for the everyday, one for VAT, one for Corporation tax and one for savings. It means Brevity always remains friends with HMRC!
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
On the first week of lockdown I had a business coaching session and my business coach told us that in times like these to ride through the storm we had to reset our sail. It really resonated with me that the way to get through this immense change was to not expect to do things in the same way – embrace the change. 2021 was our best turnover year ever.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
My belief is that sharing your success for the greater good is how we can fix the world’s to do list. Along with the 1% pledge we support UN Sustainable goals 3 (good health and wellbeing) and 8 (business and economic growth) through a system called B1G1 which provides easy access to aligned charities across the globe. Our impacts are action-led. So, for example, if we gain a new client, we fund a life-changing eye operation for someone in a developing country. Our aim in 2023 is to reach 10,000 impacts which we’re smashing.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Assertive – I like to get things done and am skilled at seeing the bigger picture.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Delegate and empower your team. It’s the only way you will be a successful leader.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Monday.com is our go-to client management system which allows the team to track time and to communicate with each other.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We’ve completed and submitted our BCorp assessment so our goal is to become a BCorp company in 2023. The certification aligns so well to the way we naturally are, so our hope is that it will provide us access to work with other likeminded business people.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Danielle Ozolins
Chief Marketing Officer, Cloudwerx
Sydney, Australia
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As CMO, my role is to lead the development and implementation of the company’s marketing and brand strategy. This involves working closely with the sales and delivery teams to ensure that our marketing strategy efforts effectively communicate the value of our services and drive demand among our target customers.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
For me, “Embrace Equity” means creating a level playing field for all individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or any other defining characteristics. It means acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women and marginalised groups from reaching their full potential. We need to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and actively acknowledge and work to eliminate unconscious biases that limit opportunities for women.
We can only build inclusive workplaces if we find ways to hold leaders accountable for creating and maintaining a positive, equitable and inclusive workplace culture and implement the right initiatives and policies to drive this – it takes a concerted effort. This can include things like; flexible work arrangements, training/education and in practices such as hiring, career development and leadership positions.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I was fortunate to have an outstanding woman leader early in my career. She taught me from the get-go to always speak up for what I believe in, how to get a seat at the table and ultimately, what it means to be a great marketer. I also joined formal mentoring programs, like ‘Women in Marketing’. This guidance and support have significantly impacted my career development and set me up early for success. My mentors have changed as my career has evolved, but I always self-reflect on what skills I need to develop and then seek out the right mentor or role model to support this growth.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always make time to mentor and support other woman. Pay it forward by sharing your experiences and supporting other female leaders and marketers in both their personal and professional growth. Girl Power!
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
As a marketer, I thrive with a little bit of chaos and change (but maybe not this much) I chose to take the lessons learnt – the need to be strategic yet remain agile. I used the period as a testing ground to challenge the status – quo and get innovative with my strategy and campaigns. I am generally a positive person, so looking forward with the ‘and this too will pass’ attitude definitely helped. And like a lot of us, the move from the office to work from home helped me remove ‘mother guilt’ and be more present for my kids. Huge win.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Cloudwerx is extremely passionate about Pledge 1% and our social conscious. I believe companies have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the community they operate in and create a positive change. I have many examples of volunteer days at Two Good Co from our team, along with other initiates such as clean up Australia day and StepTember. Personally, I was not aware of Two Good Co. prior to joining Cloudwerx and after hearing the woman’s stories and the amazing difference they are making, I am extremely passionate about this organisation.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Energetic. It think it encompasses what makes me, me. Fun, innovative, driven, passionate and hardworking.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Not really, but I continually tell myself ‘don’t sweat the small stuff”
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Not really. Although I have started using the Apple Fitness app, to make me get up and move around during the day.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Prioritise myself – 2023 – it’s all about me. I am going to make time to seek out more opportunities for professional growth, which I didn’t really do last year. I will take some courses and get skilled-up in different areas. Marketing is an ever-changing, evolving beast, so there are always new things to learn. On a personal note – get back out in the world. I am still a bit of a homebody as a result of Covid. It’s time to get back out there and organise fun with my girlfriends.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Deena Tearney
Founder & CEO, Pacific Point
Honolulu HI, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
In my role, I lead the growth and strategy of Pacific Point, a Salesforce consulting firm.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Embracing Equity in the workplace means listening to everyone, all ideas, every thought, and each perspective. It doesn’t mean necessarily agreeing with everything that is heard, but by providing fair opportunities and platforms for your employees to be heard and included, companies are able to increase creativity and ultimately value. By creating platforms and avenues for all types of personalities to have a voice, workplaces can embrace equity and strengthen team respect.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I’m inspired by athletes. I like to visualize myself as a player who is developing my skills through practice, playing my role on the team, and adjusting my game plan when needed, all while focusing on the end objective – winning.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The only person in charge of your career is you.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
It is really important for companies to prioritize social impact, not just for the benefit of the community, but also to strengthen team bonds knowing that the work they do is meaningful on many levels. That’s the real beauty of giving – it it doesn’t just impact the direct recipient, it creates a cycle of giving for everyone involved. For Pacific Point, giving back to the communities in which we operate has certainly strengthened our connections.
We just hosted our 2nd annual Toy Drive in Denver last December in collaboration with Mile High United Way. This turned out to be something that not only the local Denver team could connect with, but our entire team around the globe (and even clients!) rallied behind through online toy orders and donations. This cause warmed our hearts knowing that we made children smile, parents happy, and those families shared their joy with others, and on, and on.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Driven. I’m not above rolling up my sleeves and doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Green tea after lunch!
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Salesforce all day, every day.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Continuing to build upon our growth, particularly abroad in Sydney and Singapore, is something I’m really looking forward to this year. After extended country lock-downs, it’s wonderful to plug back in with our team and these communities and I know this year will be amazing!
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Lizet Zayas
Founder, Successfully
West New York, NJ, US
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I am the founder, executive coach, writer and philanthropist. With my company I support women to become better leaders, and give the opportunity for people give compelling speeches.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
I am personally active on this topic. It starts by speaking constantly about the issues, not just went a tragedy happens or is on the news. When we join organizations we must ask what are they truly doing to change things? ask the benefits, how are changing work cultures. When there is a demand, companies will have to comply.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I have hired coaches in the past, but a lot of challenges I had to learn on my own.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Loving what is”. A book a coach recommended. It took me years to fully accept this concept.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
Finding ways to inspire people and finding ways to connect with my art. Art allows me to see the beauty of life, is timeless and let’s me feel peace.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I believe in empowering people, especially those less fortunate. A portion of my profits goes towards the production and donations of The Magic in You, an entrepreneurship and life book for children and young adults in orphanages and foster homes so they can find wisdom e very day.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Passionate. Everything I do is with passion for my work, my relationships, and my efforts to create change.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I had many but they had limits. I had to surrender to God and accept that humanity is just seeking for ways to live and we are not what we do or say. My hack now is to try to not judge, not assume that I know people or fully a situation and see problems as distractions but rather work on solutions that make people feel better about themselves. If I make someone feel better, I did a good deed today. I also have affirmations present in my home so I can remind myself of how to overcome mindset challenges.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
I open a quote from the bible app and I see a beautiful scripture with the sounds of the ocean or birds. I also like Insight Timer, they have beautiful music and sessions.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I want to go to Colombia and donate books to the children in orphanages and spend a day with them to empower them, give them a talk and bring other entrepreneurs to enjoy a day interacting with them. Colombia is the country with the most orphanages in Latin America.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Noa Ries
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Kahilla
Ketchum, Idaho
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As Co-Founder and Co-CEO, I oversee our business development efforts as well as our communications strategy for our clients and members. Together with my Co-CEO, I also oversee our people development and people operations for our distributed team.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Leadership development is a catalyst for career advancement and the benefits of leadership development compound over time. Organizations can build workplaces that are equitable and inclusive with senior leadership more representative of the world we live in by providing access to leadership development through equitable selection processes.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
My aunt Judy Olian and my friend and mentor, Amy Philbrook at Robinhood Financial.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Start before you are ready.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
As the granddaughter of a holocaust survivor and the mother of two young daughters, it is both my history and my legacy that keeps me motivated to do this work. I believe it is my duty to do my part to make the world a better place and to ensure everyone is able to live to their full potential.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
At Kahilla, we donate 1% of our profits and 10% of our annual memberships to non-profits similarly commited to seeing equity in the world. In 2020, we partnered with the National Commonwealth Fund based in Boston to provide both a financial donation as well as transformative leadership development to some of the women from the incredible grassroots organizations they support.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Resilient. I am both hopeful and persistent and when in pursuit of a goal this meaningful, I am capable of bouncing back after setbacks and challenges.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I wake up every day at 530am to have 90 minutes to myself to read the news, get my priorities set for the day and workout. This me-time ensures I am as energetic and focused as possible during the day and present for my team and my family.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Currently I love using the kanban feature on Monday.com to organize my day by priorities.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am excited to cross the threshold into a new decade!