Jackie Martin
Global Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Social Impact, Toast
đź“ŤAtlanta, GA
What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?
Today’s leaders must lead with empathy, courage, and clarity. Empathy to listen deeply – especially across cultures and lived experiences different from their own – to provide opportunities for all to thrive. Courage to act with integrity during uncertainty, complexity, and change. And clarity to anchor teams in purpose, values, and direction when the world feels noisy or divided. The leaders who make the greatest impact today are those who build trust, create belonging, and move organizations forward without losing sight of their humanity.
If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?
Grounded. I lead by staying deeply connected – to people, to purpose, and to impact. Being grounded allows me to listen before acting, to balance empathy with accountability, and to design strategies that are both values-driven and business-relevant. It’s how I build trust and create momentum that lasts.
How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?
Pledge 1% creates the conditions for a workplace culture rooted in purpose, shared responsibility, and action. It reinforces the belief that giving back isn’t separate from business – it is part of how we do business. Through our social impact work at Toast, it empowers employees to contribute meaningfully, strengthens community connection, and sends a clear signal that impact, equity, and belonging matter at every level of the organization.
This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?
Companies must move beyond celebration to intentional investment. That means creating visible pathways to leadership for all and ensuring everyone has access to sponsorship and are supported during moments of transition and stretch. It also requires giving equal weight to leadership skills like empathy, collaboration, and inclusive decision-making to traditional business acumen. When organizations foster a culture where all feel welcomed, trusted, supported, and amplified, they perform better.
If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?
You are enough – The job of playing someone else is filled! You don’t need to have to fit a certain mold or have all the answers to lead with impact. Stay curious, ask the hard questions, and don’t shrink yourself to fit into spaces that weren’t designed with you in mind. The very qualities that make you different will one day become your greatest leadership strengths.
