Theia Gabatan

Grant Programs and Impact Lead, Blackbird Foundation
📍Brisbane, Australia

What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?

Empathy, adaptability, and strong conviction.

If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?

I’d say curiosity. I think being curious about the problems I’m solving, being curious about different solutions, and being curious about people and their ideas has served me really well. Asking good questions and seeking out what is true also means you can make better decisions that aren’t purely based on emotion alone.

How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?

Our mission at the Blackbird Foundation is to unleash creativity in young people. To us, creativity can take many forms and shapes – we don’t think of it as existing squarely in the domain of the arts. Creativity can be evident in startups, in technology, in finance, in science, in sports, and in many other fields and industries. Through our work, we grant creative individuals who are bringing their passions to life. We spotlight these stories with our team, and over the past few years, we’ve seen a real shift in how our workplace views and values creativity. We’ve also seen a renewed and genuine interest in supporting young people to be creative. There’s much more enthusiasm and dialogue around how to support and nurture creativity and passion projects in young people.

This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?

I can only speak to my experience, but what has been true for me at Blackbird and the Blackbird Foundation is that the best way to champion and support emerging female leaders is simply to give them the space to lead their own projects and to do them in their own way.

If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?

Back yourself, trust your instincts, and do what feels right. Your first instinct is probably right – don’t talk yourself out of it.

Hanna Patterson

Senior Vice President, Employer Partnerships, Guild
📍Austin, TX, USA

What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?

We are living through some really challenging times across so many dimensions right now, and the expectations for the role leaders play have never been higher. The pace of change is relentless. Teams are navigating ambiguity, complexity, and often very personal stressors outside of work. In moments like this, leadership has to be about presence rather than performance. To meet this moment, I believe leaders need to be authentic, transparent, inspiring, and trustworthy.

Authentic, because people can tell when you’re performing versus when you’re grounded in who you are. Teams need leaders who are clear about their values, willing to admit what they don’t know, and consistent in how they show up. Transparent, because clarity builds stability. When priorities shift or hard decisions need to be made, bringing people along in the “why” creates alignment and reduces unnecessary fear. Even when the answer is “we don’t have it yet,” honesty builds confidence. Inspiring, because the work we do needs to feel connected to something bigger. Leaders have a responsibility to continually connect day-to-day execution to purpose, to remind teams that what they’re building matters and that their contributions are meaningful. And ultimately, trustworthy. Trust is the foundation that makes everything else possible. It’s built through follow-through, through making thoughtful decisions, through listening deeply, and through creating space where people feel seen and valued. Without trust, strategy doesn’t stick and culture doesn’t scale.

If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?

Galvanizing. I don’t just set direction but I aim to energize people around what’s possible. I believe my leadership brings momentum and shared ownership paired with strategic rigor that makes inspiration durable.

How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?

Guild’s Pledge 1% commitment resonates deeply with me because it puts action behind something I’ve always believed: the most meaningful work a company can do is create real opportunity for real people. Knowing that a portion of what we build is reinvested into expanding access for working adults makes our work feel bigger than any single program or partner and part of a broader commitment to unlocking opportunity at scale. That belief connects directly to my personal “why.” I joined Guild to ensure that millions more people have access to education and support to reach their full potential. Pledge 1% ensures impact is woven into how we grow, not treated as something separate.

This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?

There are a few key things I believe companies can do to meaningfully grow, develop, and support female leadership, and importantly, these can’t be symbolic efforts. They have to be structural and sustained.

First, embrace different leadership styles. For a long time, leadership has been defined in fairly narrow ways. This has often rewarded the loudest voice in the room or a single model of executive presence. Some of the most effective leaders I’ve worked alongside lead with steadiness, deep listening, strategic rigor, or quiet conviction. Companies need to broaden the definition of what strong leadership looks like and actively value diverse approaches. When we do that, we don’t just support women, we build better organizations.

Second, provide stretch opportunities. Growth doesn’t happen in comfort zones. Women leaders need access to high-visibility projects, cross-functional initiatives, and moments that require them to operate at the next level before they feel 100% ready. I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it is when someone is trusted with real responsibility, and not just incremental work, but meaningful scope. That trust builds confidence and capability in equal measure.

And third, advocacy from other leaders. Sponsorship matters. Leaders in positions of influence need to actively advocate for women in rooms where decisions are being made. Advocacy is different from mentorship. It’s using your voice and credibility to create opportunity for someone else.

If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?

Hanna, You’re about to begin something that will feel both exciting and completely disorienting. The jargon will be overwhelming. You’ll ask yourself more than once why you took this job and how you were ever offered it in the first place. That voice? It’s just self-doubt. Don’t let it lead. Stay curious. Ask the questions. Trust yourself. Lead with kindness. Keep learning, even when it’s uncomfortable. The way you show up for people will matter more than you know. This first day will become the foundation for a career that is more meaningful and impactful than you can see right now. You’ve got this.

Shayoni Mukherjee

Global Head of Partnership & Alliances, Encora
📍Bangalore, India

What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?

Today’s leaders must be ecosystem thinkers, not just decision-makers. In a world shaped by AI and constant change, leadership is about collaboration, adaptability, and the ability to connect technology to real human outcomes. The most impactful leaders build trust across partners, empower diverse voices, and turn innovation into meaningful value for customers and communities.

If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?

Ecosystem-Driven. I believe leadership today is about building bridges – aligning partners, platforms, and people to create value that no single organization can achieve alone.

How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?

Pledge 1% reinforces the belief that business success and community impact should grow together, not separately. It helps create a culture where innovation is guided by purpose, encouraging teams to contribute their time, expertise, and technology to drive meaningful change. For me, it reflects the kind of workplace we strive to build at Encora – one that values collaboration, responsibility, and using our ecosystem to create positive outcomes beyond business.

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 moving beyond intent to intentional action – creating clear pathways to leadership, investing in mentorship and sponsorship, and ensuring women have a seat at decision-making tables. True support comes from building inclusive ecosystems where diverse perspectives are not just welcomed but seen as essential to innovation, growth, and customer impact. When organizations empower women to lead, they strengthen collaboration, resilience, and the ability to solve complex challenges.

If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?

Trust your voice – it will become your greatest asset. Don’t shrink yourself to fit rooms; grow until the room expands with you. Stay curious, build relationships with intention, and remember that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about creating space for others to rise alongside you.

Michelle Eichner

VP, Product Marketing, Appfire
📍Phoenix, Arizona, United States

What qualities do you think leaders need to have in today’s world?

Leaders today need strategic clarity, adaptability, and courage. Markets are evolving quickly. AI, platform shifts, and customer expectations continue to change at a rapid and uncertain pace, so leaders must make decisions with imperfect information while staying grounded in long-term vision. Empathy is equally critical. High performance comes from trust, and trust comes from listening, transparency, and consistency.

If you had to describe your leadership style in one word, what would it be and why?

I believe leadership should be deliberate — with clear priorities, clear expectations, and clear accountability. Intentional leadership creates focus in fast-moving environments. It also ensures that decisions align with long-term strategy rather than short-term noise. When teams understand the “why,” they execute with confidence and ownership.

How does your company’s Pledge 1% program help shape the kind of workplace culture you believe in?

Pledge 1% reinforces a culture of responsibility and contribution. It signals that impact extends beyond revenue, and that Appfire measures success not only by growth, but also by how we invest in our communities. Programs like this create alignment around shared values, which strengthens internal culture. When employees see leadership committing time, product, and resources to meaningful causes, it builds pride and purpose into the workplace.

This year marks the 7th year of Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead campaign. How can companies champion and support female leadership?

First, move beyond symbolic support to structural commitment. That means equitable access to stretch roles, sponsorship not just mentorship, transparent promotion criteria, and compensation equity. Second, normalize diverse leadership styles. There is no single “executive presence.” Organizations should reward outcomes, strategic thinking, and impact, not conformity to legacy leadership models. Finally, create visible pathways. Representation matters. When women see leaders who look like them operating at the highest levels, ambition feels attainable rather than aspirational.

If you could write a note to your younger self on her first day of work, what would it say?

Trust your instincts sooner. You don’t need to have every credential or title before you speak up. Ask the harder questions. Take the stretch opportunity. Build relationships early; they compound. And remember: leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about taking responsibility for outcomes.

Jackie Martin

Global Head of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion and Social Impact, Toast
📍Atlanta, 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.

Alicia Nogales

President, Santu Beauty
Troncones, Mexico and San Francisco, CA

Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Two things. I believe that companies should actively encourage their corporate families of people to love themselves as much as possible. Think of a parent who wants their own child to love and care for their own self as much as they love them. Love, unlike money, is a well spring available to all of us that never runs dry. That is amazing. Companies should want to create environments that genuinely care for and support their employees’ well-being. This is critical to the overall health of a company. Companies are made up of people who spend a great part of their lives working in their “house”. Why would we not want to have the healthiest and happiest home.

And the second part to a happy home is committing some of their financial success to a principle or purpose that is for the greatest good. I want to work for a company that is actively participating in making the world a better place. This has been a principle tenet of SANTU. And for companies that are financially successful I would be asking them the following. Give “X” what you wish you could do.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I have three sons of this future generation. This is very much top of mind. My parents exemplified and taught me the importance of being of service whether it is one’s vocation or not. “For the greater Good” is always my north star. My mother retired as elementary Principal and devoted her life to education with an emphasis on teaching teachers and working with underrepresented populations. My father is Mexican American from a family of migrant workers. He was the “first” to do a lot of amazing things and had a successful career and also was instrumental in Mexican American civil rights.

I was fortunate enough to have the choice to spend time at home working as an active, “stay at home” parent. It was an honor. I’d grown up from a very young age volunteering in all kinds of ways and became a “professional” in adulthood where the goals for those task forces and organizations seemed to many as impossible or too hard. Whether its saving the trees, animals, people…whatever…whatever resonates with your higher self and that of the greater good, spend time on it. We would have a healthier and happier world if every person made consistent effort to think and do outside of one’s personal benefit.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Collaborative. I work well in a team structure. I believe a strong leader entrusts a diversified group of people who have distinct strengths. No one person knows everything. A successful team thrives when each team member is encouraged to bring their talents and skillsets to the project(s) on hand and valued for their respective contributions and work as individuals and part of the group’s team effort.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Always go for the adventure. You have to trust that where you are is exactly where you are supposed to be. Move from the heart and trust that there are no two life journeys that are the same. Accept you are the creator of your own path and it rarely is a straight line. And if you are at point A or F, you don’t need to know point X, Y, and Z. The real acceptance of this “not knowing” everything is truly liberating when you consistently practice moving from the heart because your human self will be guided to make clear and effective decisions over and over again. And find the joy in floating whether you are in calm or turbulent waters.

The real acceptance of this “not knowing” everything is truly liberating when you consistently practice moving from the heart because your human self will be guided to make clear and effective decisions over and over again.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
The past is history. The future is a mystery. Today is a present. That’s why it’s called a present. – Eleanor Roosevelt

And a wise woman with feet in the sand, walking thru warm ocean water at sunlight reminded me of this.

Enisa

CEO, Emthrone 
North Macedonia & Turkey

Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
The business is owned and operated under the leadership of Enisa Kadrii. She has relevant years of experience in the industry. She is the CEO of some other companies but has decided to launch her face line brand. Enisa will be saddled with the responsibility of making executive and administrative decisions as regards the operations and functionality of the company.

Enisa Kadri is very creative, forward-thinking, and a robust and hands-on team leader, highly efficient, and results-oriented with exceptional management and organizational skills. She also has exceptional interpersonal skills combined with a proven ability to drive profitability, manage and nurture talent, deliver sales growth, form strategic partnerships, and successfully implement challenging projects. She is an expert in executing team-driven process improvements to increase revenue growth, operational efficiency, and excellent stewardship of revenue. She also has a strong customer service orientation to work effectively with employees, professionals, and partners. She will be actively involved in the business operation producing and selling our beauty products and employ more hands as required.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
A environment aware brand.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Enisa Kadrii is a remarkable and powerful lady in Macedonia, reigning as the queen of the consulting business and a leading force in the cosmetics industry. With her keen business acumen and innovative spirit, she has not only built a successful empire but has also inspired countless individuals along the way.

What sets Enisa apart is her ability to connect with people on a personal level. With simplicity and authenticity, she has won the hearts of many, proving that true leadership is not just about authority but also about empathy and understanding. Her approachable nature and genuine care for others have fostered a loyal community of supporters who admire her vision and dedication.

As a business lady, Enisa embodies strength and resilience, navigating the challenges of the industry with grace and determination. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion and hard work, making her a true role model for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Enisa Kadrii is not just a name; she is a symbol of empowerment and success in Macedonia.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Trust yourself. Stand up straight with your shoulders back.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
The key is balance between professional and personal life too.

Trust yourself. Stand up straight with your shoulders back.

Layla Ramirez

Director, DEIB,  Justworks
New York, NY

Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Companies can maximize their social impact over the next decade by integrating purpose into their core business strategy. Leading with values means embedding social responsibility into decision-making, from product development to supply chains. Rather than one-time contributions, businesses should focus on sustained, long-term impact—leveraging their unique expertise, resources, and networks. Committing a percentage of one’s equity, time, profit, or product through initiatives like Pledge 1% is a great way to ensure impact grows alongside business success.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I hope to leave a legacy of a world where opportunity and talent are equally distributed—where everyone, regardless of background, has the resources and support to realize their full potential. True progress happens when barriers are removed and people are empowered to contribute their skills, ideas, and passions to society.

This means fostering access to education, mentorship, and economic opportunity, ensuring that those who choose to pursue their dreams have the means to do so. It’s about creating systems that uplift rather than exclude, where success isn’t determined by circumstance but by determination and ability.

If future generations inherit a world where talent is recognized and nurtured everywhere, not just in privileged spaces, we will have built a more thriving society.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Inclusive. Because true leadership is about creating an environment where every voice is heard, valued, and empowered. Having experienced the power of inclusive leadership firsthand, I am convinced that it is the key to navigating change, unlocking potential, and driving sustained success.

An inclusive approach fosters diverse perspectives, fuels innovation, and strengthens teams by ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose. It’s not just about giving people a seat at the table—it’s about making sure they have a voice in shaping the future.

By prioritizing inclusivity, leaders cultivate trust, resilience, and a shared commitment to excellence. In a rapidly evolving world, the ability to bring out the best in people—regardless of background or experience—is what sets great leaders apart.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Trust yourself and do the things your future self will thank you for. Every decision is an opportunity to shape the leader you aspire to become—lean into it with confidence. Growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, embracing challenges, and owning your voice. The path won’t always be easy, but by investing in yourself and your vision, you’ll create a future where you thrive and inspire others to do the same.

Trust yourself and do the things your future self will thank you for.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m most excited about continuing to do meaningful, values-aligned work at a company that truly walks the talk. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an organization that prioritizes impact, and I look forward to deepening that commitment through collaboration—both internally and externally—to drive real progress in inclusion and social impact.

On a personal level, I’m thrilled to support my husband as he embarks on his journey of acquiring a small business. Seeing his vision come to life and helping him and his team leverage Justworks to build a strong foundation is something I genuinely look forward to.

This season is full of opportunities to create, contribute, and uplift others, and I’m energized by the potential to make a lasting difference in both my professional and personal life.

Jacqui Meskell

Founder/CEO, Huggnote
Limerick, Ireland

Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
For me, there’s no question, and it’s the exact opposite of what some leaders have been pushing for lately. The best way to create a positive impact on both society and the economy is to have more women in leadership, running companies and, indeed, countries. With business and politics becoming increasingly intertwined, the stakes have never been higher.

Women’s voices need to be heard. It’s critical we have a seat at the table, not as a token gesture, but because women-led companies are more likely to tackle pressing societal issues. Female-led teams take better care of their employees and communities, creating lasting benefits that extend for generations. And, for those in the back – the data is undeniable: women-led companies consistently outperform those led by men.

That’s no coincidence. When profits and purpose align, everybody wins.

What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
Huggnote is on a mission to make two billion hearts sing, because we believe that’s exactly what the world needs now and well into the future. Technologies may evolve, but our core mission remains the same: to be a catalyst for fostering genuine, heartfelt connection. To make it easy to be there for others in the instant it’s needed. And yes, our ambition is bold. But that’s the point. We want to inspire others to dream big, chase their passions fearlessly, and know that with courage, failure isn’t an option.

If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Empathic.

As a leader, I’m crystal clear on my mission and the strategy to achieve it. I set high standards for myself and others because I believe we’re all capable of far more than we realise. But potential can only be fully unlocked when it’s nurtured the right way.

Every team member has unique circumstances, strengths, and needs. To lead effectively, I believe it’s my responsibility to understand these and create the right conditions that will enable each person to thrive, because when people are at their best, they perform at their best.

If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Don’t be afraid of your femininity, it’s a strength. Lean into it.

Unlearn everything that dulls your intuition and question everything. We don’t have to do things the way they’ve always been done. In fact, it’s imperative that we don’t. We won’t find our way forward by following the same path that led us here.

Unlearn everything that dulls your intuition and question everything.

Remember that every societal, political, and economic construct thus far was designed through an androcentric lens. We cannot build a new future with the same old bricks.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
So much! 2025 is already shaping up to be a whirlwind year, and we’re ready for it. We have ambitious goals for Huggnote’s growth, plus a big geographic move on the horizon, very exciting! The best part? Getting to do it all with my sister and co-founder Perry.

Entrepreneurship, like life, is all about the journey – we can be sure there will be lots of ups and downs but I couldn’t ask for a better co-pilot.