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.
Mirjana Perkovic
Entrepreneur, Founder, CEO, LookStyler
Brussels, New York
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
As a global citizen, I’ve explored 107 countries across six continents already, embodying a pluralistic worldview.
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?
Corporate leaders need to explore social impact to ensure equal access to finance and opportunities for all, fostering diversity in leadership and addressing systemic inequalities, thus creating more inclusive and sustainable organizations that benefit society as a whole.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
As an entrepreneur, I give back to society by creating jobs, serving as a female role model, and mentoring other female leaders, thus contributing to positive social impact and empowerment.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is that “When you think you have been buried, you have actually been planted,” inspiring resilience in overcoming adversities and embracing change as opportunities for growth and renewal.
“When you think you have been buried, you have actually been planted.”
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?
Workplaces must prioritize becoming more equitable and inclusive for women, achieved through inspiring women to pursue leadership roles, implementing systemic changes to support their advancement, and emphasizing the promotion and elevation of feminine female leaders who exemplify qualities of grace and empathy.
We must ensure immediate access to substantial financing for all female entrepreneurs who embody the true qualities of inspired leadership.
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’m eagerly anticipating scaling my business and publishing my debut book, while also prioritizing investments in both personal and professional growth.
My aim is to inspire fellow female leaders to take decisive action for positive change, fostering a supportive and empowering community for women’s advancement.
Vicky Zachareli
VP of Marketing, rready
Zurich, CH / Athens, GR
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Fair. I may not always succeed, but I always aim for fairness. Since the world can be an unfair place, I believe we should all do our part to make it as fair as possible within our own reach.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
rready continuously supports any opportunities to give that arise. We have supported several different communities’ initiatives from students in Switzerland to entrepreneurs in Namibia.
Me personally I am a volunteer mentor for women who want to evolve professionally or change career paths.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
How you start things off matters.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
It’s not going to be easy, what matters is to get up after every fall and keep going. And don’t forget to take care of yourself on the way.
“Don’t forget to take care of yourself on the way.”
Daniella Rhodes Lorenzo
Technical Strategy Director, Toqio Fintech SL
Madrid, Spain
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
If I could describe myself in one word, it would be “trailblazer.” I’ve always been driven by a relentless passion for pushing boundaries and paving new paths in the world of technology. Whether it’s architecting innovative solutions or leading teams to exceed expectations, I thrive on challenging the status quo and charting a course toward excellence. Being a trailblazer means embracing change, seizing opportunities, and inspiring others to join me in the best way I can.
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, businesses play a significant role in shaping society and influencing positive change. By prioritizing social impact, corporate leaders not only contribute to the greater good but also foster a culture of responsibility and sustainability within their organizations.
By proactively addressing social impact issues, businesses can help create a more stable and equitable society, which benefits everyone in the long run, also it can can increase employee engagement, morale, and loyalty, ultimately leading to higher retention rates and a more motivated workforce which nowadays is very difficult to create.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Giving back to the community is a fundamental aspect of both my personal values and the culture we cultivate within our teams and work environment. I am personally part of two organizations that contribute to help children in need, provide them with access to education, and healthcare delivery.
When it comes to business, we work as a team to start initiatives such as running or walking to donate to children in need, we do several activities that involve the whole company to contribute to schooling and rare disease investigations.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t think everyone thinks like you do, be patient, listen to what others have to say and don’t give the solution to a problem straight away, let others work on their knowledge and skills to reach an answer. If needed to help them reaching an answer, help them work to it and they will finally learn to work out issues without your help.
“Don’t think everyone thinks like you do, be patient, listen to what others have to say and don’t give the solution to a problem straight away, let others work on their knowledge and skills to reach an answer.”
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?
Creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces for women requires intentional and proactive efforts across various aspects of organizational culture and structure so the most important thing is to foster this culture across the whole business and make sure everyone is aware of this.
Two ideas would be:
1. Fostering a culture of flexibility and work/life balance, recognizing that women often bear a disproportionate amount of caregiving responsibilities, organizations can promote flexibility and work/life balance initiatives that accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles. This can include offering remote work options, flexible scheduling, and paid parental leave policies that support both men and women in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
2. Investing in leadership development and training. To cultivate a pipeline of female leaders, organizations can invest in leadership development and training programs specifically tailored to women’s needs and aspirations. This may include things such as executive coaching to help women overcome barriers to advancement and build confidence in their leadership abilities. Every time the number of women in leadership positions grow but it’s still difficult to find mentors who a women and that can help you have that confidence or have a “look up to” person.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
The most exciting thing about this year is that I am going to be a mother for the second time and I am scared but thrilled at the same time. We live in a city where we have no family at all and my partner works in a different country so needs to fly a lot so this is going to be very interesting to fight for.
On a professional level we’re in a very powerful moment where we’re transitioning to a new architectural design and it’s a difficult transition because it requires a lot of changes and improvements not only in a technical level but also in the way of working; but at the same time it’s very exciting to envision what our platform is going to look like and the strength and work that’s behind it.
Maddja Nazari
CEO, Leadfront AB
Stockholm, Sweden
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Determined; I believe that there is nothing in world that can not be achieved if one is willing to work hard, stay focused, and persevere relentlessly towards their goals.
Twelve years ago, I moved to Sweden without any relatives in the country, in order pursue my master’s education. At that time, not knowing the language, and countries regulation made starting a company seem like a difficult goal to achieve. However, I was determined to start my first company before turning 30, and everything I did was a step towards this objective. Four years later, just a month before my 30th birthday, I founded Leadfront.
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 today’s world, consumers are becoming more conscious. They’re not just looking for great products or services; they’re also interested in supporting companies that are making a positive impact on society. Corporate leaders who prioritize social impact are not only meeting this growing consumer demand but also differentiating their brand in a crowded marketplace. By aligning the business goals with initiatives that benefit society, leaders can generate goodwill, build trust with customers, and foster long-term loyalty.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Over a year ago, we introduced Streamstone, a new company focused on supporting NGOs and member organizations in their digitalization endeavors. By improving these organizations’ communication with their members, we ensure they become more efficient and effective in accomplishing their objectives. Additionally, we allocate 1% of Leadfront’s resources to delivering pro bono projects for NGOs.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
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?
Leaders should start by implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality at all levels of the organization. This includes actively recruiting and promoting women into leadership positions, ensuring pay equity, providing mentorship and development opportunities and fostering a culture of respect and support.
There are other things such as offering flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and childcare support which can help address the unique challenges faced by women in balancing work and family responsibilities.
At Leadfront, we actively strive to create an equal and inclusive work environment, and this is reflected in our recruitment strategies to attract more women to our team. Recruiting women in a technical and traditionally male-dominated industry has its challenges, but we have actively worked to overcome these obstacles. By offering a work environment where equality and inclusion are a high priority, we have created a place where women feel welcome.
Our experience has shown that prejudices that women would not be interested in or fit into technical roles are incorrect and outdated. We are proud to have shattered these preconceived notions and instead to have built a diversified workforce where everyone feels represented and where every individual, regardless of gender, is given equal opportunities to flourish and contribute to our common goals.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
- Select a company whose values align with yours.
- Value a company with culture of respect and support that provides same opportunities regardless of gender.
- Embrace every opportunity for personal and professional development.
- Be confident in voicing your opinions and advocating for yourself.
- Have faith in your abilities to achieve success, recognizing the importance of persistence and determination.
“Stay resilient and focused on your long-term goals”
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 about assisting NGOs in optimizing their operations through digitalization, which will not only streamline processes and improve communication with members but also enable them to fulfill their mission more efficiently.
Additionally, I eagerly anticipate witnessing how leaders harness cutting-edge technologies like AI to create people-centric organizations that meet the evolving needs of their communities.
