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.
Sabre Leek
CEO, Sleek Consulting LLC
Kingston, NH USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Lead our company with Sales, Marketing and Operations to deliver Salesforce Quick Start Suites for Fundraising and Engagement. My team does most of the work, however, I just provide a bit of leadership here and there.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
My favorite part of my job is watching my amazing team grow and change and take on the responsibilities that are critical to deliver a quality implementation. They really are the heart of our organization.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
We have a great economical solution for getting into Salesforce. We cannot let our customers down. Some days this is the best reason to get up and jump into my day.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
When you are delivering a training and/or consulting session – you don’t need to have all of the answers to the questions that are posed. That is an unreasonable expectation. You just need to be able to find the answers quickly and always follow up.
What does generosity mean to you?
Everyone can contribute to a cause when it motivates them. Generosity is sharing your time, your talent, or your resources to help another person or organization be successful.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
My opinion is that our world is tougher to navigate than ever before. It is changing rapidly and this causes many people anxiety, including employees, employers and customers. Businesses need to recognize that people are being stretched in ways that they have never encountered before. Providing the flexibility and support to customers and employees and your leadership team is critical. I love how Salesforce provides some random Fridays off to their team to let them invest into their personal lives and recharge…
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Metamorphosis. Our butterfly logo is not by chance. Personally and professionally I have changed so much since starting my career. Being able to adapt is critical when you are dealing with technology and personal crisis. I feel that my focus on being agile has been my secret to success. You never know what life will serve up next and you need to be able to take it on.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Wow – what a great question! Music is a pivotal part of my life. I have so many songs that guide me in the moment but I think the best one for 2022 is Gene Wilder’s Pure Imagination. I do sincerely believe anything is possible if you want it enough.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Of course – I am excited to see how customers embrace Salesforce to change 21st Century Fundraising. And I am also excited to get our non-profit off the ground this year – Tame the Beast Foundation. Removing the stigma from mental health is so important in this world.
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.
Stephanie Maharjan
Operations Leader, WELLReceived
Portland, Oregon, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Operations Leader. Responsible for leading overall brand growth for WELLReceived, a 24/7/365 live medical answering service.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is helping others grow. As a former preschool teacher turned business woman, guiding and empowering is at the heart of everything I do. I love being able to work with my team not only to grow our business, but to help them achieve their personal and professional goals as well.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
You don’t have to compete with anyone else. Compete with yourself everyday to be the best version of yourself that day.
We are not human beings, we are humans “becoming” – this means that we are ever-evolving. If we focus on being just 1% better everyday, the power of compounding will give you drastic results over time.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Prioritize employee (physical, emotional & mental) health and wellbeing
Giving back initiatives
Work Anywhere – benefits to employees, employers, and our world/environment
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Kacey Musgraves – Rainbow
Lyrics speak to long-term struggles (like most of the world has held on their shoulders the last 2 years). It can be hard to see that the weather has shifted if we’re so focused on the pain of the past. Speaks to moving forward in the midst of feeling held back, holding on to gratefulness, and allowing the light back in.
Emmy Meli – I Am Woman (overplayed but I still love it)
Now, more than ever, women are speaking out and supporting each other in so many industries. Knowing your worth and finding your confidence can make all the difference.
Emmy – Stupid Big Teeth
This song is about putting in the work to improve yourself without worrying about others’ opinions. If we’re not changing, we’re not growing. Small changes over time lead to big results.
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.
Ruth Cawdron
Marketing Manager, ProvenWorks
Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I oversee the growth of the ProvenWorks brand, communicating a clear and cohesive message to as many people as possible.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Meeting people from across the globe: from talking on a panel for the Johannesburg, South Africa Salesforce Developers Group, to being part of a small ISV Marketing accountability group run by someone in Colorado in the United States. The Salesforce ecosystem is incredibly diverse and unbelievably friendly.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Externally, motivation comes from good leadership. Our Managing Director is not micromanagerial – he trusts us to make decisions and get on with the job. That motivates me because I feel valued and respected. My line manager is incredible. She is a total inspiration for me and it’s so special working with a friend every single day.
Internally, my ambition drives me to succeed. I don’t come from a tech background. I stopped learning anything computer-related when I was 14 years old and did a humanities and arts degree at university. I wanted to prove to myself that I could learn something new and succeed in a new industry starting from scratch. Within a year I had spoken on panels, had a piece published by Salesforce and passed the Salesforce Administrator Exam.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Listening validates how a person is feeling so much more than talking. Don’t feel obligated to try and offer a solution. Sometimes that’s not what people want or need.
What does generosity mean to you?
Generosity manifests in lots of different ways – in the giving of gifts and the giving of time, but also in the giving of honesty and candid emotion. I think when someone is vulnerable in front of you, that’s the ultimate gift of generosity.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Businesses must recognise that they exist in a wider context; they are not their own self-perpetuating ecosystems. I think it’s dangerous for businesses and industries to become echo chambers. Whether it’s through getting involved in local community initiatives or something much larger, it’s crucial for business leaders to have perspective and recognise context. It might be as simple as approaching a local organisation and asking “how can we help?”. Other people will know more than you. And that’s okay. At ProvenWorks, we worked with a tiny nonprofit going through a really rough time through no fault of their own. They were struggling when their renewal was due. So we gave them our solution for free. Sometimes it’s not about us and our own goals. It’s about seeing the bigger picture.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Genuine. My partner tells me I’m exactly the same with everyone I meet, whether that’s meeting his senior colleagues, or relaxing with my own family. I like to think that I’m consistent in giving everyone the same attention and value.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Don’t Lose Sight by Lawrence. To me, it’s an internal dialogue that no matter how cynical and self-doubtful you feel, you don’t give up.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
This July I’m heading across the pond to Cincinnati, Ohio to compete to represent Reading Ultimate in the World Ultimate Club Championships. It’s my first World Championship and preparation is my main focus outside of work right now. I’m stoked!
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.
Ashley Irene
Culinary Garden Designer + Founder, Heirloom Potager
Santa Ana, CA, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I am the lead garden designer, resident soil mover, and part-time plant grower for Heirloom Potager, an edible garden company that designs, installs, and maintains four-season culinary gardens for restaurants and food enthusiasts in Orange County, CA. As the owner of a growing business, my role varies by the day, but they all add up to creating something wonderful for the community.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
I love helping clients connect with their food and nature. Over a relatively short period of time, we’ve lost touch as a collective society with understanding the care and importance of being environmental stewards, not only for places like public parks and wildlife sanctuaries, but for our own yards. In my work, I’m allowed to express my love of nature and creativity by designing garden spaces that feel like a warm embrace – full of healthy, organically grown food. A hands-on place for learning, developing new skills, and growing an appreciate for how we nourish our mind, body, and soul.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I founded Heirloom Potager after the loss of my mother. It was her last wishes that I create a future that brought joy into the world – however that might look. There is nothing more joyous (to me) than an edible garden. My fondest memories have been so often spent around a table sharing stories, creating memories, and simply enjoying life through great food. To be able to create that for our clients is simply the most amazing way to honor my mother and create a better future for the next generations.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is really a way to interact with the world. On the other side of every email, phone call, and social profile is a person – with their own lives, stresses, and dreams – that is trying their best. I try to treat others the way I would like to be treated. To remind myself that if we treat each other humanely, with grace and dignity, that any problem in business can be resolved.
What does generosity mean to you?
To me, generosity is the responsibility of giving the best of you whenever you can to those in your community. Gardening is one of the most generous acts I can think of. Gardens create a home for nature and people. A space that brings life into the world to nourish, grow, and reflect. Generosity is also defined as abundance – which is the best word to describe a garden. An abundance of life, food, nature, and joy.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I believe businesses are the solution to today’s biggest challenges. We have the resources and the responsibility to help be that solution that celebrates and prioritizes the well-being of our communities. Caring for our community is at the heart of what we do for Heirloom Potager. Designing edible landscapes with organic methods is rewarding for people and planet. We’re honored that so many restaurants, businesses, and homeowners believe in our mission and a future where landscapes are delicious and beautiful.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We’re looking forward to working on some amazing client projects, but we’re most excited about continuing to support the hands-on learning experiences with local high school students teaching them about organic gardening, growing your own food, and the importance of saving heirloom seeds. Helping these future leaders tend to their gardens, harvest what they’ve grown, and teaching them how to cook healthy meals for their families is generosity in action.
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.
Jennifer Fisher
Co-Founder, Paq Logistics
Denver, CO
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Co-founder of an early stage start-up. I guess my role should be CEO (Chief Everything Officer) since we do not have a complete team yet.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of the job is knowing that you are working on something that is going to have a positive impact on sustainability long term. I love solving problems, and I get to come to work every day and do that.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Motivation comes when you truly love what you are doing. That’s how I know if it’s time for me to move on from a role…when it’s hard to motivate yourself then your mind is telling you that it needs something new to stimulate it.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Don’t be afraid to fail, if you are failing then you are learning”. This came from Harvey Bierman who has been an incredible mentor and advocate for me throughout the last 10 years.
What does generosity mean to you?
Generosity is ANYTHING that you can give….advice, money, help with a project..but the best thing you can be generous with is your time. When you give someone your time, that is more valuable than anything else.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I think it is very important for businesses to listen to their consumer and employees when it comes to solving some of the biggest challenges. The most innovative solutions come from people on the front lines, so who better to consult than those individuals.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Curious
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
“I stand in awe” by Chris Tomlin & Nicole Serrano
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 launching Paq and starting the journey that will transform how eCommerce operates in the future. And as far as experiences, I am ready to TRAVEL…just trying to nail down where my first adventure will take place.
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.
Kristin van Busum
Founder / CEO, Project Alianza
Boston, MA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the leader of Project Alianza, I work with our international team on developing and executing a strategy for bringing innovative, community-led education to poor, rural communities in Latin America. I am also a public speaking coach and teach an experiential learning class to MBA students at Boston University
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
Hands down, our team. In Central America, our staff is compromised of women who are leading change in their local communities where conditions can be really, really rough. We work in rural, low-resource communities with high density of absolute poverty, meaning the majority of people live on about $1.50 a day. Roads are often flooded, the political climate is volatile, and many children are forced to work at an early age without labor protections. Our team lives their core principles, and even when circumstances seem impossible, they are relentless, committed, solution-finders. I guess you could say I work with super heroes. They are my favorite part.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I am committed to the broader purpose of our mission to support children’s education regardless of gender or where they are born. When times get tough, jobs may evolve, but our calling never will.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
My mom always told me to never the let world make you small. Conformist ideas that don’t serve your greater purpose may make you comfortable, but in the end, the real magic happens when we step further out of our box.
What does generosity mean to you?
Generosity requires the self-awareness to acknowledge your unique gifts, talents, and privileges and having the courage to share them with others so they may walk away a bit better after knowing you.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
It’s often said that that helping people get out of intergenerational poverty isn’t a role businesses can or should try to play. But I disagree. As a nonprofit, we partner with the private sector, many in the coffee industry, to sponsor our work and connect us with communities in need of educational opportunities. Why? Because I’ve seen firsthand that knowledge-sharing and collaboration across sectors is necessary to keep mission-driven work alive. In order to match the gravitas of systemic issues around gender inequality or access to education, we need all hands on deck.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Courageous. Not because I am “tough,” but because I am the exact opposite. Regardless of fear or the adversity, I choose to show up — vulnerably, authentically, and ready to contribute.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
“Who run the world?” – Beyonce
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 am thrilled to begin traveling for work and pleasure again! Some of my greatest ideas have come to mind when I’m in a foreign context, learning from someone who has vastly different experiences than my own.
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.
Emily Reed
CEO & Co-Founder at HeyAdvisor
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
CEO & Co-Founder. My responsibilities include business strategy, building partnerships, finding opportunities to create brand awareness and connecting with potential users.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is seeing how our product helps advisors in the industry and their younger clients. Whenever I see a piece of our content on an advisor’s webpage or social media I feel such a sense of pride. I love that our content is out there simplifying and de-mystifying financial topics. I also get to work with my sister every day. We have a strong entrepreneurial mother, so it’s rewarding to keep the tradition going.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges, especially during these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
My family is what keeps me going every day. Being an example of a woman in power for my three children has been a big motivator. Everything I do is for them and their future.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Life is too short to not love what you do so find something you love to do and make it your career.
What does generosity mean to you?
To me, generosity means always thinking of others and giving back whenever you can. It’s so important to give back in any way possible whether it’s time, product or money.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
HeyAdvisor creates financial literacy content, and the ultimate goal is to help advisors get this information out to as many people as possible. Education around financial literacy is so important for the next generation of investors. It helps empower them to make good financial decisions and not be overwhelmed by all the products and services out there. As our business grows we are excited to be looking at more opportunities to leverage our content and get it into the hands of the young adults that need it.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Determined – I am someone who will explore every avenue and never give up.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
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 that we have started getting traction in the industry and I am looking forward to seeing how we will grow this year. We have some exciting partnerships coming up with some like-minded businesses that I am excited to work with.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Starting my own business has been one of the most challenging but exciting times in my life. Having a community and support is so important. I encourage anyone who would like to reach out, to get in touch.
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.
Jessica Bussert
Founder/CEO, Wave Therapeutics
Nashville, IN
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the founder my role includes a bit of everything. I was the original innovator of our technology and personally developed our first eight prototypes. Now, as we grow, I’m more focused on management and fundraising.
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
I’m an old school hacker/maker! I really love doing the innovation work for our company. That said, because I’m so passionate about what we are doing I also make a great evangelist for Wave. It’s a lot of fun to tell our exciting story!
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
I know that our technology has the very real opportunity to save lives. At the end of the day what could be a better motivator?
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Find joy in the “now”. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow isn’t promised to us. The only thing we really have is this very moment.
What does generosity mean to you?
I was blessed with some wonderful gifts and opportunities but at the end of the day that is all they are; gifts. It’s my obligation (and joy) to try and share those with my community and the world at large.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
We live in a capitalist society. In a real way business is the only way to make change. At Wave Therapeutics, we’re focused on creating a better technology to prevent bedsores and then offering it at an affordable price that anyone can afford. I think our world would be a much better place if more companies pursued a fair and reasonable profit instead of gouging the market for all it is worth. Avarice never benefited anyone in the long run.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Kind. Because it matters so deeply on a human level to simply be seen, and witnessed. We can be going Persistent! If you curl up and die after the first hurdle or bit of bad news you’ll never get anything done. Pick yourself up, wipe off the dust, and try again!
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
“Perfect” by Pink. That, or “Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill. It’s a bit of a toss-up!
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Wave Therapeutics is just about to launch our first product and raise our Seed round of funding. I’m so excited about what we’re doing!
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.
Shannon Emmerson
Founder and CEO, Forge & Spark Media
Vancouver, BC, Canada
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I lead and support our killer all-women content marketing agency in delivering premium service to our amazing purpose-led clients, and in our growth (we’re aiming for mightier, and kinder, not bigger).
What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?
The best part of my job is my team. I LOVE that we always take time to connect as people first, and that everyone feels open about sharing both points of pride and challenge in our work. It always reminds me always of how warm and resilient people are, and how lucky I am to be surrounded and supported by some of the best.
We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?
Everyone on our team has been challenged over the past couple of years, in big ways as well as in small but persistent ways. We have all been worn down from time to time, including myself. I’m motivated sometimes by remembering that I’m the old and wise one among my crew and that they are watching me for cues. What they don’t know is that I’m watching them, absorbing all of their energy and hope and channelling it into my next sentence or action.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Take the time to pause. Even a breath can save, ground, or restore you.
What does generosity mean to you?
It’s the moment when you’re tempted to keep something to yourself for your own benefit or gain, and you don’t–and there’s a kind of smile that starts around you because of it.
How do you feel businesses can play a larger role in solving today’s biggest challenges? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Change starts with every individual. We all have the profound power to affect others, with our words and actions and attitudes. We know that as humans. I firmly believe that this extends to business, too. As a leader — whether as the head of a company or of a team or of your own project or assignment — you get to choose what you care about and make and contribute time and energy and passion to. For me, as a writer and creative and mom, told I had no talent in business, it was about getting over that and creating a unique work model where other people who’d been taught — incorrectly — that they couldn’t own or run a business, could. And not only that but there were others keen to teach and support and guide, and they could too, in turn. You can grow business and pride together, it turns out.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Kind. Because it matters so deeply on a human level to simply be seen, and witnesed. We can be going through the lowest moments without showing it and need, always, that human gesture to remind us of our dignity and worth.
If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be?
Jenny Lewis, Puppy and a Truck. This is darkly comic pop-country song about a woman finding her way on her terms, armed (after some tough times) with something that makes her feel like she can take on the world, and something dear to love (who loves back). “Shut up. Get a puppy and a truck.” How can you not love that?
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We’ve applied to become a BCorp and whether or not we make it this round, I’m inspired by the community and by the thoughtful changes that starting this journey has prompted.