Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Kaia Vincent
Director, Brevity Marketing
Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
My role is to direct, nurture and empower the team, through support and guidance as well as scale-up the business by discovering new opportunities for growth.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
My motto has always been treat people like you want to be treated regardless of age, disability, gender or race. I think there’s a lot of top levels talk about EDI but organisations, especially SMEs do struggle to successfully implement as it’s a huge subject. A good starting point is to address the personality of the business through the development of authentic values. But like anything it requires continuous development and improvement.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I’ve always invested in a coach and she supports me on both my business and personal journey. Having someone neutral to soundboard off is so important for any business owner.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
That’s a hard one. But for my SME business I think the best advice was from my accountant when I was a start-up. Have four bank accounts. One for the everyday, one for VAT, one for Corporation tax and one for savings. It means Brevity always remains friends with HMRC!
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
On the first week of lockdown I had a business coaching session and my business coach told us that in times like these to ride through the storm we had to reset our sail. It really resonated with me that the way to get through this immense change was to not expect to do things in the same way – embrace the change. 2021 was our best turnover year ever.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
My belief is that sharing your success for the greater good is how we can fix the world’s to do list. Along with the 1% pledge we support UN Sustainable goals 3 (good health and wellbeing) and 8 (business and economic growth) through a system called B1G1 which provides easy access to aligned charities across the globe. Our impacts are action-led. So, for example, if we gain a new client, we fund a life-changing eye operation for someone in a developing country. Our aim in 2023 is to reach 10,000 impacts which we’re smashing.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Assertive – I like to get things done and am skilled at seeing the bigger picture.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Delegate and empower your team. It’s the only way you will be a successful leader.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Monday.com is our go-to client management system which allows the team to track time and to communicate with each other.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We’ve completed and submitted our BCorp assessment so our goal is to become a BCorp company in 2023. The certification aligns so well to the way we naturally are, so our hope is that it will provide us access to work with other likeminded business people.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Danielle Ozolins
Chief Marketing Officer, Cloudwerx
Sydney, Australia
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As CMO, my role is to lead the development and implementation of the company’s marketing and brand strategy. This involves working closely with the sales and delivery teams to ensure that our marketing strategy efforts effectively communicate the value of our services and drive demand among our target customers.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
For me, “Embrace Equity” means creating a level playing field for all individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity or any other defining characteristics. It means acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers that prevent women and marginalised groups from reaching their full potential. We need to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and actively acknowledge and work to eliminate unconscious biases that limit opportunities for women.
We can only build inclusive workplaces if we find ways to hold leaders accountable for creating and maintaining a positive, equitable and inclusive workplace culture and implement the right initiatives and policies to drive this – it takes a concerted effort. This can include things like; flexible work arrangements, training/education and in practices such as hiring, career development and leadership positions.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I was fortunate to have an outstanding woman leader early in my career. She taught me from the get-go to always speak up for what I believe in, how to get a seat at the table and ultimately, what it means to be a great marketer. I also joined formal mentoring programs, like ‘Women in Marketing’. This guidance and support have significantly impacted my career development and set me up early for success. My mentors have changed as my career has evolved, but I always self-reflect on what skills I need to develop and then seek out the right mentor or role model to support this growth.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Always make time to mentor and support other woman. Pay it forward by sharing your experiences and supporting other female leaders and marketers in both their personal and professional growth. Girl Power!
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
As a marketer, I thrive with a little bit of chaos and change (but maybe not this much) I chose to take the lessons learnt – the need to be strategic yet remain agile. I used the period as a testing ground to challenge the status – quo and get innovative with my strategy and campaigns. I am generally a positive person, so looking forward with the ‘and this too will pass’ attitude definitely helped. And like a lot of us, the move from the office to work from home helped me remove ‘mother guilt’ and be more present for my kids. Huge win.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
Cloudwerx is extremely passionate about Pledge 1% and our social conscious. I believe companies have a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of the community they operate in and create a positive change. I have many examples of volunteer days at Two Good Co from our team, along with other initiates such as clean up Australia day and StepTember. Personally, I was not aware of Two Good Co. prior to joining Cloudwerx and after hearing the woman’s stories and the amazing difference they are making, I am extremely passionate about this organisation.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Energetic. It think it encompasses what makes me, me. Fun, innovative, driven, passionate and hardworking.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Not really, but I continually tell myself ‘don’t sweat the small stuff”
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Not really. Although I have started using the Apple Fitness app, to make me get up and move around during the day.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Prioritise myself – 2023 – it’s all about me. I am going to make time to seek out more opportunities for professional growth, which I didn’t really do last year. I will take some courses and get skilled-up in different areas. Marketing is an ever-changing, evolving beast, so there are always new things to learn. On a personal note – get back out in the world. I am still a bit of a homebody as a result of Covid. It’s time to get back out there and organise fun with my girlfriends.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Deena Tearney
Founder & CEO, Pacific Point
Honolulu HI, USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
In my role, I lead the growth and strategy of Pacific Point, a Salesforce consulting firm.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Embracing Equity in the workplace means listening to everyone, all ideas, every thought, and each perspective. It doesn’t mean necessarily agreeing with everything that is heard, but by providing fair opportunities and platforms for your employees to be heard and included, companies are able to increase creativity and ultimately value. By creating platforms and avenues for all types of personalities to have a voice, workplaces can embrace equity and strengthen team respect.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I’m inspired by athletes. I like to visualize myself as a player who is developing my skills through practice, playing my role on the team, and adjusting my game plan when needed, all while focusing on the end objective – winning.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The only person in charge of your career is you.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
It is really important for companies to prioritize social impact, not just for the benefit of the community, but also to strengthen team bonds knowing that the work they do is meaningful on many levels. That’s the real beauty of giving – it it doesn’t just impact the direct recipient, it creates a cycle of giving for everyone involved. For Pacific Point, giving back to the communities in which we operate has certainly strengthened our connections.
We just hosted our 2nd annual Toy Drive in Denver last December in collaboration with Mile High United Way. This turned out to be something that not only the local Denver team could connect with, but our entire team around the globe (and even clients!) rallied behind through online toy orders and donations. This cause warmed our hearts knowing that we made children smile, parents happy, and those families shared their joy with others, and on, and on.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Driven. I’m not above rolling up my sleeves and doing whatever it takes to get the job done.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Green tea after lunch!
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Salesforce all day, every day.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Continuing to build upon our growth, particularly abroad in Sydney and Singapore, is something I’m really looking forward to this year. After extended country lock-downs, it’s wonderful to plug back in with our team and these communities and I know this year will be amazing!
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Lizet Zayas
Founder, Successfully
West New York, NJ, US
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
I am the founder, executive coach, writer and philanthropist. With my company I support women to become better leaders, and give the opportunity for people give compelling speeches.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
I am personally active on this topic. It starts by speaking constantly about the issues, not just went a tragedy happens or is on the news. When we join organizations we must ask what are they truly doing to change things? ask the benefits, how are changing work cultures. When there is a demand, companies will have to comply.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I have hired coaches in the past, but a lot of challenges I had to learn on my own.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
“Loving what is”. A book a coach recommended. It took me years to fully accept this concept.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
Finding ways to inspire people and finding ways to connect with my art. Art allows me to see the beauty of life, is timeless and let’s me feel peace.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I believe in empowering people, especially those less fortunate. A portion of my profits goes towards the production and donations of The Magic in You, an entrepreneurship and life book for children and young adults in orphanages and foster homes so they can find wisdom e very day.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Passionate. Everything I do is with passion for my work, my relationships, and my efforts to create change.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I had many but they had limits. I had to surrender to God and accept that humanity is just seeking for ways to live and we are not what we do or say. My hack now is to try to not judge, not assume that I know people or fully a situation and see problems as distractions but rather work on solutions that make people feel better about themselves. If I make someone feel better, I did a good deed today. I also have affirmations present in my home so I can remind myself of how to overcome mindset challenges.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
I open a quote from the bible app and I see a beautiful scripture with the sounds of the ocean or birds. I also like Insight Timer, they have beautiful music and sessions.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I want to go to Colombia and donate books to the children in orphanages and spend a day with them to empower them, give them a talk and bring other entrepreneurs to enjoy a day interacting with them. Colombia is the country with the most orphanages in Latin America.
Pledge 1%’s #WomenWhoLead series celebrates female leaders who are paving the way for the next generation. While our featured leaders come from a variety of backgrounds and industries, they are united in their efforts to promote equality for all women in the workplace. We’ve asked them to share a bit about their journey to success, as well as lessons they’ve learned along the way.
Noa Ries
Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Kahilla
Ketchum, Idaho
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As Co-Founder and Co-CEO, I oversee our business development efforts as well as our communications strategy for our clients and members. Together with my Co-CEO, I also oversee our people development and people operations for our distributed team.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Leadership development is a catalyst for career advancement and the benefits of leadership development compound over time. Organizations can build workplaces that are equitable and inclusive with senior leadership more representative of the world we live in by providing access to leadership development through equitable selection processes.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
My aunt Judy Olian and my friend and mentor, Amy Philbrook at Robinhood Financial.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Start before you are ready.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
As the granddaughter of a holocaust survivor and the mother of two young daughters, it is both my history and my legacy that keeps me motivated to do this work. I believe it is my duty to do my part to make the world a better place and to ensure everyone is able to live to their full potential.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
At Kahilla, we donate 1% of our profits and 10% of our annual memberships to non-profits similarly commited to seeing equity in the world. In 2020, we partnered with the National Commonwealth Fund based in Boston to provide both a financial donation as well as transformative leadership development to some of the women from the incredible grassroots organizations they support.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Resilient. I am both hopeful and persistent and when in pursuit of a goal this meaningful, I am capable of bouncing back after setbacks and challenges.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
I wake up every day at 530am to have 90 minutes to myself to read the news, get my priorities set for the day and workout. This me-time ensures I am as energetic and focused as possible during the day and present for my team and my family.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Currently I love using the kanban feature on Monday.com to organize my day by priorities.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am excited to cross the threshold into a new decade!
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.
Frinny Lee
CEO, A.V. Mapping Co., LTD
San Francisco, California, United States | Taipei, Taiwan
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
CEO, Business Development, Product Management, Leader of a company. Almost everything that business needed.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Equality is a fundamental human value that ensures every individual is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their differences such as race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, and so on.
As a female founder, I believe in creating a workplace that is equal and inclusive. It means creating an environment where everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, grow, and contribute to the company’s success. At A.V. Mapping, I have taken steps to establish a culture of respect and equality for all employees. I also encourage open communication and have implemented policies that promote work-life balance and flexibility. Opportunities for professional growth and advancement are provided to all employees, regardless of gender or other personal characteristics.
Building a more equitable and inclusive society involves taking a multi-faceted approach that encompasses business building, government policy, education, and more. Promoting equality and inclusiveness requires a concerted effort from all sectors of society. By working together, we can create a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives, free from discrimination and prejudice.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
First of all, my family, they are all business men/women. Every time when I am struggling with some problems, it turns not a real problem for them. At the same time, we are keep growing and meeting more people. Luckily, we can always grab the chance to learn more from others, new friends to explore the bigger world and opportunities.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Thank you for not giving up.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
To believe those who believe in, is me. The talks I have with many successful or warm friends. They are so inspiring and believing in me that the things I said are reliable, and they know I can do it. So if they can make it, I can make it someday!
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
The impact that businesses have on society extends far beyond their financial performance. Companies can be powerful forces for good, using their resources and influence to make positive change in their communities and the world. By prioritizing social impact, companies can not only create a better world, but they can also strengthen their brand and build long-term relationships with their stakeholders, including customers, employees, and investors.
For example, A.V. Mapping is making the equality for the creations. Not because of the fame or reputation from the musicians but the music and creations themselves which should be measured into more revenue. So that, good creations lasting, and accelerating the creative process into society, to bring on more positive social impact. By focusing on social impact, companies can drive positive change in the world and build a better future for all.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Sunflower.
I am a curious person with reliability and versatility. Live in dynamic to have more inspiration not only for my music, my products but my photograph and life. Just like sunflower always welcoming the opportunities, and following the sun.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
1. Make a list of tasks you need to do each day and prioritize them.
2. Eat diversity food, drink boba or coffee, then kill the to do list.
3. Listen to inspiring or spiritual podcast to keep positive mindset and feel accompany.
4. Follow knowledgeable content on social media platform.
5. Change the setup, change the location, listen to music, take a shower, go for a walk or go to gym to bring in new ideas.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
1. A.V. Mapping – To find the perfect match music for your video/photos/Advertisement.
2. Trello – A task-management tool to take notes about any pieces of inspiration, assign the tasks anytime without disturbing colleague, and help me stay organized in a view.
3. Google Calendar – My best assistant, EVER.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
My company, A.V. Mapping is going to hold a FAIM Concert this year. It’s an innovative and exciting competition that will pit AI-led musicians against each other to make music for advertisement and the film. The creators in the visual side also included those in metaverse, A/VR companies, film industries, advertisement production house and—AI. A.V. Mapping’s AI can recommend the music from thousands of musicians to find the perfect matched music for each video and creations. It comes to: “AI-leads-musicians team, AI team and musicians team”. Musicians with millions of followers are going to compete or cooperate with AI. In this ambitious relationship between technology and human, we can have more experimental and innovative creative things coming up.
This is also my fourth year in A.V. Mapping. The most important goal is making break-even. Then build a optimally-sized team to make myself healthier which I can have more gym-time and me-time.
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.
Liz Rhodes
COO, Art of Cloud
Liz Rhodes, COO, Art of Cloud
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Ensuring the success of the team and business by supporting both my colleagues and all our customers to achieve the best results possible.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Look beyond the obvious. We pro-actively support the alternative options and look for what each person can bring to the table which may not be paper qualifications but life experience, not a first class degree but a mind full of ideas, you may not be outwardly vocal but can express yourself through mind maps. I personally see a huge part of my role is helping people see their talents as we see them and leveraging them for growth at their own personal rate. One person may want letters after their name for others recognition and thank yous make them tick – by encouraging and embracing inclusivity and creating a culture of affirmation and equality for all ideas and opinions it allows everyone an opportunity to grow.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
Lots – friends who inspire me, family who have taught me self belief and love, my colleagues now and in the past who I learn from every day. My teenage daughters whose outlook on life gives me a new perspective. There is something to learn from everyone who crosses our paths in life be they on our life train for one stop or the whole journey.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
No is a complete sentence , you don’t need to justify it.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
The everyday differences and challenges are always a chance to learn something or make a change. Even the hard days don’t last and you come out the other side knowing something new
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
I think it’s so important to get involved, if everyone looks the other way communities don’t change, society doesn’t move forward and being part of a bigger whole is a good feeling. At Art of Cloud we have worked with local community groups and charities – we work closely with a local bed poverty charity, Zarach, by not only building their Salesforce System but also practically collection donations, making hampers and delivering Christmas parcels. We sponsor local sports teams and dance troupes. We raised money through sponsored activities for local activities – our team get involved through volunteering their time as well as financial support as being part of a community is definitely better than navigating life’s journey solo.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Empathetic -kind caring and really giving a damn.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Make a list! Then tick them off – it makes you feel good.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Too Good To Go – an app to prevent food waste in local area – get some great bargains
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
We are looking forward to do a charity skydive to raise funds for Zarach and then personally I am going to be undertaking the cold water dip every day in March to raise money for cancer research. Goals wise I look forward to seeing my team continue to grow both at their role and as people.
Natalie Rekstad
Founder & CEO, Black Fox Philanthropy & B Corp
Boston, MA & Paris, France
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
Set the long-term direction of the firm while empowering team to execute the day-to-day. Create and embody our culture and commitment centered in Black Fox Code.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
Beyond our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we recognize the necessity of doing the internal and external work needed to ensure racism, sexism, and any other -isms are not present in our interactions. This requires deep inquiry and commitment, and a willingness to get your ‘nose bloodied’ yet keep staying in the conversation. I also focus upon changing the face of philanthropy through funding Black Fox Fellows.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
I loved the ‘Playing Big’ course by Tara Mohr; I would call her a mentor to many women seeking greater impact and fully expressed lives.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
If you have to ask, you already know the answer (applies to fashion & life i.e. “Does this make me look fat?”)
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
Our team and the NGO leaders we serve and the incredible global missions we help resources through our services.
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
As a B Corp it is our imperative to contribute to social good, but we elected to become B Corp because it was in our DNA already. So much more found here on my views!
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Resilient. The last 3+ years have been a mental and emotional monkey-knife-fight while company doubled in size while concurrently having a teen daughter navigate covid and life and so much more I cannot disclose here for her privacy’s sake.
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
YES! I am writing to you from the pool of the Ritz in Paris, Place Vendome. Membership to this club is less expensive for the year than We-Work. CRAZY! & I get awesome workout classes, yoga, etc.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Insight Timer. EVERY. DAY. Also a Gratitude App, and that has been terrific.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Focusing upon impact initiatives beyond Black Fox Philanthropy, and having tons more time to nourish my spirit and sense of adventure.
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 Willey
Founder and CEO, Wet Cement
Matawan, New Jersey USA
What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences.
As the founder and CEO, I wear many hats! Most of my time is focused on building the strategy, content and delivery of our programs. This means I’m consulting with clients to help them drive inclusive cultures of growth, delivering keynotes (especially with International Women’s Day in March) and creating content for our “Fearless in 5” microlearning videos, newsletter and curriculum.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Embrace Equity.” What does this mean to you? How can we build workplaces that are more equitable and inclusive?
This is at the core of everything I do! In fact, I’ll be delivering keynotes and workshops specifically on this topic across the US and global companies and organizations. “Embracing Equity” means cultivating an inclusive culture where everyone feels safe, like they belong, and has equal access to opportunities and achieving their potential. It’s about empowering those who identify as women to understand the external barriers and how to navigate around them, which knowing which internal barriers are more likely to hold us back. It is enlightening leaders with a ‘playbook’ on how they can foster equitable teams and allies with how they can help as upstanders.
Do you have any mentors or role models who have helped you on your personal journey?
There have been so many–of all genders–but the most consistent is Jennifer Shelley Zalis of The Female Quotient, Jennifer DaSilva of Berlin Cameron and Mita Mallick of Carta.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The most valuable advice I’ve received is to get started before I’m fully ready. Thanks to this I enact (and share) the “80% Rule.” Rather than waiting until something is ‘perfect’ (which is a mirage), I get going when I feel like I’m 80% ready and then iterate along the way.
The past few years have brought many new and unprecedented challenges. What keeps you motivated or inspires you to stay optimistic?
I’m continually motivated by the important work that needs to be done to close the gender equity gap. Far too many people mistakenly believe that “we’ve achieved gender equity” because they have 50/50 gender composition in their company. Meanwhile, women are suffering from burnout and anxiety at levels higher than ever, leaving the workforce and the vast majority of power, influence and equity is still held by men (acc. to latest research shared by UN Women).
Pledge 1% helps companies of all sizes and stages leverage their assets for social good. Why do you think it’s important that companies prioritize social impact? Do you have any specific stories or examples from your work or colleagues you can share?
We pledge our commitment to the amazing non-profit Working for Women, which helps the socioeconomic advancement of women by building capability for other nonprofits.
If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?
Purpose-Driven
Do you have any unique or useful life hacks to help get through your day?
Multitasking: Laptop while getting my hair colored, using my dog walking time to think creatively about my work.
Do you have any go-to apps or tools use love to use?
Rent the Runway is a lifesaver for professional women!
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I’m most excited about impacting the lives of thousands of people during March for International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month!