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.

Kayla Cartwright

Executive Team, ADAPTOVATE

Florida, USA

What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences. 

As one of the first ADAPTOVATE employees in the US and the first woman on the North America Executive Team, I have been grateful to help grow the firm’s presence and impact in the Americas. We have nearly quadrupled in size in the past two years and have done so while maintaining high employee engagement ratings and being certified as a “Great Place to Work” (c) in 2021.

As a lead for our client engagements, I lead teams of consultants & coaches in order to drive transformation for our clients. As a trusted advisor for senior executives, I leverage my skills in relationship building, diplomacy, facilitation, and operationalization to serve as a guide through ambiguous periods of transformation.

At ADAPTOVATE, we support the transformation of traditional organizations and teams into Agile organizations through a culture and mindset change. We do this by coaching teams, managers, and senior executives to make their organization deliver better outcomes, faster. We support the building of learning cultures by facilitating training in a practical and engaging way to make change sustainable.

What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?

The best part of my job– the part that brings me energy–is working 1:1 via coaching conversations with both clients and internal team members. I’ve spent my entire career coaching, and I love nothing more than being able to help others envision what is possible for themselves and their teams, and to unearth assumptions that might otherwise block them on their path to achieving what is possible. Each individual has unique strengths and identities that, when considered deeply, can allow us to unleash our fullest potential for ourselves, our organizations, and society at large.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? 

Listen. Check for understanding. 

What does generosity mean to you?

To me, generosity means that you are generous in whichever way you are able– by sharing your time, talents, treasures in ways that others truly need. I believe in being generous with my feedback, energy, and ears–I love being a sounding board for others and helping people get specific about what is working for them and what they should do to evolve.

Community engagement is important to me. I grew up watching my grandparents volunteer their time as union presidents and volunteer coaches. My mom volunteers her time and energy on various community boards and is generous with her coaching of others in her field. I volunteer and lead in a variety of community organizations across Miami and am grateful that ADAPTOVATE is generous with its time, talent, and treasures via the Pledge 1% Initiative and our pro bono consulting and coaching engagements.

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? 

Absolutely. Businesses, especially large enterprises, provide employment and goods/services for hundreds of millions of individuals within the US, and impact our daily existence in countless ways. Given their impact, what businesses say, and more importantly, DO, can directly impact today’s biggest challenges. One example that comes to mind is the role of business in encouraging democratic institutions. If businesses are vocal about the importance of encouraging civic engagement (voting), and back it up with action (giving paid time off and transportation to voting sites), then employees, customers, and communities will bear witness and act. If businesses follow their values when deciding where to open new offices or locations, then they can convince political leaders to lessen legislation that negatively impacts communities. Businesses and business leaders help set the tone in society, and their investment, voice, and actions are critical to solving today’s biggest challenges.

If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?

My one word would be “adaptive”.

As I thought about this question, I asked one of my team members for his take, and he said “adaptive” is the first word that came to mind, and I wholeheartedly agree. I believe my strength is my ability to navigate a variety of different cultures, environments, and situations quickly, and to be able to add value and learn with ease. I’ve worn dozens of different hats across my career, lived/worked in 4 countries and partnered with thousands of individuals across the globe, and as a student of anthropology, have learned about many cultures; I apply this context in whatever interaction I am in to make others feel comfortable and drive impact.

It’s also notable that our company name, ADAPTOVATE, is a mashup of the words “Adapt” and “Innovate,” so I’m grateful to work with a team that takes adaptation and innovation seriously and allows me to bring my strengths to work.

If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be? 

I love this question! I’m opening my Spotify to see my “On Repeat” algorithm playlist.

“Keep it light” by Jack Harlow is one of my most-played so far in 2022, and I think it will continue to guide me through 2022. I’m committed to shining a light on others, hearing feedback without taking it personally, and trying to bring good energy to any situation I am in, even as I continue to push for more. The end of the track also features a sample of Jack’s mother encouraging him to pause and reflect on the impact he has already made on people’s lives. My mom gives me the same advice frequently, so it’s a good remind to just enjoy the moment and the journey:

“Take some moments today during the shoot to look around

Look at the faces of all the people you’ve brought together

Watch their reactions

Look at the joy on their faces

Take a moment to really absorb what you’ve created

What you’re creating

And try to savor it”

-Maggie Harlow voiceover on “Keep it Light” by Jack Harlow

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

If you’d like to connect, my email is kayla.cartwright@adaptovate.com. 

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.

So-Young Kang 

Founder & CEO, Gnowbe

Singapore and the US

What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences. 

I’m the “Chief Energizer” so my main role is to energize our team, clients, partners, investors and broader ecosystem to catalyze everyone to create interactive social experiences online.

What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?

Seeing my team stretch and grow into their potential. I love seeing people awaken to new possibilities for themselves and the amazing creators we design Gnowbe for.

We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?

This crazy idea that we can really make a difference in changing how people create and engage with content in more human ways – social, interactive, reflective. 

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? 

Breathe. It’s so important to stop, pause and breathe to take it all in. One day at a time.

What does generosity mean to you?

Giving of yourself (time, resources, expertise) even when no one is looking.

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? 

One of the biggest global challenges we are facing is a rapidly increasing mindsets and skills gaps. At Gnowbe, we understand that one key way to address this is by empowering creators – trainers, educators, coaches and thought leaders – with next gen authoring tools to design learning experiences that can actually shift mindsets, develop behaviors and build skills. This has been a huge gap so it’s exciting to be able to stand in the gap. 

If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?

Catalyst. I’m very purpose-driven and have made it my life-mission to try to solve really large global issues and bring as many people as I can towards making a positive impact.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?

Launching a $10M Scholarship to empower anyone to develop micro-learning instructional design (MID) skills to design more engaging, effective shared digital experiences. 

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.

Eja Batbold

CEO/Cofounder at Tomyo Edtech

Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences. 

I oversee the operations and fundraising side of the business. Now the company has 23+ employees so it is nice to see other people step up and take over some of my plates. 

What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?

When we receive messages to our social accounts, comments on our pages from customers/students who demand the next courses and more content on our educational platform. Such comments make our work so worth it to actualize the impact and see our product is reaching rural parts of Mongolia. 

We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?

Online education has never been this relevant and due to pandemic, our technology and product played critical role in closing the gap in educational content delivery to both urban and rural students. We saw in increase in our products from 50K to 350K users in the past 2 years. That’s real impact, that’s what motivates me.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? 

If you think you cannot, you never will. 

What does generosity mean to you?

Sharing the knowledge and opportunity to those around 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?

We initially started as a mobile app platform for educational content creator to share and teach anyone. We saw great traction and special demand from rural parts of Mongolia because it was not something they had access physically in their small towns. And then year 2, other educational institutions such as Asia Foundation, Women Business Center, Memory Words, Science of Yoga started using our core technology to service their communities digitally too. Now, we have launched more than 10+ platforms white labeled and each serving their communities and providing information instantly across the country, actually all over the world (Mongolia, Korea, Japan, US)

If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?

My name is Eja Batbold, and I really like my last name Bold. I have social media handles as “theboldstory”. 

If you could pick a song to guide you through 2022, which song would it be? 

Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?

This year, we got investments from US based VC and I am now in LA, USA expanding our operations in the land of opportunity. I am excited about our first 2 US clients apps that we launched for them and also some deals we are progressing in the pipeline. It is an exciting year to be here. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It is such exciting times that now kids in Mongolia and likewise kids in the US are watching the same YouTube content and they are getting instant information. If we can double down on the educational content aspect with such powerful technology, we can help millions of people to reach their full potential despite their economic/country status. 

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.

Jessamine Chin

Sr. Director Social Innovation, ESG Office, VMware

San Francisco, CA, USA

What is your current role? Briefly describe in 1-2 sentences. 

As Senior Director of Social Innovation in VMware’s Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Office, Jessamine drives social impact strategy that progresses towards a more sustainable, equitable and secure digital future for all.

What’s the best part of your job? What do you enjoy the most?

Over the past 10 years at VMware, I’ve had the opportunity to imagine and build initiatives that serve VMware’s stakeholders from employees to customers to the broader community. Not a single day has been the same and I am continually learning and growing in the process.

We’ve all faced personal and professional challenges these past two years – what motivates you to keep going?

These past two years have brought many challenges, especially with a family with small children – and what keeps me going is both them and the recognition that I and my family has much to be grateful for.

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received? 

Create your own door. 

What does generosity mean to you?

Generosity means recognizing where one has abundance in their life and sharing it with others.

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? 

Today’s biggest challenges are systemic and require action from all stakeholders, especially business. I believe that when a company takes into account environmental and social factors into their business strategy, it creates more long-term and sustainable value. For example, at VMware, sustainability has long been inherent in our technology solutions. As companies virtualize their digital operations, they benefit from lower costs, increased flexibility, and more resilience—but also a reduced carbon footprint. VMware has helped its customers avoid more than 1.2 billion metric tons of carbon emissions to date. (“Enabling More Agile & Sustainable Business through Carbon-Efficient Digital Transformations,” August 2020. ). We know the world needs more – and as VMware drives towards the outcome of a more sustained digital future, we are further integrating efficiency and decarbonization into the products and services we create.

If you could describe yourself in one word what would that be and why?

Compassionate perseverance (I know, it’s two words!). I value how things are done and the intention behind them; it’s about taking into account the needs of others while striving towards a difficult or sustained goal.

What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about? 

I’m currently in the Aspen Institute’s First Mover’s Fellowship program – each fellow is focused on a project with both business benefit and positive societal impact. My project is focused on the intersection of building people’s digital capabilities and product sustainability as a unique talent differentiator. I have been reinvigorated both personally and professionally by the Fellowship, especially by how it’s refreshed my own capabilities in addressing new challenges.

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.

What is your name and title?

Kath Harris, Director, People & Culture at Destined 4 Pty Ltd.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

I care and look after people. Importantly I help others to grow, by enabling and empowering people to realise their own potential and shine in their careers. I do this by developing relationships, sharing my skills, knowledge and experience to help make the organisation a great place to jump out of bed in the morning and come to – in person or now virtually!

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

One of my favourite career experiences was with ‘birdsnest‘ based in the country town of Cooma in the Snowy Mountains of New South Wales. Each day I worked with up to 100 women who loved and supported each other to thrive in whatever their role was. Being aligned with an organisations values is a top priority for me. I was grateful for the opportunity to work with Jane Cay the founder and CEO. I really believe in what birdsnest stands for which is “We are focused on nurturing and inspiring you, our #birdsnestgirl, to be confident in the skin you are in, no matter what age or body shape.” At birdsnest I felt I was accepted and loved by the team for who I was. It didn’t matter where I came from or what I looked liked. I was embraced for the special qualities I brought to the team and this was a key attribute of the entire workplace culture. There was not one day that went by that I didn’t receive a hug from someone at the nest!

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

The decision to trust myself and the decisions I make at the time. Every decision I’ve made in my career has helped me to learn and understand more about myself, my strengths and my challenges. I’ve learnt to accept I have areas where I fall down sometimes and I make mistakes. It use to be a lot tougher to admit there were things I needed to change. Now I see it as an opportunity to learn more about myself and importantly to empathise and understand others.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

It has been a tough and uncertain year for us all. What came to mind straight away was a quote surprisingly in one of my kids’ favourite movies “Croods: A New Age.” “Perhaps the window by which I view the world is flawed.” – Thunk

The most important lesson for me this year has been the self-awareness of what window I choose to view people, life and situations through. I’ve learnt that I need to be more conscious of the window I view others’ through. That it’s important to seek information, be more curious, ask questions and then consider all of those factors before making recommendations or forming a view. It’s ok to be flexible, acknowledge when you haven’t looked at all factors and then choose to look through another window.

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

The low percentage of women in key leadership positions. This impacts the workplace culture in many different ways, however especially bringing diversity in thinking and relating to others. I believe this significantly impacts decision making and innovation in the business. Women progressing in their careers are also looking for inspirational female role models in leadership positions to act as advocates, mentors and coaches for them.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

Yes, I’m very grateful for the mentors I have now and have had throughout my career. For me time and active listening are the key qualities of an effective mentor. Having a mentor who listens without judgement, gives you their time and who is open in sharing their own experiences that you can learn from is invaluable. My mentors have greatly contributed to my growth not only in my career, but as a friend, wife and parent. And I would also say in helping to be kinder to myself.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

To believe in yourself and the unique skills and qualities you bring to your chosen profession and organisation. I believe it’s important not to compare yourself with others and not measure yourself against what other people have achieved. Hold true to your own values, goals and dreams. I also recommend making connections with people and establishing a diverse network. 80% of all my roles I’ve found not through job advertisements or recruitment agencies but through talking with my network and being open about my career goals and the workplace environment I want to be apart of.

What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?

Brene Brown talks about being clear is being kind. Be brave and provide feedback that is going to help women to grow and reflect on where they may be stumbling. I’ve found my greatest development has come from the feedback and insights I’ve received over the years from my managers or colleagues who’ve had the courage to tell me when my behaviour has hurt them or others. Have real conversations with women even when the message is tough.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

My goal this year is to give more time to my family and friends, especially to my husband and two children, listening and being present with them. Relationships are a huge part of my work and ensuring I’m nurturing these at home is also so important. For me working from home has brought with it the challenge of having boundaries. It’s really important to switch off from work and enjoy our time with the treasured people in our lives.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

There are two organisations that I support in Australia. “Fitted for Work” and “Share The Dignity“. Both these charities make a difference in the lives of women who may be experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. They do this in different ways. Fitted for Work helps Australian women experiencing disadvantages get work, keep work and strive at work. Share the Dignity distributes period products to those in need and work to end period poverty here in Australia. Through my workplaces I’ve partnered and driven donation initiatives to help support both organisations to achieve their goals in helping women in need. At Fitted for Work, I’ve also been able to support mentoring and training initiatives for women experiencing difficulties getting back into the workplace.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

Destined joined Pledge 1% three years ago. Our program means we have time and resources to help others and give back to our communities. We give back to our local communities by providing time through volunteering for group initiatives and we also importantly provide our knowledge, skills and expertise in Salesforce. Giving back by supporting not for profit organisations that are making a difference to people and our planet is really important to Destined as a Salesforce Partner.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

I love being outdoors and active in the environment whether it’s on the beach or amongst trees enjoying the mountains. Two of my favourite activities are mountain biking and hiking. Just before COVID lockdown in Australia I travelled to New Zealand and completed the “Kepler Track” in the Fiordland National Park. This was a huge achievement and really a bucket list item for me. The four day walk and scenery were beyond anything I could have ever imagined, however I’m grateful to the support of the seven women who inspired me to keep going when I questioned whether I had the courage to finish it.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

‘Bet on Talent‘ by Dee Ann Turner and ‘Dare to Lead Podcast‘ with Brene Brown – both amazing women who I admire.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

Keeping a routine has been really important especially working and managing two kids who had to home school for a short time. Getting dressed for work was also really important to help my mindset to separate work and home commitments. Lastly, as a person who loves time with people face to face, keeping connected with others was so important for my mental health. Daily video huddles and google chats have been great for me to feel I’m not losing contact with 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.

What is your name and title?

Katina Washington, President/CEO at the SHE. Event Indy.

Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.

I am a Black owned women business coach/executor. I assist women business owners with taking their concept from conception to execution.

How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.

I am all about empowering and encouraging women to dream big. Every day I am focused on “she.” SHE stands for She Has Everything because I believe that women should feel empowered to start their own businesses and create jobs, because our community depends on it.

In January, I received the distinguished Jefferson Award for Multiplying Good. Through our events and marketplace, we’ve empowered over 90 percent of vendors to create their own products and services, as well as given scholarships to youth.

In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?

During Covid, I created SHE. Marketplace to host many black women owned businesses to be able to continue to showcase their products and services when we are unable to do in person events.

What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?

How to pivot!

What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?

Funding and resources to propel the SHE. Event. We have proven measurable outcomes and have proven to be a credible fiscal steward for over 8 years.

Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?

Yes, I do! I just gained 2 mentors and we have monthly meetings. One of my mentors is an owner of La Z boy.

What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?

Reciprocity. Practice reciprocity. Always think of how both parties can benefit when approaching others with business deals/meetings/etc.

What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?

A dollar earned in the black community only stays in the black community for an average of six hours. The purpose of the SHE. Event is to extend the length of time that dollar is circulated through the community where it is earned. The SHE. Event accomplishes this by providing artists, entrepreneurs, and small business owners with a rigorous training program on business operations and an online platform to reach consumers/the community. By providing these resources, the SHE. Event increases economic development and financial stability for both the larger communities and families of the students.

What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?

Through our program S.H.E.Creates, we train women in primarily underserved communities (including Empowerment Zones) on owning their own businesses and manufacturing their own products. We use a cohort style of training to allow participants to collaborate and learn from one another. Aside from learning the basics of business, participants will also learn conflict management, financial literacy, and how to produce handmade products and labeling. We also provide tools such as how to register their business, increase their social media presence and connect them with suppliers and resources to produce their products/services. We’ve also partnered with seasoned entrepreneurs who have operated a successful business within the same area to mentor our participants. I hope that our graduates can utilize these resources and grow their business by selling their products/services at the S.H.E. Event Marketplace.

Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?

Women empowerment. I believe that we are only able to address the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the coronavirus pandemic through entrepreneurship and innovation directed towards underserved individuals who can start their own businesses and become economically empowered. I created the S.H.E. Event Market Place to provide platforms and other opportunities for women-owned businesses and vendors to showcase their goods, products, and services by leveraging technology and e-commerce.

When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?

Our company joined Pledge 1% last year. Because of the pandemic, we were working very hard to keep our business afloat (and we did). Our goal for 2021 is to get more involved as we love your mission.

What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?

I create accessories. I am an artist at heart. I also promote and browse social media telling others about products I purchased from the marketplace.

Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!

I listen to Gary V often. I also listen to meditation music. I meditate daily.

What’s been the one (or two!) things that have helped you navigate this past year? Any tips or tricks to dealing with remote work?

I have learned a whole new meaning to “Eat the meat, and throw away the bones.” Covid taught me how to pivot, manage my time better, my true value, and how to use my human capital until I am able to get access to investors.