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?
Malinda Gagnon, Founder + CEO at Uprise Partners.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
I’m the Founder and CEO of Uprise Partners. Uprise is a consultancy and investment firm. We help business leaders launch, scale, and operate their organizations.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
I’ve been in business strategy and communications for 20 years. At Google, I was fortunate to be on the ad technology organization’s founding team in the Cambridge, MA office.
At WPP/GroupM, the world’s largest media investment holding company, I started two organizations. I founded and led a consulting practice advising clients such as Procter & Gamble, General Electric, Volkswagen, Unilever, Land Rover Jaguar, Allergan, Walmart, and many others. I then founded and led the Product Development and Technology group to expand their technology and services portfolio.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I left WPP/GroupM in 2017. I knew my career had plateaued there, and it was time for me to move on – but that’s all I knew. I planned to take some time off to figure out my next step. Part of that discovery process was interviewing at other companies. A pivotal moment for me was during a final round interview at a major consulting firm. They asked me what I envisioned for myself in five years. I said, without hesitation (and one could say, in this context, without tact as well!), “I want to run my own company.” It was clear to me when I walked out of that interview, that running my own company was my next step. Why wait five years?
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
Just keep going and have faith in what you’re doing. Sometimes it may feel like each day doesn’t bring change or progress, but it does. I’m experiencing the tipping point now when all of the small right steps are adding up, and big things are happening.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
Now that I have my own company, I feel that being a woman doesn’t hinder me. I can now more easily create my own destiny.
When I was at WPP/GroupM, I felt challenged as a woman more acutely. I had to advocate for myself and fight for the promotions and roles I knew I deserved. I also had to fight for the pay I deserved fiercely, and I know I still didn’t surpass male colleagues who were in similar roles.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
At WPP/GroupM, I had a few tremendous mentors. A couple, in particular, served as my sponsors as I started the two organizations that I led while I was there. Mentorship to me is a supporter, a sounding board, and offering advice. Being a sponsor is advocating for someone when they aren’t in the room. These people were both my mentors and my sponsors. I knew they had my back. I’m incredibly thankful for them.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
As women, we have to stand up for what’s ours and not accept any less. If you find you’re at an organization that’s not valuing you after putting in the effort to change that, it’s time to move on. They don’t deserve you. Vote with your feet.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
The big things a company can do to advance women into leadership positions is twofold:
1) Examine the criteria that go into promoting women into leadership roles and ensure that masculine leadership qualities don’t sway that criteria. Often women are not perceived as leaders because they have a different leadership style than men, which doesn’t at all mean they will be less effective – it’s just different.
2) Invest in leadership training, presentation skills training, networking, and mentorship opportunities for women. This will help women feel more confident with sharing their skills and connect them with people who can help their careers.
The little things a company can do to advance women into leadership positions are the everyday aspects of culture and make a big difference over time. These things include:
• Notice if a woman hasn’t contributed in a meeting and ask what she thinks.
• Notice if a woman is being talked over in a meeting (maybe because her voice is softer or she’s not as aggressive) and ask whoever interrupted to pause because you would like to hear what she has to say.
• Give a woman an assignment that will help her shine and earn the respect of her colleagues.
• Notice if a woman takes the task as note-taker in a meeting or starts to clean up the conference room afterward. This is not her default role and needs to be shared by everyone.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
My theme for this year is to be a better listener and a better teacher. Each year, I set a theme for myself based on how I need to grow personally and professionally and what my team and family need from me. Here’s my blog post on why I chose it and some reflections on that.
Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?
I’m passionate about promoting wellness so people can live full lives and realize their potential. We can only give from a full well. I’m a yoga and meditation teacher and have a donation-based practice called Yogamoto. It’s my passion.
I’ve been practicing since I was a kid with my mom and started taking classes in high school. My meditation and yoga practice is essential for me to feel grounded and well – physically, mentally, and spiritually. I start every day with meditation and prayer, and it makes a tremendous difference for me. It helps me show up as my best self every day.
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
Uprise joined Pledge 1% in our first year of the company’s existence. It’s important for my co-founder, Brian Gagnon, and I, to commit to core values from the beginning to build the company we want. Uprise has also been quick to offer retirement and health benefits because of this philosophy. We are a team that believes in caring for each other and giving back, and I want each person who joins the team to be excited about that. It’s part of who we are.
Here are some of the things we’ve done in the past as a 1% organization:
• Sponsor Green Up Day in our local community. We promoted the event to pick up trash around the neighborhood and put on a BBQ for participants afterward.
• Financial donation to Black Girls Code
• Donation of computer equipment to a local high school
• Volunteer as mentors with multiple startup accelerators and as session educators
• Volunteer each year as judges in a local high school startup pitch competition
• Volunteer yoga teacher with Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
I love the outdoors – hiking, skiing, camping, riding my motorcycle. I’m also a yogi and yoga teacher.
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
I’m listening to a Pema Chodron book called Smile at Fear. She’s such a wealth of wisdom. I read a lot of her books.
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’ve worked remotely for many years to this past year hasn’t been a difficult transition for me. My top tips and tricks for dealing with remote work are:
• Set work boundaries for yourself – with both time and space. Have work hours and a workspace. Even if that workspace is a corner of the room, and at the end of the day, you close your computer and notebook and push in your chair, that’s enough to signal that work is over. We tend to work longer hours when we work at home, and that can lead to burnout.
• Over-communicate and pass the baton with your colleagues. Remember, with remote work – out of sight is out of mind. Stay connected. When you finish something, don’t just send a note to your colleague and move on; get confirmation they understand they now have the baton. That ensures close communication, and nothing gets lost. When you’re remote, communication has to be more conscious and more frequent because it won’t happen naturally by running into that person. This doesn’t mean more meetings! It does mean having a good chat program like Slack or Microsoft Teams – email and calls won’t work alone.
• Schedule team happy hour or game time. We have a fantastic culture at Uprise, and we grew a lot in the past year. I haven’t met half our team in person! We still have a great culture because we have time to connect, and we keep it fun and informal. Every Friday, we have Celebrations and Lessons Learned, which is also a happy hour (drinks optional!). We informally share the ups and downs of our week. We also have game time when we plan online games together. It’s really fun.
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?
Renée van Poppel, Senior Consultant and Strategic Advisor at Supply Value.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
My role is twofold. First, I work at large (Government) organizations as a strategic consultant focused on IT and organizational change. Second, I am the strategic advisor of Supply Value, meaning that I investigate possibilities and start initiatives that focus on reaching our long term goals. For this, my horizon is at t+12 months to t+4 years.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
Straight out of university, I started at Supply Value as a procurement trainee and from there, grew along with the company. In five years, we grew from 6 to around 45 employees, so there were many opportunities to learn and grow. I was able to support this growth at Supply Value with challenging assignments at interesting organizations, which led me to join the management team of Supply Value in January 2020.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
Forcing myself to reflect on my growth and taking control of my next career steps. I discovered that I am driven by creating value for society, so I’m motivated by stakeholder value rather than shareholder value. My decisions since then have centered on these values: value for society and professional growth. That corresponds with how I view decisions; I don’t think I make a lot of big decisions at all. For me, it’s more about having values on which you can base many small decisions. Additionally, I try to explore and substantiate my alternatives by talking about them with people I trust. Their point of view and their reflections mean a lot because it enables me to broaden my scope of thinking.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
I am very happy to work in an organization that is very welcoming and open to everyone. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Discrimination has no place in society and we should all work to diminish this. For me, at some organizations, I have experienced ageism. As a young senior consultant with a name that is also often used for men, I experience that I really have to prove myself before being taken seriously. I always strive for my next assignment to be challenging, this often means that I haven’t done it before. The reflex is usually to value experience (in years) over eagerness and the ability to learn and grow quickly. The fact that someone does not have 20+ years of experience in a field does not mean that someone isn’t able to do the job well.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
Not explicitly, but I have a number of people who I look to for advice or with who I like to discuss ideas or thoughts. This interaction brings ideas to a higher level and generates new insights. To me, this interaction is key in personal and professional growth; always broaden your view.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Contact professionals in positions you find interesting and request to have a (virtual) cup of coffee. Usually, people are very willing to tell about their work and help you. Ask questions and keep in touch after.
When looking for a job, also look at the type of organization you want to work for. Find an organization that connects to your values and supports you in your growth and ambitions.
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
I loved “The Ride of a Lifetime” by Robert Iger (CEO of Walt Disney). I’m currently reading “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman. I’m not one for listening to many podcasts but prefer conversing and discussing ideas with colleagues and other professionals. Neither is better or worse, find what works for you!
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?
Last year was challenging (to say the least). For me, there were two things that I kept telling myself.
1. This too shall pass. Everything always changes. Good times pass, but so do times of struggle.
2. In a month or three, when I look back at this period, I will think about how much this period has taught me.
Other than that; make time to talk to colleagues about non-work-related things and prioritize mental health. Sounds easy enough but we all know it takes time and effort too.
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?
CEO/Founder at Resilia.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
I’m the CEO and Founder of Resilia where I set the vision and lead the strategic execution of the company.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
I started my career working at a stakeholder developer at Louisiana CASA. It was there that I began to hone my skills working within the nonprofit sector. In 2009, I left CASA to start my first business Solid Ground Innovations, then a nonprofit management and consulting agency. Through my work with various clients from large private foundations to small nonprofits, I began to envision a world where technology could be used in our space in a way to put nonprofits back at the center of the work.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
I believe that one of the top decisions I’ve made to help me advance my career is to think without limits. Over the course of my career, I’ve imagined the world I’d like to live in and the world I’d want children to live in and I have worked hard towards that goal.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
The most important lesson I’ve learned this past year is that we are all resilient. Resilient is defined as the ability to withstand and recover from difficult situations, and I believe we all have this in us. People came together in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
I’m not just a woman in tech but I’m a Black woman in tech. One of the biggest challenges I face is double bias due to both race and gender. This in turn has created difficulties when it came to funding, potential partners, networking and representation.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
Yes, I do have mentors but I do not call them mentors I call them guides, because these individuals have been guiding force and light in my life. I can say it is because of the individuals who have taught me from their lessons, successes and failures that I’ve become the business leader and person that I am today.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
My advice to women who are just starting in their career is to be steadfast regarding what they want, be curious to learn and embrace change as it can women better leaders.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
One thing that companies can do to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions is ensuring that women have a voice and are being promoted and hired into roles where they can truly make decisions.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
I am always thinking about ways where I can serve more people through my work at Resilia and with our products, and even in my personal life. When I look to next year I hope this continues to manifest itself in even more innovative and scalable ways.
Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?
Closing the income and wealth gap is a cause that is close to me. I actually talk about it in my book Resilient. This cause is very personal to me as I was raised as a first-generation college student and my mother brought home less than $30K a year raising a household of 4. When she was diagnosed with late-stage cancer in 2008 that she would eventually succumb from, I always knew had she had the ability to take off work and keep her doctor’s appointments then perhaps her fate would have been different.
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
Resilia joined Pledge 1% in 2018 when I first heard about it at SXSW. I was compelled then by the effort that I believed really spoke to the current and particularly the next generation of business leaders. Those building companies while also trying to build a better world.
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
When I am home in New Orleans and pre-Covid I would love to go to festivals. It’s a continuous celebration of music, culture and experience, and no one does them as we do in New Orleans. I look forward to the return of festivals.
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
The book I’m reading right now is Professional TroubleMaker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones. It’s a smart, witty and hilarious take on how to overcome fear.
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 believe the one thing that has helped me navigate this past year is being flexible. The tip I have on dealing with remote work is to engage as much as possible with your team.
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?
Founder, Strategic Consultant and Executive Coach at Smooth Consulting Services.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
My programs are a hybrid of coaching and consulting looking at everything from mindset, defining vision and values, strategic growth opportunities, offer positioning, strategic planning, financial forecasting, team planning and hiring support, change management, leadership development.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
Having built and led high performing, diverse teams in scaling, fast paced organizations, and now in my own business, I know first hand what it takes to ditch hustle mode, and truly thrive both in life and in business. I successfully overcame my own obstacles, and I leverage the skills, knowledge and experience I’ve gained to help others realize their true personal and professional vision in their business too.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
After working within one organization for nearly 11 years, I made a major decision to leave and follow my interests. I received a lot of mixed feedback about this decision but the exponential growth I gained by moving to a scaling digital agency challenged me in ways I couldn’t have imagined. The lessons I learned along my journey set me up for where I am today as an entrepreneur.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
Entrepreneurship required a lot of mental fortitude – investing in a diverse team with varying skill sets and interests complimentary to my own has been the best thing I could have done for myself, my business, and my clients.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
Unlearning social conditioning and redefining what it means to be a woman and a business leader who is willing to challenge the status quo.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
Absolutely – I wouldn’t be here without them. I surround myself with mentors who have been through similar challenges before and can challenge me to think differently while I grow and learn. I’m also a mentor to others and own that identity proudly because I want others to succeed and have opportunities I’ve been privileged to have too.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Listen and acknowledge your feelings and intuition – it’s counter to what we have been conditioned to believe but it’s our natural guiding system and the more we can tap into it, the happier, healthier and more successful we will be.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
Listen. I can’t tell you how often I was overlooked or dismissed for my insights and opinions – not all women are as vocal as I am and so it’s prudent that we create space for women, and marginalized groups, to share their voice in open and inviting conversations.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
As I continue to evolve my consulting practice, I’m also building out a lifestyle brand and hope to progress my efforts in both ventures.
Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?
I’ve always been committed to giving back – most of my focus over the years has been supporting future generations. In late 2020 I signed up with Future Possibilities Canada – a Toronto-based organization focused on teaching leadership skills to young minds.
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
Officially in late 2020 and it was always something I aspired to participate in prior to establishing my company. To me, it symbolizes my ongoing commitment to giving back and is a value I hold close even in the work that I do.
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
I like to relax by indulging my creativity and playfulness with things like painting or drawing, dancing to upbeat music, and working out as well as get in touch with nature by going for long walks around the local parks. I also love to travel and explore new places and meet new people. I’m a lifelong learner and love reading both for pleasure and for business.
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
Podcasts:
The Juicy CEO – Monique Bryan
Momentum for the Entrepreneurial Personality Type – Alex Charfen
The Mind Your Business Podcast – James Wedmore
On Purpose – Jay Shetty
Books:
Shakti Leadership: Embracing Feminine and Masculine Power in Business by Nilima Bhat & Raj Sisodia
You Were Born For This by Chani Nicholas
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
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?
Having worked in a digital agency previously, and established my practice prior to Covid, the virtual learning curve was less impactful for me. What changed most was networking. Instead of going to places and meeting a handful of people, I’ve turned to meeting people virtually in different forums and it’s given me more reach than I’ve ever thought possible! I’ve also come to learn that video fatigue is a real challenge and I’ve had to factor that into how I schedule my 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.
What is your name and title?
Lone Andersen, Partner at Step Forward Partners.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
I am the APAC Managing Partner of a niche consultancy company focused on Treasury, Risk and Wealth Management. We help financial institutions and corporate treasurers with their software projects from selection through execution to production support. We are a small company with no plans to grow too big – our focus is on quality services delivered by a group of very senior industry experts. Our team are all people we know and have worked with both in FinTech as well as in financial institutions. Everyone here is a veteran of the banking and software business. Our aim is to be the go-to company, in our niche market, when a bank embarks on a project. Either in the selection process, the delivery process or indeed both.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
I worked 16 years in private banking then moved to work for financial software vendors utilising my banking knowledge to create a great career. Coming from private banking where you really have to listen and believe in what your customer is telling you, I entered a very different world where it was all about delivery and quick turnaround. I moved up the echelons and took over services sales and support management for Europe and Latin America. Then Head of Services for APAC at Misys followed by Head of Operations Risk Division APAC at Thomson Reuters. Then global head of Customer Engagement at Finastra followed by global head of Partner Engagement. End of 2019 it was time for a change and a well-deserved rest. Right in the middle of this Covid-19 hit and the rest period extended through the lockdown till Zsolt, our founding Partner here at Step Forward Partners, whom I have known and worked with since 2009, called saying how about building the business in APAC. There is a time to work for big corporates and then there is a time to work for yourself – so here I am making the coffee, building the brand and marketing, the services and customer base and I am loving every minute of it.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
That has to be the decision to move from banking to FinTech. Not that I couldn’t have made a long term career in banking but I love what I do, just about every day on the job has been interesting in some form or other, the people I have met all over the world, the challenges and learnings it has thrown me over the years.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
Letting people do things at their own pace. Before Covid-19 the general expectation was that things were to happen overnight, people (including me) worked all hours of the day and at weekends. I wanted and delivered things in the now. With the lockdown we all suddenly had this extra time on our hands from not travelling. Learning to use that gift of extra time meaningfully has been very valuable.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
I see this differently – I don’t think there is one challenge that is fixed because I am woman, certainly not in the FinTech industry. There are still cultures where, even today, it is a challenge for women in general – Japan for example has been in the news for this recently. As a child in the early 60’s I remember being in Moscow and seeing women who were road workers, builders and stevedores on the river, so very different from the west where women traditionally stayed in the home. I was very privileged that my parents never ever doubted that I could do and become anything I wanted. So from home, I didn’t grow up with the mindset that as a woman I was inferior or different in any way – which has shaped how I am and how I comport myself. You have to believe in yourself firmly and show the world that you do, then the question of gender becomes irrelevant.
To break free from thinking of women as somehow inferior or less deserving we need to start long before a girl enters the workforce. The question I always pose is why are parents not consistently educating their children (boys and girls) about the truth that there is equal opportunity for everyone. To break free women need to develop an inner strength to rise above this and they need this from home – from their mothers, their grandmothers, aunts, uncles, fathers. Many already have but there is still lots of work to do.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
Yes, I have a group of people whose opinions I really value and who have been great idea-sparring partners over the years. I am a mentor to quite a few people and I especially enjoy taking up mentorship of young people just starting out. I believe that all successful people need to pay it forward and help others on their path. We need to listen to them, give them our learned wisdom and never forget that we can also learn from them.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
There is so much to say but let me keep it to 4 points.
- You do not have to decide today exactly where you want to go or what you want to do. Gain some experience first and by the time you have worked a couple of jobs, you will be in a much better position to decide on a long-term career strategy.
- Listen and learn from others but form your own opinions and learn to formulate and express them in a compelling argument and you will do well.
- Do not be afraid to change your mind, when you do, do make sure you have thought it out well and are able to articulate the change so others understand your thinking.
- Finding the market or niche you like and can thrive in is key, so don’t be afraid to switch if you feel the need.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
Make 100% sure you walk the talk at all levels in your organisation. Lip-service is the biggest killer of good intentions. I have seen so many instances where the head of the company is super focused on providing opportunities for women, offering flexible working conditions etc. Only to have it all undermined by the next level(s) down who don’t think it’s important, don’t believe in it, or don’t have/make the time to address it. These nay-sayers are women as well as men, so not just a discrimination thing.
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
We are brand new to Pledge 1% and have pledged our 1% to UNICEF this year. I didn’t make that choice but it was an inspired one, which I wholeheartedly support. Throughout his career, my father worked for various UN entities as well as the World Bank and was stationed all over the developing world. When there were UNICEF projects in those locations my mom would do volunteer work with UNICEF, so this pledge has a very personal meaning for me.
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
In my spare time I and a group of like-minded women run a small company, coaching people for job interviews and helping them with career planning. Whether this is someone interviewing for their first internship, an important new role in a different business, jumping to a C-level job or they just want to talk about career options we can help. We are a diverse group of women (not intentionally only women) who have all worked in big jobs around the world and seen and felt what success is like.
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
I have just finished reading The Myth of Multitasking by Dave Crenshaw. A book with a simple but powerful message about how to become more efficient and productive in your day-to-day work and life at home. Well worth the read, I find myself planning my day and working differently and the benefits in productivity are truly gratifying.
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?
My granddaughter first and foremost – I have had the privilege of spending all that non-travel time with her. She is 2 years old and just delightful. For 7 years I have been in global roles based out of Asia and not worked out of a fixed office. So I was already working from home and the change was not a problem for me. Though I have missed the travel, even dreamed of airplane food for goodness sake. Frankly I think you are more productive when working from home but there is a danger that you could slack off conversely you can also do far too much. So set some goals and work practices and stick to them. You must build-in some down time or you will reach burn-out very quicky. The one positive thing coming out of these lockdowns, is that people working from home are no longer viewed as lazy and slackers. This will drive a much better work experience for many people. The offices of the past will very quickly disappear.
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?
Jiordan Castle, Director of Marketing at Atrium.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
I do marketing for a technology consulting services company focused on AI and machine learning… which means I get to ensure we’re telling great stories, supporting our customers and partners in meaningful ways, and getting our name out in the ecosystem!
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
I’ve worked for a number of Salesforce partners over the years in a full-time capacity and ultimately started my own brand and content strategy business in 2020. I ended up being offered this position with Atrium after they’d been my biggest client for several months! I’m also a professional writer outside of my corporate role, which has informed many of my relationships along the way.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
In a lot of ways, getting my MFA in poetry has actually bolstered my corporate career in marketing. Creativity isn’t for any one industry; it’s for all of them. And learning how to inject creativity in unexpected ways into more traditional roles or ventures has helped me stand out and support others around me.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
Leave room for error and leave room for change! Both allow for growth.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
It can be lonely, sometimes being the only person who looks like me in a meeting with several others. That can feel like an echo chamber if you don’t push outside of yourself and talk about that exact issue with others at your company.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
I do! Most of my managers have been wonderful, thoughtful, completely different thinkers – and I can (and do!) call on many of them to be a sounding board, to offer specific guidance, or simply to learn more about their path (the good, the bad, and the confusing!). Mentorship, to me, means providing guidance from a combination of heart and experience.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
How much time do you have?! If I had to narrow it down, I’d say… find a few people you can be yourself with at the company and ask them what you deem stupid questions (honestly) so that you can grow more comfortable with people in higher positions, partners, customers, etc. Trust your own instincts, but let the data – the truth without emotion – be a close guide as you get going at the beginning of your career.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
Set up mentoring programs, certainly, but also simply: be explicit about your efforts to bring women to the forefront, to the top. Make your hiring intentions clear. You’ll get more raised hands and applications if you make it known that this is intentional, purposeful, and important to the business.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
I hope we see marketing influence a lot of pipeline! That’s vague, but basically, I hope to help more people see what marketing means to a bottom line – that creativity pays off.
Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?
There are a lot of women- and minority-led groups I’m passionate about, but one I’m particularly HOPING to get involved with in the future is Girls Write Now. (I’m a writer! This is how I can help others hone their skills.)
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
We joined in 2020, but I’ve worked with Pledge 1% at other companies in the past and I love that we can not only help make a difference but learn from other companies who are leading the way in dedicating time and resources to organizations most in need.
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
I have a published poetry chapbook out in the world and I’m working on my first full-length book!
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
A book I loved recently that everyone should read is “For Black Girls Like Me.” I also love the now-ended (I think?!) podcast “The History of Fun.”
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?
Yoga, my dog, my husband… a lot of coffee and a lot of reading to get me outside of myself and into new worlds, new ideas. Logging off at a certain time and not returning.
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?
Bárbara Corvacho, Salesforce Consultant at cynqed.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
I’m a Salesforce Consultant. Basically, I help companies reach their full potential with the help of Salesforce.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
Despite being young, I already have different work experiences in very different companies. Soon as I finished my bachelor’s degree, I went to live in Prague and worked there. Then, came back to Portugal, worked in one of the biggest Portuguese companies, moved to a Big4 and then joined a start-up. All of this in 5 years.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
Never settle. Don’t settle for a job you don’t like, a job that gives you a zero percent chance of growing or a job that doesn’t suit you. And the same goes for the company you work in. It is very important to be aligned with the company’s values and policies. Nothing worse than waking up and dreading to go to work because you don’t like it there.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
It’s really important to be in a job that you like and a company where you can be yourself and speak your mind. Working for a company that I had to change so I could fit in was one of the worst experiences I had in my life.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
There is a lack of representation of women in the tech industry. Tech is mostly a male-dominated company, whether we’re talking about the workforce or the executive ranks.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
I had one mentor that made me realise there is nothing wrong with speaking my mind and saying what needs to be said. And that was one of the best advice I’ve gotten so far.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Be bold and fierce. Don’t be afraid to stand out and speak your mind. And don’t apologise for having your own opinion and sticking to it. Speak with assertiveness. In the work place, women speak in a different manner compared to men so they can be considered friendly — don’t do it. You can be both friendly and assertive. Do not let people belittle you and think less of you for being a woman.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
Create an environment where women feel comfortable. Give the same opportunities to men and women, the same salary. Once, my mentor told me that women don’t ask for pay raises, they simply find a new job thus, avoiding the confrontation. While men, even if they aren’t qualified, they ask for a raise. It is important to have the same openness to men and women. Let women lead, assign a female mentor to the women that just joined your team so they can share experiences and advice. Give women an opportunity.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
I want to raise awareness of mental health issues within my company. Together with a teammate, I’m working on a plan where we will have different team activities each month, with a different topic but mainly related to mental and physical health.
Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?
I don’t have a particular cause close to me. However, if I had to choose one I’d say the LGBTQIA+ rights since it still shocks me regarding the prejudice felt by the community.
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
My company joined Pledge 1% last year. I’m very proud to be a part of a company that cares so much and is willing to donate a part of their time to non-profit organisations. I’ve done some volunteering work whilst I was studying and everyone should do it. People should open their eyes to the difficulties other people live with and try to help. We shouldn’t turn a blind eye.
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
I love to bake. Last year, in the pandemic I created an Instagram page @Happeameals_ where I share all my recipes and I sell cakes. Apart from baking, I try to travel as much as I can.
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
I love detective novels, so for anyone who likes them, I suggest reading the whole series by Camilla Läckberg and Jo Nesbo. Last year, I also read “The Colour Purple” and “I Know Why the Caged Birds Sing” and I believe anyone should read them to really understand what it was like to be a woman of colour in the United States. And lastly, Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi was one of the best books I’ve read. It portraits the life of slaves and the repercussion throughout the generations.
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?
Don’t focus just on your work. When you don’t have anything else to do for work, just close your laptop and enjoy your time. Find a hobby so you can be entertained. Take breaks, do your lunch break entirely without always checking your email. Call your loved ones in your breaks, enjoy the company of your family and/or pets.
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?
Linh Judin, Founder and Managing Director at Open Lock Marketing.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
My main role is to grow revenue and profit by creating, developing, and executing robust digital marketing strategies for new and existing clients. Working with both B2B and B2C clients worldwide, I’m responsible for managing my global staff to ensure all projects are successfully delivered.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
Determination, luck, and support – that’s how I got where I am now. I say “luck” because I realize that I’ve been blessed with meeting people who believe in me and gave me a chance to succeed.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
The #1 decision I’ve made that has helped me advance in my career is believing in myself. There are things that can be taught and learned but knowing your self worth and valuing your own time are two things you have to figure out on your own.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
The most important lesson I’ve learned this past year is the importance of balancing work and life. When things get busy or when there are a handful of projects with overlapping deadlines, it’s easy to get caught up in work. As a mother of 2 young children, I struggle with my own guilt of not being ‘present’. This past year taught me the importance of prioritizing and delegating tasks so that I could balance my work and life better.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
Not being taken seriously.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
I have a handful of mentors that are near and dear to my heart. To me, mentorship means a mutually respected relationship where both parties are learning from one another. Typically, the mentee seeks advice from the mentor (who is generally more knowledgeable or experienced) but I find that there are times where the mentor learns new things from the mentee — things such as patience and perspective.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Knowledge is key. Immerse yourself in whatever field it is that you’re passionate about so that you can bring the information, your opinions on the matter, and your value to the table.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
To help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions, companies can lead by example and have women in actual leadership positions.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
One thing I hope to accomplish in the next year is company growth. I’d like to see our team grow by 25%.
Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?
There are so many different causes that are close to me! Prison reform, professional development, and children education are all causes that are particularly close to me. I used to volunteer with Year Up, Reading Partners, and Students Rising Above because I wanted to leave the world in a better place through our children.
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
I started the application in 2019 but didn’t get a chance to ‘activate’ the membership because I couldn’t find a time (within my timezone) with the interviewer. I’ve always admired Pledge 1% and what it stood for. Even though Open Lock Marketing is not “officially” part of Pledge 1%, we’ve been donating 1% of our time to help local communities get more brand exposure by helping them create and execute campaigns.
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
I find new ways to entertain my kids and I’ve also started an e-commerce website selling baby toys.
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
Permission Marketing from Seth Godin
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?
If you have to share an office, invest in some noise cancelling headphones
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?
Melissa Frugé, Chief Legal Officer & Executive D&I Sponsor at FinancialForce.
Briefly (1-2 sentences) describe your current role.
I am responsible for all legal, risk and compliance matters worldwide. I also serve as the executive sponsor to our Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
How did you get here? Please share any quick stories from past work experiences.
I have a wonderful career journey starting with supporting a mix of start ups to public companies in the corporate group at DLA to serving as the General Counsel of high tech companies. I partner with phenomenal execs and Boards to scale companies effectively through smart organic growth, acquisitions and IPOs.
In your opinion, what’s the #1 decision or move you’ve made that has helped advance your career?
Going in house to work with a supportive team that enabled me to grow as a professional and strategic, pragmatic legal counsel.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned this past year?
This year has been a continuous reminder that we are resilient and can grow and succeed in a variety of ways by getting creative and exercising grit.
What’s the number one challenge you face as a woman in your industry?
Effectively overcoming the various obstacles and biases that most men simply don’t have.
Do you have any mentors? What does mentorship mean to you?
Yes! I’ve always been active in having both mentors who provide meaningful advice and empathy and sponsors who actually help to open doors. These people have helped use their experiences and connections to help me and I always try to do the same for others.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
View your career as an ever evolving journey, never a destination, and be open to the various paths forward that can present themselves, or which you can create. Welcome those twists and turns you didn’t expect. Lean in to learn and grow stronger from the hills along the way.
What is one thing companies can do, big or small, to help create an environment that advances women into leadership positions?
Actively educate the workforce on the power, need and impact of a diverse environment. Nurture and grow the diverse employees you have to make everyone feel welcome. Lead from the top and then ensure this happens at all levels.
What is one thing you hope to accomplish in the next year?
I set intentions at the start of each year instead of resolutions. At the end of the year, I strive to be able to say I confidently stayed true to them during the year. A couple of the key ones for me are to pursue excellence and integrity in everything I do and in all facets of my life.
Is there a cause that is particularly close to you? If so, why this cause and how did you get involved?
Diversity & Inclusion. I have a mixed family and these issues are dear to my heart, so I have always volunteered in my professional career to contribute as well.
When did your company join Pledge 1%? What does your impact program mean to you?
A few years ago as an example of our commitment to doing the right thing.
What do you like to do outside of the office? Any interesting (or unique) habits or interests?
I love meditation and yoga to stay grounded. I love travel and learning about various places, cultures and ways of living — and I hope to get back to my travels soon!
Are you reading/listening to anything interesting at the moment? Please share your most recent favorite book or podcast!
Yes, always and way too many to share. One of my long time favorites is The Alchemist by Paulo Cuelo.
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?
A consistent practice of gratitude. I always have things to be grateful for and it is an easy way to shift your perspective to a positive one.