Empowering Advice from Vector Women Leaders

Jacquelyn Wolf, Chief Human Resources Officer: “To empower women at work, leaders must recognize their role in supporting and growing women’s careers. Women often face the challenge of balancing their personal and professional lives, so leaders should invest time and effort into helping them succeed. Instead of competing, leaders should celebrate and acknowledge women’s successes. It is important to give constructive feedback that will aid their growth. Unconscious biases about women’s abilities and contributions should be eliminated. Leaders should personally engage, listen, and provide support to women in the workplace, understanding their multiple priorities and personal pressures.”

Clare Epstein, Commercial General Manager: “Don’t be shy and speak up; you’ve done the work; you’ve got this. Find a network of mentors (male /female) who can help you navigate becoming a leader (every leader needs help and a support network). These mentors don’t have to be in your workplace and can come from other areas of your life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ask lots of questions; that’s how you learn; no one knows everything – good leaders ask great questions.”

Sarah Forger, VP GTM Programs: “My advice is to be real. We need more women speaking their minds and raising their hands to bring their ideas forward. I remember a time in my career when I was very focused on saying the right thing in meetings and how it would reflect on me, and that internal dialogue distracted me from the actual work of having the impact I wanted. Today, I would tell my previous self to keep putting myself out there, keep speaking out, and know that it won’t always be perfect. People can tell when you’re being your authentic self and giving your best effort. Being a successful woman leader may not look how you think ‘leadership’ should, which means we need to expand our definition of what a leader looks like and how they behave as more and more women are included in upper management. “

Jenny Fergason, Vice President, Program Management: “Play to your strengths! Empower yourself by understanding your strengths and using them to overcome your weaknesses. If you need help identifying your strengths, DISC Assessments and StrengthsFinder are great resources to help pinpoint strengths that you can leverage. Also, be a great teammate and don’t forget to lift up the women around you.”

Brandi Howe, VP of Renewal Management: “Be true to yourself; integrity is everything. Passion can be easily misconstrued as being emotional, so women in a leadership role have to communicate clearly and concisely. It’s important to stay grounded in your values.”

Heather Lauer, Associate Director of Talent Acquisition: “Really spend some time thinking about where you want to go in your career and then take every opportunity that allows you to learn and grow in that direction. Do not shy away from an opportunity because it scares you or you think you do not know enough because that is how you grow. Finally, network with women leaders who are willing to give you feedback to help you develop your skills.”

Laureen Ranz, Senior Director of Learning Experience: “Above all else, be confident in yourself – and I don’t just mean your current talents and skills. Believe in and express your own potential – that unique value only you could bring. So many times in my early career, I found myself making myself smaller to allow room for the bigger, more intimidating, physically dominant voices in the room, believing my input couldn’t possibly be as important. The minute I started truly believing in my own value is when things started happening for me in my career. Be courageous in sharing those thoughts and ideas. You will probably experience microaggressions in all aspects of your life as a female, and you’ll be tempted to just brush them off. Don’t. Point them out (in a very professional way) when they happen so that others can learn what is not ok. You’ll help open minds and opportunities for the next female leader. And when you do get that chance, be the kind of leader for others that you would like to have for yourself.”

Laryssia Williams, Manager of Accounts Receivable: “Do not compare yourself to others, demonstrate strength with grace and kindness, practice resilience, and have humility. The essential attributes required to lead include communicating, collaborating, connecting, and empathizing. Also, it is necessary to establish goals and achieve and empower yourself by understanding your strengths and using them to overcome your weaknesses and engage others. Motivate your peers, seek advice from those senior to you, encourage your peers, and coach and mentor your staff for success.”

Elizabeth Wolff, Manager, Customer Success: “To me, being an effective leader is all about building relationships, effectively communicating, and leading change. Always remember, your voice is important and you belong at the table! Empowering others to share their ideas is also a key action for me as a woman in leadership. You’re never ‘too old’ to keep learning!”

Victoria Zambito, EVP Communications and Brand: “Always care. Always care about the quality of work. Always care about meeting your deadlines and being accountable. Always care about how you communicate, and how gracious and kind you are. Always care about your customers and your teammates. Always care about enjoying what you do and having fun along the way. Always care about your own happiness and staying healthy and balanced. Always care about making a difference and being part of a company, organization, or institution that makes the world better.”