Alesia Braga | Chief Technology Officer
What wisdom would you share with someone who is starting in their career aspiring to get to where you are?
My biggest tip would be to never think you know everything – the tech space is constantly evolving, and the pandemic has accelerated change even faster. To keep up with this innovative sector, you’ve got to have a creative mindset and a willingness to constantly learn new things. The technology industry is very focused on ‘what’s next’. Having the ability to understand how the new technologies fit in with existing technologies is key to a long-lasting career.
When you reach C-level, truly understanding the ‘why’ behind the solutions, how they relate to your business’ objectives and which team will help you achieve those goals all become your responsibility. Being able to manage your colleagues in a way that ensures you represent them all is also extremely important. Are they working in the best role for them? Are they driven and committed to the company’s vision? Are you managing them with respect and authenticity? A good leader is one that is constantly connecting themselves back to their people and empowering them.
Bregje Meuwissen | Chief Human Resources Officer
What wisdom would you share with someone who is starting in their career aspiring to get to where you are?
A growth mindset is paramount. Continuously seek ways to improve, to enhance both your personal development and your organization. Embrace challenges and don’t shy away from errors—they are part of the learning process. Cultivating strong relationships is also crucial; surround yourself with allies, mentors, and peers from whom you can learn, rely on, and share triumphs with.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a mentor/professional coach/manager etc? Pass it on!
Believe in yourself! Particularly for women embarking on their career paths, it’s common to encounter moments of self-doubt and insecurity. It’s vital to strike a balance between being receptive to feedback and using it as a tool for self-awareness, while also maintaining confidence in your own abilities and judgment.
Hind Moussaoui | EVP Business Strategy & Operations
Looking back, what do you wish you could tell your younger self?
Allow yourself to fail. It’s part of the growth process.
What does being a mentor and building mentor/mentee relationships mean to you?
I try my best to provide advice and guidance in my close circles (family, friends, colleagues who became friends over the years). Mentorship doesn’t need to be a formal relationship. You need though to have a sounding board, someone you trust, that you are comfortable showing your vulnerabilities to, and who can ask you tough questions with no judgement.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a mentor/professional coach/manager etc? Pass it on!
Trust yourself and always have faith in you. Stay true to your convictions.
Indie Blackwell | EVP Commercial Strategy – EMEA
What wisdom would you share with someone who is starting in their career aspiring to get to where you are?
Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and put yourself forward into new things!
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a mentor/professional coach/manager etc? Pass it on!
I have been lucky to work for some amazing managers, had great mentors an inspirational professional coach.
The most important and poignant things that have stuck with me are:
- You don’t need to be an “***hole to be successful”
- Don’t loose yourself in the pursuit for ambition and success
- Life is short. Don’t be afraid of trying new things and taking risks. Aim high!
Laura Forgione | SVP Global Strategic Accounts
Looking back, what do you wish you could tell your younger self?
Embrace uncertainty and have faith in your abilities. Embrace failure as that’s how we learn and progress – Taking risks is essential for personal growth, as that’s when we challenge ourselves, we increase our knowledge, and we discover our true potential.
What wisdom would you share with someone who is starting in their career aspiring to get to where you are?
Utilize the great people around you. Expand your network beyond your manager and peer group. If people are willing to take the time to invest in you, take advantage of that. My personal and professional growth has come from having different perspectives and experience with different leadership styles. That has allowed me to understand the type of leader I wanted to become.
Follow your passion! Do something that truly interests you. If you find a career that excites you and you get joy from, it doesn’t feel like a job!
Lisa Stebbing | SVP Business Operations & Enablement
Looking back, what do you wish you could tell your younger self?
Be the best version of yourself, not a version of someone else.
What wisdom would you share with someone who is starting in their career aspiring to get to where you are?
First, don’t be afraid of failure or experiencing friction. And second, recognize the efforts and success of others without hesitation.
What was the best piece of advice you’ve ever received from a mentor/professional coach/manager etc? Pass it on!
Embrace the uncomfortable, these are the moments of growth!
Michelle Darcy-Clarke | EVP Customer Experience
Looking back, what do you wish you could tell your younger self?
I would tell my younger self that life doesn’t always work out the way you expect it to – and that is ok. It will teach you resilience and perseverance, but also empathy and compassion which will make you a great leader. Your life will allow you to take different paths that you might not have considered – take them!
Don’t be afraid to explore different roles that may not give you the elevation you seek, as they will give you a wider, more well-rounded expertise that will be beneficial later in your career. Work hard and continue to grow yourself professionally and personally; but never at the expense of your happiness, so make sure you take time for yourself and strive for that balance – this will be one of your biggest challenges. Lastly, be an advocate for women not solely because of your gender, but because you worked hard to get to where you are and you deserve it.
Natalie Stewart | Sr Director, Content & PR
What wisdom would you share with someone who is starting in their career aspiring to get to where you are?
When I left college and chose not to go to university, I was worried I’d regret it, that missing out on a degree (because I wanted to get stuck into the working world and make money!) would put me at a disadvantage. But I started in the most entry-level marketing role who would take me, and I worked hard and worked my way up – proving my skills and drive along the way. There isn’t only one route to success, it just takes guts and determination! Choose the path that works for you, and make it work as much as you can. Speak to people already in your dream role, and learn from them. Talk, talk talk! I’d say the strongest asset I have is my willingness and ability to talk to anyone, and it’s always helped me understand what is needed and how to get there. Good luck!
