You’ve likely heard that there’s no such thing as a straight “path” when it comes to career growth. Few people are as familiar with the twists of that journey as our #WomensCareerChat participants. This open dialogue on Twitter welcomes all walks of life to share their thoughts on how they got to where they are today, the state of the workplace, and how it needs to evolve.
It was one of our busiest Twitter chats yet (and we’ve hosted a couple), so picking highlights was anything but easy. We encourage you to check out the feed to view the full conversation. See a sample of what participants shared as topics ranged from how they got started to adapting with unprecedented change:
We Asked: What was your first role in your industry? Why would you recommend this career path to other women interested in the field?
I started as a Retail Sales Consultant in AT&T Retail. It was the perfect start. I learned to serve customers early in my career, and since then, I have never stopped Serving Customers First! https://t.co/fFhCm8CA08
— Betsy Francis (@404girl) March 30, 2021
My first stop was in the Leadership Development Program; I was tossed into leading a call center team and learned the foundations of employee and customer experience. Trust in yourself and do something outside your comfort zone! #WomensCareerChat #LifeAtATT https://t.co/nMO1Dk8njI
— Lynette Aguilar (@LynetteMAguilar) March 30, 2021
We Asked: Do you ever find the need to balance your “Work” personality vs. your “Authentic” personality?
I have been able to bring my authentic self to work and know what an immense privilege that is. Not every company allows for it, and it is easier for me as a white cis woman (& a founder!) to do so than it is for many BIPOC folks and other marginalized groups #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/5jY6d4PA4a
— Alexandra Cavoulacos (@acav) March 30, 2021
Balance is critical, but so is authenticity! I’ve found that it’s best to be as human and real as possible, to model that we can bring our full and true selves, and succeed at work. I’ve been fortunate to work with many authentic #leaders at @DDIworld #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/ekVR0Qbi9X
— Stephanie Neal (@StephanieJNeal) March 30, 2021
We Asked: Many women work in a male-dominated field, who or what in your career has influenced and empowered you as a woman?
Being in male-dominated fields, male leader allies have had the biggest impact on my career. They saw potential in me, mentored me, and showed me how to advance. More men need to be involved in mentoring and advancing women at work. #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/zvuVtKhgc4
— Alison Vorsatz (@AlisonVorsatz) March 30, 2021
A3 role models and mentors have helped me in my career ?? @trengarajan @sonaligu #mariaalvarez and many others have been there for me since the beginning ?? I strongly recommend to have a support system and people around you that can see your potential ✨? #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/4kZj87nNMN
— Bea ??? (@beagandica) March 30, 2021
We Asked: With unprecedented changes to the workplace this past year, what has impacted you the most and what have you learned?
I have learned the true definition of an emergency. I have learned to laugh more and worry less. I have been reminded of my humanness and the need to listen, understand, and forgive faster. Work is just one piece of this beautiful life. #WomensCareerChat #LifeatATT #ATTBusiness https://t.co/IauD3ZY2bl
— Emily Wiper (@emilywiper) March 30, 2021
I’ve been impacted by social justice matters. My conscious awakening is bringing out deeply buried feelings. I’m still on the journey by reading Caste by Isabel Wilkerson. I’m also questioning the social norms placed upon women. Goal: grow & own personal power. #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/hqD9BmuaP9
— Rachel C Ybarra | CPA (@rc_ybarra) March 30, 2021
We Asked: What advances have you seen in gender equality and where do you see the most opportunity for future change?
We’ve come a ways with the share of women in exec/C-suite roles, but I would argue we still have a long way to go. Women of color are also dramatically underrepresented. The entry level and mid mgr bench needs to become stronger for better representation.#WomensCareerChat https://t.co/KVLpkdVg8V
— Cara Fields (@carawfields) March 30, 2021
According to @McKinsey’s Women in the Workplace report, if first-level women managers were hired and promoted like men, there would be 1M more women in management over the next five years. I hope more of them look like me. #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/SRRDL7RxgY
— Dasle Kim (@daslekim) March 30, 2021
We Asked: Through a poll, 40% of our Twitter followers answered that Problem Solving was their greatest strength in the workplace. What is your unique strength and how do you use it to overcome challenges?
My superpower is connecting people. I love introducing smart people to each other and watching the killer collaborations that happen. Making connections is a huge part of my job and my favorite part. #connections #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/sbcuI0dcX9
— Katy Boos (@kgboos) March 30, 2021
Without question, my unique superpower is #confidence. I am always willing to stand up & stand alone, if need be. I grew up trusting myself. This is a gift I have used to build an intl tribe of #drivenwomen #entrepreneurs that I love. #WomensCareerChat #ThanksMom https://t.co/dIOL2MH5OM
— Women Who WOW! (@MichellePippin) March 30, 2021
We Asked: For some women, their biggest obstacle to career advancement is the first move up to manager, or the “broken rung.” What’s your advice for women looking to take that step?
A7: Network and keep in touch with people, you don’t know where people may go and where that relationship will take you. The fortune is in the follow-up. #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/9DKf1KQidW
— Michelle Ngome ?? (@MichelleNgome) March 30, 2021
If you are looking to advance your career, spend time with people in that job. Learn what it’s like, how they got there, and the skills for the job. Then work to develop your skills by volunteering to take on special projects that help you gain that experience. #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/vtukMPDAEW
— Alisha Dituri (@AlishaDituri) March 30, 2021
We Asked: As we close out #WomensHistoryMonth, what is your hope, wish or advice for other women for this year?
As a coach, can’t deal in hoping or wishing so my advice to women: model evolved, #compassionate leadership – show ’em how it’s done.
And don’t be afraid of #vulnerability or #failure.Both r leadership gifts boosting #engagement, #Motivation & #Productivity . #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/tiFlfBxuPr— Dani Ticktin Koplik (@dtkresources) March 30, 2021
Reach back as you reach up. You will learn as much from your mentees as you learn from your mentors. We’ve got this! ?? #WomensCareerChat https://t.co/VL9ryKYLS0
— Cristy Swink (@CristySwink) March 30, 2021
A huge thank you to everyone who joined our #WomensCareerChat! We look forward to hearing more from those who participated and seeing where their careers take them next.
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