The three leading ladies of Axios HR were interviewed for the Women’s LifeStyle September issue. The reporter asked us questions about how as women we experienced leadership together and in general. While we discussed what it was like for each of us “growing up” as women leaders. It was interesting that for my co-leaders at Axios HR, Kellie Haines and Shannon Burkel their leadership experience and Axios were completely intertwined. All of us had great mentors and lots of support. All of us saw ourselves as leaders first, and women second. But the conversation got me thinking…
I began to reflect on my early career experiences. I first worked for two very male dominated companies in industries that were male dominated as well, lighting and banking. I definitely encountered a fair-sized helping of sexism in these situations, but also many broad-minded and supportive mentors. I then transitioned to a role at Hewitt Associates. They were experiencing tremendous growth. The day I started, so did a hundred other early career hopefuls. It was an Human Resource outsourcing and consulting organization that was a partnership at that point. And it was in it’s ‘hay day.’
As I began to get my bearings at Hewitt, it was very different that these earlier settings. While the CEO was male, there were powerful women running all kinds of things. In fact, my manager, her manager, and her manager were all accomplished, smart, and polished women. Quick shout-out to Pam Morgan, and Leslie Pontello for setting the bar high. The firm’s leadership was more than 50% female, and it showed in our environment and policies. A small example that says a lot, is something as simple as free feminine products in all the women’s restrooms. Clearly, a woman was at the table and made the case for why this would increase productivity. Anyone ever had to do the walk of shame and go home “sick?” …Say no more.
In this setting, for quite a few years I didn’t think about the fact that I was a woman. I was focused on the business and our clients. I rose up through the ranks and there were always female leaders above me. Many went out of their way to help other me and other women. It wasn’t perfect, and there were still days when I saw gender politics creep into decision-making. It is striking to me now that I had more than a decade of work without gender being out in front and regular micro aggressions. Perhaps it left me a little soft. Well, perhaps it has. Either way I am grateful, for working with people who started with the client and then “assumed positive intent!”