Lessons of the Olori Sisterhood

Lessons of the Olori Sisterhood

by | May 8, 2023 | Research

Lessons of the Olori Sisterhood

by Sally Helgesen

In the article, “Lessons of the Olori Sisterhood,” Sally Helgesen explores a community of women who came together to support each other through their journeys of personal and professional development. Sally shares her own experience as a member of a professional community and highlights the valuable lessons she learned, including the importance of vulnerability, authenticity, and community. The Olori Sisterhood serves as an example of the impact that can be made when women come together to lift each other up.

Read the article: aninjusticemag.com/genuine-reasons-why-some-women-dont-want-female-bosses-df9524058c 

DEI is Easy

DEI is Easy

by | May 8, 2023 | Articles

DEI is Easy

So, here’s the thing: a lot of people are saying that DEI just doesn’t work.

They’re pointing to the past four years, both in the US and globally, and saying that even though statistics prove that diverse companies are better positioned to capture new markets, with higher markets comes better performance and ridiculously higher revenue. It makes you wonder, is DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) not working, or is it more about how we create and implement DEI initiatives?

Change is Not Easy.

One MarketHER member who is a minority female on an all-white male leadership team was asked to lead the DEI charge where she works. She was curious why the torch was being passed to her before her colleague even had a chance to begin. “Word on the street is,” he explained, “DEI isn’t working.” Given that he, too, belongs to a minority group, she expected him to be empathetic. “I was surprised,” she admitted, “but I get it; everyone wants to belong. So given the opportunity to assimilate, some simply will not have the courage to take a stand.” Additionally, there’s the fear of losing one’s job. Or fear of change itself. So, we’re not here to judge.

When questioned about his unwavering commitment to organizing marches despite inevitable violence and sleepless nights in jail cells, Martin Luther King Jr. once stated, ‘We must look our adversaries in the eyes and force them to face humanity”. King knew that the winning strategy was to disarm fear and facilitate collaboration. The pursuit of equity can only be won if those who feel threatened by DEI can see the benefits to the bottom line.

Recognizing the Benefits is Easy

Embracing DEI will not happen overnight. Yet, when companies do not prioritize DEI, they risk alienating employees and customers who value diversity. Employees will feel excluded, unsupported, and undervalued, decreasing engagement, productivity, and retention. In contrast, a company with a healthy DEI culture benefits from increased employee engagement, innovation, creativity, and better customer satisfaction.

Check the numbers:

According to a study conducted by McKinsey, companies with diverse executive teams are 33% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. Additionally, companies with gender and ethnically diverse teams have a 25% higher likelihood of achieving above-average financial returns.

However, a company’s responsibility to prioritize DEI extends beyond its bottom line. By choosing to prioritize DEI, some companies are proving that it’s possible for everyone, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion, to be a valued and respected team member and feel a sense of belonging. Employees thrive in company cultures that foster equal opportunities instead of holding to traditions that avert leveling the playing field.

Easy Adjustments Any Company Can Implement

In the article, 6 Ways To Level The Playing Field, Forbes writer Bianca Miller Cole outlines key components companies can implement to help ensure equal opportunities for all employees, including mentorship. Mentorship can help foster positive relationships within the company. Companies can include mentoring in managerial and departmental KPIs. 

In Tara Jaye Frank’s book, The Waymakers, Tara explains how building relationships is the key to equity in the workplace.

“Curiosity breeds familiarity. Familiarity makes way for trust. Trust builds relationships. Relationships open doors of opportunity. The only way we achieve equity is together.” – Author Tara Jaye Frank, The Waymakers

Easy Adjustments Every Individual Can Make

Effective communication is a soft skill we are all continuously honing. According to Inc.com, bridging the communication gap between men and women is essential to building better workplace relationships.

We’ll leave you with this, the video below is a light-hearted visual aid that explains how you can jump start your personal journey to embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The MarketHER Group Supports DEI by

Supporting Women Marketers

 

The MarketHER Group supports women marketers’ professional growth and development by facilitating community, peer-2-peer learning, one-on-one mentorship and leadership training.

If you are a CEO, CMO, or HR manager, we encourage you to sponsor a woman marketer or work with us to facilitate a mentorship program in your company. Women are an invaluable asset to any company. By investing in the success of women marketers, companies unlock their full potential and drive long-term employee engagement, innovation, and profitability.

 

Sponsor a mentee
Genuine Reasons Why Some Women Don’t Want Female Bosses

Genuine Reasons Why Some Women Don’t Want Female Bosses

by | May 7, 2023 | Research

Genuine Reasons Why Some Women Don’t Want Female Bosses

by Yewande Ade

As marketing leaders, it’s important that we understand why some women may have reservations about working for a female boss. The article “Genuine Reasons Why Some Women Don’t Want Female Bosses” by Yewande Ade, aims to help us gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of our colleagues and employees’ reservations.

The article prompts women to reflect on leadership styles and consider how we can better support and empower our colleagues. It encourages us all to examine any unconscious biases we may hold and take steps to overcome them. it also serves as a reminder of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By recognizing and valuing the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees, regardless of gender, women marketers can help to create a more dynamic and successful workplace culture.

Questions for Personal Considertion:

  1. How am I at nurturing my team’s potential and recognizing new ideas?
  2. How am I at staying positive and focused on the job at hand versus allowing my emotional responses to lead?
  3. Do I make it a point to always give praise where praise is due?

 

Read the article: aninjusticemag.com/genuine-reasons-why-some-women-dont-want-female-bosses-df9524058c 

Mentorship Matters

Mentorship Matters

by | Jan 21, 2023 | Blogs

Mentorship Matters

“After five years of product marketing in a vacuum, I wanted to get out of my box and meet other marketers. I wanted to learn about their challenges and how they overcame them. I joined the American Marketing Association-DC chapter’s six-month mentorship program. I was paired with a 40-something-year-old Association MarCom Director, Veronica Holmes Purvis, CAE.” – Natalie Thomas

A Mentorship Story: Veronica Purvis & Natalie Thomas

by Natalie Thomas

Veronica has a well-measured answer for everything. She is always encouraging but straightforward and honest. We met twice a month for an hour. Veronica is ambitious, but what impressed me most was how her drive is complimented by her kindness, generosity, poise, and confidence. She had high standards for making the best use of our time. Yet, her faith in me helped produce consistent progress. She listened attentively and worked with me to hone my personal career plan. We set goals and revamped my resume, LinkedIn page, and everything else mentors and proteges do. As busy as V was with her personal life and other professional pursuits, I had her absolute full attention for an hour every other week.

At the time of my virtual mentorship with Veronica, we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social isolation for a fairly gregarious person like myself certainly enhanced my enthusiasm to make the most of the experience. Some of us may have gone our whole lives without getting much of the encouragement we needed to reach for our dreams. You feel incredibly empowered when someone as admirable as Veronica expresses confidence in you. You can soar on the winds of that person’s belief in you.

There are moments in life when you know something incredible is happening. I know that not everyone can have as exhilarating of an experience with their professional coach or mentor as I did. Yet, I highly recommend building a personal board of advisors to help you see your blind spots, provide feedback and resources and build a genuine connection with like-minded professionals.

Veronica reminded me to follow my dreams.

A coffee meet-up at one of DC’s top afternoon tea spots, to commemorate the end of our six-month mentorship together.

A wish you the best card from Veronica.

An unsolicited glowing LinkedIn recommendation.

Meet Natalie

Meet Natalie

by | Jan 21, 2023 | Blogs

Meet

Natalie

Immersed in the dynamic halls of the Rhode Island School of Design, Natalie Thomas embarked on a captivating journey fusing art, design, and the written word. From those origins, she wove a narrative of evolution, transforming into an artist, educator, and graphic designer. Yet, her restless spirit craved more, yearning for a place that resonated with her essence. A relentless seeker of challenges and a maestro of teamwork, Natalie’s heart quickened when she discovered the boundless realm of her inaugural graphic design/product marketing role – a world of limitless creative latitude that beckoned to her soul.

Over time, what began as a solo marketer in a small family owned business transformed into a powerhouse marketing team under her adept leadership. With a heart devoted to nurturing communities and dreams, and during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic Natalie embraced her calling as the founder of a haven for women marketers, The MarketHER Group.  During that time, Natalie also laid the cornerstone of her boutique marketing agency, We Heart Marketing.

But life isn’t all business. With the colorful strokes, Natalie has conjured equilibrium. Enchanted by the embrace of nature, she finds solace amidst family and friends, voyaging to uncharted horizons, or succumbing to the enchantment of the theater’s embrace.

Just like Natalie’s own chronicle, MarketHER isn’t a mere digital enclave; it’s the sanctuary where women’s voices resound, untamed, and candid. It’s a space where authenticity reigns, thoughts flow freely, guidance is bestowed willingly, and the call to rise to one’s commitments resounds with vigor. If the allure of genuine connection calls to you, join us.