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Today is International Women’s Day and the perfect time to empower female leaders across the Channel, technology, and well, everywhere. Because not only does it feel great to give and receive kudos, but according to The Channel Co, your business achieves 35% more when your female counterparts are part of the equation.
At MicroAge, we decided to start by recognizing some women across our organization who make an impact on our business and our clients every day. To learn about their unique approach to going where few women have gone in their careers before, we asked them about the best career advice they’ve received or simply the smartest advice they have for their peers. The results were incredibly inspiring.
Be relentlessly authentic.
“The best career advice I have received and practice to this day is to be a genuine and authentic person in your day-to-day interactions with colleagues and managers, in my case, MicroAge suppliers and partners.”
– Cassie Davis, Partner Marketing Specialist
Stay open and strong.
“Be genuine and kind, and also unafraid to stand up for yourself. Don’t worry about what other people will think or label you; be strong in your convictions.”
– Amber Tuckwiller, Senior Account Executive
Don’t restrict yourself.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help and don’t be afraid to reinvent the wheel. Innovation isn’t born in those who think outside of the box but those who don’t see the box. ”
– Sarah Carver, CSM, Senior Account Executive
Be kind, always.
“You’ll never regret treating people well.”
– Stephanie Bolena, Senior Account Executive
Stop holding yourself back.
“Go for it! Don’t be afraid to try something new just because you don’t think you’re qualified or have the proper training. Try it, fail, try again and again until you succeed.”
– Jade Hansen, Senior Invoicing Specialist
Stay passionate and flexible.
“There is a quote I absolutely love from Linchpin by Seth God that applies to everyone:”
“The competitive advantage the marketplace demands is someone more human, connected, and mature. Someone with passion and energy, capable of seeing things as they are and negotiating multiple priorities as she makes useful decisions without angst. Flexible in the face of change, resilient in the face of confusion.”
– Judy Nerone, Sales Coach Manager
Lift each other up.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.
And something a colleague once told me—women need to stick together. I saw that in the way Naomi Sylvian, Tracey Hayes, and Judy Nerone all were when I joined the team at MicroAge and how Stephanie Bolena acted with me even before then. Thanks, gals!”
– Ellen Faircloth Yencer, Delivery & Operations Manager
Don’t be afraid to fail.
“If you never fail at something, then you’re not pushing yourself enough.”
– Kelsie Furr, Creative Specialist
Stop comparing yourself to others.
“Comparison is the death of all joy. The only person you need to be better than is the one you were yesterday.”
– Jennifer Moore, Assistant Controller
Own your priorities.
“There is a way to achieve working hard at a job while finding a balance with family priorities—make sure you do both.”
– Christi Kalmer, Sales Director
Always give your all.
“My parents instilled in me a very strong work ethic—no matter what your endeavors. Always strive to do your best!”
– Carmen Martinez, Accounting Manager
Stop making assumptions.
“Never assume what someone is thinking…. always take the time to listen and understand before taking action.”
– Tracey Hayes, Vice President, Sales
Happy International Women’s Day
Let’s celebrate all the female professionals in our lives. Today is about women everywhere. That includes the women who inspire us across the Channel daily.
