Out In Tech: Leadership Forum Learnings
I recently attended a leadership forum with Out in Tech (OIT). Career journeys are dynamic, and each is unique, so it is important to make space to learn from others. OIT and other organizations are great at facilitating events that share experiences, so you can leave with learnings that can be applied to your working style.
When you go to these events you want to:
For each question posed by the moderator - is there a common theme in reply from the panel?
Ask questions for clarification and additional learnings.
Think about the common themes and apply them to yourself - what can you do better?
Coming out of the OIT Leadership forum - I found emphasis on the importance of learning from experiences, building relationships, navigating challenges, and maintaining authenticity in leadership roles.
A key lesson for me was recognizing the significance of speaking your goals. When your network understands your goals, they can become powerful allies in helping you achieve them.
1. Impactful Moments in Careers:
Learning from others and absorbing as much knowledge as possible.
Having great mentors who demand excellence while showing empathy.
Recognizing one's skills and strengths even if they differ from initial career paths.
2. Advice on Relationship Building:
Prioritizing networking and building relationships across various departments and networks.
Establishing regular check-ins to offer support and maintain connections.
Being honest about opportunities and setting clear expectations to build trust.
3. Navigating Difficult Conversations:
Addressing issues directly and transparently to prevent the formation of false narratives.
Lean into difficult conversations, listen to feedback, and take action to address any misunderstandings or perceptions.
Process emotions beforehand, approaching discussions with a level-head: respond don’t react.
4. Building Confidence:
Have champions and support systems that celebrate wins and provide backup during risks
Recognizing personal strengths and values, and settling into one's skills over time.
Balancing confidence with humility
5. Best Advice Received:
Owning up to mistakes, knowing one's ethics and values, and embracing humility.
Clearly communicating desires and goals to others to facilitate career advancement.
Negotiating for what you want and understanding your own value.
6. Q&A Insights:
The importance of unplugging from work to maintain mental well-being.
Advice to one's younger self includes not sweating the small stuff, asking for help, and considering long-term impacts of decisions.
The biggest lesson learned as a leader is holding the team accountable, providing support, and caring for their development.
Featured speakers:
Jess Scott (she/her), VP of Talent at VTS
More than 20 years in talent acquisition & people operations management. Jess is currently the VP. Talent at VTS. Before VTS, Jess was the VP, People at Thuzio and Julius. Jess has also held leadership roles at Zeta Global, Learnvest, Group Commerce and TheLadders, where she was an essential talent acquisition and human resources leader across multiple business units in high growth, rapid deployment environments.Jess graduated with an MA in Social Organizational Psychology from Columbia University's Teachers College, and received her BA in Sociology and Elementary Education from Drew University.
Jessica Casono-Antonellis (she/her), SVP and Head of Communications at SiriusXM
Jessica Casano-Antonellis is Senior Vice President, Head of Communications for SiriusXM. In this role, Jessica is responsible for all aspects of the Company's communications function, including strategic communications, brand reputation management and media relations. Prior to joining SiriusXM in 2022, Jessica served as Vice President for Disney+ and Hulu for The Walt Disney Company, overseeing global communications strategies for the company’s streaming initiatives. Before joining Disney, she headed global communications for the video sharing platform, Vimeo, during a critical evolution for the brand as it began its ascent from the IAC portfolio. Previously, Jessica spent nearly 10 years at the public relations firm Text100 (now Archetype), where she led multiple traditional linear television brands through transformations into multi-platform digital media companies, including MTV, Bravo and The Weather Channel. Jessica currently serves on the advisory board for Revry, a pioneering LGBTQ digital streaming service. She holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from San Francisco State University.
Julie Gustafson (she/her), Sr. Director of Retail CX Visual Merchandising Design (MX) at Samsung
Julie Gustafson (she/her) leads the Retail Design Center at Samsung, and serves as Executive Chair of Samsung Pride. She is an active member on Samsung’s DEI Council and Women in Samsung Electronics (WISE). Julie has twenty+ years of proven agile leadership in sales, strategic planning, driving brand equity, and progressing DEI efforts for long-term success. She leads a department fueled by a passion to disrupt the status quo and merge physical design with digital innovation to deliver best-in-class shopping experiences.
Melinda Ramos (she/her), SVP of People Partnerships & Experience at Bounteous
Melinda Ramos is an HR professional who has spent 10 years heavily focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming. Melinda has over 25 years’ experience in People-centric functions in various industries. Her experience includes talent sourcing & acquisition, training & development, employee relations, and DEI coaching. She founded & Chairs the Diversity Task Force, has been featured in Philly Ad News Magazine, Philadelphia Business Journal, Technical.ly, Crain’s Chicago Business and MediaPost, and has been recognized as a local advocate for DEIB in the Philadelphia region. She is a certified Diversity Recruiter, a speaker, and moderator. Melinda is a native New Yorker, living in Philadelphia.
