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NYT Syndicate
The New York Times asked some of the participants at global meeting of the Women's Forum for the Economy and Society in Paris to look both backward and forward ” backward at what they would have changed as they climbed up the career ladder and forward to what needs to change to create greater gender equity. The Times was a media partner in the event. Some of the answers have been condensed and edited.
Inga Beale, 54
Chief Executive, Lloyd's of London
In my 30s, I went through a period of being a complete workaholic. Other women didn't want to work for me because they didn't want that lifestyle. I eventually realised that being a workaholic was a choice, not a necessity, and the best way to manage is to surround yourself with the best people you can find and empower them. Don't make the mistake of viewing good people as a threat.
Beth Brooke, 58
Global Vice-chairwoman of public policy, EY Professional Services Company
I would have focused on building relationships and expanding my networks, both within the organisation and outside of it, much earlier in my career. I would have put as much effort into cultivating these relationships as I did trying to do my job really well. Women can often find themselves excluded from so many natural networks, so it's important to make a conscious effort to build these relationships early, in addition to doing your job well. Catching up on these two things later in your career is very challenging.
Melissa Cefkin
Principal Scientist, Design Anthropologist, Nissan Research Center
Not to be apologetic for, dismissive of, or frightened by my own power. It's a lesson I'm still learning.
Ertharin Cousin, 60
Former Executive Director of the United Nations World Food Programme
I would have taken more time off for vacations. I was always afraid"there was too much to do" for a two- or three-week vacation, so I carried over time every year, throughout my entire career. When I recently left my position and cashed out the unused vacation time, the money seemed minuscule in comparison to the adventures I missed.
Marie-Jeanne Eby, 45
Head of unit in charge of donor relations and governmental affairs, Red Cross
I wish I had spent a longer time in the field, sharing the lives of other women and girls affected by conflicts and violence to learn more about their incredible resilience capabilities and the innovative skills that they deploy to survive in these fragile environments. At times, I also wish I could have been bolder in fighting for more flexibility at the workplace, so women with children could continue to hold leadership positions.
Karien van Gennip, 48
Chief Executive of ING Bank France
When I was younger, I believed if I worked hard, if I performed, I would get as far as I deserved. Or at least as far as the young men around me. Now I know better: It does matter if you're female. If I had known all this, I might have been more myself, instead of trying to be one of the boys. I would have asked for more help and searched for more allies or mentors.
Alexandra Palt, 45
Chief Sustainability Officer, L'Or`al
The biggest mistake I made in my career was that I stayed too long in a job that made me really unhappy. If I could change one thing, looking back on my career, I would question myself less and accept that one cannot succeed when the conditions for success are not there.
Meena Harrism, 32
Founder of the nonprofit Phenomenal Women Action Campaign
We need to shore up our laws, whether strengthening existing laws like those governing sexual harassment and other types of workplace discrimination, or adopting new legislation, such as the Paycheck Fairness Act. We also need to see corporate leadership step up. Finally, we need to engage individuals, and this includes men. I personally have been lucky where some of my best, most invested bosses and mentors have been male allies who"get it." We need to be proactive in cultivating that sort of sensibility within men.
Laura Quatela, 60
Senior Vice-president and Chief Legal Officer, Lenovo
Actively enrich your career by embracing the lateral move. I've learned a lot of lessons in my career, but I think ” in the context of leadership ” one of the most valuable is the importance of diversity of experience. Working women need to know that a career is not necessarily a stepladder. On occasion, we're given an opportunity to go broad: to make a move not up, but across. When you are offered the chance to dive into a different area of focus or responsibility, please don't put your hand out. Put it up.
