How Identity Has Influenced a Head of Product's Career as an Independent Consultant
Early in their career in male-dominated financial services, Addy actively countered being "overlooked or even talked down to" by "taking up space," ensuring their voice was heard, and demonstrating value. This experience shaped their career choices, leading them to prioritize organizations that value diversity of thought and encourage questioning, not just agreement, as Addy explicitly states, "I make sure to join the latter organizations".
Overcoming Challenges, Executive/Leadership, Communication, Confidence, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Addy Spiller
Head of Product
Independent Consultant
UC Berkeley
MBA from NYU Stern School of Business
Economics
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing), Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Addy's early career experiences as a woman in a male-dominated field involved being overlooked and talked down to, which motivated her to actively take up space and make her voice heard.
2. Addy prioritizes joining organizations that value diversity and different perspectives, actively researching a company's commitment to diversity and inclusion before accepting a position.
3. Addy emphasizes the importance of finding organizations that encourage asking questions and value diverse opinions over conformity.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted the way you've navigated your career?
As a woman in financial services, especially early in my career, I was often the minority in the room. I was often overlooked or even talked down to.
So, I really took that as an opportunity to take up space. I sat at the table, not behind it. I asked questions and made my voice heard, showing the value I could bring to the team.
I think that has made me bolder in the decisions I make for my career. I want to be somewhere that values my opinion and my perspective.
So, every time I join a new organization, I make sure to talk to the leadership team. I understand how they value diversity in their teams and what they do to show that they value diversity of thought as well.
Are they a "yes man" type of organization, or do they value people asking questions? The latter organizations are the ones that I make sure to join.