How Identity Has Influenced a Chief Marketing Officer's Career at Lookout
Early in their career, a lack of female role models led to attempts at emulating male management styles, but they learned "it's okay to be a softer version". The CMO's experience in the male-dominated tech and security industries highlights the importance of authenticity and finding one's own leadership style, even when often the only woman in the room.
Executive/Leadership, Overcoming Challenges, Workplace Challenges, Authenticity, Gender Diversity
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Deb Wolf
Chief Marketing Officer
Lookout
Cal Poly
English, Writing & Education
Technology
Communication and Marketing
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Finding her own management style and not emulating male bosses was key to Deb's success.
2. Being comfortable and authentic in her own style helped Deb navigate male-dominated environments.
3. Deb highlights the importance of finding your own authentic style in a male-dominated industry like tech security, and how her CEO values the diverse perspectives women bring to the team.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
Earlier in my career, one thing to know is I've had very few female managers or bosses, and that has always been challenging. I've worked for a lot of guys, and I think early in my career, I felt like I needed to emulate their management style.
What you learn very quickly is it's okay to be a softer version. You don't have to run your team the same way a guy does, right? As an executive, I'm often the only woman in the room, or maybe it's myself and usually the CHRO, the head of HR.
At the same time, I have a CEO who would tell you we're a better team for what the women bring. Tech has a lot of guys in it; it's a very male-dominated industry. Security, which I'm in right now, is very heavily male-dominated.
Finding your own style and being comfortable with that is really important. If you're not authentically you, you're not going to be comfortable with the decisions you're making, the way you're presenting yourself, or the way you're handling yourself. So, the most important part is to identify as authentically who you are, however you identify.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn.com/debwolf