How Identity Has Influenced A Head Of Employer Brand And Belonging's Career At Qualtrics
Early in their career, the Head of Employer Brand + Belonging at Qualtrics noticed instances where they weren't seen as equally capable as male peers, prompting a self-assessment resulting in the belief that "I am just as capable." This conviction fueled proactive actions, including confidently taking a seat at a predominantly male meeting table, illustrating how advocating for oneself, even in seemingly small ways, is crucial to achieving recognition and career advancement.
Overcoming Challenges, Executive/Leadership, Advocacy, Self-Confidence, Resilience
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Lauren Hodgson
Head of Employer Brand + Belonging
Qualtrics
Arizona State University (ASU) - W. P. Carey
n/a
Marketing
Technology
Human Resources (HR)
Scholarship Recipient
Video Highlights
1. Lauren's belief in her capabilities and proactive approach to seeking opportunities were key to her career advancement. She highlights the importance of self-advocacy in overcoming potential biases and ensuring equal access to opportunities.
2. Lauren's anecdote about choosing a seat at the table during a meeting demonstrates the importance of challenging implicit biases and actively participating in order to be seen and heard.
3. Lauren emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and empowerment for women in navigating their careers, suggesting a need for self-reflection and a proactive approach to accessing and seizing opportunities that might not always be readily presented. She also suggests finding a way to advocate for yourself that aligns with your personal comfort level and empowers you.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted the way you've navigated your career?
When I was starting out, there were instances where I felt I wasn't seen in the same way as my male peers. What this meant for me was I needed to first check with myself: where do I stand on this? The clear answer was that I am just as capable.
That was my starting point. I had to have that true belief for myself that I was just as capable. Coming from that place, I told myself: if that's how I believe, that's how I will act in all scenarios and situations.
I will raise my hand. I will talk to the person after the meeting and ask them a question or ask them to go deeper on something. I will take advantage of all opportunities for equal access, even when they may not naturally present themselves.
I once went to a big meeting on behalf of our CEO. At the table, it was all men, a 12-person table, and all the women were sitting in chairs surrounding the room, along the wall. I was one of the later people to arrive, and there were two seats left at the table.
My first inclination was this visual cue: oh, I should go sit at the wall. Then I stopped myself: What? No, of course not. What am I doing? Absolutely not. I am here as a participant in the meeting. I walked the long way around this big table to get that empty chair because that's where I belonged.
I find that whatever you may identify as, if it's not the majority, it means you will sometimes have to push yourself and advocate for yourself. You should also do that in a way that makes you feel comfortable and empowered.
It's an extra check you have to give yourself. It's also what has gotten me to the place where I can be valued and seen because I've advocated for myself.