How Identity Has Influenced A Director Of Programs, Greentown Go At Greentown Labs's Career
Early in the career, imposter syndrome and a need to appear "super buttoned up" hindered the professional's ability to form connections; however, seeking mentorship from other women and focusing on building relationships "as humans" fostered greater comfort and confidence in male-dominated environments. This ultimately led to a more authentic and successful career trajectory.
Overcoming Challenges, Mentorship, Imposter Syndrome, Networking, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Michela Grunebaum
Director of Programs, Greentown Go
Greentown Labs
University of Vermont
N/A
Environmental & Related Sciences
Climate, Environment, Sustainability & Waste Management
Operations and Project Management
Scholarship Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Michela's experience with imposter syndrome early in her career and how she overcame it by seeking mentorship from other women in the industry.
2. The importance of being yourself and forming genuine connections with colleagues, regardless of demographic differences, to build a successful career.
3. How Michela initially felt pressure to suppress her personality to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field, and how she learned to embrace authenticity instead.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman in a male-dominated industry, how has that impacted the way you've navigated your career?
When I first started at this job, I was right out of college and definitely had a lot of imposter syndrome. I was one of the only women, or maybe one of two, in heavily male-dominated spaces.
I learned a lot by looking to other women in the industry to be mentors. Talking to them about their experiences and how they handled similar situations was really helpful.
Another big lesson I learned, which seems pretty obvious now, is to just be yourself. I've become much more comfortable forming relationships with people who might not share the same demographic characteristics as me. I do this by trying to relate to them as humans.
When I first started in the industry, I felt like I had to be super buttoned up and not show a lot of personality. I was afraid I wouldn't be taken seriously.
So, between looking for women who can be mentors and trying to be myself to form human connections, it's helped me a lot. Now, I feel very comfortable in those spaces.