Career Growth Strategies from Women in Leadership

There can be many hurdles when it comes to growing your career – such as balancing family priorities with professional aspirations.

We recently hosted a panel featuring top female leaders at isolved. Amberly Dressler, VP of Corporate Marketing, Jessica Chapman, Senior VP of Sales and Jessica Melo, VP of Sales Enablement joined Cristina Merrifield, Content Marketing Manager, to share valuable insights on career growth strategies, work-life balance and overcoming challenges. Here are the key takeaways. 

Invest in Your Future Self

Throughout the webinar, each of our panelists emphasized the importance of continuous learning and developing new skills. To achieve career growth, it is essential to invest in yourself and commit to goals that may be above your current skill level. Don't be afraid to take risks and embrace change.

Jessica Chapman said, “It's about constantly becoming a student of our subject. There's no such thing as an expert tech leader or an expert parent. But if we're constantly wanting to stay relevant and modern and informed, especially with the accessibility that we have to information right now, that’s key.”

Embrace the Career Lattice

Rather than solely focusing on climbing the corporate ladder, consider the career lattice approach. Gain cross-functional knowledge and experience by taking on different roles and projects. This will not only broaden your skill set but also provide opportunities for reinvention.

Jessica Chapman said, “I think in that pursuit of learning, embracing the career lattice versus ladder to go cross functional and soak in as much organizational information as you can to reinvent yourself, continue learning and growing has really aided in my advancement.”

Balancing Work and Family

The panel addressed the challenges of balancing motherhood and career growth. Building a supportive community and being grateful for the opportunities to navigate both roles were highlighted. Although the balance may shift, it is achievable and rewarding.

Amberly Dressler said, “People talk about balance a lot, but that balance is always changing.  When I'm traveling the balance is shifted to work, but then when I'm home and I'm lucky enough to work remotely, I get a lot of quality time with my family before and after school. The needle is constantly moving in in both directions.”

Overcoming Challenges

Imposter syndrome, self-doubt and self-limiting beliefs were discussed as common challenges. Recognize that everyone experiences these feelings and focus on your strengths and abilities. Seek advice from others, manage your thoughts and be confident in your craft.

Jessica Chapman said, “Every single time you’re at a table where you might feel some impostor syndrome and you look around and you think, “what's something that I can leverage with being new in this role?”, well, that's a fresh perspective, that's innovation. Hotels didn't come up with Airbnb, eBay didn't come up with Amazon. So let that innovation, that fresh perspective, just happen to what you're naturally great at, where that energy is flowing and that's what you double down on.”

Managing Work Relationships

Diversity of thought and different perspectives were highlighted as valuable assets in teams. Learn to manage work relationships, including working with men and embrace authenticity while tapping into your natural abilities. Care for and listen to others to create a supportive work environment.

Jessica Melo said, “It's critical for us to be thinking about different people's perspectives. And you must be mindful of people's feelings, of the way in which they may have thought about that idea. Just be considerate it of everybody else out there.”

Seek Support and Sponsorship

Surround yourself with authentic and caring individuals who believe in your potential. Seek out mentors and sponsors who can advocate for and support your career advancement. Build relationships and followership to gain influence and elevate your ideas.

Jessica Melo said, “I think we have a responsibility as female leaders, if you are in a position of influence, that when you're meeting with someone, if you ask them, ‘What do you want to do? What are some, projects I can help get you tapped into?’. And then when there is an opportunity to make sure that we are advocating and that we are sponsoring them in meetings.”

Focusing on Growth

Career growth revolves around continuous learning, embracing change and building supportive networks. Balancing work and family, overcoming challenges and seeking support and sponsorship are also crucial. Remember to invest in yourself, embrace the career lattice and manage work relationships effectively. By following these strategies, you can pave the way for a successful and fulfilling career.

To see the full interview, watch the webinar on-demand. 

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