As a woman entering the workforce for, perhaps, the first time, it’s likely you will be peppered with advice from everyone — your professors, your parents, the motivational speaker on Instagram.
It can be hard to sift through these words of wisdom to determine what advice is truly worth taking.
Currently, I sit as the executive vice president, chief commercial officer of orthobrain®, a company dedicated to empowering dentists to provide orthodontic care and drive growth within their practices.
In my years working for global organizations to develop growth systems for orthodontic business solutions, I’ve learned what really works — not only from a business profitability standpoint, but also culture and people development. I make it a point to pass along these pearls to my lead team and to the women I mentor.
Here are the three things I always keep in mind.
1. The company you keep is key.
One of the most important things to consider when looking into potential employers is whether their values match yours. If you want to grow in your career, you need to join an organization that will allow (and encourage) you to flourish.
When people who are invested in you, and are willing to give you the time, space and feedback to advance, the result can be powerful for both career advancement and ensuring you feel valued in your role.
Since joining orthobrain®, I’ve built a core leadership team, and they in turn have built their own teams. Our employees thrive, in part, because they know I trust and support them. And we all benefit, because they feel empowered to bring forth new ideas.
Building a positive culture and environment where every employee feels like they are a part of something great is the core of our business.
You don’t need a megaphone to have your voice heard, but as a female executive, I do encourage you to find your voice and use it often.
2. Network, network, network
It’s crucial. Networking increases your visibility with other leaders and gives you insights into industry trends. Look for forums that foster that connection.
For me, specifically, I’m a member of Women in DSO, as well as Chief, a private membership network focused on connecting and supporting female executive leaders. At Chief, I get the chance to network with female executives from a multitude of different industries, which is important.
Sometimes we tend to only look to people in our own field for advice. But you can gain invaluable tips on universal things — like marketing and effective communication — from executives in other industries.
3. Speak up, in creative ways.
You don’t need a megaphone to have your voice heard, but as a female executive, I do encourage you to find your voice and use it often.
It’s not always the loudest voice that is remembered. Sometimes, the best way to make a point is to find effective, creative ways to communicate your message. Part of my routine, for instance, is sending out a team video message every Friday where I recap the week, share key company updates, and recognize teams and individuals for their successes.
If you don’t speak up, bosses may not have visibility on your accomplishments or points of view. I am consistently encouraging colleagues to share with me — shoot me an email or leave a voicemail with news that deserves attention.
When someone in the company does something great — secures a new client, has a fruitful conversation — it helps raise morale across the company. Your wins are wins for the whole company.
