Closing the Women’s Leadership Gap | Leadership Spotlight

Closing the Women’s Leadership Gap | Leadership Spotlight from Herdacity (REPOSTED ARTICLE)

Don’t forget to check out Jacqueline’s book: Don't Leave Money on The Table: Negotiation Strategies for Women Leaders in Male-Dominated Industries

Nearly 50% of men think women are well represented in leadership organizations where only 1 in 10 senior leaders is a woman. 

Jaqueline V. Twillie, President of ZeroGap.co, is working with women to close the gender gap and promote female leadership. Through executive leadership training and creating strategies for women’s leadership development, Jaqueline wants women to have an equal seat at the table. Read on for how Jaqueline got her start in female leadership, what keeps her motivated, and her advice on how to keep going to close the gap.

How would you describe your biggest accomplishments in your current role?

Working as a partner to companies in male-dominated industries the biggest accomplishment that we’re working toward is a zero-gap in the c-suite of companies.

What has made you so passionate about this cause?

I saw a massive problem and it lit me on fire. At the core, I’m a problem solver. After reflecting on this issue for an extended period I decided to tackle the leadership gap head-on. Our society is better when we have the best and brightest minds at the table making decisions.

What key strength serves you best in your business?

My key strength that serves me best in business is the ability to strategy and provide practical advice that allows companies to transform their leaders and teams. As a result, it transforms their companies.

Where do you see this going as you move forward?

Moving forward, we’re continuing to expand our services to organizations that see the value in leveraging the full scope of talent within their organizations. As we continue to help companies create a level leadership playing field for all employees. ZeroGap is committed to closing the leadership gap within traditionally male-dominated industries.

Is there one moment or experience that has was transformative about helping you find your path and that eventually led to ZeroGap?

My experience volunteering as a leader of 1000+ women’s leadership group in one of the largest cities in the U.S. led me to switch from a career in global health to one focused solely on leadership development. After organizing and managing 3-5 events for women leaders for 13 consecutive months, a part-time volunteer opportunity became a second full-time job that fueled me to get up and find ways to add value to the lives of women around me. It’s a passion much larger than myself and couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Has it been a challenge to balance your career aspirations with your personal and family needs? How have you managed to do this? Suggestions or tips?

My family has been extremely supportive throughout this journey. I’m extremely blessed to be surrounded by people who are encouraging and give me time and space to focus on solving a global problem.

Who is your role model and why?

I have numerous role models. My formative years were impacted by mentors from the women in my family to my teachers and community leaders. I’ve taken lessons from each of them that have shaped who I am and truly wouldn’t be the woman I am today without the positive catalyst in my life.

If you could change one thing in your past, what might that be?

Life’s lessons have made me who I am, I intentionally seek to learn from things in my past both good and not so good. Intentional reflection helps me to become the strongest version of myself. Now, I’ve had my share of silly actions and wonder what in the world was I thinking at that time.

What would you tell your 20-year-old self?

It’s a journey, enjoy the moments and start practicing gratitude today!

List up to three things you would want to share with other women?

1. You are valuable and your voice is important
2. Surround yourself with positive people
3. Take care of yourself, that means what you feed your body and your mind. Knowing your value is also about being kind to yourself!

Learn how you can close the wage gap with Jacqueline V. Twillie’s webinar “Ladies, Don’t Leave Money on the Table."

Author Bio

Jacqueline V. Twillie

Founder and President of ZeroGap.Co

Jacqueline V. Twillie holds an M.B.A. in Leadership, she is the Founder and President of ZeroGap, a global training, and development firm that specializes in women’s leadership within male-dominated industries. ZeroGap has been identified as one of the fastest-growing companies in 2019 by Inc. Jacqueline is an Amazon Best Selling Author and has been featured in Forbes, FastCo, Essence Now, Black Enterprise, Parade, Today.com, NBC BLK and more… on the topic of Women’s Leadership and Negotiation Strategy.

Jacqueline is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and earned her MBA from Tiffin University. Her life’s mission is to eliminate the gender wage gap by providing practical strategy for women to advance and thrive in leadership roles. In her downtime, she loves to practice yoga and cook. When Jacqueline isn’t working on leadership development for women, she enjoys seeing the world from up in the air > check out her skydive video on YouTube!