Creating Gender Equality: 3 Key Partnerships That Help Us ‘Press for Progress’

Each year on Mother’s Day, we celebrate the women who support, encourage and define us. But, as a working mom, I also think about the many powerful relationships that have supported my professional journey. Indeed, as the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day reminded us, “pressing for progress” must be a collective effort. Each of us travels our own distinct path but none of us will succeed alone.

That sentiment was a central theme of a discussion I was honored to take part in during a gender diversity event at Pfizer’s headquarters on International Women’s Day. We talked about the importance of empowering women in the workplace and ways to affirm gender diversity. We also focused on the critical role that partnerships play in our pursuit to “press for progress.” Here are three partnerships that I think are essential for achieving gender parity – in our personal lives and as a community.

Partnering at Home

I could not bring my best self to work if I did not have a supportive network at home. This support network looks different for everyone, but, for many, it’s a combination of family, friends, daycare and teachers who help keep things on track. I’ve been at Pfizer for 21 years, and my support network has changed over that time as my career and family evolved. I could not have survived the early years of being a mother without my trusted childcare providers and a supportive husband who enabled me to pursue my professional aspirations and dreams.

Lately, my children have played a key role in providing support. I intentionally talk to them about what I’m working on, the people I’m working with and how the work I do contributes to the health of patients around the world. Their opinions and thoughts influence how I show up to work every day. Also, not only do they help me pack for long business trips, they shoulder additional responsibilities when I’m away.

I think it’s important for my children, particularly my teenage daughter, to see examples of working women. It gives them a sense of the full picture of what we face – the fulfillment, pride and the challenges – as they make their own decisions about the future and shape their dreams.

Partnering With Mentors and Mentees

While managers and colleagues have played a big role in shaping my career, I’ve been lucky to have had great mentors and mentees – both women and men – who taught me so much and helped advance my professional journey. Mentor/mentee relationships, in general, can be powerful, but I have found that women mentoring women is especially important. When we can surround ourselves with support and guidance, we can individually and collectively push for progress.

What I love about the mentorship dynamic is the ability to connect with someone who is detached from your daily work and can be objective. Mentors provide an outside perspective and an opportunity to expand your network, which can open up new paths in your career. A mentorship relationship can also help you realize your talent, tap into your passions, recognize the areas you are ready to move on from and discover new horizons and roles you haven’t considered. When I’ve wrapped up a productive meeting with a mentor or mentee, I’ve often thought to myself, “Wow. What a great workout!” because that partnership is helping each of us achieve our fullest potential. 

Partnering with Self

This is the most important relationship of all. At Pfizer we talk a lot about thoughtful risk taking, and I believe that when we know ourselves and listen to our instincts, we can take on exciting opportunities – even when they may be scary.

At an earlier point in my career, I was asked to lead a challenging business. Many people told me I was a fool for taking on a business that appeared to have little value, but I knew myself well, and knew I was ready to learn something new. I knew I worked well with complexity and change. I knew I loved the challenge in creating clarity and sense out of things that are in turmoil. In short, I knew it was the role for me. I accepted the position, and can say without a doubt that without that experience, I would not have developed the business acumen, leadership skills, or ability to motivate a team to overcome (seemingly) insurmountable challenges.

That’s why this Mother’s Day, while I will certainly celebrate the moms in my life with kind words and thoughtful gestures, I will also remember the power of good partnership. Because as each woman presses forward on her own personal journey, the partnerships she builds contribute to our global pursuit for gender parity – and that is progress.

Tags: #IWD2018; #PressforProgress