Gizelle Panton

Welcome back to Stories of Chicago! This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing the great Gizelle Panton, a solutions engineer for LinkedIn Learning! Gizelle discusses how one risky decision provided her with the life she meant for.

What event has been so impactful that it changed the trajectory, the trajectory of your life??

The event that really changed everything for me was getting married and moving to Chicago. I'm originally from Toronto, and I spent my early years in a suburb outside the city. I later moved into the city, where I met my wife. Little did I know, she lived in Chicago. It was a big decision to uproot my life, leaving my job and my apartment – my brother's living in it now, so it's all good. But I took the chance and moved to Chicago to be with her.?

I couldn't work for about a year until I got the necessary authorization. During that time, I used LinkedIn to upskill myself. I was determined to be ready to enter the workforce when I could. When the opportunity finally came, I was presented with a contract position at LinkedIn. This was new territory for me because I'd never worked on a contract basis before. I had a full-time offer on the table, but my gut told me that LinkedIn was the company I wanted to work for.?

So, I worked my tail off and landed a job as an operations analyst. But I didn't stop there. I decided to make a complete career pivot and found a role on the Solutions Engineering team. I started training and researching like crazy, and it paid off. Now, I'm in a role that feels like I was meant to do it all my life. It's safe to say that my life, both personally and professionally, has improved significantly because of that one decision to pursue my relationship. I feel like I've finally found my place in the world. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm grateful for how it all turned out.?

How has it been living in Chicago? Did you experience any cultural shock, not just in Chicago but in the US in general? How was the transition for you??

The transition, surprisingly, was smoother than I expected. Chicago, compared to Toronto, has some similarities, not in terms of architecture, though – the buildings here are more intriguing. But the layout is quite similar, with an easy-to-navigate grid system and diverse neighborhoods. So, in that sense, it has a familiar vibe.?

However, the real adjustment for me has been the experience of being a black woman in America versus being one in Canada. It's a significant cultural shift. Safety is a more prominent concern here, and I've had to adapt to the fact that I can't just casually stroll to the store at 3:00 AM like I used to in Toronto. It's a bit of a shock to realize that I can't walk home from the bar without worrying about it.?

There are some things you have to be more mindful of that you wouldn't necessarily think about beforehand. My wife often reminds me to be cautious in certain areas. It's like, for the first year, she kept emphasizing, "You're not in Toronto anymore. You can't just roam freely wherever you want." So, you have to be strategic about your movements and decisions, which is a new and important aspect to consider?

Despite these challenges, I genuinely love Chicago. It's more diverse and offers a wider variety of food and experiences. Still, there are aspects of Toronto that I do miss.?

I find it really intriguing how challenging it can be for women in tech, and it becomes even more complex when you're a black woman. I'd like to hear about your experiences in both respects if you're comfortable sharing.??

I've always felt like a unique outlier in my workplaces. I'm often one of the few out people as?well. So, not only am I a black woman, but I'm also queer, which makes it a bit of an interesting package. I've always been my most authentic self, openly. I think this stems from growing up in Canada, where I was one of the only black kids in school and didn't have much support. As a result, I've become more comfortable in spaces where I may be different from others, so?it's possible that I've developed thicker skin over time.?

I've definitely noticed differences in opportunities. I've been passed up for promotions despite my hard work and dedication, especially when I worked for tech companies in Toronto. It felt like no matter what I did, I was stuck at a certain level. However, things changed significantly when I moved to the United States and joined LinkedIn in Chicago. I discovered employee resource groups, which was a completely new concept for me. These support groups for queer and black individuals were a revelation. I had never seen so many people who looked like me before, and it was a relief not to stand out anymore. In Chicago, I could blend in, and if people were looking at me, it was often because I was wearing something cool, which I didn't mind. I'd rather be noticed for my style than feeling like an outsider. So, it's been an interesting journey for me.?

I appreciate your openness in sharing your experiences. It's clear that authenticity is a key factor in your storytelling, connecting with an audience who shares similarities with you, your family, and friends. Can you share the steps you've taken to advance both your professional and personal goals and how you've advocated for yourself??

I've come to understand, after years of working in the corporate world, that you can't rely on others to advocate for you. You have to take charge and advocate for yourself. It's essential to build self-confidence to propel yourself forward. Personally, I believe I'm a bit behind where I thought I'd be at this point in my career. I'm 36 years old, and I had envisioned being a director or something similar by now. So, there's a part of me that feels like I'm lagging. However, I've also come to accept that I am where I am, and this is how my journey was meant to unfold. I can't dwell on missed opportunities or what I didn't have. Instead, I focus on making the best of my current situation.?

For me, maintaining self-confidence is an ongoing effort. I stay physically active and prioritize my mental well-being, ensuring that I can be at my best every day. When opportunities arise, I'm always thinking about how to put myself in front of the right people. I'm not intimidated by anyone's role or position; I see everyone as a person. I don't believe in the idea that certain individuals are off-limits for conversation. I approach everyone as equals, and if they want to engage with me, that's great. If not, they'll let me know. I'm not afraid to take my chances, and I believe that's the only way to progress in the corporate world. You have to build the confidence to understand your worth and when you have great ideas, figure out how to get in front of the people who can recognize that. It's about taking initiative and not relying on the hope that someone else will advocate for you.?

I relate to your background, with strong women in my family. Despite growing up in a low-income household, my mom emphasized self-advocacy due to our limited resources. Life isn't always fair, and timing matters. It's like joining a game where others are ahead, but you can catch up. To conclude, what advice would you offer to someone in a similar position??

I believe it's essential for everyone, regardless of their career stage, to find ways outside of work to build and maintain self-confidence. Loving and respecting yourself and prioritizing your well-being provide a solid foundation for advocating for yourself. This self-awareness and self-confidence are key attributes that can apply to anyone.?

Whether it's through yoga, meditation, walks, sports, or any other activity that brings joy and empowerment, investing in things outside of work that make you feel physically and emotionally fulfilled is crucial. These experiences create the foundation for you to show up confidently in a professional setting and make a lasting impression.?