Welcome To The Suite Sheet!

Dear Women Who Do,

I'm calling 2023 the Year of the Pivot. I've been watching the incredible women in my circle ponder big moves and begin to put those moves into action. Now, more and more people are taking the first steps to do something new in ways that are thoughtful, intentional, vulnerable and true. I want to be there to help you.

Enter The Suite Sheet, our newsletter. We have access to a treasure trove of tried and tested strategies through our deep network of relationships, and we want to share them with you. Every week we'll feature business titans, pioneering creatives and brilliant experts from within our community and beyond, so you can build on their wins, learn from their stumbles and power your own success.

I hope you join us,

Dee Poku Spalding

Founder & CEO

The WIE Suite

WIE Suite Woman?

THASUNDA BROWN DUCKETT ON TAKING BUSINESS RISKS AND BEING A LEADER FOR OUR TIMES

Thasunda Brown Duckett , the former CEO of Chase Consumer Banking where she led a network of 40,000 employees and 4900 branches, was recently named the CEO of TIAA and becomes the second Black women to lead a Fortune 500 company. On her last day at Chase, she talked to us about what it means to be the 'only', her passion for promoting financial health in underrepresented communities and much more.

You manage a large team, what changes have you implemented in your management style during the pandemic? Do you think your outfacing role as a leader has changed as well?

Not being able to see many in person, I’ve focused on staying connected virtually and communicating even more often than usual. A lot of people are hurting and I have found that creating the space for openness and vulnerability is so important. Now more than ever we need to take care of each other. When someone is cared for, they tend to pay it forward. This approach has led to meaningful conversations and acts of kindness between employees, as well as with our customers that are truly inspiring.

You’re on the board at Nike. How has this shaped your view of the value and influence of boards? What is the path you see to getting more women and women of color on major boards?

There’s not enough difference in rooms. From our classrooms to our boardrooms, we need to ensure they reflect the rich diversity of our world. My advice to CEOs is to look for the ONLY. Pay attention to those who may not be on your radar – they may prove to be the most valuable assets.?

Read the full interview here.

More from WIE

In December, we launched Table for 8 to connect WIE Suite members in small dinners around the US. Read more.

We interviewed former CIA agent turned luxury sleepware CEO Emily Hikade about making a big transition. Read more.

We shared how you can embrace climate leadership in your role and within your company. Read more.

And, Sara Tervo, CMO of Express, shared how to lead a brand through transformation. Read more.

Masterclass Moments

THE POWER OF YES WITH GUNJAN KEDIA OF US BANK

Gunjan Keida, Vice Chair of Wealth Management and Investment Services, was named America's most powerful woman banker by American Banker in 2018, 2019 and 2020 and recently joined PBS's Board of Directors. Keida joined us for a Masterclass Conversation, to discuss everything from how the pandemic has made her rethink typical bank culture formalities, to why women need to say yes more often.

What's your advice for women on securing the stretch assignments that will help get them noticed?

To women I'll say, if someone asks you to take on a stretch assignment you should start by just saying yes. I know that sounds so simple, but I can't tell you how many times I have tapped a talented woman and said, “Do you want to do this?” And how many times the answer that woman gave was, “Well, you know, I'm not sure I'm thinking….I have this other project.”

In that first minute, what you've basically done is give doubt to your boss so they think, “maybe she's not ready or maybe she's overwhelmed”. I have found over time that a lot of women are actually thinking out loud and don't realize how much they hurt their cause by doing so. You must discipline yourself not to do that. If somebody suggests something to you, the only appropriate answer is “I am so thankful you've thought of me, give me a minute, or give me an hour to think about it”. Or “I just want to process that”. Or “let me get right back to you”. Then you can go and have a meltdown on your own. You're completely allowed to do that. But don't hold yourself back by conveying that you're not ready or you're not interested.?

Read the full interview here.?