This year’s global International Women’s Day (IWD) theme, #BalanceforBetter, calls for a more gender-balanced world. At Porter Novelli, our community works together every day to have a positive impact on the world and views diversity, equity and inclusion as moral and business imperatives. It’s a huge point of pride to be part of a company that is truly gender-balanced – with women represented at all levels of leadership – and a commitment to equal pay for men and women.
With women leading offices, practices, regions – and the world — Porter Novelli colleagues know a thing or two about building bold, interesting, resilient careers. So this year, for International Women’s Day, we asked our community to pay it forward to young leaders and share the advice they wish they had known at the beginning of their careers.
We’re calling it #wishiknewat22. The outpouring of collective wisdom from around the world across Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook is amazing and universal:
The Things That Make You Special Won’t Always Be Understood or Supported. Look Past the Naysayers and Embrace Your Super Powers.
“I #wishIknewat22 that the most credible validation I’d ever need could be found within. While criticism (whether constructive, unfair or otherwise) is necessary to grow, it shouldn’t define you. And more importantly, it shouldn’t define your value, your potential and your goals. Receive it. Listen to it. Critically (and without emotion) analyze it … But don’t be derailed by someone else’s definition of “getting it right.” @asktheprgirl @pn_atlanta
“You’ve been raised to respect your elders and because you assume a certain meritocracy, you may think those who’ve achieved a certain status have earned it, but a lot of folks are honestly full of crap. Don’t be intimidated by them. Stop the mental gymnastics to say only the exact right thing … Your view from the margins, your idealism and sense of fairness are your super powers.” @soonmeekim, Global Diversity & Inclusion Leader @pn_atlanta
There is No Road. Trust Yourself to Build Your Own Road.
“I started my comms career later than most so I could be a college basketball coach at 22. After coaching for several years, I jumped into comms work, sometimes wondering if I made the wrong decision about coaching. After all, most of my college and grad school classmates had already been working at “regular jobs” for years and started moving up in their careers … #wishiknewat22 you don’t have to follow a set path, you don’t have to have your life figured out. Do the things that make you happy, work hard, and treat people right. Things have a way of working themselves out. Also, thrilled to still be working with a group of bad-ass women like I was at 22” Sara @pnseattle
“Ask for what you want. That project? That raise? That promotion? It won’t just land in your lap – you have to raise your hand & ask for it. The worst they can say is “no.” @stephxcohen @PN_SanFrancisco
“Work hard, learn every day, raise your hands to do more, be creative, invent, bring ideas to your managers, take risks!” @kovse, President, Latin America @PN_SanFrancisco
Professional Fulfillment Doesn’t Come from “The Work.” It’s Comes from Building Community at Work and Serving the People You Love Outside of Work
“So much of a career hinges on trust. Finding a tribe that has your back through late nights, crazy deadlines, big wins and every “crisis.” Building trust with clients. Finding managers and mentors you believe in and who believe in you. And trusting yourself, not second guessing. Be a good person, surround yourself with great humans, and things will always work out.” @anital @pnseattle
“Right now, life is not as complicated as you think. Enjoy the fun times and hold onto your friends tightly. Make sure you make the effort to stay in touch with those you love and always make time to dance and laugh!” Alicja @PN_London
Although International Women’s Day is a moment in time to celebrate women’s achievement, raise awareness against bias and take action for equality – this is just the start. Our community of advocates and allies will keep mentoring, uplifting and supporting women at all levels throughout the year.
