Protiviti’s newest addition to the Executive Team, Susan Haseley (below left), partnered with San Francisco Managing Director Susan Alexander (below right) during her recent visit to San Francisco to talk about the issues and challenges women face in today’s workforce. This day of focused events was sponsored by Protiviti’s iGROWW employee networking group, which represents our Initiative for the Growth and Retention of Women in the Workforce.
The day started with Susan Alexander moderating a 30-person-strong informal Q&A with Susan Haseley. The two dove into many topics around women in the workforce, but also focused on Susan Haseley’s experience and advice about balancing career and personal interests.
Susan A.: What are your (work and personal) goals for 2017? How do you go about deciding what to focus on?
Susan H.: I get bored easily so I enjoy the variety of work and challenges that the consulting profession offers. It’s also tough because there is so much going on. It’s definitely a challenge. But family always comes first. I make it a priority to always be home for dinner with my family. I also include my 14-year old daughter in office activities – everyone in Dallas knows her; she’s been to multiple office activities, so she sees the energy of the office and it helps her understand why her mom works so hard – because she loves what she does.
Susan A.: I’d like to ask about your role as the Diversity & Inclusion initiative lead. Can you tell us about that initiative, your role, and what it means for us here today?
Susan H.: The role began with a focus on women’s initiatives and grew into the much bigger Diversity & Inclusion initiative. It was a lot to take on, and daunting on first. In fact, I didn’t think I could take on championing what was initially just the women’s initiative because I was so busy. But I’m glad I did and glad it evolved into the bigger D&I role it is today. I am pleased at the support for D&I at the Executive Team level – that’s always been important at the highest levels of Protiviti, and that means a lot to me. Now look at how D&I has grown to include all the different ENGs – and we’re soon launching the multicultural ENG, too!
Some key points from the panel included:
- “The best advice for career success is to say what you want out loud.” – Rachel Bell, Virgin America
- “The biggest barrier to our career success is not speaking up when we need to.” – Susan Haseley, Protiviti
- “Say YES – try everything!” – Tiffany Gantus, Restoration Hardware
- “The tone at the top is key to Gender Equality.” – Kim Bollin, Salesforce
After the panel wrapped up, the group enjoyed some free time to network and talk through the points of the day. To read more of the advice given and topics covered in both panels please check out our career and company Twitter accounts.
