Launching Ask Anthea
It Happens to Us; Tell Your Story
Articles in recent months have focused on Women in Tech and opinions about diversity metrics not being focused on the right thing. Women often under negotiate for themselves — resulting in lower salaries. At the same time, my recent post struck a nerve, and I heard from one fearless leader writing to share her story about leaving a CEO position in the market research space — one in which she was incredibly successful — to set up her own consulting business. She met with a man in the industry who told her that he had never heard of her and therefore … 1) she must not have been very good; or 2) she was really bad at managing her own brand. Whoops. He really said that? I’m sure he did.
So many women I know have dealt with boorish statements by boorish executives, or worse. Men also face their own versions of harassment or hazing. Business is a competitive sport, especially Big Business, and we all lose when our workforce isn’t as diverse as our clientele. Many of us have had amazing mentors, both male and female. One senior executive I know believes women’s advancement and presence in the c-suite won’t really succeed until executive men take active mentoring roles. Another, who is a CEO of an executive recruiting firm, says women can be their own worst enemy at the negotiating table. Young men I know are asking about how to enter the workforce when they are unclear about their goals or how to return after a long recovery from a chronic illness. Recently, I exchanged messages with a very successful leader — a CEO wanting to take time off to spend with family in between assignments and was concerned he’d diminish his ability to step back in after a year. I shared my advice, my story, and that of other leaders I know who never regretted for a nanosecond this precious opportunity.
We all have stories. I’d love to hear yours. Male or female, young or old. Have you had an exceptional mentor? How did they help? Have you been at the receiving end of someone dishing dirt? How did you manage it or respond? Are you an aspiring leader struggling with a workplace or work/family issue? I’ve been in a privileged position, spending a lot of time with CEOs and top executives in data, analytics, information, and tech, advising them on their business issues and sometimes those that are not. I’ve been mentoring aspiring leaders — young men and women — seeking career and life advice, providing them a sounding board against which they can make big decisions. I’ve been blessed with many successes and have made mistakes. I’ve served hundreds of leaders, while they’ve done same.
From this vantage point, I’ve decided to launch “Ask Anthea” — my version of “Dear Abby” for our industry and offer a place where you can share what’s happening. Tell Your Story. Ask a question. My favorite saying is “the only dumb question is the one that goes unasked.” I’ll respect your confidentiality, share my own personal experiences, and provide a place for you to advise each other too. So, any age, any sex, any race, be in touch. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Ask Anthea by emailing askanthea@outsellinc.com.
Anthea C. Stratigos is Co-founder & CEO of Outsell, Inc., the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on data, media, information, and technology. Join our exclusive global community supporting over 3,000 executives and influencing billions of dollars in deals. Advance the business of data, see around the corner, grow revenue, and build truly meaningful relationships. Contact us today to start your journey!