International Women’s Day is all about breaking barriers… and the women at Accordion have done exactly that. From leading client teams to entire departments, they continue to make their mark on a traditionally male-dominated industry and set new standards for just how agile, capable, and perseverant women can be.
But equally as important, if not more, is the way that the women at our firm support and empower one another. Through seminars, happy hours, Slack channels, and more, Our Women’s Impact Network for Success (WINS) group connects Accordionites across all levels and practice areas — making space for women at Accordion to inspire, challenge, and learn from one another.
In honor of this year’s International Women’s Day, our WINS steering committee asked members to share the best advice they’ve received while navigating their careers. Here’s what just a few of them had to say:
Most of us don’t hesitate to stand up for others, but self-advocacy can be daunting. Stand up, speak up. No one will fight harder for you than you will.”
Be your own biggest advocate. Whether it be vocally communicating your career goals or pitching yourself a project that you know is within your wheelhouse, you are the ultimate champion of your career path. But don’t try to go at it alone! Find strong and caring people in your professional life who see your value and are willing to help you reach your potential. ”
My best friend once told me that if you want to achieve something in your career or personal life, you have to ask for it. If you stay invisible, no one will notice you. ”
Advocate for yourself. It’s always important to speak up.”
In speaking with a mentor about the risks I saw in making a change to take a leadership role at a new firm, she wisely counseled me to instead consider the risks of not making a change. Standing still can often be the riskier choice, instead of the safest; don't be afraid to continue to challenge yourself and evolve. ”
At a pivotal time in both my career and personal life, I had the opportunity to relocate overseas for work. While joy was my initial reaction, I also realized I’d be packing up my entire life, leaving loved ones behind, and starting from scratch in a new country. My mentor and Office Leader said that the best opportunities in life are those that scare you, but deep down you know excite you. That made my decision; I’ve now been living overseas for nine years, have developed amazing relationships, and have the best community that I call my family. I've never looked back!”
The only real failure is the failure to try, and the measure of success is how we cope with disappointment.”
Embrace uncertainty. It is a source of excitement and creativity. Uncertainty can help you to break out of your comfort zone and lead you to new experiences and perspectives. By approaching uncertainty with a positive mindset and a willingness to learn and grow, you can develop new skills and build the resilience needed to navigate life's challenges.”
Always take on challenges that get you out of your comfort zone; don't be afraid to be wrong when speaking up. ”
Push your comfort zone and look at each challenge as an opportunity for growth. This process never ends, you will face different challenges in every step of your career. Master each experience, one step at a time, and your growth will be unstoppable. ”
Life is not linear. It’s not about straight As, promotions, or traditional family milestones. Be intentional about the direction you are heading but embrace deviations; it's what makes life interesting.”
Be intentional with your time. Set deadlines and stick to them, prioritize your personal and professional commitments, say no when appropriate, and delegate when needed.”
Stay true to who you are. There are so many pressures on women in business, especially in the private equity industry, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the madness of what is around you. I've been fortunate to have amazing mentors to remind me to focus on the things I’m passionate about, continue to speak my mind, and challenge others — because I deserve to be standing next to them. Staying true to who I am allows me to do amazing work, support those around me, and remember that my work doesn't define who I am.”
Women can be overly critical of themselves, seeing their strengths as weaknesses. Seeking feedback from others and reflecting on perceived weaknesses can help you gain a fresh perspective and identify areas for improvement. Embrace unique qualities, work on enhancing skills, and recognize that perceived weaknesses can sometimes be strengths.”
Don't discount experiences, whether yours or others. Everyone brings something valuable to the table and has a perspective that deserves to be heard.”
It's okay to be the only woman in the room, but don't assume those around you know more than you do. Know your stuff, do your homework, be confident in your abilities, and shine on. ”
Don't get confused or distracted by different "should-do" lists. Just be yourself and be excellent at it. ”
Find a mentor: someone you trust and admire, who can be a sounding board as you navigate the various chapters of your life and career. I've been lucky to have several incredible mentors, and I wouldn't be where I am today without their support and guidance (they’ve been my devil’s advocate and my source of encouragement). Be intentional about maintaining that relationship and, when you can, pay it forward as a mentor for others. ”
Take criticism or “feedback” for what it is: a gift given to you to make you better at what you do. Don't concern yourself with the person or the method of delivery. Instead, glean out the teachable nuggets and move on. And remember that a job, even a great one, doesn’t give your life meaning — at least not alone. Life is about what you learn, who you are, and the love that surrounds you. ”
If you get stuck, don't be afraid to pause, step back, regroup, and move forward from another angle. Sometimes powering through is not the best answer.”
Never show up to a problem without potential solutions. There will always be problems, but it's how you handle adversity that counts the most.”
Whatever you choose to do, always do the best you can. If it's worth doing, it's worth doing right. ”
When you look back on your life, you’re going to have regrets. Make sure your regrets are that you were too graceful and too kind — and not that you were anything else.”
You only get out what you put in." If you aren't putting in your best effort, regardless of your experience level, you are never going to reach your goals.”
Choose happiness over success. Happiness will lead to positivity, and that’s what makes you successful. ”
