The event was opened by Pooneh Mohazzabi, Executive Director IT CRM / Global Sourcing lead and organizer of the event for UBS, and Deb Baker, Managing Director at BNY Mellon and co-chair of the Women's Bond Club Events Committee.
Alison began by describing Nancy Pelosi's response when asked how she defined herself: "as a wife, a mother, and a grandparent", and in turn asked the panel how they personally defined themselves and defined success. Michelle responded "direct and analytical", and spoke of the different consequences of directness for men and women.
When asked about the effect of risk and uncertainty on their careers, the panelist's responses ranged from Teresa's "I went for the hardest, coolest job I could find - nuclear engineer - the interviewers expected to see a man walk in the door" to Robyn's comment on the importance of being able to navigate throughout the organization and staying flexible in being aligned to different personalities "because I never know who is going to be my boss next".
The discussion progressed to the benefits and challenges of the new global landscape: Robyn encouraged women to take any opportunity to "expand the tools in their toolbox", be it an opportunity to live in another country or assignment to a global project. Michele, agreed, noting that an important tool is the ability to read and appropriately respond to cultural differences.
Teresa encouraged women in a potentially unsafe country not to hold back from making requests in the interests of their personal safety. Robyn broadened the discussion to the ability of women to make requests in general, noting that women have a much more difficult time asking for raises, promotions, assignments than do men, but that it is just as important that they do.
Other advice the panelists had for women included being sure that one manages down as well as up in order to be perceived as a leader, building networks but focusing on delivery rather than glad-handing, and always being sure to have your "own personal board of directors" to provide guidance and support.
Following the panel discussion the attendees adjourned to the neighboring room for networking and cocktails.
