Together We Rise: Women Making Recent History
One of the books on Equiliem Chief Administrative Office Shannon Block’s top shelf is “Together We Rise,” itself an example of the power of women leaders coming together to accomplish a common goal. If you find yourself on an upcoming business trip, it’s an enjoyable way to pass the time on the flight and step off the plane reminded of your opportunities to make a difference.
March is Women’s History Month, and it’s a time to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of women throughout history. This month, we want to highlight the principles of women who have made history in the staffing industry and how they have risen by helping others rise. We’ll be drawing on the book “Together We Rise” by the Lady Leaders Book Club, which features stories and insights from 16 women leaders who are changing the game in their industries.
Helping Others Succeed
One of the key themes in the book is the importance of mentorship and lifting others up. As Stacey Gordon, one of the contributors to the book puts it: “It’s not just about achieving success for ourselves. It’s about pulling others up with us and creating more opportunities for everyone.” This is a principle that is especially important in the staffing industry, where connecting talented job seekers with great companies can have a huge impact on both individuals and businesses.
Diversity and Inclusion
Several of the contributors to the book have been instrumental in driving diversity and inclusion in the staffing industry. For example, Donna Carroll, the CEO of a staffing and recruiting firm, emphasizes the importance of diversity in hiring: “It’s important to understand that diversity is more than just a checkbox or a quota. It’s about creating a culture that values and embraces differences.” By making diversity and inclusion a priority, businesses can tap into a wider pool of talent and create a more innovative and effective workforce.
Staying Forward Focused
Amanda Hammett, founder and CEO of a staffing and consulting firm, emphasizes the importance of innovation and adapting to change: “The staffing industry is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. By embracing new technologies and approaches, we can create better outcomes for our clients and candidates.” Hammett’s company uses AI and machine learning to match job seekers with job opportunities, demonstrating how technology can be used to create more efficient and effective staffing solutions.
Flexibility
Tanya Bourque, the founder and CEO of a staffing and recruitment firm, has been a vocal advocate for flexible work arrangements: “We need to move away from the traditional 9-to-5, Monday-to-Friday workweek and embrace more flexible arrangements. This is especially important for women, who often have caregiving responsibilities and need more flexibility in their work.” Bourque’s company has been a leader in offering flexible work options, including remote work and flexible schedules, to attract and retain top talent. By prioritizing work-life balance, Bourque is helping to create a more equitable and sustainable staffing industry.
Resilience
Another key theme in the book is the importance of resilience and persistence in the face of challenges. As Jennifer Olney, the founder and CEO of a staffing and consulting firm, puts it: “Every time you face a setback, you have a choice. You can either give up, or you can learn from it and keep pushing forward.” This is a lesson that is especially relevant for women in the staffing industry, who may face unique challenges and barriers to success.
Relationships
Jillian Rodriguez, founder and CEO of a staffing and recruitment firm, emphasizes the importance of building relationships and creating a positive candidate experience: “The staffing industry is all about people. We need to prioritize building authentic relationships with candidates, understanding their goals and aspirations, and helping them find opportunities that align with their values and skills.” By putting people first, Rodriguez is helping to create a more compassionate and empathetic staffing industry.
She also adds, “If you’re in the staffing industry, you have the power to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether you’re helping someone find their dream job or supporting a business in achieving their goals, you can create a meaningful impact. Let’s use that power to lift each other up and create a better future for everyone.”
Collaborating for Change
Finally, the book highlights the power of collaboration and community in driving change. As Kaitlyn Duling, the founder of a staffing and recruitment agency, puts it: “We’re stronger when we work together. When we collaborate and share ideas, we can accomplish so much more than we ever could on our own.” This principle is especially important in the staffing industry, where building strong relationships with clients, candidates, and industry peers is key to success.
In conclusion, women have been making history in the staffing industry by championing diversity and inclusion, showing resilience and persistence, and building strong communities. By following their lead, businesses can create a more equitable and effective workforce and help more women rise to positions of leadership and influence. As the contributors to “Together We Rise” have shown, success is not a zero-sum game. By helping others rise, we can all rise together.