“I grew up not believing in gender bias, but being a woman in the business industry today has shown me otherwise.”
Meet Danielle Salowski, the lead of Health Industry Vertical at Facebook and keynote speaker for the 11th annual Women in Business Conference. On November 8th, 2017, Salowski shared her experience in the tech industry today, explaining her four tips to succeeding in such a male dominated field. Through this conference, female business students at Villanova University had the opportunity to not only learn the keys to success from Villanova alumni but understand how to empower and uplift all women in the workforce including themselves.
A Male Dominated Field
As an opportunity for young women to gain knowledge about their future as women in business, Danielle Salowski began by explaining her background in the business world. In an industry that is constantly growing yet still male dominated, it is important for all female business students to continue to learn from professionals now working in the field.
Salowski, a now Facebook Health Leader, began by explaining her beginnings in the business industry. Prior to joining Facebook, Salowski spent 11 years working for the digital and social media spaces across the United States. She explained to the audience that while attending Villanova University, she never noticed gender bias and inequality between students. Unfortunately, while working for businesses such as Twitter, CafeMom, and News Corporation not only gender bias but ageism in the workplace was revealed. “I noticed that the playing field was not level and extremely unfair,” stated, Salowski.
Now a team lead at Facebook, Danielle must manage men that are much more experienced and older than she is. Due to these conditions, she explained that it was obvious the men in the office believed themselves to be more qualified than her, showing entitlement and even disrespect in some cases. For Danielle this was not only surprising but very hard to overcome at first. How can a female business woman establish her authority in the workplace while still being respectful and approachable? Salowski went on to share a few tips she wished she knew when starting her career in the business world.
Show Your Strength
To show your strength means to be deliberate in the office. “You must be deliberate in letting your co-workers and clients know the position you hold,” stated Danielle. She explained common character traits that women unconsciously do, making it easy for coworkers to ignore and disregard. “Women ask for permission and are shy, waiting to speak when asked,” she explained. To overcome this downfall and be a respectable figure in the workplace, women must not come off as entitled but show confidence. In addition, it is the responsibility of the female coworkers to empower other colleagues they work with. “Elevate women, support each other,” she stated. All women, no matter the age, should be aware of the issues facing our society today and have a plan to conquer these obstacles.
How to Succeed
Yet the question still stands. How can women succeed in such a male dominated field? How can females of every age break through the boundaries and limits set against them? Danielle Salowski finished her keynote speech by sharing and explaining four key elements to success.
- Work for a company that you believe in
- Seek experiences outside your comfort zone
- Build a network that supports and empowers you
- Stay true to Augustinian values
These four steps in addition to the free book each student received at the conference called The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown will not only increase women’s confidence but allow for success in their field. Embracing who you are as individual and going after what you believe in will change the impact women have in the workplace.
It is up to women to make a difference and support each other. Although the journey may be challenging, it is important to take tackle each obstacle whether it be an overpowering boss or a disrespectful coworker. With strong and confident women in the workforce, the playing field will finally be level, allowing for success in generations of aspiring business women to come.
Ignite change.
KeLee Estrada 