As Women’s History Month comes to a close, we want to keep the conversation going — even after headlines change and Zoom backgrounds come down. Whether within professional settings or in our personal lives, open dialogues are key to unlocking equality for all.
In that spirit, we opened the door to some of the fearless female leaders within the TD SYNNEX SMB Connect team, all of whom have made a positive impact on TD SYNNEX and the IT channel as a whole. We asked them a few questions to learn what motivates them, in the hopes that their insights will in turn, empower others:
Our SMB Connect Leaders
What strategies or actions did you take to achieve success in your role as a woman leader?
Ivey Eschberger: I lead by example. I listen to my co-workers and sales reps needs. I respectfully communicate my expectations.
Chiela Soto: I’m always curious and I love to learn new things! I also like to be a messenger, so others will succeed and make sure that they can do their jobs, confidently and comfortably.
Tawonya Simmons: Determination, empathy and a positively strong work ethic as well as my strength in working well with others.
Maria Cortes: I’ve been very blessed to be around both female and male leaders and mentors that have given me the opportunity to grow. I’m a firm believer that the opportunities are there but what you do with the opportunities is what makes the difference. Being a leader is not an easy task as you have a group of members, teams, the company that rely and depend on you to lead and do what’s best for the greater good. I have also been able to build very strong relationships with individuals and support teams that have allowed me to learn and understand what their roles entail. We have been able to partner together to create an environment of collaboration for our teams to succeed. The role of a leader does not include one person, it takes an army of strong leaders to make a difference. I strive to lead by example and invest in myself to become a better/stronger leader every day.
What ways do you think being a woman has helped you develop your leadership skills?
Ivey: As a woman, I tend to take constructive criticism well. I think taking constructive criticism and learning from it is important when you are trying to become a better leader. Learn from your mistakes and then project that knowledge onto others.
Chiela: Being a woman made a way for others to listen more — they became more interested in the things I could offer to advance a specific program that will benefit the majority. It made me feel more excited to think of unique things that others could use and be successful in what they do every day.
Tawonya: Being confident, trustworthy, dependable and the ability to multitask.
Maria: It has been tough to break the stereotype that being kind is not a sign of weakness. On the contrary, being a woman and a mom for that matter has helped me be empathetic and caring but still be firm when I needed to be. Being a woman has also given me that additional push to work harder, be more confident and not afraid to go after what I want. Throughout my life I have tried not to let stereotypes of gender keep me from going after what I want. On the contrary, it has given me that fire in me to show who I am and develop myself into a stronger individual personally and professionally. The journey is not always easy but if you stay true to yourself, it’s worth it.
What advice would you give young women just starting their careers?
Ivey: Be confident and lead by example. Believe in yourself and your success. Do the right thing, communicate respectfully and set expectations.
Chiela: Keep on learning. Don’t be afraid to accept new projects. New projects mean new opportunities — another chance to prove you can bring awesome things to the table.
Tawonya: Have confidence, know your strengths and weaknesses, and find a mentor that can help with skill development.
Maria: We must always show gratitude for the opportunities that are presented to us and the individuals that have helped us in our journey. Become the person you want to be and not who others want you to be. Surround yourself with individuals that will make a positive impact in your life and career and want to see you succeed. Create your own happiness and do what you love. Find your purpose and calling and it will be that passion of doing what you love that will help you reach any goal you set yourself to achieve and help make a difference in other people’s lives.
We’re just scratching the surface when it comes to women’s empowerment at TD SYNNEX. No matter what sized stage you stand on, you have the opportunity to speak up and make an impact. We encourage you to listen, discuss and be open to change – no matter what month we’re in.
If you'd like to see these SMB Connect leaders in action, contact SMBConnect@tdsynnex.com to learn more.