IWD SPOTLIGHT: JESS
We love championing girls on top, and this time it’s at the top of the corporate ladder! To celebrate International Women’s Day we wanted to promote the women within our organization. Before we get into the good bits, here’s a little more about Jess.
Without being biased (because yes, she does have the final say on the Christmas party budget) we think the story of our general manager is one worth sharing. Jess is a sharp and collaborative, commercially-minded leader with over 18 years experience in marketing and digital. She has worked with over 30 global brands, spanning key market segments, luxury, mass and professional, both consumer and trade-facing. From brand management at Revlon, to leading ecommerce and CRM teams at Loreal this go-getter has seen many spreadsheets and lipstick shades throughout her time!
Now leading a primarily female team in the sexual wellness industry, Jess has become the self proclaimed Queen of typos and doer of all things. This ranges from driving growth areas of the business, providing expert marketing strategy advice and mentoring teams. OK without further ado, let’s get into it!
What does International Women's Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day is a day for challenging and smashing gender stereotypes! It is a day not only to acknowledge, but to celebrate the great and many achievements of the women who came before us, empower the women of today, and create impactful change for the women of tomorrow.
This year the theme for IWD is #ChooseToChallenge. What does it mean to you to challenge the stigma around female pleasure?
Whilst there have been many leaps forward in the female empowerment movement, female pleasure continues to carry a stigma and is a taboo topic. Crazy, I know! For me, joining the #MoreSelfLove movement and being at the helm of a brand that is challenging the way people think and talk about female self pleasure in a fresh and relevant way is how I #ChooseToChallenge every single day!
Leading a primarily female team, how do you support and encourage women to thrive in the workplace?
A primarily female team, what a vibe! As a woman my main drive is to open as many seats at the table for the voice of every woman to be heard, not just the woman who shouts the loudest (and we have lots of those!) but to truly hear the powerful words of those quietly spoken voices, who if given the chance to sit at the table, will change our world.
What are your tips for balancing the, dare we say it, work life balance?
Openness and transparency is key! My whole team is aware of my daily schedule which includes a mix of professional and personal moments - hello zoom calls while picking up the kids from school! I have two little monsters who need undivided attention, plus you’ve gotta practice what you preach and set time aside for yourself too. Therefore my team knows that if I’m playing the catch up game and sending emails later in the evening (yes, I’m a night owl) that they are by no means obligated to reply back during these hours. It’s so important to empower people to work a schedule that suits them without guilt, hesitation, or judgement.
With what you know now, what would you tell your younger self in starting your career?
You have everything you will ever need within you, be fearless and courageous and take that first step....you CAN have it all if you choose to, just say when.
Inspired to challenge the stigma around female self pleasure? Discover more at vushstimulation.com