Shaping the Future: A Tribute to Synergy's Female Leaders
March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the many achievements and contributions of women throughout history. We believe that diversity and inclusivity are key to our success, and we are proud to have many talented and inspiring women in leadership roles within our organization. In honor of Women's History Month, we spoke with some of these incredible women to learn more about their experiences and insights. Let's hear what they had to say.
Jacqui Ang
What does it mean for you to be a woman in a position of power?
For me, being a female leader is incredibly fulfilling. It's a testament to the hard work and dedication I've put into my career, despite facing numerous challenges and barriers along the way. What I love most about having this position is the opportunity to make a positive impact in my industry and beyond. I can also serve as a role model for other women who aspire to achieve success and leadership positions. It's a humbling experience, but also one that fills me with great pride.
What can we do to promote equal opportunities for women in education and employment?
By providing equal access to education, mentorship, and training. Women can benefit from these to help them to develop the skills they need to succeed.
Joan McCarthy Mack
What does it mean for you to be a woman in a position of power?
I like to think that as a woman leader I’m able to extend my hand and assist other women who might need that extra pat on the back for a job well done, that tiny bit of courage to go for a well-earned promotion, encouragement during tough times, or being someone who is just there to listen. To change the workplace, women must feel confident to be authentic and lift and support other women!
Who are some inspiring women you look up to?
Aside from my mother who suddenly had to go to work and raise 6 young children as a single parent in the 60s, Ruth Bader Ginsberg inspires me. I love her quote, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.” She believed that to successfully make change happen, we must fight in a way that others want to follow.
Robin Spindel
What does it mean for you to be a woman in a position of power?
I hope that other women will be inspired as they see my accomplishments and those of other female leaders within our industry to reach for the stars. During my career progression, I always looked to the success of strong women mentors and tried to emulate the qualities that made them exceptional leaders.
Given that the business world is predominantly run by men, how are you advocating for women in the industry or in your workplace?
We’re in travel and hospitality – an industry that has been very welcoming to women. I purposely sought out this industry and it has afforded me the opportunity to thrive. I hope that over time other industries can provide the same growth opportunities to women and I truly believe that is changing, woman by woman.
What is Synergy doing successfully, and how can we grow to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace for women?
Synergy is a terrific place to work as a woman leader! In fact, half the leaders at the company are female. We are judged on merit and adhering to our core values of being restless, resilient and remarkable. I truly feel that every opportunity for growth is afforded equally to our staff regardless of gender.
Susan Becker
What does it mean for you to be a woman in a position of power?
As a woman leader, I feel responsible to be a role model. To motivate others to grow and develop. It’s important to inspire women to practice resilience. Women are not only dealing with the stress of a full-time job but we are often also raising families so we can easily forget how resilient we are. As a female leader, it is of the utmost importance to create a healthy work-life balance. Women are often perceived as being more emotional and less decisive than a man and yet because of all the juggling we do on a daily basis, we bring more diverse experiences to the table and often times a fresh perspective. As a woman in a position of power, I support other women to not be afraid to speak up and share an idea, to take a chance and defy the status quo.
What is synergy doing successfully, and how can we grow to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace for women?
I have been at Synergy for 12 years, during my tenure I have been in 4 roles, each role I created and advocated for myself and each role advanced my career. Without Executive Level support I wouldn’t be in the leadership role I’m in today. I believe this kind of support demonstrates what Synergy is doing to successfully support women. We also have 67% of leadership roles held by women – this is an outstanding statistic.
Who are some inspiring women you look up to?
My all-time favorite quote is from Eleanor Roosevelt – “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent”. Eleanor Roosevelt supported the advancement of women in both professional and political positions. She championed women’s rights and women’s activism. She was determined to be active vs. idle and her determination made her be more assertive, independent, and bold. Her quest for independence allowed her to develop a passion for empowering women. She was outspoken and unafraid and I have always been truly inspired by her.
Claire Barrie
Given that the business world is predominantly run by men, how are you advocating for women in the industry or in your workplace?
As a “wannabe independent” Gen X, I scoffed at university and began an early career at 17. Shoulder pads, hairspray and a pull-up aerial in my “cellular telephone”, equipped me to take on the world. Looking back, “ignorance was my fiercest ally” - I didn’t know what I didn’t know. Looking back, I suppose it was predominantly run by men, but that was just the way it was. To be honest, I don’t think that I even noticed - I just went for it. Entering my 30s and starting a family, was tough. Adjusting to working as a new parent, was difficult. Daily commutes, childcare, paying the bills, traveling, the guilt and trying to be all things to all people was exhausting – and all whilst making sure (hoping) that I didn’t have a ladder in my tights!!
We have come a long way, and I believe that the pandemic taught us so much about how professional women can achieve “career-personal commitment” success while enabling organizations to reap the full benefits of their female talent. Opportunity is at its finest to build for today and collectively our inspirational future. Women in select countries can now make a choice to tackle the barriers to unblock their career success. Imposter syndrome may taunt periodically, but together, we champion and mentor her, and encourage her to give the confidence to take that leap. Success is contagious – so let’s celebrate!
Leading The Way
At Synergy, we firmly believe that diversity and inclusion are essential to the success of any organization. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are reminded of the countless contributions that women have made throughout history, and we are committed to supporting and empowering women both within our company and in the wider community. It is well-documented that diverse leadership teams and workforces drive innovation, better decision-making, and long-term success. Therefore, we are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and included, and where everyone has the chance to excel. We are proud to recognize the achievements of women, and we pledge to continue our efforts toward fostering a workplace culture that promotes diversity and inclusion.
