In support of this value, we are excited to launch Women of SAASTEPS, a press release series where we will dive deep with each of our women leaders (who make up over half of our C-Suite), starting with our co-founder and Chief of Design, Rachel Beck.
WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE A WOMAN IN LEADERSHIP AT SAASTEPS?
It’s different from any company I’ve ever worked for! One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the past as a woman is to simply be heard. I’m a bit introverted, so I’ve never been comfortable expressing my ideas when there are others in the room with louder voices. And not many people who run meetings make sure there is room for the quiet people. At SAASTEPS (SS), I don’t have to scream. There is space intentionally made for me, and people turn to me for my expertise.
HOW DOES SAASTEPS EMPOWER AND CELEBRATE WOMEN, ESPECIALLY WOMEN OF COLOR?
We celebrate the women at SS by encouraging them to bring in their whole selves to the table, especially the challenging experiences they’ve had and how they’ve overcome them. Women’s voices are often overlooked, undervalued, or spoken over, but we cherish and encourage the unique perspective they contribute to the company’s dynamic. There is value in both the feminine and masculine and it’s important to incorporate both so we can see and solve issues from different perspectives.
HOW DO YOU CULTIVATE A STRONG AND SUPPORTIVE TEAM CULTURE?
Open and transparent communication is crucial. Communication builds trust and lets the team know we’re all working towards the same goals. It lets them know that I see them, not just as an employee but as a human first and foremost. We’re a remote-first company, so communication is even more important without a traditional office setting. We also have a really fun monthly virtual company meeting organized by our Director of Brand. It’s not your average all-hands. We play music to open up and close the meeting (from a playlist that we’ve all contributed to), we celebrate non-work wins and milestones in addition to all of the business stuff. It’s really a people-first approach that I think makes all the difference.
WHAT/WHO KEEPS YOU INSPIRED AS A LEADER?
All women! As cliché as it may sound…I’m continually blown away by their strength, knowledge, kindness, and sass, expressed in their own unique way. To me, leadership is about being a listener and a lifetime learner. Ruth Bader Ginsberg didn’t become a powerhouse by just barging through and claiming her place in the supreme court; she listened, learned, and challenged the system. I think in a similar but obviously very different way, we’re trying to do the same at SS and as women in general. We listen, learn, and then we try to push the boundaries of the box we’ve been put in every single day.
Follow SAASTEPS on LinkedIn to be the first to hear about future editions of Women of SAASTEPS, coming soon.
Media Contact
Dana Jung, SAASTEPS, (650) 759-0508, [email protected], www.saasteps.com
SOURCE SAASTEPS
