One of the pieces of feedback WEST has received lately is questions about becoming a better coach or mentor. WEST believes in the value of coaching and mentoring throughout one’s career and is thrilled to be hosting the upcoming event “Empowering YOU: How to Be a Great Coach or Mentor.”
Topics: Events, Leadership, Career, Mentoring, Coaching, Influence, Developing Your Skills, Challenges, Career Development, Mentor, #WESTevent
In a society that often favors extroverted tendencies, being on the introverted end of the spectrum can bring challenges in loud workplaces. Extroverted or introverted, we all have inspiration, passion, and great ideas within us. We work to create inclusive workplaces that support the success of each person on our team. With a few skills, being open-minded and truly aware of ourselves and those around us, we can create a team that allows each member to contribute their strengths and find success.
There are some misconceptions about introversion at work: that people who are more introverted can’t lead as effectively, are shy, and don’t like to work with others (are not team players). Despite these perspectives, introverted employees can absolutely excel in so many spaces using their strengths. The reality inside an introvert’s mind is thoughtful and methodical, tending to think deeply and critically about the work at hand. Like extraverts, introverts want their team to succeed, and may see the path to success differently. Their ability to truly immerse themselves in the information at hand, process their thoughts from many angles, and present suggestions and solutions that are well thought out is an incredible strength to any company.
Topics: Leadership, Community, Confidence, Challenges, Career Development, Empowerment, #WESTevent, Corporate Culture, Identity, Introvert
STEM is a broad term; it includes all industries that relate to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Often, food and agricultural science aren’t top of mind when it comes to STEM industries. The reality is, these two STEM industries should be one of the first we consider as they impact every aspect of our lives. If you eat, you should be informed about what you eat and what are your best options. You should know about sustainable growing practices, quality of food, and the science behind providing you and your family with the best, most nutritious options.
Topics: Boston, Community, Inspire, Business, Inspiration, #WESTevent, Equity, Female Representation STEM, Conversations, Earth Day, Agriculture, Food Science
Often we think of our career path as something that happens to us. We think in terms of doing what we can to prepare ourselves, but tend to think there’s only so much we can control. By thinking with such a scarcity mindset, we’re setting ourselves up for a career that we endure as long as we have to and then retire as soon as possible. The good news is: we don’t have to live like that. We can learn to create a personal brand and use that brand to market ourselves in a way that allows us to take charge of our careers and create a career path built for us.
Topics: Career, Communication, Resources, Influence, Career Path, Self-Awareness, Confidence, Personal Branding, Challenges, Career Development, Influence Without Authority, #WESTevent, Identity, Hiring Women in STEM
Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? Better yet, do you know why you see yourself there or what it’s going to take to get there? While these are good questions to ask yourself, it leaves a few important details out. How do your strengths, interests, passions, motivations, and work-life balance goals fit into your career plans?
Topics: Leadership, Career, Change, Career Path, Leading Ourselves, Self-Awareness, Career Development, Roadmap, Career Possibilities, New Opportunities, Self-Reflection, #WESTevent
We often don’t recognize the foundational connection between science and music. Often we consider these opposites that don’t mix, like oil and water. The reality is that the contrary is true. Innovation wouldn’t be possible without both creative and analytical thinking. Science and music connect in a way that allows us to create something beautiful, innovative, and inspiring. Together they provide personal growth, leadership and accountability opportunities, and community support.
Topics: STEM, Community, Panel, Cambridge, Networking, Upcoming Events, Female, Collaboration, Holiday, #WESTevent, STEM Women, STEAM, The Arts
When we stop to set goals, especially around the new year, we typically start with a vision of who we want to become, what we want to do, or how we want to improve. Then we’re often left wondering how to achieve those goals. If you’re ready to move your goals out of the wondering stage and into the action stage, you won’t want to miss Judy Goldberg’s upcoming workshop: “Wake Up & Wondershift: A Journey to Personal Transformation.”
Topics: Boston, Community, Inspiration, Career Path, Self-Awareness, Confidence, Personal Branding, Challenges, Career Development, Empowerment, Self-Reflection, #WESTevent, Purpose, Identity
This time of year many of us are celebrating a diverse range of traditions, with common themes of joy, community, and generosity. Whether your family celebrates one holiday or many, whether you have a single tradition or many, there is a little something to fill each and every one of us with joy during this time.WEST Leadership has put together a few of the traditions that hold a special place in their hearts at this time of year. We hope you have the opportunity to celebrate your own traditions and take some time to reflect, relax and recharge as the year comes to a close.
We look forward to seeing you in the new year as we kick of our 2024 programming. Click here to learn more and register!
Topics: Leadership, Boston, Community, Giving Back, Giving, Holiday, STEM Women, Traditions
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), 10.2% of households in the US were food insecure at some point during 2021. That means approximately 33 million people, in the US alone, were unsure of where their next meal would come from at least once during the year. The UN reports estimates that between 691 and 783 million people were food insecure, internationally, at least once during 2022. What can we do to decrease those numbers and render food insecurity a problem of the past? What kind of work would it take to address food insecurity on a global scale?
Topics: STEM, Career, Community, Interview, Culture, Leader, #MemberSpotlight, Member Spotlight, Industry, Inspiration, Role Models, Board of Directors, Grow, Strong Women, Strong World
September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. The WEST community is proud to be diverse and support female STEM careers and female leadership within STEM industries for women of all backgrounds. There are many, many amazing Hispanic female leaders in the STEM industries. Below are a few profiles of Hispanic women that have made major contributions to the STEM industries and are great role models for up-and-coming female STEM leaders looking for experiences they can relate to.
Topics: Leadership, Career, Community, Inspire, Culture, Inspiration, Role Models, Leaders, Career Possibilities, Empowerment, Inclusion, Diversity, D&I, STEM Women, STEM Leadership