WO M E N WO RTH WATCHIN G
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uilding a team I can rely on is a critical factor to my success in corporate law. It is also the most valuable thing I can offer to my clients. In antitrust and commercial litigation, the stakes are always high; knowing there is a team—a professional support system—in place to deliver the highest quality work gives clients peace of mind. I’ve worked with my current core team for approximately ten years. It comprises smart, ambitious law-
Keila Ravelo
For this Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher, the team is the thing. yers—leaders in their own right— who work collaboratively, so we can all get an excellent job done for our clients and grow professionally. Each person has strengths critical to the team’s success, and we truly complement one another. Not only do we support each other, we look out for one another personally and professionally. As the mother of two, I am able to enjoy a healthy work-life balance because of the team I have with me. What surprised me about working collaboratively is how rewarding loyalty can be. After ten years,
I am proud of the fact that our team works seamlessly and wants to stick together. When we moved to our current firm a few years ago, one key team member was hesitant about the move. I told him if he didn’t want to make the move, our whole team would stay put. We needed to stick together. I promised him the move would provide significant opportunity in the long run and he trusted me that it would. We know now it was the right move, because Willkie has been a great platform for the entire team. PDJ
Amorell Saunders N’Daw
University of Toronto Scarborough’s Director of Governance on the benefits—and pitfalls—of standing out.
I naturally stand out—whether inside or outside my organization— because I am a woman of colour. I am intensely aware of my visibility and have worked hard to demonstrate my value to an organization. Did I need to work twice as hard because of my visibility? Perhaps. But I believe the
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key to getting people to know who you are and what you can do rests in doing great work. When you deliver exceptional results, people take notice. I have worked hard to produce work that is of extremely high quality. I have kept my standards high and, at times, made unrealistic demands on those I worked with. One of the lessons I learned along the way is to keep expectations high for myself and low for others to minimize any disappointment with outcomes. Another way I have learned to stand out is to invest in relationships. I have nurtured and maintained connections with people with whom I have worked, whether they were a supportive colleague, a trusted supervisor, or a cheer-
ful peer. Having a deep and strong network has served me well throughout my career. You never know where your career path will lead, so it’s best to treat everyone you meet along the way with respect and kindness. I also volunteer in my community, using my skills and experience to help organizations meet their goals. Volunteering has many benefits, including helping you build new connections, and I have encouraged those I mentor to consider how volunteerism can enhance their personal and professional outlook. I also encourage them to be approachable, assertive, and open to sharing their knowledge and skills. These are the prerequisites for getting noticed. PDJ
“… be approachable, assertive, and open to sharing your knowledge ...”
PROFILES IN DIVERSITY JOURNAL September/October 2014