International Women's Day 2020
They are leaders in their careers, team players, and champions of their sense of self. The leading women of DUER work incredibly hard, but their lives are more than just a job. On International Women's Day, we’re reminded of what women have achieved, and the hurdles still left to jump over. By harnessing patience and speaking up to make their voices heard, women around the world have moved mountains.
The women of DUER have grown into leadership roles with wisdom and inspiration from the women around them. Here’s their advice on overcoming obstacles, how to be an effective leader, and who got them to where they are today.
Nadia
Nadia is our Director of Brand at DUER and lives in the Performance Denim High Rise Skinny.
What is the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome being a woman in a leadership role?
“Imposter syndrome pops up for me anytime I step into a larger leadership role. The silver lining is to get rid of it, you have to be a self-champion, which isn’t a bad skill to build!”
What piece of advice would you give to women looking to grow into a leadership role?
“Be the best possible active listener.”
Who's a woman that inspires you and why?
“My mom is a complete sponge for new information—it’s what energizes her. From being active on Twitter to supporting grandmothers in Africa, my goal is to be even half as curious as she is about the world around her.”
Robin
Robin is our VP of Customer Experience at DUER. She hikes, bikes, and crawls after her newborn in her favourite Live Lite Field Pant.
What is the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome being a woman in a leadership role?
“An obstacle has been finding the balance between being a leader and being likeable. I’ve had to let go of what ‘nice girls’ do in order to find my footing as a fair and challenging leader—not just the nicest.”
What piece of advice would you give to women looking to grow into a leadership role?
“Many women are perfectionists. But in a state of growth, perfection is impossible. Accept ‘good enough.’ Trust that your ‘good enough’ is as good as anyone else’s.”
Who's a woman that inspires you and why?
“Michelle Obama was put, rather unwillingly, into a position of intense scrutiny. She not only survived it, but used her platform to raise awareness for women, human rights, and environmental issues, while remaining unapologetically herself.”
Lynn
Lynn is our Director of Finance at DUER and goes from work to play in her Performance Denim Mid Rise Skinny.
What is the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome being a woman in a leadership role?
“Understand your value. Never let someone else define you or tell you who you are.”
What piece of advice would you give to women looking to grow into a leadership role?
“Be confident and be brave. Be willing to stand up and take on more work or projects. Be fearless.”
Who's a woman that inspires you and why?
“All of my sisters are incredibly talented, intelligent, creative, adventurous, and resilient. But most of all, fun!”
“Understand your value. Never let someone else define you or tell you who you are.”
Elizabeth
Elizabeth is our Director of Product at DUER and does everything in her Performance Denim High Rise Skinny (even yoga).
What is the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome being a woman in a leadership role?
“Being in a leadership role, I’ve had to balance home life and work life. Someone once told me you can have it all, but not all at the same time. I think it’s about managing expectations for your time. It’s learning to let things go when you have to—but push when you can.”
What piece of advice would you give to women looking to grow into a leadership role?
“Let others shine and bring people in as you grow. This helps you achieve more as a team, and you help others learn to lead as well. And always give credit where it’s due for hard work.”
Who's a woman that inspires you and why?
“The women of DUER. We are lucky to be surrounded by amazing women on both the larger team and leadership team. Seeing how everyone works together to support one another is spectacular and not always present in all companies. We have a pretty special culture here.”
Kim
Kim is our Director of Operations and her Live Lite Camo Joggers are a mainstay in her closet (even travelling South Asia with them).
What is the hardest obstacle you’ve had to overcome being a woman in a leadership role?
“I have always been mentored by strong men and women, and felt my actions and attitude helped to advance my career.”
What piece of advice would you give to women looking to grow into a leadership role?
“Own everything you do. Accept positive feedback for your successes that drive the business forward, and own the mistakes. It’s okay to make missteps or have challenges—that’s how you move forward and show leadership.”
Who's a woman that inspires you and why?
“RBG—Ruth Bader Ginsburg. What a powerhouse! She has lived her entire career ensuring that women simply can be seen in the eyes of the law as equal. Now that is what Feminism is all about! She is strong, powerful, intelligent, and classy. What’s not to love?!”
To celebrate International Women’s Day, we are inspired by our leading women of DUER. As friends, family, and true lovers of DUER, thank you for paving the way in determination and leadership.
Check out our DUER Women's collection, inspired by and designed for the busy, active woman who wants more from their clothing. Strong enough for everybody, yet catered to her body.
