Jenny Gerson, Senior Director of Sustainability at DataBank, turned a dismissive comment into a defining moment, and a mission.

Early in her career, she was underestimated. Instead of backing down, she leaned in, earned an MBA, and made it her goal to speak the language of business to drive real environmental impact.

Her advice? Apply even if you’re not “fully qualified.” Negotiate. Focus on soft skills. And don’t chase perfection, chase progress.

Read more from Jenny here…

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What has been your career defining moment as a woman in business?

This started off as, perhaps, not a great moment, but turned into a defining moment: In my first career out of undergrad conducting environmental permitting for a wind farm site, I provided recommendations to a client for the least amount of environmental impacts.

He turned to me and said, “Okay little ecologist, but what do you know about my bottom line?” It was a completely rude and inappropriate comment, particularly since it was my job to give him those recommendations.

However, I took it as a pivotal moment: I really didn’t understand business at that time and if I was going to work in most industries (particularly male-dominated industries) I needed to learn that language to make the most impact.

So I said “challenge accepted,” went to get an MBA, focused on finance, and have worked in male-dominated industries making an impact ever since.

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome as a woman in business?

"I always looked at that as an exciting challenge to be overcome rather than an obstacle that held me back."

Perhaps, not specific to being woman (or maybe it is), but I often found earlier in my career that I wasn’t taken seriously until I “proved” myself. Like in the above story, I always looked at that as an exciting challenge to be overcome rather than an obstacle that held me back.

What advice would you give to a younger woman looking to join your industry?

1) Apply for those jobs where you might be missing one or two of the qualification because your male counterparts are applying when they only meet one.

2) Negotiate your salary.

3) Focus not only on the hard skills, but hone your soft skills. It’s those soft skills (leadership, commuincation, etc) that differentiate you and will enable you to thrive in most circumstances.

If you could do one thing to accelerate the pace of change for gender equality, what would it be?

Mitigate the barriers women currently have in business with things like removing bias in hiring; providing equal pay; providing education, support, and benefits.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

To support women in business

What advice would you give to your younger self?

"Perfection shouldn’t be the goal."

Exude confidence (whether you feel confident or not) and use the 80/20 rule – perfection shouldn’t be the goal.

What’s your go-to advice for preventing burnout?

Boundaries. Know what boundaries you need, set those boundaries, communicate those boundaries, and stick to them.

Why do you think it’s important for women to help other women win?

To create solidarity and empowerment when addressing common challenges women face.

Finally, please put the spotlight on another woman in business who either inspires you or has pulled out the seat for you.

One of my first bosses (a woman) was continually including me at the table such as important company gatherings, large client meetings and presentations, etc., to the point that I didn’t know anything different since I was so early on at my career.

When I moved on to other jobs, I just expected that was the case, that I should be at the table. I invited myself to the table rather than waiting to be asked as women sometimes do.

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