We asked Nadiyah Gause, Business Solutions Innovation Lead at Johnson and Johnson for some advice as a woman in her field. #SSOWomen is an initiative to bring women together with potential mentors and to encourage a network of support and information sharing between professional women. To be featured on out blog and social media, please reach out to carson.bunting@iqpc.com for campaign details. 

Five years ago, is this career/role what you envisioned?  

“I definitely would not have envisioned myself in this career path 5 years ago.  There is no major in school for Shared Services and Outsourcing unlike having a Finance major. In that regard, I did not even understand what a career in Shared Services and Outsourcing would entail.”

What do you think is the biggest challenge that women currently face in the workplace?

“Self-Doubt and lack of Self-Promotion!  The self-promotion does not feel natural to us (at least it didn’t to me, I felt like I was sucking up), so we don’t go beyond our comfort zones.  The self-doubt leads to wanting to check ever box on a job description before even asking questions about the opportunity.  This leads to not taking a chance and recognizing what you are good at that can be “sold” in an interview which will compensate for areas we can learn.”

How do you view/handle failure in the workplace?

“Take a “Licking and Keep on Ticking”….now not to over exaggerate the point I do self-reflect and think about what I would do differently but I don’t wallow in the failure!”

How do you go about encouraging innovative ideas in your workplace?

“I encourage people to get out there and talk to others, don’t be afraid to share and be open to ideas.  Additionally, I let people know that you don’t need millions of dollars to try new ideas think about how to scrappily (low budget low effort) test your thoughts.”

What is the most important career advice you’ve gotten in the last 10 years?

“Don’t think about a particular role title or level.  Think about what you like to do and navigate career discussions as well as understanding what you need in your skillset from that perspective!  It takes the pressure off of you and the recipient of  your message.”

Have you had any female mentors in your career and if so, what wisdom did she impart? And feel free to give that person a shout out!

“Yes I have had a lot of female mentors.  One in particular gave me the advice to not think about a particular role or title but think about what you like to do.  If you are passionate and engaged in the work the upward movement will come.”

What, if anything, do you and/or your SSO currently do to foster female empowerment in the workplace?

“The greatest thing you can do is lead by example.  In our organization currently the VP of Global Services (Erin Champlin) is a female who is dynamic…she is what I admiringly refer to as a “Boss Chic”!”