Chief

Big news: Wharton Executive Education is now Chief’s official academic partner. The Wharton School’s world-class business academics 🤝 the largest network of women executives. With new Executive Education courses, in-person panels, and more, Wharton's renowned faculty will bring their cutting-edge research and practical learnings directly to the Chief community starting in 2025. First up? The Emotionally Savvy Executive: Cultivating Leadership and Your Personal Brand, led by deputy dean Nancy Rothbard, marketing professor Americus Reed II, and organizational psychologist Stew Friedman. Chief Members, what other topics do you want to explore? Let us know in the comments.

Tears of laughter or tears of frustration? Honestly, who can tell anymore. We created The Corporate Trail to spotlight the absurd challenges women face as they navigate corporate leadership. From managing mentorship while being mansplained to, to being asked to double profits while navigating double standards  — these scenarios are just the start. Over the past week, we’ve laughed, we’ve cried, and we’ve doubled down on our commitment to supporting women executives. Mock the madness at thecorporatetrail.com

In an era defined by microtrends born on social media, many executive leaders find themselves struggling to cultivate a sense of style that helps them feel comfortable and confident. Last week, we hosted a conversation with our long-time partner NET-A-PORTER, moderated by Linda Wells, editor of Air Mail Look and the founding editor-in-chief of Allure Magazine. The panel featured President and Ad Interim CEO of YOOX NET-A-PORTER, Alison Loehnis, Squarespace Chief Marketing Officer Kinjil Mathur, and two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and talk show host TAMRON HALL. Together, they explored the art of aligning your professional persona and personal style. Highlights spanned strategies for dressing according to the demands of your calendar, how to pack for a conference abroad, and how to reimagine executive presence in 2025 and beyond. Swipe for our favorite insights from Alison, Kinjil, and Tamron below. Chief Members: What was your favorite insight from the event? 

In our final Power Seat conversation of 2024, Mellody Hobson reflected on the toughest moments of her career and how they shaped the next chapter of her journey. Her advice for facing a challenging moment? “Prove to yourself that you can accomplish anything.” Chief Members: What lessons will you carry into 2025?

IYKYK. The Corporate Trail (sadly) isn’t just a game, it’s the experience of many women execs. Navigating the razor-thin margin of maintaining likeability without burning out, stolen credit, office party planning duties, parental leave, and… and… and… Think you can survive the double standards? Test your skills at thecorporatetrail.com

The key to achieving your biggest goals? According to Fawn Weaver, founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest, Inc.: A plan and the drive to work toward it every day. Members, we want to know: What was your favorite insight from Fawn’s Power Seat?

Congratulations to the Chief Members who made bold moves along this week. They aren’t just surviving The Corporate Trail, they’re conquering it. We’re cheering you on not only in these big moments but in your moments of impact every day. — Marie Kelly was hired as Chief Growth Officer, Fractional — Sirisha (Siri) Swahari was promoted to Vice President at CGI — Michelle Meyers launched Invisible Marketing Group — Ghazal Badiozamani joined the board of Swayable — Windy Nicholson received a WomenTech Network Ada Lovelace Special Recognition Award for Women in ICT — Michelle Oldham received a FedScoop 50 Award — Cheryl Overton’s company, Cheryl Overton Communications, received a Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) Business Impact Award.

If you repeat this affirmation every morning and swap coffee for green tea, you’re *actually* scientifically guaranteed to feel exactly the same. Good luck out there! Think you can handle the burden of leadership and unfair expectations?  Find out: thecorporatetrail.com

Finally, a strategy we can execute on. How will you play the career game? thecorporatetrail.com

Seeking a dynamic, energetic, and always-smiling professional who thrives in ultra fast-paced environments. Responsibilities include navigating moving goalposts, managing ever-shifting expectations, and being a team player. Must be adaptable, resilient, comfortable with your efforts going unrecognized, and skilled at navigating double standards. Sound like you? You’d do well on The Corporate Trail: thecorporatetrail.com