Episode 86

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Published on:

6th Nov 2024

86: **2024 U.S. Election Roundtable** Leading Our Teams Through an Emotional Election Week - with 5 Special Guests and GTM Leaders

**Note from Jane** This week, it felt wrong to publish a typical marketing-focused episode, with a big election on many of our minds. So somehow, last minute, we gathered this amazing group of women leaders to talk about how they're handling this emotional time with their teams. I hope our conversation provides guidance, camaraderie, and a little hope during tumultuous times. - Jane

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In this special roundtable episode of "Women in B2B Marketing," host Jane Serra leads a discussion with 5 fellow women leaders in GTM on navigating the workplace during the emotionally charged 2024 U.S. Presidential election. The panel includes Anne Pao, Michelle Kim, Sarah Reese, Meg Thomman, and Purna Virji, who share insights on fostering a supportive work environment. They emphasize empathy, open communication, and mental health awareness, drawing from personal experiences, particularly from the 2016 election. The conversation also touches on handling political discussions professionally, advocating for respect and understanding.

Together, this group discusses:

  • The impact of the 2024 election on workplace dynamics.
  • Emotional toll of significant events like elections on employees.
  • Importance of empathy and vulnerability in leadership.
  • Strategies for creating a supportive work environment during stressful times.
  • Normalizing conversations about mental health in the workplace.
  • Navigating political discussions and differing beliefs in a professional setting.
  • Balancing personal and professional identities regarding political views.
  • Encouraging open communication and validation of feelings among team members.
  • Practical strategies for supporting employees during election day, such as flexible schedules.
  • Fostering a culture of respect and understanding in diverse workplaces.

Key Links:

Guests:

Anne Pao - Founder & CEO of Ignite Consulting - https://www.linkedin.com/in/annepao/

Michelle Kim - Entrepreneur, 3x VP Marketing - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellejeankim/

Sarah Reece - Director of Demand Gen @ Orum - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sbethreece/

Purna Virji - Principle Consultant, Content Solutions @ Linkedin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/purnavirji/

Meg Thomann - Communications Director @ Wedgewood Pharmacy

https://www.linkedin.com/in/meg-thomann/


Host:

Jane Serra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/


Book Recommendation:

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About the Podcast

Women in B2B Marketing
A biweekly podcast dedicated to motivating marketers at all levels in their careers through real-life stories. Our goal is to inspire listeners to achieve more, strive for success, and feel a sense of understanding and community.
Women in B2B Marketing is a biweekly podcast dedicated to motivating marketers at all levels in their careers through real-life stories of victory and defeat, challenge and triumph. Our goal is to inspire listeners to achieve more, strive for success, and feel a sense of understanding and community.

This is a place where CMOs, VPs of Marketing, and all strong women B2B marketing leaders discuss their top tactics, strategies, and tips for building teams, leveraging trends, and ultimately rocking their marketing careers - however that looks to them.

Leading marketing teams everywhere from fortune 500s to startups and challenger brands, these women share their stories of rising to the top - and how they overcame any obstacles that came their way.

Made by and for women, insightful for all.

Podcast Host: Jane Serra, 15+ years in B2B marketing across all industries from SaaS to Marketing Agencies and International Outsourcing.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janeserra/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/womeninb2bmarketing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/womeninb2bmktg

About your host

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Jane Serra