At Salo, we are led by many extraordinary women.
For International Women’s Day, we asked six women in key roles to tell us about their career journeys and share some advice for those who are just starting out. Read their insights and get inspired!
Kaleen Robinson, Chief People Officer
What’s your proudest career accomplishment?
Leaving a 35-year successful career at a company to come to Salo. Best. Decision. Ever! It was scary, and sometimes overwhelming. But the connection with our team, the amazing people I’ve met along the way, and the intentionality and purpose I’ve found has been so worthwhile.
What are some encouraging changes for women in the workplace?
Our voice is being heard more than ever before! I’ve experienced women showing up at the table in a way that commands respect yet demonstrates strength. I’ve also seen more men acknowledging the gap that exists and being strong allies for women.
Which women leaders inspire you?
Ruth Bader Ginsberg. She fought so hard for the things she believed in, especially gender equality. She didn’t apologize or make excuses. She had an objective she believed in and she kept focused on it. It’s people like her who have made it better for all women.
What’s your advice for women just getting started?
Be yourself. Don’t apologize. Trust your instincts and be your best self.
Alex Pike, Director of Sales Operations and Enablement
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
It’s a collective of all the careers I’ve gotten to witness grow and develop over the years. It’s amazing to have someone on your team take on a new role, a new responsibility, or a new skill and see the impact it makes on their career and the company’s success. It’s one thing to grow in your own career, but when you see your team making strides and building their own path, you really have something to be proud of.
What are some encouraging changes for women in the workplace?
The amount of women I see in leadership positions. I’ve been blessed to work for multiple companies that place a large percentage of women in leadership across departments. It gives opportunity to women at all stages of their careers.
Which women leaders inspire you?
I love Sheryl Sandberg. Her journey in her career and outlook on life inspire me to take chances and not be afraid to ask for opportunities to learn more.
What’s your advice for women just getting started?
Take a seat at the table. Speak up and share your ideas and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.
Mary Cook, Managing Director, Midwest Finance
What’s your proudest career accomplishment?
Building Chicago—a team and a market with high triple digit revenue growth and best in class brand recognition. Aligning with my team on the same goal, creating belief, and working passionately to build relationships and bring value to our consultants and clients. It has been an amazing journey, and I am so proud of my team.
What are some encouraging changes for women in the workplace?
Post-pandemic norms and more interim project-based work have created more opportunity for greater work flexibility around hours (part or full-time) and location (remote or hybrid).
Which women leaders inspire you?
I am inspired by all women leaders who are mothers who make it work every day, finding the support and arrangements they need to be present and productive at work. Today’s families and children have full schedules and so many women operate both home and work with such precision, balance, and grace. Brava.
What’s your advice for women just getting started?
Show up. Get involved and take on new challenges with the confidence that you do have time, can figure it out, and will succeed.
Loralee Wick, Vice President, National Finance Sales
What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Reigniting my career after being home with my kids for a decade and taking it in an entirely different direction. I have a CPA background and initially worked in public accounting and industry accounting roles. Upon returning to my career, I went into sales and utilized my background to sell professional services. I have thoroughly enjoyed this career pivot!
What are some encouraging changes for women in the workplace?
It has been so great over the course of my career to see more and more women in executive leadership roles and board seats—particularly in the public sector. There’s also been much more intention around developing leadership networks and mentorship opportunities for women earlier in their careers. And the increase in flexible work arrangements has had an incredible impact on a woman’s ability to stay engaged in her career while balancing the needs of a family.
Which women leaders inspire you?
So many! I’ve had the support of very inspiring women leaders who really advocated for me in my career and created terrific opportunities for me. I am also inspired by women who have a unique idea or passion and create a thriving business around that. And I am always excited to see a woman at the CEO level and in the board room.
What’s your advice for women just getting started?
To be confident in their capabilities and “own” their careers! Have the courage to make bold moves. And have a close network of other successful women that can support and mentor you.
Jessica Schmidt, Managing Director, Salo Compass®
What’s your proudest career accomplishment?
Leading the Salo Compass program, I get to experience a sense of pride and accomplishment every time one of our Compass consultants finds the role, the company, or the team they are excited to join on full-time basis. Having known their journey prior to and through Compass, to see their success and their excitement for what’s next in their career is always a proud moment for me.
Which women leaders inspire you?
Definitely my mom. She’s not your typical leader but is very much a role model for me. I grew up on a farm in South Dakota with three sisters and no brothers, so gender norms didn’t mean much. There was work to be done and everyone had to pitch in. Our farm is the family business; my mom held every role in it. She taught me so much: to work hard, to have a sense of pride in what you do, to rely on others, that when you want something, make a plan to get it. And when things don’t go your way, you have to “get back on the horse.” While I have not taken on my family’s business (a thought that would surely make my mom laugh), I carry all her lessons with me today.
What’s your advice for women just getting started?
Be authentically you, be curious, have empathy, listen, believe in yourself, connect, and meet new people. Meeting new people has helped me find new opportunities and advance my career. I started at Deloitte but the firm didn’t recruit at my school. I’ve had many people ask me how I got my foot in the door. It seemed unattainable to me at the time but it came down to following up on an introduction (okay, maybe there were a few follow-ups!) Since then, most new opportunities I’ve experienced have come through relationships and being introduced to new people.
Sue Newton, Director, National HR Sales
What’s your proudest career accomplishment?
It would be from my former career, when I was hired to take the reins as head coach of the University of Minnesota-Duluth Women’s Basketball team. It was an honor to be selected; in that moment, I realized the magnitude of the role, and that I was truly a leader. Because I’d taken the actual role of the leader I admire most to this day—Karen Stromme, the former UMD head coach—it was so special and empowering for me.
Which women leaders inspire you?
So many! I’m so fortunate! The women colleagues I have worked with at Salo all inspire me. Over the last 12 years, I have grown so much professionally. I’ve raised twin babies and learned how to gracefully create boundaries in this post-pandemic world, all by watching and learning from leaders and colleagues here.
What’s your advice for women just getting started?
Many of us don’t always lead with our accolades and achievements. It’s important to be modest, but it’s okay to be proud of what you’ve accomplished. It’s not bragging and it’s not arrogant. So many successful women don’t put their value out front. Don’t make people dig to find out how incredible you are—lead with it!
About Salo
Salo is a nationwide talent firm focused on reimagining the workplace to meet the needs of today’s professionals. Our services focus on matching senior HR, finance, and accounting experts with organizations that need their help. Connect with us today to learn more.