top of page
Women Rising: Strength, Mentorship, and Collective Success
Women’s Month is a time to celebrate the leaders who inspire, mentor, and break barriers in their industries. Today, we’re honored to speak with Joanne Downs, VP of Customer Success, about the challenges she’s overcome, advice on career success, and her vision for the future of women in leadership. Whether you’re an aspiring leader or an experienced professional, Joanne provides valuable insights into building meaningful customer relationships and thriving in a rapid industry.
Strength In Numbers
The role of women in customer success has evolved, and now, they are at the forefront of innovation, defining the future of customer experience strategies and driving results.
“I've seen the role of women evolve a great deal in the areas of STEM and in leadership. I graduated from college as only 1 of 3 women in my engineering discipline and I actually started my first job as the only female in a group of 24, so I'm encouraged daily to see women in technical fields. The challenges for women don't go away, but it is encouraging to have more women to work through those challenges together.”
As more women are stepping into leadership roles, advocating for change, and mentoring the next generation, we can continue to build a more inclusive and impactful future.
Building Professional Connections
Strong professional relationships are the foundation of success in any leadership role, especially in customer success.
“Be genuine. Honesty and an open communication style goes a long way. Be accountable, work hard and let your work speak for itself. If you're ever feeling lost, seek a mentor and don't be afraid to ask for help.”
Credibility is built through consistency, expertise, and confidence. Be sure to celebrate your achievements, advocate for yourself, and ask for guidance when needed. Overall, everyone is working towards the same goal—to drive business success—so your wins are a part of the collective success.
Women in Leadership Roles
Women bring a unique blend of building strong relationships, leading with empathy, and navigating complex problems, making them influential leaders. As someone who is constantly collaborating with others and in a leadership role, we asked Joanne what qualities she believes set women apart.
“Good question. In general, I think empathy sets women apart as leaders. God gave women the innate ability to nurture teams and foster collaboration, and I think this does give women the opportunity to help people grow as a team.”
By leveraging these qualities and continuing to drive results, women will not only shape the future of the industry but also empower the next generation of leaders.
Believing In Your Abilities
Many women struggle with imposter syndrome in leadership roles, which can be a significant hurdle, but it should never allow you to undermine what you bring to the table. Whether you are early in your career or in a leadership role, Joanne shares advice that can help you get ahead and remind you how far you’ve come!
“My biggest piece of advice is just to trust yourself. Your capabilities have gotten you to where you are, so it's important to build upon your strengths and be mindful of your weaknesses, but don't let them make you question where you are. Learn from your mistakes and if you're ever really feeling strongly about imposter syndrome, ask yourself the question, if your male colleagues would ask themselves and feel the same way and 9 times out of 10, the answer is no.”
To combat imposter syndrome, focus on what you have achieved and celebrate your continuous growth. Embracing new challenges as learning opportunities can reinforce confidence. Own your success and know that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
Passing the Torch
True impact comes from breaking barriers, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that future generations of women in business have the resources to excel.
“I hope to be a Beacon of light. I want to be an advocate for women who are having a hard time finding their way in a male-dominated industry. I want to be seen as a mentor, but I also want to help encourage those people to become mentors themselves for the next generation.”
bottom of page