These Women Are Driving Innovation at Smart Communications
By: Jo Sweet, Chief Human Resources Officer at Smart Communications
As Group HR Director for Smart Communications, I have the privilege of encouraging a diverse group of people to be the best they can be. Supporting our global team and cultivating a culture that provides the best service to our customers is immensely rewarding. I believe that when people work together toward a common goal—like strategically solving complex business challenges for a number of industries—it promotes both career and personal growth.
When this growth is encouraged throughout the business, it can spark enthusiasm and drive long-term innovation from every employee whether individually or collectively with their teams.
At Smart Communications, we believe that building and nurturing a rewarding employee experience positively impacts our business and, most importantly, our customers’ experiences. We especially strive to create an inclusive workplace, so on this International Women’s Day, we are spotlighting some of the women in our business who drive innovation day-in and day-out:
Sally Schulte, Product Marketing Director, Atlanta, Ga.
What does your role at Smart Communications entail?
As the Product Marketing Director, it is my responsibility to educate existing and prospective customers as well as industry analysts about our most recent software enhancements and product roadmap This means collaborating internally with nearly every part of our organization – from web design, content development and demand generation to pre-sales, solution architects, customer support and product development.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Smart Communications?
The people. I’ve been very fortunate to work for some wonderful companies, some with enormous workforces. The professionalism and skillset of the people here continue to impress me, especially for a mid-sized company. Smart Communications has assembled a team comprised of true experts in their respective roles, which helps us all rise to the occasion and perform at a higher level.
What’s been something you’ve learned as a woman in tech that you want to share?
If you’re changing industries and coming to tech or just starting out, take the time to dive deep into the software and technology to better understand how it works at a user level rather than only focusing on the high-level benefits. This will help you tremendously as you engage with a diverse set of stakeholders.
Debbie Andrews, VP Sales North America, Jupiter, Fla.
What does your role at Smart Communications entail?
I am a leader within the North American sales organization, primarily focusing on our SmartIQ solution and healthcare industry vertical.
What are you up to when you’re not at your desk?
Spending time with my family. I have four children, all in the entertainment world and I am their “momager” of sorts. I read their scripts, books and treatments (lots of zombies and vampires). My favorite thing to do is to listen to their stories–their world is so different than when I was in my 20s. My husband and I like to travel and cook. This works well as we visit our children in Los Angeles and Virginia.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Smart Communications?
The culture. The people are so positive and engaging. Everyone is rowing in the same direction and working to make a difference.
What’s been something you’ve learned as a woman in tech that you want to share?
Be yourself. Women have unique viewpoints because of the way we process information, and it lends itself to our ability to have new approaches to business challenges.
Mina Smolej, Head of Demand Generation, DACH, Munich, Germany
What does your role at Smart Communications entail?
Generating interest in our product throughout the DACH region using programs such as advertising, events, account-based marketing and more.
What skills have helped you grow in this role?
For demand and lead generation, it’s key to be analytical. I’m not afraid of numbers – I use them to make informed decisions every day!
I’m results-driven. I track campaign performance daily to keep a pulse on what’s working and where we can improve.
I also think I am pragmatic and recognize that striving for perfection can sometimes hinder innovation and execution. Sometimes you need to pilot a campaign and then optimize based on performance.
What are you up to when you’re not at your desk?
I like hiking. I try to be in the mountains two times per month. I also like cooking. I try a new recipe every week. A recent favorite was a dish with fusilli pasta, spinach, walnuts, chickpeas and eggplant. And, I like reading. I love that moment when you get a perfect book and after the first chapter, you’re hooked.
What’s been something you’ve learned as a woman in tech that you want to share?
Believe in yourself, work to grow your skills and everything else will happen. If a company doesn’t recognize your contributions, it is probably not the right company for you.
Saliha Karaman, Senior Customer Success Manager, Sydney, Australia
What does your role at Smart Communications entail?
I am responsible for developing strong customer relationships and ensuring our customers are achieving success using Smart Communications solutions and services.
What are you up to when you’re not at your desk?
When not at my desk, my pandemic-compatible hobbies have included becoming best buddies with Netflix, stimulating the mind with a great book and working on perfecting the perfect dumpling recipe.
What’s been something you’ve learned as a woman in tech that you want to share?
Something I’ve learned as a woman in tech is that being a woman is not a barrier to success. With the right support and leadership, women are empowered to achieve their dreams. I feel lucky to be part of a culture where fantastic female professionals are recognized and celebrated.
Courtney Richmond, Senior Legal Counsel, CIPP/E, London, England
What does your role at Smart Communications entail?
My role is diverse and interesting as on any given day, I’m working proactively on the creation and negotiation of a broad range of commercial agreements and/or serving as a primary advisor on global data protection and privacy across the business. I also collaborate cross-functionally with sales, customer support, product, engineering, finance and other departments to provide both strategic and legal direction on the development of new business opportunities.
What are you up to when you’re not at your desk?
I love being active and outdoors whether it be running, walking, cycling or swimming.
What’s your favorite thing about working at Smart Communications?
I love working with the Smart Communications team. No day is ever the same and I love the problem-solving element each day brings.
What’s been something you’ve learned as a woman in tech that you want to share?
I think it’s so important that you play to your strengths as a woman. Women bring diversity and a valuable perspective to the table.
Like what you’ve read about working at Smart Communications?
If you’re in the market for a new position and want to work alongside these impressive women and more innovators in the tech industry, have a look at our open roles.