Shattering the Glass Ceiling: A Natural Part of Company Culture at HireVue

Last month HireVue was named to the 2019 Shatter List, an honor that reflects the genuinely progressive culture at our company. The Shatter List recognizes 46 technology companies that are “accelerating removing the glass ceiling for women in tech through creating and enacting impactful programs and culture to create inclusivity.”

With women holding fully 50% of our senior executive positions, HireVue is a rarity among growing technology companies and offers big opportunities for talented women achievers. I asked our female senior executives to talk about what attracted them to HireVue and what advice they might give to other women seeking to achieve senior leadership positions in any industry.

First, I asked Kimberly Simms, HireVue’s SVP of Customer Success, what drew her to join the HireVue executive team. She told me: 

"HireVue has the full package in terms of an ideal environment in which to be successful: an incredible product; a motivated, highly intelligent, and driven employee base; and peers I’m proud to work with every day who challenge me to be better."

When I talked to Michelle Vargas, SVP of Human Resources, who joined HireVue a year ago, she said she was attracted to HireVue because she was impressed with our CEO, Kevin Parker, and his focus on building a leadership team that is equally representative of females and males. She said many tech companies claim to be diverse and focused on promoting women, but our CEO walks the talk.

Michelle also said that a recent company study found that HireVue has about a 50/50 split between women and men leaders at all levels of leadership in the company. 

HireVue’s culture isn’t just about numbers, though. Kimberly Simms remarked on the corporate culture at our company, saying:

"I appreciate the collaborative, supportive, and trusting environment we have at HireVue.  Everyone is working towards a common goal and ready to dive in and wear whatever hat is needed -- the energy is incredible. My fellow executive peers support me every day, creating a safe space to bring new thoughts and ideas while providing constructive input and feedback to help me and my team drive optimal results. It really is a "one team" type culture - which is very rewarding to be a part of." 

Ilene Landon, our SVP of Professional Services and Delivery, recently joined HireVue after a career in which she has not only risen to positions of leadership, but has helped mentor other women along the way. She said this about the company culture:

"Our corporate culture encourages teamwork and collaboration, not just within a given department, but across the entire company. The executive team models this behavior in that everyone's ideas are heard and respected, which sounds simple, but is rare to see in practice. I see it in action every day; we are all here to ensure our customers' success, and we are all committed to working together to achieve that. It's energizing to be part of an executive team that respects and challenges each other and our teams to be our very best."

Next, I asked our Chief Marketing Officer Diana Kucer, who came to HireVue after nearly two decades of management inside leading Silicon Valley companies, what advice she might have for women seeking to shatter the glass ceilings at their own companies. She told me:

"You need to be willing to take risks and get outside of your comfort zone. It's when you're trying something new and exciting that people take notice. Whether you succeed or fail may be irrelevant; the fact that you tried it and the company learned from it will get attention that can put you in the "potential executive" category." 

Kimberly offered this advice to women working their way up the ladder: 

"Be yourself. If you can't be who you are in the work environment, it's very hard to be successful.  If you are in an environment where you can't be all you can be, then have the courage to make the move so you can stretch your wings. The feeling of empowerment is incredible, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience it!"

Ilene also had some words of wisdom on the subject: 

"Find confidence to convey your strengths and desire for advancement. Just because you haven't done it before doesn't mean you can't do it. Find a mentor or advocate who can help you see the best in yourself." 

Michelle had this final bit of advice for women:

"Don’t allow anything to hold you back from achieving your career aspirations. You shouldn’t be forced to choose between personal choices and a career. Stay focused on your goals and find companies like HireVue that support their employees." 

With inspiration like this, what ambitious female professional wouldn’t want to work at HireVue? If you’re looking for challenging work at a company that appreciates and rewards management potential, take a look at our Careers page. Now and throughout your career, you’ll make real progress by networking with and learning from powerful role models like these HireVue executives.