Women’s Networking Group Fall Event

Forging Your Path

By Nina Koziol

For the forward-thinking person, it’s

easy to picture your career path. But it’s not always that simple for many people in the green industry, especially those who are just starting out. Last month, more than 115 women gathered to hear a panel discussion at the Women’s Networking Group event at Chandler’s Chophouse in Schaumburg. They talked careers, challenges and building confidence.

“These events are just growing every time,” said Brenda Ward of Beary Landscaping. Who led the panel discussion. “Attendees are finding value in the camaraderie of other women in the industry.”

Confidence Builders

Most people are anxious when asked to speak in front of a group. For panelist Pam Dooley of Plants Creative Landscapes in Decatur, Georgia, it was about four years ago when she was asked to do just that. “It was my first time and I was shaking,” she said. “But we’re all human beings and having the opportunity to learn from each other and my desire to learn gave me the courage to speak.” Her advice: “Meet 15 new people if you can—the networking effect is just powerful.” It makes you more relaxed in front of your peers.

It wasn’t always easy for panelist Tina Shaw of the Integra Group to network. “When I’d come to these events, I’d sit at my table and would run out as soon as it ended,” she said. “But meeting new people builds your confidence and you never know what you’re going to get out of it.”

For panelist Ashley Marrin of Bret-Mar Landscape, it’s all about supporting each other in a positive way. “Don’t surround yourself with negative people,” is her advice. The Debbie Downers of the world will only sap your creative and emotional energy. Find people with similar hobbies, it’s always a great icebreaker. “Terre Houte (ILCA) introduced me to people that had similar interests — horses! So, when you’re at these events, look for people who look uncomfortable, looking down, not reaching out. Do that for someone. You may have once been in that position.”

Assert (and Insert) Yourself

Assertive females get a bad rap. That was the panel’s consensus. “I’ve always been assertive,” Ward said. “I received an award in 8th grade for being assertive.” And, that drew a large laugh from the group. “But some women feel that this may not be a good quality to have.”

There’s a fine line between being assertive and being obnoxious or rude. “There are three “C’s” to assertiveness,” Shaw said. “Confident, Concise and Controlled.”

Ward, Dooley and Marrin were all college athletes and assertiveness comes more naturally for them. “I’m assertive and I’m not ashamed to say that,” Marrin said. “Embrace it if you have that trait.”

When Shaw was a vice president at one firm, she was in a meeting with all men and she was the only one who had her laptop. The CEO asked her to take notes and she declined, pointing out that she was the only person called on to take notes. A coworker took notes, but grudgingly. Ward said these situations can leave an awkward feeling in the air when you leave the room or meeting. One option would be to make a joke about being called on but offering to take notes this time only and let “Joe” or another guy at the table do it next time.

“Women generally are thought of as caretakers or being the mother in leadership roles,” Ward said. Dooley looks at the situation a bit more broadly. “In our meetings, the expectation is that everybody takes notes.” It becomes a team effort rather than a “why me” situation.

(continued on page 30)

(continued from page 29) Moving On?

“If you’re bored, it’s time to think about moving on,” Shaw said. “Is there another position in your company that you can work toward? If you love it and enjoy it but there’s no position to move into, you have to be honest and recognize what’s going on.” You may be content in your position. And that’s OK, too.

“The timing is great,” Shaw added. “I like that it’s all women and it makes it easier for networking. The events and topics are always focused on women and what we’re going through and experiencing in our careers.

The discussion covered a lot of ground. “It’s what we hoped for and it’s continuing to grow,” said ILCA’s Executive Director Scott Grams. “There were a lot of new faces and I couldn’t be happier with the panel this year.”

Discover more…

The mission of the ILCA Women’s Networking Group is to promote camaraderie and to share industry experiences and leadership skills with ILCA members, while enhancing our professional image. Interested in becoming a mentor or a mentee? visit https://www.ilca.net/wng-mentorship-program/.