Careers are rarely built alone.
Behind many professional milestones is someone who offered encouragement, shared advice, or created an opportunity at the right moment. Those moments of support often shape not only individual careers but also the culture of an organization.
This Women’s History Month, employees across our global teams reflected on the International Women’s Day theme Give to Gain. The theme reflects the idea that when people invest in others through mentorship, encouragement, and shared knowledge, the benefits extend far beyond the individual.
The Influence That Shapes a Career
Many professionals can point to a moment when someone believed in them before they fully believed in themselves.
For some, that influence begins early. For Gisell Rodriguez, Senior Director of Sustainability and Enterprise Risk Management, the foundation of her professional outlook started at home. “My mom was the foundation,” she shared. “Her challenges were about survival. My challenges are about navigating a system. Different women have different purposes in our lives, and each one teaches you something.”
Others describe mentors who helped them see possibilities they had not yet imagined.
Rebecca Wilson, Senior Director of Application Engineering, recalls a university professor who encouraged her to pursue advanced studies and continue building her career in science and engineering. “She pointed me in the right direction,” Rebecca said. “She even suggested the university I should go to. I never looked back after that.”
For many women, inspiration also comes from seeing others succeed. Sonia Pandis Navarro, EMEA Supply Chain Manager, remembers how powerful it was to hear senior women speak openly about their professional journeys. “It was very powerful to see that it does not really matter where you come from,” she said. “What matters is where you want to be.”
Michelle Sheridan, HR Manager in Stockport, also credits the people around her for helping build her confidence early in her career. One employee took the time to coach her through something she once found intimidating: presenting in front of large groups. “She helped me understand why I was nervous and coached me through it,” Michelle recalled. “Now every time I present, I still think back to what she told me.”
These moments of encouragement and visibility often become the turning points that shape a career.
Support That Multiplies
As careers progress, many professionals feel a responsibility to offer the same encouragement they once received.
For Gisell, that means helping other women navigate their careers more confidently. “The gift for me is honesty and authenticity,” she explained. “If I can help someone advocate for themselves earlier or make decisions sooner, then I feel like I’m giving them time back in their journey.”
Often the most meaningful support comes through simple conversations. Inviting another employee to lunch after returning from maternity leave. Encouraging someone to apply for a new opportunity. Sharing lessons learned along the way.
Cathy Zhang, Director of Human Resources in China, experienced the impact of mentorship early in her career. After transitioning from teaching into HR without prior experience, her first manager invested hours mentoring her and including her in strategic discussions. One lesson stayed with her: “True HR leadership is about empowering others.” Years later, Cathy carried that lesson forward when she encouraged a mathematics graduate with a non-traditional background to pursue an HR trainee role. With support and guidance, the candidate eventually became an HR systems expert. For Cathy, the experience reinforced how investing in others can create lasting impact.
Carina Hartmann, Program Manager in Berlin, believes those moments of encouragement can make a real difference. “We push each other to grow and motivate other women,” she said. “Sometimes someone just needs encouragement to take the next step.”
Nicole Regier, Compliance Manager, emphasizes that support also comes from creating environments where people feel confident contributing their ideas. “When people feel supported and heard, they are more willing to step forward and contribute,” she said.
A Culture Built Through Everyday Actions
While formal mentorship programs and employee networks play an important role, the most powerful forms of support often happen informally.
Michelle believes that support often begins with making sure every voice is heard. “In meetings, sometimes it is simply about making sure everyone has the chance to contribute,” she said. “Those small moments can help people build confidence and feel supported.”
Lourdes Arcas Rivas, Senior Customer Experience Administrator, remembers two women early in her career who invested their time in teaching her company processes during an internship, even though there was no open role available at the time. That experience shaped how she now approaches helping others.
Those everyday moments of generosity create a ripple effect across teams and organizations.
When people share knowledge, offer encouragement, and support one another’s growth, the result is stronger collaboration, greater confidence, and more opportunities for everyone.
The principle behind Give to Gain is simple: When we invest in others, we create environments where people can thrive.
When people thrive, organizations do too.