The Qlarity Access leadership team is made up of seven individuals spread across the company - and four of those are women. On International Women’s Day, we wanted to take some time to highlight these members of our team and their contributions to our company.
I asked all four of our female leaders a series of questions covering everything from their time at Qlarity Access to their hopes and advice for future generations. Here are just a few of those answers below!
Ariel Coleman
Vice President, Community Operations Management
Ariel has seen many parts of Qlarity Access through her time at the company. As a trailblazer in the company, she has demonstrated her desire to move things forward through the development of the Project Support team, the Ag Access Community Database, and various other internal initiatives. Currently, Ariel focuses on both community growth and development as well as sampling. Ariel digs into every project she touches to ensure that the targeting and screener are correct while also committing to a seamless user experience for community members.
When did you start at Qlarity Access and what did you do?
I started at Qlarity Access in September 2014, back when we were still Communications for Research. I began my career in Project Support, working with Project Managers and the Call Center to help set them up for success.
What is your favorite part of Qlarity Access?
Our people! We’ve worked hard over the last several years to build a better culture, and those changes have been transformative for our team members.
What advice do you have for women looking to get into leadership positions?
Don’t give up! You will fail. You will also succeed. And you will learn great lessons along the way.
Don’t give up in the pursuit of what fuels your passion, and what makes you happy.
What main change do you hope to see for young girls in the next generation?
I would love to see the next generation of female professionals really own their worth and be recognized for their accomplishments.
Is there a particular female figure that inspires you?
The women in my family have been great sources of inspiration for me. Each of them has been tremendously supportive, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am today without their influence.
What is the most important piece of advice you've ever been given?
Life is too short to worry about everything, so pick what is worthy of your time, and wholeheartedly pursue it.
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Joanne Giordano
Fractional Integrator
Joanne is a take charge operations executive with a passion for building culture based on a company’s mission, vision and values. She has the gift of cultivating people, opportunity and innovation and creating a clear road map for successful implementations and measurement. She helps companies capitalize on these strategies to deliver high octane initiatives that elevate companies to the next level by delivering top and bottom-line results.
When did you start at Qlarity Access and what did you do?
5 months, I am currently the Integrator which is a position that works to implement the Visionary’s ideas.
What is your favorite part of Qlarity Access?
The culture, people and the commitment to enhancing the life of their employees.
What advice do you have for women looking to get into leadership positions?
Get a mentor. Network and talk to people who have achieved what you want to achieve and learn how they did it.
What main change do you hope to see for young girls in the next generation?
That they have equal opportunity and access to everything men do across the world.
Is there a particular female figure that inspires you?
Jane Goodall - I wanted to be a veterinarian when I was a little girl.
What is the most important piece of advice you've ever been given?
Have the courage to advocate for yourself!
Is there anything else you'd like to include?
As women we have come a long way but there is still work to be done. Continue to blaze the trail and make access easier for others.
Katie Gonzales
Vice President, Research Engagement Center
Katie is driven by an innate need for knowledge, which makes market research a perfect fit. Once she joined Qlarity Access, she knew there would be no end to her growth and learning. She has grown through the Research Engagement Center (REC) to leadership during her tenure which has given her the perspective needed to make changes for the better. Since Katie took ownership of the REC team overall she has lasered in the team’s focus and implemented processes to empower others as leaders which has in turn dropped turnover by about 50%.
When did you start at Qlarity Access and what did you do?
I was hired on January 31, 2018 as a call center interviewer, what we now call a REC agent.
What is your favorite part of Qlarity Access?
It's the people for me. Working with a great team is very inspiring, as we brainstorm together to meet our goals. We've had a bit of a culture shift in the last few years, and watching and being a part of the changes, especially within the REC, has been rewarding and exciting.
Why do you think that having female representation on the leadership team is important?
Empowering other women! In the workforce, it can be challenging to be seen, heard, and compensated for your worth as a woman. My goal is to inspire others to bring their unique ability to the table and use their voice as we all have a point of view worth hearing. I personally lead with emotion and empathy.
What main change do you hope to see for young girls in the next generation?
They have the courage to be authentic! No judgment. Lead with compassion and live kind. Be kind to yourself and others with true acceptance.
Is there a particular female figure that inspires you?
My inspiring female leaders and team members within our organization. I am also moved and inspired daily by Brene Brown and Mel Robbins.
Is there anything else you'd like to include?
Be True! Be kind to yourself and others. Set goals! Measure your milestones / success by looking where you started and see how far you have grown.
Lisa Maloney
Vice President, Client Services
Lisa is a well rounded market researcher with experience in multiple call centers, a focus group facility and test kitchen, and as a project manager across industries. As a leader at Qlarity Access, Lisa demonstrates her dedication to our clients by providing great service in any situation, whether from herself or her team. In addition to project management, Lisa has utilized her organization and multitasking skills to facilitate the redesign of qualitative processes with vastly improved efficiency while maintaining an impressive participant show rate of 95%.
When did you start at Qlarity Access and what did you do?
I started with Qlarity Access in 2018 as a Project Manager.
What is your favorite part of Qlarity Access?
My favorite part of Qlarity Access is the independence I have to do my job. There is also a great synergy between the different teams with everyone working towards a united goal.
What advice do you have for women looking to get into leadership positions?
Understand your strengths and use them to overcome any weaknesses. Go after what you want and ask for help from other leaders you respect and admire.
What main change do you hope to see for young girls in the next generation?
Women will be accepted into the leadership role for the unique skills they bring to the table, like inclusiveness, empathy and collaboration.
What did you dream of doing when you were a little girl?
I actually wanted to be a stay-at-home Mom with 4 kids, however, my path led me to a career in market research which has been amazing. There is something to be said when you know deep down that you are exactly where you are supposed to be doing something you love.
What is the most important piece of advice you've ever been given?
Always do the right thing!
These three women are just a few of the amazing women we have on our team here at Qlarity Access. To continue to learn more about the Qlarity Access team and what we do, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.
