Tech Executive Talks Mentorship:
CREATING YOUR OWN CABINET OF SUPPORT
he technology industry has invested a lot of time and resources into diversifying in order to attract a higher level of talent from all corners as competition in the industry continues to rise. One person who has been in the forefront of these changes is Bärí Williams. Bärí has been a leader in expanding diversity in the tech industry throughout her career. Currently,
she serves as the head of Business Operations Management, North America at StubHub. Before her transition to StubHub at the beginning of 2017, Bärí was Lead Counsel for the Global Infrastructure, Development, and Operations Commercial Legal Team at Facebook. One of her most important roles while working at Facebook was launching the company’s Supplier Diversity Program and expanding their approach in hiring vendors and suppliers throughout the company. Education is also something that has been a high priority
to Williams as she holds a BA in Mass Communications from UC Berkeley, an MBA from St. Mary’s College of California, an MA in African-American studies from UC Los Angeles, and a law degree from UC’s Hasting College of Law. Williams’ journey to the top was not made all on her own. She credits her “personal cabinet” of mentors and leaders for helping her find a balance in both her life and her career. “I have what I like to call my own ‘personal cabinet’ of people that I try to surround myself with. These are people that work in different areas, not just in law or tech like me. Working in the tech industry, the idea of real work–life balance is kind of hard. So I think it is important to integrate the things and people that help you in your work into your whole life as well,” says Williams. When asked about specific mentors that have helped
shaped her career and get her to where she is today, Bärí tips her hat to her law school professors and fellow attorneys that work in different industries and areas of law. “Most of my mentors have been people that do not necessarily work in the same area of law that I do. One of my mentors is actually the General Counsel for the Seattle Seahawks. I also keep close to someone I know that works as an attorney for Time Warner. It’s important to stay connected with people that do not do exactly what you do so you can
www.blackengineer.com
by Jessica Rafaeil
editors@ccgmag.com
always call on them for knowledge. My very first mentors were probably my law school professors. Your college professors can serve as great resources and bridge builders. They are a great place to start as they may be able to connect you with someone they know.” Williams currently mentors a number of individuals. Most,
she says, are not necessarily interested in law. She does suggest, however, that relationships with mentors are always a place to ask the hard questions you are seeking answers to. “Going back to connecting yourself with people outside of
your area of interest,” Williams continues, “always ask about the things you want to know. Sometimes people forget the importance of asking the ‘Why’s?’ The best advice I can give on [the relationship between mentor and mentee] is to always be candid. If you can’t be yourself with that person, then it won’t be fruitful. It is important for the mentor to keep an open-door policy and to try and connect with the mentee on a personal level. Personal learning adds to the work that you do.” When asked about the best steps to take in seeking
mentorship, she suggests doing your homework on who you want to approach and not to be timid in asking for help. Williams adds, “I think my best advice to a young college
student or entrepreneur would be to ask for help. Don’t be timid! Find out how you can back your way into a plan. Look at the history of how that person got to where they are currently. What steps did they take? Then go ahead and send the LinkedIn messages. More often than not, they will say yes. That said, it’s important to be immune to the no’s. Also, get involved in different organizations. I really believe in group affiliation, whether it is a sorority or fraternity or a group like NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers). Go and make that connection with someone.” Although people like Bärí Williams have helped knock
down the door of diversity in the tech industry, they are not unfamiliar with the cultural struggles that are apparent when it comes to climbing the ladder. She encourages young leaders to be open-minded and to take what you can get and move with it. With a strong will and some tenacity, no obstacles can stand in the way of finding a mentor that can help you reach your full potential. A position in the tech industry is just one “hello” away. S
DEANS ISSUE 2017 I USBE&IT 17
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
