Jill Weaver is Director of U.S. Services for Schneider Electric’s Industrial Automation Field Services Business.
Jill has felt the vulnerability of sharing who she is as a gay woman - but thanks to the support and respect from her team, Jill was encouraged to be herself, and has transformed this vulnerability into strength and leadership.
Jill shares how Schneider Electric’s culture has evolved to one where she has grown professionally and personally. “The idea of revealing our authentic selves to someone can seem daunting and a little frightening. It’s natural for leaders to fear the vulnerability that comes with sharing honestly about themselves. But it’s so important to be able to be yourself at work, feel proud of who you are, and encourage others to do the same,” explains Jill.
Opening up to her coworkers with the support of Schneider Electric
A Schneider Electric program focused on trust and vulnerability helped Jill come out to her coworkers. “We got to to know one another on a deeper level. And they got to see and know who I really am. I could be vulnerable and honest about being gay and feel totally accepted and respected at the same time. Being open about who we are created a stronger connection with my team,” she explains.
“I’m very fortunate to work at a company with an open, welcoming environment where differences are embraced irrespective of race, gender, age, background or sexual orientation. At Schneider Electric there are no barriers to equal opportunities and growth. No matter who we are, here, we feel deeply valued and validated,” she adds.
Hiding her true self at the beginning of her career
Jill hasn’t always felt comfortable being her authentic self. After college, Jill first started working for one of Schneider Electric’s offices in a rural, and more conservative, part of the U.S. At this early stage in her career, Jill felt she had to hide her full identity.
“I was careful about what I said. I never felt I could be myself. When coworkers would ask in a casual Monday conversation what I did over the weekend I was careful about what I said,” she says. “I didn’t want to say I went somewhere with my girlfriend.”
A company deeply committed to diversity and inclusion
Since then, corporate culture has changed to one that is “extremely accepting and inviting”.
Yet, for Jill, what differentiates Schneider Electric from other companies is how deeply DE&I is engrained in the company’s values and culture. “It’s unbelievable how Schneider prioritizes people and celebrates employee differences. It’s not lip service,” explains Jill.
Growing both personally and professionally
Jill has accessed so many opportunities for personal and professional growth at Schneider Electric, such as the company’s Transforming Leadership program. Now, nothing can hold Jill back from advancing her career and, today, she leads a a team responsible for $24 million in industrial automation services sales.
“If I could give someone advice who is just starting out or looking for a place to work where they can be their authentic self, I would say think about a place where you feel you can belong. When considering corporate America, look for a company that puts people first regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual preference. Above all, it should be a company that aligns with your belief,” she adds. “I’m very thankful to work at a people-first, people-centric company. One where the number one priority is their people.”
Find a place to be yourself at Schneider Electric
Diversity and inclusion are deeply embedded in Schneider Electric’s DNA and supports women like Jill to authentically thrive in their career.
Work for a company that values a sense of belonging. Start by searching for a job with Schneider Electric that best suits your skills and ambitions.
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Disclosure: Where Women Work researches and publishes insightful evidence about how its paid member organizations support women's equality.