Lesley Ronaldson, VP of EMEA Sales at Gong, reflects on her journey in tech, emphasizing the importance of resilience, mentorship, and balance. Early on, she learned that “women can have it all, just not at the same time,” a lesson that guided her career and life choices. Lesley advises young women to research company culture, advocate for themselves, and seek mentorship. She champions women supporting each other, believing it fosters progress for future generations in the workplace...

What has been your career defining moment as a woman in business?

I was in tech for about three years, 24 or 25 at the time, and in awe of top-level execs in Dell who had made it. These women were travelling, getting promoted, having babies, working out. I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to be just like them. Most junior females in the office felt the same way.

Fast forward a few months, and I attended a panel discussion with one of these high-flying women. It came to Q&A, and one of the younger women asked, "You seem to have it all - How do you do it?"  To which she said, " That phrase has a lot to answer for, and I am going to tell you straight that women CAN have it all, just not at the same time". T

hat response has stuck with me and helped me when I needed to pause on the ladder. For example, I chose to prioritise family and not go for a promotion at one point, as my husband had something big going on in his career, and it would have been tricky for us both to work late and travel.

Were there any obstacles you had to overcome as a woman in business?

I will always say I grew up in Dell (I started there at 21 and left when I was 36). In my formative years, I was surrounded by expressions like "Man's world", "Boys club", and "She wears the pants". This environment equipped me to be in a room with all men, sometimes all older than me, and still have a voice.

I never saw a difference between them and me. I once overheard someone say,

"She has bigger balls than the rest of them"

I remember thinking, yeah, I do!

Then, I made a career move from Dell to LinkedIn. Well, boy, did I get a land! My "male" management style did not fly in this new world. Leaders were patient, empathetic and open-minded. Don't get me wrong; those folks existed at Dell, but I had gone too far.

A great male colleague took me aside and said, "I think you need a Dell detox - You don't have to fight to be heard here; we all listen and respect everyone's opinion, and you don't need sharp elbows to get things done". I then went on a bit of a journey, and under the mentorship of one of LinkedIn's US VPs, Mike Derezin, he taught me two incredible lessons:

"Seek to Understand" and "Lead with Empathy"

Now, I try to be the last one to talk. I am open-minded to everyone's opinion. And, if I see a female who is beginning to display those same traits I had, I share those lessons. In fact, at Gong, we use "Seek to Understand" a lot. It enables you to start a tough conversation without making assumptions or getting the other person's back up.

What advice would you give to a younger woman looking to join your industry?

Do your homework on the companies you are interviewing for. Read Glassdoor and, if possible, use LinkedIn to see if you have shared connections with these companies. It's always great to get a first-hand feel of what it feels like to work somewhere.

I once interviewed for a well-known company with an all-male panel of four, including a very rude HR guy leaning his chair back and eating an apple during our interview. I knew then that it was not for me. I then did my research (after the fact), and the reviews were telling.

Once you find the company you want to be part of and get the role, please know you got the job because you did a brilliant interview, and maybe someone on the panel saw something in you that you don't even know you can do. Don't be backward about being forward. Your voice and opinion are just as important as everyone else on the team or in the room. Back yourself 10000%.

If you could do one thing to accelerate the pace of change for gender equality, what would it be?

We have come a long way since I joined tech in the 90's. An article in Forbes said a few years back,

"For women to rise, we must close the confidence gap."

Dr Wiebke Bleidorn did an eight-year study. She and her co-researchers analysed data from over 985,000 men and women across 48 countries, from Norway to New Zealand, Kuwait to South Korea, asking them to rate the phrase: "I see myself as someone who has high self-esteem".

The study found that men have higher self-esteem than women regardless of culture or country. Solving the gender gap is a complex, multi-faced issue requiring an equally multi-faceted approach.

However, one piece of the puzzle requires emboldening women to back themselves more and doubt themselves less. Having wrestled with my share of self-doubt, I know there is no quick fix or magic bullet for building self-confidence or permanently eradicating self-doubt in women.

What I think companies can do better is have formalised mentor programmes or mentor "circles". Every woman above a certain level of seniority should put her hand up to help a junior female navigate her journey. If the hard lessons we have learnt and the experience we have gained can even help one person, then we have a duty to do so.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

I am passionate about helping women in business and want to see others fulfil their full potential and succeed. I don't often get to talk about this topic (I usually talk about our product!) So, when I heard about Panelle, I knew it would be a great platform to share some insights and meet like-minded women who want the same.  I heard a saying years ago:

"Queens don't knock each others' crowns off; they straighten them."

And for me, that's what it's all about. Take care of each other, know when someone is struggling with self-doubt or self-image, and tell someone it's okay to go on that business trip and have someone else mind your child. Do not feel guilty. You are working to give them (and you) a better life.

Women should not be afraid to know what they want and to ask for it (Side note: in my 25+ years of working in Tech, only 5-6 women have ever asked me for a pay rise! )

What advice would you give to your younger self?

Aside from "You can have it all, just not at the same time".  I would tell myself in those moments of self-doubt (and there were loads, AND I still have them) to remember how far I have come and trust my own abilities.  

In Tech, we move so fast.  I need to pause and reflect in the moment, celebrate the wins and promotions and not always think of the next big thing.  "Enjoy the mastery" was a phrase from Mike Derezin that helped.  If I were nailing my role, I would focus on my personal life.  I wish I had known this in the first 15 years of my career.

What’s your go-to advice for preventing burnout?

I never use the phrase work-life balance. There is no such thing. I prefer work-life harmony as we usually juggle so much at once that you must do what works for you. Preventing burnout means I need to be super organised and plan ahead.

I will take a long weekend with my husband every five weeks and have a sun holiday after our first-half sales kick-off and just before second-half planning. Rest is essential. I also have no problem treating myself to the little things that make me happy.

Sometimes, I will work till 10 pm; sometimes, I will open the laptop on a Sunday, but that is because I want to get my hair done on Wednesday morning or a massage some afternoon. I make my time work for me but always have the small things planned to give me something to look forward to.

Why do you think it’s important for women to help other women win?

When women help each other win, they contribute to a cultural shift that benefits future generations. As more women succeed, it becomes easier for the next generation to access opportunities, create change, and inspire even greater progress in gender equality. I always think of that phrase, "You cannot be what you cannot see".

Finally, please put the spotlight on another woman in business who either inspires you or has pulled out the seat for you.

Wendy Harris, the previous VP of Gong. She was a huge fan of radical candour. She cared deeply for me, building trust within our relationship. I believe this is the foundation for all relationships.

Once that trust was there, when she challenged me directly and often gave me harsh feedback, I knew it was because she wanted me to fulfil my potential. She has made me a better, more courageous leader, and I have mirrored her behaviour in my own leadership style.

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