In this inspiring interview, Bonnie Sparkman, US ABM Leader at Fortinet, shares her journey, highlighting her career-defining moment of navigating workplace politics and overcoming a toxic environment with the help of her support network. She emphasizes the importance of early emotional intelligence education for gender equality and values connecting with like-minded women at events like Panelle...

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

I had never been one to get wrapped up in politics. And I thought that If I didn't play, I could avoid It. Turns out, you are always in at least one chess game. More likely, you are in multiple. My inability to see it for some time led to me feeling like it was a toxic work environment where I felt like I had no control, yet all the responsibility for providing answers and solutions.

With my stress level sky high, anxiety and depression set in, I turned to my support network and got the help I needed on all fronts: emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually and professionally. I threw the kitchen sink at myself to get better. While absolutely traumatic and terrible to go through, working through all of it really brought me to a new, and much better place. I grew tremendously in a very short period of time. I cannot thank my community of supporters enough; these women were vital in my amazing recovery!

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

Unequal pay. I hadn't realized it until I started hiring higher level people. I brought it up in such a way that my boss understood, and he was aware enough to take immediate action to rectify.

Name a moment in your career where you felt proud to be a woman in leadership.

Whenever I hear that someone wants to join my team! It never gets old.

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

• Never take no for an answer. And let any "no" be fuel to your fire to continue.

• If you need help, ask! If the answers don’t reside within the organization, then go outside. You are not alone and not the very first person to ever do something. Every situation is unique but there are similarities that can carry through. Build your confidence!

• Have courage! Take the leap of faith. “Courage is the root of change…Do not allow your talents to lie dormant, ladies! Design your own future. When you go home today, ask yourself what you will change. And then get started.” - Elizabeth Zott, Lessons in Chemistry.

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

More emotional intelligence and self-awareness education at an early age. From there, I believe the opportunity for empathy will increase.

What compelled you to attend a Panelle event?

Finding like-minded women who also want to springboard our success and accomplishments for the next generations so they can continue to make progress!

What advice would you give to your younger self?

• Trust yourself and hone your ability to trust your gut. Stay true to yourself as well, and you will never be an imposter.

• Be confident, no one can say you are wrong/judge when it is your truth! No one can tell you how you feel or say what is right for you.

• Be aware and notice what stories are you telling yourself. Are they true and factual? What evidence do you have?

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

Being conscious through meditation and prioritization towards your goals.

Work-life Balance. Yes, this is about setting boundaries and carving out "me" time. But more so, this is about "presence" and "being present in the moment."

Quality, not just quantity. Life is so much richer and fuller when you are solidly in the moment, not anxious about the future or reliving the past. So consciously, with full focus and attention in the moment, you accomplish more (and more quickly) and have deeper, more meaningful interactions. So, to me, it’s been a journey to realise that it is not about work-life balance, it is about being present in the task or interaction that I am having in that moment to improve the quality.

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

Because men aren't necessarily thinking about us. It's not malicious, it's just perhaps not in most of their sphere of consciousnesses. And the balance we seek during meetings and decision-making will only happen if women make it happen, with the help of the men. We must also cultivate our male-identified champions.

Finally, which woman in business inspires you or has pulled out the seat for you.

I'd like to highlight Casey Muench Bickhardt, President/CEO/Owner of GEMCO. She's been a close friend and a great advisor for many years. Smart, funny, with a keen business mind, strong ethics and a big heart. She is a fellow stereotype-buster!