WHN NY 2023: Choosing Your Future of Work

Speakers:

• Simoni Morato, President & CEO, Safra National Bank
• Lisa M. Schineller, Vice President, Ph.D., Managing Director and Lead Analyst, S&P Global Ratings
• Jennifer Killer, Vice President Global HR, The AES Corporation
• Moderator: Stacy-Marie Ishmael, Managing Editor, Crypto, Bloomberg

"Work-life balance is about integration," said Jennifer Killer of the AES Corporation at the 12th Annual AS/COA Women's Hemispheric Network Conference: New York. The global human resources vice president explained that whether one wants to raise a family or advance a career, the different pieces must fit together like a jigsaw puzzle. S&P Global Ratings' Lisa M. Schineller compared work-life balance to a juggling act because you cannot always work on all the tasks present. "It is a myth that [work-life balance] would exist. I think it is hard. I think you have to feel good about yourself and less guilty about the decisions that you make," said Simoni Morato of Safra National Bank. 

The panelists offered their experiences on how to maintain personal priorities in a demanding work environment. Schineller expressed the importance of creating flexible work environments. For example, scheduling virtual workout classes during the day or allowing colleagues to set their work-from-office or work-from-home schedules. "It goes both ways. You need to give [the flexibility] back," said Schineller. 

Finally, the panelists discussed sponsorship and mentorship. Stacy-Marie Ishmael of Bloomberg asked the panelists to share the difference between the two. Sponsors help give visibility in an organization, whereas mentors give perspective or advice, explained Killer. Morato says she puts sponsorship into practice by advocating for others. "You have to pull people, you have to take talent, you have to make them show their work," Morato concluded.

• Learn more about the Women's Hemispheric Network.