Women's History Month Staff Feature | Interview with Melissa Archer-Wirtz
What is one of the unforeseen obstacles you have faced as a woman in your field and how did you overcome it?
Women generally share in the challenge of reconciling internal and external conflicts between being perceived as a respected leader versus a bossy and/or emotional woman. This has often led to negative thoughts, which then infiltrate into our minds and control our lives. To course correct this, I constantly work at shifting from judgmental to neutral words when communicating – this helps create a more positive influence on what I am communicating (even if it is constructive news). Which, in turn, helps me take control of my thoughts and replace those pesky negative thoughts with more positive and encouraging thoughts or to accept them and decide to move forward despite them.
Who is your favorite female figure in history?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a committed advocate, a keen and innovative strategist, as well as a mission-focused collaborative leader whose work was driven by her cause beyond career. She has had a tremendous impact on my life. From shaping my early career desires, to showing me that I can do anything I wanted to regardless of gender, and then in my later years solidified that my passion was to continue to be driven by my cause beyond my career.
What is one thing you learned from a woman in business that has impacted your career?
I was once told by a former mentor, “to get comfortable with being uncomfortable,” and it has stuck with me throughout my career. It reminds me to take risks, to keep pursuing knowledge and to constantly push myself away from complacency. It has helped me reframe my perception of change – it helps me embrace and welcome change.
What is something you'll be doing this month to celebrate women and women's history?
This month, I have been showing my gratitude and appreciation for all women by making it a priority to send flowers, write a card, give a small gift, and/or take my fellow celebrated women out for lunch. It only takes a moment to show our gratitude and love for the women around us.