I help other women reach their full potential
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2025 10:10 am
Julie Zhou. She’s the VP of Product Design at Facebook and regularly posts her answers to designers’ burning questions . The topics can be technical, but I particularly like when she talks about developing soft skills. She’s unabashedly honest about her (then) insecurities and offers tangible advice on how to approach work-related problems.
One thing I do in the morning to start my day off right is…
I have a coffee (black) and read articles from my favorite newsletters. It connects me to the design world outside of my work and I often get inspired by other designers.
The biggest challenge in my role is…
Interviewing our users. It’s hard to get our users on the phone because they’re so busy! But when I do get the chance to talk to them, I learn so much about their responsibilities and what they’re dealing with. I use that information to inform my team and improve our product.
I try to give women a supportive platform to share their opinions. I have met many women who are emotionally intelligent, self-aware, humble, and great listeners. While all of these characteristics fusion data are valuable, I also admire those who speak up, take initiative, and aren’t afraid of being judged. I believe it’s a learned skill set, so I like to help other women practice expressing themselves by making sure everyone in the room has a chance to express their thoughts.
One piece of advice I would give to other women starting out in their careers is….
You were hired because you are valuable, regardless of your experience level. Add value to your company by being confident, willing to make mistakes, and having the courage to ask for help. Growth will follow naturally.
SJEEL KOSTER — Marketing Manager EMEA
Sjeel started her adventure in the marketing team of Lighstpeed as an intern in 2012. At that time the company was still called SEOshop. After only five months, she became a full-time employee and managed social networks, editorial content and events. Very quickly, she became event coordinator and then project manager.
She joined the sales team for eight months, but her passion for marketing was much greater and she decided to return to project and event management.
In 2015 , Lightspeed acquired SEOshop and Sjeel became Marketing Manager of the entire European team. Today, she manages a team of 12 people, develops the entire European strategy, creates innovative campaigns and concepts and is also responsible for partnerships.
One thing I do in the morning to start my day off right is…
I have a coffee (black) and read articles from my favorite newsletters. It connects me to the design world outside of my work and I often get inspired by other designers.
The biggest challenge in my role is…
Interviewing our users. It’s hard to get our users on the phone because they’re so busy! But when I do get the chance to talk to them, I learn so much about their responsibilities and what they’re dealing with. I use that information to inform my team and improve our product.
I try to give women a supportive platform to share their opinions. I have met many women who are emotionally intelligent, self-aware, humble, and great listeners. While all of these characteristics fusion data are valuable, I also admire those who speak up, take initiative, and aren’t afraid of being judged. I believe it’s a learned skill set, so I like to help other women practice expressing themselves by making sure everyone in the room has a chance to express their thoughts.
One piece of advice I would give to other women starting out in their careers is….
You were hired because you are valuable, regardless of your experience level. Add value to your company by being confident, willing to make mistakes, and having the courage to ask for help. Growth will follow naturally.
SJEEL KOSTER — Marketing Manager EMEA
Sjeel started her adventure in the marketing team of Lighstpeed as an intern in 2012. At that time the company was still called SEOshop. After only five months, she became a full-time employee and managed social networks, editorial content and events. Very quickly, she became event coordinator and then project manager.
She joined the sales team for eight months, but her passion for marketing was much greater and she decided to return to project and event management.
In 2015 , Lightspeed acquired SEOshop and Sjeel became Marketing Manager of the entire European team. Today, she manages a team of 12 people, develops the entire European strategy, creates innovative campaigns and concepts and is also responsible for partnerships.