She’s the Man
In college, sexism in business is a heavily discussed topic and it’s no secret that there are far fewer females in sales than men. As a recent graduate myself, I became convinced that most women in business never “stepped up to the table” and shared their ideas. I also believed that I would be expected to act a certain way to conform to my new career amidst stuffy men with conservative ideas. And then I began working for Lindsay Frey.
A psychology major from New York, Lindsay began her career as a Business Development Representative selling Human Resources technology. She loved the energy of sales and the client interaction. After the technology bubble burst she went to work for her colleague at his startup company. Over seven years she worked her way up to becoming the first and only female director within the company.
The fact that she was the only female director didn’t bother her, and it certainly didn’t make her feel oppressed. Instead, she was there to do her job. She continued to push and sit at the head of the table at meetings, a practice that she continues today. She believed that being a woman shouldn’t be a crutch or a handicap, but it was just who she was and not something that should be considered.
Not that Lindsay has never faced sexism in business. She remembers one meeting in particular where the prejudice in the room was all but blatant. However, she sat herself down at the head of the table as she has always done and confidently began the meeting. As soon as she began to speak the room immediately stopped regarding her as a female in business, but instead as just another business person. Lindsay epitomizes the mantra that it doesn’t always matter what you look like, but rather what you say and how you say it.
In 2011 Lindsay started a demand generation company with Dan Paul, a former colleague and soon to be close friend. It was here that Lindsay brought her personality and drive to this company just as she had at her previous jobs. In just four years their company grew to thirty-four employees, and is now considered the preferred partner in lead generation for tech companies. Lindsay is an example of a female business woman who doesn’t make assumptions. She knows she can succeed, and she doesn’t let any preconceived notion become a mental roadblock for her.
Not to say that all women are not faced with oppression in business, as there are glaring examples highlighted in the news. However being yourself, not making assumptions, and believing that you can succeed are all recipes for success — not just for a female in business but for everyone. Lindsay has conducted her business with all of those attitudes and proven that there is nothing holding someone back from success.
