Belonging. IT Matters. by Jenn Gene
CDW continues its journey of belonging and working towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This week, we're highlighting the unique perspectives of Jenn Gene (she/her/hers).
Describe your full, authentic self.
Hi, I'm Jenn Gene and I’m a field sales manager for healthcare at CDW. I am a wife, a mom and a leader. I'm a community philanthropist that believes giving to others is one of the greatest gifts in life. I'm a mentor and a motivator. I am a poker player that loves to travel the world for tournaments and enjoy spending time on the weekends with friends and family.
I stayed true to myself and in the end, I found a way to belong. I created a seat at the head of the table, and I invited everyone else in. Plus, my kids thought it was pretty cool and that's winning to me.
What has to happen for you to feel that you can bring your full, authentic self to work?
I have a lot of energy and zest for life in general. I need to work in an environment where I can bring that every day and be accepted for who I am, even if sometimes it's a little over the top. I want to be recognized for the time I've put in and the successes I've had based on my merit, not on my gender. And while I don't believe in excuses, I do believe that we all need room to make mistakes, have the opportunity to learn and grow from them, and work in an environment where that's accepted. It's something I exemplify for myself and for my team every day and working at CDW allows me to be my authentic self.
What happens when you feel free to bring your whole authentic self to work?
When I am myself at work, I'm a transparent servant leader, focused on inspiring my team to do their best. I'm also a better teammate to my peers and my leaders, because I can draw on my positivity and drive to raise the bar a little higher and ensure we all stay focused on our goals and our mission.
Belonging matters. This world is made up of incredible people with unique and diverse experiences that we can all learn from. Welcoming and accepting each person we encounter gives us the opportunity to grow and to get better together.
I remember when I became president of my children's PTA at school, and I was faced with all these questions and judgments. I had a full-time job, and I often had to travel for work. It was assumed that it would affect how I could lead this group. But I took it as a challenge and embraced the opportunity to show others how balance was not only possible, but a necessity in my life. I knew what I could control and what I couldn't. I put the time in and showed everyone that it is possible to be a successful working mom and also an active PTA president. I set an example for the leaders and future leaders of the group. I stayed true to myself and in the end, I found a way to belong. I created a seat at the head of the table, and I invited everyone else in. Plus, my kids thought it was pretty cool and that's winning to me.
What's one of CDW's values that you feel most resonates with you?
Serve with Heart and Spark Passion! I am an authentic, inclusive leader that cares about everyone I work with. I care about who they are at home, as well as at work, and in following the CDW Way, I want to empower others to do their jobs every day! I’m invested in everyone’s success and helping them to be their best and bring their best to every situation. I want to inspire others, encourage them and then help shine a spotlight while they celebrate success!
What does life look like outside of the office for you?
I am a wife and a mom, but my third love is poker… I’d bet you didn’t see that one coming. Life is busy working full-time, parenting a five and seven-year-old, spending quality time with family and friends and volunteering in my community. Life is meant to be lived though, but I can’t serve from an empty vessel, so I make sure to practice self-care and prioritize making time for the things that fill me up – and a good poker session always does the trick!
What three words would you use to describe #LifeAtCDW?
Inspiring, Challenging and Meaningful.
- Jenn Gene
CDW continues its journey of belonging and working towards a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This week, we're highlighting the unique perspectives of Jenn Gene (she/her/hers).
Describe your full, authentic self.
Hi, I'm Jenn Gene and I’m a field sales manager for healthcare at CDW. I am a wife, a mom and a leader. I'm a community philanthropist that believes giving to others is one of the greatest gifts in life. I'm a mentor and a motivator. I am a poker player that loves to travel the world for tournaments and enjoy spending time on the weekends with friends and family.
I stayed true to myself and in the end, I found a way to belong. I created a seat at the head of the table, and I invited everyone else in. Plus, my kids thought it was pretty cool and that's winning to me.
What has to happen for you to feel that you can bring your full, authentic self to work?
I have a lot of energy and zest for life in general. I need to work in an environment where I can bring that every day and be accepted for who I am, even if sometimes it's a little over the top. I want to be recognized for the time I've put in and the successes I've had based on my merit, not on my gender. And while I don't believe in excuses, I do believe that we all need room to make mistakes, have the opportunity to learn and grow from them, and work in an environment where that's accepted. It's something I exemplify for myself and for my team every day and working at CDW allows me to be my authentic self.
What happens when you feel free to bring your whole authentic self to work?
When I am myself at work, I'm a transparent servant leader, focused on inspiring my team to do their best. I'm also a better teammate to my peers and my leaders, because I can draw on my positivity and drive to raise the bar a little higher and ensure we all stay focused on our goals and our mission.
Belonging matters. This world is made up of incredible people with unique and diverse experiences that we can all learn from. Welcoming and accepting each person we encounter gives us the opportunity to grow and to get better together.
I remember when I became president of my children's PTA at school, and I was faced with all these questions and judgments. I had a full-time job, and I often had to travel for work. It was assumed that it would affect how I could lead this group. But I took it as a challenge and embraced the opportunity to show others how balance was not only possible, but a necessity in my life. I knew what I could control and what I couldn't. I put the time in and showed everyone that it is possible to be a successful working mom and also an active PTA president. I set an example for the leaders and future leaders of the group. I stayed true to myself and in the end, I found a way to belong. I created a seat at the head of the table, and I invited everyone else in. Plus, my kids thought it was pretty cool and that's winning to me.
What's one of CDW's values that you feel most resonates with you?
Serve with Heart and Spark Passion! I am an authentic, inclusive leader that cares about everyone I work with. I care about who they are at home, as well as at work, and in following the CDW Way, I want to empower others to do their jobs every day! I’m invested in everyone’s success and helping them to be their best and bring their best to every situation. I want to inspire others, encourage them and then help shine a spotlight while they celebrate success!
What does life look like outside of the office for you?
I am a wife and a mom, but my third love is poker… I’d bet you didn’t see that one coming. Life is busy working full-time, parenting a five and seven-year-old, spending quality time with family and friends and volunteering in my community. Life is meant to be lived though, but I can’t serve from an empty vessel, so I make sure to practice self-care and prioritize making time for the things that fill me up – and a good poker session always does the trick!
What three words would you use to describe #LifeAtCDW?
Inspiring, Challenging and Meaningful.
- Jenn Gene
