Heather Ainsworth was until recently, the Chief Operating Officer, The Representation Project. Heather brought a twenty-year track record of bridging strategy to operations in purpose-driven organizations to her role as Chief Operating Officer of The Representation Project, a non-profit that activates individuals, communities and companies to challenge the gender stereotypes and norms that limit us all.
Heather has built her career around her passion to ensure employers can create workplaces where employees thrive- even if they have caregiving responsibilities at home.
Now, she is a consultant to employers who want to find affordable ways to support their employees who are working parents, and an advisor to companies in the childcare, senior care and employee benefits spaces. She has advised organizations of all sizes– from AARP to Kinside, a start-up that’s creating an easier way for employers to help their employees cover the cost of care.
Previously, Heather created the Client Services team for a Fortune 500 childcare company, served on the global leadership team of a multinational corporation that operates a leading au pair placement agency, and co-founded an early childhood education company.
Heather holds an A.B. from Duke and an M.B.A. from Stanford. She is a recovering East Coaster who resides in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband and kids.
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Sneak Peek Into What You’ll Learn…
1:40 – Heather describes the work of the Representation Project and how they use documentary films and media to drive cultural change.
6:23 – Heather tells us more about her previous role as the Chief Operating Officer of the Representation Project and how she pivoted from the corporate to the non-profit sector.
12:06 – Heather shares her passions and explains how she has been able to integrate her passion and her career.
16:23 – Can men fulfill personal care giving responsibilities without being penalized at work? Heather explains what they need to consider.
20:44 – Heather explains how growing up in a family focused on service helped her to uncover her passion early in life.
23:31 – Heather shares how she juggles a big, high-impact job and a busy family life.
27:16 – Heather talks about the massive life decision she made based on a gut feeling.
31:04 – How do you grow your career while your kids are very little? Heather shares concrete advice on how she did it.
34:40 – What does Heather regret about how she’s built her career and family life? She shares what she would have done differently.
39:52 – Brass Tacks: The lightning round of concrete advice and tips
Quotable quotes:
“[On men’s ability to caregive]…statistics show that when men actually do come forward and say hey…I need accommodation…this time off…they get it more than women who ask for the same thing.”
“[On regrets] Being even smaller than the workplace asked me to be as a working, family care giver.”
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