Northwest Arkansas is home to some of the smartest and most inspiring entrepreneurs. We’re proud to feature a few of our female clients who are leading the way in business. We asked them to talk about the importance of being a woman in leadership in today’s climate. They each tell their stories of overcoming obstacles, hopes for the future and give advice for younger women coming up in the ranks.

ANNYE DEGRAND FOX
Vice President, Outlyr

I am fortunate to have been surrounded by female leaders for virtually all of my career. Managers, colleagues, mentors, friends – I have never had to look too far to find inspiration from a remarkable woman. Although my experience may not be the norm, it is my hope that someday soon it will be.

With more women in leadership today than ever before, it is inspiring to think that perhaps there is an entire generation of girls growing up to believe that (in the words of Ruth Bader Ginsburg) – “women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

As women, we are inherently powerful – regardless of our job title. I hope to always be able to harness that power no matter what I do for a living, but even more importantly, I hope to be able to model that for the remarkable women in my life as well as the next generation of female leaders to come after me. I have no doubt that they will be even more powerful than I am, and I cannot wait to witness it.

Honestly, one of the biggest obstacles I’ve had to overcome is myself. I think as women, we are often our own worst critic, and I am certainly guilty of that. Self-doubt and imposter syndrome plagued me for quite some time (and sometimes still do). I’ve learned to embrace the “fake it ‘til you make it” method when I am faced with thoughts of inadequacy. I may not know why I deserve to have a seat at the table all the time, but I’m certainly not going to let an opportunity to make an impact pass me by.

You can view Annye’s segment in the Females in Leadership section of the 2022 3W Magazine here.