Member/Attendee Spotlight – Mirella Scalise

Tell us a bit about what you do, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I’ve been extremely fortunate to have found my passion in marketing.  As Vice President, Marketing at Infrastructure Solutions (Software) Inc., achieving the impossible motivates me, while helping to bring the best out of people.  I’ve worked with some of the largest and most dynamic organizations, while starting my early career in small boutique environments.  People have always been an important part of my passion, along with the work culture.  It is so gratifying to me to inspire others, and help people with their professional and personal growth.  I really do thrive when we all work and win together.  After 30 years in the marketing and brand space, I still love what I do.

How does your workplace promote an inclusive environment?

One of the main reasons I enjoy my workplace so much is because of the inclusive environment, everyone has a voice, everyone’s opinions are important and there is so much respect for teamwork and what each person brings to the table.  A positive culture is a productive one, and it’s fulfilling to know that every person brings a unique perspective which channels creativity and positivity.

How are you leaning in?

I continue to stay true to myself and leverage everything I’ve learned in my career, my experiences, my challenges, my accomplishments into mentoring young professionals, both women and men, to showcase their passion, believe in their voice and exemplify their goals to be true leaders.

What attracted you to Lean In Canada?

While having coffee with a friend of mine, he suggested I look into Lean In Canada.  He has attended a number of events and spoke very highly of them.  I enjoy networking and meeting new people, learning about other people’s stories and continuing to embrace new experiences.  I really enjoy the power of professional women coming together to discuss different topics, everyday women like you and I, who have lives outside of work and juggling it all.

What was one thing that most resonated with you from the last event you attended?

I attended the Women of STEM event in September and it just made me so proud to see women empowered, doing great things, sharing their experiences and knowledge.  This is what it’s all about for me.

Have you been participating in 10,000 coffees? 

I absolutely have yes! Networking is invaluable because one never knows how meeting someone new can change your day, your outlook and your future.  Community is about people connecting, whether at work or in our everyday lives.  I’ve met some wonderful women and for me, the coffee and conversation moments have all had one thing in common:  people just being people, authentic and genuine, getting to know one another, sharing life and work experiences, sharing ideas.  I’ve enjoyed the several I’ve met so far and look forward to meeting many more.

If you could go for coffee with anyone in the world, who would it be?

I would have to say the late Princess Diana.

If you were to recommend Lean In Canada to anyone, what would you say?

I would say exactly what my friend said to me, ‘if you want to network with women (and men) at different junctures in their lives working in different roles and sharing stories, you should check out Lean In Canada’.

Tell us about the best ‘mentorship moment’ or networking opportunity so far in your career.

I’ve been very fortunate over the course of my career/life to have more than one wonderful mentor.  During my studies in college, one of my professors said to me, ‘Always stay humble, no need to tell everyone how wonderful you are, they’ll already know’.  This has continued to be a very important life lesson for me.  Humility is key.  I mentor my teams with the same message.  Teamwork will always go farther.

As far as networking goes, anytime I get to meet someone new, learn about their story, it never fails to inspire me in some way.

How do others add value to you?

People add value to me every single day.  The stories they share, the insights and perspectives of where they’ve been, where they’re going.  Their hopes, their dreams.  Sharing their obstacles and successes.  Listening to them, being able to open up about their lives.  I’m inspired and motivated and humbled every single day.  People who own their truth are truly empowering.

If there was one thing you would want us to know about your organization, what would it be?

Infrastructure Solutions (Software) Inc., (ISI) is a niche platform that provides an “accountineering” approach to clients in the infrastructure space, predominantly municipalities. ISI is comprised of both civil engineers and financial analysts that provide capital planning mechanisms but with a twist:  it has developed leading edge software technology that will help municipal governments predict and develop 10-year capital plans for their transportation and water/wastewater networks based on multiple scenarios.

Name one notable woman (or women) you think deserves a shout out – and what would you like us to know about her?

Without hesitation, my mom.  She embodies empowerment and strength.  My mom was a successful entrepreneur owning her own business for many years, but family was always her most important job and still continues to be to this day.

Lastly, what is your favourite quote/song that you live by?

One of my favourite quotes is ‘Being challenged in life is inevitable, being defeated is optional’.

 

LINKEDIN PROFILE LINK

https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mirellascalise