MARGARET LOURENCO

VP, corporate strategy, Levi Strauss and Co

Words of Wisdom: Leave your ego at the door. Remind yourself of the decision you made. So what if it takes five more years to become VP. You can craft a win-win solution.

Margaret is human and compassionate in her approach to work and life and readily admits when her balance is out of whack and strives to make it better. She went part-time at various times in her career at Levi’s so she could have more time to be with her daughter. While working 35-hours per week, Margaret’s career flourished and she was promoted to vice president, corporate strategy. When asked about her thoughts on working moms, Margaret said “I have sought them out in hiring. I knew I could attract and retain incredibly talented people by offering flexibility (e.g. reduced hours and working from home). Since Levi’s work is global, specific hours or locations don't matter. And there's never any question: family comes first. We get the work done and we do it very well. But I have no patience for spurious deadlines, nice-to-have requests, and face-time. I also have the chutzpah to say ‘no’.” One employee of Margaret said “Not only has Margaret allowed me flexibility throughout my career at Levi Strauss & Co., but she has invested in my success. I was recently promoted to Director, just six months after coming back from maternity leave and working part-time. It just proves that Margaret recognizes people for contributions and results (vs. hours spent in the office). She conveys a ‘we’re-in-this-together’ attitude. Margaret senses when the workload is too heavy and will find short-cuts or extra help when needed – including hiring other working moms as contractors to ease the workload! Also, as I work extra hours beyond my part-time schedule, she is very proactive about reminding to me to take extra days as compensation or offers to pay me extra for the time worked. “ Margaret is an admired and respected leader and provides a supportive and flexible work environment for her global team, and is an inspiration to other woman inside and outside the company who may be contemplating a move to part-time status but concerned what that will do to their career.