I saved you a seat
"We’ve saved a seat for you, as you are, here." Hear a bit more about what's behind Sr. Manager of Sales Development, Alex MacLellan's welcoming vibes and the importance of alignment with a company's culture and values for a sense of belonging and being seen.
As Senior Manager of Sales Development, Alex Maclellan manages Nintex’s AMER region SDR (Sales Development Representative) team. He’s responsible for leading the team to acquire new business across North America, with a focus on top-of-the-funnel sales activity. Alex shares his perspective on the importance of values alignment with the company you work for, and his related experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
I’ve quickly learned that during the interview process, it’s critical to vet an organization’s culture: are there any microaggressions in their line of interview questions? What about their mission statement and values? Is the leadership team and company diverse?
Even with carefully cultivated questions, people end up in company cultures contrary to their own values. I’ve learned the hard way. Knowing when to move on is important for your overall health – even if you’ve only been there a short time.
As someone who is gay, I learned the way I experience the workplace is different. Here’s how it’s different at Nintex.
Beginning with my direct manager, I’m treated like any other employee, and it goes beyond equitable treatment. Rachel encourages her people to show up authentically. And if she sees something that doesn’t sit right with her, she says something. She advocates for us. I’ve always been inspired by Rachel to show up authentically by driving meaningful interactions across regions, bridging the gap across cultures and identities.
Being treated like any other colleague may sound obvious – it’s what a culture should be, but as a person who has experienced their fair share of adversity and discrimination for being part of the LGBTQIA+ community, both inside and outside the workplace, it’s been something entirely new. And something I deeply appreciate.
Pride month no longer feels like a secret for me to celebrate alone with my partner. I no longer guard myself when talking about my personal life or live in two separate worlds personally and professionally. I get to show up authentically. Everywhere, every day.
I feel safe writing this today knowing that someone out there is looking for their next role at an affirming organization. Imagine knowing you don’t have to ask a series of questions related to LGBTQIA+ issues just to understand whether you will be accepted in a workplace. Know that there is a seat at the table just for you. We’ve saved a seat for you, as you are, here.
It’s the feeling of belonging. I can be myself at Nintex. I belong at Nintex. I am seen at Nintex. But Nintex isn’t all the way there yet. I want to be a part of the change that gets us there and I invite you to join me.
