Company: PPDS

LAVNCH [CODE]: What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in business, and how have you overcome them?

ALISON MAXSON: My largest challenge has been giving myself permission to say “No” to projects and not feeling guilty for it. We, as women, can be our own worst critics and have a desire to please those around us as a default. However, I have developed a tougher skin, I don’t take things personally and am capable of stepping up to constructively voice my concerns or objects no matter what the person’s level is within a company.

The only way to overcome these challenges is by acknowledging those times when I need to push back, listening to myself, and believing in myself that I am worth it.

LAVNCH [CODE]: How do you stay motivated and focused when faced with setbacks or obstacles?

AM: For me, it’s about reflecting on the situation, walking away for a bit, then coming back to it with a fresher pair of eyes. I also like to talk it out with a close friend who can provide feedback or just to listen as I think out loud.

I also find that working out or going for a long walk helps me greatly in clearing my mind and better process conflict. I often develop my game plan in how I want to handle or develop solutions.

LAVNCH [CODE]: How do you approach risk-taking in business?

AM:  Personally, it’s all about researching and pulling together strong facts to best support my reasoning for why I want to do X, Y, and Z. I have found that this approach works extremely well—especially with my male colleagues. It’s hard to argue against facts. This also helps build my own credibility within my company and makes it easier to do what needs to be done in the future.

LAVNCH [CODE]: Who is a woman you admire in the tech industry and why?

AM: Brandy Alvarado-Miranda. The work she has done for the AVIXA Women’s Council and WAVIT, in addition to creating her own marketing and PR agency is amazing. She is always available to chat and offers great support to all around her. I am constantly amazed by her!

LAVNCH [CODE]: What’s your favorite book, movie, or song about female empowerment?

AM: I love period dramas! Or anything historic. I love Jane Austen novels both to read as well as to watch the on-screen adaptations. My favorite is Pride and Prejudice.

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