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2024
Aviva Roumani
Chief Corporate Development Officer, LionTree
“All the studies have shown that if you allow women basic equal rights and access to education, healthcare, and to safety, the opportunities for the next generation are exponentially greater.”
In your opinion, what qualities make a “Power Woman”?
A woman who not only achieves her own success but also empowers others to rise with her.
The polarized society in the US today seems to threaten our democratic values if not our democracy itself. What actions can we take to bring the various factions together?
The media industry now serves as dangerous clickbait – there is no longer any source of reliable, truthful and unbiased news. Media and including the whole ethos of what it means to be a journalist requires a drastic overhaul with responsibility, controls from the inside, and accountability to the public.
With all the different issues one could focus on (e.g. gun violence, child poverty etc.), is the pursuit of gender equality the most pressing in today’s world?
The adage of if you fix women’s rights, you fix everything. I think if you change the direction of a mother – you change the direction of society. All the studies have shown that if you allow women basic equal rights and access to education, healthcare, and to safety, the opportunities for the next generation are exponentially greater.
What do you think is the number one action we as a society can take toward en-powering women and gender equality? (e.g. affirmative action)?
In the business world, mentorship and sponsorship are two of the most powerful tools. Creating pathways for women to be mentored by leaders who invest in their growth can fast-track career development. Sponsorship goes a step further by having influential leaders actively advocate for women’s advancement within their organizations.
Can you tell us a short story in which you encountered a block due to your gender?
Per the next question, I think in compensation negotiations in particular against the opposite sex, the biases come out.
Do you think that asking previous salary requirements in job interviews contributes to the
pay gap between women and men? Should we push for a nationwide ban?
pay gap between women and men? Should we push for a nationwide ban?
Yes.
There are many studies that support the assertion that a female presence in the boardroom increases the bottom line and leads to healthier work environments. What can we do to continue to support and enhance the growth and presence of women in high profile positions?
It’s not only that other women that need to lift up other women – men have a responsibility as well, otherwise unfortunately it becomes a closed loop ecosystem. It’s also crucial to address unconscious bias in promotion decisions and provide opportunities for women to take on P&L responsibilities – this is often the key to unlocking senior executive roles.
Was there a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today? What was it?
I have had several moments where I failed to live up to my potential when I was young in my career. I learned some valuable lessons on being honest with yourself and not letting failure derail you. I am also deeply grateful to several important mentors who I have learned a great deal from and who have offered direct and sometimes uncomfortable advice.
Have you seen changes in the political landscape for women over the past few years? If so, what are they?
Baby steps in terms of making women in leadership roles more of the norm vs. the exception. The US still seems far behind other societies who have female leadership for decades (Sri Lanka in 1960, India in 1966, Israel 1969…)
Is “Education, education and education” one of the top three responsibilities of a civilized society? If so, why is it prohibitively expensive?
Because the system has become bloated by infrastructure, lack of controls, and inefficiencies – coupled with the pressure schools feel with expansion of courses, campus facilities, tuition aid and services – 500% since the 1980’s, outpacing inflation and wage growth by multiples.
If you could have someone else’s job for a day, who and what would it be? Why?
I would be the head chef at the best restaurant in the world. I love the idea of all the choreography and emotion around creating a beautiful experience for people.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Have a say-yes attitude – my grandmother used to say live life where you are, meaning say yes to experiences and people, live in the now, don’t spend too much time looking back.
And my boss and mentor has always said, follow through – the power of even a simple thank you note and delivering on what you say makes a big difference.
What is your favorite book (fiction or nonfiction)?
Personal History: A Memoir by Katharine Graham
What do you most value in your friends?
That they give as good as they receive – time, empathy, advice, love.
