I've enjoyed supporting the evolution of our office from a modest group to over 135 employees, each bringing a unique array of skills and perspectives. This exponential growth has rendered my role increasingly vital, as I'm focused on providing a positive candidate experience and seamless onboarding. The energy and enthusiasm of our new hires invigorates both me and the workplace, and I take immense pride in being an integral part of their journey from the outset. This significant expansion is a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence and the vibrant, inclusive culture we are diligently nurturing together.

Hearing new hires express their gratitude for the role I played in their onboarding experience reaffirms the significance of my work. It is incredibly gratifying to know that I have contributed to laying the groundwork for their successful trajectory within the company.

While my personal growth has been considerable, it's important to acknowledge the invaluable mentorship I have received from the regional and global Talent Acquisition team and leadership. Our collective efforts ensure that candidates experience a seamless transition with both local and international teams. 

Building trust with candidates has been paramount as they naturally seek reassurance about joining a new company in the Indian market. By demonstrating our reputation as an established industry leader, and our supportive culture, this has resulted in onboarding exceptional talent who resonate with our vision and are now thriving in their respective roles.

Each day, it brings me immense joy to be recognized and greeted by so many employees in the office. Knowing that I have made a positive impact on their experience motivates me to strive for excellence in my role. Our one year anniversary celebration was a vibrant event that showcased the energy and excitement around our new office. We were joined by members of the executive and senior leadership teams from our London and Boston offices, who took the time to share insights into our strategic goals and the significance of Bangalore within the global framework of Mimecast. This perspective not only inspired us but also highlighted the importance of every role in achieving our mission.

Furthermore, our steadfast commitment to social responsibility has fortified our sense of community. Supporting local charities during our celebrations has reinforced our values and fostered a shared sense of purpose. It is heartening to realize that our collective efforts extend beyond the confines of our office, making a tangible and lasting impact in the community.

As I look to the future, I am filled with excitement about the continued growth of Mimecast in India. The relationships I have cultivated over the past year inspire me to perpetuate a culture of connection and collaboration that benefits us all.

My first year at Mimecast has gone beyond supporting hiring of new employees into the company, it has been about cultivating a thriving community where every individual feels a profound sense of belonging. I eagerly anticipate continuing this journey of growth and connection as we forge ahead together, united in our mission to excel and make a difference in the world of cybersecurity and beyond.

Held at the iconic Harvard Stadium, this event felt like a grown-up version of school field day, complete with all the competitive fun, but with more coffee and fewer naps.

The day was packed with activities that tested our teamwork, agility, and competitive spirit. From tossing footballs to navigating obstacle courses and dominating in the ultimate Tug of War, the events were as challenging as they were exhilarating. My favorite part was the obstacle course; it was fast paced, thrilling, and exciting to race through against the other teams. We all pushed ourselves to the limit, making it an unforgettable experience!

An onsite ice cream truck was a delightful surprise! The refreshing snow-cone I got was the perfect way to cool down and recharge on a hot Boston summer day. It was such a joy to spend time outdoors, being active in the sun with colleagues I don't usually get to work with. The camaraderie and collaboration we experienced were truly special, highlighting the strengths and bonds of our team.

But the day wasn't just about competition; it was about making a difference. We are incredibly proud to have raised over $5,000 for Boston Children's Hospital. This achievement reflects the generosity and commitment of our team and supporters. Every dollar raised helps the hospital provide exceptional care to children in need. Knowing that our efforts contribute to such a vital cause is truly heartwarming.

While securing second place in the competition was a fantastic achievement, the real highlight was supporting a cause that means so much to me personally. Having had my own experience with Boston Children's Hospital, I know firsthand the incredible care they provide. Additionally, with my husband in healthcare who had a rotation in pediatrics, I understand even more deeply the importance of fundraising events like this. The Boston Children's Hospital Corporate Cup is more than just a day of fun and games; it's a crucial opportunity to give back to our community and make a positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Being part of this event was a privilege, and the sense of unity and purpose we felt was unparalleled. As we move forward, let's keep the spirit of the Corporate Cup alive and continue to make a difference in our community. Here's to many more events like this, where we can combine fun, teamwork, and philanthropy!

Reflecting on the past six months, the journey has been nothing short of incredible. Marked by a vibrant culture, a welcoming environment and remarkable leadership. From day one, I was struck by the warmth and approachability of everyone, particularly the leadership team. Having worked in various organizations, I can confidently say that the Mimecast leadership is the most accessible I have encountered. An open-door policy fosters an environment of trust and collaboration, enabling us to feel valued and heard. This has been pivotal in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive, from young professionals to more seasoned employees.

The talent within the India office is impressive. It is inspiring to witness the dedication and expertise of my colleagues. Each day brings opportunities to learn from and collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. The team here is not just growing in numbers, but also in strength and capability, continually raising the bar for excellence. Our office space is another highlight. It is vibrant and thoughtfully designed, making it a place where you genuinely want to spend time. The energy within the walls is contagious, sparking creativity and productivity. It is a hub where ideas flow freely and innovation is encouraged.

A significant milestone was our celebration of the one-year anniversary of our office in Bengaluru, India. This event was a testament to our collective achievements and the strong community we have built.

The festivities began with a town hall featuring our Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), and Senior Vice President (SVP) of Engineering. Their presence and insights into Mimecast’s vision, and the strategic role India plays as an R&D hub, underscore the importance of Bengaluru within the global Mimecast family.

I then had the honor of hosting a fireside chat with our CHRO! The teams were able to ask questions on any topic and was a wonderful opportunity to get to know our CHRO better and have direct connection with a senior leader. When I was first approached about  hosting this event, I was surprised, but also felt a bit apprehensive about whether I would be able to pull it off. However, our CHRO made the experience seamless. She was a breeze to talk to, was very candid and made my role more manageable and enjoyable.

We recognized the invaluable work of local charities, Liza’s Home and TIDE India. Their dedication to environmental resilience and supporting under-resourced communities resonates deeply with Mimecast’s core values. We made contributions to each charity, reaffirming our commitment to making a positive impact. The celebration concluded with a team building that brought us closer together and reinforced our commitment to mutual support.

As we look ahead, the future is bright. We continue to expand our team in India, seeking talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference. If you are looking for an opportunity to join a dynamic and supportive environment, come join us!

The past six months at Mimecast India has been a journey of growth, learning and community building. The culture, leadership and office environment all contribute to an exceptional workplace experience. I am excited to see what the future holds as we continue to grow and make a meaningful impact together!

I don't know where to start, but all I can say is that you can definitely do anything you set your mind to. It takes action, perseverance, facing your fears, and getting out of your comfort zone but in the end it's worth it!

Someone once said to me "Maybe IT isn't your passion, maybe you should find your passion elsewhere." all I can say is that I took those words and used them to prove to myself that IT is my passion and that I believed in myself and that I can do it. I knew IT was the sector for me because it's dynamic and therefore you'll always be developing and adapting along with the technology. You'll always be learning and not spending years performing the same task every day. If you enjoy learning, being challenged, and being kept on your toes, IT is the way!

I began my journey as a graduate, and I can still remember my assessment day. I told our amazing Talent Acquisition Partner that I was scared, she reassured me that everything will be okay and that I would do great - and she was right! When she called to tell me that I'd been accepted onto the graduate program I was speechless and over the moon excited. Her support and that of the HR team has never stopped, and I want to say a huge thank you for being there every step of the way to motivate me and I cannot thank you enough.

After my induction I was introduced to my team and I remember saying to myself, my team leader, and my manager that there is no way that I'm leaving, that I was going to do everything I could to become a permanent member of the team - and I did just that! That being said, it took a lot of hard work. I'm always eager to learn, and I think my fellow analysts and team leader were tired with the amount of questions I asked! but I just wanted to do better than I did the day before, I wanted to know what my mistakes were so I could learn from them and do better.

I've learned a lot over the past five months: everyone has something to teach you; never be afraid to ask questions; it takes more than just skill to advance to the next level; you need to get out of your comfort zone; be responsible and accountable; and lastly - always network in your company!  

Having a support network around you is so important. At Mimecast team members work together, support one another, improve things, and build with a resilient spirit. Here you can achieve anything you set your mind to - there are no limits! There were times when I was nervous but knowing I have great teammates, and especially my team leader who pushed me to do my best every day, I wouldn't be where I am today without them and I cannot thank them enough for believing in me when I didn't.

Even as a graduate you have access to leaders, and they also take time out of their busy schedules to join in on our team building activities and attend other events to motivate us and show their support which means a lot. I've even already met our CHRO! I was overjoyed to have the opportunity for a one-on-one talk with her while she was in Johannesburg visiting along with the HR leadership team. She is an incredible person and a true inspiration to me! She didn't hesitate to inform me that she is only a quick message away if I ever need anything.

I found some real friends at Mimecast, and a great manager. They say having a good manager at the start of your career is a blessing, and I'm truly blessed to have mine.

I cannot describe how I feel about working for Mimecast. Amazing is an understatement. I burst into tears the moment I was told that I'm a permanent employee, I was screaming inside, it felt unreal. I thought I was dreaming and then realized dreams do come true, mine was to stay as part of my team and here I am. 

All I can say is that you must go after what you want. You are capable of more than you know and if you want to live life on a new level, you have to set your goals, see the vision, make the plans, and take daily consistent action. My heart did a little skip when I signed my contract. Consistency is the key, and Mimecast is the way. I cannot wait to start my forever journey! 

Let's start with fast facts that may surprise you:

• As shared by The Good Planet, if we deleted 500 unread emails (assuming they’re not important emails), that would delete 175 grams of carbon dioxide if each email contributes 0.3 grams of CO2. 
• In addition, over 100 billion (yes, billion with a "B") spam e-mails are sent every single day. That equates to the carbon impact of almost 3 million passenger cars on the road on any given day.

Now that we have a few data points to show why this topic matters, let's talk about what we can do about it.

Make an Impact

There are many, low-impact ways we can minimize our environmental footprint. We encouraged Mimecasters to implement at least ONE of these steps this month as a way to recognize Earth Month:

1. Unsubscribe from unwanted newsletters. I get it, you may have that one old personal e-mail account that you used to sign up for the a newsletter and get 10% off back in 2022. From that point on, it's been a story of that poor inbox receiving new e-mail blasts every week. Do the planet a favor by logging in and unsubscribing.
2. Check your trashes. Almost every tool we access comes with a trash or "recycling" bin. It's time to go in and actually delete those files if you don't need them! Otherwise, it's doing more harm than good.
3. Don't save 7 different versions and keep them all forever. As someone who is always worried about losing my project progress or reference documents, I'm the first one to admit to having V1, V2, V47212, and eventually V23876423. Fast forward two years later from those all being saved, we can all probably delete a few of them and still have what we need.
4. Remove old applications on your smartphone. Your computer isn't the only thing with a carbon footprint. Your phones, tablets, and other electronics do as well. If you haven't opened an application in a long time, take a few seconds to uninstall. It'll free up space, improve battery life, and limit the amount of data being backed up.

Thank you for taking a read of this post! In the time you've gone through, you could've probably taken one of the steps, so let's get to it!

For me, being in sales has been both incredibly rewarding and challenging at the same time. My venture into tech sales started when I was working in marketing and a leader acknowledged my potential and offered me an opportunity in a sales role. Over the past ten years working in the industry, I've encountered various obstacles ranging from outdated stereotypes to systemic biases, but my resilience and unwavering determination to prove myself has been pivotal in forging paths throughout my journey.

Transitioning from learning the intricacies of sales to managing a relatively niche product in the United Arab Emirates and broader Gulf region required me to embrace various roles. From spearheading marketing initiatives and generating leads to conducting product demonstrations and closing deals, therefore versatility was key. This journey served as my primary learning ground where I refined my communication skills, developed assertiveness, and learned not to be disheartened by rejection. My first taste of success came when I closed a deal with the Dubai Police for the same niche product. This experience taught me that persistence and maintaining the right attitude are crucial in sales. After this achievement, any lingering uncertainty vanished, and as the saying goes, the rest became history.

My experience at Mimecast has been truly remarkable. In a mere nine months since joining the company, I earned the esteemed Eagles Club status (A global recognition program for top performing salespeople). Nothing brought me more joy than sharing my success with my team and seizing the chance to connect with fellow sales professionals from across the business. What I value most about Mimecast is the supportive work environment it fosters. And by this I mean a supportive work environment goes beyond just having a nice coffee machine; it's about cultivating a culture where everyone feels valued and heard. A positive culture not only reduces stress levels but also boosts morale and promotes overall mental and emotional well-being. At Mimecast, I have consistently felt valued, respected, and supported by both my peers and leadership, contributing to a fulfilling and enriching work experience.

A piece of advice to all young women in sales, or in any field where they are striving to make a mark, is to embrace change and say yes to challenges. While change may be uncomfortable, it is often in moments of adversity that we discover our true potential. Personally, I embraced the challenge of entering tech sales, despite having an educational background unrelated to sales and little to no knowledge about the competitive corporate world. Despite the initial uncertainty, it ultimately paid off. Lastly, remember to be your own role model and cheerleader. Believe in yourself and your abilities, and don't hesitate to celebrate your successes along the way.

While biases may persist, indeed you often encounter terms like "being difficult" when you assert yourself or disagree, but what I can strongly affirm is that the narrative is shifting. It’s not just because society is becoming more aware of the need for equality, but because we as women are stepping up, boldly challenging conventions, breaking barriers, and rewriting the rules of what it means to be successful in sales. In doing so, we are laying the groundwork next generation of Tech saleswomen, who will enter a field that is more diverse, more equitable, and more open to the multifaceted talents they bring to the table.

Many discussions were had, and as those of us here in London who work simultaneously with the UK and European markets, had the inspired idea ... “What about an EMEA-wide Call-Out Day?”

The wheels were set in motion and we recruited Reps from across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) to help us decide on a theme then plan and organize the day across eight different office locations. To encourage collaboration with, and curiosity about, our fellow EMEA Mimecasters, each office was to embody another EMEA office for the day. This meant that, for example, London’s would be Paris for the day and the team would enjoy classic French treats and an Eiffel Tower cut-out, and the Johannesburg office would be Dubai for the day with camel figurines and cacti.

We also placed a post box in each office, where Reps could send a postcard to a colleague in another EMEA office. This was my personal favorite aspect – seeing people sending kind words and encouragement to their colleagues across the region, while working toward a common goal, which is really what this day was all about.

With the theme nailed, and sales teams informed, it was up to us to pull off the day, in five different time zones, and three different continents. We also wanted an exciting kick-off so our senior leaders filmed their words of encouragement and motivation in advance, so that each region could see their messages, before the live version in London.

This meant that, although we would all have the same schedule for the day, we staggered the starts (so each region began at 9am), and reps would spend their day trying to book as many meetings as possible.

And book they did!

We also had some incredible personal wins for some reps, including some huge and long-sought-after enterprise new business meetings!

The day turned out exactly as we had all hoped, with the numbers exceeding our expectations.

A big thanks to the EMEA marketing team for all their hard work in the weeks and months leading up, to make this day happen. And kudos to the GTM teams for putting in the work on the day!

We are in a period of growth, entering new markets and opening new offices which makes working in Talent Acquisition an exciting place to be, supporting the business in establishing new locations and finding local top talent to join us on our journey.

It's such a unique opportunity for professionals to get in at the early stages and play a key role in shaping the future of Mimecast in Canada, with the energy and excitement of a start-up environment, but the security and maturity of an established larger organization. Mimecast has an ambitious vision and mission and is investing in people, tech and products - and being part of the team helping to build teams locally is a unique opportunity for Talent Acquisition Partners like me!

Just recently, I had the privilege of visiting the opening of our new office in Mississauga, Canada, which was a significant milestone for TA who were instrumental in building the team locally. To commemorate this occasion we held an internal event that brought together members of the Executive Leadership Team, internal stakeholders, external partners, and prospective candidates. It was a celebration of not only our new office but also the sense of community and collaboration that defines Mimecast's culture. Building out and opening a new office requires collaboration and teamwork across multiple diverse functions working in partnership including HR, Facilities, Engineering, Leadership, TA, Office & Facilities and many other departments. 

Furthermore, our commitment to social responsibility was underscored by our involvement in local volunteer initiatives—a testament to Mimecast's values. Mimecast donated $13,500 CAD which equals to food for 13,500 meals via Food Banks Mississauga, the leading local food security organization. They lead a network of 60+ agency members, including neighborhood food banks, pantries, cupboards and meal and snack programs, working together to realize a food-secure Mississauga. 

For me and my team, this trip was more than a work activity; it was an opportunity to strengthen relationships and foster camaraderie - and I very much appreciated the opportunity to represent the team behind the hiring, and the recognition for our hard work and contribution to building a presence in a new location. 

The decision to establish ourselves in Mississauga was carefully considered. With a history of successful ventures in the Greater Toronto area and a strategic analysis confirming the region's abundant talent pool, it was a logical choice. Additionally, Mississauga's proximity to our hub in Lexington, MA facilitates seamless collaboration across time zones, enhancing operational efficiency. 

If you're seeking to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to pushing boundaries and driving innovation, Mimecast offers an unparalleled opportunity for growth and development. Join us as we embark on this exciting journey of expansion and discovery. Your next career milestone awaits.

Click here to search all jobs in Mississauga, Canada.

I grew up the youngest of my parents' three children in Los Angeles, California. As a child, I was someone who was very quiet but once you got to know me you knew that I was also very outspoken, bold, and opinionated. In middle and high school I was very social and a part of a lot of different clubs like the Watts/Willowbrook Boys and Girls Club, step team, Junior Statesmen of America (JSA), journalism, and most formidable Minds Matter of Los Angeles. My parents were working class people, and they raised me very humbly in Compton, South Central Los Angeles. My mom and dad were separated, however, my mom was an educator and childcare worker while my dad worked in telecommunications and he also has his own business where he installs security cameras. 

Where and what did you study, and what did you do after graduating? 

I graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in American Studies. I originally wanted to study public health given the high school I graduated from was a magnet school focused on medicine and science. I had a few work study experiences in public health that made me realize public health is not for me. After graduating, I moved to NYC and worked odd jobs until one day I got a reply for a temporary receptionist role that led to a permanent role on the sales team of one of the fastest growing startups and that is how I got my start in tech. 

What inspired you to get into the tech industry?

I wasn't traditionally inspired to get into tech, I just stumbled into it. I thought of tech as just being software engineers however, it is so much more than that. I honestly feel this has also contributed to my success in the tech industry because I am not your traditional tech employee thus I am more creative in my approach to the work I do. 

What has your career path looked like in tech and the various positions you’ve held before joining Mimecast? 

My career path in tech has been non-traditional. I started off my career in a sales role and was so good at that role as a loan officer that when the opportunity presented itself as the company was growing I applied to be a sales trainer. It was a lateral move for me that opened up opportunities to learn new skills and understand the foundations of enablement and corporate training. After my role as a trainer I was a Sales Enablement Manager at another startup and I was able to update their playbooks and this opportunity with Mimecast came about through a recruiter that came across my profile on LinkedIn who told me about the role, and it was the perfect fit given my prior experiences. 

Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as a Customer Success Enablement Lead at Mimecast?

As the Customer Success (CS) Enabler I ensure the CS department is equipped with the tools they need in their role. On any given day I manage and build their learning management system courses and reference guides, organize change management, communicate product updates, and messaging from marketing to our customers to CS of our new products. We also host an annual Enablement event for our Go-To Market teams called Amplify which is our quarterly event focused on a hot topic like new company messaging, or the value we provide our customers. In my role, I also generate reporting to create measurements and data processes to demonstrate impact and adoption of programming. 

What has attributed to your success thus far and what types of obstacles have you had to overcome along the way as a Black professional? 

From a very young age, I have always been intentional about my success and have always looked for opportunities and programs that I can be a part of to get to the next level. In high school, I was part of a program called Minds Matter of Los Angeles which connects driven and determined students from low income families with mentors and college preparation resources to succeed in college and beyond. Outside of the work I was doing in my day to day at school and extracurricular activities, this program really helped me to be competitive in the college admissions process through providing college prep and exposure to college environments and attending summer college programs at Cornell University and Johns Hopkins University. After graduating college though, I was unafraid and moved to NYC to pursue my dreams and live life on my own terms and I was willing to learn and most importantly adapt. One of the most important lessons I learned early on was to adapt and hustle, to think critically, and figure out how to get things done and through this, I have constantly learned and gained new skills along the way. 

What advice would you give to other Black professionals who are interested in joining the tech industry? 

Be intentional and take the time to understand your value in relation to the company and role you are applying for 9 times out of 10 you are qualified and beyond talented however, you may not fully understand your skillset and how that will positively impact the team and company you are looking to join. The last piece of advice I would give is to join professional networks in relation for the role you are looking for and listen to podcasts and attend any relevant conferences they may have as these are often opportunities to learn market news and trends so you know what new skills and tools you need to learn.  

While general awareness of the problem of diversity in the tech industry is a step forward, to make a lasting change, real actions need to be taken.  Do you have any ideas or suggestions on what companies or employees can do to step up and make a difference?

For companies, it is nice to have employee resource groups (ERGs) but also ensure they have a budget to host engaging programs that provide a true network and resources employees can use. Also ensure there are professional development resources that have the potential to prepare your workforce for their next role, or continuously develop in their current role. 

For employees, if your company has a referral program, extend referrals outside of your immediate network to diverse candidates looking for an opportunity in tech. Whenever you have the opportunity, pay it forward through serving as a mentor, being a champion for diversity in tech, and an ambassador to your company. 

Coined by co-authors Helen Tupper and Sarah Ellis in their book The Squiggly Career - Ditch the Ladder, Discover Opportunity, Design Your Career, careers used to be about climbing up a ladder and trying to get to the top of that ladder as fast as possible. Careers were predictable and linear, and we knew what was coming next. 

When we used to think of what a successful career looked like, we thought progression had to equal promotion and the idea that we should all want the same thing in our careers at the same time.

Today that has changed, and many people are embracing a "Squiggly Career." Squiggly Careers are filled with endless ways to progress. A Squiggly Career might look like taking on a new project, meeting with a mentor, taking a course, or maybe networking. With the Squiggly Career, there is no such thing as a straight line to success anymore.

My Squiggly Career Story

I started my career as a school teacher, but after 3 years, I realized teaching wasn't my calling, so I decided to explore other options. Not sure what I wanted to do next, I decided to learn some new skills by doing a human resources online certificate degree and joining an HR networking group to learn more about the experience of the corporate world. 

Soon after completing my degree, I joined that corporate world, starting as a technical recruiter hiring for the aerospace industry–a big squiggle! About a year into this role, I saw an internal open role posting for a Learning and Development Specialist, was intrigued, and decided to go for it. 

With my manager's support, I interviewed for the role and was hired. Fast-forward 5 years later, and I'm still working in learning and development space and loving it.

My Squiggly Career has definitely been a rewarding and fun journey, and it's been one that works for me. But I've certainly had some learnings.

I've learned that when you squiggle, you have to take time to do a lot of reflection. Reflecting on what goals you want to achieve, what your values are, and what your strengths are. And ultimately I believe that staying curious, being open to different possibilities, and looking for ways to grow and learn are key to success.

To that end, I'm excited that Mimecast embraces the Squiggly Career and we host annual series of live 1-hour Squiggly Career workshops with author Helen Tupper herself!. The sessions are interactive and Helen shares the skills to progress your career at Mimecast and how to craft a career that works for you no matter where you are in your career. I hope to see you there one day!  

At the time I reached my 5-Year Milestone, I was surprised and excited to learn that Mimecast had awarded me a once in a lifetime Blueboard experience!

What did you select as your experience?

I am terrible at doing things for myself (and planning things in general, just ask my wife) so looking through the catalog of amazing options - I couldn’t decide. I’m the kind of guy who would get stickers as a kid but never use them because if I used them, then I wouldn’t have them anymore. 

I thought about the amazing drone option, but figured I’d never commit to getting the license, illegally fly it, and ultimately crash it into a tree on my inaugural flight. I looked at some of the fun class options, to a Boston boat dinner cruise, and ultimately decided on a Helicopter Tour of Boston. I had taken my wife on one of Newport years ago and always recalled how different the sense of flight a helicopter is to anything else and a flight over Boston with the Fall foliage would be perfect. Not to brag, but I MADE A DECISION. 

Can you tell us about your experience?

At the end of October we arrive at the Lawrence airport. My wife was excited but had absolutely zero interest in sitting in front and I, being somewhat of an adult, held my intrusive thoughts at bay and didn’t grab the controls. We were off!

Up we went over the trees and headed towards Boston. I’ve driven that route hundreds of times and it was like seeing a whole new world from that point of view. I always liked the quote from Felix Baumgartner “Sometimes you have to go up really high to understand how small you really are.” I was born, raised, went to college, have worked, and am raising a family in a 30-mile bubble of Massachusetts. While I’ve traveled all over the world, yet again Mimecast gave me another amazing memory in my book of life and showed me my home from a new perspective. The ride back was all smiles and the memories are forever:

We even flew over the Head of the Charles Regatta, Logan Airport, the Prudential Center and over Fenway Park. We even flew over the State House where I may someday rule over Boston!

If I had to guess, it's something we have all heard more than once. It may have been said on a warmer-than-usual day, or in-passing when tossing a plastic straw into the bin.

Either way, the result is the same: A reluctance to take action.

We're Minutes from Midnight

There's no denying that, as we celebrate Earth Day this year, we're closer than ever to striking "midnight" on a variety of environmental crises. By midnight, I'm referring to a point-of-no-return where we're locked into a cycle of planetary havoc.

On the other hand, it's just as important to remind ourselves that it's not midnight.. Yet.

Did you know that global deforestation peaked in the 1980's and has since declined? Or that sales of new gas and diesel cars have peaked? We've even seen historic, global agreements to address wildlife trafficking and the plundering of our oceans.

This isn't meant to cast a rose-colored tint on the challenges we face, as there are still oceans that separate where we are today and where we need to be. But the clock hasn't struck 12:00, and we can each play a role in slowing it down.

Certainly the continuous flow of news on warming temperatures, biodiversity collapse, and relentless growth in waste can be both exhausting and overwhelming. Like so many things that confront us, we ask ourselves, "what can I really do about this? I am one person."

Turns out, we can do a lot.

Impact of One

I took some liberty to call-out "doomerism" because I know it can be paralyzing. Courtesy of Vox, I input a diagram below on where I aspire for us to all be when we consider what we can do for this Earth Day.

If we collectively face our hurdles with optimism and a conviction that change is possible, only then can we slow our rising sea levels.

Now, I'm hoping at this point in the article that you're feeling motivated about what you can do!

Before I provide a list of resources or tips, I encourage you to take some time to measure your own impact. There are tools out there that shows exactly how much we are contributing to our challenges. You can calculate your plastic waste, foodprint (yes, your diet contributes!), fashion footprint, and more.

Once you've gone through a process of reflecting and measuring your own impact, it's then time to take action. As your friend in social impact, I'm here to give a cheat sheet of ideas to get started:

• Visit EarthDay.org. This can be your go-to resource (and it's relevant all year) on getting involved in your own communities, as hundreds of local events have been uploaded.
• Make just one or two dietary changes that lowers your carbon footprint.
• Always bring a reusable bag for your shopping trips.
• Switch to online billing or notifications to save the paper and transportation emissions.
• Think about if you need that extra shirt that's on sale. When buying, choose natural materials – organic cotton, linen, or hemp.
• If you're not in a room, turn off the lights!

This is only a short list of ideas or reminders that I hope inspire you to do your own research on what actions would work best for your lifestyle. I picked these because they can also be done right away.

Electric vehicles and solar-panels for your home are great, too, but even without those more significant investments, you can do your part.

No Excuses

This call-to-action for each of us shouldn't be confused with excusing governments or companies from doing their part. After all, there's an undeniable connection between where wealth has been created and the darkening of our environmental fortunes.

When we look within our own four walls at Mimecast, we are making progress, but there is a lot more we can do. If you haven't yet, I encourage you to take a look at our Annual Environmental, Social, and Governance Report from 2022. Our 2023 edition is set for a May release (stay tuned), but Page 31 of our current version gives some insight into what we're doing to rise to the challenge.

We can't do this alone, and that's why we want your help.

Getting Involved at Mimecast

There are various ways we support our Mimecsters to get involved, two of which are the 

Matching Gift Program: where the company matches a charitable donation made by an employee toward environmental charities. 

Mimecast's Green Team: Our purpose is to support Mimecast’s environmental resilience strategy through information sharing, employee engagement, and community partnerships.

Almost 20 years ago, in a small city in India, when I was accepted in to the Engineering college of my choice, I was the happiest girl on the earth. Not because I loved circuits, microcontrollers and embedded systems, but because I wanted to be the first female Engineer in the family and to make my parents proud.

Where and what did you study, and what did you do after graduating? 

I loved computers and coding but sadly, my scores were not good enough for Computer Engineering, but I studied hard for four long years and became an Engineer. My next mission was to get into a “big” company with a “good” salary so I could be financially independent.

What has your career path looked like before joining Mimecast? 

I was on cloud nine when I got placement in one of the top Indian Multinational Companies with thousands of employees in offices across the globe. The only catch, it was in the BPO division (you may want to google about BPOs) of the company. As an engineer, it was not a great way to kickstart the career however my young and impatient self did not want to miss a single opportunity to accomplish my mission. In those times, as a fresher, it was the quickest way to earn good money and voila, I enter this world of “Voice and Accent Trainings”, “Desktop/Laptop Troubleshooting”, “Graveyard shifts” and much more. As one can imagine, it was not a sustainable plan to build a “great career”. I switched from one company to another, for better salary, better position, better work, so much so that I even earned a post graduate degree in MBA and many other certifications, while working. So here I was, constantly running a blind race to nowhere, from a Technical Support Engineer to an ITIL Consultant to a Project Manager to a Technical Services Manager that I had no time to pause and reflect what I really wanted or what was my dream job. Was I happy with my work? Never dared to ask the lost engineer within me as I had no courage to step down and start it all over for something that was “unknown”.

What has been your experience of working at Mimecast?

I have found my dream job in Cybersecurity that I had never even dreamt of, and I cannot thank Mimecast enough for providing the platform I had always, subconsciously, desired for. When I started in the year 2019, I had no idea about DMARC, DKIM, SPF but it was exciting to know that those servers, that I dealt with in my past experience, had so much to do behind the scenes, had so many protocols to adhere to. After spending almost 3 years at Mimecast, ask me not just about DMARC, SPF, DKIM but also email security, SMTP, ARC, SAML, cybersquatting, credential harvesting, spoofing, impersonation, fuzzy hashing, hash jacking, tracking pixels, device fingerprints and various other cybersecurity terms, the list continues to build up. Although it sounds cool, undoubtedly it has been my most challenging transition on various levels however the only driving factor was my appetite for learning and resilience.

Today, I realize how Mimecast’s strong values, great leaders, global presence, diversity and wonderful people have not only played an important role in boosting my knowledge but also my confidence and personality overall. It is only after working at Mimecast, I found that the real accomplishment was not just about getting that job with a good salary or a higher position but to be able to develop an organic relationship with my work.

The small and big learnings every single day is building and improving my very own knowledgebase which is a great tool when it comes to delivering the best experience to the Customers. No wonder why I relate to each Mimecast value so much and so easily. At forty, I am finally happy to be a techie and the state I am in, is no less than meditation, where all I care about is doing something with “purpose” and keeping that learning spark alive. Ohh and “purpose” reminds me how proud I feel every time I say, “We stop bad things from happening to good organizations”. As they say the more you know, the more you realize how much you don’t know. This, definitely, is just the tip of the iceberg, to build the knowledge so deep, have miles to go before I sleep.

Working at Mimecast has been a perfect fit for me because this organization places a high priority on collaboration, innovation, and investing in its people. It's an environment that fosters growth, both personally and professionally, which is something that drew me to join the team.

As part of our Global Talent Acquisition team, I've had the honor of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as one of our DEI Champions which has been incredibly fulfilling.

This past October, I, along with six other members of Mimecast's Women and Allies Employee Resource Group, had the privilege of attending Boston's Women in Tech conference to launch Global Diversity Awareness Month. The event spanned two inspiring days, bringing together over 900 participants from various levels of the tech industry and featured a packed schedule. The conference included a lineup of inspiring keynote speakers and ample networking opportunities to connect with new faces and share valuable takeaways.

The core themes of the conference resonated with my role as a Talent Acquisition Partner. They focused on women pioneering efforts in the tech sector, paving the way for a new frontier, while also considering the future impact of these endeavors. The resounding message was the importance of cultivating an environment where every employee can bring their whole, authentic self to work. This authenticity is the spark for fostering inclusion and driving change. Different backgrounds and life experiences bring unique perspectives to the table, accelerating the pace of transformation and progress.

In this new frontier, women have multifaceted roles in their lives – from being daughters, mothers, and mentors to dedicated employees. Women are known for our strength, intelligence, innovation, passion, and resilience as leaders in the corporate landscape. I'm excited about the future impact we can continue to achieve in these roles.

The conference highlighted the significance of personal growth and understanding one's "why" – that intrinsic motivation that keeps us committed to our work. It's about aligning our responsibilities with what truly energizes and fulfills us. Attending Women In Tech has empowered me to know that I have the support of incredible women to continue advocating for myself, my peers, and the candidates I interact with daily. I'm genuinely grateful to be part of an organization like Mimecast, which embraces and encourages diversity, equity, and inclusion. It's a place where values and actions align, making it an excellent destination for prospective candidates who share our commitment to DEI.

In collaboration with the UNH Professional Sales Group, Mimecast design an immersive experience including a series of multi-round interviews and mock calls to provide students with a hands-on experience in the world of sales, and the opportunity to demonstrate their exceptional communication skills.

The day kicked off with a warm welcome from our VP Business Development, whose insightful remarks set the tone for an interactive and informative session. Students were able to ask questions which added to the sense of community and collaboration. The event then switched to a series of role-plays designed to mimic real-world business scenarios, with Mimecasters acting as judges meticulously evaluating the students' persuasive abilities, negotiation tactics, and overall sales acumen. 

As the rounds progressed the finalists emerged showcasing their sales acumen and passion for the field. Among the 12 finalists were two exceptional students were crowned winners, and walked away with well-deserved accolades and some enticing prizes.

A unique and authentic experience 

The event is testament to Mimecast's commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering a vibrant community of sales professionals. The students authentic experience of Mimecast - a combination of a healthy competitive spirit, and an inclusive and welcoming environment for individuals passionate about sales and technology. 

The UNH Sales Competition at Mimecast provided a platform for students to showcase their skills, and served as a source of inspiration and motivation for the next generation of sales professionals. Students and Mimecasters alike left with a feeling of positivity, excitement and are eagerly anticipating the future endeavors and opportunities for the growth and development of the sales leaders of tomorrow.

On any given day you're likely to see me dashing through the office setting up experiences that help drive our culture and create great memories. This can vary from supporting our Employee Resource Groups with lunch and learns, bringing in external Diversity, Equity and Inclusion experts and speakers, and providing foods from around the world to close out Global Diversity Awareness Month.

Ultimately, my work is centered around creating experiences that all can enjoy while driving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives. But here’s the reality, while I love what I do, it can be draining and sometimes exhausting, especially as a person who’s had to be at the forefront of advocating why her voice matters… her whole life.

Latina. First-Gen. Low socio-economic upbringing. These are only some of the ways I chose to identify, others include sister, friend, and ally. Just by looking at me, you could probably only identify one of the descriptors above, Latina. I’m short, have darker features and when you speak to me, I sometimes embed a little “pero like” in my statements. Because of this, I’ve been disrespected, belittled, and sometimes ignored in my professional career. Here’s the truth, my story isn’t unique and others who are reading may feel a sting inside because they relate. If you haven’t ever felt that way, well, there is nothing wrong with that, but maybe it’s time you ask yourself why.

When I joined Mimecast in 2022, we were in the midst of rolling out a Self-ID campaign. This was the first time I experienced an organization asking me to self-disclose personal information that I didn’t know if I’d want people to know. What was the information going to be used for? Who would have access to this? Would I have another target on my back? As if I needed another reason to stand out! Regardless, I filled out the information and months later I’m glad I did.

I'm not saying that self - disclosing resolved all challenges - but it opened doors. I’ve had the chance to connect with so many Mimecasters that care, that want to learn, that want to make a difference. I self-declared because while I know change might not happen from night to day, it’s helped me build my network and find my community at work.

At Mimecast, during Global Diversity Awareness Month (October), our offices will be buzzing with events, experiences, and learning opportunities. I encourage you to get involved in your organization's Employee Resource Groups, to have tough conversations, its time to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s time to be a proactive ally. It won’t be easy, but it’ll be worth it. Pa ‘rriba y Pa ‘lante. Up and at em.