Women’s History Month Q&A : Meet Jacqueline, Rebecca, and Koharu

As Women’s History Month continues, we’re bringing you another round of insights from more of the incredible women across the globe who make up team Magnite. Read on to learn more from Jacqueline, Rebecca, and Koharu about where they draw inspiration, the importance of leadership and taking risks, and important advice they’ve received that’s brought them to where they are today.

Who do wish would play you in the biopic of your life? 

Lupita Nyong’o or Danai Gurira, because representation matters and representation of people who look like us is finally on the rise. They are a direct reflection of me as an American of African immigrant descent, and they are close to me in age and have had a bi-cultural upbringing like I have, so I believe they would be able to most authentically depict my life experiences. 

Tell us the most important thing you’ve learned in the last year since quarantine began.

I’ve had to learn how to live in the moment and stay present. It’s hard to plan anything in the future during a global pandemic.

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Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?
What are your current goals and how do you continue to grow and develop as a leader?

I have had numerous fantastic female (and male!) managers over the years who have inspired me and helped me to shape my career. As you continue to grow, the more senior you get there are often disproportionately fewer women in leadership positions – this is the world that I’d like to change. It won’t happen overnight, but if we keep asking the right questions, driving conversations, creating a supportive and flexible workplace, we’ll be able to create an environment where everyone can succeed and feel empowered.

We know you’ve spent a lot of time at home this last year. Tell us about the favorite corner of your home.

To make myself smile during lockdown I’ve been decorating Ian, my cactus. He’s had festive baubles for the Christmas period, was covered in hearts for Valentine’s Day and is currently sporting rabbit ears and Easter eggs. The straw hat, sunglasses and lei are ready for summer!

What leadership roles do you assume outside of the workplace? Do you have a different approach depending where you’re leading?

I am a member of Bloom UK (a professional network for women) and through this group I am a mentor to women in the industry with 1-5 years experience. This was my first experience mentoring and it was really great – being able to help guide someone’s career development through ‘asking and exploring’ style sessions was new to me, and something I valued and will try to bring to my leadership style.

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Who do you look up to for inspiration or mentorship?

My father, because he is a man of his word. 

What’s the most important risk you took and why?

I chose a better career path in Japan over living abroad although that’s always been my dream. 

Staying motivated and working every day doing something I am passionate about is very important to me, and I believe this choice will bring another chance to work/live abroad in the future. I am happy working at Magnite 🙂

What advice do you have for a woman who works mostly with men? 

Be direct and simple. Having a casual conversation and knowing each other helps to facilitate a smooth working relationship.