What is your name, age, and location?
My name is Porter Gale. I’m 47 (but feel 30!) and I live in San Francisco.
What is your profession?
Writer, marketing consultant, public speaker, documentary filmmaker and mom.
What did you study in school and what degrees do you have?
I have two degrees: BSBA from Boston University and a MA in Documentary Filmmaking from Stanford University.
What was your first job?
My first job was interning for an advertising agency, called Martin/Williams, in Minneapolis.
Who or what inspired you to break into your current line of work?
I’m currently the author of Your Network Is Your Net Worth. I wrote the book so I could share my stories and the lessons of others with a broader audience. My hope is that the book will show and teach others the importance of networking in today’s digital world.
Name/describe what has been your most rewarding project so far?
I’ve been fortunate that I’ve worn many hats over doing my career. I loved being the VP of Marketing at Virgin America when the airline launched and I have many fond memories of being a documentary filmmaker and commercial director. Now, I can add author to my list of job titles. There is nothing better than receiving an email from a reader that is inspired to make positive change because of my book.
Name/describe one incident when being a woman has helped your career?
I don’t think about gender that often in the workplace. I’ve been very focused at working hard and being the best I can be in every role. There is research that states that women are more likely to understand emotional cues in meetings and during interviews. Because of that, I would say being a woman has helped me be a filmmaker and an author as I’m constantly talking to and interview new people.
Name/describe one incident when being a woman has hindered your career?
Well, I do recall early in my career working on an installation team that brought signage systems into banks. I was on a crew that traveled from bank-to-bank in Colorado, in Ryder trucks. The job was about 25% detail-work and 75% manual labor. My guess is lugging the boxes and gear around the banks would have been easier if I had stronger forearms. Regardless, I see every opportunity as a challenge and liked working on that team.
Who is your role model or mentor (alive or dead)?
Well, I think Hillary Clinton is quite remarkable. I’d love to interview her at some point in my career. I also am in awe of Oprah.
If you could give one piece of advice to a woman starting out in your field, what would it be?
Raise the bar, don’t hold back and go for your dreams.
Links:
Porter’s book Your Network is Your Net Worth
Follow Porter on Twitter: @portergale
– Interview by Elena Rossini
– Special thanks to Kelly Hoey for the introduction!
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