Voice of Experience : Janet Lewis of SunGard

Janet Lewis, President of Global Accounts Management and Consulting Services at Sungard, answered the question before I had a chance to ask it.

“I’ve punched through the glass ceiling but I do believe there is more for me,” she said. “There is still more opportunity out there.”

She explained that she wanted to coach other women working up the ranks and mentor them. She didn’t have anyone like that in her career and hoped by sharing her experiences; she would be helping others along the way.

“Women’s progress has stalled and we need to get it back on track,” she said. “We need to be more supportive of each other and make sure that there is no gender discrimination in the workforce. We should strive for equal opportunity.”

Janet Lewis started out in the financial services industry with a degree in Medical Illustration. She majored in Biology with a minor in Art. When an opportunity at Citibank was afforded to her, she took the junior level position. The executive she worked for recognized Janet’s potential and offered her a full time job with benefits. In this position she was also able to illustrate on the side.

Throughout her career, Janet has had successes and failures. She says it is important to reflect afterwards and figure out what happened and why.

“Success isn’t always great and failure isn’t always a terrible thing,” she said. “We learn the most when we turn a difficult situation into a positive one.”

On the topic of successes, Janet believes that her greatest accomplishment is the balance she has achieved between her professional and her personal life. Many women struggle with this balance and I wanted to know how she achieved it.

At first, she threw words at me. Organization. Respect. Integrity. A solid support system.

“Balance is challenging,” she said. “You have to have integrity for the people that are important in your life. Have respect for the people within your support system and treat them the way you want to be treated. Make sure they are aware of their value. Also, allow them to be a part of your decision making process. It adds to the family success.”

She also said that you will have to make sacrifices. It’s easier to work with someone that has similar values as you and understands the need for balance. She pointed out that one of the most important things is to distinguish the managers who want to see you succeed and will provide for your professional growth, from the ones that don’t. .

Regarding business books, Janet recommended Jack Welsh on Winning. While she read it awhile ago, it is a book she has reflected on. She understood his style of management and the values around his management.

By the end of the phone call, I noticed that Janet was able to see the human element in business. She believes that having trusted relationships in business is a success in itself.

“Yes you need to know the financial aspect and the technologies but there is also that element in relationships that you need to value,” she said.

At home, Janet is raising three confident, capable and self-assured daughters. She says her greatest achievement will be contributing to their success. Her role in the family unit parallels her role in the professional sector. By providing equal opportunities and coaching women, she hopes she will be helping others, which is a great way to measure success.