#TalkingEmpowerment with relocation industry maven Teresa Valadez about life, mentorship and what she would do differently
The saying ‘empowered women empower women’ rings so true. I feel extremely lucky that the powerful woman I looked up to as the ultimate source of inspiration was my mom — Teresa Valadez.
I am thrilled that I have an opportunity to honor her contribution to women, and to the industry that so obviously runs in my veins — moving and relocation.
Teresa Valadez retired after 26 years in the Relocation industry and prior was the SVP of Global Client Services at Graebel Companies. She is a moving industry veteran, having risen through the ranks, and smashed glass ceilings along the way. She has held senior leadership positions in a number of moving and relocations companies, has led large teams to success and has raised a family along the way.
- You’re obviously a strong, empowered woman and an industry trailblazer — what inspires/d you?
Wow! Strong and Empowered. Those are great traits to be described as, thank you! Interestingly, early in my mobility career, being described as strong was defined as too aggressive or overpowering but that never slowed me down. It’s hard to say what exactly inspired me, but I feel a big part was the pride and dedicated work ethic that was instilled in me, at a very young age. Being the oldest, first born American, to an immigrant couple came with high expectations and responsibility. My father was a very hard worker, once he learnt a trade he started his own business and was an excellent mason. However, he wasn’t a great businessman due to a lack of education. At 12/13 years old, his accountant trained me to take over the general ledger and payroll and other administrative tasks. I did these weekly, with the pride of contributing to the family business. From here, any job I performed, it felt incredibly important to go above and beyond because someone trusted me to contribute to their business and I was earning a paycheck too :-). I always gave 150% and was always looking to improve things in some way. I guess that’s what I would have to say inspires me, even still today…. Contributing to the bigger picture and making a positive difference in some way.
2. How has the world changed for women in your experience?
The world is constantly changing and when it comes to women, if you stop and think it really changes with each person. This question reminded me of a situation when I was about 15 years old. I went to an attorney’s appointment with my parents. The attorney was well-dressed and sat behind a beautiful mahogany desk in a large office. After our meeting, during which I did a lot of the explaining/translating and filling out of forms. He asked me what I wanted to be and I quickly answered “a secretary in a nice office like this’’. He smiled and said, “That’s great but have you ever thought about being a lawyer and having your own secretary working for you? You seem like a very smart girl, you can do whatever you want, it’s all up to you and what you put into your education.” During the car ride home, my parents encouraged me to listen to the professionals and educated individuals around me. They were proud of what they had accomplished since coming to the US but knew they lacked education. They always advised me to be the best human I could be and always remember that family comes first. I have never faced gender discrimination and know many women in very impressive positions — I count myself as very lucky. I know that many women out there have faced some terrible injustices in the workplace, so it’s great to see more and more women making great strides in becoming who they want to be.
“A key quality is for the individual to have a broad perspective of the world.”
Prior Senior Vice President of Global Client Services at Graebel Companies, Teresa Valadez.
3. You got to the top in the corporate world — while raising your kids. How did you manage it?
Well this question actually causes me to think about the many things I would do differently. I was not the best at balancing work and life. I was a workaholic — Monday through Friday. So, instead of answering how I managed it, I’ll answer with what I feel I would do differently.
First, I would have set boundaries with regards to my working hours, and tried my best to stick to them.
Second, I would have included my children (any age) in the weekly planning. I think this makes kids feel like they are active contributors to the family plan. It also allows them to see how much is going on and hopefully gives them a respect for the quality time for family when it’s there.
Finally, and now that I’m retired, I’m learning to do this better — I’d practice self-care. Taking care of your mind, soul and body is critical to being successful and staying sane, especially for a woman. Unless you are in a situation where you have a Mr. Mom situation and they are taking care of all the household duties. You are being pulled in many directions and sometimes you just need to stop and breathe and be yourself, by yourself doing whatever it is that relaxes you.
4. As the daughter of an immigrant, do you feel the bar was set much higher for you as a young girl? Did that shape your absolute need for independence?
Yes, being the first born daughter of an immigrant truly set the bar higher. I matured faster and learnt responsibility and pride at a very young age. I was translating, filling out forms and paperwork, creating proposals and contracts for my dad’s business all before I was 16. I’m not sure that that shaped my need for independence completely, but it surely shaped my high expectations of work results and pride in working, earning and succeeding.
5. What advice would you give to young women today?
First — Find positive role models — I would tell young women today to look around, listen, observe and take note. Find those people you look up to and ask yourself why you look up to them? It shouldn’t be about how they dress or what car they drive. Think about who they are. Think about how they behave. Think about how they make you (and others) feel after having a conversation with them. When you come across people like this, talk to them, confide in them and see if there are tips you can get from them to help you become the best version of you.
Second — Explore. Try new things. Accept invitations from friends to attempt a new sport or activity. Try new foods. Travel whenever you can and be sure to explore each location. Learn about it and make memories.
Third — Be humble, kind and trustworthy. Smile as much as possible. Think about first impressions and what you want the person to feel, once they interact with you. And ALWAYS…love and respect yourself!
