The Power To Drive Change By Elevating Teams

Janie Blouin Grondin is VP of Operations at Missive.

By Janie Blouin Grondin

The first time I truly understood the power of subtle biases was before a major presentation to a group of C-level executives. As I walked in, one of them greeted me with, "Ah, it's always a pleasure to have the beautiful Janie here to present her recommendations!"

Before I could react, my then-boss immediately interjected: "Her name is not ‘the beautiful Janie’—it’s Janie."

At first, I felt uncomfortable—even embarrassed that he had called it out. I didn’t believe the executive meant harm. But looking back, I realized that this was a microaggression, one that reduced my presence to my appearance rather than my expertise. These moments shape how women are perceived in leadership, often without anyone realizing it.

At Missive, as VP of Operations, I make sure inclusivity and empowerment are not just words but principles put to practice in how we work together. One of the first changes I made was to hire an organizational psychologist to help build trust and communication within the team. I’ve also put in place feedback systems to capture everyone’s opinions, making it possible for us to function as a high-performing, diverse organization.

Outside of Missive, I actively participate in communities that support inclusion. I volunteered in shelters, was on the board of a foundation assisting with autism, and have worked towards enabling women in tech rather than pitting them against one another. Sports also make for one of the areas I engage inclusiveness—I motivate people to go beyond their limits, feeling that success is about personal achievement, not merely performing.

For me, impact is about showing up, speaking up, and continuously evolving. By sparking reflection, challenging norms, and fostering an equitable workplace, I hope to reshape the conversations that define our industries.

Janie Blouin Grondin is VP-operations at Missive. https://www.instagram.com/janieblouingrondin/ ; https://www.linkedin.com/in/janieblouingrondin/