Julia Hanft
General Counsel
Wego Chemical Group
Meet Julia Hanft, a seasoned legal professional with over 25 years of experience, currently serving as the General Counsel for Wego. Julia's story is not just about legal expertise but a testament to resilience, determination, and a deep commitment to fostering diversity in traditionally male-dominated industries.
Background and Career Path:
Julia's journey into law began early. Graduating high school ahead of schedule, she embarked on a full-time career at the age of 17. Initially in accounting, Julia pivoted towards contract administration, discovering her passion for legal aspects of business. Her career has predominantly been in the defense industry, particularly focused on telecommunications. The Wego opportunity, a family-owned company, captivated her with its uniqueness and the chance to explore the chemical industry.
Family Influence:
Rooted in a traditional household, Julia draws inspiration from her mother's strong work ethic, who, rising from a bank teller to operations manager, never missed a day of work. Her father's illness early in life taught her resilience. Setting goals from a young age, Julia learned the value of discussing challenges openly, a trait that would shape her future ease in dialogue with others.
Sponsorship and Mentoring:
Julia emphasizes the pivotal role sponsors played in her career, advocating for her and providing crucial opportunities. Acknowledging the importance of sponsors, she advises identifying individuals willing to share their time and expertise. Julia believes in humility, acknowledging what one doesn't know, and learning from mentors and sponsors.
Advocacy and Challenges:
Reflecting on challenges faced by women in advocating for themselves, Julia notes societal expectations. Women are often nurturers and peacemakers, facing a delicate balance of being assertive without appearing aggressive. Her advice is to be prepared for a "no," approach discussions objectively, and ask, "What can you do about it?"
Goal Setting and Accountability:
Personal goal setting is central to Julia's success. She suggests periodic reassessment and abandoning goals if they no longer align with priorities. Confidence, she notes, comes from years of experience.
Contract Negotiation Wisdom:
In contract negotiations, Julia emphasizes removing emotion, understanding motivations, and getting creative to find mutually beneficial solutions. She recommends the principled negotiation approach from "Getting to Yes" and teaches negotiation classes.
Final Advice:
To the Women in Chemical community, Julia shares a practical tip: the Super Woman Pose, a physical stance to bolster confidence. She recommends seeking out podcasts that offer unconventional insights, and she encourages women to speak up and have courage when advocating for themselves.
Julia's journey exemplifies resilience, dedication, and the transformative power of mentorship. Her story serves as a beacon for aspiring professionals navigating challenging landscapes.
This episode was sponsored by:
