The Elevator

Who have you sent the elevator back down for?

I had a conversation with a friend yesterday about using your achieved status to promote up-and-coming talent and the importance of doing that to keep a vibrant talent pool. I told her I’d heard this called “the elevator.”

I can’t remember the exact source I heard it from, but it goes like this: Especially as a woman, when you make your way up to a level of status, it’s your job to send the elevator back down and help other women rise to their potential. I see that as recognizing talent, nurturing it, and ensuring that it gets promoted.

I’ve been in the elevator a few different times, both going up and sending it back down.

At the beginning of my career, Leslie Groves had just launched America’s Horse, a first-of-its kind membership magazine. When I interviewed for a position at the Quarter Horse Journal (a sister publication) before I’d even graduated college, Leslie recognized talent I didn’t know I had. She nurtured my writing and photography skills, she was tough on me, and she helped me build a name for myself in a very competitive market. She helped me get off the ground floor and start my way up.

Cheryl Cody sent an elevator for me when an opportunity arose after she left a publication she’d led for another direction in her career. The best part was her honesty about the gig—including how it might not be the best fit for me at that time even though I had the talent. We agreed this elevator wasn’t for me, but another one would come along that was a better fit. Cheryl has been a consistent supporter of my career, and even in very recent history has helped me gain ground.

At the Integer Group, my manager Lisa Sporte’s career skyrocketed to senior management. She worked her tail off to ensure that all the members of her team were assigned work we deserved, our skills were promoted to higher-ups, and we received recognition we deserved. Watching her rise while remembering where she came from inspires me to this day.

Juli Thorson sent the elevator for me at least twice. Once while we were both at Western Horseman and again when she hand-picked me to be the new managing editor of Horse&Rider when it was acquired by AIM. Juli sent that elevator down for me, and when the doors opened, I faced opportunity I couldn’t have imagined. (And lots of work, blood, sweat, tears…the whole deal.)

In the last few years, I’ve found myself in the position to send an elevator or two for young women I recognize as having the grit, heart, and talent my mentors recognized in me. I advocate for them, but I also challenge them. The best part is celebrating the achievements of those you help grow and advance and then watching them thrive.

I’m grateful for both the elevators sent for me and the ability to send one or two to others and watch them rise.