It would be an understatement to say that I am both humbled and thrilled to have been included in the most recent Wall Street Journal article and also interviewed by The TODAY Show regarding this same article. This said, I always feel it is important to follow up on key points when quoted or interviewed as sometimes statements (when truncated) do not hold the full value of their intended meaning. -Taja Dockendorf

LINK THE TO ARTICLE: YOUR COWORKERS ARE LESS AMBITIOUS; BOSSES ADJUST TO THE NEW ORDER

Recently I was quoted in Wall Street Journal article, “Your Coworkers Are Less Ambitious; Bosses Adjust to the New Order,” and interviewed for the TODAY show which has sparked interest, and a little controversy and debate. As a business owner, parent, entrepreneur, and woman who has been in the workforce for over almost two decades, I have a perspective on this issue and I want to share my thoughts on why I find the article’s title and my quotes needing further clarification, as it pertains to me and my company specifically.

I think it’s important to recognize that ambition is a complex and multifaceted quality. It can manifest in many different ways and is not necessarily tied to career advancement or salary increases. Some people may be ambitious when it comes to learning new skills, while others may be more focused on making a positive impact in their community or industry. I believe that it’s unfair to assume that people who are not climbing the corporate ladder or seeking promotions are somehow less ambitious. There are many valid reasons why someone might choose to prioritize other aspects of their life over their career, and it doesn’t mean that they are any less driven or committed to their work.

In my experience, I have seen many coworkers who are just as ambitious as their more upwardly mobile counterparts, but who have different goals and priorities. They may be content with their current positions and are focused on making meaningful contributions to their team or organization, rather than constantly seeking the next step up.

It’s also worth considering the fact that the economic and employment landscape has changed significantly in recent years, and not everyone has the same opportunities or resources to pursue their career goals. Some people may be limited by their circumstances or personal commitments, and that doesn’t make them any less ambitious.

In conclusion, I believe that the Wall Street Journal article oversimplifies and misrepresents the concept of ambition. It’s important to recognize that ambition takes many forms and that people should not be judged or evaluated based on their career trajectory alone. We should celebrate and support the diverse goals and aspirations of our coworkers, rather than making assumptions about their level of ambition.

One of the things that I am most proud of in my role as a founder at Pulp+Wire is the evolving culture and vacation policies that we have implemented in our team recently. These policies are not a response to any lack of ambition or coverage on the part of my team members, but rather a recognition of their hard work and dedication.

I believe that it’s important for people to have the opportunity to recharge and take time off to pursue their own interests and passions. By providing flexible and generous vacation policies, I hope to create a culture that values and supports the well-being of my team members.

Our vacation policies are also a way of showing my team that I trust and respect their work ethic. I know that they will continue to give their best effort even when they are not at work, and that they will return rejuvenated and ready to tackle new challenges.

In addition, I believe that our vacation policies are a key part of building a culture that my team can be proud of and that they will want to uphold. By fostering a positive and supportive work environment, I hope to create a place where my team members feel valued and motivated to succeed.

In short, our evolving vacation policies are not a sign of a lack of ambition or demand on the part of my team, but rather a recognition of their hard work and a commitment to supporting their well-being and growth.