Fairygodboss Of The Week: Courtney Seiter
We first heard of Courtney when she wrote this amazing piece about what it's like to work at a company where everyone's salaries are published for everyone else to see. If you've ever wondered how a company can work if everyone knew what others' were making, Courtney lays out her point of view on pay transparency. And it's fascinating.
FGB: Tell us about your career. How did you get to where you are now?
CS: I started out as a writer and editor in magazines and newspapers as social media was just getting its start. It is a true privilege to hear and share the stories of others, and I was excited by the possibilities of storytelling and community building through social media. I decided to make that area my focus, which led me to join the team at the social media tool Buffer two years ago. As Buffer has grown from a "startup" to a "scaleup," I've been empowered to discover and pursue a new calling - guiding our efforts toward building a deliberately inclusive and diverse team.
FGB: What is an accomplishment you are proud of?
CS: I'm proud of doing something I thought I would never, ever do: Starting a business. A little over a year I launched Girls to the Moon, an events-focused social enterprise business in Nashville, Tenn., with two amazing friends. Girls to the Moon's mission is to launch confident girls to be their best selves, impact their communities and create a more inclusive culture.
FGB: What was a challenge you overcame?
CS: The biggest challenge that I have overcome – or more accurately, am still working on overcoming – is being OK with risk and failure. I've been both comforted and horrified to learn more about how many women become paralyzed by this fear of failure and the trap of perfectionism. I feel it might be a lifelong challenge for me, and it's what I hope to eradicate with Girls to the Moon.
Lightning Round:
FGB: What do you do when you’re not working?
CS: Ride my bicycle, walk my dog, grow things in my garden, read lots of books, sometimes cook, drink a fair amount of wine :)
FGB: What is your favorite song?
CS: "Islands in the Stream," if I can find a duet partner.
Fairygodboss is all about women helping other women - so each week, we celebrate a woman who made a difference in another woman’s career. Is there a woman who has made a difference in your career? Celebrate her and thank her by nominating her here.
Why women love us:
- Daily articles on career topics
- Jobs at companies dedicated to hiring more women
- Advice and support from an authentic community
- Events that help you level up in your career
- Free membership, always