Women's History Month Spotlight: Sandi Webster

Name and occupation:

Sandi Webster is a principal of Consultants 2 Go, an Inc. 5000 management consulting firm that provides marketing and analytic consultants to Fortune 500 and mid-size companies.

What do you love most about being a woman?

I love how creative I can get in a pinch. I find men do not have the need to be creative all the time so it takes them a little longer. If it’s a meal and I know there are people to be fed, I can create a dish from what I have in the pantry. If it’s a problem to be resolved in my business, I try to think of creative solutions that makes the situation a win/win.

Have you had to deal with much sexism in your industry?

In the consulting business, sexism is subtle. Clients will not say they want a man or a woman for a particular assignment; they simply ask for more resumes. As a business owner, I have felt that I was not being taken seriously because I was a woman.

One example is I had a client who barely paid attention to my female business partner or I in meetings even though we were the best fit for the project. We realized that he only spoke to men and brought a male consultant with us for the next meeting. He directed all conversation to the male consultant even though he did not know the project well.

At the end of the meeting, the client said he noticed we brought our “secret weapon” referring to the male consultant. We got the assignment and didn’t have directly to deal with him.

Do you belong to any organizations catered to women business owners?

I belong to Women Presidents’ Organization, National Association for Female Executives, and National Association of Women Business Owners

Who or what inspires you most?

I am inspired by stories of ordinary people who overcame tremendous odds to be successful in life, meaning financial success as well as remaining a nice, well-grounded person.

Something about you that would surprise us:

Most people are shocked that I am an introvert because I am perceived as a people-person. I speak on panels or to large audiences on a consistent basis, but I’m a thinker at heart.

Advice for women entrepreneurs:

Find a more successful business woman to be your mentor, advocate or advisor. They will take a personal interest in your success.

Website and social media links: