WIZE Woman of Impact- Josselyn Graham

Meet Josselyn Graham

Role: Director, Global Customer Advocacy

Department: Communications, Marketing

Favorite Quote: “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” –Vincent Van Gogh

Questions:

1. How did you find Zscaler?
   
   The real question is, how do you not find Zscaler? I’ve been working in the cybersecurity industry for over a decade, and Zscaler has always stood out to me as a leader in the space. My former colleague joined the team, and when an opening became available, he reached out and said I would be a great fit for the role. It goes to show how important it is to forge meaningful relationships with your coworkers—it could help land you a role at your dream company, like it did for me.

2. What is your favorite thing working for Zscaler?
   
   It’s hard to list just one thing, but if I had to narrow it down, it would be the people. I truly believe Zscaler hires the best and brightest in their respective fields. It makes going to work so much more invigorating because you can sense the passion and enthusiasm in every interaction, even over Zoom. 
    
3. If you were to think back to the beginning of your career, what would you tell yourself?
   
   If I were to give a younger, less tired version of myself advice, I would say, “Josselyn, take advantage of this very moment in time because soon, you’ll have a beautiful family and kids that will devour your afternoons, weekends, and early mornings. Use the extra hours to learn, connect with people at work who inspire you, and ask them to coffee. Be curious, ask questions, and try out different jobs to figure out what drives you to show up to work in the morning.” Flash forward to now, I am so grateful to love what I do, because it makes my time away from my kiddos worthwhile and meaningful while setting a positive example for them. I hope one day they look back and admire me for being a working mom. Not all heroes wear capes! 
    
4. What's the one experience that helped you grow the most?
   
   For me, it was leaving a job I was comfortable with in exchange for pursuing something that felt challenging, slightly scary, and out of my comfort zone. One of the best ways to grow, both personally and professionally, is to take risks, challenge yourself, and say yes, even when your brain is saying no, no, no. If you’re feeling a little nervous and apprehensive to do something, it’s probably a good sign to JUST DO IT!
    
5. What experience or lesson has been most impactful during your career journey?
   
   We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak. I’ve been fortunate to have great leaders who have been instrumental in my professional development thus far. We’re so lucky to get the opportunity to learn from our managers. Don’t take it for granted. 
    
6. What advice do you have for the next generation of leaders?
   
   A company’s success comes from the team, not individual players.
    
7. If you could pick one person who has been influential in your life, who would it be? Why?
   
   That’s an easy one: my dad. He always shows up ten minutes early, is kind and generous, and puts others before himself. I’ll never be as great as he is, but I’ll give it a valiant effort.