Interview with Wendy Morée.
"Celebrating Women Volunteers: Insights & Inspiration" series.
At BeeQueen, our mission is to empower women and advocate for a more equal and inclusive society.
To recognize and highlight women's work and achievements, we speak with professional women volunteers and share their inspiring stories and experiences.
Meet our new guest, Wendy Morée!
“Volunteering encompasses a journey of giving, growth, and impact, offering invaluable lessons along the way.”
Professional background
Wendy Morée has amassed a commendable track record as a corporate executive, serving as Regional VP at Salesforce for over 7 years and previously for a decade at Progress Software.
In her recent capacity, she led a proficient team across Northern Europe, overseeing operations for pivotal product lines: Revenue Cloud and Platform. Prior, she honed her expertise in sales strategy as the Go-to-Market Manager for Salesforce's partners, crafting EMEA strategies with a global outlook. Wendy's journey with Salesforce commenced in 2016 in London, specializing as a Platform Specialist, focusing on security, privacy, IoT, testing, and development.
Beyond her corporate role, Wendy founded MoreEquality, dedicated to keynote speaking, workshops, mentoring, advisory board services, and angel investing, championing equality, inclusion, digitalization, authentic leadership, Neurodiversity, and profitability.
Active in Dutch selective groups like Topvrouwen and Women of The World, Wendy has devoted her volunteer hours in recent years to organizations like the American Chamber of Commerce, Salesforce Women’s Network, and the Equality Research Group (ERG). Currently, she serves on the Advisory Board of Women in AI and holds the esteemed position of Corporate Sponsorship Specialist at TEDxWomenAmsterdam.
Wendy is recognized as one of the most influential female leaders in tech by Women in Tech organizations. Her leadership style is marked by authenticity, empowerment, and results-driven focus, prioritizing the human aspect.
She resides in Brabant with her daughter.
Where did your volunteering journey begin?
— In 2016, my journey with Progress Software began, where volunteering was integral to job satisfaction. I recall building an orphanage during the Presidents Club in The Bahamas. Seeking local opportunities, I supported older people in Harrogate and revamped software processes at Voedselbank Breda.
Most days, I mentor women in IT, dedicating two hours weekly. Additionally, I hosted a monthly webinar for Women in Tech, fostering a community of over 300 members for several years.
How has volunteering impacted you personally?
— Inspired by Marc Benioff's wisdom, I believe true happiness lies in sharing financial success with those in need. As an Angel Investor, I prioritize investing in companies like Oxilio, focused on innovative solutions for cancer treatment and societal betterment.
Does your motivation change depending on the specific needs of the community or organization?
— Certainly, volunteering presents a spectrum of experiences, with both a beginning and an end within a defined timeframe. It encompasses a journey of giving, growth, and impact, offering invaluable lessons along the way.
“The most fulfilling experience is witnessing individuals transform themselves through mentorship.”
What skills do you bring to volunteer work?
— Mentoring services and, of course, my advisory board skills. My expertise lies in equality and inclusion (DEI/ERG), digitalization, go-to-market strategies, authentic leadership, neurodiversity, and driving profit.
What moments have been most rewarding, and how do you manage your volunteering commitments?
— The most fulfilling experience is witnessing individuals transform themselves through mentorship, then hearing others speak positively about me without my knowledge. It feels like winning the ultimate compliment.
How do you ensure that your actions and decisions as a leader or role model are in harmony with the values and goals of the organization you support?
— I prioritize values such as family, authenticity, and equality, ensuring alignment with prospective companies. It's crucial for organizations to resonate with these core principles to foster a harmonious and fulfilling work environment.
From your perspective, to what extent do you believe your volunteering contributes to positive change in the community and has overall social impact?
— I advocate for everyone to dedicate at least one day a year to volunteering. It doesn't necessarily involve tasks like unboxing at the food bank, which can be daunting for some. Instead, even small acts like assisting a neighbor with garden cleaning or covering expenses for someone in need can make a significant difference.
“The effectiveness of working with volunteers hinges on their intrinsic passion and the ability of the organization's leader to inspire and energize them.”
How do you evaluate your overall volunteering experience and the impact on your community?
— Volunteering, in a way, revolves around self-benefit, fostering a sense of personal fulfillment and simultaneously expanding my network. It's a symbiotic relationship where both personal growth and community impact thrive.
How are you satisfied with the established processes and ways of working within the organization or community where you volunteer?
— I volunteer with TEDxAmsterdamWomen and Women in AI, dedicating significant time to these organizations. My level of engagement is directly correlated with my personal involvement. The effectiveness of working with volunteers hinges on their intrinsic passion and the ability of the organization's leader to inspire and energize them.
Any advice for aspiring volunteers ready to invest their time and talents for lasting impact?
— Always communicate your desire to volunteer or seek mentorship with those around you; opportunities will naturally arise. A genuine leader, in my view, mentors others. In job interviews, inquire about their mentoring experiences to ensure alignment with the right individuals.
