Break The Bias: Artemis Vallianatos

Artemis joined Sutherland as our Vice President for Brand and Corporate Marketing on July 2020. Let's get to know more about her and how she breaks stereotypes.

What are your key responsibilities? I am responsible for evolving Sutherland’s Brand and Corporate Marketing organization, processes, and technology. I lead a team that elevates Sutherland's brand in the Digital Transformation and Experience Consulting arena. Together, we create thought leadership that amplifies Sutherland’s brand positioning across marketing channels: web, social media, PR, events. We provide content that fuels the Demand Generation channel and supports Marketing Programs and Analyst Relations in their efforts, too.

How do you help Sutherland achieve its objectives?  I bring my A-game to work every single day and encourage my team to do the same. I lead from the trenches, doing the work while clearing the path for my team to be exceptional. I macro-manage so that my teammates can be entrepreneurs in their individual roles, growing professionally while they produce measurable results for Sutherland and our clients.

What challenges and biases have you faced throughout your career?  I’m a solo parent of 2 children. Many perceive this status to be a handicap when, in fact, it is a superpower. In my situation, there is no room for negativity or self-doubt. There’s no capacity or time for idle preoccupations. I don’t take things personally. Instead, I look for immediate solutions, clear the air, and trek on a path toward success. My status is what keeps me focused on goals and energized to produce results in an arena (Marketing) where results take time. 

How did you overcome them? I continuously overcome this bias in 2 important ways.

1. I consistently perform at work and in my role as a parent and,
2. I talk about my status somewhat openly. Why? Because you can’t change perceptions unless you own your situation and stand, authentically and proudly, in the reality of your own shoes. 

What have you done to help #BreakTheBias? When asked, I share a few facts about the circumstances that led to my solo parent status. I encourage my team members to be open when we make time to share on our team calls, relate to each other, and empathize with others, including our leaders and our clients. I show them that it is possible to render labels/categories completely powerless by shining brighter than any stereotype. Simply… be uncategorizable!

What piece of advice will you give your teenage self?  

1. Confidence comes from within. Don’t wait for anyone to tell you what you’re worth. It’s up to you to find all the reasons to be confident in your own abilities, capabilities, and attributes.
2. Respect tradition and the perspective of those currently giving you advice, but don’t let it shackle you or limit your potential. Only you know what you want to be and how you want to get there. Have the courage to make your own path and then follow it.
3. Treat every challenge as an opportunity. The ability to overcome that challenge will then factor into your life and professional skills, and enable you to reach your goals.

Who are your female heroines or mentors your look up to?  From my earliest professional days, I’ve been mentored by highly successful women in Financial Services, IT, Consulting, Marketing, and Communications. These bosses were generous, humble, and actively inspiring rockstars in their fields. They offered continuous, fact-based feedback and learning opportunities. (Shout out to Patrice Kozlowski, Laura Hinthorn, Karen Arsenault, Anne Weisberg, Laura Breslaw, Dorothy A. Jones, Hope Frank, Donna Tuths, and others who showed me the ropes.)

If you could swap places with any female for a day, who would she be and why? J.K. Rowling. It’s simple: My dream is to, someday, write “the next Harry Potter series”. At the time that J.K. Rowling penned the Harry Potter series, she was an unemployed solo parent, writing in a café, struggling to pay rent. Now… she’s a billionaire. I would love to feel that sense of security for just one day; to know that I succeeded through creative writing that improves people’s lives; to tell stories of love and perseverance that resonate across age groups, globally; and to have multiple millions to give away to favorite, worthy causes. A legend. (While I’m taking on J.K.'s identity for the day, I may have to apologize on her behalf for the homophobic and tragically closed-minded remarks she has made in the past, so there might be some drama!)

If you could have lunch with a famous woman (historical or current), who would she be? What questions will you ask? Sheryl Sandberg. We met when she was a speaker at a PwC CEO Forum I organized. Her book, Option B, has helped millions of people overcome adversity. I would ask her about her work at Meta and how she might be planning to use the Metaverse in support of women’s causes, worldwide. (I would also offer to help.)

What makes you strong? The things that make me weak (my vulnerabilities) are the exact same factors that make me strong. For example, mothers are what I call the “walking wounded”; if something happens to our children, well… all bets are off. Our devotion and laser focus expose us to all kinds of life-altering risks. But motherhood is also the greatest source of purpose and energy.

What gives you a sense of accomplishment?  I enjoy being tasked with a “mission impossible” periodically and surpassing expectations by rallying my team. With daily team stand-ups, lots of positive regard, organized accountability, and a strategic approach, we get the job done. I believe that we’ve been constructively “hazed” at Sutherland a few times. We took it in stride and surprised our naysayers. All it takes is a systematic activation of our group’s diversity and intrinsic genius, empowering each person to accomplish more than they ever imagined… in record time.

What songs make you feel empowered? Songs by U2, The Beatles, the Greek rock band, Pyx Lax, and the Greek singers: Eleutheria Arvanitaki and Haris Alexiou. I love classical music, too. Recently, I discovered the song “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy. Words matter. These revolutionary lyrics in 1972, speak just as poignantly today. “You can bend but never break me; ‘Cause it only serves to make me; More determined to achieve my final goal, And I come back even stronger; Not a novice any longer; ‘Cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul.”

What is your favorite mobile app? Halo app/watch (Amazon’s version of FitBit) and Amazon Alexa (the best assistant for working parents)

What is your favorite movie or series that features a strong female character?  The first season of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. I love how the main character, Midge, breaks through deep-rooted family, cultural and professional stereotypes. Her comedy acts are highly intelligent and… she simply cracks me up!