Advancing Women in the Workplace: A Candid Q&A with Vitaly Lee

Amy Jo Miller, Sr. Director of Policy & Market Strategy, invited Vitaly Lee, EVP & Chief Development Officer, to speak to Qcells USA Corp. Women’s Community yesterday.

In this abridged version of that interview, Vitaly reflects on his career arc over the last 27 years and what helped him advance in his professional life. He shares his collection of anecdotes and insights in the hopes that others feel inspired to continue their advancement—regardless of their gender or stage of their career progression.

Q: Vitaly, why is supporting women in the workplace important to you?

A: Maybe it’s because I grew up with two sisters, or maybe it’s because I’ve seen firsthand the talent, resilience, and ambition women bring to the table. Whatever the reason, I know this: when women thrive, businesses thrive. Creating an environment where success is determined by talent and hard work—not gender—makes a company stronger, more innovative, and more balanced. You are here in this workplace because you are a worthy professional, not because of your gender. That’s how I see things.

I also believe in moving beyond labels. My hope is that one day, we won’t need to have conversations about gender equity because the playing field will already be level. Until then, we need to be intentional about advocating for and supporting women’s growth.

Q: What does it take for women to stake their ground and advance in their careers?
A: I’ll break it down into four key areas:

• Performance & Expertise: Be great at what you do. Stay informed, develop your skills, and build a reputation for delivering results.
  
• Executive Presence & Confidence: Push past self-doubt and speak with conviction. Own your achievements. Don’t minimize your successes. Fight that impostor syndrome.
  
• Building Strategic Relationships: Align yourself with mentors and sponsors. Cultivate relationships beyond your immediate team. Make your value known.
  
• Advocacy & Negotiation: Ask for the promotion, the raise, and the high-visibility projects. Don’t wait to be noticed—advocate for yourself.

The last point is especially important. I once hired two equally qualified individuals—one male, one female. HR negotiated the woman’s salary significantly lower than her male counterpart because she hadn’t “pushed for more.” As soon as I learned that, I corrected it. But it’s a reminder: don’t undervalue yourself. Know your worth and ask for what you deserve.

Q: What advice do you have for women navigating corporate environments?
A: A few mantras have guided me in my career, and I think they apply here:

• If you’re cruising in life, it’s only downhill. Growth happens when you challenge yourself.
  You will remain the same until the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change. Push yourself beyond your comfort zone.
• Go where you are celebrated, not just tolerated. Seek environments that recognize your value.
  Ships don’t sink because of the water around them, but because of the water that gets inside. Don’t let external challenges weigh you down.
• And lastly—stay hungry for knowledge. Stay thirsty for new opportunities. Keep learning and improving every day.

Q: How can women support male allies in creating an equitable workplace?
A: True change happens through partnership. Women can support male allies by fostering open dialogue, bringing them into conversations about equity, and recognizing the efforts of those who actively champion fairness. At the end of the day, this isn’t a “women’s issue” or a “men’s issue.” It’s a leadership issue. And great leaders—regardless of gender—lift others as they rise.

Q: Final thoughts?
A: I’ll leave you with one of my favorite stories: the tale of the carrot, the egg, and the coffee bean. When faced with boiling water—adversity—the carrot softens, the egg hardens, but the coffee bean? It transforms the water itself. Be the coffee bean. Adapt, influence, and create change.

And remember—your talent got you here. Keep moving forward, keep advocating for yourself, and keep reshaping the workplace for the next generation of leaders. You belong here.

Vitaly Lee’s insights serve as a powerful reminder that career advancement isn’t just about individual ambition, it’s about creating environments where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. His reflections emphasize the importance of confidence, advocacy, and strategic relationships in professional growth, while reinforcing that true leadership transcends gender. As Qcells continues to foster a culture of equity and empowerment, conversations like these help pave the way for lasting change. The journey toward a more inclusive workplace is ongoing, but with intentional support from both women and male allies, we can ensure that success is defined by talent and effort—not by barriers.