Angela Roseboro
Chief Diversity Officer, Toast
📍Las Vegas, NV (Toast HQ: Boston, MA)
Pledge 1% is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. What can companies do (or do more of) to have a positive social impact in the next 10 years?
Whatever social impact work you are doing as a company, now is the time to keep your foot on the gas. Our planet needs us, and the people we support need us. Of course, there’s a feel-good aspect to this, but it’s critical for the future of our world. We need to continue to empower this kind of work and emphasize the need to continue it.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I want the next generation to live unapologetically and lead boldly. One of the reasons I joined Toast was because I was impressed by the number of women leading key parts of the business. Representation matters to me, and I see my role as a leader to signal that diverse voices matter, modeling a path forward for myself and others.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
I’m going to have to choose two—I often hear that people consider me an inspiration, but they also find me to be tough. I think my background and purpose can make me an inspirational leader, but I’m also a disruptor—I’m not afraid to push for what me or my cause needs to achieve our goals. At the end of the day I can only be me, and whether my background and experience makes me a disruptor or an inspiration, or both, I’m more than happy to have that impact.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
Speak up, use your voice. Often we join an organization confident and sure of our voice, and a new team or corporate setting can rob you of that. As scary as it is, you were hired for who you are and the voice you bring to the table, so don’t be afraid to use it! I remember the first time walking into a meeting with Toast’s Senior Team, I thought to myself, “My voice is the most important currency I have, time to spend it.” As scary as it is, you’ll get to the other side, and gain respect for doing so.
Also, one simple piece of wisdom - it’s gonna be ok.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I’m excited about what’s on the horizon for Toast.org because I really think we have the opportunity to make a difference. My dad had a restaurant growing up and he ultimately had to close it because he didn’t have the capital to continue operations. Toast.org has an amazing opportunity to leverage the full power of Toast’s people, products and philanthropy to support a better future for this industry. I look forward to showing the restaurant community how just one person can make a difference, and inspiring others to move from apathy to action.
As scary as it is, you were hired for who you are and the voice you bring to the table, so don’t be afraid to use it!
