Emily White
Senior Director, Philanthropy, Salesforce
📍San Francisco, California, USA
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?
I’m thrilled to celebrate 10 years of Pledge 1% and the incredible impact unlocked by our 19,000 members. As a partnership person, I’m always looking for ways to bring members together for collective action — like we did in the early days of the pandemic. No single company or NGO can solve global challenges like climate change or inequality alone. The only way forward is through collaboration and creative thinking. We’re already seeing powerful examples — from pooled funding initiatives tackling the climate crisis to aligning capital across philanthropy, impact investing, and sustainable finance. I’m even more excited for the next decade of Pledge 1% — one where collaboration and innovation will drive even greater impact.
What’s the legacy you hope to leave for future generations?
I get a lot of joy out of helping others succeed. My boss calls me the team’s “Chief Joy Officer” because I’m the first to cheer on every personal or professional win. Early in my career, leaders pulled me into roles I wouldn’t have pursued on my own because they saw my potential before I did. Now, I get to do the same—spotting rising stars and connecting them to the opportunities that will take them to new heights. Legacy isn’t just about how far we go in our own careers; it’s about who we bring along with us.
If you could choose one word to define your leadership style, what would it be and why?
Trust. My first leadership job was managing a fine jewelry and gift store to pay my way through college. When selling engagement rings, I encouraged customers to step outside to see their diamond sparkle in natural light. I didn’t ask to hold their drivers license for collateral, I just trusted that they’d walk back inside. Thankfully, every one of them did! In the process, I built customers for life, because once trust is established it more easily flows in both directions. Trust also happens to be the #1 core value at Salesforce and part of what attracted me to the company 7 years ago. We’re a company that customers can trust to safely handle their data, but we’re also a company that puts a lot of trust into our teams. We put in the time to build authentic relationships, and because of that we do better work. Every time.
If you could give one piece of advice to the next generation of women leaders, what would it be?
At that same jewelry store, there was a sign in the back room that said, “Dress comfortably, but dress so people feel comfortable handing you several thousand dollars.” When I was 17 I thought the message was about fashion. As I got older, I realized the message was about presence. Show up as your authentic (comfortable!) self, but bring your best to work and own your leadership role.
Confidence and credibility go hand in hand—and who knows, someone may just hand you several thousand dollars!
Show up as your authentic (comfortable!) self, but bring your best to work and
own your leadership role.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about—whether in your professional journey or personal life?
I work on a team focused on sustainability, so it’s no surprise that I’m happiest when I’m outside with my family. This year is a special one for two reasons. As my 9 year old heads into 4th grade, the National Park Service offers them free access to hundreds of parks for the year, so we’re kicking things off with the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone. Entering 4th grade also means that pre-teen life is right around the corner, but for now, they still enjoy spending lots of time with mom and dad. So this year we are maxing out both national parks and quality family time.
