A Conversation with Ann Thompson
Recently, MindSalt achieved its Small and Women-owned Business (SWaM) certification through the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity – a milestone that reflects our commitment to diversity, equity, and belonging. As a follow-up to that announcement, we sat down with MindSalt Co-Leader Ann Thompson to talk about what it means to be a woman in business leadership, the related challenges, how she’s shaping MindSalt’s culture, and her vision for the future. Check out that discussion below.
Q: What unique strengths do women bring to leadership roles, especially in the consulting world?
Ann: Women bring an invaluable blend of empathy, collaboration, resilience, and creative problem-solving to leadership roles. In consulting, those strengths allow us to deeply listen to client needs, create space for innovation, and drive inclusive decision-making. I find that women leaders often excel at balancing analytical rigor with a people-centric approach. That combination results in solutions that are both effective and sustainable for organizations.
Q: How does MindSalt embed diversity and inclusion beyond SWaM certification?
Ann: For us, SWaM is more than a designation, it’s a daily commitment. We cultivate diverse teams and vendors based on skills and potential, not just checkboxes. Every project includes intentional conversations about client and stakeholder representation. And we foster a climate where feedback is welcomed and acted on to continuously improve inclusion.
Q: What does SWaM certification communicate to your clients and partners?
Ann: It signals that we value equity, quality, and opportunity creation. It shows that we bring both expertise and accountability to every relationship, and that we intentionally seek to add diverse value to each project.
Q: How are you mentoring and supporting other women at MindSalt?
Ann: Mentoring and uplifting women is a natural extension of our values at MindSalt. We actively mentor team members and emerging leaders, providing coaching, guidance, and real-world opportunities for growth. We also engage in community initiatives that support local women entrepreneurs, such as my work with the Community Investment Collaborative (CIC). Most importantly, we foster an environment where women feel empowered to share their ideas, take risks, and pursue leadership.
Q: What misconceptions do you think people have about women-led businesses?
Ann: One common misconception is that women-led businesses are “softer” or less ambitious. The reality is, women-led teams are often more responsive, resilient, and effective because they prioritize the human side of business along with results. Sadly, there are still too many instances when women business leaders are labeled as being bossy or aggressive, when given the same situation and behavior, men would be perceived as being powerful and decisive. This double-standard has been a point of frustration throughout my career, and one I hope, we can still overcome.
Q: Have you faced any specific challenges as a woman in business, and how have you navigated them?
Ann: Absolutely. Like many women in business, I’ve faced challenges that required resilience and self-advocacy, especially early in my career as an engineer. In college, I was one of just nine women in my graduating class, and that sense of being in the minority carried into my first job in a manufacturing setting where I was often the only woman on the factory floor. At one point, a manager’s inappropriate, unwanted, and flirtatious behavior went unchecked until it resulted in his termination. As a young professional, I didn’t fully grasp the inappropriateness of his actions at the time, nor did I receive any support or communication from the company. This experience left me feeling isolated and confused, ultimately prompting me to seek out a more diverse and inclusive workplace.
Even in subsequent roles, sometimes surrounded by women peers, I saw bias persist. One male manager, despite having a talented, diverse team, brought in three male colleagues from his past employer and assigned all the best projects and leadership roles to them, regardless of others’ performance. It was disheartening, but these experiences opened my eyes to how deeply embedded biases can be.
My approach to these challenges has always been to let the results speak for themselves: consistently delivering value, building strong relationships, and staying true to my professional standards. Surrounding myself with colleagues who value diversity and authenticity has turned many challenges into catalysts for growth and fueled my commitment to fostering equity and open communication wherever I have influence.
Q: How has your perspective shaped MindSalt’s culture and values?
Ann: I think my experiences and perspective have helped create a culture where inclusivity, flexibility, and whole-person well-being are central. We encourage balance and flexible schedules for both our team and clients, transparent communication where every voice is heard, and active encouragement of diverse perspectives in every discussion.
Q: How do you and David approach decision-making as co-leaders?
Ann: David and I are true partners in our decision-making. We leverage our different perspectives to challenge assumptions, spark innovation, and ensure well-rounded decisions. If I’m being truly honest, this can sometimes look like a heated debate because we are both so passionate about doing what is right for our clients and our business. Despite its outward “messiness,” these discussions are always grounded in mutual respect, direct communication, and a shared vision to help MindSalt put its best foot forward and help our clients succeed.
Q: What advice would you give to women starting their leadership journey?
Ann: Own your expertise and contributions and don’t downplay your achievements. Seek mentors, but also champion others along the way. Embrace continuous learning and stay adaptable. Most importantly, let your values guide you, especially in moments of uncertainty. Remember: You belong at the table, and your perspective is needed.
Q: How do you define success beyond the bottom line?
Ann: Success for me is multidimensional. It’s when our clients and teams achieve their goals without sacrificing personal well-being. It’s about creating lasting positive impact for our community. And it’s ensuring MindSalt is known for integrity, generosity, and empowerment – not just profit margins.
Q: What’s next for MindSalt?
Ann: We’re focused on expanding mentorship and outreach to support more women and underrepresented leaders. We’re deepening our impact in the community through partnerships with local nonprofits and innovating our service models to meet evolving client needs. Our SWaM certification will open new doors for collaboration and impact, ensuring MindSalt grows as a force for both business results and positive change.
Ann’s vision for leadership proves that businesses can thrive when equity, diversity of thought, and purpose are prioritized. Through SWaM certification and a commitment to mentorship, MindSalt is not only creating opportunities for women in business but also setting a standard for equity and excellence.