Janie Martinez Gonzalez in 1994 became the first Latina to establish a technology company in San Antonio. Her company, Webhead, provides digital technology consulting and services to help clients boost functions like customer service, operations and organizational scalability. With about 60 employees, Webhead's clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, workforce solutions organizations along with other federal, state and nonprofit organizations. Martinez Gonzalez is also a CPS Energy board trustee and is in line to become the first Latina chair of the board next year.
What makes you a great leader?
What makes me a great leader, firstly, is my humility. I always remember my humble beginnings and how far I have come. Secondly, respect. I earn respect and I show respect to those who earn it. Thirdly, empathy. I care deeply about each and every employee and the communities we serve. We heavily invest in our people. We advocate for diversity and inclusion in all we do. And lastly, consistency. My team can count on me to be at the company, to set expectations, to help them achieve goals, and to feel accomplished and valued.
How did you display leadership when the Covid-19 pandemic hit?
We followed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's and our local leader's guidelines to make the health of our employees top priority. We implemented hybrid work schedules, having our employees work from both home and office, issued personal protective equipment, accommodated working mothers in the office who brought in their children for remote school learning with those children allowed to sit near their mothers. We held morale-boosting activities, offered spots awards, delivered breakfast/lunch to remote locations and gave bonuses. We also urged our employees to get vaccinated and allowed them to do so on company time.
What are some diversity, equity and inclusion programs that you have implemented at your company?
At Webhead, nearly 70% of all employees are from diverse backgrounds and over half of the leadership team is comprised of women. The company is located in a historically underutilized business district, and we make a point to recruit talent from low-income areas, community colleges and workforce development training programs.
The Essentials
Career: CEO, Webhead, 1994-present; founder, Latina CEO, 2012-present
Education: Post graduate, administration, University of the Incarnate Word; B.A., sociology, The University of Texas at San Antonio; A.A., Palo Alto College
