Women’s History Month Featuring Janell Cleveland

Q&A with Senior Patent Agent, Janell Cleveland

1. How have you seen the role of women evolve in your field, and where do you think it’s heading?

1. 1. When I started out in this field (biotech patent law) 20 years ago, there were many times I was the only woman at the table, both literally and figuratively. It’s been fantastic to watch more women grow and flourish in this field during my career. What’s great is that I don’t think we’ve had to displace anyone to do this. I think the table just got larger! To me, that’s the ultimate goal of “inclusivity”- a place for anyone who wants it. I would love to see that continue, so the table will be full of voices from all backgrounds and walks of life.

2. What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received from another woman?

I was fortunate to have a great mentor early in my career. She gave me two pieces of advice that have stuck with me, and I’ve tried to live by them. The first was, “STOP APOLOGIZING!” Yes, we should own our mistakes and do our best to right them. But what I am referring to is apologizing for who you ARE. As women, the world often gives us the message that we should be smaller, quieter, nicer. This can sometimes lead to women feeling like they have to apologize for unabashedly stating their opinions. For fighting for their share. For being heard. The world deserves to hear your voice, and if you have to shout to be heard, then do it!

The other advice she gave me was to take the word “JUST” out of my vocabulary. You’ll be amazed at how infrequently you need that word, and how often you’re using it to make your voice smaller. (“I just thought…”   “I was just going to…”) State your thoughts unabashedly, and own who you are. Give it a try, it’s pretty enlightening!

3. What’s the most unexpected job you’ve ever had?

I have had a long and storied career of weird jobs. I’m grateful for all of them because they helped me become who I am and relate to people from all walks of life. Probably the most unexpected job I’ve had was working for the U.S. Navy doing biological warfare defense research. I used to sit in a very hot trailer in the middle of the desert while soldiers conducted mock explosions of bio weapons to see how far away we could detect it. After that, working as a patent examiner seemed like the cushiest job ever! I’ve never been more grateful for a desk and air conditioner.

4. What’s one thing you’ve accomplished in your career that you’re most proud of?

One of my favorite books is “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. In it, he talks about the power of doing the same thing over and over, even if the immediate result is small or not even noticeable. Pennies make dollars. Minutes make hours. When I look back at my career, it’s not the “big” moments that define it. It’s the slow-and-steady choice to “show up” and do my best every day. I’ve built a really great career that I am proud of by just laying down brick after brick, day after day. It’s the best way to earn people’s trust and respect- they know you’re going to show up and do the right thing. That’s what I am most proud of- I’ve spent my life showing up and trying to do the right thing.