Head of Corporate Sustainability Georg Fischer AG
Green House Gas Protocol –Scope 3 Emissions and Technological approaches to measure
Navigating the Intersection of Emerging Technologies, Revolutions, and Crises in Business and Education
Significant Traits of Inspiring Business Leaders
Transformational Leadership Approach Driving Organizational Growth
Impactful Sustainable Leadership at GF
n the annals of history, the Inarrative of leadership has often been dominated by male figures. However, the tides are changing, and the global landscape of leadership is undergoing a profound transformation. Women leaders are breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and carving out their rightful place at the forefront of politics, business, academia, and beyond. Their stories are not just tales of individual triumph, but symbols of progress and inspiration for generations to come.
At the heart of the success of women leaders lies resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to their vision. They navigate through the complexities of the modern world with grace and fortitude, challenging stereotypes and defying societal expectations every step of the way.
From heads of state to corporate executives, their leadership styles are as diverse as the challenges
they confront, yet there are common threads that bind them together – empathy, inclusivity, and a profound sense of purpose.
One of the most remarkable aspects of successful women leaders is their ability to cultivate a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. They understand that true leadership is not about exerting power or control but about empowering others to reach their full potential. Through mentorship, advocacy, and championing diversity, they create environments where everyone feels valued and heard, unleashing the collective potential of their teams and organizations.
Moreover, women leaders often bring a unique perspective to the table, enriched by their diverse life experiences and backgrounds. Whether it's navigating the intricacies of diplomacy on the world stage or driving innovation in the boardroom, their insights and intuition often lead to more holistic decision-making and sustainable outcomes. Studies have shown that companies with diverse leadership teams tend to outperform their competitors, further underscoring the importance of gender diversity in leadership positions.
However, the journey to success for women leaders is not without its challenges. Gender bias, discrimination, and systemic barriers continue to pose significant obstacles, forcing many women to confront a myriad of hurdles on their path to leadership. Yet, it is precisely these obstacles that fuel their determination and resilience, propelling them to greater heights and inspiring change on a societal level.
In celebrating the triumphs of successful women leaders, it is essential to recognize the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations. That is why we at CIO Business World bring The 10 Most Successful Women Leaders in Business, 2024. From trailblazing suffragettes to pioneering CEOs, their courage and tenacity laid the foundation for the progress we see today. Their stories serve as a reminder that change is possible, even in the face of adversity, and that each of us has the power to make a difference.
As we look to the future, it is imperative that we continue to support and uplift women leaders in all spheres of society. By breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes, and fostering an environment of equality and inclusivity, we can unlock the full potential of half of the world's population and create a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
GreenHouseGasProtocol–Scope3Emissions andTechnologicalapproachestomeasure
34
42
48
NavigatingtheIntersectionofEmergingTechnologies, Revolutions,andCrisesinBusinessandEducation
SignificantTraitsofInspiringBusinessLeaders
TransformationalLeadershipApproach DrivingOrganizationalGrowth
Ifyouwanttobringinnovation,youhavetostartby givingbacktosociety.Thusincreasedawarenessfor sustainableinnovationswithintheindustryis somethingthateveryleaderneedstoworkon.Thejourney ofLindsayMacIverZinggbeganintheOil&Gasindustry inScotland,wheresheimplementedHealth,Safety, Environmental,andQualityManagementsystems.Today sheisheadingCorporatesustainabilityatGeorgFischer (GF)supportingtheCorporation'svisionofbecominga sustainabilityandinnovationleader.
JoinusinexploringLindsay'smelodyofsuccess,where eachnoteresonateswithempowerment,resilience,anda dedicationtocreateabetterworldthroughsustainable innovation.
Withacareerspanningover25yearsintheSustainability sector,LindsayMacIverZinggembarkedonher professionaljourneyintheOil&GasindustryinScotland. HoldinganhonorsdegreeinAppliedChemistryfromthe
RobertGordonUniversityinAberdeen,Scotland,Lindsay initiallyfocusedonimplementingHealth,Safety, Environmental,andQualityManagementsystems,gaining invaluableknowledgeandexpertise.
AsignificantturningpointinLindsay'scareeroccurredat theageof30whenshewasheadhuntedtojointhe renownedGlobalLogisticsCompanyPanalpinainBasel, Switzerland.ServingastheirGlobalHeadofQuality, Health,Safety&Environment(QHSE),Lindsayleda remarkableglobal,conductedinternalaudits,implemented QHSEmanagementsystems,andachievedglobalISO certifications.
Duringthisperiod,thelandscapeofsustainabilitygained prominence,andLindsayfoundherselfattheforefront,
respondingtoincreasingcustomerdemandsforclimaterelatedinitiatives.Inherrole,shestrengthenedthe sustainabilityportfoliobyestablishingScienceBased Targets,implementingCustomerCO reportingdashboards, 2 andspearheadinginitiativestoreducethecompany'scarbon emissions.
FollowingPanalpina'sacquisitionbyDSVGlobalLogistics inCopenhagen,Lindsayfacedbothprofessionaland personalchallenges.Despitebiddingfarewelltothe establishedworkandteamspiritatPanalpina,sheseized theopportunitytoleadSustainabilityatDSV.Successfully integratingsustainabilityprograms,LindsayelevatedDSV toaprominentpositioninthefieldandbuiltanotherhighperformingteamduringherthree-yeartenure.
AfterherimpactfuljourneyatDSV,Lindsaysoughtanew challengeinthefieldofIndustrialEngineering.Joining GeorgFischer(GF)astheHeadofCorporateSustainability, reportingtotheCFO,shehasspentthelast18months contributingtoGF'slegacyassustainabilityleader
GF,aninternationalindustrialcorporationwithits headquartersinSchaffhausen,atowninnorthern Switzerland,approximately50kilometersawayfrom Zurich,operateswithfourdivisions.Thecompanyprovides productsandsolutionsfacilitatingthesafetransportof liquidsandgases,alongwithofferinglightweightcasting componentsandhigh-precisionmanufacturing technologies.Guidedbythepurposeof"Becomingbetter everyday–since1802,"GFaspirestoestablishitselfasa leaderinsustainabilityandinnovation.Inthemidstofits currentstrategycycle,thecompanyisbuildinguponthe promisingtrajectoryithaspursuedoverthepastyears.
Emphasizingthedeeplyembeddedstriveforinnovationand sustainabilityatGF,Lindsayismakingasubstantialimpact onthecompany'scommitmenttoenvironmental responsibilityandsustainabilityleadership.Theinclusive andempoweringcultureatGFalignswithherownvalues, whichwasacrucialaspectwhensheagreedtotakeonthe roleatGF
Throughouthercareer,Lindsaycontinuestoplaceimmense importanceonherteams,consideringtheminstrumentalin thesuccessofthecompaniesshehasbeenapartof, particularlyintherealmofsustainability.Lindsayconsiders herselffortunatetohaveledhighlysuccessfuland motivatedteams,characterizedbyapositivemindset.
Thecoreelementsshebelievesthatarecrucialfora successfulteamincludeempowerment,allowingeachteam membertothrivebymaximizingtheirskillsandpursuing theirpassions.Lindsayinstillsahighleveloftrustinher teams,fosteringanenvironmentconducivetohigh performanceandtheexplorationofinnovativeideas.
Duringchallengingtimes,Lindsayensuresherteamfeels supported,creatingasenseofsecuritythatenablesthemto navigatedifficultieseffectively.Recognizingthevalueof diverseexperiencesandbackgrounds,sheactively embracesdifferences,acknowledgingthattheybringvaried perspectives,knowledge,andcreativitytoproblem-solving.
Authenticrecognitionandcultivatingafunwork atmospherearefundamentalaspectsofLindsay'sleadership approach,contributingsignificantlytotheoverallsuccess andcohesionofherteams.
Lindsayenvisionsafuturedeeplyentrenchedinthefieldof Sustainability,drivenbyherbeliefthatshecanmakea meaningfuldifferenceinshapingtheworldwelivein.She expressesacommitmenttocontinuespearheading sustainabilityinitiativesandsupportingGFinmaintaining andexpandingitsindustryleadership.Giventhedynamic natureofthesustainabilitylandscape,sheremains enthusiasticaboutconstantlearningandstayingabreastof emergingtrends,ensuringsheadaptstotheevolving challengeswithinthefield.
Parallelly,Lindsayexpressesherdesiretocontinueleading teams,findingimmensejoyinwitnessingateamthriveand progresscollectively.InthecontextofGF,sheaspiresto seetherealizationofallsustainabilitygoalsoutlinedinthe company'sStrategy2025.Thisincludesadedicatedeffort tominimizeenvironmentalimpactsthroughouttheentire supplychainandanongoingexplorationofinnovative avenuesforproductdevelopmentthatbringsbothsocial andenvironmentalbenefits.
LindsayemphasizesthepivotalroleofGF'semployeesin thecompany'ssuccessandenvisionsafocusontheirsafety, engagement,andgrowth.Sheaimstofosteracultureof belonging,encouragingauthenticityintheworkplaceand inspiringemployeestobecomechangemakers,addressing globalandlocalchallengeswithresilienceand determination.GF'sunwaveringcommitmenttoitspeople remainsattheforefrontofhervisionforthecompany's future.
GFboastsaglobalworkforceofapproximately19,000 employeesspreadacrosssome100sitesinmorethan40 countries.AbouttwothirdsofGFemployeesareworkingat productionsites.Whatbindsthisdiverseworkforce togetherisarobustcorporateculturefoundedonthree fundamentalvalues:Performance,Learning,andCaring. Performanceisaboutfocus,speedandexcellence.GF's visiongoesbeyondkeepingupwithanever-evolving landscape:thecompanyaimstoshapethefutureandleadin itsmarkets.GFencouragesitsemployeetolearn–and
applynewknowledgeorbestpracticetogrowefficiency andeffectiveness.Learningisabouthavinganopenmind, learnfrommistakesquicklyandsharethelessonslearned. Caringisaboutbeingpartofateam:thatincludesproviding candidfeedbacktohelptheteamperformevenbetter Throughitsvaluesandculture,GFmotivatesallemployees tocooperate,growandtakeprideintheirwork.ForGF, engagedandmotivatedemployeesrepresentitsvaluesand arethedrivingforceforitslong-termsuccess.
InthebroaderspectrumofSustainability,Lindsay acknowledgesthepositivemomentumgeneratedbynew regulationsbutexpressesconcernsaboutthepotential administrativeburdenstheymayimposeoncompanies.She emphasizestheneedforstreamlinedalignmentacross variousregulationsandexternalratingagenciestoensure thatteamsandexpertiseareprimarilydirectedtoward transformationprojectsandinnovativesolutions,rather thanadministrativetasks.
InLindsay'spursuitofmeetingstringentCO reduction 2 targets,sheenvisionswidespreadavailabilityoflowcarbon materialsandcutting-edgetechnologiesataffordablecosts forbusinesses.Sheemphasizesthenecessityofimproving recyclingandupcyclingecosystemswithintheindustry, facingchallengessuchastheclassificationofoldrecyclable machinesaswaste,whichintroducesadministrativehurdles intransborderwastetransport,causingfrustration.
Recognizingthecriticalroleofsustainableinnovationsin thewatersector,sheadvocatesforheightenedawarenessto achieveasubstantialreductioninwaterloss.She
underscorestheneedtodrawattentiontowaterefficiency asasignificantsustainabilitycontributionfortheglobal buildingandconstructionsector.Shealsopromotesthe morerigorousadoptionofprocessautomationsolutionsin waterapplicationstoenhancewaterefficiencyandreduce consumption.Additionally,sheadvocatesforintensified effortstominimizeCO2emissionsandincreaseefficiency withinthewaterandwatertreatmentsector.
AtGF,Lindsayisabletonavigateafulfillingandrewarding careerindrivingSustainabilitywhileconcurrently embracingtheroleofadevotedmothertohertwo daughters,EmilyandSophie.FlexibleworkhoursatGF andtheoptiontoworkremotelyprovideparentswiththe possibilitytobalanceworkandfamilylifeseamlessly.To meetherambitionsforbothcareerandfamily,itstilltakesa lotoforganizationandendurance:Lindsaymightcommute sixhoursadaytoseeherteamorattendanimportant managementmeetingattheGFheadquartersandstillbe abletokissherdaughtersgoodnight.
Asamother,Lindsayiskeenoninstillingvaluablelife lessonsinherdaughters,emphasizingtheimportanceof self-relianceanddetermination.Sheencouragesthemtoset theirowngoals,pursuetheirdreams,andremainresilientin thefaceofchallenges.Lindsay'sownjourneytosuccesshas beenmarkedbynon-linearpathsandoccasionalobstacles, whichsheviewsasopportunitiesforgrowth.Heradviceto herdaughtersbutalsotootherfemaleleadersresonates withthephilosophyofnevergivingupandextracting valuablelessonsfromeverysteptakeninone'scareer journey.
Lcreativeflair,shecontinuestoshapehercareerin marketing,leavinganindeliblemarkontheindustryand exemplifyingtheendlesspossibilitiesthatarisefrom embracingchangeandpursuingone'spassions.
eaderssharewithallthattheyknow,becausedeep intheirsoul,theyareapartofpeopleandpeople areapartofthem.Intoday'sdigitallandscape, businessesrelyontheexpertiseofleaderswhocannavigate thecomplexitieslikeGoogleAds,socialmedia,andwebsite contentcreation.Thusintheever-evolvingworldofdigital marketing,AliciaWhitbreadstandsoutasaCodirector/owneratTheAdsManager.
AliciaWhitbread'sprofessionalvoyageisatestamentto adaptabilityandunwaveringdetermination.Initiallya lecturerinPsychologyandCriminology,Aliciatransitioned intotheworldofmarketing,whereshehasexcelledasacodirectorspecializinginGoogleAds.Herjourney,marked byversatilityandaprofoundloveforstorytelling, showcaseshertransformationintoacontentcreator extraordinaire.Withauniqueblendofacademicrigorand
ThefoundationoftheAdsManagerisrootedinthestrength ofadedicatedteam.Itscollectivemissionandvisionserve asabindingforce,drivingtheircommitmenttoprovidetopnotchservices,invaluableguidance,andcompetitive pricingtofosterthegrowthoffellowbusinesses.Forthe AdsManager,clientsarenotjustclients;theyarean extensionofthefamily Thisclose-knitrelationshipenables theteamtocrafttailoredexperiencesthatcatertoeach client'suniqueneeds.Lookingforward,theirvisionisto expandfurtherandilluminatetheadvantagesofmarketing andcollaborativeteamwork,allwithouttheburdenof exorbitantcosts.
TheAdsManagerisonanexciting expansionjourney,forgingcollaborations withdiverseorganizationsandcharitable enterprises.Theircommitmenttosocial responsibilityshinesthroughannual fundraisersdedicatedtocancerresearch andhomelessnessinitiatives,aligningtheir businessendeavorswithphilanthropic causes.Activelyparticipatinginand sponsoringcharitableeventsorganizedby partnerorganizationsfurtherunderscores theirdedicationtomakingapositive impactinthecommunity AsTheAds Managercontinuestogrow,theyhave ambitiousplanstobroadentheirclient base,expandtheirteam,andcultivate valuableconnections.Thisexpansion strategyextendsbeyondGoogleAdsand Analytics,astheyaspiretobecome versatileexpertsinSocialMediaPlatforms andSearchEngineOptimization,ensuring acomprehensivesuiteofservicestomeet theirclients'evolvingneeds.
TheAdsManagerisanchoredbyfivecore valuesthatnotonlyshapetheir organizationalculturebutalsoserveasthe compassguidingtheirteam'sactions,both professionallyandintheirdailylives. Kindnessisthecornerstone,encouraging actsofcompassionandgoodwill.Honesty standsasapillar,fosteringacultureof truthfulnessandtransparencywithinthe teamandwithclients,earningthem respect.Loyaltyisunwavering, exemplifyingsteadfastsupportand commitmenttothosetheyworkwith. Responsibilitytakescenterstage, emphasizingaccountabilityforactionsand achievements.Dependabilityisthefinal piece,embodyingtrustworthinessand reliability,ensuringtheycanalwaysbe countedon.Thesevaluesarenotjust principlesbutlivedbeliefsthatdriveThe AdsManager'sworkcultureanddefine theiridentity
Scope3emissions,oftenreferredtoas“valuechain emissions,”areapartoftheGreenhouseGas Protocol'scorporatestandardforgreenhousegas accounting.Theseemissionsaregenerallythemost significantshareofanorganization'scarbonfootprintbut arealsothemostcomplextomanageandmitigate,asthey involveactivitiesnotdirectlyownedorcontrolledbythe reportingcompany.Scope3includesbothupstreamand downstreamemissionsandencompassesawiderangeof indirectemissionssources.
TheregulationsandguidelinesaroundScope3emissions varydependingontheregionandthespecificregulatory framework.However,therearesomegeneralaspectsto consider:
Ÿ Voluntaryvs.MandatoryReporting:Inmanyregions, reportingScope3emissionsisstillvoluntarybutis increasinglybeingencouragedorrequiredaspartof broadersustainabilityreportingframeworks.For example,theEuropeanUnion'sNon-Financial ReportingDirective(NFRD)encouragescompaniesto reportontheirScope3emissions.
Ÿ StandardsandProtocols:TheGreenhouseGas Protocolprovidesthemostwidelyusedinternational accountingtoolforgovernmentandbusinessleadersto understand,quantify,andmanagegreenhousegas emissions,includingScope3.
Ÿ CorporateSustainabilityReporting:Companiesmay choosetoreportScope3emissionsaspartoftheir sustainabilityorcorporatesocialresponsibility(CSR) reporting.Thisisoftendonetoimprovetransparency, managerisks,andidentifyopportunitiesforreducing emissionsinthesupplychain.
Ÿ InvestorandStakeholderPressure:Thereis increasingpressurefrominvestors,customers,andother stakeholdersforcompaniestoreportandreducetheir Scope3emissions.Thispressureoftendrivesmore detailedandrigorousreportingandreductionstrategies.
Ÿ Sector-SpecificGuidelines:Certainindustrieshave specificguidelinesorexpectationsforScope3 reporting.Forexample,theScienceBasedTargets initiative(SBTi)providesmethodsandguidancefor companiestosetscience-basedtargetsforreducing greenhousegasemissions,includingScope3.
Ÿ LocalandNationalRegulations:Somecountrieshave specificregulationsorguidelinesforScope3reporting. Thesecanvarysignificantlyandmaybemoreorless stringentthaninternationalstandards.
Ÿ IntegrationwithBroaderESGGoals:Scope3 emissionsreportingisoftenpartofbroader environmental,social,andgovernance(ESG)strategies andgoalswithinorganizations.
TechnologicalApproachesforMeasuringScope3 Emissions
MeasuringScope3emissionsinvolvescomplexdata collectionandanalysisduetothebroadrangeofindirect emissionsourcesacrossacompany'svaluechain. Technologyplaysacrucialroleinthisprocess,withseveral keyapproaches:
Ÿ LifeCycleAssessment(LCA)Tools:Thesesoftware toolsanalyzetheenvironmentalimpactsofproductsor servicesthroughouttheirentirelifecycle,fromraw materialextractiontodisposal.LCAtoolscanbe
Ÿ instrumentalinquantifyingScope3emissionsrelatedto productuseandend-of-lifestages.
Ÿ SupplyChainAnalysisSoftware:Theseplatforms focusonmappingandassessingemissionswithina company'ssupplychain.Theyhelpidentifyhotspotsof highemissionsandopportunitiesforreductionby analyzingsupplierdataandactivities.
Ÿ CarbonAccountingPlatforms:Thesecomprehensive toolsenablecompaniestotrackandmanagetheircarbon emissionsacrossallscopes,includingScope3.They oftenfeaturedashboards,reportingcapabilities,and scenarioanalysistosupportstrategicdecision-making.
Ÿ EnergyManagementSystems(EMS):While primarilyfocusedondirectenergyconsumption(Scope 1and2),EMScanalsocontributetoScope3analysis byprovidinginsightsintotheenergyuseandassociated emissionsofleasedassets,franchises,andoutsourced activities.
Ÿ BlockchainandIoT:Emergingtechnologieslike blockchainandtheInternetofThings(IoT)offernew waystotrackandverifyemissionsdataacrosscomplex supplychains,enhancingtransparencyandaccuracy
Scope3reportingplatformsgatherdatafromavarietyof sources:
Ÿ SupplierSurveysandSelf-Reporting:Direct communicationwithsupplierstocollectdataontheir emissionsandenvironmentalpractices.
Ÿ IndustryAveragesandBenchmarks:Utilizing establisheddatabasesandbenchmarkstoestimate emissionsforcommonprocessesorproductsinthe absenceofspecificdata.
Ÿ PublicandProprietaryDatabases:Accessing governmentorcommercialdatabasesthatprovide emissionsfactorsandenvironmentalimpactdatafora widerangeofactivitiesandmaterials.
Ÿ SensorandIoTData:Collectingreal-timedatafrom sensorsandIoTdevicesembeddedinproductsorsupply chainoperationstomonitoremissions.
Specialities: Strategic Leadership • Digital Transforma functional consultant (APO, Hana, BI, WMS, S&D) • Sustainability, Human Rights and Modern Slavery, Mgmt. • Customer Relationship Mgmt.
ThereliabilityofScope3measurementcanvary significantlybasedonthedataquality,themethodologies used,andthecomprehensivenessoftheanalysis. Approachesthatincorporateprimarydatafromdirect suppliersanduserobust,widelyrecognizedmethodologies (likethoserecommendedbytheGreenhouseGasProtocol) tendtobemorereliable.However,evenwiththebesttools andintentions,Scope3measurementsofteninvolvea degreeofestimationanduncertainty,especiallywhen relyingonsecondarydataorindustryaverages.
Ÿ DataQualityandTransparency:Ensurethesoftware supportshigh-quality,verifiabledatacollectionand offerstransparencyaboutitsmethodologiesanddata sources.
Ÿ CustomizationandScalability:Theplatformshould beadaptabletoyourspecificindustryandsupplychain complexityandscalableasyourbusinessandreporting needsevolve.
Ÿ IntegrationwithExistingSystems:Thesoftware shouldintegrateseamlesslywithyourexistingERP, CRM,andothermanagementsystemstostreamlinedata flowandavoidsilos.
Ÿ ComplianceandStandardsAlignment:Verifythatthe softwaresupportscompliancewithrelevantregional regulationsandalignswithinternationalstandardslike theGreenhouseGasProtocol.
Ÿ UserSupportandTraining:Adequateusersupport, training,andresourcesareessentialtoensurethe successfulimplementationandongoinguseofthe platform.
Inconclusion,technologyofferspowerfultoolsfor measuringScope3emissions,butthechoiceofplatform andapproachrequirescarefulconsiderationofyour company'sspecificneeds,thequalityandsourceofthedata used,andtheabilitytointegrateandalignwithbroader sustainabilitygoals
MichelleArmstrong–GlobalVPValueSolutionsMichelle.armstrong@TrustYourSupplier.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-armstrong-ab895a32/ https://trustyoursupplier.com/
ormation • Blockchain • SAP platform
• Compliance regulations (focus on Cyber, Financial risk) • Implementation
Itisonethingtobecleverandanothertobewise. Whilestartingabusinessisacleverendeavor,some findthattruewisdomresidesinempoweringothersto championtheircauses.Thisispreciselytheethosthat drivesFarrahSmith,whoaimstobethetrustedpartnerof choicewithinthenon-profitsectorsotheycanadvance theirphilanthropiccauses.
Everyleadershouldaspiretohaveaprofoundsenseof purpose,onethatseekstomakeameaningfulimpactonthe world.Farrah'sdedicationtranslatesintotangibleand enduringchangewithinthecommunitiessheservesthrough thecompanyshehelpslead:TheMariaGroup
Toknowmoreaboutherlifejourney,belowarethe highlightsoftheinterview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatyourcompany. Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
MyjourneytobecomingDirectorofDevelopmentforThe MariaGrouphasbeenmarkedbyperseveranceandpassion. Earlyinmycareer,Ifacedtheformidablechallengeof transitioningfromafor-profitbackgroundintothenonprofit worlddespitehavingnopriorexperienceinthissector.I initiallygrappledwithearningrespectandtrustwithinthe nonprofitcommunity,givenmylackofindustry-specific knowledge.
However,fueledbymydesiretoeffectpositivechangeand drawuponmybackgroundinsalesandcelebrityrelations,I swiftlyacquiredtheskillsnecessarytosecurefundingfrom high-profileindividualsandmajordonors,resultingina
tangibleandmeaningfulimpact.Throughdiligent relationship-buildingefforts,therefinementofmy communicationskills,andtheguidanceofinvaluable mentors,Iconsistentlydemonstratedmyunyielding commitmenttofurtheringthemissionsofnonprofit organizations.Overthepastdecade,Ihaveundergone significantpersonalandprofessionalgrowth,evolvinginto aproficientnonprofitexecutive,accomplishedfundraiser, dedicatedactivist,andeffectiveleader
Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.
AtTheMariaGroup,wetakeprideinofferingtop-tier consultingservicesdesignedtoelevatenonprofit organizationsintheirpursuitofphilanthropicgoals.Our visionrevolvesaroundcreatingaworldwhereevery mission-drivenorganizationpossessesthenecessary expertiseandresourcestoeffectmeaningfulchange.What setsusapartisourunwaveringcommitmenttoselectivity Weexclusivelycollaboratewithcharitiesthatalignwithour fundamentalvaluesofcompassion,integrity,andthe responsiblestewardshipofdonorfunds.Throughthese strategicpartnershipswithethicalnonprofitswhoare dedicatedtomaximizingtheirresources,wecontributeto significantadvancementsacrossawidearrayofcompelling causes.
Howdoyoubuildandmanageamotivatedandeffective team?
AtTheMariaGroup,cultivatingexemplaryteamleaders beginswithselectingindividualswhoshareaprofound passionforourmission.Wefirmlybelieveinleadingby example,andassuch,weempowereveryteammemberto
exploreinnovativesolutions.Ourculturethriveson fosteringself-motivation,promotingopenandtransparent communication,andnurturingacultureofcreativity Furthermore,westronglyemphasizecontinuousindividual andteamdevelopmenttocollectivelyachieveourprimary objective:deliveringoutstandingconsultingservicestoour nonprofitclients.Wearefortunatetohavevaluablepartners whoshareourphilosophyandactasaforcemultiplier, allowingustoofferadditionalservicesthatbenefitour clients.
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforyourcompany?
Lookingahead,myimmediategoalistoidentifya charitableorganizationdedicatedtoyouthdevelopment.I'm passionateaboutmakingameaningfulimpactinthisarea andbelieveitalignsperfectlywithTheMariaGroup's mission.Inthelongterm,Ienvisionourfirmexpandingits reachtoempowerevenmorenonprofits,addressinga
diverserangeofcriticalissues,includinganimalwelfare, environmentalconservation,educationaccess,andsupport forthearts.I'mgenuinelyexcitedabouttheprospectof continuedinnovation,talentdevelopment,andcollaboration withcompassionatecharitiestocreatelastingchange.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
TheMariaGroupisdeeplyrootedinasetofcorevalues thatserveasthefoundationforourorganization'sculture anddailyoperations.Thesevaluesarenotmerelywordson paperbutguidingprinciplesthatinformeverydecisionand actionwetake.
Ÿ Compassion:AttheheartofTheMariaGroupisa profoundcompassionforthecausesweserveandthe individualsweworkwith.Weunderstandthepressing issuesthatournonprofitpartnersareaddressing,andwe approacheveryprojectwithadeepsenseofempathy
Ÿ andcaring.Thiscompassionextendstoourteam members,fosteringasupportiveandunderstanding workenvironmentwhereeveryone'swell-beingisa priority
Ÿ Integrity:Weholdourselvestothehigheststandards ofintegrityandethicalconduct.Trustisparamountin thenonprofitsector,andwearededicatedtoupholding thetrustplacedinusbyourclients,donors,and partners.Ourcommitmenttotransparency,honesty, andaccountabilityisunwavering,ensuringweoperate withtheutmostintegrityinallourinteractions.
Ÿ Community-Building:Webelieveinthepowerof communityandcollaborationtodrivepositivechange. Ourworkisnotjustaboutindividualsuccessbutabout fosteringasenseofcommunityamongnonprofits, donors,andsupporters.Weactivelyseekopportunities toconnectandbuildnetworksthatamplifytheimpact ofourcollectiveefforts.
Ÿ CollaborationandInclusion:Ourcultureisbuiltona strongfoundationofcollaborationandinclusion.We recognizethatdiverseperspectivesandbackgrounds enrichourworkandleadtomoreinnovativesolutions. Weactivelyencourageeveryteammemberto contributetheiruniqueinsightsandideas.Inclusivityis notjustabuzzwordbutapracticewewholeheartedly embrace.
Ÿ Empowerment:Weempowerouremployeestoexcel intheirrolesasconsultantsandcreativeproblemsolvers.Weprovidethenecessaryresources,training, andmentorshiptohelpthemreachtheirfullpotential. Thisempowermentextendstoourclients,aswework sidebysidetoempowerthemwiththeknowledgeand toolsneededtoachievetheirmissionseffectively
Ÿ Mission-DrivenFocus:Everythingwedoisguidedby ourunwaveringcommitmenttoourmission:to empowernonprofitstoadvancetheirphilanthropic causes.Ourteamwakesupeverydaywithaclear senseofpurposeanddedicationtomakinga meaningfulimpactontheworld.
Byactivelylivingthesevaluesandfosteringaculturethat reflectsthem,weaspiretobethepartnersofchoiceinthe nonprofitsector.Ourdedicationtotheseprinciplesensures thatourworkconsistentlyalignswithourmission,leading totangibleandlastingchangeinthecommunitieswe serve.
Intoday'sfast-pacedandever-evolvingworld,the intersectionofemergingtechnologies,social revolutions,andunexpectedcrisesisredefining thelandscapeofbothbusinessandeducation.Asan entrepreneur,musician,andeducator,I'vewitnessed thetransformativepowerofthesedynamicsfirsthand. Inthisarticle,Iwillsharemythoughtsonhow individualsandinstitutionscannavigateandharness theseforcesforpositivechange.
Emergingtechnologieshavealwaysbeenatthe forefrontofdrivinginnovationandchange.Fromthe adventoftheinternettotheproliferationof smartphones,technologyhasalteredthewaywe communicate,work,andlearn.Thecurrenterais witnessingawaveofgroundbreakingtechnologies, suchasvirtualreality, AI andblockchain,thathave thepotentialtodisruptandenhancevariousindustries.
Inbusiness,thesetechnologiesofferunparalleled opportunitiesforgrowthandefficiency.Forexample, AI-drivenanalyticscanprovidevaluableinsightsinto customerbehaviorandmarkettrends,enabling companiestomakedata-drivendecisions.Virtual realitycanrevolutionizeemployeetrainingand customerengagementbycreatingimmersive experiences.However,adaptingtothesetechnologies requiresawillingnesstoembracechangeandinvestin educationandskilldevelopment.Businessesthat prioritizedigitalliteracyandinnovationwillbebetter positionedtothriveinthetech-drivenfuture.
Ineducation,technologyistransformingthewaywe learnandteach.Onlineplatformsande-learningtools havebecomeessentialinprovidingaccessible education.The COVID-19pandemicacceleratedthis digitalshift,highlightingtheimportanceofflexible andadaptablelearningmodels.Studentsandeducators havehadtoadapttovirtualclassroomsandremote collaboration,andthisexperiencewilllikelyshapethe futureofeducation.
Simultaneously,wearelivinginaneraofsocial revolutionsandmovementsthatchallengethestatus
quo.Theriseofsocialmediahasempowered individualstomobilizeandadvocateforchangeona globalscale.Movementslike#BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo,andclimateactivismhaveforcedsocietyto confrontissuesofsystemicinequality,discrimination, andenvironmentalsustainability.
Inbusiness,thesesocialmovementshavepushedfor corporatesocialresponsibilityandethicalpractices.
Companiesarenowexpectedtotakeastanceon socialandenvironmentalissues,andconsumers increasinglysupportbusinessesalignedwiththeir values.Thisshiftunderscorestheimportanceof purpose-drivenentrepreneurshipandtheneedfor businessestocontributepositivelytosociety.
Ineducation,socialrevolutionscallforamore inclusiveandequitablesystem.Accesstoquality educationremainsaglobalchallenge,andeducators mustaddressdisparitiesinlearningopportunities. Socialjusticemovementsdemanddiverseand inclusivecurriculathatreflecttheexperiencesand contributionsofmarginalizedcommunities.Itis essentialtoempowerstudentswiththeknowledgeand skillstobeinformed,responsibleglobalcitizens.
Whiletechnologyandsocialrevolutionsoffer immensepotential,wecannotoverlooktheroleof crisesinshapingourworld.Whetherit'saglobal pandemic,economicrecession,orenvironmental disaster,unforeseencrisescandisruptbusinessesand educationsystems.
The COVID-19pandemicisarecentexampleofhow acrisiscanimpactbothsectors.Businesseshadto adapttoremoteworkandchangingconsumer behavior,whileschoolsanduniversitieshadto transitiontoonlinelearning.Theabilitytorespond swiftlyandwithresiliencebecameakey differentiator
Inbusiness,crisismanagementandcontingency planningareessential.Companiesmustbepreparedto pivottheirstrategiesandoperationsinresponseto unforeseenchallenges.Flexibility,adaptability,anda
focusonemployeeandcustomerwell-beingare crucialduringtimesofcrisis.
Ineducation,thepandemichighlightedtheneedfor robustdigitalinfrastructureandpreparedness. Institutionsmustinvestintechnologyandtrainingto ensurecontinuityoflearninginchallenging circumstances.Moreover,criseshaveshedlightonthe importanceofmentalhealthandwell-beingin education.Studentsandeducatorsalikeneedsupport systemstonavigatetheemotionaltollofuncertainty anddisruption.
Tothriveintheever-evolvingintersectionof technology,socialrevolutions,andcrises,individuals andinstitutionsshouldconsiderthefollowing strategies:
**EmbraceLifelongLearning**:Inbothbusinessand education,theabilitytoadaptandlearncontinuously isparamount.Staycuriousandopentonewideas, technologies,andperspectives.
**FosterInnovation**:Encouragecreativityand innovationwithinyourorganizationorclassroom. Embracenewtechnologiesandmethodologiesthat canenhanceproductivityandengagement.
**PrioritizeInclusivity**:Ensurethatyourbusiness oreducationalinstitutionisinclusiveandequitable. Embracediversityandconsidertheneedsofall stakeholders.
**PrepareforChange**:Developcontingencyplans andstrategiesforcrisismanagement.Theabilityto pivotandadaptinchallengingtimescanmakethe differencebetweensurvivalandstagnation.
**StayInformed**:Keepabreastofemerging technologiesandtrendsinyourindustry.Stay informedaboutsocialissuesandbepreparedto engageinconstructivedialogue.
**PromoteWell-being**:Prioritizethephysicaland mentalwell-beingofemployees,students,and yourself.Resilienceinthefaceofcrisesbeginswith individualandcollectivewell-being.
**SeekCollaboration**:Engagewithyour community,industrypeers,andeducationalnetworks. Collaborativeeffortscanleadtoinnovativesolutions andsharedresources.
Theintersectionofemergingtechnologies,social revolutions,andcrisesmaypresentchallenges,butit alsooffersboundlessopportunitiesforgrowthand positivechange.Aswenavigatethiscomplex landscape,letusremainadaptable,compassionate, andcommittedtobuildingabrighterfuturefor businessandeducation.Together,wecanharness theseforcestodriveinnovation,equity,andresilience.
Weareallpilgrimsonthesamejourney,butsome ofushaveabetterroadmaptomoveinlife. Withadeepunderstandingaimedat determiningtheclient's,vision,goalsandvalues,Lindsey MyersfoundedConcreteBlondeConsulting.Lindseyhas aneyefortalentandalargenetworkwhichsheutilizesto staffeachclientwiththerightteam.
Overthecourseofhercareer,Lindseyhasdevelopedaskill setfarbeyond PR thatincludesbranding,crisis communication,andrelationshipmanagement.Recognizing thispassiontowardsbusinessweatInsightOutlook interviewedLindseytoknowwhatinspiredhertofoundthe organizationandtheoveralljourneyofher
Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatyourcompany.
LindseyMyersfoundedConcreteBlondeConsultingin November2016andhassincebeennamedoneofthe“Top 15 PRAgenciesinNewYork”byTheManifestandoneof the“Top10Best PRAgencies”byWebSurfMedia. A communicationsexpertandentrepreneur,shehasover fifteen-yearsofexperiencein NYC andtheHamptons luxurymarket. In2018,InsightsSuccessMagazinenamed heroneofthe“30MostInnovative CEOs”oftheyear
MyersgraduatedfromBostonUniversitywitha BS in CommunicationsandconcentrationinPublicRelations. ShebeganhercareeratWordHamptonPublicRelations,a firmheadquarteredinEastHampton, NY andrankedby JackO'Dwyer'sasoneofthecountry's"Top100 Independent PR firms". Recognizedasastrategicleader, shehasearnedatrackrecordforcounselingclients, includingFortune500companiessuchas NAPCO Security,Inc.,toincreaseprofits,managebrandreputations andgainmarketshare. In2013,shebecameanequity partnerandwaschosentolaunchthecompany's NYC division.
Professional,confidentandwell-respectedbyherpeers,she hasalsobeenaguestlectureratseveraluniversities includingHofstraUniversityandSaintJoseph'sUniversity, possessingapresencepeopleoftenfoundunforgettable. Shefounded CBC withtheaimofallowingherselfthe freedomtodelveintootherindustriesofinterest,suchas activism,sustainability,technology,aerospaceand healthcare. Asshecontinuedhercareer,themediabecame avehicleforherbeliefinhumanity,hercuriosity,her passionforentrepreneurship,herpatriotismandher businessethics.
DuringthepandemicshemovedtoTheOuterBankswhere shecontinuedherjourneyandalsobeganstrategicmedia consultingforaclassactionrealestatelawsuit. Itwas
duringthistimewhenherpassionforjustice—bothlegal andsocialwasreignited. InJune2021,shereturnedtothe BuckeyestatewithamovetoCleveland,Ohiotoreunite withlovedonesandrememberherroots.
Shecontinuesherconsultingcareerremotelywithboth nationalandinternationalcontactsandlooksforwardto expandingherhorizonswithnewopportunities. Myers alsoservesasPresidentoftheBoardfornon-profitMind, Body,Soul,Survivorhelpingvictimsofsexualassaultand ontheSteeringCommitteeforSt.Mary'sChildren's Hospital.
Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
Thechallengeshavebeennumerousandmostlyinvolve learninghowtorunabusinessandmaintainpositive relationshipsandcashflow
Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.
ConcreteBlondeConsultingisaresults-orientedcompany devotedtopersonalizedexperienceforeachandevery client. Webegineachclientjourneywithadeepdiveanda plethoraofquestionsaimedatdeterminingtheheartofour client'svision,goalsandvalues. Then,wegotothe drawingboardandcreateauniquestrategyutilizinga varietyoftacticsand16+yearsofexpertisetoattainthose goals.
Solo-preneurLindseyMyershasaneyefortalentanda largenetworksheutilizestostaffeachclientwiththeright team. Shehasbeenconsistentlypraisedashard-workingby co-workersandmanagement.Overthecourseofhercareer, she'sdevelopedaskillsetfarbeyond PR,including branding,crisiscommunicationsandrelationship management.Overall,shehasconsistentlydemonstrated superioranalytical,criticalthinkingandleadershipabilities thatshinethrougheveryaspectofherworkatConcrete BlondeConsulting,
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforyourcompany?
Ilookforwardtobuildingoursustainabilityportfolioand workingwithmorecompanieswhoarefocusedonhowto saveourplanetfromthethreatsofclimatechange.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.Ifyouhaveanyother additionaldetailswhichwemighthavemissedoutonor thatyouwanttohighlightintheprofile,pleasefeelfree tosharethem.
Ourlargestcompanyvalueissimplytobeofservicetoour clientsandprovidethemwithsolutionsthatwillincrease theirpresence,buildtheirbrandandultimatelytheirbottom line.
Everysuccessfulleaderhastheirownstyle,butthere arecertaintraitsthatallinspiringleadersshare.By leveragingaspecificsetofskills,aleadercan embodyinspirationandmotivatetheirtroopstopush throughchallenges,findinnovativewaystodonewthings andcreatecreativecompetitiveadvantagesthatallowtheir teamsandcompanytowithstandthetestoftime.
Howimportantisitforanbusinessleadertobeinspiring? It'spossiblethatateamcangainmotivationfromtheirown personaldriveandcommitmenttothevisionofthe company. Butwithaninspiringleaderinplace,ithelps increasetheoddsthattheteamwillstayintactandpush throughdifficulttimes. Inspiringbusinessleaderscanmake theimpossiblepossible.
Ifyouareonyourownleadershipjourneyandtryingto determinewhatittakestobeastrongandinspirational leader,herearetheprimarytraitsthatsetinspiringbusiness leadersapartfromtherest.
Visionaryleaderspossessauniquemindsetthatallows themtothinkbeyondthepresentandenvisionafuturefilled withpossibilities.Theyhavetheabilitytoseethebigger picture,setambitiousgoals,andinspireotherstowork towardsasharedvision.Theseleadersarenotboundbythe limitationsofthecurrentcircumstances,butratherthey constantlyseeknewopportunitiesandinnovativesolutions. Avisionarymindsetrequiresopen-mindedness,creativity, andawillingnesstotakerisks.Somepeoplearenaturalbornvisionariesandsomearebetteratexecution. Inspiring leaderspaintanexcitingpictureofwhatcouldbe.
LeadingwithEmotionalIntelligenceisacrucialtraitof inspiringbusinessleaders.Whilethisdidn'tusedtobea requiredskillforbusinessleaderswhenthenormwas "commandandfollow,"timeshavechanged. Theseleaders haveanevolvedunderstandingoftheirownemotionsand theemotionsofthosearoundthem.Theyareempathetic, abletoputthemselvesinothersshoesandunderstand othersperspectives.Thisallowsthemtobuildstrong relationships,inspiretrust,andeffectivelycommunicate withtheirteammembers.Leaderswithemotional intelligencearealsoskilledatmanagingconflictsand handlingdifficultsituationswithgraceandsensitivity Peoplewhodeveloptheiremotionalintelligencecan developintoleaderswhobuildtrustwiththeirteamsand developacultureofempathyandloyalty.
Inspiringbusinessleaderspossesstheremarkableabilityto empowerothers.Theycreateasupportiveandinclusive workenvironmentwhereemployeesfeelvaluedand motivated.Theseleadersunderstandtheimportanceof nurturingindividualstrengthsandprovidingopportunities forgrowthanddevelopment.Theycelebratetheirteam's achievements,offerconstructivefeedback,andencourage innovationandcreativity.Byempoweringandinspiring others,theseleadersnotonlyfosterahigh-performingteam butalsocreateacultureoftrustandcollaboration.Their abilitytobringoutthebestintheirteammembersiswhat setsthemapartastrulyinspiringleaders.
Strongethicsandintegrityarefundamentalqualitiesof inspiringbusinessleaders.Theseleadersprioritizedoing therightthing,evenwhenit'sdifficultorunpopular They leadbyexampleandholdthemselvestohighmoral standards.Theyaretransparent,honest,andfairintheir decision-makingandinteractionswithothers.Their integritybuildstrustandcredibility,andtheyareknownfor theirethicalbehavior.Inspiringleadersunderstandthata strongethicalfoundationisessentialforlong-termsuccess andapositiveworkculture.Byembodyingstrongethics andintegrity,leadersinspireotherstodothesame,creating acultureoftrustandintegritythroughouttheorganization.
Adaptabilityandagilityarecrucialtraitsofinspiring businessleaders.Intoday'sfast-pacedandever-changing world,leadersmustbeabletoquicklyadapttonew situations,challenges,andopportunities.Theymustbe opentochange,flexibleintheirthinking,andwillingto embraceinnovation.Bybeingadaptableandagile,leaders cannavigatethroughuncertainty,makeinformeddecisions, andleadtheirteamseffectively.Thisabilitytoadaptand adjustiswhatsetsinspiringleadersapart,allowingthemto stayaheadofthecurveanddrivesuccessinaneverevolvingbusinesslandscape.
Resilienceandperseverancearecriticalfortheinspiring leader.Whentimesgettough,teamsneedtogainstrength fromaleaderwhodoesn'tcrumbleandretreat. Intheface ofchallengesandsetbacks,theyneedaleaderwhowill marchonwithrenewedenergyandcommitment.These
leadersdemonstratearelentlessdeterminationtoovercome obstaclestoachievetheirgoals.Resilienceallowsthemto bouncebackfromfailure,admittoandlearnfromtheir mistakes,whileperseverancekeepsthemfocusedonthe long-termvision.Byembodyingthesetraits,inspiring leaderskeeptheirteamsmotivatedandpushthrough adversity Theyserveasaconstantsourceofstrengthand encouragement,modelinghowtostaystrongevenwhenthe stormwindshowl.
Takeatallyofhowmanyofthesetraitsyoucurrently possess,andgutcheckyourthinkingwithtrustedsources aroundyou(butbesuretochoosepeoplewhoaregoingto behonest,notjustthosewhowillsharewhatyouwantto hear). Ifyoufindoneormoreofthesetraitsareonesthat youwouldliketodevotetimeindeveloping,putaplan togetherthatwillenableyoutobuildthemuscleyouwant tobetterflex-whetherthatbethroughreadingbooks, listeningtopodcasts,engagingthehelpofaprofessional grouporhiringanexecutivecoach. Choosingtoexpand yourskillandcomfortwithanyoneofthesetraitswillpay offforyearstocomeandincreaseyourabilitytoinspire thosearoundyou.
MA< LPCS, Founder of the Institute for NSSI and also Vann Coaching, Counseling, Consulting Institute for Non-Suicidal Self-Injury
Toliveabetterlife,youstartworkingtowardsitin thepresent,andthat'showyouliveforthefuture. Weallactuallydoliveforabetterfuture,better life,whichiseventuallybettermentalhealthcare.Leaders here,playapivotalroleinshapingraisingawarenessand reducingthestigmaassociatedwithmentalhealthissues.
Withacareerspanningovertwodecadesinclinical counselingandastrongcommitmenttomakingapositive impact,LoriVannhasrisentoprominenceasadriving forcebehindtheInstitutefor NSSI (Non-SuicidalSelfInjury)andVannCoaching,Counseling,Consulting.Her journeyasaleaderinthementalhealthsectorhasbeen markedbydedication,innovation,andadeepsenseof purpose.
ToknowmoreaboutLori'sremarkablejourney,joinusin theinterviewbelow:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatyourcompany. Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?
Ihavebeenaclinicalcounselorsince1998andhave workedinoutpatientclinics,oneofthedirectorsforanonprofitcounselingcenter,inpatientpsychiatric,andwent full-timeintomyownprivatepracticein2008. Throughout thelast15years,Ihaveexpandedmybusinesstoinclude coachingandconsultingwork.
Regardingobstacles,everytimeIexpandaserviceor developanewpartofthebusiness,thereareunique challengesthatrangefromtime,energy,andfinancial managementtofindingthebestresourcestoassistinthe processtochallenginghowImayhaveviewedasituation. Startingbusinesscoachingalmost7yearsagohasbeenone ofthebestbusinessdecisionsthatIhavemade,andIonly wishthatIwouldhavereceiveditduringyear1ofmy privatepracticeinsteadofyear9.
Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.
TheoriginsoftheInstitutefor NSSI havebeenin developmentsince2000.Throughaprocessofresearch, directclientcontact,caseconsultswithfellow professionals,creationofseveralsupportgroups,delivering over115talkson NSSI throughouttheU.S.andseveral countries,developmentoftheSelf-InjuryPrevention InterventionProgram(SIPIP),andthewritingoffour books,LoriVannhasbeendrivenbythedesiretoturnthe tideonthisinternationalepidemic.
Botheredbythelackofresources,myths,misconceptions, stigma,andharassmentthatthosewhoparticipatein NSSI receive,Loriknewthattherewasanunmetneedthatso manyfeltthattheycouldnotexpress.Apassiontonotonly savepeople'slimbsfrombodilyharmbuttoalsosavetheir livesisthefirethatdrivestheInstitute.
Withover60%ofthosewhoengagein NSSI alsohavinga historyofsuicidalideationorattempts,theneedtoaddress thisoftenhidden,shame-filledbehavioriscritical. TheMissionStatementfortheInstitutefor NSSI is dedicatedtoservingthecommunitybyprovidingeasily understoodandup-to-dateinformationabout NSSI, implementable&proventechniquestotreatthebehavior, andawarenesstostopthestigmabystartingconversations &providingresources.
Howdoyoubuildandmanageamotivatedandeffective team?
Servantleadershipisakeyincreatingabusinessculture. A teamthatisappreciatedandseesaleaderserving,helping out,genuinelycaresaboutthewelfareoftheirteam,and providingconstructivefeedbackisonethatismorelikelyto buildloyalty&theycareforyourbusiness. Leadingby exampleisonewaytosummarizewhatIbelieveisatenant forabusiness'longevity
Uppermanagementthatisdistant,aloof,feelsthattheyare “toogood”todocertaintaskswillcreateanenvironment wheretheteamfeelsdisrespected. Oncealeaderhaslost his/herrespectoftheirteam,thebottomlinewillbe negativelyimpactedthroughturnover,decreased productivity,potentiallymoremistakes,anddecreasein theirreputationinthecommunity
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforyourcompany? The counselingpracticethatisassociatedwiththeInstitute forNSSI isgettingreadytodoubleinsizeandwithit, wewillbeofferingadditionalservices.
TheInstitutefor NSSI willcontinuetopursueitsmissionto bringeducation,prevention,intervention,andhealingtothe local,national,andinternalcommunities. Thegoalof expandingawarenessofthelow-costonlinesupportgroups isatopprioritywithsecondtoitprovidingmorespeaking eventstoschooldistricts,colleges,treatmentcenters, medicalprograms,andgovernmententities.
Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.
OurtaglineisHeretoServeandthatdrivesmanyofthe decisionsthatwemakeandthefocusontheorganization. Webelieveinprovidingquality,ethical,andprofessional servicesfromanon-judgmentalperspective. Weencourageacollaborativeofficewhereweshare resources,askquestions,andsupportoneanother.
SinceIamsomewhatofanoldtimer-havingreceived myBachelorofScienceinAerospaceEngineeringin Decemberof1987–Ihaveseenalotofchangein thewaybusinessisconducted.Inthe“olddays”therewas noemail,nocellphonesandnotextingorchattingonthe Internet.WhatInternet?Amazingly,wehadtomakephone callsorvisitfolksinperson,hencethephrase“coldcall”!I havebeeninafewmeetingswerewhenIsay“Ihavea ratherlargeRolodexofcontacts”ahandshootsupbecause theyhavenoideawhataRolodexis……andIactuallydo laughoutloud!
Iexpectthatmostofus,includingthoseofuswhohave beenaroundawhile,cannotevenimaginenoemail,cell phonesorInternet.Wehaveembracedthesenew technologiestoenableourlivestobebetter,moreefficient andtoallowustoworkonthetasksthatneedourattention. Wechangedfromthentonow,andyet….thethoughtof changingfromnowtotheunknownfuturecanbe frightening.
Astechnologyandtoolsprogress,somustprocessesand expectations.TrueLeadershiprecognizesthesechangesand usesthem–andthefullteam–totheirgreatestpotential. Thenewtoolsandprocessesenabletheteamtodowhatwe humansdobest–workwithothers,innovate,plan,solve hardproblemsthathaveneverbeenthoughtaboutbefore. Transformationalleadersmustpavetheway,throughthe amorphousunknown,anddevelopbestpractices,forour specificcompanyanddomain,toensuresuccesswhile inspiringtheteamtoembracethechanges.Itwillbehard.It willbetiring.Itwillbeanuphillslogsomedays.Andwe mustdoitanyway
Oneofthefirstthingswemustdoisknowourselves.Know ourcorporatecapabilities.Knowourlimitations.Recognize thatwearenotallthingstoallpeopleanddecidewhat
battlesareourstofight.Determiningourobjectivesand goalsfortheday,month,yearandbeyondenablesustoset tacticalplanstoreachthosegoalsandfilteroutprojectsand tasksthatarenotrelevant.Theseplanscanthenbe evaluatedtodeterminewhatisouraddedvalueandwhere weshouldspendourtime.Tasksdeemednotasimportant canbemovedtotoolsoroutsourcedallowingourstaffand companytofocusonwhatisimportant-asdefinedbyus.
Sincegrowthisaclearobjectiveformostcompanies,we needtorecognizehowthisisbestachieved.Byknowing ourselvesandhavingaclearlistofobjectivesforourout years,thetransformationalleadercanhelpsetthestagefor success.Knowing“what”wewanttodoasacompany allowsustothenworkonthe“how”wewillgetitdone. Thiscanbeadauntingtaskespeciallyiftheobjectiveand goalsareaudacious–andtheyshouldbe!Theleader quicklyrecognizesthatthiscannotbeaccomplishedalone andmustsetupateamtohelpguidethejourney
Inmyexperience,wheneverthereischange,andespecially whenpeoplearemovedintodifferentleadershippositions, the“humancondition”willshowitself–encompassing bothpositiveandnegativeaspectsofourexistence.Itisour job,astheTransformationalLeader,tonotonlyrecognize this,butembraceitanduseittoourcorporateadvantage. Wealsoneedtobeawarethatouryoungerstaffhavealot toadd–especiallywhenitcomestonewconcepts,tools andsupportingtechnologies–weneedtolistentothem. Willowviewembracesourflexibilityandabilitytoquickly adaptastheworld,asourprojectparameters,change.Inmy experience,thesingletraitthatpredictssuccessismindset–andateam'sabilitytopivotquicklytoachanging landscape.TheTransformationalLeadersetsthestageto makethishappenandtrustsherteamtomakethebest decisions.
