The Most Inspiring Women Leaders To Watch | CIO Women Magazine

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10 Facts about Chapel Bridge and Things to Do On Your Visit Life-Changing Income & Retirement Planning Pg. 34 Pg. 44 Pg. 12 How Tina Turner defied the odds and redefined Stardom? The Most INSP IRIN G W O MEN LEA D ERS Magazine o m e n C o To Watch MEET THE NEW-AGE WONDER WOMAN, WHO IS INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING WOMEN WORLDWIDE VONDA PAGE RADICAL CHANGE LLC | CEO
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From Editor’ s Desk

Inaworlddrivenbyprogressandinnovation,inspiringwomenleadersareattheforefront, leadingthenextgenerationwithunwaveringdeterminationandvision.Thesetrailblazersare breakingbarriers,shatteringglassceilings,andredefiningwhatitmeanstobealeader Throughtheirpassion,resilience,andcommitment,theyinspirenotonlyfellowwomenbut alsopeoplefromallwalksoflife.

Thesevisionarywomenembracechallenges,championdiversity,andempowerotherstoreach theirfullpotential.Theyembodythequalitiesofcourage,empathy,andinclusivity,pavingthe wayforabrighterandmoreequitablefuture.Withtheirremarkableleadership,theyinspireus alltodreambigandmakealastingimpact.

FeaturingforCIOWomen’sthisspecialeditionofTheMostInspiringWomenLeadersto Watcharethestoriesofsuchinspiringwomen.

VondaPage’sjourneybeganwhenshewasinhighschool.Herfirstjobwasatechnicaljobto implementafaxmachine,matchupthebusinessprocesses,andatthattime,thecompanywas tryingtoincorporatethenewtechnologyofafaxmachine.

Andfromtheverybeginning,upuntilnow,shehasworkedwithorganizationswhoaretrying toeitheradoptanewtechnologyorfigureouthowtobestutilizethattechnologytomaketheir businessrunsmoother,byeitherhelpingtheircustomerssolveapainpoint,ordoingsomething goodintheworld.AndthatbringsVondatowheresheistoday.

AstheChiefExecutiveof of RadicalChange

VondaledthefoundationofRadicalChange.ShemainlyfocusesonMentoringandWorking withleaders.Shehelpssmall-scalebusinessowners,entrepreneurs,andearly-career professionals withspecificstrategiestoachievetheirdesiredgoals.

Asasuccessfulfinancialadvisorinamale-dominatedindustry, hashadthe ElisabethDawson privilegeofworkingwithmanymalementorsthroughouthercareer Althoughtherearefew womenintheleague,Elisabethisproudtobeinthetoponetotwopercentoffinancialadvisors inthecountryandtohavebeenawardedastheTopFemaleFinancialAdvisorfortwo consecutiveyears.

“However, I understand that this honor comes with a great responsibility to my clients and to the financial industry as a whole.”

ForElisabeth,integrity,humility,andacommitmenttotruth-basedplanningareessentialto success.Withhermeticulousworkethic,sheensuresthatherclientsreceivethebestpossible guidance.Shealwayslooksforward,andapproacheseveryconversationaboutmoneywith respectandsensitivity Shalmali

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.
- John Maxwell
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W. halmali

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Magazine omen C o CIO Women Magazine, 1985, Henderson Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43220 CIO Women Magazine Publisher Pamela Wilson Jimmy B. Monica Sanders Sankalp K. Narendra S. Garry Williams Chief Editor Marketing Coordinator(USA) PR & Marketing Coordinator Business Development Executive Creative Design Head Social Media Manager Digital Circulation Manager Shalmali W.

PR News Section

AmantyaTechnologiesRankedaLeaderinthe ER&DServices–Telecommunications,SME Category,inZinnovZones’2022GlobalER&D ServicesRatings

~ AmantyahasbeendeclaredaleaderintheSmall andMediumServicesProvidersverticalinER&D Services–Telecommunicationssegmentandhas beenrankedintheExecutiveZoneintheoverall ER&DcategoryinZinnovZones’annualER&D Servicesratings.

AmantyaTechnologiesInc.,aleadingglobalproduct engineeringandsystemintegrationcompany, announcedtodaythatithasbeenrankedinthe ‘LeadershipZone’intheER&DServices–Telecommunicationsverticalandinthe‘Executive Zone’intheoverallER&DServicescategoryin ZinnovZones’2022GlobalER&DServicesRatings.

Theannualreportbytheprestigiousglobal managementconsultingandstrategyconsultingfirm providesa360-degreeevaluationofengineering researchanddevelopment(ER&D)service providers,identifyingtheirexpertiseandscalability acrosskeymarketsandtechnologies,andis consideredanindustrystandard.The2022study evaluatedover75+topglobalserviceproviders acrossindustryverticalsandmicro-verticalsfortheir digitalengineeringprowess.Theratingshavebeen assessedonmultipledimensions,including scalability,growthrate,innovationandIP,services capability,maturityofdeliveryandservices capabilities,ecosystemlinkages,andfeedbackfrom enterprisebuyers.

“Wearethrilledtoreceivethisrecognitionandbe includedinZinnovZones’ER&DServicesratings. It’sahugehonortobefelicitatedbysucha prestigiousbodyandberecognizedforourstrong capabilitiestodelivervalue-addedservicesand solutionsinthe5Gwirelessanddigitaldomains. BuildingacultureofR&Danddisruptingnew

technologiesareattheheartofwhatwedoat Amantya.Ourin-houseinnovations,5GSACore, 5GNetwork-in-a-Box,and5Genterprisesolution, 5GAstra,areatestamenttothiscommitment.

Theratingacknowledgesourcontinuedabilityand deepcommitmenttoexploringanddisrupting cutting-edgetechnologiesthatdrivenext-gen digitaltransformations.Overthepastfewyears,we havepartneredwithsomeofthebestcompanies globally,andourleadershippositioninginZinnov ER&DServicesreiteratesourgrowingstaturein themarket.Welookforwardtoacceleratingand broadeningourexpertiseinemergingtechnologies andbeingafrontrunnerinprovidingsolutionsthat transformeverydayexperiences,”saidAnuradha Gupta,CEO,AmantyaTechnologies,Inc.

Thecompanywasalsorecognizedas“BestSMEin TelecomEcosystem2022”atIndiaMobile Congressand“MostPreferredWorkplacein IT/ITES2022-23”byMarksmenDaily

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AboutAmantyaTechnologies,Inc.

AmantyaTechnologiesisaleadingproduct engineeringandsystemintegrationcompanywith operationsintheUSA,Canada,andIndia (Gurugram,Bangalore&Nagpur).Aglobal organizationwithprovenexpertiseinnextgenerationtechnologieslike5G,IoT,AIML,edge, andcloudservices,Amantyaworkswithsomeof theworld’sbestbrands,includingFortune500 companies.

Formoreinformation,pleasevisit amantyatech.com

C O N T

Vonda Page

E N T S

The Many First

Women

Tina Turner - How Tina Turner defied the odds and redefined Stardom?

Profile

Life-Changing Income & Retirement Planning

Monuments

Chapel Bridge - 10 Facts about Chapel Bridge and Things to Do On Your Visit

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Liveperformancesandstageshowsaresomething manypeoplecravefor.Theamountofjoyyouget whilewatchingsomeoneperformliveissecondto none.Thereareartistsaroundtheworldwhohave ruledtheheartsofpeoplelikemewiththeir scintillatingliveperformances. Andwhenwetalkaboutaperformersettingthe stageonfire,TinaTurnerisanamewesimply cannotmiss.

TheQueenofRock‘n’Roll,TinaTurneriswellknownforherenergeticstagepresenceand powerfulvoice.Sheusedtobringinfectiousjoyon thestagewhilesinging,nodoubtshebecameone ofthemostpopularandbelovedsingersofthe20th century.Inthisarticle,we’llgothroughherjourney andexploremoreaboutwhatmadehersopopular.

Swagger,Sensuality,Vocals,Energy!

TinaTurnerwasanAmerican-bornSwisssinger whowasknownforsingingwithIkeTurnerinthe early1960s.ShewasbornwiththenameAnna MaeBullockandlaunchedasuccessfulcareerasa soloperformer.Attheageof44,shewastheoldest femaleartisttotoptheHot100andshehadthe oldestformidableactsinthehistoryofmusic.Tina wasaneminentsingerwhowasnotedforher “swagger,sensuality,powerfulgravellyvocals,and unstoppableenergy”.Inadditiontoherwellpublicizedhistorywithherex-husband,IkeTurner, herlegsmadeheadlinesatthetime.

BooksonTinaTurner’sLifeJourney

Tinagavevoicetoherjourneythroughher autobiography “I, Tina: My Life Story” inwhich sherecallsherexpeditionfromhavingproblematic childhoodtobecomingabrandiconinthemusic industry.Tinawritesaboutherpersonallife, growth,andlovelifethatimpactedherdeeplyto becomeanexceptioninhercircle.Inthisbook, Tinawritesabouthowitwasdifficultforherto consummatehermarriageanddealwithherbroken heart.

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MarkBego’s “Tina Turner: Break Every Rule” isherbiographythatexploresherlife,struggle, triumph,andtheenduringlegacyofmusic. Anotherbook, “Tina Turner: The Legendary Queen of Rock ‘n’Roll” byRikkyRooks highlightshergroundbreakingperformances, iconicsongs,etc.

RemarkableFactsaboutTinaTurner

TinaTurnernotjustbrokethestereotypesofthe musicindustrybutalsobecameanexceptioninit. Sheusedtograbtheattentionofeveryoneinthe audiencewhileperformingonthestage.Tina belongedtothehardscrabblefarmingcommunity andendedupbecomingoneofthefabulousstars ofthemusicindustry.Letusreadmoresuch lesser-knownfactsabouther:

1.TinaTurnerwasoneofthefirstblackartists onMTV

Duringthe1980s,MTVbroughtsuddendemand formusicvideos,andthisisthesameperiod whenTinaTurnermadeahistoriccomeback. MTVwasnotusedtobethesamediversemusic platformasitistoday.Shebecameoneofthefirst blackartiststoperformthere,whichhelpedherto gainmorevisibilityamongmusicloversatthe internationallevel.ThisishowTinaTurner becameahouseholdnameworldwide.

2.TinaTurnerwasabandonedbyhermother attheageof11yearsold

DuringWorldWarII,Tinaandherthreesisters wereseparatedfromherparents.Theyusedto livewiththeirgrandparentsintheUnitedStates. Afterthewar,shewasreunitedwithherparents andherfamilywentbacktoNutbush.Tina’s motherhadanabusiverelationshipwithher father.SheabandonedTinaalongwithherthree otherdaughters.Theyweresenttolivewiththeir maternalgrandparentsinTennessee.

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3.

Shestartedsinginginnightclubs

WhileperformingatSt.Louisenightclubs,Tina learnedthefinerpointsregardingvocalcontrol andliveperformance.Shejoinedthebandatthe nightclubandbecameafeaturedvocalist performer.‘Boxtop’washerfirstsinglemusic albumwhichsherecordedwiththebandin1958. TinawasleadingamongothervocalistswithIke andCarlsonOliver.

4.Foundermemberof ‘Ike&TinaTurner Revue”

TinaTurnerbecamepartofthemusicworld through ‘A Fool in Love’ in1960.Itwas acclaimedbythepublicaswellascriticsonthe internationallevel.Itssuccessledtothecreation of‘Ike&TinaTurnerRevue’whichincludeda groupofgirlsandKingsofRhythmasbacking vocalistsanddancers.Itwasoneofthemost successfulduosinthehistoryofUnitedStates music.Someoftheexamplesinclude, ‘It’s Gonna Work out Fine’, ‘River Deep – Mountain High’, ‘Proud Mary’, and ‘Nutbush City Limits’.

5.Herrollingstonecoverappearancewas historic

Tinahadbeenonthecoverof‘RollingStone’ magazinesseveraltimes,however,herpresence onthecoverin1967washistoric.AstheCivil RightsMovementwasatitspeakatthattime, Tina’sseparationfromIketookherawayfrom mainstreamsuccess.Themagazinerankedher 17thamong100onthelistofthegreatestsingers ofalltime.Furthermore,shegotacclaimedasthe best-dressedwomanin1971.

6.Shemetherhusbandduringoneofthe performances

TinaTurnerusedtowatchtheKingsofRhythm playattheManhattanClubinIllinois.Duringthe interval,sheheldthemikefromadrummerofthe

KingsofRhythmandsang ‘You Know I Love You’ byB.B.King.There,shemetIkeTurner, andthecrowdwasinstantlyblownbyherlive performance.Shemarriedhimin1962inMexico.

7.Shesufferedthroughdomesticviolence frequently

Tina’sex-husbandIkeTurnerwasaddictedto Cocaineandbecameabusivetowardsherduring theirmarriage.Shefacedseveredomestic violenceinherfirstmarriageandstruggledhard tomakeendsmeetevenafterthedivorcefrom him.Tinareceivedfoodstampsandperformedin smallclubstoearnmoney.Somesponsorssued herasshecanceledsometourswithIke.

8.Tinareceivedanoffertoplaytheroleof HinduGoddessKali

Tinawascastinamoviecalled ‘The Goddess’ in whichshewassupposedtoplaytheroleofthe HinduGoddessKali.Togivejusticetotherole, TinatouredIndiatovisitseveralHindutemples, especiallyinBengalwhichisfamousforKali temples.Duringhertour,Tinalearnedthefolk dancesinwhichDanceofDestructionwasavital partofthestoryofKali.Unfortunately,themovie shutdownasthedirectorIsmailMerchantpassed away.

9.TinaTurnerrecordedaduetwithDavid Bowie

DavidBowiewasoneoftheclosefriendsofTina Turner.Bothofthemrecordedaduetsongcalled ‘Tonight’ whichwasoriginallycomposedby IggyPop.HeisfamousastheGodfatherofpunk. Thesongwasreleasedin1977aspartofthe album ‘Lust for Life’. Bowieconvincedher recordlabeltorenewthecontractin1983.His versionofthesongwasfirstreleasedwhichdid notinvolveTinaTurneranddidnotincludea musicvideo.Turnerbecamepartofitafterafew daysandpublisheditasamusicvideo.

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10.Sheworkedasadomesticworker

Tinaworkedasadomesticworkerinherteenage fortheHendersonfamily.Duringthatperiod,she joinedafemalebasketballteamandacheerleader squad.Tinahadtheexperienceofworkingasa nurse’saideatBarnes-JewishHospital. Furthermore,shestartedappearingonTVshows asapartofearningincome.Shemadeasolo performancedebutin1976onthealbumRough.

AwardsandRecognition

TinaTurnerhadavibrantpersonalitynotjustasa performerbutalsoasahuman.Shehadsmashed everyrulethatpreventedhergrowth.Shewas acknowledgedbyseveralawardsandmagazines. Herearesomeofthem:

Ÿ In1988,shesettheGuinnessBookWorld Recordforthelargestpayingaudiencetoa soloperformerwith180,000ticketssold.She brokethe1980recordofFrankSinatra.

Ÿ Tinawon12Grammyawardsasshewasthe firstartisttohaveatop40hitinseven consecutivedecades.Accordingtothereport, shesoldaround100to150millionrecordsat theinternationallevel.

Ÿ In1986,ontheHollywoodWalkofFame, Tinareceivedastarformusic,andin1991,a starontheSt.LouisWalkofFame.

Ÿ Turnerwasacknowledgedbytheprestigious KennedyCenterHonorsin2005.GeorgeW. Bushcommentedonherashaving“natural skill,energy,andsensuality.”

Ÿ PeoplelovedTina’s “What’s Got to love with It” anditwasincludedintheGrammyAwards ceremony.Shewasranked63rdbyRolling Stoneontheirlistofthe100GreatestArtists ofAllTime.

Ÿ In1993,TinawaspresentedbytheWorld MusicAwardswiththeLegendAward moreover,in1996,Tinawashonoredbythe accoladeofLégiond’Honneurfromthe Frencheducationminister.

Ÿ In1999,shewasrankedsecondonVH1’slist of100GreatestWomenofRockandRoll,and in2002TennesseeStateRoute19wasnamed “TinaTurnerHighway”.

Ÿ Tinabecamethefirstblackartistandthefirst femaleonthecoverofRollingStone magazine.Also,in2013,shebecamethe oldestperson(age73years)whogotfeatured inVogueGermanymagazine.

TosumupTina’sjourney,thereareseveral valuablelessonsyoucanlearnfromherand implementtheminyourlife.Self-empowerment, strongworkethics,professionalism,embracing changethroughouthercareer,andpromoting individualityweresomeofhergoodqualities.We hopeyoufindourarticlehelpfulandgetinspired byTinatogrowfurtherinyourlife.

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VVonda onda Page Page

MEET THE NEW-AGE WONDER WOMAN, WHO IS INSPIRING AND EMPOWERING WOMEN WORLDWIDE

RADICAL CHANGE LLC | CEO

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Aninstrumentalleaderwithawarriorlikepersonality,VondaPageisthe CEOofRadicalChange.Sheisa ResultsMentorforCEOswith complexandconcerningchallenges helpingthemconfidentlycuratethe certaintiesofchangetosecurethe successtheydeserve.Vonda'slongstandingjourneyisatrue representationofhowaphoenixrose fromashesandcontinuestoflywith wingsoffireandfreedom.

TheOutsetJourney

Vonda'sjourneybeganwhenshewas inhighschool.Herfirstjobwasa technicaljobtoimplementafax machine,matchupthebusiness processes,andatthattime,the companywastryingtoincorporatethe newtechnologyofafaxmachine.

Andfromtheverybeginning,upuntil now,shehasworkedwith organizationswhoaretryingtoeither adoptanewtechnologyorfigureout howtobestutilizethattechnologyto maketheirbusinessrunsmoother,by eitherhelpingtheircustomerssolvea painpoint,ordoingsomethinggoodin theworld.AndthatbringsVondato wheresheistoday

AstheChiefExecutiveof of RadicalChange

VondaledthefoundationofRadical Change.Shemainlyfocuseson MentoringandWorkingwithleaders.

Shehelpssmall-scalebusiness owners,entrepreneurs,andearlycareerprofessionals withspecific strategiestoachievetheirdesired goals.

So,onepartoftheworkisallaround mentoring.Beitasix-month,ninemonth,orlongerifnecessaryupto even15-monthprograms,with leaders one-on-one orcompanies andgroups,theaimistosupporttheir attainmentofmeaningfulresults for peoplewithseriousgoals.

Theothersideisthetechnologypart. Vondahasaplatform: LeadersLearn RadicalChangeapplication.Withthe application,shecanworkwith service-basedprofessionals,smallscalebusinessleaders,digital contentcreatorsand CEOswhowant tocuratea strategic clientele,a specific customerbase, andaspecialized communities. Theseindividuals canusetheLearn RadicalChange apptoworkwith theirclientsoneon-one.Theycan conducttheircalls (videoandaudio), meetings,chat,share screens,annotatefiles, anddoallofthese activitiesandmuchmore thatareavailableonany otherpotentialvideo conferencingandproductivity app.

Vondaproudlystatesthatwiththe appshecandotwothings:

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Ÿ Helppeoplegetresultsandtryto dealwithcomplexandconcerning challengesatwork,school, communityorhome

Ÿ Helppeopleoptimizetheir technologysolutionstomaketheir liveseasiersothecangetthe impactandimplementationthey desire

Beforefoundingtheexcellent technologypartner,LeadersLearn RadicalChangeapp,Vondawasusing Zoom,Calendly,Outlook,Slack,and moresuchtoolsandapplications.

Andsherealizedbeingapersonthat's alwaysbeenintechnologyand workingaroundchange,therehasto beawaytobringpeopleintoyour space,toworkwiththem,todo calendaring,todocommunications, andallthevarioustaskswithout havingtouse90differenttools.

Additionally,Vondaspecifically emphasizesthatasasmallbusiness ownerandasoloCEO,shedoesn't workwithlargecorporationsinterms oftechnology.Sheonlyworkswith large-scalecorporationsintermsof results,mentoring,andhelping leadershipteams.Butwhenitcomes totechnology,sheisonthehuntfor soloentrepreneurs,smallbusiness leaders,andCEOstotrulyhelpthem withthisunique,"everythingundera singleroof"platformandmake LeadersLearnRadicalChangetheir go-tosolution.Vondaisfocusedon buildinghercommunityand customers.

GivingaStrongFighttoChallenges

AsaBlackwoman,thechallengesthat onefacesinthetechnologyfieldor anyotherbusinesssectoraregoingto bemoresignificant.

Rightfromherearlydays,incollege, whileotherfolksgotthatopportunity toworkwithbusinessfolksandgeta reference,Vonda,unfortunately,didn't getaninternshiporso.

Movingahead,sheenteredthetech fieldaroundtheeightiesandtherewere hardlyanywomenworkingintech duringthattime.So,herpresencein thetechsettingseemedunusual,new, anddifferent.Vondahadtofighttobe heardamonghermalecounterparts. Also,shehadtobeconfidentabouther strengths,capabilities,andskills.

Fromanearlyage,she knewbeing fierceandgivingherenergytowards righteouseffortswascritical torise aboveherchallenges.Shefoughther difficultieswithdignityandwasnot afraidtofailorhearaNO.This fearlessapproachhasmadeVondaa path-breakerinthetechfield.

DefiningLeadershipandMentorship inTrueIdentity

Whilecreatingtheapp,Vondafaced manydifficultieswiththebusiness aspectsofentrepreneurship,however, shedidn'tstop,sheaccomplishedher goaloflaunching theappin2022..

Vonda’s attitudeandapproachtobeing ago-getterareinspirationalformany Andshetoobelievesinencouraging otherstobethebestversionof themselvesassheisfocusingondoing more.So,withinhermentoringwork, sheco-facilitates masterclasses, retreats,educationalprogramsandlive eventsalongwithhercolleague

TammyTriolo,whoservesasthe MasterTrainerfortheirUnleashing Empathy(www.unleashempathy.com) anonprofiteducationalorganization which helpspeoplegettotheheartof thosethingsthatareholdingthem back.

“Youknowhowweallhavedifferent

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goals,right?Anditcouldbearound ourcareer,family,relationship,and health(physicalormental).We alwayshavesomethingthatis holdingusbackandsomethingthat wedon'tnecessarilyrecognize becauseit'sus.That'swhyweneed amentor,weneedapersonthatcan holdupamirror,righttoourselves. Whatarethegoalsyou'retryingto accomplish?Andwhereareyou basedonwhereyoureallywanna go?So,mysweetspot,right?My nicheofwhatIdoiswhetherthe personis,youknow,aCIO,a Director,aCFO,orasmall business,entrepreneur,or solopreneur.Everybodyis strugglingwithstuff,andso throughmentoringandespecially throughresultsmentoring,whatI'm abletodoistalktopeopleand understandwhatisthatcore foundationalpiecethatthey'vebeen strugglingwith.”

AsVondacandemonstrateempathy andkindnessinallrespective situations,sheasamentoranda person,genuinely,honestly,and openlyconnectswithpeopleinthe mostsignificantway.Herultimate goalasamentorandaguiding forceistohelppeopleaccomplish alltheirgoals.Shecertainlyhelps individualsself-introspectand givesthemtheconfidencetojustgo outthereandfollowtheirpassion.

Withtheenablementofhigh-tech technologyandtheappthatVonda hassuccessfullycreated,thetypeof interactionhappensinaconsistent andongoingway Theappallows themtoconnectanydayatany timeofthedaywithoutanyissues withtimezones.Ifonecan't connect,theycandropamessage, oroncetheygetonacall,theycan recorditforfutureuse,theapp performsefficiently,conveniently,

andholisticallyaspertheneedofthe client.

Networking:TheKeytoGrow

Vondabelievesnetworkingiscrucial forbusinessandentrepreneurship.the trickypartaboutnetworkingisit dependsonwhatyourbusinessisabout andwhoisyourtargetaudience/ customerbase.So,asanew-age entrepreneur,oneisconstantlythinking intheirmind,"whocoulduseour productorservice".Whentheyare newinthegameandgettingoutthere, ittakesacombinationofthingsto marktheirpresence.

Additionally,onehastobepersistent, tryingandfailing,andconsistently beingdifferenttograbeyeballsisquite challenging.

Shecontinues,“So,forexample,I probablygotactiveonLinkedIn aroundlike2006,or2007.Sometime aroundwhenitfirst,cameon. However,overthelasttwoyearssince Istartedmybusiness,ofcourse,Igot moreactiveonLinkedIn.Well,oneof thethingsthathappenedisbecauseI wasveryspecificallytalkingabout blackwomen'sequalpay,antiblacknessincorporateAmerica,calling outdiversity,equity,andinclusion,and theindustryfailing,especiallywhenit comestoBlackwomen'spaybeingjust 58cents.Socomparedtoawhiteman whosepaywouldbeindollars,Asian womenpay95centsandwhitewomen pay81cents.Considerably,overthe lastseveralyears,blackwomen'spay gaphasincreased.”

So,bringingthatconversationtoa publicforuminahostileway,fighting thosebattles,andwinningthemhas beenagame-changerforVonda.She promptlyraisedhervoiceandtook action,beitonLinkedIn,inthe businesscommunity,orintheFortune

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500sector,shetoldtheworldthatblack womenareworkinghardandtheyhave afarwaytogo.

Ontheflipside,shealsosawthereality ofafewfolks,whohadthepowerand authoritytobringachangebut remainedquiet.That'swhenshewas abletoseewhoistruetotheirwordand whoisjustputtingupashow.Inthis particularcase,networkingdidhelpher seewhoisalignedandwhosupportsthe equityofwomen."Andsothe networking,youknow,isinteresting becauseitbringsoutpeoplethatalign withyourthinkingandyourbeliefs", concludesVonda.

StandingTallandToughAgainst MaleContemporaries

Vondastatesthat80%ofthehighly technicalrolesarefilledbymeninthe techfield.Andasaleaderintech,she purposefullyonlyhireswomenforher technicalroles.

Sherefusedtohiremenorworkwith men.Aspreviouslysheworkedwith male-ownedcompaniesonacoupleof differentdevelopmentprojectsandshe recognizedtherewasamajordifference inhowwomenworkwithwomenand menworkwithwomen.

Sheaffirms,“There'sadifferenceinthe waythatmenworkwithwomen,even whenthewomanisincharge.Because ofthewaythatweareallsocialized,if wethinkaboutpatriarchyglobally, that'sournumberproblemrightthere. Whetheryou'retalkingabouttheUnited States,Asia,Africa,LatinAmerica,or theMiddleEast,patriarchyisour numberoneproblem.Youknow, capitalismisaproblem,butcapitalism wouldn'tbeasmuchofaproblemif patriarchywasn'tthewaythatitwas.”

So,Vondabalancesthosescalesout herselfasshehastherighttoworkwith

thepeopleshewantsandbuilda teamofpeople,whobelieveinher work.Sheaimstoworkwithpeople whowanttocontributeand participate.

Asaleaderwithmorethanthree decadesofexperience,Vonda vouchesformutualrespectand empathyinaworkenvironment.She alsoshares,"Ihavebeeninaroom, withpeoplewith20or30fewer yearsofexperiencethanI,butyet they'retalkingtomelikeI'mstupid. AndIjustwasbornyesterday,And I'mlike,butit'sbecauseof socialization,right?Howaremen trained?Howaremensocialized? Menaresocializedtobedominant, right?Tobeaggressive,tobeinrule andtelluswhattodo,right?Totry tocontrol,likethat'showthey're socialized.Howareweaswomen socialized?Bequiet,bedemure.Ask permit.Sowhathappenswhenyou burstoutofthat?Whathappens whenyoubreakoutofthatmold? Yougoingtobemetwithresistance becausepeoplearelookingatyou like,Hey,don'tyougetit?That'snot howyou'resupposedtobe.Youare supposedtofallinline.Youare supposedtodowhatwetellyouto do."

AstheCEOofyourcompany,you havetobedecisive.Notonlyinyour vision,goals,orplansbutinwhat youwantyourteamtolooklike. Vondawantstobuildateamof peoplewhocometoworkandbe fulfilledbywhattheydobecause theyknowwhatthey'redoingis changingtheworldandaddingright thatenergytotheworld.

So,whetherornotVondawantsto giveatalk,doaspeech,havea meeting,sendafile,ordoacontract, sheinvitespeopletoherplatformto build,create,andgrowtogether

Vonda'sSourceofInspiration

Dr AvisJones-DeWeeverisoneof Vonda'smentorsandherinspiration. Shementorsblackwomen,coaches, andconsultantsthataretryingtobuild uptheirbusinessesbecausethereare notalotofresourceswhenitcomesto havingsupport.

Whenyouaretryingtogrowandbuild abusiness,peopletalkabout,youcan get,venturefundingandthisandthat. However,inreality,only0.5%of fundinggoestoblackwomen.

So,havingamentorlikeDr.Avis Jones-DeWeever.Someonewhohasa levelofsuccessandwhohasshown otherpeoplehowtodoitissuper helpful.

Buttherearenotawholelotofblack womenwhohavetechcompaniesout there,andVondaisindeedblazinga pathforthem,mentoringthem, showingthemthewayforward,and keepingthemupdatedontechnology anditsadvancements.

VondaPensaPieceofAdviceto BuddingEntrepreneurs

Forbuddingentrepreneurs,thefirst thingI'mgoingtosay,myfirstbest pieceofadviceistoTrustYourself.I thinkwhathappensisespeciallyto thoseofuswhotransitionfrom corporateintoentrepreneurshiporwho gobackandforth,so,I'vebeenan entrepreneuroffandonforabout25 yearsandIthinkthatwhenyougo backintotheindustry,andyouwork forsomeoneelse,oryouworkforabig corporation.Whenyoucomeouttobe anentrepreneur,youdon'trememberto trustyourselfbecauseyouwereusedto relyingonsomeonetellingyouwhatto do,andwhentodoit.andmaybeeven howtodoit.Butwhenyou'rean entrepreneur,whenyouareaCEO,you

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decidewhattodoandhowtodoit. AndthetimeswhereIthinkI struggledoverthelasttwoandahalf yearswaswhenIdidn'ttrustmyself.

NotthatIdidn'thavetheexperienceor theskillortheknow-howorthe resources,butitwassomethingup heretellingmethatitneedstobe better,orwaitaminute,orjustthat littlething.Somynumberonepieceof adviceistotrustyourself.Because firstofall,ifyoudecidedyouare goingtostartyourownbusiness,you gotsomeskills,experience,capacity, capabilities,andcompetence,butyou gottaalwaysmakesurethatyou're abletoputthatcourageinplaceand thatcourageisthatpartoftrusting yourself.

IfIlookbacknow,Ishouldhave,and ifIwould,Ithinktherearemanylittle areaswhereIwould'vehad,market progressmuchquicker,butIwasn't trustingofmyself.AndIthinkthat that'sahabit.Thatyouneedto consistentlydevelopovertime.And that'stheotherreasonthatmentoring issoimportant.Itwillgivemea windowrightintomyselfandhelpme whenI'minthosestuckplacestonot giveuportolookforadifferentway, buttotrustmyself.Andthat'sakey part.

AMotivationBeyondMeasure

Asaperson,Vondaishighly motivatedanddriventowardhergoals. Hergreatestsourceofmotivationfuels fromhelpingothers.Shebelievesthat deepdowninherheartwhenthings areunfairorwrong,theycanbemade better.Shefindshermotivations throughthethingsthatsheknowsshe isgoodat,sheissogoodatinspiring people,goodathelpingpeoplebe introspective,andhelpingpeople integratelearningintotheirlives,she Sheadds,“Iwannawakeupanddo

thateveryday.Ihavetoforcemyselftogo tobed.I'mworkingonsomenewlike habitsandI'mdoingsomedifferentstuff right,soIhavetoforcemyselftostop workingbecauseIwanttoworkbecause it'snothingmoreimportanttomethan helpingpeople.”

Unleashthatinternalempathyand understandandlovethemselvessomuch thattheytreateveryonearoundthemin theworldwiththatsamelove,and kindnessthatthey'regiventothemselves. Buttheproblemismostpeoplearen't givingthemselvesthatloveandthat kindness.Andsoit'shardforittoradiate becauseyoucan'tgivewhatyoudon't have.

ForVonda,ifshecandemonstrate empathyandkindness,andgraceone personatatime,onemasterclass,one TikTokpostatatime,oneconversation, oneinterview,onepodcast,thenshegoing todoit.Soeverydayrightthatshegets up,sheisconstantlythinking,"whatdoI wanttoday?"

"Well,todayIwantthesamethingIwant yesterday.Iwanttheworldtobeabetter place,especiallyforblackpeople, especiallyforblackwomen,and especiallyfordark-skinnedblackwomen, mydaughterisadark-skinnedblack woman,andwhenwethinkaboutthis,we thinkabouthowtheworldtreatswomen.

I'mnotgonnaletitstand.Iwillfightevery daytillI'maliveonthisearthtomakesure thatwomengettheirrightsandtheygetto dowhatevertheirheartdesires.

Theenvironment,thespace,wehaveto makeitsuch,thatwomencanlive.And wecandosomeofthatthrough technology,wecandosomeofthat throughexudingandgivingoutthis empathyandkindnessthattheworld needs.Andhopefully,that'swhatI'm doing",concludesVonda.

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C O V E R S T O R Y C O V E R S T O R Y

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10 Facts about & things to do on your visit

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ThereismoretoSwitzerlandthanicymountainsanddelicious chocolates.TakeChapelBridge,forexample.Namedafterthe nearbySt.PeterChapel,thebridgeisoneoftheMajortourist attractionsinLucerneCity.ItisSwitzerland’soneoftheoldest woodenbridgesthatconnectstheoldtowntothenewtown.

Asyouarestrollingthebridge,onethingthatinstantlycatchesyour eyesarethehistoricalpaintingsfromthe17thcentury,astheygive youaquickglimpseintothehistoryofthebridge.

Asmallpartofthebridge’shistoryalsoincludestragedies.Amajor onewasthe1993firethatdestroyedthebridgeanditsvaluable belongingssuchasthepaintings.Whiletheincidenthurtitslegacy, italsocaughtmajorattentionfromtouristsglobally.Butshouldyou reallyvisitit?Let’sfindout.

HistoricalSignificance

TherichhistoryofChapelBridgecanbetracedbacktothe14th century.Thebridgewasbuiltin1360andremainsthelongest survivingtrussbridgeintheworld.Surprisingly,amajorlandmark ofthebridge,thewatertowerisevenolderthanthebridgeitselfand wasbuilt30yearsbeforetheChapelBridge.

Thewatertowerwasusedasaprisonandatorturechamberbefore gettingusedasthetown’streasuryandmunicipalarchive.Currently, althoughyoucanwitnessthewatertoweronyourvisittothebridge, youcan’tenteritasitisclosedtothepublic.

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10 Facts about Chapel Bridge

Architecture

Thebridgeisfamousforitsbeautifullycrafted woodenarchitectureanddistinctcoveredstyle.

OldestCoveredWoodenBridge

TheChapelistheworld’soldestcovered woodenbridge. TheBridgeUsedtobeLonger

So,howlongisthechapelbridge?Well,atthe start,thebridgewas270meterslong.Later,the numberofshorteningsandbankreplenishments madeadifferenceandithasnowbecome204.7 meterslong.

ThePaintings

Thehistoricpaintingswerepaintedonspruce woodenboardsduringthecounter-reformation ofthe17thcenturybytheartistHansHeinrich Wägmann.

SponsorofPaintings

Thepaintingsweresponsoredbythecity councilmembers,whoaftersponsoringapanel wereallowedtoattributetheircoatofarmstoit. Tounderstandthepaintingsbetter,onecan alwaysrefertotheexplanationsprintedbelow thepainting.

ChapelBridgeFire

Themidnightfiretragedyburnedmorethan two-thirdsofthepaintings.While47total paintingswerecollected,only30were completelyrestored.

OtherRestorations

Afterthefire,onlythepillars,bridgeheads,and thewatertowercouldbesaved.Ittookawhole yearfortheentirebridgetogetcompletely restored.

MostPicturesque

ChapelBridgeinLucerneisthemost photographeddestination,adoredbyboth touristsandlocals.

KeepinganEyeonthePaintings

Toprotectthepaintingsfromtheftand vandalism,thecityemployedawatchmanin 1726.Thiswasaftersomeincidentswhere peoplevisitedthebridgeatmidnightandtried todamagethepaintings.

It’sa1/3WoodenBridgeinthecity

That’sright.TheChapelisnottheonlywooden bridgeinLucerne,it’soneofthethreebridges. Onebridgewasa14th-centuryHofbrücke,and theotheristhe16th-centurySpreuerbrücke. WhiletheHofbrückewasdestroyed,theother tworemaintothisday

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TopSightsinChapelBridge

HerearethetopsightstovisitinLucerneonyourtrip:

1.SwissMuseumofTransport

OpenedinJuly1959,themuseumshowcasesavarietyoftransportmodessuchastrains,ships, automobiles,andaircrafts.Inaddition,themuseumalsohasalargecollectionofworkbyHansErni,a localpainterandsculptor.

2.Spreuerbrücke

PreviouslyknownasMühlenbrücke,Spreuerbrückeisoneofthetwowoodencoveredbridgesin Lucerne.ItwasinitiallybuilttoconnectmillsontherightsideoftheReusswiththeonesatthecenterof theriver.

3.LucerneCultureandCongressCentre

TheLucerneCultureandCongressCentrebuilding,alongwithitsconcerthalliswellknownforitshigh levelofacousticabilities.ThecreditforthearchitecturalworkgoestoJeanNouvel.Thecentrewas inauguratedin1998withaconcertoftheBerlinPhilharmonicOrchestradirectedbyClaudioAbbado.

4.LionMonument

LionMonumentisoneofthemostfamousmonumentsinSwitzerlandsituatedonahilloutsidetheold city.ThemonumentcommemoratestheSwissGuardswhowerekilledin1792duringtheFrench Revolution.Inrecenttimes,themonumenthasalsobeenatthecenterofcontroversies,forvaried reasons.

5.ChurchofSt.Leodegar

FromSwitzerland’sRenaissanceperiod,thechurchofSt.Leodegarisoneoftheprimeexamplesof Churchbuilding.However,itwasn’tbuiltinoneattempt.Thechurchwasconstructedinpartsfrom1633 to1639,anditisoneofthefewchurchesbuiltduringtheThirtyYearsWaronthenorthernAlps.

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8 Dishes You Must Try in Lucerne

1.CheeseFondue

Youcan’ttalkaboutSwissfoodwithoutmentioningfondue.Thedishis madewithmeltedGruyereandEmmentalCheesesandservedinahot potoverasmallflameandsavoredwithbreadsandveggiesofdifferent sorts.DuringthecoldweatherofSwitzerland,thedishprovidesmuchneededwarmth.

2.Alplermagronen

ThedishisalsoknownasanAlpineMacaroniorHerdsman’sMacaroni andincludesingredientssuchascheesesauce,choppedpotatoes,bacon, caramelizedonionsandapples,andofcourse,macaroni.Intheearly days,Alplermagronenwasoriginallycookedwithingredientsthatwere availabletotheherdsmenwholookedafterthealpinepastures.

HeissiMerroni

ThedishisessentiallyhotRoastedChestnuts,anditisexclusively availableinthewinterseason.YouwillfindHeissiMerronipacketsbeing soldinthestandsnearthechapelbridgeandalsoinotherplacesin Lucerne.

Ifyou’reapotatolover,thenyoumustcheckoutthisdishRosti.This sidedishismadewithgratedpotatoesthatareshapedlikepancakesand furtherpan-friedtoacrispfinish.Peopleusuallypairitupwithcheese, onions,andfriedeggs.

3. 4.Rosti
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5.Chügelipastete

ThishistoricalmeatpieisafamousdishofLucernethathasbeen savoredsincethe18thcentury.Itcontainsornate,apuffypastryfilled withcreamysauce,vealandsausagemeat,andmushrooms.Ideally,the dishisconsumedascomfortfoodandcanbeeasilyfoundinmost restaurantsinLucerne.

6.ZuppaDiZucca

ZuppaDiZuccaisapumpkinsoupperfectforthechillywinterweather. IfyouarelookingtotryoutsomelocaldishesofLucerne,thenputthis onyourprioritylist.Thesoupisusuallyslurpedalongsidebaconand toast.

8.SwissChocolate

It’sagingerbreadcakeavailableatLucerne’sLakearea.Whatmakes LuzernerLebkuchen’sflavoruniqueistheuseofPearSyrup,overthe traditionallyusedingredientofhoney.Ifyou’reinthecityforyour Christmasholidays,thenthiscakeisamust-have.

Youdidn’tthinkthefoodsinSwitzerlandlistwasgoingtoendwithout theSwisschocolates,didyou?Theunwrittenrulesaysthatonemustnot leaveSwitzerlandwithoutyourfavoriteSwisschocolates.TheeverevolvingSwisschocolatesarefamousfortheirqualityanddistinct flavorsallaroundtheworld.

IsLucerneWorthVisiting?

WhileChapelBridgeasthemostattractivetouristdestination,thecityofLucernealsohasotherthings fortheenjoymentofvisitors.Fromitsmountainsurroundingsorlakeviewstothelocalcuisineand historicmonuments,thecityexhibitsadistinctviberightatthecenterofSwitzerland,attractingtourists fromacrosstheglobe.

7.LuzernerLebkuchen
CIO Women Magazine |41

ELISABETH DAWSON

|
Founder
CEO
Wealth Management & Insurance Services Life-Changing Income & Retirement Planning 44
Copia
DAWSON
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C O V E R S T O R Y

Overtheyears,womenhave

proventhemselvestobe adeptfinancialmanagers, challengingthetraditionalmaledominatedfinancialindustry Despitehistoricalbarriersand genderbiases,womenhaveemerged assuccessfulfinancialmanagersin varioussectorsoftheindustry,from personalfinancetocorporate banking.

Today,womenareleadingtheway infinancialmanagement,withmany occupyinghigh-levelpositionsin banks,investmentfirms,andother financialorganizations.Their achievementshavenotonly shatteredtheglassceilingbutalso openedthedoorsforfuture generationsofwomentopursue careersinfinance.

FeaturingforCIOWomen Magazine’sspecialissueofThe MostInspiringWomenLeadersTo WatchIn2023isthestoryof ElisabethDawson.

FinanciallySpeaking...

Elisabethstandsapartfromother advisorswithamoredetailedand comprehensiveapproachtofinancial planning,takingintoaccountevery aspectofaperson'sfinancial situation.Forexample,sheoften workscloselywithattorneys,CPAs, andestateplanningprofessionalsto maximizetaxbenefitsandensure thataperson'sassetswillbe distributedaccordingtotheirwishes andnotstuckinprobate.

Itisimportanttounderstandthat financialplanningisnotjustfor wealthyindividuals.Everyonecan benefitfromtalkingtoafinancial advisor,regardlessoftheirincome level.Unfortunately,manypeople areunawareofthisandmayfeel intimidatedorembarrassedtoseek

help.Elisabethworkstobreakdown thesebarriersandhelppeople improvetheirrelationshipwith moneysothattheyfeelcomfortable askingforadvicewhentheyneedit.

Itisacommonmisconceptionthat financialadvisorsorplannersare juststockbrokers.However,thetruth isthatfinancialplanning encompassesawiderangeofareas, includinginvestmentmanagement, retirementplanning,estateplanning, taxplanning,andinsurance planning.Yoursuccessdepends uponworkingwithaqualifiedand experiencedprofessionalwhocares aboutyouruniquesituationandcan helpyouachieveyourpersonal financialgoals.

It’salsocommontofeel overwhelmedbythecomplexityof financialplanning,especiallywhen itcomestoinvestinginthestock market.Mostpeoplemaynotfully understandtherisksandpotential downsidesofinvestinginstocks, suchasthelackofguaranteesfor incomeandthepotentialformarket volatility

Asanexperiencedfiduciary, Elisabetheducatesherclientsonthe varioustoolsandstrategiesavailable tohelpthemachievetheirfinancial goals.Shecommunicatesclearlyand transparentlywithclients,sothat theycanmakeinformeddecisions abouttheirfinancialfuture.This includesexploringdifferent investmentoptions,suchas annuities,bonds,andrealestate,as wellaslifeinsuranceandlong-term careinsurance.

EachplanElisabethandherteam designsistailoredspecificallytoa client’sclearlydefined“wishlist.”

Bytakingacomprehensiveapproach tofinancialplanning,Elisabethhelps clientsprotecttheirassets,planfor

retirement,andensurefinancial securityforthemselvesandtheir families.

CopiaWealthManagementHelpingPeopleSucceed

Ascomprehensivefinancial planners,Copia’sapproachgoes beyondsimplyinvestinginthe stockmarket.Theteam’sfocusis notoncreatingalavishlifestyle,but onfindingwaystoincreasethe clients'financialresourcesand investinginassetsthatwill compoundovertime.

“We take the time to understand our clients' money habits and cash flow, helping them structure their finances to create long-term wealth.”

Recently,Elisabeth’sin-depth analysissuccessfullyhelpedaclient torecoverandrepurpose22%of theircashflow,redirectingitinto wealth-creationstrategies,without anyriskexposureinthestock market.Consideringthevolatilityof themarket,thisisatremendous achievementincreatingfinancial securityforaperson’sfuture retirement.

“Ourgoalistohelpclientsthink differentlyandapproachfinancial planninginacomprehensiveway, ratherthansolelyrelyingon stockbrokers,moneymanagers,or bankerswhohaveanarrowfocus,” explainsElisabeth.

Thetalentofafinancialplannerlies intheirabilitytoanalyzeall possibleavenuestoprotectand mitigaterisksagainstpotential threats.FortheCopiateam,this involvescarefulconsiderationof strategiestoprotectagainstpotential damages,mitigatetaxes,andsecure long-termfinancialstabilityfortheir clients.

C O V E R S T O R Y 46

LeadingtheWay

Asasuccessfulfinancialadvisorinamale-dominatedindustry,Elisabethhashadtheprivilegeof workingwithmanymalementorsthroughouthercareer.Althoughtherearefewwomeninthe league,Elisabethisproudtobeinthetoponetotwopercentoffinancialadvisorsinthecountry andtohavebeenawardedastheTopFemaleFinancialAdvisorfortwoconsecutiveyears.

“However, I understand that this honor comes with a great responsibility to my clients and to the financial industry as a whole.”

ForElisabeth,integrity,humility,andacommitmenttotruth-basedplanningareessentialto success.Withhermeticulousworkethic,sheensuresthatherclientsreceivethebestpossible guidance.Shealwayslooksforward,andapproacheseveryconversationaboutmoneywithrespect andsensitivity.

“Money is a complex and often taboo subject, and my job is to help my clients feel confident and empowered in their financial decisions.”

Throughouthercareer,Elisabethhaslearnedvaluablelessonsfrombothmaleandfemale mentors,includingonefemaleadvisorwhocontinuestobeamajorplayerintheindustry. Elisabethbelievesthatrespectfortheprofession,hercolleagues,andclientsisessentialtosuccess inthefinancialmanagementspace.

“As a female financial advisor, I am committed to leading by example and breaking down barriers for future generations of women in this industry.”

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“As a female financial advisor, I am committed to leading by example and breaking down barriers for future generations of women in this industry.”
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C O V E R S T O R Y

Inregardtoretirementplanning,theteam believesinstartingasearlyaspossibleto designaretirementthatmeetstheclients' needsandexpectations.Theirthorough approachinvolveslookingatallpotential factorsthatcouldaffectaperson’sretirement, includinglongevity,healthevents,andincome protection.Bytakingthesefactorsintoaccount anddesigningaretirementplanearlyon,they helpclientstoachievefinancialstabilityand peaceofmindintheirgoldenyears.

WhenShouldPeopleStartPreparingfor Retirement?

Regardlessoftheirage,anyonewhoisearning money,shouldstartsavingforretirement.Itis importanttocultivategoodfinancialhabits earlyon,inordertopromotesuccessinthe long-term.

Manypeoplebelievethatretirementissofarin thefuturethattheyhaveplentyoftimetoplan anddon’tneedtothinkaboutittoday.For others,thestressandanxietyoftheirfinances causesthemtoprocrastinate.However, avoidingthetopicoftenmakesthesituation worse.That’swhyitisimportanttotake meaningfulstepstowardimprovingyour finances,evenifitfeelsoutsideofyour comfortzone.Saving,investing,andcreatinga planforthefuturearecrucialcomponentsof establishingastrongfinancialfoundation.This processshouldbeginasearlyaspossible,even inchildhood,withtheestablishmentofa savingsaccountandconsistentcontributions. Thepowerofcompoundinginterestcan acceleratethepotentialgrowthofinvestments overtime.Whileconsistencyanddisciplineare essentialtoachievinglong-termfinancial goals,it’salsonecessarytoconsiderfinancial protectionssuchaslifeinsuranceanddisability insurancetomitigatepotentialrisks.

Elisabethencouragespeopletothinkabout retirement,notassomemilestonefaroffinthe future,butratherasaseriesofthoughtful, disciplineddecisionsmadeallalongtheway This,shesays,isthekeytocreatingan abundantfinancialfutureandbeingabletolive theretirementyou’vealwayswanted.

Copia’s Strong Team

Elisabeth has 24 years of experience in the financial services industry, holding the positions of CEO and President at Copia Wealth Management and Insurance Services, as well as Copia Wealth Management Advisors, Inc. She provides guidance to families, couples, individuals, and business owners across various demographics.

“Overall, my approach is that of an educator, empowering my clients with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. As the author of two books, including Wealth by Design and Retirement by Design, I strive to promote financial literacy and provide actionable advice to individuals seeking to secure their financial futures,” says Elisabeth.

Elisabeth sets herself apart as a financial advisor through her focus on education and advocacy, empowering individuals to take control of their financial future. She is passionate about promoting financial literacy and providing the guidance and tools necessary to help individuals make better financial decisions.

“By taking an educational approach, I seek to ensure that my clients have a thorough understanding of financial principles and strategies. This enables them to make informed decisions that align with their goals and values, and helps to mitigate potential financial risks.

Ultimately, my mission is to help my clients achieve financial security and peace of mind, through personalized guidance and tailored solutions that align with their unique needs and circumstances.”

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“We take the time to understand our clients' money habits and cash flow, helping them structure their finances to create long-term wealth.”
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“Getyourowncomplimentary RetirementIncomeforLifeBlueprint anddiscoverhowyoucanliveyour bestretirement,withoutthefearof runningoutofmoney!”

Overall,itiscrucialtoapproach financialplanningwithaclearand rationalmindset,seekingoutthe adviceofprofessionalswhen necessary Takingproactivesteps towardsfinancialstabilitycan ultimatelyleadtogreaterpeaceof mindandtheabilitytoweatherany unforeseenevents.

HowCanPeopleLiveTheirBest Retirement?

Asuccessful,financiallysecure retirementdoesn’thappenbyaccident. Elisabethexplainsthatthedifference betweentheretirementyouwantand theretirementyoulive,isfoundin yourincome.

“Youmaythink,‘Oh,Ihave$1 millionsavedinmy401(k),’andthat’s great,buthowlongisitactuallygoing tolastyou?Mostpeoplesimplydon’t know.Taxes,risinginflation,and healthcareexpensesasweage-these alleatintoyourretirementsavings. Thetruthis,themajorityofpeople onlyhaveenoughsavedtolastthem about7or8yearsinretirement, dependingonmarketfluctuations.”

Itiscriticaltoaccuratelycalculate retirementincomeneedstoensurean individual'sfinancialstability throughouttheirlife.Thisrequires accountingforinflationandprojecting theindividual'slifestylecostsoverthe courseoftheirretirement.For individualswhowishtoretiresooner, itisoftennecessarytoincreasethe amountofassetsandtheuseof incomecreationstrategies.

Itisimportanttonotethatretirement agehasbeenincreasingovertime, with“full”SocialSecuritycurrently startingataretirementageof67. Increasinglongevityandrising inflationonlyfurthertheimportanceof havingaclearunderstandingoffuture incomeneedsinretirement.

Oneuniqueandvaluabletool

Elisabethprovidesiscalledan RetirementIncomeforLife Blueprint.Iteffectivelymapsoutan individual’sincomefortherestof theirlives,helpingtoidentify potentialareasofconcern.This insightfulanalysiscanhelptobring importantplanningdecisionstothe forefrontinadvance,whilethereis stilltimetotakeaction.Theblueprint alsoactsasavisualmodel, emphasizinghowtoday’sfinancial investmentsanddecisionswillimpact financialsecurityyearsintothefuture.

Comprehensivefinancialplanningis keytoachievingfinancialstabilityin retirement.Takingaproactive approachensuresgreatercontrolover thetimingandfinancialstabilityof retirement.Byadoptingaforwardthinkingmindsetandsettingclear retirementgoals,individualscanwork towardsachievingtheirdesired retirementdateandlifestyle.

Toaccomplishthis,focusonmaking consciousandinformedfinancial decisionsthatcontributetowards long-termfinancialstability Thismay includeprioritizinginvestmentsand savingsstrategiesthatalignwith retirementgoalsandtakingcalculated riskstoachieveoptimalreturns.By remainingmindfulofprioiritesand continuouslyevaluatingandadjusting investmentstrategies,individualscan betterpositionthemselvesfora comfortableandenjoyableretirement lifestyle.

Elisabeth’sMessage:TakeControl ofYourFinances

“Takingcontrolofyourfinancial futurerequiresaction,andit's essentialtobeginassoonaspossible. Startingafinancialplancanhavea profoundimpactonyourlife, regardlessofyourage,soIstrongly adviseeveryonetostarttakingsteps

towardssecuringtheirfinancialfuture. Youarecapableofimprovingyour relationshipwithmoneyandtimeisof theessence,sotheearlieryoustart,the betteryourfuturecanbe.

Evenifyouhaveputitoffinthepast, it'snevertoolatetostartplanning.I haveworkedwithclientswhowere considered"latestageretirement planners"andhadnothingpreparedfor theirfuture.Evenwithlimitedtime,by settingupaplantheywereableto alleviatethestressandanxietyofnot knowingiftheycouldeverretire.

Regardlessofyourageor circumstances,it'snevertoolateto begintheprocess.Takingcontrolof yourfinancestodaywillhavea positiveimpactonyourfuture,andit's nevertooearlyortoolatetostart planning.”

C O V E R S T O R Y “Prioritizeyourfinancial futurebycheckingout Elisabeth’snewbook, RetirementByDesign Visit: retirementbydesignbook.com formoreinfo.” CIO Women Magazine |53

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