Inrecentyears,therehasbeenasignificantshifttowardsgenderdiversityinleadershippositionsacrossvarious industries.Womenleadersarenowbreakingthroughtheglassceilingandmakingtheirmarkintraditionallymaledominatedfields.
Thesewomenarenotjustbreakingdownbarriersandchallengingstereotypesbutarealsobringingfreshperspectives andnewideastothetable.Assuch,itisnosurprisethatwomenleadersareincreasinglybeingrecognizedasthe changemakersoftomorrow
FeaturingforCIOWomenMagazine’sthisissueofTop10Self-MadeWomenEntrepreneursinEuropearethestories ofsuchfewwomen.
Forthecoverstoryreadabout-
CathleenBeerkenswasguidedbyherexperienceasanurse,teacher,andhealertofindtheanswerstohelppeople understandwhattheycandotobecomemoreconnectedatthecelllevelandhappyashumanbeings.Herquestfor knowledgehelpedherfindanswersthroughlearningaboutthenewsciencesofQuantumPhysics,Epigenetics, Neuroscience,andGlycoscience.Shebelievesthesescienceswillhelppeopleunderstandwhytheyareonearthand howweareevolvingtobecomemoreconscious.
AWellnessRevolutionhasamissiontotrainandcertifyHealth&Wellnesscoachesandtoprovideimportanteducation onnewsciencesthatarepointingtotheimportanceofcellularwell-beingfocusingontheconnectionsofbodymind andspirit.
Thecosmetics&beautyindustryisgrowingeveryyearandconstantlyreachingnewheights.PrettyGirlMakeupand ChristinaFlacharecriticalinhelpingtheindustryexpandandmoveforward.Christina’smissionissimple,making everyonefeelbeautifulinsideandout.
Christinaalwayslovedbeingcreativeandmakingpeoplefeelgoodaboutthemselves.Shealsolovedmeetingnew peopleandtravelingtheworld.Bybecomingamakeupartist,Shewasabletodoallofthiswhilehavingtheflexibility ofawork-lifebalance.
Comingfromafamilyofdoctors.Theyoungestofthreesiblings,nooneinSonicaAron’sfamilyhasstudiedor practicedbusinessmanagement.So,thiswasacompletelynewworldforSonica.Fromhavingmedicaldiscussionsat thedinnertableasachildtotodaywheresheandherfamilytalkaboutsocialjustice,genderexpression,awareness aboutdisabilities,andinclusion.SonicaisanHRprofessionalwithmorethan2decadesofexperience.
MarchingSheep,anHRadvisoryfirmestablishedin2013,isfocusedonbuildinglong-termorganizationalcapability andeffectivenessforitsclientsthroughstructuredinterventionsandsolutionsintheareasofDiversityandInclusion, HRProcessDesignandImplementation,LearningandLeadershipDevelopmentandTalentManagement.
Shalmali W. halmaliS
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom”
- Aristotle
This list is NOT a ranking. The companies on listed in magazine serve different aspects of the market, making ranking them in any order except revenue impossible and unfair. We try to bring a perfect platform for business organization to showcase their valued products/ services.
Digitalconsumerbrandstart-uplaunches withacquisitionofLeanCaffeine, kickstartingplanstobecomeamajor consolidatorof‘clean’FMCG/CPG brands
OctillionCapitalPartners,amissiondriven,London-basedecommercestartup,whichacquiresethical,cleanfoodand cleanbeautyconsumerbrands,hasmade itsfirstacquisitionofabestsellingdigitalnativecleancoffeeandfoodsupplement brand.Thismarksthestartoftheirplight tofighttheepidemicofunhealthyfoods andtoxicskincareproductsbymaking cleanfoodsandcleanbeautyproducts accessible.
Recentlyfoundedbyecommerce entrepreneursAyoDisuandKunle Campbell,Octillionaimstobecomethe nucleusoftrulyethicalbrandsinthedry foods,drinks,skincare,wellness,andbeauty sectorswithahealthy,low-sugar,and‘clean’ profile,pushingnewfrontiersforquality-led lifestyleoptions.Thecompanyislookingto acquireafurther3-6companiesoverthe next18months.
LeanCaffeineLtd,whichoperatestwo brands;‘LeanCaffeine’acleanmycotoxins andpesticide-freecoffeebrandwithclaims tobeingthe“world’scleanestcoffee”;and the‘CleanandPure’foodsupplementbrand thatproducespremiumgrass-fed supplementssuchasbonebrothpowderand collagen,operatesintheUKandhaspartial operationsinmainlandEuropeancountries, withover50,000customers.
LeanCaffeinehasbecomethenumberone choiceforintermittentfastersduetoits longerlastingeffectswithsustainedenergy andfocus.Freeofallmycotoxins,pesticides andheavymetals,thecoffeehelpstoensure therearenoheadaches,nauseaorcaffeine
crashsymptomsprevalentinother mainstreamcaffeineproducts. TheadditionofLeanCaffeinetothe Octilliongrouptapsintothegrowing consumercleanhealthmovementthat spansdiet,fitnessandlifestylechoices aroundglobalpurchasingdecisions. Throughtheacquisition,Octillionwill supportthebrand’sgrowthandexpansion intoEuropeandtheUS,protectingitscore principlesforquality,cleanlivingand raisingthebarforcleanfoodandclean beautyproductaccessibility.
KunleCampbell,OctillionCapital Partnersco-founder,said:“Workingwith LeanCaffeineisthefirststageinan excitingjourneyforus,andsetsthetone forwhatwehopetoachievewithfuture brandsweacquire,operateandgrow.”
“Octillionisfoundedonasharedpassion tomakesustainable,clean,ethicalbrands accessibletomoreconsumers.Byfinding andacquiringexciting,challengerbrands whosharethismission,wewanttosparka revolutionintheretailspaceandoffer health-consciousconsumersbetterchoice, qualityandtransparencyabouttheproducts theybuy.”
Oneofthekeymotivationsbehind Octillion’semphasisondelivering transparencyandqualityintheirbrand portfolioderivesfromarejectionofthe smokeandmirrorpracticesthatcontinueto plaguethefoodandbeveragemarkets— especiallywhenitcomestonutritiontargetedproducts.
Ground-breakingresearchhasrevealedjust howfar-reachingthescopeofthe‘Big10’ foodandbeveragecompanieshad become,1withretailtitanssuchas Unilever,MondelezandNestlehaving majoritycontrolofmanyseemingly
unconnectedday-to-dayfoodandbeverage items.Theconsolidationofthesebrands,it wasargued,madeitdifficultforconsumers tobeawareofwhichproductsandvalues wereupheld,andthatthe‘illusionof choice’waserodinginformedandethical decision-making.
AyoDisu,OctillionCapitalPartnerscofounder,says:“Ouracquisitionswillaim toraisetheprofileofthebrandswework withandcreateatrustedcatalogofquality productsthatempowermorepeopleto makeinformedlifestyledecisions.Lean Caffeineisaperfectfirstentryforthis visionastheysharethiscorevalueintheir businessaswell.We’recommittedtoa quality-over-quantityapproachthatis deliberate,consciousandmeaningfulwhen itcomestohowwechooseourbrands.”
ThissentimentismirroredbyAttila Hardy,ArrayCapitalFounderand Partnerandsell-sideM&Aadviserfor LeanCaffeine,whoadds:“Itbecame apparentafterthefirstfewdiscussionsthat OctillionwastherightbuyerforLean Caffeine.AyoandKunle’svisionforthe brandwasfarmoreambitiousandcreative thanwhatotherbuyerspresented.”
LeanCaffeine,foundedbyJamieSukrooin 2017,holdsapopularselectionofleading, high-qualityhealthproductsthatinclude bonebroth,collagenpowder,bonitoflakes andaflagshipcleancoffeeselectionthat setsthegoldstandardforqualityingredient testing.Thisguaranteesazero-tolerance approachtomouldtoxins,pesticidesand heavymetalsthatareknowntocause headaches,nauseaandcaffeinecrash symptomswithothermainstreamcaffeine products. Jamiehaskeptaminoritystake inthebusiness,withtherestbeingsoldto OctillionCapitalPartnersfor approximately£1m.
Cathleen Beerkens
The Many First Women
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Who are the 10 Global Innovation Leaders in Manufacturing
NormaJeaneMortensonwasgiventhe nameMarilynMonroeonthedayof herbirth,June1,1926,attheLos AngelesGeneralHospitalinLos Angeles,California.GladysPearl Baker(néeMonroe;1902–1984),her mother,wasborninPiedrasNegras, Coahuila,Mexicotoalow-income familyfromtheMidwestthathad movedtoCaliforniaattheturnofthe century.GladysPearlBakerdiedin 1984.GladysBakerwasjust15years oldwhenshetiedtheknotwithJohn NewtonBaker,amanwhowasnine yearshersenior.Robert,wholived from1918to1933,andBerniecewere theirtwochildren(1919–2014).In 1923,shehadherpetitionfordivorce andrequestforexclusivecustodyof thechildrengranted.However,shortly afterwards,Bakerabductedthe childrenandtransportedthemtohis homestateofKentucky
ThefactthatMonroehadasisterwas notrevealedtoheruntilshewas12 yearsold,andthetwodidnotinitially meetuntil1944,whenMonroewas either17or18yearsold.Followingthe endofhermarriage,Gladysfound employmentatConsolidatedFilm Industriesasafilmnegativecutter.She wedMartinEdwardMortensenin 1924,butthecouplesplitonlyafew shortmonthsaftertheirmarriageand werelegallyseparateduntil1928.The resultsofDNAtestingconductedin 2022suggestedthatMonroe's biologicalfatherwasCharlesStanley Gifford(1898-1965),acoworkerof Gladys'swithwhomshehadanaffair intheyear1925.Thisinformationwas revealedin2022.Doris(1920–1933), theolderofMonroe'stwootherhalfsiblings,andCharles,theyoungerof Monroe'stwootherhalf-brothers,were bothbornduringGifford'smarriageto hisfirstwife.
DespitethefactthatGladyswas emotionallyandfinanciallyunprepared forakid,Monroehadasecureand happylifeinhisearlyyears.Inthe
littletownofHawthorne,Gladysmade thedecisiontoentrustherdaughterto thecareofAlbertandIdaBolender, evangelicalChristianfosterparents.In addition,sheresidedthereforaperiod ofsixmonthsbeforebeingcompelled toreturntothecityinordertofind work.Afterthat,shestartedspending theweekendswithherkid.[24]Gladys purchasedamodesthomein Hollywoodwiththeassistanceofa loanfromtheHomeOwners'Loan Corporationduringthesummerof 1933.Shethenbroughtherdaughter Monroe,whowasthensevenyearsold, tolivewithher
ThecircumstancesofMonroe'syouth werethefirstimpetusforherpursuitof acareerintheentertainmentindustry: "Ididn'tliketheenvironmentaround mebecauseitwassortofbleak... WhenIfoundoutthatthiswasacting, Iimmediatelythoughttomyself, "That'swhatIwanttodo!"WhenIwas younger,someofmyfosterfamilies wouldtakemetothemoviesasa meanstogetmeoutofthehome,andI wouldwindupstayingthereforthe wholedayandfarintothenight.Iwas atinychildsittingupfrontallby myselfwithsuchalargescreen,andI reallylovedit.
OnJune19,1942,afewdaysaftershe turned16,shetiedtheknotwithJames Dougherty,afactoryworkerwhowas 21yearsoldandthesonoftheir neighbors.Shefeltthatsheand Doughertywereaninappropriatefitfor oneanother,andshesubsequentlysaid thatshewas"dyingofboredom" throughouttheirmarriage.They eventuallygotadivorce.
Shehadprominentpartsinthefilm noirNiagara,whichexplicitly dependedonhersexappeal,andthe comediesGentlemenPreferBlondes andHowtoMarryaMillionaire,which cementedherstarimageasa"dumb blonde."By1953,Monroewasoneof themostmarketableactressesin Hollywood.Thephotographsofher nakedbodywereonthecoverand
centerfoldoftheveryfirstissueof Playboy,whichwaspublishedthe sameyear Throughouthercareer,she hadalargepartintheformationand controlofherpublicimage,butshe wasdisheartenedwhenshewas typecastandunderpaidbythestudio. Shewasgivenatemporarysuspension atthebeginningof1954forrefusingto participateinafilmproject,butshe laterreturnedtoactinTheSevenYear Itch(1955),whichwasoneofthemost financiallysuccessfulfilmsofher career Sheafterwardswedanotherman.She wedJoeDiMaggioonJanuary14th, 1954,intheSanFranciscoCityHall, andtheceremonytookplacethere. Afterthat,theydrovetoSanLuis Obispo,andthenspenttheir honeymoonatthemountainlodgeof Monroe'slawyer,LloydWright,which waslocatedjustoutsideofIdyllwild, California.In1955,theyfinallyparted waysanddivorced.
AfterthemonthofOctober1955,the newrelationshipbetweenMonroeand Millergrewmoreserious.In1956, MonroewedMillerashersecond husband.AdivorcebetweenMonro andMillerwouldtakeplacein1961. Thepublicwasveryinterestedinthe turbulentpersonallifeofMonroe.She battledaddictionaswellasmental issuesthroughoutherlife.Her marriagestoJoeDiMaggio,aformer baseballstar,andArthurMiller,a writer,bothreceivedagreatdealof mediaattentionbutultimatelyresulted indivorce.HerdeathonAugust4, 1962,attheageof36,wastheresultof anoverdoseofbarbituratesthat occurredatherresidenceinLos Angeles.Itwasdeterminedthatsuicide wasthemostlikelycauseofherdeath.
Atthebeginningofhercareerasan actress,NormaJeanechangedher nameonceagain,thistimetoMarilyn Monroe(Monroewasher grandmother'smaidenname).Monroe appearedinherfirstmovieparton
February11,1947.Shehadalready bleachedherdarkhairblondeand calledherselfMarilynMonroe.
MarilynMonroemadeherdebutinthe filmindustryin1947withan uncreditedappearanceasatelephone operatorinthefilmTheShockingMiss Pilgrim.Shealsohadcameorolesin thefilmsYouWereMeantForMeand GreenGrassofWyoming.Inthesame year,shewascastinDangerousYears foralittlepart.
TheGoldenGlobeAwardforBest ActressinaMotionPictureMusicalor ComedywasgiventoMonoreonJune 29,1956,andshereceivedtheaward forherperformanceinthefilmSome LikeitHot.
OnJune29,1956,Marilynbecomes MarilynMillerafterconvertingto Judaismandmarryingthewriter ArthurMiller ArthurMillerwasher longtimeboyfriend.
OnJanuary21,1953,shemadeher debutintheleadingroleinherfirstbig picture.Monoroe'sdebutinaleading rolecameinNiagara.Shetookonthe roleofafemmefatalewhoplottedthe deathofherhusband.Shewasmet withgenerallyfavorablecomments, despitethefactthatthemajorityof reviewersconcentratedontheblatantly sexualaspectsofherperformance.
Monroeemergedasaprominentsex symbolandoneofHollywood'smost bankableactorsin1953afterstarring inthreefilmsthatwerereleasedthat year.Inthefirst,aTechnicolorfilm noirtitledNiagara,sheportrayeda femmefatalewhoplottedtokillher husband,whowasplayedbyJoseph Cotten.Bythattime,MarilynMonroe andhermake-upartistAllan"Whitey" Snyderhadcreatedwhatwould becomeknownasher"trademark" make-uplook.Thisstylehadblack browsarchedupward,paleskin,red lipsthat"glistened,"andabeauty mark.AccordingtoSarahChurchwell, "Niagara"isoneofMarilynMonroe's
mostblatantlysexualfilmsthatshe starredinthroughouthercareer The factthatMonroe'sbodywasseenin somemomentswithnothingmorethan asheetoratowelcoveringitwas surprisingtoviewersofthetime.The mostwell-knownmomentfrom Niagaraisathirty-secondlongshot takenfrombehindMarilynMonroein whichsheisseenstrollingwithher hipsswinging;thisphotowasused prominentlyintheadvertisingforthe picture.
OnMay19,1962,Monroewas requestedtoperformatJohnF Kennedy'sbirthdayparty,whereshe didsoalongwithaspeciallyprepared
lyric.Shedidsowhilesinging"Happy Birthday."TheGoldenGlobeAwards wereheldonMarch5,1962,and MarilynwontheawardforWorldFilm Favorite.
AfterMonroeadmittedtotheworldin Marchof1952thatin1949shehad appearedforanudecalendar,she foundherselfinthemiddleofa controversythatlastedfortherestof herlife.Afterdiscoveringboththe photosandthefactthatshehadbeen publiclysuspectedofbeingthemodel
afewweeksearlier,theproduction companyandMonroecametothe conclusionthat,inordertoprotecther career,itwouldbebestforhertoadmit tothemwhathadhappenedwhile emphasizingthatshehadbeenbrokeat thetime.Becauseofthismethod,she wasabletowinthesympathiesofthe generalpublicandgeneratemore interestinherfilms,forwhichshewas nowgettingtopbilling.Monroewas featuredonthecoverofLifemagazine asthe"TalkofHollywood"afterthe
incident,andgossipwriterHedda Hopperpronouncedhertobethe "cheesecakequeen"turned"boxoffice hit"afterthescandal.[98]Thepublic excitementinMonroewascapitalized onbyquicklyreleasingthreeofher films:"ClashbyNight,""Don'tBother toKnock,"and"We'reNotMarried!"
Monroehadareputationforbeing toughtodealwith,whichonlybecame
worseashercareergrew.This reputationwouldcontinuetohurther career.Shewasoftenlateordidnot showupatall,didnotrememberher lines,andinsistedonseveralretakes beforeshewaspleasedwithher performance.Shealsodidnot rememberherlines.Herrelianceon heractingtutors,firstNatashaLytess andsubsequentlyPaulaStrasberg,also annoyedthefilmmakerswhoworked withher.Ithasbeenhypothesizedthat Monroe'sdifficultiesstemfromamix ofperfectionism,poorself-esteem,and performanceanxietyonstage.
Onfilmsets,shefeltthatshehadlittle controloverherperformance,but duringpictureshootings,shehadmore inputintohowshewasportrayedand wasabletobemoreimprovisatory ratherthanaccordingtoascript.She foundthatfilmsetsweremorestressful thanphotoshoots.Shestartedabusing barbiturates,amphetamines,and alcoholinanefforttotreatheranxiety andchronicsleeplessness;however, thisonlymadeherproblemsworseand shedidnotdevelopastrongaddiction toanyofthesesubstancesuntil1956. Herissueswereaggravatedbyheruse ofthesesubstances.
Herpassingaway
Monroe'sbodywasdiscoveredather houseinBrentwoodwhenshewas36 yearsold.Isitpossiblethatshetook herownlife?Anaccident?Ascheme tohidethetruththatwashatchedby theKennedys?Ahomicidecommitted byoneofhermedicalpractitioners? Aftersixtyyears,thereisstillagreat dealofcontroversyaroundthe circumstancessurroundingher untimelydeath.
Herinnatebeautywasafactorin openingdoorsforher,buttheeffortshe putinwasthedrivingforcebehindher meteoricclimbtosuperstardom."She hadapassiontoimproveherselfby readingbooksonpsychology,
philosophy,poetry,art,theatre,and everythingelse,"addsVogel."You nameit,shereadbooksonit."Even aftershehadachievedfameasa Hollywoodactress,shepursuedher interestindramabyenrollingatthe famousActorsStudioinNewYorkand studyingunderLeeStrasberg.Shedid thisbecauseshehadtheambitiontobe adramastudent.Shewasapioneerin manyrespects,andinmanywaysshe wasafeministbeforethewordwas fullyrecognizedorunderstood. Afterbeingrehiredby20thCentury Fox,MarilynMonroeswiftly establishedherselfasthemost marketablestaratthecompany. Followingherroleasatragicfemme fataleinthefilmNiagara(1953),she wentontostarinasuccessionoffilms thathelpedcreateher"dumbblonde" reputation.Thesefilmsinclude timelessmasterpiecessuchasHowto MarryaMillionaire(1953),TheSeven YearItch(1955),andSomeLikeItHot (1962).(1959).Herusualpart,which wasthatofaditzycharmerwith perfectcomictiming,setherapart frompeerssuchasElizabethTaylor, DorisDay,andAudreyHepburn, whosecharactersexemplifiedmany typesoffemininity.Day'sbenign"girl nextdoor"attitudeinvokedthe attractivenessoftheyoungeractress' pin-upcareer,whileTaylor's seductressesbattledwithMonroe's effervescentblondes.Dayalsohada roleintheproductionofthefilm"The SevenYearItch."Hepburn,onthe otherhand,isknownforcultivatingan imageofaristocraticelegance,whichis characterizedbyhersocial sophisticationandflair.
Whenoneconsidersthestar'stroubled personallife,itisevenmore remarkabletoseehowfarshehas comeprofessionally.Monroewas famouslydifficulttoworkwithdueto thefactthatshewasalwayslateto shootsandoftenmessedupherlines. Butshewasnospoiledprincess."Inall honesty,"addsVogel,"shesuffered fromtremendousstagefright.""She
wasanervousmesswhileshooting sequences,sometimesbreakingout intoarashorbecomingphysically unwellatthenotionofacting."Asa meansofcopingwiththetraumatic experiencesshehadgonethroughand theanxiousfeelingsshehad,she misusedthebarbituratesand amphetaminesthatherphysicianshad carelesslygiventoher.
A WELLNESS REVOLUTION
FOUNDER
Ourwayoflivinglifeonplanet
earthisdramaticallychanging andconsequently,atthistime wearefacedwithmorechaosand stress.Itbecomesincreasingly importantforeachpersontotake responsibilityfortheirHealth& Wellnessfindingbalanceanddirection.
AWellnessRevolutionhasamissionto trainandcertifyHealth&Wellness coachesandtoprovideimportant educationonnewsciencesthatare pointingtotheimportanceofcellular well-beingfocusingontheconnections ofbodymindandspirit.Featuringfor CIOWomen’sthisissueisCathleen Beerkens-Top10Self-MadeWomen EntrepreneursinEurope.
EventhoughCathleenalwaysbelieved inaworldofgoodnessandloveasa child,shewasgenerallystruckwiththe overwhelmingsenseofaworldthat washighlydisconnectedandlefther withmorequestionsthananswers. Questionsthatguidedherentirelife focusandresearch.
Sheobservedthattheconsequenceof disconnectionaffectspeopleonall levelsofbody,mind,andspirit.Her researchandlifeexperiencehaveled hertounderstandthatthisisoneofthe underlyingreasonsfortheincreasing imbalanceandillnessintheworld. Cathleen’struepurposewasbornfrom theseobservations.Shewantedtohelp theworldinbecomingmoreconnected andcomplete.
InitialObstacles:
Cathleenwasguidedbyherexperience asanurse,teacher,andhealertofind theanswerstohelppeopleunderstand whattheycandotobecomemore connectedatthecelllevelandhappyas humanbeings.Herquestfor knowledgehelpedherfindanswers throughlearningaboutthenew sciencesofQuantumPhysics, Epigenetics,Neuroscience,and Glycoscience.Shebelievesthese scienceswillhelppeopleunderstand whytheyareonearthandhowweare evolvingtobecomemoreconscious.
Thesenewsciencesareshowingus howourbody,mind,andspiritareall connectedandmakeupamultidimensionalfieldthatwecanconnect to.
Asweashumanbeingsgrowin consciousness,weseemore,hear more,feelmoreandunderstandmore aboutwhoweare.Welearntoconnect toallthatwearethroughourmost powerfulelectromagneticfieldwhich isourheart.Learningtoliveinour
hearts,webecomemoreintunewith ourtruepower.AsCathleenwas studyingthesenewsciences,shewas surprisedbythelackofinformationin themainstream.
Atonepointshemadeadecisionto bringthisvitalinformationintothe world.Cathleensensedthatthismight disruptthestatusquo,however,she hadaninnercallingandhadtoriseup overthisandfollowhergutthatthe worldshouldhavetheopportunityto beexposedtothisimportanteducation andscience.Cathleen’sgoodfriend oncesaid:Ifnotme–who?Thiswas theinspirationforhertotakeaction andmoveforward.Somehowjust understandingtheimportanceof connectionalreadyhelpsustolive moreconsciouslyandmultidimensionally,saysCathleen.
Asallnewbusinessesarecreatedand developedthereissomuchtolearnas wearelivinginaninformationageof technology.Cathleenfoundoutthatthe mostchallengingpartistoconstantly adapttochanges.
AftergraduatingfromtheUniversity ofMarylandinHealthEducationand GeorgetownUniversitywithaBSin Nursing,Cathleenstartedhercareeron asurgicalENTfloor,dealingwith tremendouslyillpatients.
Shealsostartedusingherskillsasa teacherearlyonassheoftentookon herselftogiveinspiringlecturestothe nurses.
Afteranumberofyears,she transferredtoahigh-risklaborand deliveryunit.
Althoughbringingnewlifeintothe worldwasjoyous,thereweremany
The decision to find A Wellness Revolution was not an easy one.
challengesinthecityofWashington DCwhereinfantmortalityratesare high.
Cathleenafterbeingofferedateaching assistantpositionatGeorgetownalso taughtUniversitynursingstudentshow tophysicallyassessthebodyandgave prenatalclasses.
Shespentmanyyearsresearchingand studyingthenewsciencesand consciousness.Afterthebirthofher thirdchild,shebeganteachingclasses ontopicsofHealth,Wellness,and NutritionintheNetherlands,Ireland, Belgium,Germany,andtheUS.
Cathleenrealizedthatasanurseshe hadaresponsibilitytonowmakethe changesthatwereneededinthe mainstreammedicalsystem.The systemhadneverbeenaboutwellness, ithadfocusedonillness.
Ultimatelyshewantedtohelpthe systemservethepeopleinbetterways byfocusingonoptimalhealthand wellness.
“ThebiggestadviceIcangiveanyone startingabusinessis:Itisnotenough anymoretohavejustpassion,youmust alsofindyourmission.
Ifyouknowwhyyouaredoing something,thenitwillinspireyouto endureanyhow,explainedCathleen.”
LifeStoryAsABook:
“Connection is Consciousness and Consciousness is Connection”-
Cathleen Beerkens
EducationAndItsImpact:
HealthandWellnesscoachingisanew, upcominggrowingprofessionthatis helpingmainstreammedicinetogive morepersonalcare,attention,andlove.
Cathleenhasbeenanurseformany yearsinthetraditionalhealthcare systemandhasbeengreatlyimpacted bythelackoftimeshehadasa medicalprofessionaltohelppeoplein makingrealchanges. Hereducationsupportedherlifepath andbroughthertohermission.
Throughoutherlife,Cathleenandher familywerefacedwithmanyhealth challengesonalllevelsofphysical, mental,andspiritualwell-being.
Theseexperienceshelpedhertodevelopa six-monthprogramtrainingHealthand WellnessCoaches,andaYouTube channel,andshewillbepublishinganew bookin2023withtheserevelations.She lovesherworktrainingcoachesaround theworldandcertifyingthemwiththetop organizationsassheknowsthatwiththe significantchangeinthemedicalcare systemthesecoachesaredesperately needed.Cathleenisverygratefulforthe past30years. Shehasfoundmanyofher answersbylearningaboutIntegrative Medicine.
Cathleenhasbeenguidedbythequote fromSteveJobs’commencementspeech, “Youcan'tconnectthedotslooking forward;youcanonlyconnectthem
lookingbackwards.Soyouhavetotrust thatthedotswillsomehowconnectin yourfuture.Youhavetotrustin something-yourgut,destiny,life, karma,whatever Thisapproachhas neverletmedown,andithasmadeall thedifferenceinmylife.”AsCathleen reflectsonheryoungerself,shefeels thatherpassionforhelpingotherpeople hasguidedhertothismoment.
Inthelastthreeyears,Cathleenusedall herknowledgeandcompassionfor humanitybystartinganddevelopingA WellnessRevolution.
Cathleen’sadvicetoheryoungerself wouldbe:
“Be patient and trust the process, you are divinely guided.”
TheAdviceThatImpactedThe Leadership:
Cathleennevershieldsawayfrom leadershipresponsibilities.Fromthe earlydays,Cathleenalwaystook leadershiproles,fromthepresidentof thestudentcouncilinHighschoolto leadershippositionsinthesororityin college.
Shebelievesthatthemostimportant componentofagoodleaderisonethat neverstopsaskingquestionsand realizesthatitisnotonlywhatyou
knowthatmatters,it’swhatyou don’tknowthattrulymatters.
TheInceptionOfTheCompany& More:
AWellnessRevolutionbeganin 2018.Thecompanyoffersasix monthcoursewhereitcertifiesand trainsHealthandWellnessCoaches, twiceayear.OnebeginsinMarch andendsinearlySeptember,andone beginsinSeptemberandendsin February
Thecompanyhasbeengrantedtwo veryimportantinternational certificationsandanotheroneinthe
Netherlands:TheNationalBoardof HealthandWellnessCoaches (NBHWC)andtheInternational CoachingFederation(ICF).TheDutch accreditationbytheorganizationBLCN.
Cathleenbelieves,likeallevolving professionalorganizations,Healthand WellnessCoachingwillbecomemore regulatedandtherewillbeaneedfor certificationtodevelopstandardsfor enteringmainstreammedicine.
Overtheyearsofthepandemic,ithas becomeclearthatwehaveaneedfor bigchangesinourhealthcaresystem.
HealthandWellnessCoachesarebecoming increasinglyutilizedasapartofthischange.
TheroleofHealthandWellnessCoaches willbetoworkwithclientstohelpand supportthemintheirWellnessJourneyto becomeabetterversionofthemselvesby changingtheirlifestyleandbehavioralhabits aswellasmanifestinggoals.
VisionAtTheStart:
Cathleen’svisionforAWellnessRevolution istotrainandcertifyHealthandWellness Coachesinholistichealthandwell-being whileemphasizingtheimportanceofthe cellularlevel.
AWellnessRevolutionalsowants toinspireitscoachessotheycan continuetoself-developusingtheir powerfulcoachingskills.
Thegrowthhasbeenverysteady andCathleenbelievesthatitwill continuethiswayasmoreandmore peoplearewakinguptothe importanceoftakingcareof themselves,andtheresponsibility fortheirmind-bodyandspiritual well-being.
Be patient and trust the process, you are divinely guided.
Therewillbeabigjobchangeinthe worldandmoreandmorepeopleas theyaregrowinginconsciousnesswill seekjobsthatbringthempersonal growth,purpose,andfulfillment, Cathleenexplained.
ExpandingTheServices:
AWellnessRevolutionrecentlyadded abusinesscourseaswellasdeveloped aContinuedEducationProgramfor theirgraduates.
In2020,CathleenstartedherYouTube Channelandreleasesinterviews monthlywithpeoplewhoarechange agentsinthefieldofHealthand Wellness.
Cathleenwillalsocontinuetodevelop leaders,teachers,mentorsaswellas coacheswithAWellnessRevolution.
Thecosmetics&beauty industryisgrowingeveryyear andconstantlyreachingnew heights.PrettyGirlMakeupand ChristinaFlacharecriticalinhelping theindustryexpandandmoveforward. Christina'smissionissimple,making everyonefeelbeautifulinsideandout.
ThisarticlefeaturesCIO'sMost SuccessfulBusinesswomentoWatch Outfor,ChristinaFlach.
Whilebeingamakeupartistdoesnot requireanyformaleducation,Christina doesthinkherdegreehasshapedher career.Whileshewasgettingher degreeinArtHistory,ittaughtherto appreciateart,colors,andtechniques thatshenowutilizeswhensheis workingwithherclients.Initially, Christinabelievedshewoulduseher degreedifferently
“Every experience is a lesson and it guides you from one place to another.”
Christinaalwayslovedbeingcreative andmakingpeoplefeelgoodabout themselves.Shealsolovedmeeting newpeopleandtravelingtheworld.By becomingamakeupartist,Shewas abletodoallofthiswhilehavingthe flexibilityofawork-lifebalance.This careerhasgivenChristinasomany uniqueopportunitiesthatsheusedto dreamof.
“Figure out what you love, then find a way to make money doing it.”
Beforebecomingamakeupartist, Christinaworkedasanimage consultantandapersonalshopper.She wasalsoatennisteacherandcompeted attheprolevelmomentarilybefore retiring.Christinathenstartedher careerasamakeupartistin1995and foundedherownmakeupline,Pretty GirlMakeup,in1996.
Nevertakenoforananswer.If someonetellsyouno,change directionsandfindsomeonewhowill giveyouexactlywhatyouwant.
“Never stop asking until the answer changes because eventually, you will get your yes.”
“TherearesomanythingsIwishI couldtellmyyoungerselfbutof course,hindsightis20/20.”Firstly, Christinawouldtellhertostopwasting timeworryingaboutthingsthatwere notgoingtohappenorthatwereoutof hercontrolandinsteadfocusher energyontheoutcomeshewanted.
Secondly,shewouldtellhertobe kindertoherself.Christinabelieves thatwedeservetogiveourselvesthe
sameloveandkindnessthatweshow toothers.Lastly,Christinasaysshe wouldtellyoungerChristinatodream bigbecausedreamsdocometrue. Nothingisimpossibleandtheskyis trulythelimit.
Foundedin1996,ChristinaFlachisthe creatorandCEOofPrettyGirl Makeup.PrettyGirlMakeupbelieves everygirlisaprettygirlandshould feelatherabsolutebest.Theyhave createdproductsthatlookgoodonyou andarealsogoodforyou.The simplicityofPrettyGirlMakeupgoes beyondjustamessage.
Thisiswhyyouwillnotfindany complicatedingredientsintheproducts ofPrettyGirlMakeupthatarehardto pronounce.What'smore?Theproducts arevegan,clean,andcruelty-free, makingthemasaferchoiceforanyone.
Christina'sworkisinspiredbyherlove ofbeauty,fashion,music,andart.
PrettyGirlMakeupisChristina'sway offulfillinghergoalofmakingpeople feelandlookbeautifulinside&out.
PrettyGirlMakeupisalineoflonglastinglipglossesthatarehydrating, moisturizing,andanti-aging.Christina foundedthecompanyonthebeliefthat everygirlisaprettygirlandshould feelatherabsolutebest.Shebelieves increatingproductsthatnotonlylook goodonyoubutarealsogoodforyou. Eachlipglossismadewithclean, veganingredientsandiscruelty-free, makingthemasaferchoiceforanyone.
WhenChristinastartedherjourneyin 1995,shedidn'thaveanyclients.To remedythat,shebefriendedlocalsalon ownersandconvincedthemtolether domakeoversontheircustomers withoutchargingasinglepenny.Inthe
hopesthattheywouldlikeherwork andhireherinthefuture,shealso reachedouttolocalphotographersin herareaandofferedherservicesfor free.Ittookyearsofhardworkfor Christinatobuildasuccessful clienteleonwhichshecouldrely
JourneyTowardsGrowth:
Onethingthathasimpacted Christina'sgrowthrecentlyis appearingonpodcasts.Christina neverthoughtthatpeoplewouldwant tohearheradviceaboutlifeand business,yetshebooksmultiple podcastsaweekthatgiveherthe opportunitytoexpandherbrandatno cost.Onthepodcasts,Christinatalks aboutphilanthropiccauses,subjects shecaresabout,andherpersonal products.Podcastshavegivenhera platformtomarketherselfinaway thatisuniqueandonethatshehas neverdonebefore.Christinaalso appearsonNBC'sCALiveasa beautyexpertwherepeoplefromall overthestateareabletogetapeekat hermakeuptechniquesassheshared them.
Keytolong-standingSuccess:
Neversayingnoandnevergivingup istheultimatekeytoChristina's success.Asuccessfulcareerrequires hardworkanddedication.Tobecome successful,youhavetobewillingto keeppushingyourselfandsayyesto everyopportunitythatcomesyour way.Shebelievesyoucannevertake yoursuccessforgrantedorhavethe beliefthatyoumadeit.
“Everything you worked for can be taken away if you stop hustling.”
Seeingthebiggerpicture:
Thebeautyindustryhasexpandedin manywaysandsohasChristina's
visionforhercareer.Whenshefirst startedout,therewerenoinfluencers andnosocialmediabuttoday,the industrywouldfallapartwithout SocialMediaandInfluencers. Adaptingtochangesiscrucialbecause theworldchangesandwithit,youwill havetochange.Ifyoustaystagnant,in mostcases,youwillnotmakeit.
Currently,Christinaisworkingona newlineofhigh-qualityproducts called“I'mTooBusy”.Thislinewill includeskincare,haircare,andmakeup thatisinfusedwithCBDtoprovide customerswiththemaximumpossible healthbenefits.Furtherexplainingthe benefitsofCBD,Christinasaysthat thecalmingpropertiesofCBDwill helpkeepcustomers'skinfrombeing irritatedbynaturalenvironmental stressors.
Inadditiontothisproductline, Christinaisalsointheprocessof creatingherownpodcast.Sheplansto usethisplatformtotalkabout everythingfromwomeninbusinessto wellness,mindset,manifestation,and ofcourse,makeuptips.
WordofAdviceForfuture entrepreneurs:
“Becomfortableinbeing uncomfortable,takerisks,anddonot beafraidoffailure.Theonlyreal failureisifyoudonottryatall.There aremillionsofmakeupartiststo choosefrom,sonevertakeanything forgranted.Whenyou'reworkingwith people,alwaysbeateamplayerand keepapositiveattitude.Thiswillmake allthedifferencewhenyou'rebuilding yourclienteleandbrand.”
TheSydneyHarbourBridgeisasteelarchbridgethatislocatedinAustralia andcrossesSydneyHarbour(also knownasPortJackson).Thebridge, whichhaditsinauguralopening ceremonyin1932,isnowusedasthe primaryconnectorforpublic transportationbetweenSydneyandits northernsuburbs.Becauseithasaspan ofaround500meters(1,650feet),itis consideredtobeoneofthelongest steel-archbridgesintheworld.Along itslength,itisequippedwithtwo pedestrianwalkways,ahighway,and fourseparaterailwaylines.
In1924,Bradfieldwasinchargeof overseeingthebeginningofthe project.Becauseofthedepthof SydneyHarbour'swaters,itwas impossibletoemploytemporary supports,thereforethesteelarchwas constructedfromeithersideofthe harbor.Thetwosidesfinallyconverged inthemiddleintheyear1930,anda grandceremonywasheldtocelebrate thebridge'sofficialopeningonMarch 19,1932.
TheSydneyHarbourBridgewas designatedashavingexceptional nationalhistoricvaluebythe AustralianHeritageCouncil.Its buildingwasasignificanteventin Australianhistory.Itsinaugurationin 1932wasessentialinthebuildingof contemporarySydneyandservedasa focalpointfornationaloptimism throughouttheGreatDepression.The HarbourBridgehasbecomealasting nationallandmarkandhasinspired manyofAustralia'sleadingartists.Itis oneoftheworld'smostmagnificent archbridges.Althoughitdoesnothave theworld'slongestarchspan,itsmass andloadcapacityarelargerthanthose ofothersignificantarchbridges,and
nootherbridgeinAustraliaequalsto itstechnologicalimportance.The bridgewasthemostexpensive engineeringfeatincontemporary Australia,andalthoughbeingover80 yearsold,ithasyettomeetitsfull capacity.TheSydneyHarbourBridge isespeciallynotableforitsaffiliation withJohnJobCrewBradfield,oneof Australia'smostillustriouscivil, structural,andtransportengineers, whoproducedtheoverall specificationsandoversawthewhole project.
TheSydneyHarbourBridgeinthe countryofAustraliamaybefoundata latitudeof-33.852222andalongitude of151.210556.TheSydneyHarbour BridgeislocatedinAustralia.From Sydney'sCentralBusinessDistrictall thewayuptotheNorthShore.
THENEARESTAIRPORT
SydneyAirportistheclosestairportto theSydneyHarbourBridge(SYD) NEARESTRAILWAYSTATION
MilsonsPointStation
FerrystationsnearSydneyHarbour BridgeinSydney
KirribilliWharf
MilsonsPointWharf
JeffreyStreetWharf
TheFourSeasonsHotelSydneyis colorfulandelegant,withmagnificent harbourfrontviewsandaluxuryday spawithspecialskincareand aromatherapytreatments.Itislocated inthehistoricRocksneighborhood, onlyashortwalkfromthecity'sretail andcommercialdistricts. Thecosteachnightis$300pernight
WhenyoustayatTheSebelQuayWest SuitesSydney,youcanexpectnothing butamazinghospitality,elegant accommodations,andexquisite service.Our5-starhotelprovideslarge apartment-styleapartmentswithviews oftherenownedSydneyHarbour Bridge,OperaHouse,TheRocks,and CircularQuay.TheSebelQuayWest SuitesSydneyissuitableforshort getaways,specialevents,andlongtermvacations,andislocatedinthe historicRocksarea,12.4kilometers
fromSydneyAirportandtheFerry Terminal.
Cost:$240pernight
HotelKithDarlingHarbour
HotelKithDarlingHarbourisa modernurbansanctuary Thisboutique hotelhasfoursmallroomtypes, includingthePetitequeenandPetite twinroomseriesfortravelers searchingforafashionableand comfortableplacetobedafteralong dayout,aswellastheStandardqueen roomsandQueenwithBalconyrooms forthatmorewiggleroom.
Cost:$230
CrownTowersSydney
CrownTowersSydneyisthegold standardinAustralia'spremiumhotel sector,havingreceivedaForbesaward forguestsafety.Eachaccommodation
hasstylish,contemporarydécorthat capturesthespiritofthestunningand distinctiveharborsideposition,with wonderfullyframedviewsofSydney's skyline.
Cost:$500pernight
XOCrispyFriedDumpling(5)Scallop Steamed(2pieces)
HalfshellscallopsteamedwithXOchilli andshallotsoysauce
QuailwithSaltandPepper(2pieces)
Stir-FrywithDriedChickenandBlack BeansBlackBeanSaucewithFired ChickenThighFillet(skinon)
MushroomwithSeasonalVegetablesin SoySauceVegetableSupreme
ChopsofMandarinPork
DuckinPlumSaucewithFriedPork ChopsTossedinSoyandChinkiang BlackVinegar
DucklingCrispywithSugarCaneand
PlumSauce
FilletPanFriedwithWasabiWasabiSlatheredSteakCube
StirFriedSalmonCubewithXOChilli
XOChipotleSeafoodDuckwith MushroomSoupandDryConpoy
SeafoodBeancurdSoupSoupwithHot andSourSauceSoupwithCrabmeat andSweetCorn
THINGSTODOANDTHINGS NOTTODO.
THINGSTODO
1.HarborCruisewithLunchBuffet
2.HarborCruisewithPremium3CourseDinner
3.Open-TopBigBusHop-onHop-off Tour
4.3-HourCatamaranWhaleWatching Tour
5.HarbourE-BikeTourGuided
6.CLIMBtothehighestarchofthe HarbourBridge.
7.Admirethesunriseorsunsetfromthe HarbourBridge.
1.Goingonastrollwithoutatourguide
2.Stayingoutlateatnight.
3.Attemptingtoenterthewater BESTTIMETOVISIT.
Ifyou'reconsideringaBridgeClimbing Adventure,youmaybewonderingwhen theoptimumtimetoclimbtheSydney HarbourBridgeis.Thequickansweris thatyoucandosowheneveryouchoose. WhatmakestheBridgesowonderfulis thatitprovidesafantasticperspectiveof thecity,theharbor,anditsenvironsatall timesofday.
Climbsareheldatdawn,noon,sunset, andatnight.Eachtimeofdayhas variousfeaturesthatmakeaClimb uniqueandwellworthrevisiting.
Duringtheday,youcanhearSydney's hecticbuzz,fromshipssailingbelow toSydneysidersgoingabouttheir business.
ViewsoftheazureseasofSydney Harbour,theOperaHouse,andthe splendoroftheRoyalBotanicGardens willbeavailableasyourise. TheClimngiteamcanalsoprovideyou withsomefantasticphotographs.
Atnight,Sydneycomesalivewith brilliantlightsandalivelynightlife.In theevening,theBridgeClimbofferslit 360-degreeviewsofthecityandits surrounds.
Thesaying"theearlybirdgetsthe worm"accuratelyreflectsmorning climbing.Believeuswhenwesuggest thatgettingupearlytowatchthedawn overSydneyHarbourisworthwhile.
Thetransformationofthedayinto theeveningfromtheSummitisa spectacularsightthatmustbe experiencedtobeappreciated.The benefitofatwilightClimbisthat yougetthebestofbothworlds: SydneyduringthedayandSydney atnight.
PylonLookout
TheentrancetothePylonLookout andMuseum,oneofthetopSydney touristsites,islocatedatthefirst pylon.
TheOperaBar
Yes,thislocationallowsyoutokill twobirdswithonestone!TheOpera Bar,whichsituatedrightopposite theSydneyHarbourBridge,hasone ofthegreatestviewsofthebridge. Youmaygetupupandpersonal withtheSydneyOperaHousebefore relaxingwithadrinkandsome harbourbridgeshots.
BluesPointReserve(McMahons Point)
BluesPointReserveatMcMahons Pointisalocalfavoritebecauseit providestheidealsettingforapicnic withaview Welivedfairlyneartothis locationandpasseditonourwayto theboat.Despitethefactthatwesawit everyday,itstillastoundedus. Atlowtide,atinybeachemerges, allowingyoutosnapaphotosquareon (andyoucanevengetsomeoneinthe frametoofferperspective,asourniece graciouslydidabove!).
CahillExpressway
TheCahillExpresswayisanexcellent locationforanighttimephotoofthe HarbourBridge,particularlyifyou happentobeintownduringVivid. Youcanobtainaviewofthewhole harbour,includingthebridgeandthe OperaHouse.DuringVivid,youmay capturesomeincrediblelighttrails, likeourbuddyLeedidwiththisphoto.
ObservatoryHill
ObservatoryHillprovidesa spectacularviewoftheHarbourBridge andTheRocks.Thereisalargegrass
torelaxon,whichisidealforapicnic andaterrificareatoviewthesunset (whichhappensintheopposite directiontothebridgebutstilladds lovelysoftlighttophotos).It'salso freetoparticipate.
BigBusSydneyandBondiHop-on Hop-offTour
ASydneyandBondiBeachbustrip providesalloftheadvantagesofa guidedtour,suchashassle-free transportationandonboardaudio commentary,whileallowingyouto exploretheattractionsatyourown speed.Ticketsaregoodfor24or48 hours,allowingyoutojumponandoff atsightssuchasSydneyHarbour,the Rocks,theRoyalBotanicGarden,and HydePark,orjustrelaxandenjoythe sceneryfromanopen-topdoubledeckerbus.
SydneyTheRocksGuidedWalking Tour
Onthisguidedwalkingtourof Sydney'shistoricarea,discoverthe
mysteriesofSydney'slegacy.Your guidewillleadyoualongshady lanewaysandcobbledcourtyards whereyou'lldiscoversomeofSydney's earliestbuildings,includingCadman's Cottage,builtin1816,andthe GarrisonChurch,builtinthe1840s, withstunningviewsofSydney HarbourandtheCampbellsCove Wharves.
Thiscitybicycletripallowsyoutosee Sydneylikeanative,withfourdistinct itinerarychoices.Allowyourguideto handletherouteandnavigationwhile youenjoytheview,passingattractions liketheSydneyHarbourBridgeand theSydneyOperaHouse.Youcan
chooseabiketourthatfitsyour scheduleandbudgetbyofferinga varietyoftourlengthsandfocalpoints.
Enjoyaleisurelyafternoonsailaround SydneyHarbour,completewithhigh teatreatsandsparklingchampagne. Duringthis1.5-hourpicturesque viewingtour,you'llgetgreatviewsof classicSydneysitesincludingthe SydneyOperaHouse,SydneyHarbour Bridge,FortDenison,andthecity skyline.Upgradetogetawindowsea withgreatviewsoftherenowned gorgeousharborcity.Keepyour cameraavailableforamazingpicture opportunitiesineverydirection.
Reserveatablefora2-Course1.5Houror3-Course3-Hourlunchcruise inSydneyHarbour Asyourboatglides downtheriver,you'llseeiconic SydneysightsincludingtheSydney OperaHouseandtheSydneyHarbour Bridge.Yourseateddiningexperience includesdedicatedserviceforyour chosentwoorthree-coursemeal.As youtakeinthescenery,avarietyof freshseafood,pork,andveggiemeals areoffered.Upgradewhenmaking yourreservationtoensureawindow seat.
SydneyHarbourTopDeckLunch Cruise
Inthedecadestofollow,womenhavetimeandagain provedwhytheirdecisionmattersthemostinthe boardroom.Beitleadingagreatcompanytogreater heights,oreventhesmalleststepasstartingasmall companyandmakingitbiginthemarket;women everywherehaveproventobeabeacontoallthosegirlsout theredreamingofstartingabusiness,ofaskingforwhat theydeserveandsimplybeingtheambitiousselves.
CIOWomenisproudtofeaturethestoryofSonicaAronfor thisissueofTheMostInfluentialWomenToWatchIn 2022.
Exploringnewavenuesiswhatkeepsacuriousmind busyandtakesthemtothepathofsuccess.Beingthe youngestofthethreesiblings,thedrivetomoveoutof theboxwasendearingandthrilling.Whatinspiredher journeytolaunchMarchingSheep?
Comingfromafamilyofdoctors.Theyoungestofthree siblings,nooneinSonicaAron'sfamilyhasstudiedor practicedbusinessmanagement.So,thiswasacompletely
newworldforSonica.Fromhavingmedicaldiscussionsat thedinnertableasachildtotodaywheresheandherfamily talkaboutsocialjustice,genderexpression,awareness aboutdisabilities,andinclusion.SonicaisanHR professionalwithmorethan2decadesofexperience.
WhileworkingatPepsiCo,Sonicawasexposedtodiverse rolesandgeographies.SheworkedinsalesandsalesHR. Sheworkedinafactory.Shealsoworkedinacityaswell asinremoteareas.Thisexperiencehelpedherrealize,how diversepeopleviewedwomenworkforce,workedwith,and dealtwiththem.WhileshewasheadingtheHRdepartment forPhilipsConsumerLifestyleBusinessinIndia,she decidedtotakeadifferentpathandreshapehercareer.In February2013,SonicaAronfoundedMarchingSheepwith thevisionofmakingatangibledifferencetopeoples'lives andcareers.
MarchingSheep,anHRadvisoryfirmestablishedin2013, isfocusedonbuildinglong-termorganizationalcapability andeffectivenessforitsclientsthroughstructured interventionsandsolutionsintheareasofDiversityand
“We are proud to say that all our clients come back to us for more work on the basis of trust and credibility.”
Founder & Managing Partner of Marching Sheep
Inclusion,HRProcessDesignandImplementation, LearningandLeadershipDevelopmentandTalent Management.Weworkcloselywithclientstoarriveat customizedandeffectiveHRinterventionsthatsupport theirstrategyinthecurrentlifecyclestage,aswellas supporttheminrealizationoflong-termbusinessplans.
WeofferholisticinterventionsintheareaofPeople strategy,development,diversityandinclusion,startingfrom diagnostics,topoliciesandprocesses,andcustomized interventionsthathelporganizationsattract,engage,retain, developandgrowadiverseworkforce.Weunderstandthe nuancesofthesituationalongwiththesocietalbackdrop andthemindsetsindividualsandorganizationsstruggle with.
Weproposeandimplementmulti-prongedsolutions, therebydrivingvisible,longterm,sustainablechange.Our programs-Inclusiondiagnostics,Women@work,Unleash thepowerofdiversity,Diversity@Work,Inclusionboot campsandLeadershipinterventionshavebeenverywell receivedbytheindustry Weareseenasathoughtleaderin theareaofdiversityandinclusion,andprogressiveHR practices.
Ouropinionshavebeenpublishedbyleadingpublications includingTOI,HindustanTimes,theHindu,TheStatesmen, TheChronical,DNA,BusinessWorld,tonameafew We havebeenadjudgedasthetop25HRconsultingfirmsby businessconnectandtop10HRfirmsbySiliconIndia,and nominatedamongthetop30inIndiabyUNWomenforour workduringtheCovidpandemictowardsthecommunity andindustry,especiallyinspreadingawarenessabout emotionalimpactofthepandemiconwomenandthe societyandworkforceatlarge.
Andasquirkythenamesounds,it'sawonderwhatis MarchingSheepisallabout.Well,here'saglimpseof everythingtheydothroughthisplatform
The4mainservicesare:
Wetrulybelievethatinclusiveorganizationsaremore productiveandweenableourclientorganizationstoarrive attheirInclusionanddiversitycharterandstrategythrough aninclusiondiagnostic,executableplans,andalsopartner withtheexecution,drivemindsetchange,andculture building.
OrganizationsneedtheirHRstrategy,process,andpolicies toenableemployeestodeliveronthebusinessstrategyand goals.Weworkcloselywithclientorganizationsto streamlinetheVision,mission,values,behavioral frameworks,HRstrategy,policies,andpractices,drive communicationandsocialization,theinternalLeadership, andmanagerialcapabilitytoenablethesame.
Kunal ShindeThelasttwoyearsofthepandemic,theworldhaschanged significantly Asthesocio-economicfabricisevolving,the competenciesneededtosucceedatworkareevolving.We workwithclientstoenableindividualcontributors, managers,andleaderstosucceedbybuildingtheright competencies.Wecurateeachinterventiontodrivetheright behavioursthroughthefacilitationofinsights,reflection,and practice.
Wellnesstodayincludesemotional,mental,andphysical well-being.Whilepoliciesandinsurancecantakecareof thephysicalaspect,therestillneedstobeawarenessand lifeskill-buildingarounddealingwithissueslikeanxiety, stress,andburnout.Withprogramscuratedafterresearch andwiththehelpofclinicalpsychologists,weenable individualstobecomeemotionallyresilientbyidentifying theirownstresstriggers,theirownstressresponses,and copingmechanismsandhencemoreproductive,personally, andprofessionally
“Marching Sheep was established with the purpose of making a tangible difference to people's lives and careers and driving respect and equality for all. These two purpose statements cut through everything we do.
We do not offer canned off-the-shelf programs but work closely with the clients to design solutions, curate contextualized interventions that truly move the needle, and address real business and people needs.”
Theonethingthatmakeseverythingcountiswhen clientscomeupwithpositivefeedback,afterall,the customeristherealdrivingforce!
WehaveworkedwithglobalMNCsandIndian conglomerates,largegiantsandemergingorganizations, andfundedstart-ups.WehaveworkedwithFMCGand FMCDsector,Powerandinfrastructuresector, manufacturingsector,ITandITeSsector,Financialsector, Media,HealthCare,andBPO/KPO.Wehavedelivered interventionsforparticipantsacrossIndia,theAPAC region,Australia,theAmericas,Europe,theMiddleEast, andAfricaRegions.
Webuildlong-termrelationshipswithclientsonthebasisof theQualityofourdelivery.Wedeliverwhatwecommitand ontime.Wespendtimeunderstandingtherealneedsand painpointsofourclientsandoffersolutionsthatwillsolve therealissues.Webuildauthenticrelationships.
“We have clients across industries and life stages.”
Bhaskar Batri
BCGsaysthatleading
innovatorsneeda“well-tuned GlobalInnovationLeaders system”thatcanspotnewproduct, service,andbusinessmodel opportunities.Thissystemneedstobe abletobedevelopedquicklyand scaledupsuccessfullyoverandover again.
BCGsaysthatrepeatinnovatorswho aresuccessfuldothreethingsright: Theywanttomakeinnovationatop priorityandaredecisiveabout investmentsandgoals.They understandhowimportantsizeis.They createasystemforGlobalInnovation Leadersthatwillleadtoacycleof success.
Herearethe10GlobalInnovation LeadersinManufacturing:
1.Siemens
Siemenshasbeenmakingnewthings formorethan170years,andmanyof itsinventionshavechangedhowthe worldworkstoday.Someexamplesare thePointertelegraph,whichchanged thewaypeoplecommunicated,the Dynamo,whichpavedthewayfor modernelectricity,andSIMATIC, whichhasbeenchangingtheway automationworksfordecades.
“Siemensmakesitsmarkwith innovationsthatmatter—Global InnovationLeadersthataren’tjust new,butalsochangemarketstandards asnewproducts,solutions,or services,”saysSiemens.
2.Volkswagen
Itsgoalisto“shapemobilityforfuture generations”by“becominga sustainablemobilityproviderthat servesasarolemodelintheareasof environment,safety,andintegrity.”
VolkswagenGroupInnovationhas beenthebaseforaglobalecosystem
forinnovationsince2019.The groupusesawiderangeofskills andaninternationalnetworkto comeupwithnewideasfor decarbonization,security,saving resources,andfuturemobility
Ÿ GlobalInnovationLeadersin Manufacturing
Ÿ SustainableMobility
Ÿ Intel’sInnovations
3.Intel
Intel’smissionisto“createworldchangingtechnologythat improvesthelivesofeveryoneon earth.”Thisiswhatkeepsthe companygoing,eventhoughit hasbiggoals.GlobalInnovation Leadersisattheheartofthis mission,andIntelworkstomake theworldsafer,buildhealthyand thrivingcommunities,andmake peoplemoreproductive.
GordonMoore,oneofIntel’scofounders,predictedin1965that thenumberoftransistorsona microchipwoulddoubleevery twoyears.Thispredictionledto manyofIntel’sinnovationsinthe industry.“Thisidea,which becameknownasMoore’sLaw, becamethegoldenruleinthe electronicsindustryandsparked newideas.”
4.Adidas
ThefounderofAdidas,Adi Dassler,hadasimplegoal:to improveathletes.Global InnovationLeadersareatthe heartofthebusinessbecauseof thisandthedesiretomake productsthatworkwellandcan bemadeinasustainableway
“Thechoiceofmaterialsandhow theyaremadearethetwomain waysourinnovationteamscan
affecttheenvironmentalfootprintofour products,”saysAdidas,whichistaking stepstodealwithplasticwaste,recycle materials,anduselessvirginplastic.
TheNikebrandcanbedescribedin manyways,butitsgoalisalwaysthe same:to“inspireandinnovateforevery athleteintheworld.”
Nikehasawell-thought-outstrategythat coversawiderangeofsports,lifestyles, andpricepoints.Thisgivesthe companymorechancestobeinnovative andgrowinthelongrun.
“GlobalInnovationLeadersistheone thingthatdrivesNike’sbusinessin everyway.It’sinournaturetotrynew things.Nikesays,“It’sthefuelthat keepsusgoing.”“Becausewe’re connectedtoathletesandcustomers,we canmaketechnologiesandproductsthat changethegame.
Teslawasstartedin2003,anditsgoalis stillthesameasitwasthen:“tospeed upthearrivalofsustainable transportationbybringingcompelling electriccarstothemassmarketassoon aspossible.”
Thiscommitmenttogreen transportationiswhatkeepsTesla comingupwithnewideasandworking withothercompaniestogrowthe marketforelectricvehicles(Evs).Tesla hasbeencalledapioneerintheEV batteryindustrybecauseitknowshow importantitistokeepimprovingbattery technology
7.Sony
Sonyhasbeenmakingnewthingsfor morethan70years.ItmadeJapan’sfirst magnetictaperecorderin1950,thefirst commerciallysuccessfultransistorradio in1995,thefirstcommercialbatterypoweredportableTVin1959,thefirst
5.Nike 6.Teslavideocassetterecorder(VCR)in1971, andthefirstcommercialconsumergradecamcorderin1983.
AkioMorita,theco-founderofSony, hasthreepiecesofadvicewhenit comestoGlobalInnovationLeaders: “Tryinnovationbyelimination,” “Ignorethedoubters,believein yourself,”and“Ignorefocusgroups andinsteadtrytopredictwhat customerswillwant.”
8.Huawei
Overthepast30years,Huaweihas spentmorethan$100billionon researchanddevelopment.David Harmon,DirectorofEUPublicAffairs atHuawei,saysthatGlobalInnovation Leadersareapartofthecompany’s DNA.
Huawei’splansformovingfrom Innovation1.0toInnovation2.0were laidoutin2019.“InInnovation1.0,we focusedonhowtomeetcustomer needsthroughtechnologicaland engineeringGlobalInnovation Leaders.WilliamXu,Directorofthe BoardandPresidentoftheInstituteof StrategicResearchatHuawei,said,“In Innovation2.0,wewillfocuson theoreticalbreakthroughsand inventionsthataredrivenbyour sharedvisionforthefuture.”
9.Samsung
Samsunghashighstandardsforits peopleandtechnologiesbecauseitis committedto“creatingsuperior productsandservicesthatmakethe worldabetterplace.”Theelectronics companyputsalotofmoneyintoits employees.Ithasacultureof innovationbasedontraining,methods thatcanbeusedagainandagain,and anelitecreativeformation.
Samsung’scommitmenttoGlobal InnovationLeaderscanbeseeninits “SamsungStrategyandInnovation
Center”(SSIC).There,thecompany workswithvisionaryentrepreneursand innovatorstofindanddevelopnew technologiesthatwillhelppeopleall overtheworldlivehappier,healthier, andwealthierlives.
TheSSICsays,“TheSamsung StrategyandInnovationCenteris takingtheworldincreativenew directionsthroughinnovative,reliable productsandservices,talentedpeople, aresponsibleapproachtobusinessand globalcitizenship,andcollaboration withourpartnersandcustomers.”
10.Apple
WithstrongQ1resultsfor2021 totalingUS$111.4bninrevenue,Apple isdefinitelytheworld’s“mostvaluable company.”However,Apple’sCEOTim Cooksaysthat“thisquarterforApple wouldn’thavebeenpossiblewithout thetirelessandinnovativeworkof everyAppleteammemberworldwide.”
Applehasmademanyimportant changestohowtechnologyismade overtheyears.Forexample,the iPhone,whichcameoutin2007,was thefirstdevicetoofferafullversionof theinternetthatwasn’tshrunkdown.
Today,Appleisstilltryingtoimprove itsGlobalInnovationLeadersby makingitsowncomputerchips,the M1processor.Whatusedtotake multiplechipstodoisnowdoneona singlechip,calleda“systemonachip” (SoC).“EveryMacthathasM1turns intoatotallydifferentkindofproduct. Thisisnotbetter Applesays,“It’sa bigstepforward.”
