CXO Outlook – Magazine – August 2023 – Most Inspiring Business Women 2023

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Breaking Barriers, Leading Change –Celebrating Women Leaders in Business

In a world where the boundaries of possibility are constantly expanding, we find ourselves in the midst of a transformative era driven by the remarkable achievements and unwavering determination of women in business.

This issue of CXO Outlook is a tribute to the trailblazers, the visionaries, and the gamechangers who have shattered glass ceilings and redefined what it means to lead in the corporate landscape. We are honored to present to you the stories of women who have navigated challenges, seized opportunities, and carved their paths in industries that were once dominated by gender stereotypes.

Our mission is to provide a platform for the voices that have been historically underrepresented, to highlight the wisdom gained from experiences, and to inspire a new generation of leaders. As you flip through these pages, you will encounter stories of

resilience, innovation, and triumph over adversity –stories that will resonate with aspiring leaders and changemakers alike.

Through these profiles, interviews, and insightful features, we hope to foster a community of empowerment and mutual support. We aim to facilitate conversations that challenge norms, ignite conversations, and ignite the spark of potential within every reader. This magazine is not just a celebration of individual success but a celebration of the collective power that

arises when barriers are broken, and dreams are pursued with unyielding passion.

On the cover, we feature Eman Martin-Vignerte, Director of External Affairs and Government Relations, Bosch UK. She has more than six years of experience in Software and hardware engineering in the automotive industry. In an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Eman shared her insights on the evolution of the tech industry over the last decade, her career trajectory, personal role models, the secret mantra behind her success, future plans, and a lot more.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional women who have shared their stories with us, the dedicated team who worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life, and most importantly, to you – our readers. Your support is what propels this movement forward, and we are thrilled to have you join us on this journey of inspiration, growth, and transformation. Enjoy Reading.

Sarath Shyam

42

Guiding Top Executives to Unleash Their True Power

Kristina Madden, Co-Founder and Chief People Officer, Executive Career Upgrades

LEADER'S INSIGHTS

IN MY VIEW

The X-Factor of Leadership that is Going Under the Radar

Sylvia Yu Friedman, Author, Filmmaker, & TV Host 62

Amalia Olivera-Riley, Executive Business Advisor, Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC (SCA)

50

Driving Positive Change in the Energy Industry

COVER STORY

EMAN

MARTIN-VIGNERTE

Director External Affairs & Government Relations,

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF FEMALE TECH LEADERS

Eman Martin Vignerte is Director External affairs and government relations Bosch UK. She has more than 6 years of experience in Software and hardware engineering in automotive industry. In 2004, she was the project manager for electronic pump, Hyundai customer and moved for a year to Korea. She was involved in developing the ceramic Medtronic control units for vehicle engine at Bosch GmbH.

Eman is a board member at Buckinghamshire LEP (Local Enterprise Partnership) and BBF (Buckingham Business First). She is the Chair of CBI Southeast and board member of Local enterprise partnership Buckinghamshire. She is a board member at Success Essex Partnership. She sits on the advisory board for UK5G. She is a member at OCAVIA – The Oxford- Cambridge ARC Virtual Institute for Aviation. She is an advisor for WE- Transform, Workforce Europe transformation agenda for transport automation, EU commission.” She is advisor at Autotech Europe. She is fellow at Leadership Fellow Society of Leadership Fellows, St George’s House, Windsor Castle.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Eman shared her insights on the evolution of the tech industry over the last decade, career trajectory, personal role models, secret mantra behind her success, future plans, and a lot more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

How has the tech industry evolved over the last decade and where is it heading now?

The tech industry has experienced significant evolution over the past decade, paving the way for transformative changes. The rise of mobile devices and applications, particularly smartphones and tablets, has revolutionized our interaction with technology. Mobile apps have become an integral part of our daily lives, transforming various sectors, including customer services, healthcare, finance, and more. Moreover, cloud computing has facilitated remote data

My journey serves as a testament to the fact that challenges can be transformative, and opportunities have the power to shape our trajectory, propelling us to new heights

storage and access, enhancing collaboration and enabling advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

The proliferation of connected devices is rapidly expanding, holding the potential to revolutionize industries such as healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. Cybersecurity technology continues to advance and evolve, ensuring enhanced protection in our increasingly interconnected world. Looking ahead, several trends are worth noting in the tech industry.

The rollout of 5G networks is set to revolutionize mobile device usage and unlock possibilities for technologies like automated driving and smart cities. Augmented and virtual reality are poised to transform industries such as gaming, education, and healthcare. Quantum computing holds promise for solving complex problems beyond the capabilities of traditional technology, while blockchain technology can revolutionize sectors like finance and healthcare by enabling secure decentralized transactions.

Furthermore, sustainability has become a focal point for the tech industry, with a growing emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and developing green technologies. The industry is constantly evolving, with numerous exciting developments on the horizon.

Eman, are there any meaningful events in your backstory that helped shape your career path?

In my journey, there have been significant events in my backstory that have played a pivotal role in shaping my career path. Coming from a Qatari background entrenched in conservatism, my exposure to different perspectives in Europe sparked a curiosity and ignited diverse interests within me.

Through collaboration with stakeholders such as industrial associations, advocacy groups, and NGOs, I work towards advocating for Bosch UK’s interests and advancing shared objectives

From an early age, I had a natural inclination towards geeky subjects, particularly in the fields of math and science. Thankfully, my family, particularly my father, emphasized the importance of receiving a top-notch education. Their unwavering support allowed me to thrive and engage in a multitude of STEM-related activities that significantly influenced my thinking.

As I considered where to pursue my education, Germany stood out due to its rich heritage in high-tech advancements and manufacturing. This led me to choose electrical engineering as my area of study, confident that it would provide a solid foundation for my future career. Looking back, I am immensely grateful for my roots and the support of my family, allowing me to chart my own path.

My journey serves as a testament to the fact that challenges can be transformative, and opportunities have the power to shape our trajectory, propelling us to new heights. It is my hope that my experience can inspire others from similar backgrounds to embrace the potential for success and growth that lies within them.

Can you please tell us about your roles and responsibilities as the Government Affairs Director at Bosch UK?

As the Government Affairs Director at Bosch UK, my role revolves around advocating for the company’s interests and cultivating strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and regulators. I am responsible for monitoring legislative and regulatory developments on behalf of Bosch.

Building relationships is a crucial aspect of my role, as I engage with government

officials and policymakers at both the local and national levels. Through collaboration with stakeholders such as industrial associations, advocacy groups, and NGOs, I work towards advocating for Bosch UK’s interests and advancing shared objectives.

In addition, I provide guidance to senior management on national policies and issues that may affect Bosch UK, offering insights and recommendations to shape our strategic decision-making. I also prepare and deliver testimony for regulatory requirements, conduct in-depth analysis of public policies, and monitor and report on political developments.

A key aspect of my responsibility is to identify potential trends in the tech industry and opportunities for Bosch UK to invest, positioning the company optimally within the government and official circles. All of these efforts contribute to the company’s positive impact on the environment and society, aligning our interests with responsible practices.

Overall, my role as the Government Affairs Director involves navigating the complex landscape of government relations, advocating for Bosch UK’s interests, and driving impactful collaborations for the benefit of the company and the wider community.

You are a member of the Society of Leadership Fellows which is a community of CEOs/Directors from all industries and sectors of the UK. Tell us about the mission of this community and your role in it.

I am really honoured to be a member of the Society of Leadership Fellows, a vibrant community comprising CEOs and directors from diverse industries and sectors across the

UK. Our community is driven by a shared mission: to advance the practice of leadership and promote excellence in our organizations and communities.

At its core, the Society serves as a dynamic forum for members to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives that foster innovation, diversity, and social responsibility. We aspire to inspire and empower each other to lead with purpose, vision, and integrity, making a positive impact on society as a whole.

In my role within this community, I play a critical part in advancing our mission. Leveraging my wealth of knowledge, experience, and practical insights, I actively contribute to the community’s programs and activities. This includes participating in leadership development workshops, engaging in networking events, and taking part in forums where I have the opportunity to share my perspectives on current trends and issues in leadership and management.

By actively participating and offering my unique insights, I contribute to the collective growth and advancement of the Society of Leadership Fellows. Together, we strive to shape the future of leadership, foster meaningful connections, and drive positive change in our organizations and broader society.

Being a Qatari woman in tech, what opportunities did this industry open for you? And what challenges did you face?

As a woman in the tech industry, I have encountered both opportunities and challenges. The technology sector, particularly in Qatar where I come from, is relatively new and rapidly expanding. This growth has created numerous opportunities for women to enter and excel in various fields.

Personally, as a female engineer, I have witnessed a lot of innovation and ample opportunities to grow and flourish in the tech

Breaking unconscious biases that exist in the industry is necessary to create a more inclusive environment

industry. There is great potential for women to take on leadership roles and contribute to the industry’s advancements.

However, a notable challenge lies in the lack of diversity within the tech industry. This is primarily due to the underrepresentation of women, particularly in engineering roles. Encouraging more women to pursue STEM fields is crucial to address this issue. Additionally, breaking unconscious biases that exist in the industry is necessary to create a more inclusive environment. While I haven’t personally faced these biases, I have observed them affecting others in the tech companies and industries I’ve been a part of.

To overcome these challenges, it is essential to diversify the workforce. By promoting gender diversity, creativity is fostered, and overall productivity is enhanced. One of the challenges I have faced is the scarcity of female role models in the tech field, which can make it difficult to find guidance and inspiration. Therefore, I actively support initiatives to increase the visibility of these role models and aspire to become one myself, contributing to the mission of empowering the next generation of women in tech.

How

do

you

currently see equality

in the tech industry? What needs to improve? And how do you think we can achieve a more diverse future in tech?

The tech industry needs improvement in various areas to achieve a more diverse future. Historically, women have been underrepresented in leadership,

engineering, and programming roles. While there has been a growing awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion, more efforts are needed. Companies have implemented diversity and inclusion initiatives, but representation of women, people of colour, and other underrepresented groups still needs improvement.

Unconscious bias and discrimination persist, making it challenging for these groups to advance in their careers. To create an inclusive culture, companies should prioritize creating welcoming environments for all employees, invest in education and training programs, provide mentorship and networking opportunities, and address the pay gap.

Concrete efforts from companies, individuals, and policymakers are essential to achieve true diversity and equality in the tech industry.

Who are your role models for women in tech?

When it comes to role models for women in tech, there are several notable figures. Grace Hopper, a computer scientist and United States Navy admiral, developed the first compiler and

Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years, I envision myself as an influencer and advocate for diversity and inclusion. I aim to leave a lasting impact on the culture, strategy, and success of organizations, particularly in sustainability and green technology. Leading a startup company focused on making a positive impact in the green tech space is also part of my vision. Ultimately, I aspire to be a role model for the next generation and contribute to the advancement of technology.

You have had a remarkable career trajectory over the years. What is the secret mantra behind your success?

My mantra has always been to be brave, take calculated risks and embrace new opportunities. Encouraging creativity, fostering innovation, continuous learning, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills have been vital in my career trajectory. Additionally, having empathy has played a significant role in achieving success.

What’s your no 1 piece of advice for the future generations entering tech?

made significant contributions to programming language development. Cheryl Sandberg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook and author of “Lean In,” is an advocate for women’s leadership and empowerment in the workforce. These women, among many others, serve as inspiring role models for women in the tech industry.

My number one piece of advice for the future generation entering the tech industry is to never stop learning. Technology is constantly evolving, and it is crucial to continuously acquire new skills and stay updated with the latest advancements. Embracing a mindset of curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning will ensure relevance in this dynamic field.

Furthermore, developing strong communication skills, collaborating with others, and being empathetic towards different perspectives are essential for success in the tech industry.

Ultimately, I aspire to be a role model for the next generation and contribute to the advancement of technology

The X-Factor of Leadership that is Going Under the Radar

Teresa Carmo, Strategic Advisor, Stanford Seed

We seem to be living in an era of an undeniable leadership gap, paradoxically coexisting with an abundance of leaders. Suddenly there seems to be a rise of self-designated leaders, leaders related titles are popping up all over social media, and leadership became a buzzword,

often dissociated from the depth and meaning that would make it justice.

On the other hand, the world is changing at a pace the human mind can hardly follow, pressing the need to redefine the way leadership is embodied and understood. We continue however to mistake management positions for the ability

Teresa Carmo is a proponent of authentic leadership, a forward-looking marketer, and an unconventional thinker with a heart for inspiring the reach for greater heights. She combines an avid curiosity and a sharp vision, with a wide and deep marketing skillset from several strategic roles in elite global brands, such as LEGO, Johnson & Johnson and Nestlé, in multiple geographic remits, to drive business change that meets the future. Teresa is a former Senior Global Marketing Director and Global Head of the Preschool business at the LEGO Group’s HQ in Denmark, currently specializing in Leadership at the Stanford Graduate School of Business.

While it’s true that leadership does not require a title, it can be embodied by anyone, anywhere, the fact is that it is absolutely mandatory in positions of power

to lead. Moving up the corporate ladder and being a true leader, are two inherently different things. That role modelling the behaviours of leaders, and those in positions of power, are not always found in the same exact place.

While it’s true that leadership does not require a title, it can be embodied by anyone, anywhere, the fact is that it is absolutely mandatory in positions of power. So, collectively and individually, we need to maximize laser focus on what could in fact address today’s leadership gap and aspire a world in which true leaders and those entitled to be such, are a seamless match.

Might the office be hindering true leadership?

True leadership always begins with the inner person. John Maxwell

The leadership authority, John Maxwell, said it well. If there is a discipline rooted in the deepest layers of the human condition, that’s leadership. This is probably why it’s often misunderstood in contexts driven by extrinsic values. The noise and turbulence found in the rush of achievement-oriented agendas, prevent us from looking at the submersed levels that compose our human reality. With good intentions to get somewhere trusted to be relevant, we may spend our time chasing, or being chased by, all things beyond those that could bring us closer to ourselves. Three interconnected examples that come to mind:

1. We outsource the power over our lives: Busyness, job titles, promotions, wealth, are some of the criteria that define our sense of importance. These are however criteria external to us, not defined by us, and rarely connected

to inner reasons. External validation has the power to get us trapped in the hamster wheel and before we know we are living a life that doesn’t fully reflect who we are or need to be. The hunt for the next corporate ladder is not so commonly anchored in a clear sense of purpose.

2. We go along to get along: There’s a sense of safety that comes from doing what we think will be valued by others. More often than not, we tend to replicate commonly accepted behaviours, acting alike to an extent larger than what human nature would anticipate. We don’t listen enough, let alone own, our biggest source of power: our uniqueness. Leadership is however more likely to be found in a truly unique and genuine character than in someone following a set of expected ideas.

3. We avoid venturing far from the shores: Opposite to where human growth is actually found, we tend to avoid greater risks in life. More than what we may realize, we live on autopilot, within the apathy zone of what has been normalized as the “way to success”. The path to prioritizing the inner person isn’t so tangible, so the unpredictable ends up being an opponent of authenticity, and therefore, of leadership as well.

This reflects yet what the world, and the office culture, reinforces. So, it takes conscious effort to break through the norm and get hold of what personal purpose driven choices truly mean.

Leadership is in its essence an act of service. Leaders who step in with the heart and the mind to be so, are there to give rather than take. Only those with a profound sense of self combined with selflessness, can do this well.

What does mountaineering have to do with leadership?

Emotional intelligence seems to be the currency to thrive in the ever-changing world we live in; at the heart of it lies self-awareness. In his book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ, Daniel Goleman describes this well. And if leadership starts with the inner person and this with selfawareness, then self-awareness might as well be the x-factor of true leadership.

Self-awareness doesn’t yet take enough spotlight in how we manage our lives individually nor in how companies hire, evaluate and promote. It is definitely underrated.

The human reality is however complex, so the path to a solid inner clarity is not onedimensional nor a straight line. As much as the growth found in the workplace is invaluable, there’s limits to what a business setting can realistically do. The ultimate responsibility for the holistic build-up of human capital, lies with the individual and the leader to be. How this is approached, it’s a personal choice and a commitment for a lifetime.

Offering perspective, a way I personally found helpful over the years, is looking for where personal passions meet discomfort, and explore it consistently.

To illustrate, in May this year I did the eight days trek to the Everest Base Camp, at 5364 meters above sea level, in the Himalayas. For those less familiar, trekkers in such context are confronted with many aspects of harsh physical, mental and emotional discomfort. All things big and small have a much higher force of gravity there, easily threatening how and if we get to the next stage of the trek and to the top. This is

not less true for our strengths, and mainly our weaknesses, which get surfaced very visibly, in concentrated effect. It’s a powerful show don’t tell exercise.

There’s a power not to be underestimated in contexts that get us in touch with the bumps of being a beginner again, the vulnerability of having little under our control, and the neutralizing effect of any sort of status or title that we often tie our identities to. These experiences get us to face our human condition as the ultimate source of answers and see other perspectives of who we are or are not, that we might not see so clearly in the workplace.

The choice on how to explore passions, discomfort and risks, are personal and infinite. They are however likely to bring life-changing individual and collective rewards, including building more self-aware, purpose driven and authentic leaders.

In Conclusion

What seems to be paramount is to shift the generalized understanding of leadership from a title-oriented discipline to a human capital based one, with an accent on self-awareness.

That requires:

1) an elevated consciousness of the complexity and criticality of assessing, shaping and honouring the inner person by leaders individually, which takes responsibility prior entitlement;

2) the collective normalization and incentive of the pursuit of unique personal choices that lead to clarity of purpose and authenticity;

3) a higher appraisal by organizations of emotional intelligence evidence and a deep reformulation of what a profile for leadership positions should in fact take.

External validation has the power to get us trapped in the hamster wheel and before we know we are living a life that doesn’t fully reflect who we are or need to be

Elizabeth Cooper

CEO, SHIFTPOSTS

SUCCESSFULLY PAVING THE WAY IN THE PHARMACY STAFFING INDUSTRY

The path to success is not always easy – just ask aspiring entrepreneurs, and they will tell you about the tiresome, persistent process that has kept them awake on many nights. For them, business is more than just a means to make money; it's a way of life. Elizabeth Cooper, the CEO of ShiftPosts, exemplifies this entrepreneurial journey, transforming challenges into opportunities and risks into rewards. Her 'I can do' attitude, diverse industry expertise, and multitude of entrepreneurial experiences make her an inspiring female role model and a successful business leader. Today, she is regarded as

one of the driving forces behind ShiftPosts becoming the leader and benchmark in the pharmacy industry for relief and staffing.

Trip Down the Entrepreneurial Journey

Elizabeth's very first venture was a goat cheese creamery. After tasting some goat cheese that she found to be the best she had ever experienced, Elizabeth, who was working as a winemaker in Napa Valley at the time, shared her delightful cheese encounter with a member of her wine-tasting group. Impressed with her background, the individual suggested that she could create premium-quality cheese herself. Encouraged by the idea, Elizabeth decided to

Elizabeth Cooper CEO, SHIFTPOSTS

give it a try. She recalls, "I shared samples with my friends, and they loved it. Suddenly, I found myself making cheese instead of wine."

Over the years, Elizabeth's career choices were driven by her 'I can do' attitude, genuine interest in various subjects, and her extensive

experience as an entrepreneur, an "intrapreneur," and, once again, an entrepreneur. This combination of skills and knowledge has made her adept at evaluating potential opportunities. As a result, she has played a crucial role in the development of more than 50 young companies and has

worked closely with prominent venture firms, including Accel, NEA, Morgenthaler Ventures, Mohr Davidow, and Draper Esquin.

A Fulfilling Experience of Working with Startups

When it comes to working with startups, Elizabeth truly enjoys the intellectual stimulation of problem-solving, listening to new ideas, and evaluating their potential for success. Once she becomes involved in a project, her nature doesn't allow her to quit. This relentless attitude can be traced back to her upbringing, where she was taught always to finish what she started.

During her time at IDG, Elizabeth was recruited for a role that allowed her to contribute significantly to putting Sun Microsystems on the map. At IDG, executives were expected to be at the forefront of technology and stand out in the market. To achieve this, they brought in experts who provided training to Elizabeth and her team, including the consulting group that prepared President Clinton for the Camp David agreements.

"After about 18 months at IDG, I noticed a market gap that I believed we could fill. Encouraged to do so, I pitched the idea to our Founder and COB, Pat McGovern, who then provided me with 8MM to start a new division," reveals Elizabeth. However, within a few months, she managed to give back that investment. Elizabeth established a "go-to-market strategy" playbook that was used to create a "sales channels" focused publication and consulting services group. These initiatives assisted both major and minor technology firms in launching new products, reassessing sales and distribution strategies, or even spinning off new companies. Elizabeth and her team excelled at dissecting complex problems and reconstructing organizations into more efficient and effective entities. As a result of her successful track record, she was entrusted with many young organizations to revamp and reshape.

ShiftPosts: Where Quality Staffing is Made Easy

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota ShiftPosts operates its Canadian business out of

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota ShiftPosts operates its Canadian business out of Toronto and is a disruptive Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that connects a network of pre-verified pharmacy professionals with pharmacy operators seeking relief, part-time, or full-time shift coverage

Toronto and is a disruptive Software as a Service (SaaS) platform that connects a network of preverified pharmacy professionals with pharmacy operators seeking relief, part-time, or full-time shift coverage. The ShiftPosts team comprises healthcare and pharmacy experts who work together to deliver top-quality, verified staff promptly and without compromise.

Celebrating the Success Stories

ShiftPosts was initially launched in 2019 in Canada, with a pre-planned expansion into the US in the fall of 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted these plans. The company faced financial challenges, and the social distancing requirements made people anxious about interacting with unknown individuals, even in essential services like pharmacies.

Recalling those unprecedented times, Elizabeth shares, "We realized that healthcare staffing was a more significant problem. So, when mass vaccination efforts were announced, we actively sought the opportunity to operate the planned mass vaccination sites." Despite facing competition from three large established agencies, ShiftPosts managed to win a contract with one county in Ontario. In less than 72 hours, ShiftPosts qualified over 600 healthcare workers and successfully staffed more than 4000 shifts in 120 locations, including 13 mobile sites, with minimal manpower. The company outperformed the competing agencies, earning trust and becoming the go-to staffing solution for the county.

Now, ShiftPosts has secured a year-toyear contract with the county and regularly employs people from its platform. "With that effort, we proved we could scale and handle emergency situations easily," proudly adds

Healthcare professionals now have the freedom to choose when and where they want to work as members of the ShiftPosts platform. They can even book shifts as far ahead as 2025, providing them with longterm planning opportunities

Elizabeth. ShiftPosts has made a significant positive impact, transforming the healthcare staffing market at a faster pace. The wages for ShiftPosts' workers have increased by nearly 20% compared to full-time employees. Additionally, the company's major customers

have experienced a 70% reduction in hiring costs, and cultural barriers to employment have significantly decreased. Healthcare professionals now have the freedom to choose when and where they want to work as members of the ShiftPosts platform. They can even book

inspiring

herself, Elizabeth believes that women's innate multitasking abilities can make them exceptional entrepreneurs

shifts as far ahead as 2025, providing them with long-term planning opportunities.

Overcoming Startup Challenges

In the world of startups, entrepreneurs face a myriad of challenges on a regular basis. According to Elizabeth, the biggest challenge for leadership is the ability to discern real challenges and determine how to address them effectively. Embracing change is also crucial. Leaders must make decisions without being driven by fear or uncertainty, whether it involves vendors, functions, or any other aspect of the business.

Furthermore, it's essential for leaders to understand that if their team believes in the company's mission but has concerns about the leadership, those issues must be addressed and resolved promptly. This highlights the significance of being patient and actively listening to the team's feedback and needs.

Being open to feedback and making necessary adjustments contributes to building a strong and cohesive team in the startup environment.

Lessons Learned from the Venture Capital World

One of the first lessons Elizabeth learned from her VC days was the importance of staying ahead of the curve, especially when communicating with investors, as surprises are unwelcome. Equally essential is understanding the specific areas of interest for VCs when seeking capital resources. Being proactive and well-prepared in these aspects can significantly enhance the chances of securing funding and maintaining a positive relationship with investors.

Essential Skills Required to Become Successful Womenpreneurs

An inspiring businesswoman herself, Elizabeth believes that women's innate multitasking

An

businesswoman

abilities can make them exceptional entrepreneurs. To access capital effectively, she recommends aspiring women entrepreneurs secure verbal commitments from potential investors before diving into client interactions.

Keeping a close watch on competitors, their funding sources, and capitalization is also crucial in staying ahead in their market space.

Businesswomen should recognize their own potential, whether they have acquisition

prospects or the ability to sustain growth independently in the long run. Understanding their strengths and growth potential helps in making strategic decisions.

Similarly, Elizabeth advises start-up founders to consider offering advisors a percentage of the company or compensation. This approach allows

founders to reward those who contribute to the company's growth with ownership, ensuring alignment of interests and a shared commitment to success. By involving advisors with a stake in the company, founders can build stronger partnerships and create a more dedicated support network for their start-up’s journey.

ShiftPosts envisions expanding its reach into diverse industries beyond healthcare. The platform aims to cater to sectors where the demand for up-to-date valid credentials, thorough background checks, and verifiable skills is essential

Pearls of Wisdom

Elizabeth advises women entrepreneurs to test their ideas on at least 15 people who genuinely understand the problem and need the proposed solution. As women and sole founders, they should be prepared that their idea might not receive the expected attention or the grand applause from VCs. VC investors come across numerous brilliant ideas daily, making them somewhat immune to hype. VC’s rarely invest in sole founders, they like teams that have prior experience working together.

To get started, Elizabeth encourages female entrepreneurs to leverage their network of friends and family resources. Seeking their insights and opinions can be valuable, even if the feedback is not always what they hope to hear. The outside perspectives bring critical viewpoints that can help refine and strengthen the business idea.

Building a team before diving into the idea is crucial. Entrepreneurship is a substantial

undertaking, and trying to handle everything alone can be overwhelming. Assembling a close, motivated team of doers not only aids in achieving set goals but also fosters a supportive environment that propels the startup toward success. A collaborative team brings diverse skills and perspectives, enhancing the chances of victory for the venture.

Future Plans

Moving forward, ShiftPosts envisions expanding its reach into diverse industries beyond healthcare. The platform aims to cater to sectors where the demand for up-todate valid credentials, thorough background checks, and verifiable skills is essential. This strategic expansion will enable ShiftPosts to provide top-quality verified staff to a broader range of businesses, meeting their specific staffing needs with the same level of efficiency and reliability as in the healthcare sector.

In a GenAI World, Curating Unstructured Data Gives Your Company a Competitive Edge

Carolyn J Parent, President and CEO, Conveyer

Building stand-out AI solutions starts with unlocking the power of your unstructured proprietary data. Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you know that generative AI (GenAI) is changing the world. The launch of ChatGPT triggered a tsunami of GenAI innovation as tech giants such as Google and Apple rushed to develop their own large language models (LLMs). With GenAI expected to drive $7.9 trillion per year in economic activity, businesses of all kinds are now racing to figure out what GenAI means for them, and how they can use this incredible technology to boost productivity, elevate their products, and dazzle their customers.

But there’s a catch: you can’t simply deploy an off-the-shelf LLM and expect to get results. By definition, public LLMs are available to everyone, so it’s hard to use them to generate significant competitive advantage; anything your business does with ChatGPT, mine can

quickly emulate. To stand out from the crowd and unlock value that others can’t quickly match, businesses need to turn to what makes them unique — their proprietary data — to build a moat around their business.

As the Harvard Business Review recently reported, companies are already starting to build bridges between emerging GenAI technologies and proprietary data. The challenge, as they do so, is learning to transform and curate messy unstructured data into actionable assets. This, in fact, is the key frontier in the emerging GenAI arms race: the companies that most effectively operationalize their unstructured data will be best positioned to create bespoke LLMs, win market share, and stay a step ahead of their rivals.

Find your Data Moat

Why is unstructured proprietary data the key to a successful GenAI strategy? It boils down to the fact that to get a competitive edge, you

Carolyn Parent is the CEO of Conveyer, an AI platform that helps businesses transform and generate proprietary data. Recently, she served as Entrepreneur in Residence at HearstLab. A recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and tech veteran with 25+ years of CEO experience at growth-oriented software companies, Parent has ushered in six profitable exits. Her previous roles include: CEO of LiveSafe, a risk intelligence company acquired by Vector Solutions; Cofounder of Gravy Analytics, a location-based analytics company recognized as a leader in mobility data; and GM of Deltek, a project management software company that successfully IPO’d.

By definition, public LLMs are available to everyone, so it’s hard to use them to generate significant competitive advantage; anything your business does with ChatGPT, mine can quickly emulate

need to use GenAI to do things your rivals can’t replicate. Anyone can spin up a GenAI chatbot that provides plausible-sounding tips on how to clean your dishwasher, for instance — but create a tool that gives accurate, highvalue results tailored to your brand and your customers’ specific appliance model, and you’ll rightly stand out from the pack.

To achieve those kinds of results, organizations need to use fine-tuning and prompt-tuning methodologies to infuse unstructured proprietary data into existing LLMs. Essentially, this means using valuable data to supplement the public data on which LLMs were originally trained, giving them domain-specific “expertise” and enabling them to generate more valuable outputs in ways that rivals, lacking access to the underlying proprietary data, can’t easily copy.

Importantly, this approach also helps mitigate business risks. While generic LLMs, built using unvetted public data, are prone to inaccuracies, “hallucinations,” and even copyright violations, adding proprietary data into the mix gives businesses more control and customers more confidence.

To unlock these benefits, though, organizations first need to marshal their proprietary data. The good news is that while training an LLM requires billions of data points, fine-tuning and prompt-tuning can be achieved with smaller datasets. Morningstar’s Mo tool, for instance, was prompt-tuned using about 10,000 pieces of investment research, while Morgan Stanley’s internal GenAI system was crafted with around 100,000 documents.

Creating the datasets needed for LLM customization isn’t easy, though. We’re talking about the data your company generates

To unlock that nascent value, organizations urgently need to figure out how to surface the salient data, process it to protect customer privacy and business IP, and add tags and other structural metadata to enable efficient GenAI customization

and uses every day — not carefully processed data sitting in neatly structured rows and columns, but messy, unstructured, organic data that lives in working documents, product manuals, customer service transcripts, and beyond. This data is often undervalued, but in the GenAI era it’s critically important, serving as a goldmine of expert insights and institutional knowledge that can be leveraged to customize and elevate LLMs.

To unlock that nascent value, organizations urgently need to figure out how to surface the salient data, process it to protect customer privacy and business IP, and add tags and other structural metadata to enable efficient GenAI customization. Above all, they need to find a way to perform this data curation quickly, accurately, and affordably. That’s a challenging task — and one that, more than anything else, will determine the winners and losers in the GenAI revolution.

Curation is Key

As things stand, few companies have effective data curation processes in place: up to 90% of the world’s data is unstructured, but only 18% of companies say they’re currently able to leverage that data. Bridging that gap, and surfacing and organizing the value submerged in unstructured documents, records, and datasets, is tough — but it’s absolutely essential if we’re to sculpt dependable, highvalue GenAI models.

One option is to curate unstructured proprietary data manually. That’s the approach Morgan Stanley took, committing a team of 20 analysts to validate and organize the dataset used to fine-tune their GenAI model. But manual curation — which includes

trawling through datasets by hand to identify useful documents or records, screen them for sensitive data, and structure them in ways that AI tools can act on — isn’t easy.

Dedicate your best people to this task, and you’ll incur an opportunity cost: what else should these strategically and technologically astute leaders have been doing with their time? Give more junior employees the responsibility, though, and you risk misjudgments or errors that lead to inefficiency, low-quality results, or even the expense of having to recalibrate your LLM with higher-quality data at a later date. That’s why many organizations are now using automated technologies to identify, catalog, sort, and structure the data they need.

Automated and AI-powered curation is, by its nature, more affordable and sustainable than manual approaches. It enables large volumes of data to be processed rapidly, empowering companies to more quickly build the GenAI tools they need. Crucially, AI-based curation can also run more-or-less continually, enabling LLMs to be updated with the latest and most salient data in nearreal time — either via fine-tuning processes, or by calling up properly tagged and formatted data via APIs — to ensure your data moat gets deeper and more defensible over time.

Don’t do it Alone

To be clear, curating unstructured proprietary data is difficult — in some ways more difficult than simply training an LLM on vast volumes of undifferentiated data scraped from the public web. Trying to manage that task manually is a fool’s errand. Instead, organizations need to use AI to enable AI and find sophisticated tech partners that can help

them identify and extract actionable data from their existing unstructured data assets. This explains why some of the biggest acquisitions in the GenAI space involve firms whose technologies focus not on building new LLMs, but rather on leveraging proprietary data to customize existing models. Organizations generally lack the inhouse expertise and resources to manage data curation — but by finding the right outside partners, they’re gaining the support they need to sort and structure their unstructured data and activate it for the use-cases where it can do the most good.

The bottom line: whether you’re looking to build customer support chatbots, empower employees with auto-generated analytics, or streamline digital marketing campaigns, every successful GenAI strategy starts with unstructured data curation. This is the new GenAI arms race, and the starting pistol has already fired — so it’s up to you to move quickly to find the tools and resources you need to unlock the power of your data. For businesses of all kinds, effectively curating unstructured proprietary data is the key to gaining and maintaining a competitive edge in the GenAI era.

Organizations generally lack the in-house expertise and resources to manage data curation — but by finding the right outside partners, they’re gaining the support they need to sort and structure their unstructured data and activate it for the use-cases where it can do the most good

MOST INSPIRING BUSINESS WOMAN 2023

Kristina Madden

AND CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER, EXECUTIVE CAREER UPGRADES

GUIDING TOP EXECUTIVES TO UNLEASH THEIR TRUE POWER

In the world of mindset coaching, one name stands out like a beacon of inspirationKristina Madden, the Co-Founder and Chief People Officer at ECU. With an unwavering passion for transforming lives and careers, Kristina has worked with over 5,000 professionals, helping them soar to new heights by unleashing their true potential.

For Kristina, mindset coaching is not just a job; it's a calling that springs from a deep desire to make a meaningful impact on people's lives. "I have always believed that everyone possesses incredible untapped potential. My mission is to guide them in unlocking that hidden power and creating the best version of themselves," Kristina shares.

Kristina's journey into mindset coaching started with a remarkable insight during her illustrious career. As she worked closely with thousands of professionals, she realized that many high achievers were grappling with untapped potential, held back by selfdoubt and limiting beliefs. Witnessing the transformative power of mindset coaching, she knew she had found her true calling. "It's all about understanding the individual's unique journey and crafting a personalized roadmap to success," she explains.

With her wealth of experience, Kristina has encountered and conquered numerous challenges faced by top executives. Imposter Syndrome, fear of failure, limiting beliefs,

CO-FOUNDER

Kristina Madden CO-FOUNDER AND CHIEF PEOPLE OFFICER, EXECUTIVE CAREER UPGRADES

and work-life balance struggles are among the common obstacles she has helped clients overcome. "By guiding them to reframe their mindsets, embrace challenges, and acknowledge their achievements, I empower my clients to step into their leadership potential," she proudly states.

Anecdotes of Transformation

The corridors of power and boardrooms are Kristina’s stage, where she collaborates with influential figures on their transformational journeys. Kristina's coaching has led to numerous success stories that leave a lasting impact on her clients. "One of my most memorable clients was a tech industry Vice President," Kristina recounts with a sparkle in her eyes. "She was struggling to align her career with her dreams and desired a role that would truly fulfill her ambitions."

Through dedicated coaching, Kristina helped the VP find the clarity and confidence she needed to secure her dream role in a leading company. As an added bonus, her new position came with a substantial salary increase, solidifying her professional and personal satisfaction. "Witnessing such transformations is incredibly rewarding," Kristina says with genuine pride in her work.

As a Results Coach, Kristina's focus on tangible outcomes and

measurable progress set her apart in the industry. Emphasizing self-awareness, positive affirmations, goal setting, visualization, and accountability, she equipped her clients with the tools to thrive and excel in their careers. "Every individual is a unique masterpiece, and so should be their coaching journey," she says with conviction. "By tailoring our approach to cater to each client's specific needs and aspirations, we ensure that they receive the most authentic and genuine support." Kristina's coaching had notable effects on companies on the Inc. 500 list, ranging from

improved leadership and talent acquisition to enhanced growth mindset and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Turning Obstacles into Triumphs

No journey is without its share of challenges, and Kristina knows this all too well. "One of the most common obstacles I encounter is the fear of failure," she reveals. "But it's crucial to understand that failure is not the end; it's an opportunity for growth. By reframing their mindset, I guide my clients to see failure as a stepping stone to success."

The corridors of power and boardrooms are Kristina’ s stage, where she collaborates with influential figures on their transformational journeys

One of the key elements in Kristina's coaching strategy is empowering her clients to position themselves as leaders in the marketplace. "We focus on building strong personal brands and thought leadership," she reveals with a knowing smile. "By helping our clients showcase their expertise and lead with authenticity, they gain the attention of top employers and position themselves as true leaders."

Kristina understands the significance of mindfulness in fostering growth and resilience. "Mindfulness practices empower individuals to be self-aware, manage stress, and stay focused," she explains with warm sincerity. "Through techniques like meditation, we nurture emotional well-being and a powerful inner drive to succeed." In her coaching, Kristina embraced a holistic approach, incorporating mindfulness, emotional intelligence, goal setting, work-life balance, and a positive mindset to foster overall well-being and success.

Quenching the Thirst for Success

A thirst for success is a shared trait among executives, and Kristina knows how to quench it. "We focus on building strong personal brands and thought leadership," she reveals. "By helping our clients showcase their expertise and lead with authenticity, they gain the attention of top employers and position themselves as leaders in the marketplace."

Kristina understands the significance of mindfulness in fostering growth. "Mindfulness practices empower individuals to be selfaware, manage stress, and stay focused," she explains. "Through techniques like meditation, we nurture emotional well-being, resilience, and a powerful inner drive to succeed."

Kristina's longterm vision for Executive Career Upgrades is focused on expanding its reach, continuous innovation, building partnerships, empowering diverse talent, and measuring impact

Kristina's long-term vision for Executive Career Upgrades is focused on expanding its reach, continuous innovation, building partnerships, empowering diverse talent, and measuring impact. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and maintaining their commitment to excellence, Executive Career Upgrades aims to empower high achievers to reach their true potential and make lasting positive contributions to their careers and the companies it serves. "We aim to create an orchestra of professionals who have unleashed their potential and are making a positive impact on the world," she exclaims. "By expanding our reach, forming partnerships, and continuously innovating, we will continue to be the catalysts of transformation."

A Symphony That Inspires

In a world where potential often lies dormant, Kristina Madden is conducting a symphony of empowerment and inspiration. Through her genuine passion, personalized approach, and unyielding dedication, she has become a guiding light for professionals seeking to unlock their true power. As Kristina says, "There's no greater joy than witnessing someone realize their full potential and soar to greatness. That's what makes my journey as a mindset coach so fulfilling."

Kristina Madden's remarkable journey as a mindset coach and Chief People Officer was defined by her unwavering belief in the potential of individuals. Armed with empathy and expertise, she carved a path for thousands of professionals, transforming lives and careers along the way. As her legacy continued to ripple through the corporate realm, Kristina's

story became a testament to the limitless possibilities that arise when one embraces their true potential and dares to dream beyond the confines of self-imposed limitations. With each success story, she reinforced the notion that with the right mindset and support, one could achieve greatness and unleash their fullest potential, propelling the world towards a brighter, more empowered future.

In a world where potential often lies dormant, Kristina Madden is conducting a symphony of empowerment and inspiration

Driving Positive Change in the Energy Industry

Amalia Olivera-Riley, Executive Business Advisor, Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC (SCA)

What is the role of the energy industry today? How has that changed in recent years?

The energy industry has become of critical importance today. As COP 26 brought intense focus and commitment to lower emissions and Net Zero aspirations, the geopolitical events that followed have put major strains on those aspirations. The global community is looking to shift the energy supply methods very quickly,

creating tension for energy security, affordability and sustainability (energy trilemma). The push for a fast energy transition is starting to meet the reality of the social impact and the threat this poses to the sustainable goals desired. As the world is rethinking how to best meet the growing demand of energy to support economic and social welfare, the energy industry is at the center stage, unfolding all of its potential to face the challenge.

As the world is rethinking how to best meet the growing demand of energy to support economic and social welfare, the energy industry is at the center stage, unfolding all of its potential to face the challenge

Amalia Olivera-Riley is an energy leader with 30+ years of experience. She has held executive positions with ExxonMobil, Repsol, and Tullow Oil, generating impact in areas of business performance, energy strategy, leadership, and transformation. She has global experience, working on projects in 40+ countries. She is Executive Business Advisor with SCA and advisor to Bain & Company. She serves on the board of Lean In Equity and Sustainability, supporting women in the Energy Industry. She holds a Geology degree from the University of Buenos Aires and a Ph.D. from Purdue University (USA). She was distinguished as Top 275 Global Female Influencers (Energy Council, 2020). Amalia is an active member of the energy community. Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Amalia shared her insights on the role of the energy industry today, her career trajectory, current roles and responsibilities as the Executive Business Advisor at SCA, secret productivity tips, pearls of wisdom, and much more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

According to you, what advances in technology do you see stepping up to play a bigger role in the energy industry? Technology development has always played a big role in the energy industry. From my perspective, new technology applications of existing technologies, or a new combination or adaptation of existing technologies, is one of the most effective ways to generate fast impact.

As some say, these are not “revolutions” but rather a series of “evolutions”. I expect that advances in decarbonization of hydrocarbon operations will take the spotlight in technology developments for the energy industry. In my opinion, optimizing what we know how to do can happen faster and easier than coming up with whole new ways of doing things. One area that is developing rapidly, leveraging

previous expertise, is carbon capture and storage. I believe this technology will grow and play an important role in the energy industry.

What risks to innovation do you see in the energy industry?

That’s a very relevant question! While new technologies are exciting, large-scale adoption before full test and the “test of time” can be

risky. Also, mass production of innovations takes time to set up. Finally, affordability is key for the successful adoption of the new technologies.

Amalia, are there any meaningful events in your backstory that helped shape your career path?

Absolutely – no doubt. To begin with my childhood, growing up as one of 11 siblings in Argentina has made me a very adaptable and resilient person. The stability of a loving family gave me a strong platform to launch from, as a young adult, when I had the opportunity to participate in an Antarctic field campaign, and later moved to the US for my Ph.D. During my professional career, I can think of 2 defining moments: the first one was receiving constructive performance feedback, delivered with the greatest empathy. That feedback session allowed me to address the issue, but more importantly, it taught me how to better deliver constructive feedback with positive impact. The second event was going into a new position as Head of Exploration right before the pandemic in 2020, and immediately having to navigate our internal crisis and lay-offs in multiple countries though virtual tools, before I had a chance to meet many of my colleagues in person. That was a huge growth process where I learned a lot about effective transformation and human leadership.

Tell us about your current roles and responsibilities as the executive business advisor at Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC (SCA). I am leading a new line of business within SCA, to provide Business Advisory Services to the oil and gas industry. Our business model is to leverage former industry leaders with hands-

Having a higher purpose that is well articulated, makes it easier to accept the shifts within a framework of stability

on experience in teams tailored to the needs of the client. We believe in diversity and breadth of experience, as well as multidisciplinary collaboration, to come up with fit for purpose solutions. Our focus areas are asset optimization, partner influencing, organizational efficiency, strategy, and change management. We believe that, in the current uncertain environment for the energy industry, an external view of experts that have been “in the same shoes” can be very helpful to provide practical advice. Our tailored approach and fit for purpose focus targets effective solutions with short interventions from experts. I would define our services as “boutique

Promoting cultural understanding and appreciating diversity are not a matter of courtesy, but rather are an engine for good business results

management consulting with hands-on, diverse, and global experience”.

Crises can arise in many ways and often strike without warning. During such unprecedented times, what can leaders do differently to provide more effective leadership to the team?

I agree with you that crises often come up without warning. In my opinion, crises can provide huge opportunities, and seeing them through this lens can be a powerful tool to navigate them successfully. In my experience, open communication and recognition of the difficulties create an environment where the team can turn from feeling like a victim of the crises to stepping up and looking for ways to be part of the solution. Engaging the teams in solving the crises brings out more resources and channels people’s energy in a productive way. It also strengthens the interpersonal relationships, and therefore the team spirit.

In your opinion, what is the secret recipe (practices) to building highperforming teams in today’s fastevolving business environment?

I have led several high performing teams throughout my career, and you are right, teams require “building”. I believe two things are essential in building high performing teams. The first one is to know the team members, providing an environment of trust where they can share what “makes them tick”. The second one is to continuously appeal to their motivation articulating a higher inspirational purpose for the team. If we limit motivation to the task at hand, and that evolves, it makes things

confusing. Having a higher purpose that is well articulated, makes it easier to accept the shifts within a framework of stability.

What is the importance of cultural understanding? How can leaders promote it within their teams?

Cultural understanding is essential in today’s global business environments. I think it starts with self-awareness and sharing these cultural preferences openly. This little step can open the door for others to share their cultural preferences and enriches the work environment. In my opinion, diversity provides huge advantages for teams to develop creative solutions. Promoting cultural understanding and appreciating diversity are not a matter of courtesy, but rather are an engine for good business results.

Are there any instances or experiences which drove you to work harder, faster, and better in life?

There are, indeed. Driven by deep conviction, I find strong motivation in difficulties. I many times find myself fighting fiercely for the “underdog”, if integrity tells me that is the right thing to do. I worked on a project many years ago, which was openly disliked by a senior executive in the company. The project had all the right elements, and it competed well technically and commercially against other projects in the portfolio. It was the right thing to do! I worked with a team and a supportive manager through a steady strategy to deliver comparisons with other projects, and through a series of well thought out interactions with senior management as a team, we were able to get approval. It’s great to see that the project

has been developed and is still part of the company’s portfolio, and our integrity and tenacity have paid off.

What’s a productivity tip you swear by?

Stick to your diary as much as possible, when it involves others. This is a major challenge, especially in a constantly changing environment. However, shuffling of items at the last minute contributes to constant change and kills productivity. Keeping items in the diary and making them happen allows for progress and enables your collaborators to keep moving as well.

What advice do you have for professionals who are just starting out?

Looking back at my professional path, I’d say two things: 1) A professional life can be very rewarding if you understand the meaning of work in your life – working is not a necessary evil so you can live your life outside of work. Working is a big part of your growth opportunity as a person, and of your journey to fulfilment. 2) The energy industry will continue to be a key industry to make people’s lives better. We should be proud to play a role in this industry.

Keeping items in the diary and making them happen allows for progress and enables your collaborators to keep moving as well

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Navigating the Transition to Clean Energy Careers: Tips, Challenges, and Opportunities

Mary Cauwels, Head of Product Marketing, PowerFlex

The transition to clean technology careers is an exciting and challenging one. However, breaking into this field can be difficult without the right knowledge, expertise, connections. With the increased awareness and support from governments, investors and customers to reduce the effects of climate change and provide greener, more affordable and reliable energy, companies in clean energy, decarbonization and energy efficiency are growing in numbers and they need experienced leaders in all corporate disciplines.

Recently, many leaders across industries have faced job loss, downsizing and significant economic impacts to their companies, their teams and in some cases, their own job, leading them to ask “Am I ready to make a change?” First, congratulations. You are taking an important step toward a new chapter

in your career that can be equally if not more rewarding than your current position. Second, take a breath and think about what matters most to you and what criteria would attract you to make that change. If you are like so many professionals leading companies today, you may simply be burnt out or frustrated by the state of your industry and company. Or you may desire a leadership role that goes beyond building a successful company toward building a better world for everyone. Whatever has triggered you to think about making a change, consider exploring your next role as a leader in clean technology.

As a matter of background, clean tech is an umbrella term covering a wide range of sub industries including clean energy like solar, wind, and hydro power generation to energy storage and batteries, electric vehicles

Mary Cauwels is an innovative marketing professional specializing in product and solution marketing with 25+ years of experience. She made the transition from high tech software and services to clean energy and climate technology nearly ten years ago and has not looked back…except to investigate emerging technologies like generative AI and machine learning. She currently heads Product Marketing at PowerFlex (www.powerflex.com). She has her M.B.A and B.S from San Jose State University in international marketing.

Making the transition to clean energy can be a daunting task. There is an abundance of knowledge out there and it might feel overwhelming

Personally, I have found climate tech professionals to be very generous with their time and expertise, proving to be extremely helpful in managing my own transition from high tech software to clean energy

(EV) and EV charging infrastructure, energy efficiency, energy trading, decarbonization, carbon capture and sequestration, and carbon markets, to green fuels like hydrogen and bio fuels. You may have also heard terms like green or climate tech. Bottom line, the industry is diverse and growing rapidly as new technologies emerge, products become more mainstream, affordable and reliable, and investments continue to flow.

Making the transition to clean energy can be a daunting task. There is an abundance of knowledge out there and it might feel overwhelming. Here are some tips and strategies you should consider as you make this move go more smoothly.

1. Do your own research. Take the time to learn more about the industry as a whole. It’s important to understand the different sub

segments and their drivers, as well as how they all fit together in the bigger picture. Read industry reports, dive into news sites and blogs, attend online webinars and conferences, and ask if there is a segment that feels like a good fit for you. Explore the range of companies in this space and learn about their offerings, their business models, their leaders, customers and investors. Knowing the ecosystem is an important part of developing your expertise.

2. Connect with people already working in the field. Knowing someone who has successfully navigated this transition can be hugely helpful. Find out their experience and the strategies they used to make the move. Try connecting with people on LinkedIn or attending industry events and network within the many non-profit associations striving to advance climate change. Personally, I have found climate tech professionals to be very generous with their time and expertise, proving to be extremely helpful in managing my own transition from high tech software to clean energy.

3. Consider expanding your skillset. Depending on what areas of clean tech you want to work in, chances are there will be some new skills or certifications you’ll need to acquire before making a successful transition. This is not always a requirement depending on your function, but it can differentiate you from other candidates. Explore options like short courses and webinars offered by companies, local or national organizations and universities that offer certification programs for professionals wanting to transition into

clean tech roles. Many of these programs have financial incentives to offset the costs.

4. Embrace your transferable skillset. You may already have many of the skills required to succeed as a clean tech leader—just think about the different aspects of your current job and how they might translate into a clean tech role. Startups need finance leaders who can position the company for investment rounds, and mid-size companies need leaders to drive more revenue, commercialize their products for more volume, improve operations for more efficiency, and increase customer satisfaction. Be confident in your experience in IT, accounting, sales, marketing, operations, supply chain and procurement, logistics, development, product and project management or other areas to make yourself a more attractive candidate.

5. Start looking for your next role. There are many resources dedicated to job posting in clean tech. I’ve found www.climatebase.org to be very helpful as well as broader professional networks like LinkedIn where you can apply filters to your job search. Lean into your existing relationships with recruiters and find out if their firms have practices focused on climate tech or green jobs. Proactively reach out to your peers in companies of interest to let them know you are ready to make the jump to clean tech.

Making the transition into clean energy doesn’t have to be intimidating; instead, use these tips and strategies to help you successfully navigate the journey ahead. With a bit of preparation and due diligence, you can become an expert in clean energy and help to lead the way towards a bright future. Best wishes and good luck.

Bringing Untold Stories to Light

Sylvia Yu Friedman, Author, Filmmaker, & TV Host

As an accomplished author, filmmaker, and TV host, you have undoubtedly made significant contributions to the media industry. Can you share with us your personal journey and the challenges you faced as a woman in these fields?

I have had a lot of unconventional and adventurous work, life and relationship experiences in China, Hong Kong and across

Asia over the last 19 years. As a philanthropy fund manager and journalist, I have had the absolute joy and the gravest responsibility to bear witness to the poorest, hopeless, and exploited men, women and children. Seeing so much human suffering has profoundly transformed me and given a different perspective on life and human nature. I am currently writing a book to pass on these lessons for the next generation.

Seeing so much human suffering has profoundly transformed me and given a different perspective on life and human nature

Sylvia is an award-winning filmmaker, Penguin Random House author, TV host and philanthropy consultant. She was awarded the Global 50 Women In Sustainability Awards 2022 by The SustainabilityX® Magazine. She was among the Top 100 Human Trafficking & Slavery Influence Leaders List in 2017 by Assent Compliance. She won the prestigious 2013 International Human Rights Press Award for her three-part documentary series on human trafficking. Since 2005, Sylvia has managed and directed millions of dollars to major humanitarian portfolios. She is the author of ‘A Long Road to Justice: Stories from the Frontlines in Asia’; ‘Silenced No More: Voices of Comfort Women’, the only journalistic account of historical Japanese military sex slavery during WWII, and ‘Heart and Soul.’ She is the editor of the Penguin book by Allison Heiliczer, ‘Rethink the Couch.’ Recently, in an exclusive interview with CXO Outlook Magazine, Sylvia shared her professional journey, challenges faced by her as a woman in the media industry, the benefits of using social media platforms, exciting future plans, words of wisdom, and a lot more. The following excerpts are taken from the interview.

I’ve learned from a lot of crazy things I’ve seen and done during my investigations and adventures – I’ve been on the secretive underground railroad of people rescuing North Koreans, I’ve walked past armed soldiers in Myanmar, I’ve interviewed pimps in brothels and taken photos and video footage of some of the darkest red light districts in Asia, I’ve seen strung out heroin addicts with needles sticking out of their arms.

I have also had my share of challenges as a woman often working in a cross-cultural, male-dominated workplace. But I was always able to find a solution or way to thrive in those circumstances despite any hindrances I felt or mistakes I made. For me, I learn the most from failures.

I believe that pursuing one’s dreams is one way to fulfill potential. Back in 2001, I had dreamed of writing the voices of “comfort

It’s important to me to see more Asian representation and diversity in the media – it shapes society and the next generation

women”, wartime sex slavery victims of the Japanese military before and during WWII for the next generation to teach them about this dark chapter of history. No one had ever written a book in English that was for young people. I didn’t have anyone to help me or give me advice. And by a miracle, I finished this book despite a lot of obstacles in 2015.

I feel grateful that I’m working with a film company in Singapore to develop a TV series inspired by my latest book, A Long Road to Justice.

The media has the power to shape public perception and influence policy discussions. How do you see media's role in addressing human rights violations and advocating for positive change, specifically in relation to issues affecting women?

I wanted to interview the first victim of human trafficking in Hong Kong on camera for a current affairs documentary because I knew that would make a profound impact and influence on many levels. At that time in 2013, there were no documented victims of modern slavery in the city but I knew there were countless people trapped and suffering in exploitation. I spent around 9 months scouring the city’s red light districts with a missionary to look for sex trafficking victims and my husband, Matt Friedman, an internationally renowned expert on human trafficking, advised me on what to look for. After the release of the film, the movement to fight modern slavery was just beginning to blossom in the corporate world through Matt’s work at the Mekong Club and we

were able to point to this news media report as a point of discussion on this human rights violation. Today, Matt and the Mekong Club team have reached more than 40,000 professionals with awareness talks on modern slavery and what the private sector can do to help eliminate it. Around the world, more than 120,000 professionals at hundreds of corporations have heard a talk on modern slavery and the movement is growing.

Social media has become a powerful tool for self-expression and sharing stories. What impact do you think platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have had on the visibility and influence of women in media? Are there any drawbacks or challenges associated with these platforms?

I am an avid LinkedIn user, and I am grateful for the multitude of opportunities that it has brought to me as a LinkedIn Top Voice (which means I am considered an expert in the topics I write about which includes philanthropy and leadership). I began posting my personal stories every week more than a year ago and I covered topics that ranged from the best piece of advice I’ve ever received to the power of forgiveness and toxic bosses. I was surprised by the response from my community and the new contacts I’ve made and the invitations to speak at corporations. More women need to get on LinkedIn. While there may be a drawback in the form of some men who mistakenly think it’s a dating app, I find that the benefits and the visibility to speak out and to network far outweigh it all.

Your work has touched on the dark and often overlooked aspects of society. How do you balance bringing attention to these important issues while also ensuring that your audience feels empowered and inspired to take action?

Whenever I’m writing or producing a story on a victim who has survived the unspeakable such as human trafficking, I feel I’m doing a balancing act. I strive to be respectful of the survivor and share parts of his or her testimony that will move the audience while ensuring that it does not bring the survivor any harm. It has been my greatest privilege to be able to write about the voiceless and to bring untold stories to the public – I see myself as a mobilizer of volunteers, funding and resources through my writing and media work. I am now working on other writing and media projects such fiction writing and related to youth, but I will always find time to write about human rights issues if no one else is putting a spotlight on it.

As an accomplished author, filmmaker, and TV host, what projects or initiatives are you currently working on, and what can we expect from you in the future regarding the advancement of women's rights and representation in the media?

I am writing a book that I wished I could have read when I was in my teens or in my 20s. It’s a book that describes how I’ve learned key life lessons as I share advice for how to find your purpose and calling, how to navigate toxic offices, what to look for when it comes to your significant other and more. I’m also developing

a TV series called ‘Fallen Butterflies’ that is inspired by my Penguin book, ‘A Long Road to Justice’ and it’s on my journey of investigating the trafficking underworld for two decades. I hope to inspire more people to take action and fight modern slavery with their time, talent and resources.

As a SheSource expert listed in the Women's Media Center database, you bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Looking ahead, what changes or advancements would you like to see in the media industry in terms of gender equality and the representation of women? How can aspiring women in media contribute to driving these changes?

It’s important to me to see more Asian representation and diversity in the media – it shapes society and the next generation. During my teens, a lack of Asian role models in the media exacerbated the lack of confidence I had over my appearance and I struggled with feeling invisible. I simply believed I was ugly and inferior and that other Caucasian girls embodied the ultimate standard of beauty. For a teen girl, that’s a devastating belief and label to have and wreaked havoc on my emotions and self-esteem. I thought my eyes were too small and my nose was too flat. I wished I had blonde hair and blue eyes and in high school, I even used color contacts to change my eye colour to a light bluish grey. What if I had grown up seeing more Asians on the TV screens and in the media in general? It would have been affirming and life altering. It’s my goal to produce more TV and film with strong Asian women leads and to tell the untold stories of history and Korean history (I’m Korean-Canadian).

You’ve been championing women’s rights for many years. Do you foresee any changes in the near future in Asia?

I foresee a major women’s movement rising in Asia. It feels like the time is coming – we have more Asian women of influence in our present generation, more than any other time.

More than 100 years ago, Asian women like me would have had bound feet, would have been considered property and not given a name until I was married, I would have not been given the right to go to school and more.

The viral news of the trafficked woman and mother of 8 children chained up by

It’s my goal to produce more TV and film with strong Asian women leads and to tell the untold stories of history and Korean history (I’m Korean-Canadian)

the neck in Suzhou, China a year ago has sparked a nation-wide discussion in that nation. Perhaps it is the fullness of time for this women’s rights issue. I wrote of a similar bride trafficking survivor I met several years ago in my book, A Long Road to Justice, and the chaining of women as in medieval times and even giving North Korean trafficked brides slippers to wear while working in the fields to prevent them from running away is tragically common.

Amazingly, from what I hear from mainland Chinese professionals, there is a growing anti-trafficking movement afoot there and I believe it’s due to the increasing influence of professional women who are outraged by the horrific exploitation of women.

How has your perspective changed as a professional woman over the years?

One perspective that I’ve come to embrace is deeply appreciating the rock bottom and setbacks in my life. These experiences are more valuable than all the gold in the world;

they are the best MBAs, they lead to wisdom, discernment and insight and money can’t buy that and no one can teach these things, they come by lived experience and overcoming heartbreak, difficulties, trials and immense personal challenges.

For so long, I was searching for myself, for identity, purpose and meaning – I found it when I gave my life away; that is, when I began to live to help others who were suffering instead of living a self-absorbed life. I’ve found true happiness and joy in giving my time, my talents and resources to serve and support those in need.

Over the years, I’ve come to conclude that knowing yourself is so vital and that’s the first piece of advice that I would give to any young person. Know your identity. If you don’t know your identity, then you cannot know your destiny and purpose in life fully. Knowing and accepting yourself enables you to love and embrace yourself. Then you can “do you” and not care about what anyone else thinks which can leave you under the mercy and control of others’ opinions.

I’ve found true happiness and joy in giving my time, my talents and resources to serve and support those in need