Dr. Nicole Odom-Hardnett | Trailblazing Women Entrepreneurs to Follow | Exeleon Magazine

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ADIE KRIEGSTEIN 22

Taking

careofone'smentalhealthisnotjusta luxury;itisanecessityforleadinga fulillingandbalancedlife.Intoday's dynamicworld,wherestressand anxietyseemtobeever-present,itis crucialtoprioritizeourmentalwellbeing.

Whetheryouareanadultnavigating thechallengesofwork-lifebalance,a scientistexploringnewfrontiers,or evenaprofessorshapingyoungminds, mentalhealthplaysavitalroleinour abilitytoperformatourbest.

Now,imagineregainingcontrolofyour emotions,breakingfreefromthe suffocatinggripofburnout,andinding innerpeaceonceagain.Imaginea worldwherementalhealthsupportis accessible,personalized,and empowering.

Onesuchpersonalitythatismaking thisworldarealityisDr.NicoleOdomHardnett.Withherexpertise, compassion,andinnovativeapproach, sheisrevolutionizingthewaywe addressandsupportmentalwell-being.

Dr.Nicoleisatruebeaconof hope,makingwavesintheield ofmentalhealthastheFounder ofFocusPointBehavioralHealth. Butsheisnotjustasuccessful professional;sheisalsoan accomplishedauthor,a passionatementalhealth advocate,adevotedcoach,and anextraordinarymotherofseven children.

Inspiringmillionsaroundthe globe,sheembodiesresilience, determination,andleadership–showingusthatnomatterhow challenginglifemayseem,there's alwayshopefortransformation.

CHARTING THE ROAD TO INNOVATION

Despitefacingmanychallenges, Nicolenevergaveupandalways empoweredotherstodiscover themselves.

Shehasasecretformula,her recipeforsuccess.Itstartswith embracingnewideasand creatingaculturethatwelcomes change.Throughheringenious thinking,shenurturesan environmentthatvalues creativity."Thinkbeyondthe norm,"sheurges,"andexplore unconventionalsolutions."

Leadingbyexampleishersecond rule.Shedarestotakerisksand challengethestatusquo.Witha steelyresolve,sheencourages peopletostepoutoftheir comfortzones,embracingthe windsofchange."Leadwith bravery,resilience,andadesire forgrowth,"sheshares.

Diversityandinclusionformthe thirdpillar.Shecelebratesunique

perspectivesandexperiences, creatinganinclusivespacewhere everyonefeelscherishedand empowered."Letthediverse voicesbeheard,"sheemphasizes, "astheycarryinnovativeand groundbreakingoutcomes."

Lastbutnotleast,herinal ingredientisherpassionfor continuouslearning.She nurturesacommunityoflikemindedindividuals,where knowledgelourishes,skills expand,andindustrytrendsare metwithopenarms."Provide resourcesandopportunitiesfor personalgrowth,"sheasserts, "suchasworkshops,training,and mentorship.”

ERASING STIGMA AND ENABLING SUPPORT

Inherwork,Dr.Nicolestrivesto inspirehopeandresilienceby removingjudgment,promoting understanding,andproviding supportforthosenavigating theirownmentalhealth journeys.

Inthejourneytowardserasing stigmaandenablingsupport,she believesinthepowerofengaging ineducationandawareness.By sharingpersonalstoriesand testimonials,sheaimstobreak downbarriersandcreateasafe spaceforconversations surroundingmentalhealth.

Advocacyandpolicyplaya crucialroleinNicole'svisionas well.Sheirmlybelievesthat changebeginswithsystemic shifts,advocatingforpoliciesthat prioritizementalhealthsupport andaccessibilityforall.

SMALL ACTS OF KINDNESS AND GENEROSITY, WHEN MULTIPLIED CAN CREATE A RIPPLE EFFECT OF POSITIVE CHANGE.

Recognizingtheimportance ofpeersupportand communitybuilding,she activelyencourages collaborationamong individualswhohave experiencedsimilar challenges.Byfostering connections,sheencourages buildinganetworkof understanding,empathy,and encouragement.

Collaborationsand partnershipsareherother instrumentaldriversin amplifyingeffortstoerasethe stigma.Sheseeks partnershipswith organizationsdedicatedto mentalhealthadvocacy, workingtogethertowardsa commongoal-creatinga worldwherementalhealthis treatedthesameasphysical health.

EMPHASIS ON MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

Nicolebelievesthatthereis anundeniableandheightened globalmentalhealthcrisis, especiallyaftertheimpactof COVID-19pandemic.Thisled hertofoundingFocusPoint BehavioralHealth,aplatform forpersonalizedandhighqualitybehavioralcareacross allagegroups.

Moreover,shesharesthatthe increasedemphasison mentalhealthawarenessis multifaceted:

Onesigniicantattributeis theincreasingnumberof personalandcelebrity disclosuresaboutstruggling

withmentalhealthissues.She believesthattheserare momentsrevealbraveryand vulnerability.Itfurther helpedtobreakdownstigmas surroundingmentalhealth andencourageopen conversations.

Anothercrucialaspectisthe shiftingculturalattitudes towardsmentalhealth.Asa society,wehavecomealong wayinunderstandingand acceptingthatmentalhealth isjustasimportantas physicalhealth.Thisshiftin mindsetallowsindividualsto seekhelpwithoutfearof judgmentorshame.

Additionally,Nicolebelieves thataccessibilityand technologyplayapivotalrole inpromotingmental wellness.Withtheriseof teletherapy,onlinesupport groups,andmentalhealth apps,professionalscanreach moreindividualsthanever before.Thesetechnological advancementsensurethat helpisjustaclickaway.

Lastly,researchandevidence continuetoshedlightonthe importanceofprioritizing mentalwell-being.Aspeople becomemoreinformedabout theimpactsofstress,anxiety, andotherconditionsontheir overallhealth,itbecomes crucialtoaddressthese issuesproactively.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT

Inaworldwheretimeseems tobeconstantlyslipping away,Nicolestandsoutasan

GIVING BACK TO SOCIETY

Nicoleindsinspirationinthesimplicityofdoing small things. For her, these acts carry immense value and have the power to touch countless hearts.It'sthroughthesesincereandintentional actionsthatshebelievestruegivingbackoccurs.

However, her commitment to giving back extendsacrossvariousareas.Whilesheactively engagesinvolunteering,dedicatinghertimeand energytocausesclosetoherheart,shealsohas herphilanthropicendeavorsthataimatcreating lastingchange.Asasocialentrepreneur,sheuses hercreativityandinnovativethinkingtoaddress socialchallengesandmakeadifference.

Mentorshipandeducationarealsocentraltoher approach. Nicole believes in empowering individuals through knowledge-sharing and guidingthemontheirjourneytowardspersonal andprofessionalgrowth.Throughadvocacyand activism, she raises her voice for the voiceless, striving for justice, equality, and positive social change.

Forher,theimpactofgivingbackgoesfarbeyond theimmediatemoment.Sheirmlybelievesthat small acts of kindness and generosity, when multiplied,createarippleeffectthatextendsfar andwide.

These acts can inspire others to follow suit, igniting a chain reaction of compassion, empathy,andpositivechange.Byembracingthe philosophy of giving back, she believes that we canallcollectivelymakeasigniicantdifference inthelivesofindividualsandcommunities.

inspirationforallleaderswho wishtoleadfromthefrontwith diligenceandpurpose.

AsthedrivingforcebehindFocus PointBehavioralHealth,shenot onlysetstheoveralldirectionand long-termstrategybutalsowears severalhatstoensureitssuccess.

Oneofhergreateststrengthsis herexceptionaltimemanagement skills.Sheunderstandsthat effectiveleadershipinvolvesmore thanjustbeingbusy;itrequires settingattainablegoals,dividing tasks,andprioritizingthem accordingly.Bydoingso,she ensuresthateveryaspectofFocus PointBehavioralHealthisgiven theattentionitdeserves.

Moreover,byskillfullyscheduling meetings,sheensuresthat importantdiscussionsand collaborationstakeplace effectively.Herabilitytotravel acrossthecountryfurther showcasesherdedicationandthe importancesheplaceson maintainingabroadperspective.

Inaddition,shegraciouslytakes upthemantleofaguestspeaker, captivatingaudienceswithher knowledgeandinspiringothers throughinsightfulspeaking engagements.

Withairmbeliefinempowering heremployees,shefostersan environmentoftrustand eficiency,allowinghertopursue otherpassions.Thistrustallows herthefreedomandlexibilityto pursuevariouspassionsbeyond businessdemands.

PRIORITIZING WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Inthemidstofourbusylives,it's crucialtopauseandprioritizeour work-lifebalance.Nicole understandstheimportanceof thisbalanceandpracticeswhat shepreaches.

Everyday,shestartshermorning bypracticingmindfulnessand jottingdownideasinhertrusty notebook.Thissimpleyet powerfulexercisehelpsherset intentionsforthedayandkeeps herfocusedonwhattruly matters.

Butitdoesn'tstopthere—she takescareofherselfirst.She knowsthatinordertopourinto others,shemustensurethather owncupisfull.Fromenjoyinga balancedbreakfastpackedwith nourishingfoodtomaintaininga consistentworkoutroutine,she prioritizesself-careasa foundationforsuccess.

Anotherkeyelementinachieving work-lifebalanceissetting personalandprofessional boundaries.Sheunderstandsthat saying"no"tocertain commitmentsallowshertosay "yes"tothethingsthattrulyalign withhervaluesandgoals.

Furthermore,sheacknowledges thepowerofdelegation.By recognizingthatshecan'tdoitall alone,shedelegatestasksboth personallyandprofessionallyso thatshecanfocusonwhattruly bringsvaluetoherselfandher clients.

WE RECOGNIZE AND CELEBRATE DIVERSE PERSPECTIVES.

COMING TOGETHER FOR A BETTER WORLD

Dr.Nicole,asachange-maker,isonamissionto indlike-mindedpeoplewhoareequally passionateaboutcreatingpositivechange.

Andfranchisingoffersanincredibleopportunity to be part of something bigger By becoming a franchisee,youcanbeneitfromanestablished brandnameandreputation.Itnotonlyprovides you with credibility but also allows you to tap intothesupportandresourcesofthefranchisor.

One of the major advantages of being a franchisee is the comprehensive training and ongoingsupportfromthefranchisor.Fromday one, you will have access to guidance and assistance that will help you navigate any challengesyoumayface.

Bycomingtogetherasfranchisees,like-minded individualscanamplifytheirimpactonsociety Together, you can create a better world by implementingsustainablepractices,supporting local communities, and spreading awareness aboutmentalhealthchallenges.

This journey not only offers personal growth andinancialstabilitybutalsoallowsyoutobe part of something greater than yourself — one stepatatime!

We Embrace Excellence!

Exeleon Magazine features some of the leading players in business and shares their journey of excellence to inspire aspiring leaders across the globe.

PUTTING CUSTOMERS FIRST

Forthelast17years,Adie

Kriegsteinhasbuiltan impeccablereputationinthe realestateindustrywithher customer-irstideology.

Herfocusonbuilding(and maintaining)strongrelationships withclients,understandingtheir uniqueneeds,andcollaborating withthemateverystageoftheir realestatejourneyhaspositioned herasoneofthetoprealtorsin Manhattan.

Moreover,Adie'sstrongknowledge ofthemarketcoupledwithher hands-onworkingstylehasenabled hertodeliverresultsthatsurpass expectations.Inthisexclusive interview,AdieKriegsteintalks aboutherjourney,herrealestate ideologies,andhervisiongoing forward.

What according to you makes for a powerful woman? How have you integrated the same thought into your real estate journey?

Frommyperspective,apowerful womanissomeonewhopossesses astrongsenseofself,whois ambitious,determined,and resilient.Sheisknowledgeable, honestandhandsoninher

Adie Kriegstein

approach.Sheisconidentinher abilitiesandisnotafraidtotake risksinordertoachievehergoals.I haveintegratedthesequalitiesinto myrealestatejourneyasIstriveto becomethebestprofessionalthatI canbe.

IwanttobethebestAgentI possiblycanbetoservemy customersandhelpthemnavigate thecomplexitiesofour marketplace.Ifeelthrough embodyingthesetraitsIhavebeen abletoachievesuccessinmyreal estatecareerandcontinuetostrive forevengreateraccomplishments.

Ibelievethatbeingapowerful womaninthisindustrymeans beingabletoadapttotheeverchangingmarketconditions, negotiatingwithconidence,and buildingstrongrelationshipswith clientsandcolleagues.Iam unwaveringinmycommitmentto myclientsandbelieveinclearand strongcommunicationand transparency.ThatbeingsaidI neverlosesightofthecustomer serviceindustry

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader/entrepreneur that you

can remember?

Myearliestmemoryasa entrepreneurwouldbetheannual lemonadestandsIwouldhaveon Martha'sVineyardwhereIgrewup spendingmysummers.IthinkI startedsellingLemonadewhenI was7or8.

Bytheageof14Ibeganworkingin retailataclothingstoreinthe Island.Ispentafewsummersata coupledifferentstoresthenI becamealifeguard.OntoofthatI wasconstantlybabysittingtillI realizedyoucouldmakefarmore moneybeingaNanny,soIswitched overtodoingthatalltheway throughcollege.AfterthatIwent straightintorealestate!Deinitely notanaturalorcommontrajectory formyield.Mostpeoplefallinto realestateasasecondorthird career

Iwasahugetomboygrowingup butdidn'tentercompetitivesports tillabitlater.Ipickedupsports whenIwasyoung,butatalaterage thanmostpeopleanditquickly becamenotonlysomethingIwas goodat,butIexcelledin.My earliestleadershiproleswerebeing thecaptainofcountlessteamsfrom myelementaryyearsthrough

BoardingSchool.Ididgoontoplay LacrosseatColgateUniversitybutonlyfor acoupleseasons.

Ibelieveparticipatingincompetitive sportsasachildplaysacrucialroleinthe developmentofskillsthatareessentialfor thefuture.Icanattesttohavingbeneited greatlyfromwhatIlearnedparticipating insports.

Istronglybelieveplayingsportsnotonly helpschildrengainconidencebutalso teachesteamwork,communicationand decision-makingskills,andleadership. Let'snotforgetthatplayingsportsteaches timemanagementanddisciplineaswellas perseverancewhicharealsocrucialfor achievingsuccessinanyield.Lastlyone ofthemostimportantlessonsonecan learnishowtohandlesuccessandfailure withgraceandsportsmanship.These traitsandlifelessonshelpshapeusand learningthematanearlyageis advantageousforsuccessIbelieve.

What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the real estate space?

Ihavealwaysbeeninterestedin architectureandlookingathomesand design.WhenIwasatColgateUniversity,I studiedGeology(Idigdinosaursasa hobby)andgeography.Whatinterested methemostaboutGeographywasUrban Planningandsustainability.Ioriginally hadthoughtIwouldgothedevelopment routebutafterastintinsalesrightoutof CollegeIjustlovedsellingandhavebeena realestateagenteversince.

What is the approach followed by you and your team to ensure optimal buying and selling experience for your clients?

UnlikealotofAgentsandTeamsoutthere, Ipridemyselfandmyteamonalways puttingthecustomerirstandbeing committedtoprovidingthehighestlevel

ofexpertiseforthem.Iwantto buildarelationshipandkeepit.

Attheheartoftheteam's approachisafocusonbuilding strongrelationshipswith clients,understandingtheir uniqueneedsandgoals,and workingcollaborativelyto achievethebestpossible outcomes.Whetherit'shelping airst-timebuyerindthe perfectstarterhome,guiding aninvestorthroughacomplex transaction,oradvisingaseller onhowtomaximizetheir

property'svalue,theteamis dedicatedtodeliveringresults thatexceedexpectations.Iwant toknowIhavenotjusthelped someonebuy/selltheirhome, butthatIhavehelpedeveryone intheirfamilyandtheirfriends.

Having built an incredible reputation over the last 17 plus years as a realtor and entrepreneur, what would you change if you were to start over again?

Thisisawonderfulquestion

andwhileIdon'tbelieveinregrets astheyhelpshapeyouintothe personyouare,lookingbackthere maybeafewthingsIwoulddo differentlyifIwasgivenanother chance.Iworkedandstillworkall thetime,andIwouldhavetriedto pushmyselfoutthedoortodo morethingsformysoul.

Afewyearsago,Ijoinedthe UniversityClubinNYCandIwishI knewabouttheclubwhenIwas youngerandappliedthen.Ihave madeanumberofrealvaluable relationshipsandfriendships throughtheclubandhavepicked

upplayingSquashwhichIwould havelovedtohavebeenabletoplay earlierwhenImovedtothecity.

WhileIbelongtoafewclubsinthe cityhavingSquashreallyilleda voidformegivenalltheyearsI playedcompetitivesports.Ialso shouldhavedonemoreresearch intoNYU'sRealEstateCertiicate programtoseeifthatwouldhave beenofinteresttome.

Finally, talk to us about your vision going forward for your brand and network.

ThispastyearIhadmajorsurgery andspentaweekinthehospital duetocomplications.Ilearnedan invaluablelesson;letothershelp andputtrustinthosearoundyou. GivenmysituationandoutlookI hadtolearntonotonlyallowand askotherstohelpmebuttoentrust myclientsandpropertiestobe workedbyanotherAgentonmy teaminadditiontomyself.

Beingsuchaperfectionistand handsonagent,thiswasquite challenging.Iamabigbelieverin abundance,thatthereisenoughto goaroundandifyouputitoutin theuniverseitwillcomeback tenfold.KnowingIwasgoingtobe apartmentboundforquitesome timeItookituponmyselftoind otheravenuestogetmynameand mybrandoutthere.

AssuchIendeduppursuingPR publications(suchasthis)andhave thusfarbeenquotedinover40 articlesinthepast5months.Iplan tocontinuetodothis,while buildingoutmyTeam'ssocial footprintacrossallthemain platformsandnurturingthelarge referralbaseofbusiness.Iwantto continuetogroworganically

Lastly,Ihaveanewsub-brand(not sureexactlywhattocallityet)that Ihopetolaunchandpushoutinthe earlyFall;'PawCityNYC.'I personallythinkitisaningenious ideaandithasalsobeenasuper funsideprojectforme.

Elizabeth Dodson

Foundedin2012,

HomeZadaemergedas aplatforminresponse toauniversalpainpoint–disorganizationof paperwork.HomeZada standsoutasanall-in-one platformthatempowers homeownerswithvaluable toolstomanagetheirhome andtheirassets.

AttheheartofHomeZada's philosophyliesthe commitmenttoempower homeownerswithtoolsfor maximizingthevalueoftheir homeswhileminimizing stressandenvironmental impact

Inthisinterview,Elizabeth Dodson,Co-founderof HomeZada,shareshowher personalfrustrationledto thestartofthiscloud-based solution.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader that you can remember?

Beingtheoldestofthreegirls wasmyentreetoleadership. WhileIgainedalotby studyingformybachelor's andmaster'sdegrees,I attributemuchofmy

leadershipstyletomy motherandstepfather.My motherencouragedhergirls tobeindependentandto thinkforthemselveswhich wealldo.Mystepfather encouragedustotrynew thingsbeforesayingwedid notlikethem.This combinationofphilosophies enabledmetotakerisks,try thingsandtothinkfor myself.

Thisempoweredmetostart HomeZadatohelp homeownersmanagethe detailsoftheirhomewhile alsohelpingrealestate professionalsstayconnected intelligentlywiththeir customers.

What was the pain point that led to the start of HomeZada? What was the idea behind the name of the company?

IfoundedHomeZadain2012, atleastinpart,asaresponse tothemountainsofhomerelatedpaperworkaround myhome--andthefeelings ofdisorganizationandstress thiscreated.Allthevital informationaboutmysinglebiggestasset,myhome,was scatteredatdifferentplaces throughoutmyhomeand

ofice,yetnoneofitwas easilyaccessible.

Iassumedtheresimplyhad tobeacloud-basedplatform thatcouldcollectand organizeallofmymortgages; productwarrantiesand repairschedules;home documents;wills,trustsand personalinancial documents;receipts; inventoriesofpersonal possessions;andother home-relatedpaperwork thatclutteredmyhome.So, whenIrealizedthere WASN'Tanythinglikethison themarket,Iandabusiness colleaguesetouttocreate one.

WesettledonHomeZada since“Zada”means prosperousandfortunatein Arabic–andwhenconnected toyourhome,impliesthat yourhomecanbeaplaceof prosperityandfortuneif you'rewillingtoinvestthe timeandenergy.Wealsolove thespiritofpossibilitythat “Zada”brings.

What is the approach followed by you and your team at HomeZada to ensure optimal home ownership experience for your clients?

Ourteamremainscommitted toofferinghomeownersa continuallyupdatedsuiteof best-in-classappsthat empowerthemtomaximize thevalueoftheirhomewhile minimizingthecosts,stress, timeandimpactonthe environmentthatcancome fromhomeownership. Everythingwedomustalign withthisvalueproposition.

Agoodexampleisourlaunch ofthe“Zada”AIChat AssistantinJunethatadded areal-timeAIoverlaythat providesreal-timeanswers toanyperceivable homeownerquestionabout homemaintenanceand repairs,renovationand remodelprojects, homeowner'sandother specialtyinsurance,home utilitycosts,thephotoand videodocumentationof personalpropertyfor insurancepurposes,and othertopicsassociatedwith homeownership.Thisnew servicesaddstangible homeownervalue,ultimately givingoursubscribersmore toolstobuildandmaintain equityintheirhomes, whetherprimary-residence orinvestment.

What have been some of the biggest challenges when it comes to running HomeZada over the last 11 years?

Someofthebiggest challengesmanaging HomeZadaisaddressingthe

manydifferentcustomerswe support.HomeZada subscribersspanthe homeowningspectrum:from irst-timehomeownersto veteran.multiple-property investorslivinginurban, suburbanandruralsettings inall50statesand20 countries.Thismakesfor veryinterestingmarketing campaignsandmessagesto reachthevarietyof customersusingourservices. Therereallyisnota“typical” HomeZadacustomer

What does a day in the life of Elizabeth Dodson look like? How do you ensure work-life balance?

TheirstquestionIwould askiswhatdayandwhat timeisit?Mydaystartsoff withaworkout,ashower, mediationandjumpingright intotheday'swork.Theday variesdependingonthe meetingsandtasksonthe schedule.Ilikevariety becauseitkeepsme interestedinmydayandmy company.

Oncemyworkdayhasended, Iliketobecreativeinthe kitchencreatingnew,healthy recipes.Somemore HomeZadafollow-upand thenpotentially entrepreneurornetworking eventsthatmayrequiremy attention.Agoodnight's sleepisalsokeytoahealthy lifestyle.

Work/lifebalancehasnot

beenachallengeforme becauseIhavecreative outletsthatIaddressduring theweekandevenonthe weekends.Infact,Imademy ownshamanicdrumafew weekendsago.Myhusband andIbelieveinthe philosophyofalwaysbe learningwhichtakesusinto newfunprojects.Likemy stepdadsays,beopento tryingnewthingsbeforeyou sayyoudonotlikeit.

Finally, talk to us about your vision going forward for HomeZada. What are you most excited about?

HomeZadaispartofan excitingtime.Homeowners areexcitedthattheyinally havetoolstohelpthem managetheirhome.Our teamisexcitedforthemany enhancementswehave coming.Ibelieveourteam haseasilytenyears'worthof value-addedfeaturestoadd toHomeZadathatwill transformthe homeownershipexperience.

Weareexcitedtobring homeownerstogetherwith theproductandservicesthat theyneedtomanageallthe aspectsoftheirsingle-largest assetonone,easy-to-access seamlessplatform.

Anna Stella Founder, BBSA

eyond arketing

Theworldofmarketinghasundergonea signiicanttransformationoverthepastfew decades,drivenprimarilybyadvancementsin technologyandshiftsinconsumerbehavior.

Asamultiaward-winningprofessional,Anna Stellaisnostrangertothechangingfacesof themarketingworld.ForAnna,marketingis oneofthoserarefewieldsthatallowsfor

In your experience, what are some of the essential qualities a successful CEO should possess?

TheroleofaCEOisdemandingandchallenging, anditneedsadiversesetofskillsandqualities.A successfulCEOeffectivelyleadsanorganization withavisionandpurposewhilehandling obstaclesandchallengesthatemergealongthe way

Toattainthis,IbelievethataCEOmustbe adaptable,quicklyadaptchanges,andleadteams throughnewcircumstancesthatcomealongthe way.Adaptabilityrequiresasenseofquick decision-makingintimesofuncertainty.

creativityandexperimentation.

Sincestartinghermarketingcompanyin2012 –BBSA–AnnaStellahasmadesuretobridge thegapintheindustrybydeliveringafull rangeofservices.Readthisexclusive interviewtounderstandherjourney,vision, andherthoughtsonmarketing.

What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the marketing space?

Oneexcitingthingaboutdigitalmarketingandits greatestadvantageisthatitallowsforcreativity andexperimentation.Noixed,unshakeablerules existforcreatinganeffectivecampaignbecause everybusinessanditstargetaudienceisunique.I lovemarketingbecauseitisidealforpeoplewith diverseskillsandinterests,andIwanttoapplyit allinoneprofession.Marketingisajobyou love–oneundeniabletruthisthatitisnever boring.

Talk to us about BBSA. What was the pain point that led you to start this agency?

Everyday,businessesandmarketersworktirelesslyto discoverdistinctivesellingpointsfortheir businesses/brands,products,andservices.However,all USPshaveanexpirationdate.BBSAwasestablishedin 2012afteridentifyingamarketgapwithaclearUSP.

Smallbusinesseshavedistinctivechallenges.Although smallbusinessesmakeup98%ofcompaniesandplaya crucialroleinbuildingtheeconomy,theyonlyemploy anaverageof5employees.Mostofthesesmall businesseslacktheresourcestohirein-house marketingexpertise,hinderingtheirabilitytocapitalize ondomesticandinternationalopportunities.Thelackof marketingskillsandexpertisecansurelyimpedetheir growthandprogression.

Marketingagencieshaveyettodiscoveramethodto fullycatertothismarket.Currently,theyofferniche servicesinafragmentedwayratherthancomprehensive marketingsolutions.BBSAillsthismarketinggapand hasthevisionofprovidingeverysmallbusinesswith accesstoateamofcompetentmarketingexperts wheneverrequired.

Ourtagline,"Outsourceyourmarketing,"capturesour approachperfectly.Wehandleyourmarketingwiththe samededicationandcareasifitwasourveryown company.Ourclientshaveseenthetangibledifferences wemakeforthem.

As the Founder and CEO, what role do you play in the day-to-day proceedings of the company?

Asanentrepreneur,gettingcaughtupinhandling everythingyourselfiseasy.Havingstartedthebusiness, youhaveaprofoundunderstandingandaclearvisionof whereyouwantittogo.However,attemptingeverything independentlycanbecounterproductiveandultimately affectyourbusiness'sgrowth.Therefore,Iembracethe roleofCEOandnot chief of everything.Someofmyroles asCEOinclude:

Ÿ Findingnewclients

Ÿ Deiningthebusiness'soverallvision,values,and missionandsettingthegeneraldirection

Ÿ Creatinganddevelopingahigh-levelbusiness strategythatalignswiththelong-termobjectives.

Ÿ Balancingcurrentcapacityandfuturegrowth.

Having worked with some of the top organizations in Europe and beyond, you have seen the marketing space evolve continuously. What do you think is the future of marketing with the emergence of AI?

AIandMarketing.MarketingandAI.In5years,itwillbe everywhere.Maybeitwillalsohaveitsname,aswehave seenfor"e-marketing"and"Digitalmarketing."Perhaps itwillbecalledAI-Marketing?Marketingisoneofthe areasofbusinessoperationswhereAIwilldrivetotal change.Andfrankly,itwasabouttime.AMcKinseystudy showedthatmarketingandsalesarethesinglebusiness functionthatwillhavethemostinancialimpact.So basically,you'realreadydeadifyou'reamarketerand notusingAI.ThemantragoesthatAIwon'treplace

you–ifyouletithelpyou.

Allindustrieswithalotofdataandaneedforheavy personalizationandintelligentautomationoftheir operationshavebeendoingAIforprobablythelast decade-healthcareandinancialservices-butdoingit withintheirbusiness'soperations,notmarketingand sales.However,it'smyexperiencethatmanybusiness professionalsstillseeAIasabstract.Thenumberone challengeIseeiscomplacencyandareluctanceto changehowthingsaredoneinthemarketingprocesses.

Looking ahead, what is your vision for BBSA? What are you most excited about?

WerecentlyopenedupanewoficeinHongKong,and it'ssurelynotthelastinternationalexpansionproject

Asthesayinggoes,ifyouarenotsucceedinginone geography,donotexpecttokillcompetitioninanother Thatiswhywefocusonstrategicinternalgrowth opportunitiesandkeepthebigpictureinmind.Toscale effectively,acompellingvaluepropositionthataligns withthetargetcountryand,morespeciically,ourtarget clientsisessential,andwe'rethrilledabouttakingon thisnewchallenge.

Maggie Vo

A Trailblazer in Finance and Venture Capital

MaggieVo'sjourneyfromVietnam

totheUnitedStatesisatestament totheremarkablestrengthand determinationshepossesses.Bornand raisedinVietnam,Maggieembarkedona soloadventureatthetenderageof17, drivenbyheraspirationstobuilda successfulcareerandachievethefabled AmericanDream.Today,shestandsasa trailblazingigureintheinanceindustry, servingastheManagingGeneralPartner andChiefInvestmentOficeratFuelVenture Capital.

Inthisexclusiveinterview,wedelvedeeper intoMaggieVo'sremarkablejourney, exploringhervisionforFuelVentureCapital, herideasrelatedtothegendergapintheVC space,andherroleinempoweringwomen.

Talk to us about your growing up years. What is your earliest memory as a leader that you can remember?

IwasbornandraisedinVietnam.Icameto

theU.S.bymyselfwhenIwas17yearsold withthegoalofbuildingacareerintheU.S. andachievingtheAmericanDream.Witha fullscholarship,IgraduatedfromCentre CollegewithadoublemajorinFinancial EconomicsandMathematics.

Totakemyknowledgetothenextlevel,I studiedforandpassedallthreeChartered FinancialAnalystexamsonmyirstattempt. Allofthesequaliicationspropelledmeinto beingaleaderandpositionedmewellto tacklethedemandingandchallengingrole ofManagingGeneralPartnerandChief InvestmentOficeratFuelVentureCapital.

IbeganmycareerininanceatPrudential VietnamFundManagement,andlater, PrudentialPropertyInvestmentManagersin Singapore.RightbeforejoiningFuelVenture Capital,Iwasaportfoliomanagerfora globallongshortequityhedgefund.In2018, Idecidedtomakeatransitionfromthe publicmarketstotheworldofventure capitalsinceIrecognizedthatvalueis

continuallyshiftingtoactorsin early-stageprivate-marketdeals.

AtFuelVentureCapital,undermy leadershipastheManagingGeneral PartnerandChiefInvestment Oficer,thefund'sportfolioofhighgrowthtechstartupshasgrown fromfourto33companieswith $700millioninAUM.

What prompted your interest and subsequently your foray into the inance space?

I'vealwaysbeenveryacademically inclined,withaparticularinterest inmathandinance,whichlent itselfperfectlytomygoaltohavea careerininvestment,whichhas alwaysbeenmypassion.OnceI startedmycareeraftercollege,my goalbackthenwastobuildabroad understandingofalltheasset classes.

Whileinmypositionasaportfolio manager,managingagloballong shortequitystrategy,Inoticed assetsundermanagementwere indingtheirwayfromthepublic markettotheprivatemarket, technologycompanieswerestaying privatelonger,andthatmostpublic companieswerelarger,older,andin moreconcentratedsectors.These reasonspromptedmetotransition totheprivatemarket,speciically towardsventurecapital,whereI canoffermyclientsaccessto exponentialreturns.Venturecapital offersexponentialreturnsbecause valuecreationhappensattheearly stagesofacompany'slifecycle.

Ontheotherhand,inmycurrent positionastheGeneralPartnerand ChiefInvestmentOficerofFuel VentureCapital,Icanbemore hands-onandleveragemy

knowledgeandexperiencetohelp foundersandcreateanimpacton startupcompanies.

Brief us about your company - Fuel Venture Capital. What is the vision for the company?

FuelVentureCapitalwasfoundedin 2017intheheartofMiamiwitha goalofprovidingFUELforthe world'smostinnovativestartups outsideofSiliconValleyand becomingadiversiiedchoicefor globalinvestorstogainexposureto thecreativeeconomy.Today,Fuelis managingover$700millionover multiplefundsandhasaportfolio of33companiesacrossdifferent sectorsandregionssuchasTerran Orbital,Betr,Aexlab,Curve, CookUnity,Recargapay,Lunar,and SoundtrackYourBrand.

FuelVCisIndustryagnosticand globallydiversiiedinitsventure sourcing,FuelVCtargets groundbreakingearlyandlatestagecompaniesusingdisruptive technologiesasamain differentiatingfactortotransform howbusinessesandconsumers transact(Fintech),consumeona dailybasis(Marketplace),howthey worktomakealiving(Enterprise Saas),andhowtheyultimately enjoytheirlives(Entertainment Tech).

FuelVentureCapital's"founderfocused,investor-driven"approach isledbyadiverseteamofexperts fromthepublicmarketswhobring decadesofcombinedexperiencein investmentbanking,wealth management,executiveleadership, andentrepreneurship.Thiswealth ofknowledgeandexpertiseallows theirmtoserveclientswith iduciaryrigorandbuildapowerful

networkofinvestorsandfounders, ensuringthatitremainsatthe forefrontofgroundbreaking advancements.Ourvisionisto becomethetop-of-mindGlobal VentureCapitalFundknownfor ELITEintellectualirepower,work ethic,communication,results,and values.

As the Managing Partner and CIO, what role do you play in the dayto-day proceedings of the company?

Mydaysarefastpacedwith constantdemandsfromdifferent groups,whetheritbefromour globalfundswithinvestorsor portfoliocompanyfounderswho liveindifferenttime-zones.Iaman activeandassertiveventurecapital partner;therefore,Iliketorollup mysleevesandgettoworktohelp withstrategy,recruiting, fundraising,businessdevelopment, andmore.Nodayislikethenext andnodayiseverboring.

Having been recognized by various panels and received multiple awards, how do you look back at your journey? Would you change anything if you had a chance?

Ihavebeenrecognizedasthe26 mostimportantVCsinMiamiby Insider,received40under40 awardsfromSouthFlorida BusinessJournalandwas recognizedasanEntreprenista100 AwardHonoree.It'salwaysa massivehonorbeingrecognizedby variousmagazinesand organizations,butmoreimportant thanthehonoristheactualwork thatgoesintothedaytoday.The abilitytoworkalongsidefounders andleveragemyknowledgeand

skillsettomakeanimpactisexactly thereasonIleftthepublicmarket tojointheprivatemarket

AsaVietnamesewomanwhocame totheU.S.ataveryyoungageby myself,it'simportantformeto buildmyownsuccess,butitismore importantformetoleverageitto helpothers.Ifeelproudtohave becomeaninluentialvoicein promotingdiversityandinclusion.I havemadealleffortstoencourage youngwomentobreakintothe male-dominatedinancialindustry, toraisefundsforfemalefounders tohelpscaletheircompanies exponentially,andtogivebackto thelocalandglobalcommunities. Asanadvocatefordiversity,Iwas recognizedasanInluential BusinessWomanbyTheSouth FloridaBusinessJournalandSouth FloridaBusiness&Wealth,in additiontoreceivingMiamiDade County'sAmongtheCompanyof Womenaward.Miamiisavery diversecity,it'simportantthatour capitalandcompaniesrelectthat There's a huge disparity when it comes to VC opportunities for women. How are you and your team helping empower more female entrepreneurs?

Likemostoftheinancialservices industry,theventurecapital ecosystemhasbeendominatedby menonbothsidesofthetable. Whetheryou'reaninvestor expandingyourportfolioora founderseekinginancialsupport, chancesarethatyouareanIvyleague-educatedmale.Thisisdue totheideathatsuccessfulVCsand foundershavetobegrownoutofa certainbackgroundsuchascoming fromatopschool,speciicindustry, orgender

Womenhavetofacethestereotype thattheylacktechnicalknowledge andthere'sastigmathatwomen tendtobelessrationalin investmentdecisionsthanmen.We needmorediversetalentatthetop leveloftheVChouse.Thepeople whoarewritingthechecksarea drivingforcefordiversityintheVC ecosystemandthelackoffemale representationinirmshasaripple effectonthefounderstheyinvest in.

Additionally,thereareveryfew mentors,womenormen,willingto berolemodelsandhelpshepherd thecareerofjuniorwomeninVC. So,beforetheyreachtheupper rings,they'reoptingout.Ifwomen canindcommunitiesthatwelcome them,trainthem,andmentorthem, thentheycangainexpertiseoutside ofthetopVCirmsand,Ibelieve, willbecomemoreeasilyintegrated intotheventureworld.

AtFuelVentureCapital,wehave builtourteamwithacultureof inclusionanddiversityfromthe outset.Aswomen,wesupportand upliftoneanotherandmakesure thereisalwaysawomanatthe table.Weformedstrongnetworks andcommunitieswithother womenininanceandintheMiami techecosystemtodevelop mentorshipandsponsorship programswhichwillfosterthe growthanddevelopmentoffuture generationsofpowerfulwomen.We encourageourportfoliocompanies toestablishdiversehiringpractices andactivelyseekoutcompanies withadiversefoundingteam.

Finally, what does the future look like for you, both personally and professionally?

Webelievethattheworldisstillin itsinfancyasitrelatestothe technologicalevolutionof computing,AI/ML,predictive analytics,automation,and collaboration.Therecentsigniicant advancementintheieldofnatural languageprocessingandthe notablebreakthroughsofChatGPT haveopenedaworldofmore possibilities,disruptingnumerous industriesandinspiring entrepreneurstoexplorenew frontiers.Startupcompaniesare currentlyattheforefrontofthe nextplatformshiftledby generativeartiicialintelligence (AI),whichisrevolutionizing communication,contentcreation, andinformationaccess.

AtFuelVentureCapital,weare currentlyraisingafourthfundthat hasatargetsizeof$300MManda targetnumberof30-35portfolio companiesandweareexcitedto continuetoFuelinnovativeideas intosuccessful,world-changing companies.

Ienvisionafuturewheregender equalityisnotjustagoalbuta reality,wherewomenhaveequal accesstoeducation,career advancement,andleadership positions.Istrivetobearolemodel formydaughter,encouragingherto embraceherambitions,pursueher passions,andseizethe opportunitiesthatcomeherway.I amexcitedtoseewhatthefuture holdsformydaughterasshegrows up.

Kathy Roberts

What according to you makes one an innovative entrepreneur?

Theadjective“innovative”infrontof“entrepreneur”ismore thanwhatIusuallydeineasentrepreneurial.Myopinionis thesevisionariesseewhatiscomingandusuallydon'tfollow ruleiftheydon'tproducetheoutcomedesired.Theywill alwaysindawayevenifitmeanswaterhastolowuphill.

What is the Switch platform? What was the idea that led to the formation of the company?

TheSwitchPlatformisablockchain-basedinancialecosystem. FrommyirstintroductionIhadafascinationwiththe reliabilityofthedataontheblockchainandthefreedomto maketransactionsinadecentralizedmarket.Theworldhas shrunkandwiththatwemustadaptandevolve.

ThisisthesecondtimeinalifetimethatI'veparticipatedina projectofthistype.WhenDiscoverCardirstcameonthe scenein1985,itofferedunheardoffeaturesthatwere disruptivetotheexistingcreditcardindustry.Asanearly executive(or“dawner”)atDiscoverCard,weintroducedalot ofdisruptivethoughtsarenowindustrystandardstothe consumercreditindustry.Nowasadawnerinblockchain inance,wehavethesameopportunity

Talk to us about the Switch Rewards Card. What makes it stand out from the crowd?

WithourSwitchBlackCardand SwitchTradingPlatform,userscan buy,sell,andsendcryptocurrencies andthencanspendthoseconverted currenciesineverydaypurchases. ThroughtheSwitchNodeNetwork, allofthesetransactionsearnour usersSwitchDigitalRewards.One waythatweareuniqueisour TradingPlatformhasbotha custodialwalletandanon-custodial walletallowingouruserstotruly owntheirdigitalassets.

As the CEO, what role do you play in the day-to-day proceedings of the company?

AsCEOIamlookingfor opportunitiestofurtheruniteour productwiththeneedsanddesires ofusersandfutureconsumers. Thereisthecurrentbusinessto overseeandkeepupthe momentumoftheproject,parallel withourfutureplans.

What have been the biggest challenges for you and the team when it comes to the technology used?

Thespeedoftechnologychanges andconsumerexpectationsare morerapidthanever.Thisalone keepsusinconstantreviewofbest practicesandoutcomesforthe businessandthecustomer.

What does the future look like for Switch? Talk to us about the recent beta testing expansion of Switch Reward Card and what it means.

WithourSwitchBlackCardinOpen BetaandourSwitchTrading PlatformisClosedBeta(andsoon tobeOpenBeta),thisgivesour developersanopportunitytowork withtheBetaTestersinthe communityandreceivefeedbackon theproductsandworktocreatea betteruserexperience. Wehopeto havebothoftheseproductsoutof BetaTestingandinafullPublic Launchlaterthisyearandthen

workingonourroadmapofother excitingcustomerofferings includingB2Bproducts.