Volume 3, Issue 4 by Global EXEC Women Magazine

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ÂŠ 2007 KPMG LLP, a U.S. limited liability partnership and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International, a Swiss cooperative. 16014ATL KPMG Is an Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V.

We believe in putting women

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At KPMG, women discover a compelling environment where opportunity for personal and professional growth is defined by achievement, not gender. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re proud of our commitment to foster the advancement of more women into leadership positions. And that makes our workplace a place where women feel at home. KPMG is proud to support GlobalEXEC Women. www.us.kpmg.com

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Publisher’s Letter

Choosing Our Paths

A Virginia A. Bradley Founder & Publisher

Executive women in business and technology participate in interactive forums, build Intentional Relationships™ and share knowledge through Global EXEC Women‚ an international thought leadership community and magazine. These women represent large, public corporations and entrepreneurial endeavors through which they influence billions of dollars of business investment. Each year, Global EXEC Women honors outstanding global executives through its highly regarded event, International Women of Influence Awards™.

As you settle into your seat to enjoy Delta Air Lines’ first-ever non-stop flight between Atlanta, Georgia, The United States, and Shanghai, China, I would like to call your attention to the thought-provoking features included in this special issue of Global EXEC Women magazine. Our goal is to provide insight into what corporate executives and women business owners are doing around the world. Interesting articles include our cover story featuring Chinese Consul General Madam Qiao Hong, who gives her thoughts on the changing roles of women in China’s workplace, or our Company Focus on UPS’s efforts to retain valuable female leadership. Additionally, Stephen Roach of Morgan Stanley shares his views on the booming Chinese economy, while our Woman to Watch demonstrates how a company can prosper by focusing on quality rather than price. You can also read about how one vice president maintains stability between her roles as an executive and a single mother of two, or take a unique look at the powerhouse that the baby boomer generation has become. Before you turn to these articles, make sure to browse through the phenomenal collection of nominees who were honored at the International Women of Influence Awards™ - Asia. They are an inspirational group of women who are truly deserving of the recognition. Your presence on this inaugural flight makes you a part of history. As you step off the plane, I hope you will pause to appreciate how the integration of cultures, places and ideas has created global opportunity for each of us. You’re not global, you say? We’re all global - anyone with an Internet connection can access your company’s website. The question is, how will you capitalizing on this massive opportunity? Make it a five star day, Virginia A. Bradley, Publisher info@GlobalEXECWomen.com

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Contributors

Clarissa Harris is the Senior Speechwriter and Political Analyst for a Consul General of Japan - United States. Previously, she worked as an instructor for the Kobe Board of Education in Japan. She has also worked in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan, and Taipei, Taiwan, in the textile industry. Ms. Harris has a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications with a minor in international studies. Christina Liao, Ph.D. is Group Head of Marketing Science and an Executive Team member at CMI, a marketing research and consulting firm. She monitors budget and group operations and provides training and consulting to clients. Ms. Liao is a Vice President in the National Association of Chinese-Americans and is a member of the American Marketing Association and Global EXEC Women. Katherine Phelps produces the national magazine Beautiful and founded the original Atlanta Woman Magazine in 1989, which was later sold to Leader Publishing. Recognized for her work with the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the YWCA, the National Association of Women Business Owners and The Women’s Economic Development Summits, she was voted one of Revlon’s “Most Unforgettable Women.” Jody Quinn is Executive Vice President and Creative Director with Edelman Worldwide, the largest independent international public relations firm. The veteran innovator’s most recent project is the creation of Edelman’s Boomer Insights Generation Group, a new, research-based strategic and creative communications consultancy.

Cecilia Roach is an award-winning writer and communicator who has helped leading technology, healthcare and business-to-business companies create and profit from emerging markets for more than 25 years. Her consultancy, Pivot Point Group, Inc., expertly combines strategic messaging, competitive landscape analysis and aggressive marketing to mine untapped opportunities and create sustainable advantages for clients and their partners. 9

International Women of Influence Awards™

And the Nominees Are... T

he International W omen of Influence Awards™ were established to recognize women who ar e changing the way global bu siness is conducted . Nominees are women who ha ve reached international stat us for outstanding work in their fields and have been recommended by their peers for their leadership and ac hievements. Awards will be give n in the cat egories of Emerging Comp any, Medium C orporation, Large Co rporation and Academ ics. In or der

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to be no minated, a candidate must be an executive woman employed at an international company or a compan y with international cl ients. She must be curr ently w orking at her respective comp any and be in attendance at the aw ards ceremo ny in Beijing. Each aw ard nominee subm itted a form answering questions ab out her professional responsibilities, history and accomplishments . This information was reviewe d by Global EXEC W omen’s team of

judges, who used their unbiased opinions and co mbined experiences in global bu siness to determ ine the winners of these prestigious awards. The International Women of Influence Awards™ are an initiative from Global EX EC W omen’s International Council, which is made up of members of the Consul ar Corps, trade associ ations and in ternational chamber s. The awards began in 20 06 and will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, The United States, and Shanghai, China, in 20 08.

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Featured Nominee

Jing Connie Li, Ph.D. Co-founder, President & CEO, TrafficCast International, Inc. www.TrafficCast.com

TrafficCast Gets You Where You’re Going By Clarissa Harris Jing Connie Li, Ph.D. is one of this year’s International Women of Influence Awards™ nominees. She is the Co-founder, President and CEO of TrafficCast, Inc., a company that uses past traffic patterns to predict the impact of accidents, weather and other occurrences on roadway congestion.

s traffic congestion gridlocks cities worldwide, driver frustration and commute times seem to be at all-time highs. One company you’ve probably never heard of has been helping drivers minimize their frustration and slash drive time since 2000. That company is TrafficCast, the leading provider of route-specific, real-time traffic alerts and forecasts.

How does TrafficCast International do it? By delivering predictive and real-time information about congested roadways, accidents and construction projects to drivers even as driving conditions change. Armed with the company’s data, drivers have the option to plan ahead, allowing more time for the trip, to re-route travel or even reschedule a planned trip.

Jing Connie Li, Ph.D. Co-founder, President & CEO TrafficCast International, Inc.

The company uses historic traffic trend data which it has collected from commercial fleets’ GPS systems and information from local State Departments of Transportation to accurately predict the impact of accidents, weather, construction and special events on drive time. Using its

International Women of Influence Awards™

proprietary Dynaflow™ forecasting technology, TrafficCast then creates color-coded maps showing traffic

speed, incidents and road construction. The company’s customers, which include the United States

Department of Defense and global powerhouses such as Yahoo and Google, use TrafficCast’s predictive modeling and maps to alert consumers to traffic challenges. If you use an in-car navigation device or PDA to check driving conditions or download directions, you’ve probably depended on Dynaflow without even knowing it. “We are proud to say that our models deliver information with an accuracy rate of 90 percent. Communicating information about accidents and construction can help minimize the frustration of travel congestion, or at the very least, reduce the stress of not knowing when you’ll be moving again,” explained TrafficCast Co-founder, President and CEO Dr. Connie Jing Li. “That said, we know the most important miles are those between your origin and destination. For that reason, we are continuing to enrich and extend our coverage area.”

“TrafficCast servers poll existing cell transmission towers to collect cell phone location data. The company’s Dynaflow technology then matches that data to complex traffic models, plotting the data on digital maps. Using the maps to determine the cell phones’ travel time and physical speed between towers, TrafficCast estimates location-specific travel speeds and times.”

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Li’s background in traffic engineering, an extremely specialized discipline, perfectly qualifies her to head up this innovative company. “The latest advances in traffic engineering are at the heart of

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Featured Nominee

TrafficCast,” she said. “The biggest challenge in delivering traffic information, particularly in emerging markets, is sorting through all the available but disparate data. The science of traffic engineering forms the basis for our service and its highly specialized science that sets us apart. We have built an extremely efficient communications platform that positions us well now and can scale to accommodate our global expansion.” Expansion focusing on US, PRC For TrafficCast, the company’s global expansion effort started at home – in the United States. In Stage Two, TrafficCast shifted its focus to the AsiaPacific region, the People’s Republic of China in particular. While it might not seem that these parts of the world have much in common, both have extremely dense population in their cities and depend on transportation-driven commerce for economic growth. Market validation for the TrafficCast’s growth came from two diverse sources: a national study on traffic congestion across a range of U.S. cities and the upcoming 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Traffic congestion in American cities of all sizes continues to worsen,

according to the Texas Transportation Institute’s 2007 Urban Mobility Study. The U.S. economy took a 78 billion USD hit thanks to traffic congestion, the study said, as Americans wasted 105 million weeks of vacation and 2.9 billion gallons of fuel sitting in their vehicles. The study used the most recent available information for its calculations – 2005 figures. Even that staggering 78 billion USD number is low when you consider that in 2005 the cost of a barrel of oil did not approach today’s average of 100 USD. Half a world away, the needs of two key cities, Shanghai and Beijing, pushed the People’s Republic of China to the top of TrafficCast’s list of target markets. Not only could China deliver the desired population density and traffic-dependent commerce TrafficCast needed, the 2008 Olympic Games were coming. TrafficCast moved quickly to invest in two of the People’s Republic of China’s key cities: Shanghai, a dynamic and clogged metropolis of more than 17 million people, 1.1 million automobiles, and 1.02 million motorcycles; and Beijing, a megalopolis expecting more than 3.5 million vehicles in its streets by

the kickoff of the 2008 Summer Games. “China recognizes that as its economy grows, more cars and trucks will be entering a road infrastructure that can’t expand quickly enough,” Li explained. “Ultimately, congestion could hinder the country’s desired economic growth. When infrastructure trails a rapid increase in the number of automobiles operating in China’s cities, a gap is created and that gap represents a great market potential for TrafficCast.” During the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Beijing agencies will use TrafficCast information to coordinate traffic signal timing and message alert boards. “Olympics events coordinators will be able to use such information to transport athletes and visitors across a network of locations and venues,” Li said. “Timely, accurate traffic information is critical in a multi-site, high traffic volume event situation such as the Summer Games.” (Editor’s Note: For more information about how Beijing is preparing for the upcoming Summer Games, see the article titled, “The Greening of Beijing,” on page 56.)

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International Women of Influence Awards™

Kat Cole Vice President Hooters of America, Inc. www.Hooters.com Kat Cole is Vice President of Training and Development for Hooters of America, Inc., an international, privately held restaurant company that generates more than 1 billion USD in revenue. She reports to the CEO and has directed projects, departments and initiatives with budgets of 30,000 to 5 million USD, contributing to growth from 150 restaurants to 450 locations in 24 countries and implementation of brand extensions. Ms. Cole created her company’s Diversity and Inclusion Corporate/Management Training and was instrumental in developing Hooters University. She partnered with her executive team to initiate research, training and transition plans to a “full spirits” business model, projected to drive millions in revenue and profits.

Kat Cole Vice President Hooters of America

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Ms. Cole is a two-time winner of her company’s Presidential Service Award and was the Women’s Foodservice Forum’s Volunteer of the Year. She founded the Hooters Women’s Forum, serves as committee chair and mentor in the Women’s Foodservice Forum and presented at the Southeast Society for Human Resources Management conference. Ms. Cole is on the Product Development Committee for the Elliot Leadership Institute and the National Restaurant Association’s Certification Governing Board.

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Nominees

Lihong Lilly D’Angelo, Ph.D. Senior Innovation Leader The Coca-Cola Company www.Coca-Cola.com Dr. Lihong Lilly D’Angelo is a Senior Innovation Leader for The Coca-Cola Company, the world’s largest beverage company. Since joining The Coca-Cola Company in 1989, Dr. D’Angelo has been promoted from Associate Scientist to Principal Scientist, Manager of Functional Ingredients at Corporate Innovation/R&D and, in 2006, to Senior Innovation Leader. She researches ingredient science and technology, consumer trends and business planning and has 11 patents on sweetener and beverage application ingredients. Currently, Dr. D’Angelo works with colleagues to leverage global product innovation and mentors young associates worldwide. Dr. D’Angelo has been a member of the National ACS Committee on Chemistry and Public Affairs and was Editor of the ACS newsletter. She is also a member of the Women Chemists Discussion Group Steering Committee. Dr. D’Angelo has been a judge for science fairs in the state of Georgia in the United States, and the Dixie Institute of Food Technologists Section Graduate Students Competition. Dr. D’Angelo mentors for the National Association of Chinese Americans and coaches in the local Special Olympics. She serves on the Board of the Fulbright Association as well as the Alumni Board and Board of Executive Forum for Mercer University. She is on Emory University’s Alumni Board of Governors and received the school’s J. Pollard Turman Alumni Service Award.

Lihong Lilly D’Angelo, Ph.D. Senior Innovation Leader The Coca-Cola Company

Leadership. Innovation. Community. All of us at Manheim salute the outstanding global female executives nominated for the International Women of Influence Awards.

â&#x201E;˘

Lilicia Bailey - Chief People Officer

As the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest provider of used vehicle services, Manheim has set the standard for buying and selling vehicles at live auctions and online. With operations in more than 14 countries including China, Australia and the United Kingdom, Manheim is transforming the remarketing industry through technology, global expansion, and innovative products and services. For more information about Manheim, go to www.Manheim.com.

Manheim

Nominees

Fei Gao Vice President Renjian Yuanjng Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd. www.v2099.com Fei Gao is Vice President of Renjian Yuanjng Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd. and Vice Chair of the Association for Promotion of Learning-mode China, highly recognized and influential institutes of international cultural exchanges in China. They focus on education and training for individual development, corporation growth and public speaking. Other key areas include publishing, promoting, the “Learning-mode China Forum” and international cultural exchanges. Their mission is to promote life-long study for the Chinese in China and around the world. Ms. Gao is in charge of the overall image management and promotion for both the Renjian Yuanjng Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd. and the Association for Promotion of Learning-mode China. Her responsibilities include brand management, company image promotion and media relations. She is one of the initiators and advocates for the concept of Learning-mode China and successfully created and organized a series of “Learning-mode China Forums” in the past years. A devoted researcher on training and communication for better lives, Ms. Gao merges the modern Western spirit of independence and endeavor with the traditional Chinese merit of self-containment. She is named one of the “Chinese Ambassadors of Charm to the World.”

Fei Gao Vice President Renjian Yuanjng Cultural Exchange Co., Ltd.

International Women of Influence Awards™

Jian Gao Vice Director National Development and Reform Commission of China Jian Gao is the Vice Director of the International Economy Research Center, International Cooperation Division of the National Development and Reform Commission of China. Ms. Gao does research on the art of management and bridges Chinese and Western business management practices. She helped to achieve cooperation between the INSEAD Business School and the International Economy Research Center, which created a new model for the corporation among government organizations, international academics and domestic executives. Ms. Gao is also the General Director of the Ding Shuo Management and Consulting Company. In the last 10 years, she has successfully consulted or provided training on business human resource management for more than 100 companies, including Hitachi, Phillips, HP, Canon and other international corporations.

Jian Gao Vice Director National Development and Reform Commission of China

In addition, Ms. Gao is the Human Resource Expert of the International Managers Union. She has more than 10 years of experience in the industry of business management and consulting and strong expertise in improving business performance by integrating human resource structures. Ms. Gao was awarded the “Top Ten Outstanding Management Consultants of the Asian Pacific Regions” award in each year from 2004 to 2006.

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Nominees

Bei-Jing Guo Director Microsoft - China www.Microsoft.com Bei-Jing Guo is Engineering Director for Microsoft – China, where she leads the company’s in-country healthcare projects. Ms. Guo joined Microsoft’s Windows team in 1995 as a Program Manager. She was responsible for Windows 98 features such as Windows Maintenance Wizard and Backup and was the main designer of Digital Signature Signing for all driver files. In 1998, Ms. Guo led a small team in shipping Windows 98 Plus!, achieving a 30 percent attach rate to Windows. She also incubated the Windows OneCare project and was Group Program Manager for Microsoft’s NetMeeting product, leading the release of NetMeeting 3.0. She then became Director of Microsoft – China’s outsourcing business, where she was the critical mind behind establishing the company’s infrastructure and framework to work with the Chinese outsourcing industry. Ms. Guo was also instrumental in helping China’s outsourcing companies develop their ability to work with U.S. businesses. In 2006, Ms. Guo returned to China to join Microsoft’s R&D Group, running the Exchange and Text-to-Speech engineering teams in Beijing. From 2000 to 2001, Ms. Guo was Director of Engineering for start-up vJungle, which provided online services for small business.

Bei-Jing Guo Director Microsoft - China

Ms. Guo was born in Shanghai, China, and moved to the U.S. to attend school. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in electrical computer engineering from the University of California at Santa Barbara.

International Women of Influence Awards™

Nina Huang Vice President Microsoft – China www.Microsoft.com Nina Huang is Vice President of Business Development for Microsoft - China. Since 1995, Microsoft has been expanding its business across China and now encompasses such areas as basic research, product development, technical support and service, training and marketing and sales. Ms. Huang is responsible for the Microsoft - China’s overall business strategy planning and project cooperation with government agencies and telecommunication operators. She supports Microsoft’s policy issues and business projects in China, such as legalization (SOE, enterprise, government pre-install, OEM/SBC pre-install), OXML and consumer products (Xbox, IPTV, MSN). Ms. Huang works on strategic project breakthrough, such as ADC, EA and projects with China Mobile. These initiatives were instrumental in winning the EIAC project and building up a partnership with China Telecom and the VASP project with China Unicom, milestones for Microsoft’s business in China. Previously, Ms. Huang was Executive Vice President of China Motion Telecom International, Ltd. She spent eight years at Ericsson – China, first as a Business Development Representative and working her way up to Vice President. Ms. Huang began her career as a software engineer of Computer Center and as a computer software designer.

Nina Huang Vice President Microsoft – China

Ms. Huang earned degrees in application mathematics and computer software from the Information Engineering University. She also has her master’s degree in international management from Australia National University.

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Nominees

Maggie Nien-Ning Liu Corporate Lead Cisco Systems Networking Technology Co., Ltd. – China www.Cisco.com Maggie Nien-Ning Liu is the Corporate Citizenship Lead and Diversity & Inclusion Lead for Cisco Systems Networking Technology Co., Ltd. China. Cisco is the worldwide leader in networking. Ms. Liu was assigned the role of the Cisco Greater China Corporate Citizenship Lead in May 2007. In this role, she expanded her responsibilities in Diversity & Inclusion and the Associate Sales Program to lead the overall Cisco Corporate Citizenship efforts in greater China. The programs aim to improve communities, protect the environment and enhance employee welfare and productivity. After joining Cisco in 2003 as the Marketing Head of Cisco – China, Ms. Liu has led the Associate Sales Program and Diversity & Inclusion initiative since August 2006. At this time, she started her corporate social responsibility journey. Ms. Lui also led the China Women Action Network, which is also a key practice of employee networks. During her 18-year career in the IT industry, Ms. Liu also held various sales and marketing management positions at IBM and Microsoft. Ms. Liu received the Excellence in Creating a Culture of Inclusion award of Cisco APAC for her work. Ms. Liu has a bachelor’s degree in geology and an MBA from National Taiwan University. Her master’s thesis, published in 1990, titled “Corporate Philanthropy in Taiwan” was the first MBA study on corporate social responsibility in Taiwan.

Maggie Nien-Ning Liu Corporate Lead Cisco Systems Networking Technology Co., Ltd. – China

We have a taste for supplier diversity At Wal-Mart, we’re working to make our supplier base just as diverse as the customers we serve. We look for minority and women-owned suppliers with great products or services, competitive prices, financial stability and marketplace success. If that sounds like your company, we invite you to get in touch with us. Simply go to walmartstores.com and select the “Suppliers” tab.

Nominees

Ziyu Liu President Beijing Matrix Today Co., Ltd. www.MatrixToday.com Ms. Liu is the Founder and President of the Beijing Matrix Today Co., Ltd., which she created in 2000, and now includes Matrix Today Consulting, Matrix Today Public Relations Consulting and the Matrix Today Occupational Planning and Research Center. She is also the director and senior specialist of the Matrix Today Occupational Planning and Research Center, focusing on the research of occupational quality advances, self-inspiring management and professional image building as well as consultation, training, course development and manual development for businesses and organizations. Ms. Liu provides occupational training courses for many corporations and organizations, including for the Ministry of Information Industry of China and consulting for IBM and the nation-wide implementation of its occupational quality consulting program. Greatly emphasizing the key role of traditional Chinese culture in one’s success in professional environments, Ms. Liu has been using a cultural element as a main theme in her various training programs, including the SYE - workplace stress release system, which she co-founded.

Ziyu Liu President Beijing Matrix Today Co., Ltd.

Ms. Liu was awarded “Excellence in Women Economy of China” in 2007.

International Women of Influence Awards™

Teri Ng Senior Director Microsoft – China www.Microsoft.com Teri Ng is currently Senior Director of Legal and Corporate Affairs for Microsoft, based in Beijing. She leads a team of legal professionals in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou that provides the legal support to Microsoft’s business in China. This is a broad portfolio which includes commercial licensing, consulting services, online business (Windows Live and MSN), Xbox, hardware, research and development, HR and compliance. Ms. Ng has been with Microsoft for 12 years and has broad experience in the Asian-Pacific area. She has held various positions in Asia prior to her current China posting. Ms. Ng was the lead attorney for Microsoft’s business in Hong Kong, where she oversaw commercial legal support, government relations, community affairs, policy and IP enforcement activities. Prior to being in Hong Kong, she was based in Tokyo for three years as one of the key transactional commercial attorneys for Microsoft - Japan. Before joining Microsoft, Ms. Ng was in private practice with the San Francisco law firm of Bingham, McCutchen, LLP, where she worked on general corporate transactional matters, bond financings, mergers and acquisitions.

Teri Ng Senior Director Microsoft - China

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Ms. Ng received her law degree from the University California at Los Angeles and her undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where she majored Asian Studies. She was an exchange student at Beijing University and participated in an intensive Chinese language program.

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Nominees

Virginia L. P’an Chairman and CEO China Pacific Partners, LLC www.ChinaPacificPartners.com Virginia L. P’an is Chairman and CEO of China Pacific Partners, LLC. She is also Chairman, CEO and Founder of TransCapital Group, LLC, specializing in establishing and funding new business ventures in rapid-growth economies. She recently negotiated a client’s long-term contract with Beijing North Star Co., Ltd. to manage China’s National Convention Center in Beijing following the 2008 Summer Olympics. Ms. P’an is a successful global executive, entrepreneur and financier and a recognized authority on business in the Pacific Rim. She is a pioneer in opening the China market for Western multinational companies. Prior to forming TransCapital Group, Ms. P’an was the first woman Vice President at American Express Bank and the first Chinese-American woman professional on Wall Street. She is active on the boards of AIESEC-US, the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson University and the Center for Women’s Business Research. She is on the Advisory Board of the Women’s Leadership Exchange and is a past Trustee of the Asian Pacific American Women’s Leadership Institute. Ms. P’an has been profiled or featured in more than 10 television and print media outlets. She was named “One of the 500 Most Influential Asian Americans” by Avenue Asia Magazine and received “The Leading Women Entrepreneur of the World” Award in 2003.

Virginia L. P’an Chairman and CEO China Pacific Partners, LLC

Ms. P’an graduated from the City University of New York and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Business and the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business.

International Women of Influence Awards™

Nancy Parmer Vice President UPS Supply Chain Solutions www.UPS-SCS.com As Vice President of Global Solutions, Nancy Parmer improves customers’ supply chain processes, which are counted on to match customer expectations and deliver the best value. Previously, as Director of Logistics Services for the Asia Pacific region, Ms. Parmer’s team oversaw multi-client logistics warehouses for clients such as GE Medical and Philips Medical Systems. She helped create and implement solutions for the GE healthcare program as part of Global Distribution Solutions, participated in the integration process of the UPS Logistics Group and worked with the UPS Worldwide Logistics Solutions team. As a spokesperson for UPS Supply Chain Solutions, Ms. Parmer represented the company at the Hong Kong Association of Freight Forwarders Conference and to the United States Consul General of Hong Kong. The Chinese Olympic Committee sought her advice about logistics and supply chain management systems for the event. Nancy Parmer Vice President UPS Supply Chain Solutions

Prior to joining UPS, Ms. Parmer was with Excel, a worldwide leader in contract logistics and freight management. Her collaboration on a system uniting technology, people and processes revolutionized the logistics industry by combining three disparate procedures. Ms. Parmer is a member of the Council of Supply Chain Management (formerly Council of Logistics Management), and she volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, helping secure homes and lodging for people around the world. Ms. Parmer has a bachelor’s degree in logistics, production, and operations management from Columbus College.

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Nominees

Mirjam Thieme Human Resources Manager Heidelberg China, Ltd. www.Heidelberg.com Mirjam Thieme is the Human Resources Manager of Heidelberg China, Ltd., a sales and service unit of the Heidelberg Group, consisting of eight legal entities and employing about 600 staff in China. Ms. Thieme’s responsibilities cover all major human resource management functions, including strategic recruitment, training and skills development, compensation and benefits, internal communication and performance and career management for Heidelberg China’s PRC branches’ employees. In addition to her responsibilities in China, she is an important member of the company’s Asia Pacific Region Human Resources Committee. Born and raised in Holland, Ms. Thieme has been working and living in China since 1993. Prior to joining Heidelberg China, she was employed with KPMG Huazhen as a management consultant and with EAC Graphics as a Human Resources Manager. She is fluent in both written and spoken Mandarin Chinese. Ms. Thieme is an active member in several professional and business organizations supporting the continuous development of the human resources profession in China. Ms. Thieme obtained her bachelor’s degree in The Netherlands from Rijkshogeschool Maastricht -Faculty for Translation & Interpreting, majoring in Chinese and English with a minor in Economics, and has accredited translator/interpreter status. In addition, she has studied at the Economic Management College of Beijing and at the Chinese faculty of Beijing University.

Mirjam Thieme Human Resources Manager Heidelberg China, Ltd.

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Nominees

Ingrid Wang President Shanghai Wicresoft Co., Ltd. www.Wicresoft.com Ingrid Wang is the President of Shanghai Wicresoft Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Microsoft Corporation and Shanghai Municipal Government and a world-class IT & Business Process Outsourcing service provider. Under the leadership of Ms. Wang, Wicresoft has defined a clear mission and vision, successfully built up ITO & BPO-focused business frameworks and achieved remarkable revenue of RMB 700 million in fiscal year 2006. The company was also profitable in its first six months and became a fully recovered initial investment within two years. Owing to Ms. Wangâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outstanding leadership, she was promoted to Vice President in May 2003 and President in December 2003. She was a recipient of the prestigious Top Ten award for Best Economic Contributor in China 2002 and China Software Export Software Outsourcing Contribution Award in 2005. Ms. Wang was the Shanghai Leading Science & Technical Entrepreneur in 2003 and 2004 as well as the Shanghai Software Industry Excellent Entrepreneur and China Software Industry Outstanding Young Person in 2006. Before joining Wicresoft, Ms. Wang worked for Microsoft â&#x20AC;&#x201C; China for five years and has successively taken many key positions in management and obtained remarkable achievement. In April 2000, she joined 8848.com, a leading ebusiness in China. As General Manager of its Shanghai branch, she led the sales and marketing and technical support teams in many significant e-business projects.

Ingrid Wang President Shanghai Wicresoft Co., Ltd.

Ms. Wang graduated from Fudan University in Shanghai in 1989, majoring in management science.

International Women of Influence Awardsâ&#x201E;˘

Sindy Wang Training Director China Enterprise Commission www.GLZX.org Sindy Wang is Training Director for the Management and Consulting Committee of China Enterprise Commission, one of the earliest organizations in the country that managed the industry of business consulting. It has trained more than 2,000 executive management consultants nationwide. The CEC is also the national certification organization for management consultants. While working for the Management and Consulting Committee, Ms. Wang successfully helped the organization to become the 41st member of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI) in 2002. As a member of the international committee, Ms Wang is also an instructor and judge for the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Certified Management Consultant (CMC) program in China. Ms. Wang served in the Chinese military for 20 years with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before entering the corporate management and consulting business.

Sindy Wang Training Director China Enterprise Commission

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Nominees

Sophia Wang Vice President Beyondsoft www.Beyondsoft.com Sophia Wang is Vice President of Beyondsoft, the leading China-based provider of global outsourcing services. Ms. Wang uses her extensive experience in new business, corporate investment and sales and marketing to lead the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marketing and Corporate Business Development. Ms. Wang joined Beyondsoft as General Manager of the localization service business unit. During her tenure in that position, Ms. Wang played a pivotal role in generating new business opportunities for the company. She is also in charge of M&A and represents the company at global industry summits. Previously, Ms. Wang acquired almost a decade of diverse experience at IBM China. During her time there, Ms. Wang served as Business Development Manager for the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s manufacturing arm. She was deeply involved in a host of successful corporate investment and joint venture management activities and left the company as its Global Resource Development Manager. Ms. Wang has built up an extensive network of industry contacts through her experience in evaluating, developing and managing IT outsourcing service providers in China.

Sophia Wang Vice President Beyondsoft

Ms. Wang graduated from Tsinghua University in Beijing with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in biomedical engineering. She also holds an Executive MBA from the China Europe International Business School, which has campuses in Pudong, Beijing and Shenzhen.

International Women of Influence Awards™

Barbara Woodward, Ph.D. President International Managers Organisation, Australia www.IMO.org.au Dr. Barbara Woodward, Chairman of the International Managers Union, trains international non-profits to develop people through equal opportunities and sharing cultures. As President of the International Managers Organisation, she encourages professional development, mentoring, leadership and networking. She is also the Managing Director of BWE Coaching, Mentoring and Consulting. Dr. Woodward was an executive at global financial services organisations and is a business development expert at CEC.GlobalSources.com. As a consultant, she assists in achieving targeted transitions, maximisation of skills and competencies and greater productivity and profits.

Barbara Woodward President International Managers Organisation, Australia

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Dr. Woodward is Honorary President of the Oriental Business College in China and a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian College of Educators and The Rotary Club of Sydney. She is a Principal Consultant to the China Automobile Talent Research Association, an Accredited Human Resources Talent Consultant and hosts ‘The Top Floor’ Internet radio program. She is Founder and Director of the Birthday Wish Education Program in China, helping disadvantaged girls achieve a quality education. In addition to a Diploma of Teaching from the University of Sydney, Dr. Woodward holds a bachelor’s degree from Newcastle University and a Graduate Diploma from the College of Applied Psychology. She has a Master of Arts from Macquarie University and her doctorate from the University of Technology, Sydney, all in Australia.

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Nominees

Qiu Xia President Yantai Qulin Communication Technology Co., Ltd. Qiu Xia is president of Yantai Qulin Communication Technology Co., Ltd. and Yuyuan Hotel of Yantai. Qulin Communication Technology Co., Ltd. is a major wholesaler and retailer of telecommunication equipments such as telephones, cellular phones, fax machines and computer accessories. It is one of the leading chain stores in the Yantai region of the Shandong Province. Yantai Qulin Communication Technology Co., Ltd. also invests in real estate and hospitality industry. It owns and operates Yuyuan Hotel located in Yantai City. Prior to founding Qulin Communication Technology Co., Ltd. with her husband in 1998, Ms. Xia was a middle school music teacher for 12 years. Ms. Xia is Vice Chair for the Yantai Development Zone Women Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of Chinese Lute Association and advisor for music education for local schools. Born in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province, Ms. Xia was influenced by her family and became passionate about traditional Chinese music, especially the Chinese lute, which became a life-long hobby. Ms. Xia attended Qiqihar Normal University with a major in arts. She is a nationally certificated level-one teacher.

Qiu Xia President Yantai Qulin Communication Technology Co., Ltd.

www.heidelberg.com

Success Success model. model.

Best wishes Best wishes from Heidelberg, from Heidelberg, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading leading solution solution provider provider for theforprint the print mediamedia industry. industry. We congratulate We congratulate Mirjam Mirjam Thieme, Thieme, head head of Human of Human Resources Resources for Heidelberg for Heidelberg China,China, on heron2007 her 2007 International International Women Women of Influence of Influence AwardAward nomination. nomination. Her relentless Her relentless pursuit pursuit of excellence of excellence makesmakes her a her member a member of an of an elite group elite group of theofmost the most respected respected and influential and influential women women in print in media. print media.

Nominees

Huidiao Xie Vice President Zhuhai Weisiman Garments and Accessories Co., Ltd. www.ZHZW.com Huidiao Xie is Vice President of Zhuhai Weisiman Garments and Accessories Co., Ltd., a company she and her husband founded in 1987. After 20 years, Zhuhai Weisiman Garments and Accessories Co., Ltd. has evolved into a vibrant entity with branches extending into more than 100 Chinese cities. Headquarted in Zhuhai, China, Weisiman Garments and Accessories Co., Ltd. is equipped with world-class knitting equipment, annually producing 6 million sweaters. With 300 locations throughout the country, Zhuhai Weisiman Garments and Accessories Co., Ltd is a leader in research, production, sales and ODM processing in the garments and accessories industry. Ms. Xie supervises the company’s overall operation and is the key decisionmaker for personnel, financial and administration management. She respects employees and puts great effort into providing a comfortable, people-oriented workplace. She sponsors the “School for Working Women” and hires experts to provide employee education and training. In 2006, Weisiman Garments and Accessories Co., Ltd. was honored with the “Corporate Social Responsibility” Award. Ms. Xie was named the Philanthropist of China in 2007 and one of the Top Ten Women of Guangdong Province in 2006. She received the March 8th RedBanner Pace-Setter Award and a National Outstanding Women Award. Ms. Xie is also an activist for charity and public welfare and has donated more than ¥5 million to aid organizations during the past years.

Huidiao Xie Vice President Zhuhai Weisiman Garments and Accessories Co., Ltd.

International Women of Influence Awardsâ&#x201E;˘

Guoqin Zhang President Beijing Wonderful Foods Co., Ltd. Guoqin Zhang is the President of the Beijing Wonderful Foods Co., Ltd., a company that markets Wonderful black soy bean products and Han Moon Rice Wine. As a researcher of healthy nutrition foods and the President of the company, Ms. Zhang is not only the developer of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s core nutrition food technology and the patent holder, but she is also the navigator and decision maker that has stirred the company through the fierce competition in the business world. As a woman leader of an emerging independent company, Ms. Zhang puts great efforts on the research and development of green nutrition foods, which both puts her company on a fast track of growth and helps to create a healthier world. Ms. Zhang was born into a family with knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine and has been passionate about it her whole life. After she retired from her previous job in 1998, she devoted herself to the research and development of natural black nutrition foods. Guoqin Zhang President Beijing Wonderful Foods Co., Ltd.

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Ms. Zhang is a member of the Council of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Association of China. She is also a member of the Committee for Preservation of Chinese Medicine. Ms. Zhang is from Nanyang, Henan Province, China, and graduated from the Zhengzhou Zhongjing Chinese Medicine College.

www.GlobalEXECWomen.com

Nominees

Xiuying Helen Zhang Division Chief Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park www.Zhongguancun.com.cn Xiuying Helen Zhang is the Division Chief of the International Cooperation Division of the Administration Committee of Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park (HSP), China’s first state-level high-tech development zone. Since joining the Administration Committee of HSP in 1988, Ms. Zhang has accumulated experience in her area of international cooperation. Successful cases include HSP’s co-ops with the IASP, IEEE-CS, CCBC, SPI, CTIBO and Gartner. She has also established strong relationships with partners and has a good sense of understanding both national and international situation. Ms. Zhang is a member of the expert committee for the “Feasibility Study on the Setting-Up of a European Center in China for European Small and MediumSized Enterprises and Other Activities.” The study, expected to be initiated November 2007, was applied cooperatively by HSP and Sociedade Portuguesa de Inovacao (SPI) and has been approved by the European Union. Past achievements include playing a role in undertaking the construction of the one-stop iBridge service platform, which was implemented by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOS), and in 2005, Ms. Zhang was named the MOS “Advanced Worker of the 10th Anniversary of Software Base of MOS.”

Xiuying Helen Zhang Division Chief Zhongguancun Haidian Science Park

Ms. Zhang earned her MBA from Roosevelt University and her Master of Law from Beijing University of Adult Education Management College.

International Women of Influence Awards™

Qunfei Zhou President Shenzhen Lansi Technology. Co., Ltd. www.SZLens.com Qunfei Zhou is President of Shenzhen Lansi Technology Co., Ltd., which she founded in 2003, and President of Lansiwang Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., Hunan Lansi Technology Co., Ltd. and Kunshan Lansi Technology Co., Ltd. Shenzhen Lansi Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer of glass parts for cellular phone screens, watches, MP3 and MP4 players, digital cameras, appliances and other applications. The company is a strategic partner for many cellular phone manufacturers globally, including brands such as Lenovo, Huawei Tech, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Apple. Shenzhen Lansi Technology Co., Ltd. is praised for its technological innovation, superb product quality and excellent customer service. It was named the “leading company in the private sector” and the “model technology industrialization company of China.” Under the leadership of Ms. Zhou, Lansi Technology is now a leading company in the glass industry with more than 6,000 employees.

Qunfei Zhou President Shenzen Lansi Technology Co., Ltd.

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In addition to her business success, Ms. Zhou also contributes to charity and public welfare. She has donated ¥1 million to create a foundation to help children without access to schools get an education. She also donates for the building of roads in rural areas and aids in the employment of people with disabilities. Ms. Zhou has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Hunan University and she is pursuing an MBA at Tsinghua University in Beijing.

www.GlobalEXECWomen.com

Nominees

Xiaoguang Zhou President Neoglory Holdings Group – China www.Neoglory.cn Xiaoguang Zhou is President of Neoglory Holdings Group – China, which was founded in 1995. In the next 12 years, it became one of China’s most prominent corporations in the apparel and garment industry and has expanded into trading and real estate as well. The Neoglory Holdings Group – China owns one of the world’s largest apparel and garment production bases, which, in combination with its global marketing, helped the company become a world leader in its industry. The corporation is also a member of the Gems and Jewelry Trade Association of China and the Zhejiang Association of Garments Industries. Ms. Zhou has been elected the district delegate for China’s National Congress. She is a renowned entrepreneur and representative of Zhejiang’s businesswomen community, recognized for her excellent business achievements and her diligent efforts in public service. She was selected as one of 2004’s Top Ten Women Entrepreneurs of China, Entrepreneur of Zhejiang of 2005 and as an Outstanding Women Entrepreneur of China. She was also a March 8th Red-Banner PaceSetter. Ms. Zhou is involved in many public and industrial organizations, including Vice Chair of the Apparel Industry Association of Zhejiang Province, Vice Chair of the Association of Zhejiang Women Entrepreneur and Executive Chair of the Gems and Jewelry Trade Association of China.

Xiaoguang Zhou President Neoglory Holdings Group – China

Nominees

Judges, Speakers and Panelists

lobal EXEC Women thanks the distinguished judges, speakers and panelists for contributing their time and expertise to make the International Women of Influence Awardsâ&#x201E;˘ a success. Like the nominees, the judges are leaders in their fields and have taken the time to review all of the nominations under an established rubric. Judge: Vicki Hamilton Ms. Hamilton is Senior Vice President of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., where she provides leadership and insights on operational efficiencies and business prioritization in the Technology, Strategy and Operations Group.

Judge: Cindy Nelson Ms. Nelson is Director of IT Financial Services at The Home Depot, the largest home improvement retailer in the world, operating stores such as The Home Depot, EXPO Design Center and The Home Depot Supply.

Keynote Speaker: Joan Lyman Ms. Lyman is Co-Founder and Partner of Lyman Management Group. She has raised more than 70 million USD in venture capital, and has bought and sold several companies. She provides advisory services to early and growth-stage companies.

Panelist: Sarah Bajc At Microsoft - China, Ms. Bajc is Business Director of the Strategic Partnership Group, which is responsible for developing of a robust technology ecosystem in the country.

Panelist: Jacqui Chew As Principal at iFusion Marketing, Ms. Chew provides social media strategy and community-building services to businesses with a special focus on media and entertainment companies, associations and brands.

Panelist: Cindy Jensen Ms. Jensen is General Manager of IWNC China, North Region, where she focuses on leadership development and human resource functional areas.

Moderator: Virginia Bradley Ms. Bradley is the Founder and Publisher of Global EXEC Women, an organization and magazine promoting professional growth, international relations and the creation of an inclusive society.

Luminary Award

Global EXEC Women

Luminary Award Recipient Lani Wong Chair, National Association of Chinese-Americans The spirit that carries Global EXEC Women and the International Women of Influence Awardsâ&#x201E;˘ is one of boundless energy, continual effort and unmatched enthusiasm for improving global business. That is why Lani Wong, who has spent most of the last 30 years as a supporter and advocate for improving Chinese business and cultural relations, is the first ever Global EXEC Women Luminary Award Recipient. This award is presented to a woman who blazes a trail, inspiring dedication to professional growth as well as community and civic organizations. Women who have this honor bestowed upon them are leaders, educators and futurists, illuminating the lives of women around the globe. Internationally, Ms. Wong has served in many capacities, most notably when she was invited to attend the Hong Kong hand-over ceremony in 1997. In March of 2007, she was one of five people from the United States invited to attend the fifth session of the 10th National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference as a non-voting delegate. Ms. Wong has also been twice nominated by the Chinese Government as Advisor to the National Congress of All China Federation of Overseas Chinese. She was an attachĂŠ for Hong Kong during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games and served as hostess of

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With General Administration of Civil Aviation of China Minister Yang Yuanyuan at the 10th National Committee fifth session of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference With John G. Rice, Vice Chairman, GE

numerous galas for Chinese ambassadors and consul generals in the past 27 years. In the U.S., Ms. Wong is a member of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations in New York. In April 2006, she received a special invitation to attend several functions during Chinese President Hu’s visit to the White House about policies on AsianAmerican Affairs. From 1991 until ‘94, she held the position of National Chairman for the National Association for ChineseAmericans. Ms. Wong also participated in presidential forums and briefings on U.S.-China policies at the White House. Ms. Wong earned her undergraduate degree in business administration from Chung Hsing University in Taipei, Taiwan, before going to the University of Hawaii in the U.S. to study information science.

Above: With James Sasser, Former Ambassador to China, and Miss China Universe Left: With husband Dr. John Wong

UpFront - Cover Story

Women Respond to China’s Growth

Interviewed by Christina Liao, Ph.D.

As most people know, China has enjoyed tremendous growth for many years, and Chinese women play critical roles in contributing to such growth. Therefore, to help us better understand Chinese women and their unique strengths, as well as challenges they face, we are fortunate to have Consul General Qiao share with us her words of wisdom on Chinese women’s leadership, their abilities and the greater roles women play in society.

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Madam Qiao Hong Consul General, The People’s Republic of China

www.GlobalEXECWomen.com

Consul General Qiao Hong is the first female Chinese Consul General in the United States; she is located in Houston, Texas, United States. First, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to thank the Global EXEC Women Magazine for giving me this opportunity to exchange my ideas with its readers. I started my post in May 2007 as the Consul General in the Consulate General of the Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Republic of China in Houston, Texas. I worked under different divisions and departments in the Foreign Affairs Ministry in the past. This is my second time serving in the U.S. Twenty-seven years ago, I was a young diplomat and worked at the Chinese Embassy in the U.S. As a woman, I am fortunate to be living in the current time. As the new China was established in 1949, the country adopted the gender equality policy, which allowed women to enjoy equal rights in a wide variety of areas such as political affairs, work, financial resources, education, etc. Chinese women enjoy greater protection in personal rights, marriage, and other areas of societal affairs. Like many other women, I was able to receive excellent higher education and was fortunate to have the honor to become a diplomat. Chinese women are very active in many fields, such as politics, businesses, sciences, sports and engineering. You can find outstanding females in almost all fields. Women in general enjoy gender equality in education and work. In terms of student body, female students make up close to 50 percent of the students. For those in the work force, almost half are female as well. Female entrepreneurs make up about 20 percent of the overall

entrepreneurship. In the 17th meeting of the CPC National Congress held in October this year, about 20 percent were female representatives. In the Foreign Affairs Ministry under which I serve, about one-third of the diplomats are female, including 14 current ministers, and more than 10 Consul Generals. And I was honored to be among one of them. What do you think are the top three traits or characteristics a woman possesses to help her advance her professional career (regardless of her industry)? Competitiveness in a professional environment has little to do with gender. As long as you are good at what you do and are willing to make the most out of you, you will have a chance to succeed, regardless of whether you are a woman or a man. If there are any differences, I would say what women need more is self-confidence, self-respect and self-independence. Once they have these and are persistent in working hard, they will succeed. What do you think are the biggest obstacles Chinese women face when trying to advance their career? Women in China enjoy gender equality and have equal employment opportunities as men. If there are any obstacles, I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the influence of the traditional Chinese culture that assigns Chinese women an important family role, which may hinder their career development. However, as long as one can achieve balance between her career and her family duty and demonstrate her abilities on the job, a woman can be a winner in the professional world as well.

UpFront - Cover Story

What are the unique advantages for women executives in China? I think different people may have very different opinions on this question. Every successful woman has her own unique characteristics. I can only speak for myself. Chinese women in general are emotionally sensitive and good at understanding others. At work, women executives are more personable, have strong communication skills, care more about their subordinates and keep others’ needs in mind. Therefore, they tend to gain more respect from others, build an excellent team environment, strengthen the bond among team members and increase the competitiveness of the team. How can Chinese women best help themselves in advancing their career? To be successful in the workplace, women need to be aware of their own soft points. In general, women are less competitive in strength; we have our special female physiological cycle and have the unique role of bearing children and traditionally take heavier family responsibilities. Therefore, how to adjust one’s time and energy accordingly is a challenge for every professional woman. If you were the only woman serving on a board or corporate senior management team, how do you interact with other executives to make sure that your voice is heard loud and clear? As a civil servant, I enjoy equality in terms of rights and responsibilities in my work and have sufficient opportunities and platform to express my opinions. The Democratic centralism that the Chinese government practices means that every decision or policy made is a result of public opinions of both leaders and subordinates. As an individual, I need to both express my opinion clearly and listen to what others have to say. One of my methods in decision making is “from the mass, to the mass,” which produces convincing results. As a female executive/government official, what is your view on work/life balance?

As long as you are “good at what you do

and are willing to make the most out of you, you will have a chance to succeed, regardless of whether you are a woman or a man.

”

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This is a good question. Most professional women play the multiple roles of wife, mother, daughter, etc. simultaneously. They not only have to work hard professionally, but they also need to play the other roles well. As a mother, she needs to protect and educate her children. As a wife, she needs to get along well with her husband. As a daughter, she needs to be respectful and dutiful to her parents. Therefore, besides her busy work, a woman needs to have conversations with her children to understand their emotions; she needs to communicate more with her husband and take care of him; and she often goes to visit her parents and spend time with them to take care of their daily needs. Therefore, as a professional woman who becomes successful at work, one cannot ignore her responsibility to family and to society. How can outstanding women in China better promote themselves, so that others are more aware of their exceptional accomplishments? With the influence of traditional culture, Chinese women are usually more introverted, keep a low profile, and tend to do more but talk less. To let more people know about oneself, women need to overcome their feelings of timidity, be proactive in seizing the opportunity and be more courageous in expressing their ideas and demonstrating their abilities. They need to work hard to be the best and not give up easily. How should a non-Asian business approach a China-based business to ensure success? Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m most glad to see that more and more American businesses are focusing their attentions to China. The cooperation and exchanges between the U.S. and China have been continuously strengthened in multiple areas. As two nations with different cultural backgrounds, I think mutual respect and trust are the foundations to successful communication. Chinese are friendly and harmonious people. If foreign businesses try to interact with Chinese businesses on the basis of equality, good will and a wish to understand, their cooperation with Chinese will be a sure success.

Women need to â&#x20AC;&#x153; overcome their feelings of timidity, be proactive in seizing the opportunity and be more courageous in expressing their ideas and demonstrating their abilities.

â&#x20AC;?

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No GPS tells you where to turn. No beacon of light is there to guide you. That’s why we look at the world in thousands of ways — for the singleminded reason of finding windows of opportunity. From Main Street to Wall Street, we anticipate needs and devel op innovative products to meet them. We see what you see — whether you’re a s t u d e n t o p e n i n g y o u r f i r s t s a v i n g s a c c o u n t o r a C E O o f a multinational corporation — and we help make getting to where you want to g o p o s s i b l e . W e a l s o b e l i e v e i n d e v e l o p i n g a n d p u r s u i n g o p p o r t u n i t i e s beyond the world of finance — opportunities to strengthen a community b y t u r n i n g an abandoned lot into a ball field or to preserve the health of our planet by investing in clean energy sources. Through our community outreach, philanthropic giving and environmental efforts, we find what’s good and embrace it. Creating, seizing and igniting opportunity is what it’s all about. Opportunities abound, when you know where to look.

bankofamerica.com

Follow the Money he expects China’s economy, which is the world’s fourth largest, to leap to the number three position by year’s end. In China’s political and economic circles, there is some concern that the economy is overheating. To prevent this, Premier Wen is leading the effort to orchestrate a more controlled, strategic approach to economic growth that will better balance supply with demand and thereby slow excessive resource consumption. “This transition in the Chinese economy will help the country better balance supply with demand,” Roach said. “Until now, the supply side has fueled growth.” He pointed out that private consumer demand makes up only 36 percent of the country’s GDP. “That is the lowest percentage I have ever seen for an economy this size,” he said. However, balancing supply with demand is only a first step. With China’s extraordinary growth has come some less desirable environmental effects. Premier Wen cites excessive consumption of natural resources and growing signs of excessive capacity as two of the disadvantages that come with China’s explosive growth. “The government is now taking steps to transform the exponential, resource-intensive growth we have seen in China into a more balanced, ‘greener’ growth,” Roach said. “This new focus is expected to create a more balanced growth for the country, with the emphasis shifting from the quantity to the quality dimension of the growth outcome.” To combat the pollution that comes with resourceintensive growth, the country set ambitious resource consumption and environmental improvement goals in “China’s 2006-10 Five-Year Plan.” The directives include reducing energy consumption per unit of GDP by 20 percent while cutting pollution, emissions by 10 percent. “The ‘green’ movement is a very serious concern inside of China,” Roach explained. “Chinese officials are wringing their hands over the extent of pollution, but they are having a hard time delivering the targeted results.” At the end of 2006, Chinese officials admitted that the country had not achieved its energy efficiency and environmental targets. Despite that disappointment, the ‘green’ push continues as China attempts to rebalance its economy and temper the environmental impacts it produces. “The Chinese own the problem and they are attempting to address it,” Roach said. 50 Winter 2008

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Just what does the fabric of a healthy society look like? Usually navy blue or plaid. In many of the poorest countries on earth, girls are still denied the right to an education. Which robs them of their dreams, and robs their families and societies of their talents and contributions. At CARE we’ve found that educating girls, and unleashing their potential, is one of the fastest ways to improve conditions in these places. That’s why we’ve established more than 100 education programs in 36 impoverished countries. With each year of school, wages go up 10 to 20%. Educated women start new business ventures, creating This space generously donated. Photo © Jason Sangster/CARE

income that never existed in these societies. And when they enter local government, corruption is reduced. The power of education is astonishing. And you have the power to help make education for girls and women a global reality. Join the movement. Call 800-521CARE or visit www.care.org f

Company Focus

How UPS Addressed Women’s Concerns About Work-Life Balance and Working in a Male-Dominated Industry Randi Menkin Director, Workforce Diversity, UPS

T by Randi Menkin

Twenty-seven years ago, when I started at UPS, there were fewer women in the ranks. We felt like pioneers, even though women had worked in the transportation industry and with UPS during WWII, In the early days, we also were geographically dispersed and at times felt alienated. Today’s a different world. Women and minorities make up 50 percent of UPS’s new hires, and approximately 30 percent of our managers are women—higher than the industry average. Consequently, every woman promoted into management is valued and tracked for success. We have a promote-from-within culture, so at UPS, we require a growing number of women at entry levels to increase the number of women in top management positions. That’s why we were concerned when we noticed management-level women leaving. The numbers were small, but we knew we needed to hold on to every single one to stay on track. This was the genesis of UPS’s Women’s Leadership Development (WLD). Before we designed the program, we held focus groups with UPS management employees. 53

Company Focus

We found that UPS is most likely to attract and retain women in leadership positions through: women service organizations outside UPS We needed a program that showed women in management that UPS was a welcoming place that appreciates authenticity and individuality. Many women could offer advice about how to continue to advance through UPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ranks. Nearly a year of research gave us valuable insight into developing an effective program. We piloted WLD for a year to test ideas and see what worked. We knew we were onto something important when we introduced the pilot to our senior management group. Many locations expressed interest, and we piloted the program in 19 locations. The pilot program was divided into three components, offering connections with colleagues, customers, and communities. At the corporate level, we created guidelines and trained WLD coordinators at the local level. Each local group was given flexibility to match their employeesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interests through more volunteer opportunities, discussions on business-related topics or seeking experts on work-life balance issues. Because UPSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diversity program is based on a principle of inclusion, we hoped men would participate in these programs. The pilot showed men in management were engaged in our discussions.

After the first year of our pilots, we saw: tricts, cutting the loss of women to zero in some pilot districts program recognition of achievement participants Now women feel more comfortable sharing their personal lives and needs with others. Women have 54 Winter 2008

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Company Focus

said “feeling more authentic” makes them feel better about their workplace. Many of the women isolated in all-male work areas were particularly appreciative of the opportunity to meet with other UPS women and share their personal and professional challenges. Women (and men) also are more open about addressing work-life balance issues with their bosses, especially family obligations. Senior executives are sharing their own personal stories about how they juggle both work and home responsibilities, providing the role models that were sorely lacking in the past. Work policies around flex time, relocation and going part-time also are being adapted on a case-by-case basis. Educational sessions and visiting experts provide relevant informa-

“We knew we were onto something important when we introduced the pilot to our senior management group. Many locations expressed interest, and we piloted the program in 19 locations.”

tion about issues like elder care, financial planning, relationships, stress and childrearing—topics that can directly impact job satisfaction and retention. The success of the pilots led us to roll out the WLD program across North America in 2007. Our plans are to expand the program internationally in 2008. This program has lessons learned for other companies. First and foremost, you shouldn’t be afraid to address sensitive issues in a proactive way. We may not have all of the answers for issues being raised, but attempting to address concerns demonstrates commitment to employees and boosts morale. Work-life balance affects every segment of our society. It will be a critical issue for future recruitment and retention. We respectfully offer WLD as an example. Randi Menkin manages UPS’s employee diversity programs, including its new Womens’ Leadership Development program. 55

Woman to Watch

Quality Doesn’t Cost – It Pays by Cecilia Roach

Andrea Klein Founder, Rand Technology www.RandTech.com

Great companies often have humble beginnings. Sometimes, innovation percolates from a garage, and other times everything comes together on the kitchen table. For Andrea Klein, the kitchen table was the start of a multi-national powerhouse with operations on three continents. She did what “the experts” said couldn’t be done—built an independent sourcing company to serve technology manufacturers worldwide. Almost two decades later, Rand Technology has stood a price-driven global marketplace on its head by getting paid for its unwavering commitment to quality. Klein used her own maniacal devotion to quality to determine her career success. After dominating the electronic component distribution community’s sales landscape for more than two decades, she saw what no else did—an untapped market opportunity in the industry that had served her so well. “Ninety-five percent of most OEM’s materials are sourced directly from factories,” Klein said. “We live in an imperfect world, and the required components are not always available. That’s when buyers turn to the open market to source what they need. I founded Rand to manage that 5 percent of uncontrolled procurement.” Building a company requires passion, ambition and insight—all qualities Klein had in spades. However, it was her decision to build the company on a contrarian view that fast-tracked Rand to success. When the company began, its biggest challenge at first seemed to be convincing price-driven components buyers that quality mattered. Klein had to find a way to show buyers that price-driven procurement was not only expensive, it was dangerous—especially in a market where counterfeit components and untested products were commonplace. Moving buyers from seeing each transaction as an opportunity to get a deeper discount to the overarching mindset that quality pays was an enormous undertaking. Rand’s success would weigh on helping buyers transcend the mechanics of an individual transaction to see the comprehensive business impact of their decisions. While buyers celebrated paying low prices, their employers’ new products were late to market. Competitors capitalized on these delays, aggressively taking market 59

Woman to Watch

share. Even more damaging than the delays were the product recalls – expensive, lost-revenue events that compromised the global brands they had fought so hard to build. Even as Rand set out to change the industry’s buying mindset, an equally important task was at hand. This re-education had to start “at home.” Changing the industry mindset would take passionate evangelists who understood the business impact of price-driven procurement: good quality is the ultimate cost savings. Klein worked one-on-one with each of her customer-facing employees to teach them why quality mattered and how to communicate the value of quality to prospective customers. As a result of this re-education, Rand became the first to inject quality into the independent distribution channel. Klein then created The Rand Way™, a proprietary set of integrated processes and procedures to source, filter and redistribute electronic components from a quality perspective, precisely matching each buyer’s specific requirements to a component capable of meeting those needs. This consultative approach combines engineering-driven problem resolution and relationship-based customer service to deliver an outstanding customer experience—every time. Over time, the way innovative companies approached the open market began to change. “Our customers are market leaders who understand that quality doesn’t cost, it pays,” she explained. Rand’s status as a global advocate for quality is secure. The company was the first in its market to establish quality as a buying criterion in the uncontrolled procurement of electronic components space. It was also one of the first companies in its space to achieve rigorous ISO certification—back in the 1990s. Rand takes great pride in its documented 99.95 percent fulfillment rate, a rate that spans the company’s 17 years of existence. “Rand is known for being a provider of high quality components and that is exactly the image I want for the company,” Klein explained. “Our customers bet their reputation on us every time they buy.” “Many large companies lack a strategy for dealing with the open market,” Klein said. “These companies are inviting risk. Someday being caught short on components is inevitable.” What sets entrepreneurs like Klein apart from competitors is a singular vision and an unyielding passion for being the best at what they do. She has ambitious goals for Rand and, for her, an old adage rings true—it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. Rand’s quality puts it on the Preferred Supplier List of the top technology companies in the world, and the company has evolved from being known as the best quality filter in the open market to a more diverse supply chain solutions provider. Klein is taming technology’s open market. Using a contrasting approach to capitalize on an untapped opportunity created Rand and changed the rules of the game. That’s what entrepreneurs do—change the world one market at a time. 60 Winter 2008

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Industries In-Depth

Georgian State Dance Company

Photo by David Meskhi

Family business, national treasure — it’s all in a day’s work for Nino Sukhishvili by Cecilia Roach

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The Arts

What’s it like to inherit a family business that is also a national treasure? Nino Sukhishvili and her brother, IIiko Sukhishvili Jr., know first-hand. They are directors of the Georgian State Dance Company, the world’s foremost folk dancing troupe. Since their grandparents started the dance company in 1945, more than 50 million people in 88 countries on five continents have see the troupe’s amazingly talented dancers fly through the air and slide across the stage on their knees. The Georgian State Dance Company is the only folk dancing company to perform at Milan, Italy’s famed La Scala. It was during a performance there that the troupe amassed 14 curtain rises – a record that still stands today. If you’re not among the 50 million people who have seen the troupe, you need to throw out everything you think you know about folk dancing. The venerable New York Times called the troupe “a folk gem with classical facets.” Folk dancing Georgian style is not for the faint of heart or weak of body. “Georgian dance is difficult to perform. One dance leads directly into the next and there is a different costume for each dance. When male dancers walk on their toes in leather boots, each boot must fit the dancer fit like a glove. There are leaps and jumps which end on the knees and dances with swords, shields and daggers send sparks into the air,” Nino pointed out. The men may walk on their toes, actually their curled toes, but the talent doesn’t stop there. The troupe’s female members do similar athletic acrobatics dressed in the traditional garb of long dresses, scarves, hats and crowns. “All of our costumes are handmade, using only the finest natural fabrics,” Nino said. “Our costumers incorporate wools, silks and cottons, and each has small coins attached to the hem to make the magical sounds that are made on stage.” As many as 60 to 70 dancers perform on stage at any one time. In addition to traveling the world with an 63

Industries In-Depth

extensive costume inventory, the troupe’s own orchestra makes the trip, teaming live performances team with live music for the audience’s maximum enjoyment. Connection to Balanchivadze In 2004, during the centennial celebration honoring Georgi Melitonovitch Balanchivadze, the world’s most famous dancer and founder of the New York City Ballet, dance companies around the world paid tribute. The Georgian State Dance Troupe was a special guest performer at the New York City festivities honoring Balanchivadze, known to most of the world as George Balanchine. It turns out Balanchine was a native Georgian. “The great Balanchine was the same age as my grandparents and a close friend of our family,” Nino said. “Georgian people have dance in their blood.” Traditional dance evolves To understand her family’s passion for dance, Nino says, you only have to look at the popularity of folk dancing over the years. “Folk dancing was always popular historically but it is gratifying to see that it remains popular today – even

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The Arts

Photo by David Meskhi

Nino and her late father, Tengiz Sukhishvili, former General and Artistic Director, walk by the star honoring the family’s dance troupe in Tbilisi, Georgia.

among the teenagers in our country,” she said. “I don’t know of any other country where traditional dance continues to attract generation after generation.” Staying true to folk dancing’s traditional roots while incorporating new moves and dances has to be the toughest challenge the troupe’s directors have faced to date. “It is very difficult to be true to the folk roots of our dance and create something new,” Nino explained. “Our heritage is what has brought us to today and we must honor that tradition as a foundation for a new type of dance.” “Folk and traditional dance have evolved over the years. Actually, it was during the second half of the 20th century that a new vision and new version of the dance was born,” Nino explained. “It was then that contemporary movements reminiscent of ballet were added to the traditional presentation, making folk dancing more spectacular and more exciting.”

Legacy of dance resonates “Being the third generation to oversee the troupe is a tremendous responsibility for me and my brother,” Nino said. “We must do everything we can to ensure that the troupe continues to perform at the highest level and delivers the quality performance our audiences expect from us. It is a great responsibility for me, but it’s also a source of great happiness. I’m proud of the role my family has played in preserving this international treasure.” Just last month, a sculpture of Iliko Sukhishvili, Nino’s grandfather, was unveiled on the square in Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. “Last year was the centennial year of my grandfather. The dedication of this sculpture was a fitting way to remember what he contributed to Georgia and to once again dedicate ourselves to preserving the traditional dance of his time and ours,” said Nino. 65

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Focus – Asia

Susan Au Allen – Advocate for Asian Business Success by Katherine Phelps

“Know yourself, especially your strengths and weaknesses.” Susan Au Allen

Susan Au Allen, President & CEO, United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce, came to the U.S. in 1970 from China in response to a White House invitation. An attorney and law partner in Paul Shearman Allen & Associates of Washington, D.C. and Hong Kong, she is nationally recognized for her work on immigration, international trade and investments. While she personally does not consider herself to be so, her track record and burgeoning résumé confirm her status as one of Washington’s and the U.S.’s most powerful women. Susan Allen’s finely tuned understanding and insight into the differences that exist between Eastern and Western cultures allow her to blend the two and optimize the strengths of both in bringing her goals and objectives to fruition. She speaks and writes Chinese fluently, and is quick to share her own secret for staying on top of the game. “Know yourself, especially your strengths and weaknesses,” she says. Allen was one of six children born into a family supported by her father’s civil servant government salary. The early possibilities associated with moving up in life were slim. “In China it takes money, power or position to move up the line,” relates Allen. “My family possessed none of these elements. Therefore, higher education was not one of my initial aspirations. Then in high school, my math teacher took me aside one day and commanded me to ‘Go Study.’ I was a B student at best and considered myself mediocre, yet her directive motivated me. In a year’s time after countless hours of additional study, I excelled and realized that I was destined for higher education and a professional life. With her piercing eyes, which I will never forget, she saw right through my exterior directly into the heights of excellence that my future held in store for me. It may be very hard 67

Focus – Asia

“It may be very hard sometimes, but to excel you have to pay the price.” sometimes, but to excel you have to pay the price.” “In her own way, my mother taught me the fine art of public relations. Human relations skills are so important in the corporate world and for life in general,” Allen says. Had she had not left her native China, and without a college education, she would have “probably married a tycoon and been rich and miserable.” Instead, Susan emigrated to the U.S. in 1970, where she followed the path of higher education and received her J.D. from the Antioch School of Law and an LL.M. in international law from Georgetown University Law Center. In terms of equality between men and women in the workforce, Susan shares, “My grandmother on my father’s side was an activist in the women’s movement in China during the 1950’s and early 1960’s. She actually headed the movement.” She laughs, ”Under Chairman Mao, everyone was treated equally in that all Chinese wore the same shirt.” She continues, “Today, everyone—men, women, old and young—has lots of choices.” When asked how Asian women portray themselves in professional settings, Allen feels that they should try harder to “reach beyond the realm of false modesty.” She continues, “We are doing ourselves a great disservice holding onto old ways and displaying false modesty in the name of tradition. It is time that we reach through the veil.” She elaborates on Asian women’s culturally ingrained business mindset, saying, “We have been taught that if we talk too much, it might reveal some weakness, or if we appear to be too successful, someone may steal our secrets.” As for balancing lifestyles, she tells, “For some women, particularly those who are a little older, there is a conflict between keeping their heritage and doing what it takes to succeed. In Asian culture, the family comes first, and you can wind up feeling torn between being a good wife and mother and a good employee. Asian women have to be willing to take risks on the job and not be worried about losing face.” “A lot of Asian women have been raised not to rock the boat and they have to get past this to move up in the corporate world,” Allen says. “And, then it’s up to their employers to also not harbor stereotypes about them and recognize their talents. In the U.S., only 3 percent of all corporate executives are female,” It is interesting to make note that 35 percent of all small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Asia-Pacific are headed by women; these SMEs make up 95 percent of all enterprises, while women comprise nearly 50 percent of the labor force in Asia — and nearly 75 percent in China. “We must avoid distractions in order to succeed,” Allen says. “Asian women tend to succumb to five traps, especially in the early years of their careers in the U.S.—overextending themselves, letting peer pressure define their priorities, taking on time-consuming habits, entertaining harmful misconceptions about success and being too afraid of change to risk career progress. Learn to avoid these traps and you’ll make good progress toward achieving the level of success you really want.” 68 Winter 2008

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Trends

Breaking News: Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr Back Together! Duo Re-write Famous Old Folksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Love Song to Mark the Originalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 40th Anniversary It was only 40 years ago when The Beatles asked us to look 40 years ahead and ponder our cozy futures. But what if they had the chance to update the song? The press release might read something like this. by Jody Quinn

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Baby Boomers

Liverpool, United Kingdom, June 1, 2007 – It’s been 40 years to the day since The Beatles released that sweet ditty about unconditional love among the elderly on their landmark album “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.” And now the remaining two mop tops have jumped on the boomer bandwagon and released “When I’m 94” as a warning to brand marketers, industrialists and public policy makers that the largest population cohort ever is not getting old – just older. Lord McCartney and Sir Ringo are themselves in their sixties, and technically not part of the boomer generation born between 1946 and 1964. Reached via VOIP conference call on their GPS-piloted private jets, the lads say that the new song is actually a satire dedicated to Mick Jagger and Rod Stewart as a plea to show some dignity and “just get off the stage,” as 64-year-old Paul put it. Maybe they know something Paul and Ringo don’t. There are 78 million boomers in the United States alone with nearly 3 trillion USD to spend. “Add in the Europeans and the Japanese, and the implications are staggering,” said longtime producer and marketing genius George Martin, noting that every industry and concern in the public and private sectors need to understand the dynamics of this global population segment’s power. Recently, London’s Sunday Express carried a real estate feature titled, “Baby Boomers Cash In” noting the trend to outright purchase vs. mortgage financing. In an era marked by increasing customization and decreasing personalization, and with all eyes seemingly focused on a future beyond the horizon of our lifetimes, the world’s public and private institutions might do well to take a fresh, non-clichéd look at the baby boomer generation. Born between 1946 and 1964, history’s largest age-based group is a vibrant, change-oriented global force that by virtue of its size and reach is just now coming into full economic and representative political power. It stands to reason that this is a force to be reckoned with well into the middle of the 21st Century but, ironically, the upside potential and influence of this world-wise and seemingly tireless populace seems to have only recently been noticed. To give a sense of global size, consider that in 2002 the United Nations’ Population Aging report estimated that 10 percent of the world’s population was over 60 71

Trends

years old, and projected that the number would more than double to 21 percent by 2050 Indeed, this all presents huge implications for virtually every institution’s geography, industry and practice. Some countries are more boomer-heavy than others – U.S., Canada, France, Germany, the U.K., Australia and Japan, where baby boomers are commonly defined as those born between 1947 and 1949, for example. But the key is that one size does NOT fit all boomers on anything, even in the same geography, let alone across borders. Many marketers and policy-makers are focusing only on the force of the numbers, but it’s more important to understand what’s really important to boomers and how credible communications from trusted sources will address this population’s needs and decision-making behavior. For example, Edelman’s proprietary U.S. Boomer Insights Study, conducted in July 2007 by StrategyOne, its research arm, found that only 71 percent of those born in the boomer years even consider themselves part of the generation as it is popularly characterized. So broad stereotypes or sweeping generalizations on almost any topic are sure to be wasted on 30 percent of the target, and, worse, likely to be universally suspect. Put another way, a little nostalgia goes a long way. Boomers’ and matures’ (age 62+) use of the Internet is staggering beyond the sheer volume of users. The size and variety of financial transactions are mind-boggling, as is the time spent in information gathering and sharing. The Pew Internet American Life Project’s 2006 survey titled, “Bloggers – A portrait of the Internet’s new storytellers,” revealed that 14 percent of bloggers are age 50-64, and another 2 percent are 65 and older. Ronnie Bennett, who has a popular blog, TimeGoesBy. net, says “Throw in an estimated 10 million elders who regularly read and comment on blogs and you’re talking about real numbers – 12 million and growing.” This impact is significant especially when you consider that 30 percent of U.S. boomers surveyed by Edelman & StrategyOne report that they are regularly consulted for information and advice – and they like to give it. We call this group “Bull’s Eye Boomers™”, and these influential networkers exist within every target boomer audience group with specific triggers on whatever topic needs discussion, or brand needs support. In fact, 62 percent of Bull’s Eye Boomers™ put most of their trust 72 Winter 2008

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Baby Boomers

in other boomers. So, with 75 percent of U.S. boomers enjoying less pressure to feel or act in certain ways, employers, marketers, policy-makers et al need to know their Bull’s Eye Boomers™ and how to reach and mobilize them on their behalf. More on the point of pushing boomers’ buttons, the AARP, the pre-eminent and largest organization in the U.S. dedicated to those 50 and older, identifies the following key needs that marketers and communicators must take into account financial security, good health, community, contribution and recreation. Edelman believes these are universally relevant, and helping and/or empowering satisfaction of these needs can benefit both sides. Like Paul, Mick and Rod, boomers have no intention of exiting the stage. Edelman’s study revealed that boomers consider age 74 to be “old”, but not too old to hit the rocking chair, with 78 percent of surveyed boomers agreeing that they still have energy and opportunities in their lives. In fact, most boomers aspire to keep working well into their seventies and beyond. It’s interesting to note, however, that 60 percent of U.S. women of this barrier-breaking generation cite financial need more often than personal fulfillment as the key motivation to accomplish more in their multidimensional lives. So it’s not surprising that boomers have attitude and self-centered expectations — in a good way. This generation was raised in the conformist ‘50s, grew up in the turbulent ‘60s and came of age in the emotional ‘70s. Most of the group who was told “never to trust anyone over 30” passed that milestone in the ‘80s as the world turned toward free-markets and political liberalization, and then hit their own mid-century mark with the new millennium. Therefore, in order to reach this truly middle- and anything but old- aged population, communications and marketing specialists must engage them by tapping into their emotional cores and truths. It’s a generation that knows what they want and how to get it. They’re the fastest growing segment in online dating, and the largest active voting bloc in the U.S. and by every indication will continue to drive markets and force innovations – especially in employment/human resources, and the education, health, housing and financial industries. It’s a good time to reacquaint ourselves with the boomers in our personal and professional lives. After all, there is much and many to love “when we’re 64” – and beyond. 73

Featured Executive

Elizabeth Updike, Olivia Daya, age 7 and Amelia Tuyet, age 8 months

Elizabeth Updikeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s strategy for her family, her career and the education of Cambodian children By Cecilia Roach

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...Plans,That Is

www.GlobalEXECWomen.com

Say the words, “Merrill Lynch,” and most people think of hard-charging financial experts with global reach – not exactly the place a female executive would adopt as her “home away from home.” When Elizabeth Updike made Merrill Lynch her corporate home, she discovered an environment that supported all of her goals – not just those related to business. As a result, Ms. Updike, a single mother of two, now balances the needs and opportunities of her corporate home with her family life, winning on both fronts. For Ms. Updike, a high achiever who consistently ranks in the top five of her United States-based peers, challenge has been the name of the game from the beginning. A 5-year veteran at Merrill Lynch, Ms. Updike will celebrate her 25th year in the financial services business next year. As a District Specialist in the area of annuities and retirement risk management, Ms. Updike is part of a 30-person specialty team at Merrill Lynch. Originally, she worked with more than 698 of the company’s financial advisors across a network of 23 branches across Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. When she adopted her second child, Ms. Updike narrowed her focus to Maryland and Washington, D.C., where she trains and counsels 350 of the company’s financial advisors. In addition, she raises at least 350 million USD in investment capital from the firm’s high network clients who want to include annuities in their investment portfolios. Is Ms. Updike the rarest of humans – the Super Woman – or does she know something that others do not? When she recently sat down with Global EXEC Women Magazine to reveal her passions and

motivations, it quickly became clear that her boundless energy is just one ingredient in a complex formula for success as an executive and a single mother of two. Often, female executives find themselves pulled and drawn into different work environments because of opportunity. Ms. Updike advises all executive women to consider what kind of environment will allow them to leverage their strengths and delegate those parts of their careers that can be handled by someone else. “I know that I do my best if the organizational structure is already in place,” Ms. Updike said. “It allows me to use my talents to create value.” While opportunity is critical to advancement and, for many women, satisfaction, Ms. Updike believes that the place where you do your work is just as important as the work itself. “Being in alignment with a company that shares your dreams, goals, visions and ideals is the most important,” she explained. “If you are not in Elizabeth Updike, Vice President the best place for you, then do and District Annuity Specialist, Merrill Lynch, www.ML.com whatever is necessary to find the right place. It may take awhile, but do it. Do not waste time and energy if you are not in alignment with your employer. If you stay there, you will not be helping anyone – not the company, not you and not your family.” For Ms. Updike, the executive, the corporate environment was empowering. Being backed by a multinational corporation gave her the infrastructure she needed to succeed without requiring that she build it herself. “By working within the framework of a well-established corporation, I am choosing to focus more on my talents and less on having to build a business and manage that business,” she said. For Ms. Updike, the mom, the corporate setting 75

Featured Executive

provided the safety net to ensure her family’s future. “As a single mother, having the benefits that a large corporation can provide such as health insurance, a pension plan, employee stock option program and savings incentives is critical,” she pointed out. “The peace of mind of having that aspect of my life taken care of is priceless.” During the process of finding a corporate “home,” Ms. Updike recommends that female executives look at both the environment in which they can thrive and the management team that will inspire them to excel. “For me, operating inside a corporate environment makes all the difference,” she said. “At Merrill Lynch, I have the support of the company for the lifestyle that I have chosen for myself. I feel this sets me up for success.” “I am so grateful to have a wonderful management team in Paul Michalowski and John Carroll at Merrill Lynch,” Ms. Updike went on. “They are good leaders who believe in the same things that I do, and they have similar values and goals. They understand what it takes to succeed, and they know that you cannot put the kind of work and effort into building a successful career without the support of your family; therefore, you must also take care of your family. Working with them makes it easy to get excited about going to work each day”. Going back eight years, it is easy to understand why Ms. Updike is so at home in this global corporation. “When I set goals each year, I ask myself where I want to be in one year, five years, 10 years,” she explained. “That is standard planning for most executives – male and female. But I take goal setting a step further by extending this questioning to myself and my family – not just the business. I create one business plan for the business and one for me and my family. Annual planning is the best way I know to work toward balance.” Ms. Updike is the first to admit that life does not always follow her carefully laid out plans. “Often, the circumstances of life take you down a completely different path,” she said. “I believe that you have to be flexible, adjusting your plan and your goals

I believe that you “have to be flexible,

adjusting your plan and your goals as life unfolds.

”

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as life unfolds. This approach has helped me accomplish things that I would not have dreamed of and could not have planned for, but they happened, and they were great!” It was during her annual New Year’s Day goal setting session eight years ago that Ms. Updike realized that while her business success was fulfilling, she wanted a family as well. That is when her life changed. That recognition propelled Ms. Updike to Cambodia, where she adopted her oldest child, a daughter, who would come to be known as Olivia. Later, Ms. Updike would return to Asia, this time to Vietnam, to adopt a second daughter who would complete her family. While in Cambodia, Ms. Updike found the daughter she longed for, but she also found conditions that, to her, demanded action. “I saw poverty like I have never seen in my life, and I was confronted with the trafficking of children, which is a very widespread practice in Cambodia,” she explained. “When I visited the orphanage, which is located just outside of Phnom Penh, to meet my daughter, I also met the other 125 children who were living there. These children did not have enough food or even a chance for an education. I could not stop crying for those children.” For Ms. Updike, adopting her new daughter came with a kaleidoscope of conflicting emotions. She was thrilled with being able to give Olivia a better future but she could not forget the other 125 children she met at the orphanage. Ms. Updike knew she had to take action, but she did not know where to start. It would not take long before the path would become clear and, again, it was Merrill Lynch that helped her find a way to change those children’s lives for the better. Olivia gives school supplies to a Cambodian student. Both girls are the same age. Ms. Updike’s corporate transfer

It is a life that has “been created with vision, hard work and willingness to do whatever is necessary.

”

Featured Executive

Corporate Snapshot

to Washington, D.C. resulted The first Olivia’s School. in her meeting Sambonn Lek, a Cambodian-American and founder of Sam Relief, Inc. While she did not realize it at first, she and Lek would quickly become a life-changing team. Lek shares Ms. Updike’s concern for the future of Cambodia’s children, and his non-profit organization raises money to build schools and provide relief for them. When Ms. Updike and Lek teamed up, Olivia’s School was born. In just five short years, this collaborative team has built four Olivia’s Schools. “The first school was built right down the street from Olivia’s orphanage,” Ms. Updike said. “Now, those children can walk to school, have a hot bowl of rice and learn in a place where they have hope for a better life. I am proud of the legacy that Olivia’s adoption has created for those children and hopefully for many more in the future. We will continue to work to raise money to build Olivia’s Schools for as long as we can.” Merrill Lynch is one of the world’s leading wealth management, capital markets and advisory companies with offices in 38 countries and territories and total client assets of approximately 1.8 trillion USD. Founded: 1914 (Charles E. Merrill & Co.) Employees: 64,200 Q3 2007 Net Revenue: 577 million USD Total Client Assets: 1.8 trillion USD Total Stockholders’ Equity: 41 billion USD Fortune 500: Ranked no. 22 Stock Symbol: MER Global Markets: 38 countries As of quarter-end, Q3 2007

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About Global EXEC Women, the Organization Executive women in business and technology participate in interactive forums, build Intentional Relationships™ and share knowledge through Global EXEC Women’s international thought leadership community. These women represent large public corporations and entrepreneurial endeavors where they influence billions of dollars of business investment. Each year, Global EXEC Women honors outstanding global executives through its highly regarded event, the annual International Women of Influence Awards™, which have been held in North America and Asia. If you are interested in establishing a Global EXEC Women chapter in your city, or would like to partner with us for next year’s awards, please contact info@GlobalEXECWomen.com

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“Since joining Global EXEC Women in 2005, I have been impressed with the organization’s ability to establish relationships with highlevel women executives. The opportunities for business development and increased visibility have been extremely rewarding. I also appreciate being able to give back to the professional community by hosting and sponsoring Global EXEC Women events.” — Amanda Hodges, Australian Consul-General and Trade Commissioner

Participation in our “Mentor to Many” speaker and training exchange program A portion of our profits are donated back into the women’s business community via micro-enterprise loans

Global EXEC Women’s International Council The International Council of Global EXEC Women creates and sustains relationships with local, national and international organizations that support female executives’ leadership roles in global business. For more information about the International Council, send an e-mail inquiry to info@GlobalEXECWomen.com. Argentina - Paula Holfeld, President, Chamber of Commerce Australia - Amanda Hodges, Consul General and Trade Commissioner China - Madam Qiao Hong, Consul General England - Kristen Hirst, Senior Vice President, North of England Inward Investment Ireland - Jane Dawson, Vice President, Invest Northern Ireland Italy - Angela D. C. Turner, Former Honorary Consul Mexico - Remedios Gomez-Arnau, Consul General Netherlands - Allison Turner, Director, Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency Switzerland - Kimberly Corradi, Trade Commissioner, Swiss Business Hub Turkey - Mona Tekin Diamond, Honorary Consul General The United Kingdom - Denise Harris, Her Majesty’s Consul & Director, U.K. Trade & Investment; Andria Prish, Business Development Executive, U.K. Trade & Investment 81

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