The 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021 October2021

Life-changing Leadership MakingAHuge Difference in the Industry by Leading with StrongTechnical and Soft Skills

Hitting the Mark Setting Inspiring Example for Others by Making a Difference

MOST

Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez

Editor’s Desk

Creating a Strong Foundation for Next-Generation of Difference-Makers

Whatdoesitmeantobeadifference-maker?I

believeadifference-makeristheonewhocan alwayscomeupwithnewideas,drivea transformationalchange,andleadanorganizationtowards thepathofsuccess.

Welookuptocertainpeopleinourlives,considerandset themasourrolemodelsoridols,andweaspiretobecome likethem.However,whatweseeisthetipoftheiceberg. Wedon'tknowthehardshipsandstrugglestheyhavegone throughtobeintheirpositionorroletoday

Currently,themodernizationofthebusinessworldhas drasticallychangedthelandscapeofthetraditionalbusiness workingsforthepastfewyears.Withtheadaptionofnewer technologicalchangesandinnovativestrategies,the differencemakersaremakingeffortstocultivatea streamlinedworkprocessinanygivensector.

Modernbusinessisoftenchallengedwithunseenhurdles, andleadersareoftenresponsibleforovercomingthese difficultieswhilealsocomingupwithwaystoprevent mishapsinthefuture.Businessleaders,especiallywomen, haveaknackforsolvingproblemswithaninnovative approach.Theyoftenworkasateamtoleadbyexamplefor theaspiringnextgenerations.

Theinclusionofwomenleadersinbusinessesisalongwaitedchange,butnowithasbecomenecessary Women leadersarecompassionate,creative,humble,and straightforward,andthesequalitiesofwomenoften cultivateaworkculturewheretheopinionsoftheirteam

matter.Thisapproachhasopenedthebusinessworld toincludediversegroupsofpeoplefromvarious ethnicitytounderstandmultipleperspectives,which willgarnerthebusinessofferingsatagroundlevel connectingpeopletothecompany

Therefore, Insights Success embarkedonajourney tofindleaderswhomadethemostwiththeir proficientknowledgeandexpertise.Inthiseditionof " The 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021," wearecherishingtheleaderswho createdtheirsuccesstaleswithdedicatedefforts, courage,andfortitude.

FeaturedonthecoverofthiseditionisDr. KathaleenReid-Martinez.Sheservesasthe ProvostandChiefAcademicOfficeratOral RobertsUniversity,Tulsa,Oklahoma.Sheledan exceptionalacademicCOVIDresponseteamand continuestodirectdynamiccollegeswithaglobal impact.

Diveintomorealikeandinspiringstoriesofsuch inspiringleadersandspreadthewordabouttheir contributiontomakethisworldabetterplace.

Whileflippingthroughthepages,makesuretoscroll throughthearticleswrittenbyourin-houseeditorial teamandCxOstandpointsofsomeoftheleading industryexpertstohavetheknow-howaboutthe industry.

Delvein!

sharad@insightssuccess.com

Sharad Chitalkar

Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez

FeaturedPerson

CarolA.Stewart AssociateVicePresident TechParksArizona

Brief CompanyName

TheUniversityof Arizona arizona.edu

ChereneKambeitz Marketing& CommunicationsDirector Levvel levvel.ca

Dr.Kathaleen Reid-Martinez ProvostandChief AcademicOfficer

ElifKöse Founder

OralRobertsUniversity Tulsa,Oklahoma oru.edu

TheUniversityofArizonaistheleadingpublicresearch universityintheAmericanSouthwest.

LevvelInc.Helpbusinessesfindthebalancetheyneedto succeed.

ORUisaninterdenominationalChristianliberalartsuniversity

ElifKöse FashionHouse elifkose.co.uk

Food4All(F4A) f4a.com

ElifKöseisforeverywomanwhowearsherdesignsistofeel empoweredandbeautiful,knowingtheyhavetheconfidenceto doandachieveanything.

F4Aallowitspartnerstogenerateprofitoutoftheirlosses, enablecustomerstohaveaccesstobestbefore-dateproductsat reducedpricesonalargerscale.

KcRossi Mindset& Self-LeadershipCoach

KimberlyStuck CEOandFounder

KcRossi Inc.kcrossi.com

AllayConsultingLLC allayconsulting.com

KcRossi,Inc.offersone-on-onebusinesscoachingandgroup coaching.

AllayConsultingservesthehempandcannabisindustriesto ensureregulatorycomplianceacrossalloperations.

LanetteRichardson FounderandPresident

LaurenKriner VicePresident(Business Development)

UtahWomeninSales utahwomeninsales.com

CapitolConstruction ServicesInc. capitolconstruct.com

RondaLanda SalesDirector

FirstAmerican FinancialCorporation firstam.com

UtahWomeninSaleshelpsindividualsbecomemore innovative,ambitiousandwell-connected.

CapitolConstructionServices,Inc.hasbeenoneofthemost professionalgeneralcontractorsandhasfollowedmanyclients allovertheUnitedStates.

FirstAmericanprovidesfinancialservicesthroughitsTitle InsuranceandServicessegmentanditsSpecialtyInsurance segment.

IlanaDevillers Founder

Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Marnez Provost and Chief Academic Officer Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, Oklahoma

Dr. Kathaleen Reid-Martinez

Leading Change in Higher Education

Wewenttosignificant lengthstobuildasafetynet aroundourstudentsto ensurethateverystudent hadthesupportthey neededtomakethe transition.

Undoubtedly,theeducationsectorwasoneofthe

mostaffectedbyCOVID-19,notdisregardingthe impactonthehealthcarecommunity,industries, andthepublicworldwide.Highereducationinstitutions, whicharehistoricallyslowtoevolve,wereforcedtoadapt practicallyovernightorfaceindefiniteclosure.

Executiveadministratorsatuniversitieseverywhererapidly andstrategicallyrespondedtosecurethewell-beingoftheir students.Atthesametime,theyhadtoundertakethe monumentaltaskofhelpingstudentsmakethecritical transitionfromface-to-facelearningtoonline/virtual,and managethemyriadprocessesthatentailed.Thedegreeto whichuniversitiessucceededinmeetingthesignificant challengesdepended—andcontinuetodepend—onthe professionalexperiencesandabilitiesofdynamicleaders.

Inthiseditionof Insights Success,wehaveendeavoredto findsuchleadersfromacrossavarietyofindustriesand disciplines,topresenttoyouthe Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference. Onthisjourney,we metDr.KathaleenReid-MartinezatOralRoberts University AsProvostandChiefAcademicOfficer(CAO), sheledanexceptionalacademicCOVIDresponseteamand continuestodirectdynamiccollegesthathaveglobal impact.

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Interestingly,beforethe pandemic,technologyhad beentheleading disruptiontohigher education;now technologyhasbecome oneofthesavinggraces ofthepandemic.

Kindlygiveussomeinsightintoyourexecutive leadershippathinhighereducationandwhatprepared youtomakeadifferenceinyourprofession.

IhavebeenservinginleadershipasaChiefAcademic Officer(CAO)andProvostsince2010.Myjourney includesadditionalyearsrisinginresponsibilitiesfrom professorshipstofulfillingavarietyofleadershippositions includingExecutiveDirector,Dean,VicePresident,CAO, andProvost.Theseadvancementsareatraditionalpathway throughtheacademicranks,butobviouslytheydonot comeautomatically.Forme,leadershiphascomeasaresult ofstepping-uptohelpaddressspecificchallengesimpacting theinstitutionswhereIworked.Inmanycases,these challengeshadnoprobablesolutionsatthetime.This aspectofmyworkandprofessioncontinuouslyfuelmy intellectualandpersonalinterests.

Does“stepping-up”toachallenge,asyousay,come naturallytoyouorisitsomethingyouhavelearned?

Alittleofboth.Ihavealwayshadanaturalcapacityfor problem-solving—awillingnesstolookatchallengesfrom avarietyofperspectivesuntilyoudiscoveraworkableor preferablesolution.Beyondanaturalcapacity,Ihave developedadisciplinedapproachtoproblem-solvingover theyearsthathasservedinstitutionsandorganizationswell.

Whattypesoforganizationshaveyouassisted?

IhaveworkedonprojectssponsoredbytheUnitedNations, NorthAtlanticTreatyOrganization(NATO),thePartnership forPeaceConsortium,andtheGenevaInstitutefor LeadershipandPublicPolicy(Switzerland).Ileadtraining initiativesonvalues-basedleadership,innovation, technology,aswellaschangeprocessestoimpactsocietyin theareasofeducation,business,government,themilitary, andnon-profitsectors.

Myworkinhighereducationalsogivesmetheopportunity tobringacademicinsightstothebusinesscommunity. Beforethepandemic,IpresentedattheCESConsumer TechnologyAssociationon Personalizing Blockchain for Higher Education;IwasapanelistonaDeloitte-sponsored presentationon Building Smart Cities;andIwasafeatured speakerat Blockchain in Education—West,ontheMicrosoft CampusinSanJose,CA.

Whatpeopleandfactorshaveinfluencedandimpacted yourlife?

Mostofthepeoplewho haveinfluencedmylife arepeoplewhopossessa bigvisionorwhohave greatcapacitytotackle bigchallenges.

MyfaithinJesusChristhashadthegreatestimpactand influenceseveryaspectofmylife.Iwasraisedbyhumble parentswho,thoughfinanciallydisadvantaged,refusedto letthatbeviewedasanobstacletoachievingpersonal goals.Iamsogratefulfortheirinfluenceandforthevalues andfaiththeycultivatedinme,suchasservice,honesty, responsibility,andintegrity Theseandothervaluesshape everythingIdo.

Professionallyspeaking,mostofthepeoplewhohave influencedmylifearepeoplewhopossessabigvisionor whohavegreatcapacitytotacklebigchallenges.Iperform bestwhenI’mworkingwithotherswhoarenotafraidof thebigissuesorofdoingwhatmustbedonetosuccessfully addressthem.

Withallyoudo,howdoyoumaintainabalancebetween yourprofessionalandpersonallife?

Everyleadermustdeterminetheirownvaluesandpriorities andthenstickwiththem.However,it’snoteasy.Ittakes countlesschoicesmadeoneatatime.Likemostthingsin

life,wehavetotry,fail,learn,assess,tryagain,andreassessuntilwefindabalancethatworksforallinvolved.

Howdoyoutakeyouruniversity’smissionintothereal worldandwhatimpactareyouhaving?

Ourmissionis To develop Spirit-empowered leaders through whole-person education to impact the world. We dothisbypartneringwithlocal,national,andinternational organizationswhogiveourstudentsreal-worldinternships andhands-onworkexperiencesintheirdesiredprofessional fields.

Onewaywemeasureourimpactisthroughexternal sourcessuchas US News and World Report College Rankings.Forinstance,inthe2021edition,ORUplaced#1 inBestUndergraduateTeaching,#3inBestValueSchools, and#7inRegionalCollegesWest,amongothers.Asthese rankingssuggest,wearedoingagreatjobinteachingand preparingourstudentsfortherealworldreflectedbyour universityjobplacementrateofwell-over90%.AsORU graduatestaketheirplaceintheworkforcetheyareontheir waytofulfillingtheirdreams.

Whatisyouropinionregardingtheimpactofthe COVID-19pandemiconhighereducationandhowdid ORUovercomethissignificantchallenge?

COVID-19wasatragedyforstudentseverywhere.It disruptedthestatusquoofthetraditionalcollegestudent experience—whetheritwasacademicpursuit,studentlife, sociallife,orsports.

Upuntilthepandemic,manyuniversitiesthoughtthey wouldnevergetinvolvedwithonlineeducation,justlike manycompaniesthoughttheywouldalwaysdelivergoods andservicesinperson.So,ifanythingpositivehascome outofthepandemic,itisthatuniversitiesand companiesalikehavegrowntobetterunderstandandto respondtotheneedsoftheircustomers.

AtORU,wehadbeenofferingonlineprogramsforyears andalreadyhadfacultyandsystemsinplacethatwere easilyadaptedwhenCOVIDstruck.Likeotheruniversities, ORUhadatwo-foldchallengethatwehadtorespondto withinaveryshortwindowoftime.

First,institutionshadtomeettheemotionalandphysical demandsofstudentswhilelearningcontinued.Thismeant ensuringstudentsafety,monitoringthespreadofthe disease—nationally,internationally,aswellaslocally

Simultaneously,administratorsandfacultyhadtocontinue thelearningprocessthroughnewmodalitiesand technologies.Forthefirsttime,manyuniversitieshadto wrestlewiththeconceptofstudentengagement.AtORU, wewereveryfortunatethatourfacultyhadaveryhigh commitmenttostudentengagement.Oursituationwas moreamatterofmodifyingpracticesthanhavingtocreate

newoneswhichallowedustoadaptinaweek’stimeinthe midstofthecrisis.Thiscontributedgreatlytoour university’ssuccess.

Theentireeducationalexperienceforuniversitieswas extremelychallenging.Virtuallyovernight,schoolswent fromhavingthousandsofresidentialstudentstohaving thousandsofvirtuallearners.Wehadtodeterminequickly howwewouldsupporteachofthesestudentsthroughthis incredibleshift.IntheORUAcademicarea,wewentto significantlengthstobuildasafetynetaroundourstudents toensurethateachhadthesupporttheyneededtomakethe transition.

Second,oneofthemostinterestingaspectsofadaptingto thepandemicwasrealizingthattheworkforce,forwhich wewerepreparingourstudents,hadbecomeamoving target.Universitieswerepreparingstudentsforonekindof professionalenvironment,whenacompletelynewreality wasunfoldingwithinworkplacesrightbeforeoureyes.The worldofbusiness—alltypesofindustries—were simultaneouslyre-envisioningthemselves.Somefailedand newonesarose.Oneofmy“go-to”peopleimmediately recognizedthatwecouldnolongerjustbetracking“the jobsofthefuture”alone,buthowthosejobswereadapting toCOVID-19andtheworkplace—andourlearning outcomeshadtobeadaptedaswell.

Interestingly,beforethepandemic,technologyhadbeenthe leadingdisruptiontohighereducation;nowtechnologyhas becomeoneofthesavinggracesofthepandemic.

Don’tletfearstandin yourway,especiallyin areasofinterest whereyoucanapply yourskillsettosolve problems.

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Whatdoyouconsiderthebiggestchallengesfor educationalleaderstoday?

Thebiggestchallengesforadministratorsaredealingwith multiplewaysoflearninganddistributionofeducation.We werealreadymovingheadfirstintothesechallengesandthe pandemicacceleratedthesituation.Thepandemichas broughtaboutmorepersonalizedandindividualizedmodes oflearningandmultipledistributionmethods.Studentsare migratingamongthemodesoflearning:learningonline, virtually,andface-to-face,andtheycanalsoengageina varietyofcombinationsofthesemodalitiesatanygiven point.

Toeffectivelymanagethisdiversityoflearningapproaches, highereducationrequiresbetterintegrationofsystems.We needtobedatainformedandnotjustdatadriven.Inthe middleoftheseverycomplexinteractions,leadersmustbe awareoftheever-changingmarketdemands.Youcannotdo justoneofthesevariableswellandsucceed—youmustdo themallwell.

Howdoyousustainyourcreativeleadershipspiritin thischangingtechnologicalera?

Forme,technologyfuelsmycreativeleadershipspirit.I cannotimagineeverlosingmylovefortechnologyor desiretofinddynamicapplications.Iwasanearlyadopter andpromoterofonline/virtualeducationandenjoy engagingwithavarietyofindustriesandrevealinghow technologyisrevolutionizinghighereducation.AtORU,I amveryexcitedaboutwhatwearedoingwithAIinsome

ofourprogramsandhowweareusingimmersive technologiestofacilitatelearning.

Furthermore,likemostadministrators,Ialsoattend conferences,readstudiesandreports,andtalktoothers outsideofacademiawhounderstandtheunderlying implicationsforeducationaldevelopmentanddemand.I keepupwithindividualswhoaretrackingthetrendsand shiftswithintheprofessionalfieldsofgreatestinterestto theuniversity.Changeswithinindustriescandemandrapid adjustmentstoacademicprograms—orcanmeanthatwe mustcreatealtogethernewinitiatives.

IhavedevelopedanetworkofindividualswhoIcancount ontohavefreshinsightsonwhatishappeninginareas criticaltoourstudentsandtoadvancingouracademic goals.Weallneedthiskindofinsighttopushourthinking. Otherwise,gravityandtimelimitswillcreateinertiathat holdsusbackandthattemptsustoapplyoldthinkingto newproblems.

Whatadvicewouldyougivetoemergingwomen leaders?

Iencourageemergingleaderstotakeadvantageofnew opportunitiesastheypresentthemselves.Ifyoulike challengingyourself,therewillbenoendtowhatyoucan do.Don’tletfearstandinyourway,especiallyinyour areasofinterestwhereyoucanapplyyourskillsetstosolve problems.Itellemergingleaderstonotoverthink opportunitiestoomuch.Itisimportanttoknowyourself,to honeyourcapacities,andthenturnoffyour“fearswitch.”

Thiswillallowyoutolearnfromnewexperiences,toreally enjoywhatyoudo,andbesuccessful.

Whatendeavorswouldyouliketoseeinthenear future?

I’dliketoseeacademicsbemoreengagedwithsmaller learningcommunitiessolvingsomeoftheworld’sgreatest problems,throughcompetency-basedandpersonalized learning.Itwouldbeexcitingtodiveintothesechallenges firsthand.

Kathaleen Reid-Martinez, PhD Educational Background

Dr.Reid-MartinezreceivedherB.A.inEnglishfromthe UniversityofMaryland,EuropeanDivision;anM.A.in MassCommunicationfromtheUniversityofDenver;anda Ph.D.inSpeechCommunicationfromtheUniversityof Denver.SheisordainedbytheChurchofGod,Cleveland, Tennessee.

Professional Background

Dr.Reid-Martinezhasmorethan25yearsofexperiencein education,includingastrongbackgroundinleadership

developmentandvirtualandonlineeducation.Her accomplishmentsincludetransformingqualitycontrolof academicprograms,spearheadingrapidenrollment,and leadingintheacquisition,application,andintegrationof technologytoadvancelearning.

Speaking and Advising

Dr.Reid-Martinezhasspokenatglobalandregional leadershipdevelopmentinitiativesonvalues-based leadership,innovation,andchangeprocessestoimpact societyineducation,business,government,themilitary, andnon-profitsectors.ShehasspokeninChina,Singapore, India,PapuaNewGuinea,SouthAmerica,theMiddleEast, WesternandEasternEurope,andCentralAsia.

Carol A. Stewart Associate Vice President Tech Parks Arizona, The University of Arizona

Carol Stewart

A Pioneer in the Research Park World

Withanenrichingexperienceofworkingwith researchparks,technologycommercialization, businessincubation,governmentalrelations, andbusinessdevelopment,proactiveleaderCarolStewart leadsbyexample.Currently,Carolissteeringtheshipof TechParksArizonaasAssociateVicePresidentatthe UniversityofArizona,bringingherknowledgeand experienceafterservingasachampionofCanadian innovationandentrepreneurship.

Carolisattheleadingedgeofinnovation,willingtojump inandbringothersalongfortheride.Herdiplomacy, politicalacuity,andsteadfastleadershipprovidefocus, stewardship,andvisiontothenetworkssheleadsandwhich sheispartof. Shenotonlyservesasarolemodel,butisa friendtothiscommunity,eagertocollaborateandservethe UniversityofArizona,Tucson,andtheinternational community.

SupportingandMentoringtheCommunity

Buildingondecadesofexperienceintheresearchpark world,CarollandedinTucson,Arizonatoelevatethe successoftheUniversityofArizona(UA)TechParkandto buildasecondpark–TheUATechParkatTheBridges whichislocatedclosertothemainUACampus.Itwasalso Carol’svisiontotransformtheUACenterforInnovation intoabusinessincubatornetworkthatnotonlyservesasa vitalpartoftheSouthernArizonaentrepreneurial ecosystembutalsoasakeysoftlandingslocationfor internationalbusinesses.Hercommitmenttotheregionisto advancethecommunityandmakearealimpactthrough university-basedeconomicdevelopment.

Leading-EdgeInnovation

TechParksArizonacreatestheplace,environment,and interactivegroundthatgenerates,attracts,andretains technologycompaniesandtalentinalignmentwiththe research,mission,andgoalsoftheUniversityofArizona.It directstheUATechParkatTheBridges,andtheUniversity ofArizonaCenterforInnovationwiththehighestpriority ofrecruitingcompaniesseekingconnectionstotheUAto locateatthesefacilities.

Forover25years,TechParksArizonahassignificantly contributedtoregionaleconomicdevelopmentby advancingtheUniversityofArizona’simpactinmany ways:

Supportingtechnologyinnovationand commercialization

GeneratingeconomicimpactthroughtheUATechPark

Advancingnewtechnology

EnhancingR&Deffortsofindustry

LeadsbyExample

IntheopinionofCarol,thepandemichasmotivated educationalinstitutionsandbusinessestopushbeyond traditionalactivitiesandtakenewcreativeapproaches. CarolandherteamhaveseentheUniversityofArizona mobilizeasanagentofchangetosupportCOVID-19 research,testing,andvacationsite.TheUniversityof Arizonamobilizedquicklyandhascontinuedtoinformthe publicthroughweeklybriefingsandleadtheregionasa PointofDistribution(POD).

techgiantsworksidebyside.Thecompanyhas reimaginedwhatthenewworkplacelookslikepostpandemic.

Itisbuildingflexibleenvironmentsanddeveloping programmingthatishighlyadaptativetomeetthe growthtrajectoryofeachbusiness,includingthenearly 60startupsthatarecurrentlyinitsUACenterforthe Innovationincubatorprogram.

LookingForward

Prosperousbusinessesequalaprosperingcommunity Carollistenstotheneedsofcompaniesandconnects themwiththeresourcesnecessary Thebusinessthat connectswiththecollectiveexpertiseoftheUniversity cansolvegrandchallengestotheproblemssocietyfaces. Shehasneversettledformediocreandbelievesthishas servedherwell.Carolseesmanyopportunitiesfor collaborationandgrowthinSouthern.Arizona,and workstenaciouslytowardthosegoals.

Theinstitutionalsotooktheopportunitytobeproactiveand reviewallofitsassetsandopportunities.Theacquisitionof theAshfordUniversity,nowUAGlobalCampus,isan exampleofbeingdisruptiveinthesebusinessunusual times.

Lisng- 1

MuchMorethanBuildingsandConferenceRooms

Whenasked,whatistheonethingyouwouldchangein advancingknowledgeworldwide,Carol highlightswhat hasbeenachievedbyscientistsallovertheworldby collaboratingonavaccinesolutionandstressesthatwhat canbelearnedandachievedwithsuchconcentrated endeavors.Carolstatesthatwecancollectivelystreamline theprocesstosupportbusinessestonotduplicateefforts. Ideally,therewouldbeaworldwidedatabaseforbusinesses aroundtheworldtopluginto.Byshowcasingorganizations andtheiruniqueofferings,shebelievesstartupswouldhave morevaluableresourceswhichwouldsuperchargetheir pathtomarket.

TheBestWorkplace

Carolnotesthatcultureisking.Employeesandemployers thriveinenvironmentswherenetworkingandspontaneous discussionsunfold.UATechParksservesasthecampus wherecommunitythrives,whereemergingbusinessesand

Elif Köse Founder Elif Köse Fashion House

Empowering Women Through Fashion

Peopletalkaboutclothing,newtrends,orcelebrities attheMETgalawheneverthewordfashioncomes upinaconversation.Mostofthetime,people underminetheimportanceofclothingthatmakesthemfeel confidentaboutthemselves.Intoday'sworld,itisessential tobeconfidentindividuals,andtheysaythefirstimpression isthelastimpression,whichiswhyclothingcanbeone factorthatmakesonefeelconfident.ElifKöse,the FounderofElifKöseFashionHouse,understandsthis andhascreatedaclothinglinededicatedtoempowering womenthroughfashion.

Beinganon-nativeintheUK,shefacedahurdleof problemsandovercamethemtofindherventure.She believesthateverywomandeservestohavethebestlook, personalizedaccordingtotheirtasteandpreferences.

TheJourneyofBecomingHauteCouture

Imaginearrivinginacountrywithonly£265pocketmoney withshakyEnglish,nofamilyorfriends,andtheeducation whichwasn'tevenrecognizedbytheauthoritiesthatmakes youfeellikeyoustartthegame5-0.Elifdidn'tplantostay andstartabusinessintheUK,andheronlyintentionwasto learnEnglishatagreatlevelandgetbacktohercountryto landajobthatpaidwell.

Elifrealizedthatfinanciallyindependentwomenwere strongerandhadasayinsociety.Shesays, "I had no voice back at home, yet I found my voice here in the UK. Irony is that it is not even my own language! I always had this "other" girl feeling. I am that Turkish girl here. And had the same feeling when I went back home again to "the other" girl who lived away from home.”

ThechallengesinbusinessdoubledElif'semotional obstaclesthatshefaced.Shedidn'tjustlearnthelanguage

butalsolearnedthewayofliving,speakingtheculture, whichhelpedherbetterunderstandherventure.Shebuilt herbusinesswithintentionalnetworkingtogetasenseof belonging.Belongingandbeingpartofabiggerpictureis oneofthegreatestchallengesthatshefaced.

ChangingtheWorld

Elifsays, "Fashion is the most empowering way to tell the world whom we are without speaking, and I know the effect

it has on one's feelings." Hermissionistohelpwomen reclaimtheirconfidenceandhavethecouragetoliveand leadthelifetheystrivefor

CreatingHerOwnStyle

WhenElifsetupherbusinessbackin2009asamobile alterationservice,hervisionwastoofferapersonalized servicetoallherclientsandmakethemfeelthebest versionofthemselvesintheiroutfits.

Creatingone-of-a-kinddesignshasalwaysbeenElif's numberonepassion,butsherealizedthatnoteveryonehas thetimeorbudgettogettailor-madeorbespokeclothes. Withthatinmind,sheanalyzedallhercustomers'requests forfitandstylewithheryearsofexperienceandstarted creatingsmallcapsulecollections.Theseclassicpiecescan bealteredandcustomizedeasilytocatertoallwomenof shape,size,andstyle.

AMeticulousBusinessApproach

Elifhighlyvaluesreturnedcustomersandloyaltydiscounts andotherenticementsintendedtobuildupapersonal relationshipwitheachcustomer.Shegoestothelengthsto understandcustomerneeds,choices,andoptimalstyles

ratherthansell.Shealsooffersagenerousreturncustomers discountscheme.

Elifwantsherstafftofeellikepartofthebusiness,soshe willinglysharesherexperience,knowledge,andexpertise ingarmentdesignandfabrication.Sheoffers apprenticeships,especiallytoyoungerpeople,andsheis pleasedthatsomeofthemhaveprogressedtolaunchtheir businesses.

Thefashionindustrycontributes10%oftheworld'sentire carbonfootprint.Elifisawareofthisissue,whichiswhy sheproducesthemajorityofherready-to-wearcollections intheUKandbespokeclothesin-house.

WeavingUpVariousAspects

ForthelastthreeyearsonInternationalWomen'sDay,Elif hostedsell-outday-longFashioneventspublicized nationally,atwhichsheattractedafewleadingspeakers. Thesehavebeenopportunitiestolaunchnewseason productsandraisetheprofileofherbrand.

OwingtoCovidrestrictions,thisyear'seventhadtobeheld online,butElifplanstoresumetheliveeventagainnext year.InherearliestyearsintheUK,tohelpbuildanetwork

“Confidence is the key to success, as a fashion designer and confidence coach I truly believe it's the most important step every leader should work on.”

ofbusinesscontacts,shestagedseverallocalthemed fashioneventswithsponsorshipfromcosmeticssuppliers andcompaniescomplementarytohers.Sheroundedthese eventsoffattheendofthedaywithsell-outfashion-themed musicalcabaretentertainmentperformedbyartistsfromthe WestEnd.

Currently,throughherblogs,shegivessustainedexpression toherdesignexpertise,eyeforfashion,theattributesof quality,andthelow-downontheFashionIndustry;she pullsnopunches.Ithasattractedinternationalbusiness,and shehasafollowingofdedicatedcustomersandreaders, especiallyintheUSA.

Fashion-ForwardFuture

Talkingaboutthefuture,Elifsays, "Whilst I have some clear commercial targets, timescales depend on progress along the uncertain economic path of recovery from the pandemic. Also, the long-term effects of Brexit remain unclear. Suffice it to say that I turned the former to my advantage and I'm determined to react constructively to any disadvantages arising from the latter." Now,shelooksat openingastoreinBrighton,butWimbledonisan interestingpossibilitytoo.

Elifisconfidentthatherdurable,versatilestyleandquality messagemustprevailoverdisposable,poorlymade quantityinthelongtermandexpectstheElifKösebrandto becomesynonymouswiththatevangelization.

TailoringThoughtsofBuddingEntrepreneurs

Inheradvicetoaspiringfashiondesigners,Elifsays, "Be ambitious but be prepared to take small steps, always assessing your risks and identifying contingencies in advance.”

"If you don't mind my using a double negative, never have "no" in your vocabulary when faced with a daunting setback or problem; get into the habit of always saying "yes.”

"Think positively, seeking ways of turning bad events to your advantage. And listen to a sound, disinterested, experienced sources of advice," concludesElif.

Evaluation One Step Towards Success

Whythereisaneedtoreviewourjourney?What istheneedandimportanceofit?Well,ifwe remembertheweeklytests,orthetermtests, beingconductedatourschoollife,we'llgettheanswerof it.Wenowrealizethatitwasbeingconductedtoknowour mistakes,shortcomings,andweaknessesandworkonthem toperformourbestinthefinals.

Inthesameway,itisimportantforbusinessleadersto reviewandformulatetheirpathsothatthereisalesser possibilityoffailuresandmistakes.Havingsaidthat,it

doesnotmeanthatbusinessleadersareforbiddenfrom failuresorrisksinthebusiness.Becauseastheyalwayssay, failuresandmistakesaretheinitialstepstowardssuccess. Thepointhereisthatifbusinessleadersareawareoftheir strengthsandweakness,achievingsuccessbecomesmuch easier

Nowthatweknowtheimportanceofreviewing,let'stakea lookatthestepsinvolvedinreviewingandformulatingthe policiesforanybusinessleader:

• Identifyinganddevelopingtheaim:Thefirstbasicstep involvesidentifyinganddevelopingthebusiness leadershipaimandobjective.Questionsshouldarise likewhatwasthereasonthatwestartedthejourney, wheredowestandnow,andarewestillontheright track?Withthesequestions,onemayevaluatethepast, current,andplanthefuture.Developingasoundmind ofevaluatingwiththestartofthesequestionswillgive youaclearunderstandingofyouraimandpurpose.All thebusinessleadersneedtodoistakeoutsometimeto doso.

• Refineyourleadershipgoal:Removetheunnecessary things,whichcanbecomeahurdleforyouinthe definedaim.Therearemanysuchunnecessarythings asstayingawayfromunwanteddebatesand discussions,thenarrow-mindedapproach,andmany others.

• Buildexpertiseinthefield:Nowthatthegoalis decidedwithclearingunwantedthings,becomingan expertintheparticularfieldisthenextstep.Thiscan bepossiblebygatheringthemaximumandright informationaboutthefieldthroughreading,watching, attendingbusinessconferences,andmeetingindustry

experts.Byhavingalearningapproach,itispossible foreveryonetobetheexpertiseinanyfield.

• Organizetheprocess:Keepingthingsalignedhelpsto beaheadincompetitivefields.Therearemany advancedtechnologicaltoolsthathelptokeepthings organized.

• DetermineyourSuccess:Onceyouarethroughwithall thesesteps,youcandetermineyoursuccessjourney, butmoreoften,businessleaderswillhavetorepeat theseevaluativesteps.Onceyoucompleteallthe evaluationsteps,abusinessleaderbecomesselfindependenttoexplorehisorherentrepreneurial journeyintheindustry

Finalword

Tosumup,evaluationiscrucialasitmakesthepathclear andkeepsusontherighttrackofthebusinessjourney.The businessleaderwillbecomethemorereliableand organizedpersoninhis/herprofessionalcareer.Theseare theproductivestepsthatresultsinhighoutputforthe leadersinalltypesofindustry

Devillers CEO & Founder of F4A (Food4All)

Ilana

Ilana Devillers

A Trailblazer Preserving the Environment by Reducing Food Wastage

Ourplanethasbeeninshamblesforseveralyears, severalfactorsaffecttheenvironment's sustainability,andnowfoodwasteisalso becomingaconcerningissueglobally.Dailytonsoffoodis wasted,andunfortunately,itaffectsthesocialandeconomic ladder.Itisamusttodealwiththiscrisis,whichiswhy IlanaDevillers,theCEO&FounderofF4A(Food4All), hascomeupwithabrilliantsolutiontotacklethisissueon acertainlevel.

Ilanahadashockingrealizationwhensheuncoveredthe scandalsoffoodwasteintheretailsector.Shesawan opportunityandstartedherventure,F4A.Shehas connectedconsumersanddistributorstomarkettheunsold productsofthedayonafreeanduser-friendlyapp.Her dreamtosavegreenishavingpositiveresults,whichhelps topreservetheenvironment.

AtF4A,Ilanaisresponsibleforthestrategy,development ofthebusiness,administrativetasksaswellasfundraising. InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,IlanaDevillersshares herentrepreneurialjourneyandherinitiativeinreducing foodwastagethroughF4A.

Below are the highlights of the interview: Whatwerethechallengesyoucameacrosspriortoand afterfoundingtheorganizationin2017?

Challengesarepartofdailybusiness.WhileIgeneratedthe ideaattheendof2015,beginningof2016,datawasa crucialpartoftheresearchandlacking.

Afterfoundingtheorganizationin2017,severalchallenges cameacross,suchasfundraising,convincingprospectsof

oursolutionssincewewereslightlyearlyintheprocess, maintainingandretainingtalents.Beingmyfirstcompany, buildinganddrivingacompanybuiltfromscratchisalsoa challenge.

Beinganexperiencedbusinessleader,whatisyour opinionregardingtheimpactoftheCOVID-19 pandemicontheFoodProductionIndustry?Andhow hasF4Amanagedtoovercomethissignificant challenge?

COVID-19alsohadimpactsontheFoodProduction Industry.Betweenfoodshortages,countriesclosingtheir bordersforcingeachcountrytopromotelocalfoodand maintainingpricesacceptableforlocalconsumers, unpredictableconsumerbehaviorsimpactingtheinternal processesoffooddistributors,highemployees'turnover, horecasectorforcedtoclosefromthedaytotheother havingaverynegativeimpactonfoodwasteandsoon.

Somanydirectandindirectimpactsthatitwouldtakemore thanafewsentencestoresumeandexplain.Facingthis pandemicfromonedaytotheotherhaspushedthetopicof foodwastedowntheprioritylist,thusslowingbusiness developmentdramatically Wemanagedtoovercomethose significantchallengesbyfocusingonourinternalprocesses andR&D.

Whattruthdoeseveryoneneedtoknowaboutthe environmentalimpactduetofoodwaste?

Foodwastehappensallalongthefoodvaluechain,andwe allhaveourpartofliabilityintheprocess.Toovercome thisfoodwasteissue,weneedtoallchangeourbehaviors. Itneedstobeatop-downandbottom-upprocess.

Whatisyourthoughtonthenecessityofapositivework culture?Inwhatwaysdoyouimplementitatyour organization?

Positiveworkcultureistheheartofacompany.Itallows employeestofeelgreatinthebusiness,andasIlovetosay, "happyemployees,happyclients."AtF4A,wearevery flexibleregardingworkschedules.Aslongastheworkis done,thereisnoneedtobebytheminuteclose.Everyone hastheirwordtosay,andthediversityofourteammakes thedreamwork.

WeareaStartupwiththisparticularspiritthatwewill maintainallalongwiththelifeofthiscompany.Our mission,byessence,isverypositive,facilitatingthisvibe andmaintainingthisawesomeenvironment.

InwhatwayshaveyouorF4Acontributedtothe community?Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyou bringinasustainableapproachtofoodwaste?

F4Abringsatotallyneweyeandwayoffightingfood wastebyincrementallychangingourfoodhabits.Weare nottheretopointfingersbutrathercreateanddevelopa communityfurther,makingthemawareofthistopicand showingthatourdailyhabitscanandwillreversethe tendencyoffoodwaste.Ifgiventheopportunitytochange thecurrentapproach,Iwouldsaythatmentalityandmindopennessregardingfoodwasteneedtochange.Asan example,andreallystrikingtomelookingatpracticesof certain"Startups"inthisarea:competitionregardingFood wasteisridiculous,anditwouldberathermoreimpactful tojoinforcesthantocompeteinanareathatdoesn'tneed thiscompetitivespirit.Themorediverseand complementarysolutionsthereareonthemarket,thehigher thedecreaseoffoodwastewillbe.Thistopicisalready verycomplexandbelievingasacompanythatyouhavea uniquesolutionfightingthisissueisutopic.

Also,theFoodIndustryshouldnotbeashamedtospeakup. Alotofactorsbelievetheyarenotwastingeventhoughthe truthisthattheyare(assmallasthequantitiesare,pilling upsmallpercentagesleadstoahighernumberoffood waste).

Asaleadingcompanyinfightingfoodwaste,what advancedtechnologiesareyouleveragingtomakeyour servicesmoreproductiveandapproachable?

Weareusingpreventiveandconsequentialtoolstofight foodwaste.Wehavethreedifferentlevelsofonboarding, allowingeveryactortouseourservicesinjustafew minutes.

Ourtechnologiesallowincrementalinnovation,enablingall actorstofightfoodwastethankstoexistingprocessesand technologiesthatweimprovedforabetterresult.

Whatwouldbeyouradviceforaspiringandemerging womenentrepreneursintheFood&Production

Industry?Haveyouinanywaycontributedtowardsthe causeofwomenempowerment?

Iwouldadvisewomentojusttrusttheirgutsandgoforitif theybelievetheyhaveasolutionworthgrowingonthe marketnomattertheindustry

Asawomenentrepreneur,Idomybesttocontributeto womenempowerment.

Whatareyourfutureaspirationswiththecompany? Whatstrategiesareyouundertakingtoachievethose goals?

Wehaveaninternationalvisionasfoodwasteisan internationalissuearrivingeverywhere.Wewouldliketo developmoresolutionsadaptabletoeachdifferentcountry inoursector.

Inordertoachievethosegoals,weareincreasingR&Dand developingindifferentcountriestoadaptquicker

Kc Rossi Mindset & Self-Leadership Coach Kc Rossi, Inc.

Supporting Holistic Entrepreneurs Scale a Profitable and Soul-Aligned Business

Whenyoustartyourjourneyasanentrepreneur, manythingsdonotgoyourway Youare challengedcontinuouslyateverystepofyour entrepreneurialjourney,andtherearechanceswhereyou mightlosefocusonyourgoal.Allyouneedatthisstageis guidanceandsomeonewhocangiveyoutherightadviceto achieveyourgoal.

MeetKcRossi,whohasbeenanentrepreneurfor30years andknowswhatittakestoscaleaprofitable&soul-aligned business.SheistheMindset&Self-LeadershipCoachat KcRossi,Inc.,whoencouragespeopletogrowtheir businessandattainsthegoalsforentrepreneurs.

At Insights Success, wecaughtupwithKcRossitoknow moreaboutherjourneyandhowsheishelpingwomen levelup,lead,andleavealegacy Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatKcRossi,Inc.What challengesdidyouhavetoovercometoreachwhereyou aretoday?

Statisticsshowthat90%ofallstart-upsfail.I’vebeenan entrepreneurforover30years.Spanning3decadestakesan undyingbeliefsystemandperseverance.Mybusiness partnerandIcreated9businessesin4years,livedinour car,investedourlifesavings,andworkedatMcDonald’s beforeour10thbusinesstookoff;aconfection manufacturingcompanythatweoperatedfor17years hittingthe7+figuremarkannually

Laterinthejourney,Idecidedtobranchoutonmyownto exploreothercreativeendeavors.Iquicklylearnedhow uniqueitwasbeingapartofadynamicduo.Thechallenge ofcultivatingconfidenceandattachingmyself-worthtomy

servicesasasolopreneurarose.Ittookacoupleofyearsof an“identitywobble”toestablishasolidfoundationthatfelt comfortabletostandonalone.Traversingallterrainswasa necessarypartoftheprocessthatallowedmetointimately learnallthejigsandjagsittakestobuildthelifeofyour dreams.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

It’smymissiontofosterwomen’sempowerment.I’m driventohelphigh-achievingfemaleentrepreneursgofrom people-pleasing,burned-outperfectioniststoprofitable powerhouses.Mycoachingcompanyisdedicatedto dissolvinglimitingbeliefs,shapeshiftingtoagrowth mindset,andcontributingtofeminineelevationthrough courageousvisibility.Iseeafutureworldthatrespectsall voiceswheresoulssupporteachotherbecausecollectively werisehigher.I’mcommittedtoteachingthatwealth extendsbeyondjustfinancialsuccess—itisthe combinationofphysical,emotional,spiritual,financial, connection,andcollectiveaffluence.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe soul-alignedbusinessnichethroughyourexpertisein themarket?

ThroughmyWomenDevelopingBrilliance®—TheSpirit ofBusinesspodcastI’vebeenabletoconnectwith powerfulfemaleleadersonamissiontoserve.Ourdeep, uneditedconversationsonwomeninbusiness,integrating spiritualityintoourwork,andwhatittakestohaveasoulalignedbusinesshavetouchedlistenersthroughoutthe world.Ourrealtalkallowswomentocatchasparkof inspirationsotheycanbustoutoftheircomfortzoneand bravelysharetheirgifts.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

Attheheartofmyorganizationareintegrityandalignment. Theworkculturerotatesaroundself-leadership,autonomy, andtheKaizenphilosophyofnever-endingimprovement. Inordertoachievethisgoal,beingmindfulofpurpose,joy, andhopeforthefutureisnecessary.Ourworkas entrepreneursisadirectreflectionofhowweliveourlives. Inthat,ittakeswalkingourtalkandimplementingthe teachingstotrulybearadiantexemplartoothers.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Withtheclickofabutton,Icanpublishapodcastepisode andhaveitalmostinstantlybroadcastonmajornetworks includingApplePodcasts,Pandora,andAudible.The listenerscantuneinanytime,anyplace,andenjoythelatest episodeoroneinthelibrary.

It’sneverbeeneasiertoharnessthepowerofadvanced socialmediaandwebsiteanalyticstounderstandhowmy contentisbeingreceived.Havingthisdataatmyfingertips allowstheopportunitytotweakmaterialsoithasthemost impactandreach.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring totheindustry?

Leadersandteamsarethirstyfortheopportunitytolettheir guarddown,authenticconnection,andagenuinework-life balance.Iwouldlovetoseehustleculturesquashed.The

incessantmessagingtopushharderandgrindinordertobe successfulistoxiconmultiplefronts.It’smygoaltohelp peopleshiftfromoverworkingtoaholisticbalanceof productivityandrestorationforasustainablecareer

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein holisticentrepreneurship?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

ThenextbigchangethatIseeinholisticentrepreneurshipis notbeingafraidtobringallfacetsofourselvestowork.To bebraveenoughtoopenlyspeakabouttopicsthatareclose toourheartsdespitethecurrentcancelculture.Itstartsby approachingourworkasifweareclientzero.Modeling authentic,unapologeticcommunicationisatoppriorityfor mybusiness.Thiswillpavethewayforotherstodothe same.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforKcRossi,Inc.?

I’maforeverentrepreneur;it’sinmyDNA.Ilovecreating somethingfromnothingandseeingthepositiveripple effectsofthework.Myfuturegoalistokeepshowingup formyselfandforotherwomenwhodesiretobeselfactualized—tocultivateasacredspaceforallvoicestobe heardandembodythe“wearestrongertogether”phraseas anactivephilosophyvs.atrendyhashtag.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheindustry?

Takethetimetoturnwithinandgetintouchwithyourcore values,beliefsystem,andemotionaldrivers.Buildyour boundariesinthebeginningsothatyouarecreatinga frameworkthatwillserveyourholisticwell-being.And lastly,learntotuneintoyourintuitionsothatyoudevelop thehabitofself-trust—thisalonewillgiveyouamajor successadvantage.

Kimberly Stuck CEO and Founder Allay Consulting LLC

Kimberly Stuck

EducatingandSpreading AwarenessAboutCannabis

Therehavebeenseveralmisconceptionsabout

cannabisandpsilocybininthepastfewyears. However,somestateshavelegalizedtheuseof thesebystudyingandhavingreliableknowledgeabout them.Manyindividualsinthehealthcareandpublicsafety industryhavetakenastepforwardtospreadtheawareness andutilizationofcannabis.KimberlyStuck,theFounder andCEOofAllayConsulting,isonesuchindividualwho guidescompaniesthroughthehazardsofbuddingcannabis andpsilocybinindustriesbynavigatingcompliancepitfalls.

Withyearsofexperienceinthepublichealthindustry, Kimberly,throughherventure,ensuresbestpractices accordingtothenewrulesandstandardsastheyevolveand enablesorganizationstofocusonabiggerpicture.She bringsaregulator'skeeneyeandwide-reachingknowledge onevolvingcomplianceandsafetymandatestosupport businessesintightlyregulatedindustries.

TheOverviewofJourney Kimberly'scareerstartedasarestaurantandwholesalefood investigatorfortheDenverDepartmentofPublicHealth andEnvironment(DDPHE).In2014,whenColorado legalizedcannabisforadultuse,shebeganinspecting cannabisfacilitiesforhealthandsafety,educatingherself abouttheprocessesandproductsinvolved.Theindustry wascomplicated,andcoupledwithherinnatecuriosityand passion,shewasquicklynamedthefirstcannabisindustryspecificpublichealthinvestigator

Overthenextthreeyears,Kimberlyimmersedherselfinthe industry.Shesoonrealizedshecouldhaveamore significantpositiveimpactifshewereaconsultantrather thanaregulator.ShestartedAllayConsultingin2017with

thegoalofmakingtheindustryasaferspace,soconsumers wereprotectedandbusinessescouldthrive.Currently,her teamworksinall50statesandinternationally,focusedon operationalcompliancesuchasstate-specificregulations, FDA,OSHA,cGMP,ISO9001/22000,Organic,and GAP/GACP.

TheMission

Allay'smissionistoassistthecannabisindustryin providingconsumerswithsafecannabis.Todothis,it advisesonregulationsandtrainregulators,encouraging normalizationanddestigmatization.Allayisalliedto companiesthatwanttoinvestinconsumerandworker safety.

StandingStrong

Cannabisisauniqueandemergingmarket,andmanystates andgoverningbodiesneedhelpregulatingthecreation, production,andsaletoensureconsumersafety

Allayactsasadvisorstoitsclientsandregulatory workgroupsinvariousstates,ensuringthenuancesand risksassociatedwithcannabisproductsareunderstoodand considered.Kimberly'steameducatesgovernmentofficials andregulatorstoendthestigmaaroundcannabis, promotingsafeyetfairregulations.

BuildingUptheWorkCulture

WhatmadeKimberlystartthecompanyandbondherteam togetheristhecorevalueofAllay–Passion.Herteam believesinthepoweroftheplantandknowsitcanand shouldberegulatedinthesamemannerasanyother industry

AllayisateamofcertifiedCP-FS,CQA,andex-cannabis regulatorswhofunctionatthehighestqualityof professionalismandethicalstandards.Kimberlybelieves thatcustomerserviceisparamount,andshepridesherself indistillingcomplicatedregulatorysubjectsintodigestible informationthatcompaniescanputactionbehind. Kimberlyandherteamgenuinelycarefortheirclientsand wantthemtobeassuccessfulaspossible.

ClientFriendlyApproach

Allayhasalwaysbeenamobilecompany,whichallowsit toprovideitsservicesremotely,savingitsclients'moneyon travel.Itcansecurelysharedocumentationandconduct videoauditssuitingtheneedsofitsclientsregardlessof budget.

GettingReadyforTheChange

Kimberlystatesthattherewasmuchdebateoverwhat instrumentationandapproachshouldbeusedforspecific analysesintheearlystagesofregulations;however, multiplestatesdidn'taddresstheseissues.

Currently,statesaretakingsafetyandqualityseriouslyby implementingparametersfortesting.WhatAllaydoesis

helpcompaniesunderstandthesenewstandardswhile supportingnewlylegalizedstatestolessenthelikelihoodof contaminatedproductsonthemarket.

WhatComesNext?

Whileexpressingthoughtsaboutthefuture,Kimberlysays thatFederallegalizationisonthetable.Allay'sgoalisto implorecompaniestobeginpreparationbyaligningwith basicFDAandOSHAregulations.Thiswillensure compliantoperationsandminimalfacilitiesshutdown whentheseregulatorybodiesmakesurprisevisits. Additionally,sherecentlystartedapsychedelicplant medicinedivisionofAllay

BequeathingUp-and-ComingEntrepreneurs

Kimberlysays, "Whether you are a plant-touching or an ancillary business like Allay, be prepared for lack of access to banking, funding, and payment processing. This is rooted in bias against the industry that we're trying to change.”

"If you're passionate about cannabis, you will find a way to make it work, and as we inch closer to normalization, more and more opportunities open up. For Allay, it hasn't been easy, but it has been worth it," concludesKimberly.

“ “

Lanette Richardson

Helping Individuals Become More Innovative, Ambitious, and Well-Connected

Theleaderswhosetaninspiringexampleinfrontof othersaretheoneswholeadbyexample.Withjust theiractionsandabilitytodeliverresults,they serveasanexampleforupcomingleaderstofollow.Such inspiringbusinessleadersareabletomakeatremendous differenceinthelivesofpeopleandthebusinessestheyare leading.Onesuchinspiringleader,weatInsightsSuccess, cameacrossisLanetteRichardson.

LanetteistheFounderandPresidentofUtahWomenin Sales,wheresheprovidesopportunitiesforwomento connect,learnaboutnewopportunities,networkwithsales professionals,andgainskillsthatwillbevaluableinthe workplace.

Lanettelikestoempowerwomentostandstrongfor themselvesandhelpthembeinganinspiringexamplefor futuregenerationsofwomen. WecaughtupwithLanettetoknowmoreaboutherjourney andhowsheishelpingindividualsbecomemore innovative,ambitious,andwell-connected.

BringingMoreOpportunitiestoWomeninSales Leadership

Lanettehasbeeninsalesformostofhercareerexcepta fewyearsinherearlycareerwhenshewasasmallbusiness owner.Overtheyears,Lanettehasworkedhardtobring equalityforwomeninopportunity,pay,sales,and leadership.

UtahWomeninSalesisanorganizationfocusedonserving womenwhoareinsalesorareinterestedinpursuinga careerinsales.SheswitchedtoTechSalesabout12years agoandrealizedthatthenumberofwomenonthesales teamswasdismal;therewasatimethatshewastheonly

womanonateamof200salesreps.Everytimetherewere womenonthesalesteams,theywerethetopsales producersonthefloor,andshemadeacommitmentthatshe woulddoeverythingshecouldtobringmorewomento salesteamsandbringmoreopportunitiestowomeninsales leadership.

In2017,afterasalesconference,Lanetteandafewofher co-workersatthetimedecidedtoholdtheirownWomenin Salesmeetingandseeiftherereallywasagroupofwomen thatwouldbenefitfromthistypeofgroup.Theyhad350 womenshowuptotheirfirstevent,andtherestishistory.

Educating,EmpoweringandSupportingWomen

ThemissionofUtahWomeninSalesistoopenthedoorfor menandwomentolearnhowtheycansupporteachother onthesalesfloor.Moreover,italsoaimsathelping companiesbecomemorediverseintheirhiringandset goalsforpayequityanddiversity Theorganizationis dedicatedtocreatingopportunitiesforwomentosucceed andpartnerthemwithgreatcompanies.Ithelpswomen returntotheworkforceafteracareergap.\

UtahWomeninSaleshelpsthemfindtheirfirstsales positionandelevatetheircareersandskills.Theonlywayit makesachangeistoeducateleadershipandeducate women.Itprovidesacollaborativecommunitywhere womenwillbeeducated,empowered,andsupported.

FocusingonSkillsandPersonalDevelopmentofWomen

UtahWomeninSalespartnerswithmanyofthebestsales trainers,speakers,authors,andbringinwomenwhoare successfulintheircareers,whoteachandtrainitsgroupof womentohelpthemfindwhatworksforthem.Itholdsin-

The 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021

Lanee Richardson Founder and President Utah Women in Sales

personandvirtualeventsmonthlythatfocusonskillsand personaldevelopment.Ithasfull-daysaleskickoffevery yearandendstheyearwitharecognitiondinnercelebrating thebestwomenoftheyear.

EncouragingOpenDiscussions,Learning,andGrowing

UtahWomeninSales’cultureisoffriendship,support,and mentorship.Ithasanojudgmentphilosophyamongits group.Therearealotofhardtopicsthatneedtobe discussedandcovered,itdoesn’tcondemnanyone,but UtahWomeninSalesencouragesopendiscussions, learning,andgrowing.

EducatingWomenonDifferentCompaniesand Technologies

WeaskedLanettehowherorganizationisleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeitsofferings resourceful,towhichsheanswered, “Our group is made up of 80% sales reps selling technology. We educate on the different companies and technologies available in the industry. As a group, we leverage a CRM, a workflow platform, Video meetings, websites, recordings, podcasts, virtual event platform, and more.”

Besides,UtahWomeninSalesisalsousingcontinual learning;thereisnosettimeorcriteriathatisall-inclusive andcontinualshortertrainingsessionsthatareveryspecific toaskillsettoenablequickeradoptionand implementation.Theorganizationusesthreedifferent platforms:in-person,virtual,andself-pacedtraining, followedbymentorshipandapplication.

EmpoweringWomentoStandUpandMakeaPositive Change

ThroughUtahWomeninSales,Lanettehasagoalfor companiestohavea50/50splitbetweenmenandwomen ontheirsalesteams.Shewouldliketoseeexpansionwith diversityandopportunity.Shewantstoendthewagegapso

thatallpeoplearepaidbasedontheirskillsandnotbased onwhethertheyaremaleorfemaleoranyoftheother diversitygapspresent.Shewouldliketoseeitstrainingand itscommunitiesexpandtoincludeallprofessionalwomen orwomenseekingagoodjobwithflexibilitysothatthey canprovidefortheirfamilies,notonlyfinanciallybutalso havetheflexibilityofwork/lifebalancesotheycan continuetobeaprimaryfocusinthelivesoftheirchildren. Lanettewantstoempowerwomentostandupandmakea positivechangeforthenextgenerationofwomen.

SeeingWomenPerformonBothLocalandNational Levels

Takingaboutthefuture,Lanettementionsthatshewould liketoexpandUtahWomeninSalesgroupfromalocal grouptoanationalgroup.Ithasalreadybegunthat movementandhaspocketsofmembersinseveralstates. Lanettebelievesthatactuallearningthatcomesfrom leadersthatarehiringismoreimpactful,whichiswhyshe isworkingongettingmoreofUtahWomeninSales’ sponsorsinvolvedinitsgrouptohelpleadthedirection theyareheading.LanettewouldliketoseeUtahWomenin Saleshasnationaleventsheldeveryyearindifferentparts ofthecountrytoenablemorewomentobeinvolvedintheir localcommunitiesandatalargernationallevelaswell.

PursuingGoalstoMakeaDifference

Inheradvicetobuddingentrepreneurswhoaspireto ventureintotheProfessionalTraining&Coachingsector, Lanettesays, “Make sure you understand the why of what you are teaching. Teaching and coaching are powerful in shaping lives and careers; make sure you are leading with the right intent and in the right direction. Don’t do it only to make money, do it to make a difference.”

We are committed to increasing the number of women on sales teams across the country and putting an end to the gender wage gap

INSTRUMENTOF INSPIRATION

Leadershipisanamazingopportunitytomakea differenceinthelivesofpeople.Theonlywayto makeanimpactinthelivesofpeopleisbysetting therightexampleinfrontofothers.Womenleaderswith remarkablequalitiesbecomethesourceofinspirationto manyothersinthebusinessworld.Theysetexemplary standardswiththeirimpeccableleadershipskills.They understandthatitisimportanttobeanagentofinspiration toothersforbringingoutthebestineveryoneforthe overallgrowthanddevelopmentoftheirbusinessesinthe rightdirection.

Womenleadersleadfromthefront.Theydemonstrate courageandproactivenessfortakingthemostimportant initiativesthatwillmakeadifferenceinthelivesofmany people.Theirpositiveandinspiringenergyiscontagious. Thatenergygetsimprintedonwhoevertheycomein contactwith,andthatreallyinspiresotherstodotheirbest forthecauseofbusiness.

Today,womenleadershavemadetheirmarksinnumerous sectors.Theyleadwithinspiringattitudesandapproaches. Theyplaythemostimportantroleinthebusinessworld withtheirbusinessintelligence.Theynurturetheirbusiness intelligenceeverydaysothattheycanmakeanamazing differenceinthelivesofmanypeople.Theyarelifelong learners.Theykeeponincreasingtheirtalentsandabilities sothattheywillbeabletoleadmoreeffectivelyinthe businessworld.

Businessintelligenceisparamounttosuccessinthe businessworld.Thewomenleadersinthebusinessdevelop theirbusinessintelligencesothattheywillbeabletoplay aninspiringroleinleadingtheirbusinessesmost appropriately.Beingcalculative,logical,andanalyticalis importantforbusinessleadersasthishelpsthemmakethe rightdecisionsandavoidmanymistakesintheprocess. Successfulbusinessleadersdon'ttakehaphazarddecisions, buttheychoosetoactontherightinformation.Basedon therightinformation,theytakethoughtfuldecisionsthat willleadtotheprofitabilityofthebusinesses.

Womenleadershavetobemoreassertiveandconfidentin themselvestogenerateconfidenceinothers.Theyshould havehighmoralcompetencetoleadtheirbusiness flawlessly.Theyshouldleadinsuchawaythatnaturally, peoplewillbeinspiredtodotheirbestforthecauseof organization.Greatleadersbringoutthebestinthepeople byleadingwithhighmoralandethicalcompetence.They leadwithdignity,morality,ethics,andhighsenseofmoral integrity Theysetthemostexemplarystandards,and becauseoftheirexceptionalstandards,theybecomethe mostinspiringexampleforothersinthebusinessworld. Amazingattributesalwaysmakeapositiveimpacton people.Thefinerqualitiesinthewomenleadershelpthem tomakeamorevaluablecontributiontotheirorganizations' goals.

Moralityisthefoundationofvictoryinanyfield.Great womenleadersinbusinessleadwithmoralityandprofound clarity.Theyhaveagreatapproachtowardsbusinessand overalllife.Theyseethebiggerpicture.Theyseetheworld withanabundantmindset.Theythinkintermsof possibilities.Theythinkintermsofopportunities.They don'tseetheworldwithscarcitymentality Theythink innovativeandunprecedentedsolutionstodealwith unforeseenchallenges.Theythinkintermsofwin-win solutions,andwiththeirinspiringqualitiesandapproach, theymakemoredifferenceinthelivesofmanypeoplethey comeincontactwith.

Womenleadersinthebusinessworldpromotetheattitude oftransformingobstaclesintoopportunities.Theysupport aninclusivecultureandareabletoinspireotherwomen leaderstobetheirbestversion.Theyguide,train,and mentorotherstobringoutthebestinothers.Theyleadwith exceptionaltalentsandremarkabletemperament,andthatis thereasontheybecomethemostinspiringexamplefor otherstofollowintheirlives.

Lauren Kriner Vice President (Business Development) Capitol Construction Services, Inc.

Lauren Kriner

An Unmatched Sales and Marketing Professional

Wheneveranopportunitystandsaheadofwomen,

theytakeittogreatheights.Theyalwaysbring anewperspective,aproblem-solvingapproach, andaninnovativemindsettothetable.

Today,withtheirexemplaryleadershipskillsand unwaveringpassionfortheirwork,theyareshiningin almosteverysector,theconstructionindustrybeingoneof them.

MeetLaurenKriner,theVicePresidentofBusiness DevelopmentatCapitolConstructionServicesInc. Laurenisastrikingexampleintoday'sconstructionmarket. Blendingherpassionforconstructionwithherexperience, sheisdrivingthemarketingeffortsofthecompany.

So,ifyouwanttohaveanewdrive-thru,grandpark,or condominium,thenyougotyourdealfromLauren. Weat Insights Success interviewedLaurentoknowmore aboutherjourneyintheconstructionindustryandhow CapitolConstructionhasmanagedtostayoneofthemost professionalgeneralcontractorsintheIndianapolismarket.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatCapitol Construction.Whatchallengesyouhadtoovercometo reachwhereyouaretoday?

Istartedmycareeroutofcollegewithamarketingdegree fromIndianaUniversity,workingforPulteHomes.Isold newhomeconstructionfornearlysixyearsandmovedinto commercialrealestate.AsImadeapersonalmoveacross thecountryandreturnedtoIndiana,Iwentbacktomy

"constructionroots",establishinganewroleinBusiness DevelopmentwithCapitolConstruction.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

Since1998,ourteamhasgrownthroughrepeatandreferral business,treatingpeoplerightandcreatinglasting relationships.Themajorityofourteammembershavebeen withusforalongtime,andcontinuetothrivebecausewe workhardandplayhard.Wealsobelieveit'simportantto givebacktothecommunity,andareinvolvedincharitable givingoftimeandtreasurewithseveralareanot-for-profits.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe Constructionnichethroughyourexpertiseinthe market?

Therearenotmanywomeninconstruction,andtobeable toworkintheindustry,createtruerelationships,andtalk intelligentlyabouttheworkwedoisrare.NotonlyamIa womanintheindustry,butIaminvolvedinorganizations whosemissionistomakeanimpactforotherwomeninthe industry.IamaPastPresidentofIndyCREW(CREWisan internationalorganizationthatpromotestherolesofwomen incommercialrealestate)andcontinuetobeinvolvedin realestateandconstructionorganizations.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

Wearetrulyateam.Weallhavedifferentstrengthsand worktogethertoleveragethemasacollectivegroup.Itis enforcedfromthetopdownthatwemusttakethebestcare oftheclient. Quick,accuratecommunicationiskey, especiallyinthein-fluxworldoftoday

The 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Weareensuringthatourfieldteamisequippedwiththe technologytomaketheirjobeasierandmoreefficient.They areabletoutilizeappsfortheirtimecards,clientreports, andphotos.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theconstructionindustry?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Ithinkthebiggestchangewillbehowspaceisutilized. Fromofficetoretail,end-usersarereimaginingwhattheir spaceslooklike,whichindeedmeanschangesonthe

constructionside.Ithinkwe'llbedoingalotofremodelling ofexistingspacestomakethemworkbetterforusersinthe future.Wewillbeateammateofboththedesign communityandenduserstoworkwiththemon implementingthosechanges.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforCapitol Construction?

IseemyselfbeingontheCapitolConstructionteamfora longtime.I'vealreadybeenhere8.5years,andwhileIlove whatIdo,Ilovemyteammoreandthesupporttheygive meinbothmyprofessionalandpersonallife.Asaworking mother,that'sveryimportanttome.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintobusinessdevelopmentinthe constructionsector?

Ifyou'reapeoplepersonandrelationship-builder,business developmentissuchafunrolewithinagrowingcompany. Youcandirectlyimpactthebottomlinebybringinginnew opportunities,youhelpwiththestrategicdirectionofthe firm,andyourepresentyourfirm'sbrandinthecommunity Youbecomeabigpartofthefirm's"face",soit'san importantrole. Youcanneverknowenoughpeople,soit's criticaltoenjoynetworkingandmakingconnections.You havetoputyourselfoutthereandbewillingtoputinthe timetodeveloplong-termrelationshipsandpipelines.

“Hey, we built that!”

FirstAmericanTitle

RondaLanda SalesDirector

Ronda Landa

A Trailblazer Enabling Various Aspects of Business

Agreatbusinessleaderissculptedbytheir unconventionalmethodsofhandlinghurdles, distinctapproach,adaptabilitytothesituations, andzealtotransformwiththechangingtimes.Successand failurearelikeapendulum,whereeverydecisionisalways onthevergeofgoingeitherway.However,agoodleader alwaysstrategizesandmakesthependulumleaningtowards successthanfailure.

RondaLandaisonesuchleaderwho,withherexcellent skills,hasmanagedtoimpacttherealestateindustryby supportingherclientsincreatingbestpracticetoassist theminreachingtheirCREtransactionalgoals.She successfullydefinesherroleastheSalesDirectoratFirst AmericanTitleNationalCommercialServicesdivisionby usingherlocalandnationalcommercialrealestate expertisetohelpcloseclients'transactionsasefficientlyas possible.

BeforebecomingaSalesDirector,Rondahadmanaged differentrolesinherprofessionalcareerandgained excellentcommunicationskillsrunningcommittees, departments,andteams.Sheisalsosociallyengagedin enhancingbrandssheisinvolvedin.

UpUntilNow

Rondawasraisedbyhergrandparentsinasubjugated Hispanicneighborhood.TheFederalGrantassistedher interiordesignschool.Shelaterwentontoworkasa commercialinteriordesigner.Shewaschairedontheboard ofASIDandbecamethenationalstudentpresident.

RondaalsosatonthepanelforIIDAasajudgefornew furnishingsandtrendsinLosAngeles.ShemovedtoUtah andbecameSalesDirectorforaninteriordesignand furnishingcompany.Shedecidedtoventureinto entrepreneurshipfollowinghersalescareerandwasasolo practitionerforadecade.

Atthesametime,Rondawasgoingthroughadivorce.It gavehertheflexibilitytobeinvolvedinherchild's education,makealiving,andkeeparoofoverherhead.

Rondausedhertransferableskillstolandherselfasthe SalesDirectorforFirstAmericanTitleinSaltLakeCity

MissionandVision

RondaexpressesthatFirstAmericanTitlelikestosay; whenthestakesarehigh,youneedaccuracy,experience, andeasy-to-reachcommercialexpertsyoucanrelyon.

FirstAmericanTitlescoversitsclients'risks,provides expertguidance,andtailorssolutionseverystepoftheway Itsstability,tenureinthebusiness,depthofservices,and breatherofexperiencearethetraitsthecompanyisproud of.

ASocialImpact

Ronda'sinvolvementinCREorganizationandleadership, CREW,CCIM,ULI,WEN,andUCREhighlightsherbest practicestothenetwork.Shepromotesvariousprograms throughherandUCREnetworktosetupmeetingsand createeventsforinterestedpartiesandbringthemtogether toconnectinternalandexternalteams.Shealsocreatedthe Women'sCouncilforfemaleMREDstudentsfromthe UniversityofUtah.

Rondalookstodevelophernicheinenergytransactionsand createeventsonsustainabilityforUCREandULI.Shehas joinedtheEnergyPracticeGroupandpromotesher strengthsthroughthisnetwork.

RondahasfoundedandchairedCCIMexcellenceawards forsixyearstoelevateandcelebrateexcellenceinCRE. ShewastheCREWpresident,headeduptheStrategic PlanningCommittee,andworkedwiththeUofUprofessor

fortwoyearstocreateandimplementthestrategicplan. ShealsohasspokenandmoderatedmultiplepanelsinCRE.

ACenturyofLeveragingTechnologies

Forthelast132years,FirstAmericanTitlehasmanagedto stayaheadofitscompetitorsthroughtechnology.Ithas investedinautomationofthetitleandclosingprocessfora fasterresponse.Ithascreatedaninnovatingteam,athink tanktodevelopinnovativeideastoexplore.

WhatIf?

AchangethatRondawouldliketobringintofinancial servicesistocreate'relationship'opportunitiestostay connected.Sheassertshumansaresocialandneedthe connectionasmuchastechnology,sobusinessrelationships shouldbalancebetweenthecompanyandtheclient.

TheRevamp

TheDataandTechnologySolutionsindustryispreparing foritsfollowingsignificantchange.Rondabelievesthat therewillbeabundantappstoconductthebusinessfrom, andtheindustrywilluseautomationforentiretransactions fromopeningandclosingordersandeverythinginbetween.

ForecastingtheFuture

RondalovesherroleasaSalesDirectorandAccount Manager.Shelooksforwardtoaddingenergysectorclients toherportfolio.Itisexcitingandkeytoherfuturesuccess, acriticalmoveinhercareerbothimportantandrewarding.

AShiningHope

OverthecourseofRonda'scareer,shelearnedthatno matterthefield,educationisimportant.Inheradviceto buddingentrepreneurs,shesays, "Be tenacious and enjoy what you do. Make it your career and not just a job. Believe in yourself, build partnerships and networks. Get good mentors and sponsors and make sure your company value matches your values. Most importantly, Say YES to challenges.”