The 10 Most Empowering Women in Business 2022

Empowering Women The10Most

inBusiness2022

AConsistentLearnertoPassionateLeader

KaseyOrtoski, ContractOperationsManager Jacobs

Benchmarking

Brilliance with an Exemplary Approach

Editor’s Desk

AbhishekJoshi AbhishekJoshi

Womeninbusinessoftenhaveareal

determinationtosucceedbecausetheyare poweredbytheirmissionandpurposeinlife. Theymayhavemotivesandadesiretosucceedbecauseof afamilytosupport,ortheymayjusthavedreamstheywant tobecomeareality.Havingfemaleleadershipinany organizationleadstoamorepositiveenvironmentall around.Womenmaynotalwaysrealizehowcomposedfor achievementtheyareinleadershiproles,buttheirpotential andcapabilitiesareirrefutable.

Empathy,open-mindedness,mindfulness,pressure handling,multitasking,andopencommunicationaresome innatetraitsoffemaleleadersthatmakethemmoreinsync withtheirteam.Today,manyofbusinessesandindustries arerealizingthatwomeninleadershipnotonlybring importantbenefitsbutarealsoirreplaceableintheoffice, boardroom,andattheheadofthetable.Diverse experiencesandperspectivescontributeimportantlyto bringinginnovation,asdifferentperspectivesleadtobetter decision-making.Therefore,organizationswithhigher levelsofdiversityusuallytendtooutgrowthosewithfewer diversitypercentages.

Whenwomenbecomeleaders,theybringskills,different perspectives,andstructuralandculturaldifferences, ultimatelydrivingeffectivesolutionstothecompanies occupiedbymen.Withdifferentperspectivesandasenseof awareness,womencaninvestigatefinerdetailstoseewhat isreallygoingonunderneath.

Thequalitiesthatdistinguishwomenleadersareassertive andpersuasive,haveastrongerneedtogetthingsdone;and aremorewillingtotakerisksthanmaleleaders.This approachtoleadershiphelpswomenbetterfacilitate collaborationandinformation-sharing.Womenoftenchoose todiscusspossiblesolutionswithmorepeopleand,inturn, gainmorefactsandperspectives.

Onaquesttospotlightthebenchmarksofexcellenceinthe modernindustry,InsightsSuccessfeaturesmesmerizing storiesof'The10MostEmpoweringWomeninBusiness 2022.'Flipthroughthepagesanddelveintotheodysseyof thestarletsthatsymbolizeaperpetualbequest.

Have a Delightful Read!

Carly Benewith

Ellen Wakelam

Juliet Roulhac

Rachel Gomez

Ruthie Staalsen An

The10Most

Empowering Women

inBusiness2022

FeaturedPerson

CarlyBenewith Co-ownerand SEOExpert

EllenWakelam Co-founderand Director

EmmaParkinson Director

Brief CompanyName

MountainAirMarketing mountainairmarketing.com

IntheWelshWind inthewelshwind.co.uk

InternationalEnergy ProductsLimited internationalenergyproducts.com

UnderCarly'sleadership,MountainAirMarketingaimsto createwebsites,brands,anddigitalmarketingthatconveythat samesortoffreshnessanddelighttoapotentialcustomer’s experienceofyourbusinessandbrand.

WithEllen'sprofoundexpertise,IntheWelshWindspecializes increatingbespokespiritstailoredtoyouinitscopperpotstills MeredithandAfanc.

Emmaleadsthecompanywithanaimtoprovideafresh approach,workingwithcustomersmostcloselytounderstand theirrequirementsandoffervaluetotheirsupplychain,saving notonlymoneybutvaluabletimeandresources.

Grace

KustaNasralla DirectorofOperations

RachelGomez Co-owner

RuthieStaalsen

Owner&Professional Trainer

e-presenceConsultants e-presence.ca

FusionMineralPaint fusionmineralpaint.com

UnderGrace'sleadership,e-presenceprovidesbusiness servicesandmarketingtoolsthataredesignedtointroducethe latestbusinesstechnologiesandtrendstoemergingsmall businessenterprises.

ForfellowDIYersandwomenentrepreneursalike,Jennylyn Pringleisasourcefordesignandlifeinspiration.

Jacobsstrivestomaketheworldsmarter,moreconnected,and moresustainable. Jacobs jacobs.com

MountainAirMarketing mountainairmarketing.com

RuthieStaalsenInteriors (RSI) ruthiestaalsen.com

Rachelguidesthecompanyinprovidingwell-designed websitesandlikeabrandthatshouldmakeacustomerfeellike hikinginthatfreshmountainair

RuthieStaalsenofRuthieStaalsenInteriorsisanawardwinningDallas-baseddesignerusinginternationalelementsto createspacesthatare“relaxed,collectedandglobal.”

TessaWhite

CEOandFounder

TheJobDoctor thejobdoctor.com

TessaistheFounderofTheJobDoctor,acompanydedicated tomovingemployeeperformancefromaverageto extraordinary, andbuildingstrongcompanyleaderswith highlyengagedemployees.

JennylynPringle CEO

KaseyOrtoski ContractOperations Manager

C O V E R S T O R Y

From the brilliant solutions we create with our clients to the open and inclusive culture we create for our people. From the positive difference we make in our communities to the added value we deliver to our shareholders.

KaseyOrtoski, ContractOperationsManager Jacobs

One of the true tests of leadership is the ability to

-ArnoldGlasow

Someleadersareassignedtolead,andsomeleaderswere borntotakecharge.KaseyOrtoskiisoneofthem.Aleader passionateaboutstrategicplanningandleadershipbuildsa competent,capable,andcommandingteamintheirwork.

Kasey'sresult-orientedapproachhaspaidhighdividends, makingheranexpertinprojectmanagementwithextensive experienceanddemonstratedsuccessindeliveringmultiple, high-valuetechnicalprojectswithinapredefinedtime withoutcompromisingonthequality,scope,andbudget.

Speakingofhereducationalachievements,Kaseyhasa BachelorofScienceinElementaryEducationandaMaster ofBusinessAdministration(MBA)fromtheUniversityof Tampa.Additionally,sheisobtainingaDoctorof PhilosophyinOrganizationalLeadership,witharesearch topicincludingAgileSoftwareDevelopmentteamsand workenvironmentconfigurations.

AstheContractOperationsManagerforJacobs,Kasey looksovertheprocessesofmanagingschedulers,managing risk,andensuringqualityassuranceacrosstheline.Dueto hervariedexperienceandin-depthexpertiseinthesubject, shemakesprojectmanagementeasyandseamlessfor everyoneinvolved. Wegottotalktoherabouthervastareasofinterestthrough aninsightfulinterview.

Below are the highlights: Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatJacobs.What challengesyouhadtoovercometoreachwhereyouare today?

Today,IamtheContractOperationsManager.Mypastis unique;Ihavehadtoovercomeseveraldifficultiestobe whereIamtoday Asanontraditionalhire,Idonotlook likemostothertechnologistsfunnelledintothedefense contractingpopulation.Ihaveownedbusinesses,taught children,mentoredyouthsandyoungadults,consulted highereducationestablishments,workedinsales,andmuch more.IhavebeenleadingpeoplesincethedayIturned18 whenIbecametheyoungestmanagerofCiCi'sPizza nationally,asIwaspromotedtostoremanager.My

backgroundisrichincrucibleexperiencesthatdonot translateeasilytoaresumeorworkexperience.Iwentback toschoolafterIhadsteppedbackfromowningmybusiness anddecidedtheclassroomwasnotwhereIbelonged. AttendingTheUniversityofTampa'sExecutiveMasterof BusinessAdministrationprogramwouldprovetobeoneof themostpivotaldecisionsofmylife.Imetsomeofthe mostincredibleindividuals.Ofthoseindividuals,one person,inparticular,waslife-changing.Thepersontooka chanceonmeandrecommendedmetobepartofhisteam atJacobs.Thiswouldprovetobelife-altering.

WorkinginDefenseTechnologywasawholenewworldfor me,butitallowedmetoexcelbecauseIwassodifferent frommypeers.Ibroughtnewideasandafreshattitudeto theteamsImanaged.Ihavehadseveralpromotionssince startingwithJacobsandcontinuetoworkonmypersonal growth.RightafterIstartedatJacobs,Iembarkedonmy DoctorofPhilosophydegree.Itiswonderfultoworkfora companythatsupportsmyeducationbybothhelpingfund mytuitionandbeingflexiblewithmyschedulesoIcan traveltoLosAngeles,Californiaforaclassasneeded.My programattheChicagoSchoolofProfessionalPsychology isincrediblyapplicabletomyworkatJacobs.Ichosethis schoolasallcurriculumhasafoundationinpsychology,so myOrganizationalLeadershipprogramisteachingmea greatdealaboutthepsychologyofpeopleand organizations.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

JacobsEngineeringisanincrediblyinclusivecompanywith agreatculture-theytakecareoftheirpeople.Jacobsdoes notacceptwhatisasitis;wechallengetheacceptedand strivetoinnovateandadvancesociety

AtJacobs,wemaketheworldsmarter,moreconnected,and moresustainable.

Together,we'repushingthelimitsofwhat'spossible.We stayaheadtocreatenewstandardsforourfutureneeds. Challengingtodayisourresponsetotheincreasing complexityourworldisexperiencing.

Itcallsonustojoinforces,puttingourknowledgeand imaginationtogethertoreinventthewaywesolveproblems andshapethenextgenerationofinnovativesolutions. Reinventingtomorrowisourpromiseandaninvitationto raisethebarineverythingwedo.

recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency.”

The 10 Most Empowering Women in Business 2022

Fromthebrilliantsolutionswecreatewithourclients totheopenandinclusiveculturewecreateforour people.Fromthepositivedifferencewemakeinour communitiestotheaddedvaluewedelivertoour shareholders.

“Together, we are building a new Jacobs, inclusive of diverse people, capabilities, and perspectives. We are winning in the marketplace, capturing attractive growth opportunities for complex work we are uniquely positioned to perform.”

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactin theInformationTechnologynichethroughyour expertiseinthemarket.

IhaveauniqueadvantageinmymarketbecauseI bringaverydifferent,people-focusedperspectiveto theteamsIserve.Mybackgroundhasgivenmethe skillstobeanexcellentcommunicator,learnvirtually anythingrapidly,andmakedecisionsinan emotionallyintelligentmannerwhilealsokeeping

-SteveDemetriou,ChairandCEO

It calls on us to join forces, putting our knowledge and imagination together to reinvent the way we solve problems and shape the next generation of innovative solutions.

At Jacobs, we make the world smarter, more connected, and more sustainable.

largerorganizationalgoalsinmind.Thetechnologymarket iseverchanging,andmyadvantageshelpmebettersupport peopleastheyoperateinthetechnologysector

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

Ourcultureisincrediblydiverseandinclusivewhile strivingtoensureequity.Wechallengewhatisandenvision whatcanbewhilesupportingandenrichingourpeoplein theworkplaceandbeyond.Wehave8employeenetworks thatfosteracultureofcaring.Thegroupsarecentered aroundofferingemployeesanopportunitytocollaborate withothersaroundtheworldwhosharesimilarinterests andexploreopportunitiesthatrelatetotheirspecificgoals.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Wehaveagreatopportunitytoinnovateandimproveour legacysystems.Ourcurrentendeavoursincludeleveraging thebenefitsofcloudtechnologyandimplementing automationinanypossiblearea.Wearealsomodernizing ourinfrastructuretoensureweremaincompetitive.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring totheCybersecurityindustry?

IwouldliketoreexaminetheAuthoritytoOperate(ATO) processwithintheDefensecommunity-aswebeginto employemergenttechnologiessuchascloudcomputing,we needtoassessthewayweexamineenvironmentswhen grantingATOs.WecannotSecurityTechnical ImplementationGuide(STIG)ourselvestodeathandmake itsononewtechnologiesgetthechancetomakeittoour warfighters.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein ScientificResearch&Testingindustry?Howisyour companypreparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Spacepresentsendlessopportunitiesforexplorationand innovation.Jacobs'newstrategyplacesaheavyemphasis onSpacetechnologies,exploration,andinnovation.Weare currentlyworkingwithNASAtocreateengineering solutionstosupporttheSpaceLaunchSystemandspace flightprojects,providingscienceandengineeringsupportto aspacestation,Orionandlifesupport,androbotics

systems,aswellasLaunchcontrolsystemdevelopmentand payloadprocessing.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforJacobs?

Peoplearemypassion,andtechnologyissomethingthatI wanttobepartof-Iamworkinghardtobecomeapeople leaderwithinourcompanysoIcanhavetheopportunityto bringlighttoandimprovetheenvironmentforlargegroups ofpeople.ThehigherIclimb,themoreopportunityIhave tocreatepositivechange.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheITsector?

Informationtechnologyisnotonlyforgeniuses-itisfor everyone!Startbyidentifyingwhateverinterestsyouinthe realmandidentifycertificationsthatwillgetyouthe credentialsneededforentry-levelopportunities.Onceyou haveyourfootinthedoor,lookaroundandseewhois successful-talktothatperson,becometheirmentee,and learnasmuchasyoucan!Donotbeafraidtovolunteerfor extraworkthatservesasalearningopportunity,anditis alwaysoktoaskquestions.

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is equivalent to magic.” -ArthurC.Clarke

The 10 Most Empowering Women in Business,

Ellen Wakela Ellen Wakela

Wakelam Co-founder & Director In the Welsh Wind Distillery

Ellen

“ “

m m

Thephrasegoes, "You may not be everyone's cup of

tea, but you are somebody's double shot of gin.”

Shiftinghercareerfromteachertoentrepreneur,Ellen Wakelam'sjourneyhasbeenfascinating;delightedwithan innovativeapproach,distillinganaward-winningginand otherspirits,IntheWelshWindexcelsunderthe leadershipofEllen.

AstheCo-founderandDirector,Ellenisdedicatedto talkingherpotentialcustomersthroughdifferentWelshgins andspirits,helpingthemmaketherightchoice!

InsightsSuccesscaughtupwithhertoknowmoreaboutthe IntheWelshWind'srelaxedapproachfortheGintasting experience.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatINtheWelshWind. Whatchallengesdidyouhavetoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?

Istartedmyworkinglifeasateacher.Iwaspassionate aboutteaching,butovertimeIstruggledwiththe bureaucracyandpoliticsthatranalongsidetheworkinthe classroom.Ataroundthesametime,Iwasinvolvedina seriouscaraccidentthatdamagedmyknee.The combinationofeventsledmetoreturntowestWales.As wellasthechallengesIhadtoovercometorecovermy physicalfitness,Ihadreallylostmyinnerspark.Ittookan adventure–walkingaroundWalesforthreemonths,to recoverthatexcitementandopennesstothepossibilitythat Ineededtorunabusiness.Bytheendofthewalk,Ifelt fullyrestoredandreadytogo.MypartnerAlexandIrana bakingandcateringbusinessforacoupleofyearsbefore settingupthedistillery.Wehadtogettogripswiththe

Here on the wild west Wales coast, we distill award-winning gin and other spirits and are pioneering a truly Welsh whisky.

technicalitiesofcreatinggin,nottomentionallthe paperworkinvolvedinworkingwithalcohol,butwith persistence,wemanagedit!

Ourinitialplanwastomakeandsellginunderourown'In theWelshWind'brand.However,wewereofferedthe opportunitytocreateginsforotherbrandsandbusinesses, sofromthestartofourbusinessinJanuary2018untilJuly 2020;weworkedonthecustombrandedspiritssideof things.Wehavedevelopedupwardsof45differentginsfor ourcustomspiritsclients–manyareaward-winning.We launchedourown,alsoaward-winning,gininJuly2020 andarenowfocussingongrowingourownrangeofspirits.

Tellussomethingaboutyourcompanyanditsmission andvision.

ThedistilleryhasgrownquicklyfromjustAlexandmeina convertedcowshedtoflagshippremisesonthemainwest Walescoastroadandastaffof15.Wehavealsoopeneda ginbarandbottleshopinourlocaltownofCardigan.We're driventoproducetop-quality,premiumspiritsthat showcasethebestofWales,includingourfull-graintoglass whisky We'realsocommittedtoflyingtheflagforthis cornerofWales,notonlyprovidingatouristdestination withourgin-makingandgintastingexperiencesbutby providingworkexperienceandtrainingopportunitiesfor youngpeopleinthearea.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactonthe whiskynichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

WhiskyisexperiencingarenaissanceinWales,andweare oneof5distilleriesproducingwhiskyhere.Eachdistillery hasitsownUSP,andwe'reexcitedtobebringinga100% Welsproducttothemarket.Ourgrain,forwhatwereferto asour'WelshOrigin'whisky,isgrownwithin10milesof thedistilleryandismaltedhereon-site,removingtheneed totransportthegraintothecommercialmalthousesin England.Maltingon-sitealsoavoidsenergy-heavykilning, whichwouldbenecessaryifmaltinghappenedremotely We'vetakeninspirationfromthesmallnumberof distilleriesgloballythatworkwithgreenmaltandhave customizedtheprocesstosuitourneeds.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Whenconsideringthestillswewouldworkwithonthe whiskyside,wehavechosentousenew,state-of-the-art stilltechnology,whichgivesusgreatercontroloverthe distillingprocess.Inasmallbusiness,thisiscrucialforus tomaintainthequalityweexpectfromourspirits.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring inthedistillingindustry?

Theindustryisstillverytraditional,andwhilethingsare slowlymovingintherightdirection,itisalsoverymaledominated.Iwouldliketoseetheindustrybecomingmuch

moreopenanddiverse,encouragingpeoplefromdifferent backgroundstobecomeinvolved.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein thecustomspiritsindustry?Howisyourcompany preparingtobepartofthatchange?

We'veseenanincreasingtrendinconsumerslookingto understandtheprovenanceoftheirfoodanddrink–to understandthestoriesbehindthebrandstheyarebuying andfortheretobeintegrityintheproductstheyarebuying. Ourbusinessandthebrandsweworkwitharecommittedto providingthesame–it'swhytheychoosetoworkwithus.I thinkthetimeiscomingwherethecustomspiritsindustry willrecognizeandembracethissothatspiritsthatare brandedasbeingfromaparticularplacewillneedto demonstratethattheyaremadethere,andwherever possible,thattheingredientsusedhavesomeconnectionto thearea,evenifnotnative.

Wheredoyouenvisageyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforyourcompany?

Wehaveplanningpermissiontoextendthedistilleryandto buildadditionalfacilitiesatourexistinglocation,sointhe shorttomediumterm,ourgoalistocapitalizeonthis opportunity,increaseourproductionanddevelopandgrow the'IntheWelshWind'brandintoahouseholdnameanda symbolofthebestWaleshastooffer.Beyondthat,the developmentofanindustry-leadingresearchandeducation centreisinoursights.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothebusinesssector?

Iwouldsaythereisno'righttimetolaunchabusiness.If youbelieveinwhatyou'redoingandplantocommit wholeheartedlytoyourproductandtoyourbusinessplan, thereisnothingtostopyoufromgivingitago.Andwhile havingaplanisagreatplacetostart,alwaysbepreparedto adaptdependingontheopportunitiesthatcomealong.

Tough times never last, tough people do,” and

EmmaParkinsonisanempoweringwomanwhois oneofthemostformidableleaderstowalkonthe earth,imprintingherfootprintswithcompellingbusiness wisdom.Beingbornintoasingle-parentfamilywithatight financialsituation,Emmalearnedtobehumbleatavery youngage.Herhumblemindsetisembodiedinher unrivaledsuccessinachievingconsistentprofitability,stock management,andprojectmanagementdelivery

AjourneyfilledwithdifficultpathsalwaysledEmmato fighthardtosecurepositionsandachievebetterresults, constantlyevolvingherself.Startinghercareerinamaledominatedindustry,wheretheoddswerealwayssetagainst her,wastheprimarydriverforEmmatofound InternationalEnergyProductsin2019.

Whenshebeganherbusinessfromscratch,shesecured fundingandsupportfromaprivateinvestor,growingher companyintoasecuredfinancialposition.Sheachievedan MBOinOctober2021,becomingthesoleownerand shareholderofInternationalEnergyProducts,asignificant achievementforher,overcomingnumerousobstacles.Since Emmainitiatedherventure,ithasmorethandoubled turnoveryear,havingacompleteorderbookmoving forwardin2022.

QualityattheHeart

InternationalEnergyProducts’philosophyisbecominga leadingsolutionsproviderformetalsourcingglobally.With awealthofknowledgeandrelationshipsspanningthe industryworldwide,itaimstosupportitscustomerstowork closelywiththem,addingvaluetoitsservice.

Emmaasserts, “Our industry is quite dated, and people routinely do what they have done for 50-100 years now without change. We provide a fresh approach, working with customers most closely to understand their requirements and offer value to their supply chain, saving not only money but valuable time and resources.”

InternationalEnergyProductsensuresworkingwiththe mostupdatedsoftwareandhardwaretoprovideasecure andversatilesystem.Ithasnewtechnologiesplannedfor thenext12-18months,whichwillsupportitscustomers whenordering.

TransformingShifts

Sharingherthoughtsonbringingachangeintheindustry, Emmamentions, “There are many competitors out there that don’t want to work with you for fear of losing business. I believe there is room for everyone, and sometimes it can be advantageous for competitors of the same industry to support each other and navigate through some industryspecific issues by sharing knowledge.”

“I believe that people are moving back towards buying from smaller, more specialized businesses as opposed to large corporations. Businesses need that tailored service and approach from smaller to medium-sized firms. We are growing but fully intend to remain a small to medium size business as we enjoy working closely with customers and given that personalized service that they want and need,” explainsEmma.

WhatComesNext?

Overthenext3-5years,InternationalEnergyProductsaims tosecureenduserapprovalsandmarketpositionswithin theindustry.Emmawantstobeattheedgeofthenew advancementsandadoptnewenvironmentallyfriendly waystoservetheindustry

SwimAgainsttheCurrent

Emmaunderstandsthatstartingupanybusinessishard;it’s lonelyandtakestimeandconstantdrive.Sheadvises aspiringentrepreneurstoleanonpeoplearoundthemfor supportandgetusedtoproblem-solving. “You will find that problem solving and navigating issues every day becomes the norm, and long term, this is essentially the driver behind the business’s growth and continuity,” Emma concludes.

Quality is at the heart of everything we do.

Grace Kusta Nasralla

Owner and Director of Operations HUDDLESPACE

The 10 Most Empowering women in business

Grace

Making Office Spaces Work for Businesses

Kusta Nasralla

Daysaregonewhenemployeesusedtositindull

anddrabcubiclespacesandrespondtoemails. Businesseshavestartedrealizingthatinspiring surroundingscanhaveadirecteffectontheiremployees' creativity.

Officespacesdon’tnecessarilyneedtobeiniconic buildingstolookinnovative;atranquilsettingoramazing designofficemuralcandowonders. Ifyouarelookingfor furnishedofficespacewithacreativetouch,youmaycount onGraceKustaNasralla

GraceistheOwnerandDirectorofOperationsat HUDDLESPACE,oneofOntario,Canada’sleadingoffice spaceproviders.Herteamunderstandshowcreatingthe rightofficeenvironmentcanpositivelyimpactthe wellbeingandgeneraldaytodaylivesofsmallbusiness owners.

WeatInsightsSuccesscaughtupwithGracetolearnmore aboutherjourneyandhowsheiscreatinghappyspacesthat herclientslove.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatHUDDLESPACE. Whatchallengesyouhadtoovercometoreachwhere youaretoday?

Igrewupinahomethatwasmanagedbyentrepreneurs. MyparentsownedandoperatedaSewingSuppliesstorein Beirut,Lebanon,andasateenagerIwashiredbymyDad, everysummer,tohelprundailytasksinthestore.So,I grewfamiliarwithentrepreneurshipatanearlyage.AfterI graduatedfromUniversity,Iworkedinthecorporateworld formanyyears.In2005Istartedtakingonwebdesign projects,andIbuiltasmallclientbase.Iregistereda business,andinanefforttogrowmyclientbase,Ibuilta virtualnetworkforsmallbusinessowners.In2013,the databasegrewtoover700smallbusinesses,soIstarted runningeventsandmeetingclientsandleadsfacetoface. Thatdefinitelyhelpedmegrowmybusiness.Itookon differentprojectsamongthesmallbusinesscommunityand IalsotaughtbusinessataprivateCollegefor11years.In 2017Iwasreadytobringmoretothesmallbusiness communityintheGreaterTorontoArea.

MyhusbandandIstartedHUDDLESPACE,aworkplace facilityforsmallbusinessowners,startups,and entrepreneurs.Weturnedawarehouseinto HUDDLESPACEwherewerentoutfurnishedofficesto smallbusinessesthatareseekinggrowth.Ourclientsrange fromlawyers,toinsurancebrokers,toconstruction managementconsultants,toITandTelecomprofessionals. Wealsohavebusinessesthatcatertothetruckingindustry, AccountingandFinances,andotherindustriesaswell.The mainchallengethatwefaceaswegrowisprobablythe samechallengethateverysmallbusinessisfacingthese days,andthatishavingtorestructureourbusinesstomeet

We are wholly committed to providing small business owners with furnished office space and a workplace environment that will drive their business growth.

customerneedsinaPandemicera.Wehavetoalwayskeep theclientinmindaswemakeadjustmentstomeetCOVID19regulationsasitdevelops.IfyouaskmeaboutthePre COVID-19challenges,whenIstartedthebusiness,Iwould sayeliminatingdistractionsandstayingfocusedonmy short-termandlong-termgoals.Asweoperatethebusiness, wefacedailychallenges,butaslongaswestayfocusedon thevision,wealwaysseegrowth.

TellussomethingmoreaboutHUDDLESPACE,its missionandvision.

Atthispoint,IamenjoyingHUDDLESPACEasitbecame abusyhubforsmallbusinesses,justthewayIenvisionedit tobe!Currently,weprovidethemwithofficespaceand businessaddressservices.However,Ifeelitistimeforus tobealittlemorecreativeinhowwecatertobusinesses thatcomeintoHUDDLESPACEeachday Andthat’swhat Iamfocusingonthisyear

Tellushowyouhavemadeanimpactinthemarketing sectorthroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

Threeyearsago,IembarkedonanewprojectthatIcalled BizReflections.Iturnedmyblogtoaresourcefulwebsite forsmallbusinessowners.Theblogwebsiteconsistsof blogpoststhatarecontributedbysmallbusinessowners withsuccessfulbusinesses,blogpoststhatIwritesharing myexperiencewiththesmallbusinessindustry,business podcaststhatcreativelyshowcasetheknowledgeand experienceofactualentrepreneurs,andvideosthattackle differentbusinesstopics.Iinvitesmallbusinessestocheck usoutatwww.bizreflections.ca.Makesuretocontactmeif youwouldliketobecomeacontributoratbizreflections.ca.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

AtHUDDLESPACE,weleveragedtechnologyintwo majoraspects.Weusesmartlocks,andwehavetheplace monitored24/7.Andwithboth,weuseexcellent technologiesthatwereespeciallymadeforcommercialuse.

Intermsofmarketing,weusetechnologytobuildour mailinglist,andtosendoutnewsletters.Weuse technologiestobuildandupdateourwebsites.Weuse technologiestotrackwebsitetrafficandotherstomeasure howwe’redoing.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring inthemarketingsector?

Inmarketing,weallsensetoomuchnoisehappeningthese days.IfIwasgivenachoiceandthemeans,Iwouldwork hardtofilterthatnoiseoutandsoftenit.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein thedigitalmarketingsector?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

IguessFacebookisleadingthewayinwhatthefutureis storingforusintermsofmarketingtechnologies.Amixof existingtechnologiesthatwillmakewhattheycallthe Metaverse.Ithinkwewillseemoreandmoretechnology companiescombiningeffortstocomeupwithwhat’sgoing toleadthefutureoftechnologies.

It’stooearlytosayhowwewillbeusingfuture technologies,butIamalwayswillingtoexplorenew methods,toolsandappstohelpmegrowmybusiness.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforHUDDLESPACE?

IwouldlovetoseemorelocationsforHUDDLESPACE. WestartedthisonelocationnearPearsonAirport,butI wouldliketoseeusspreadoutacrosstheGreaterToronto Area.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothemarketingsector?

Idoencouragethemtoreadabouttheindustrybeforethey stepintoit.Researchandfindwhatareaofmarketingisafit forthem.Iwouldencouragethemtopickandchoosewhat theywanttospecializeinbasedonwheretheirpassionlies, andthentheygottoworkhardtobecomeleadersinit.

Juliet Roulhac Director of Corporate Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Florida Power & Light Company

JulietRoulhac

Passionisthefuelthattookmanyleaderstogreat heights.JulietRoulhac’sjourneyisastriking exampleofthissentiment.

With25yearsofcomplexbusinesslitigationandappellate experience,Juliethasbecomeaprominentnameinthelegal space.Currently,sheservesastheDirectorofCorporate PhilanthropyandCommunityEngagementforFlorida Power&LightCompany,aFortune200companyandthe largestcleanenergyproviderinthestate.

Throughouthertenure,Julietledwithpassion,andasa result,today,sheisseenasaninfluentialleader.Weat InsightsSuccesscaughtupwithhertolearnmoreabouther journey.

Below are the highlights of the interview: Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatFPL.What challengeshaveyouovercometoreachwhereyouare today?

MyleadershipjourneybeganwhenIrecognized theimportanceofvolunteerism.Ibelievewhen youvolunteer,youshoulddosoatthehighest levelandatthebestofyourability.Myfirst volunteereffortarosewhilepracticinglaw withtheGwenS.CherryBarAssociation, whichwasformallyknownastheNational BarAssociationWomenLawyers Division.ItwasagroupofAfrican Americanwomenlawyers,andIwas electedsecretaryduringmytenurewith thatboard.EventhoughIwasoneofthe youngestmembersintheorganization, becauseofmypassion,drive,and service,mycolleaguesbeganto

recognizeme.Sincethen,Ihaveconsistentlyand continuouslyadaptedthesamespiritofalwaysleadingwith passionanddoingmybest,bothprofessionallyand personally.Ifindthatmyethoshasledtomebeing recommended,elected,orthoughtofasaleaderinmy professionandinmyvolunteerwork.AlthoughIbeganasa lawyer,myskillssuchasleadershipandcommunicationare transferableandpavedthewayformycareerpathto supportgovernmentalandcommunitysectors.Asaresultof mymanagement,professionalandcommercialskills,Iwas promotedtoadirectorrolewithFPL.ThechallengesIhave facedhavebeenprimarilyduetomydemeanor,often describedaskindandgentle,whichissometimes misconstruedorseenasweakness.However,Ifoundthat kindnesshasallowedmetoconnectwithpeopleand recognizetheirstrengthsandweaknesses,becomingabetter coach,mentorandleaderforthem.AnotherchallengeI havefacedhasbeenwhileparticipatingwithnon-minority organizations,Ifeltattimesnotasreadilyvisibleorvalued, butalmostalwaysperseveredwhenIworkedharderand

We’re energizing the EV revolution with more clean energy pulsing through America’s most intelligent grid

contributedmytalentstothebestofmyabilities, particularlyinareaswhereIfelttheorganizationmost neededsupport.

TellussomethingmoreaboutFPLitsmissionand vision.

FPLisaninnovativecompanythatisalways challengingitselftoimproveineveryway–providingAmerica’sbestenergyvalue,with electricitythat’snotjustcleanandreliablebutalso affordable.Itsvaluesarebeingcommittedto excellence,doingtherightthingandtreatingpeople withrespect.Acombinationofitsvaluesanddriving principlesofcontinuousimprovementarereflected throughoutthecompanyresultinginhighengagement andprideamongitsemployees.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactin theretailelectricitynichethroughyourexpertise inthemarket.

Mygreatestimpacthasbeeninformingourbusiness andcommunitypartnersaboutFPL’sservice reliability,growthininnovationandcleanenergy,and ourcommitmenttoservingourcommunitiesthrough financialgiving,volunteerismandsomuchmore.I alsosupportthecompany’sinitiativesbyliaisingwith thelocalgovernmenttosupportourcompany’s capitalinvestmentsinsolarandbatteryprojectsand outreachtoourcustomerstosharenewinitiatives.All oftheseareexamplesofourcommitmenttoour customersandcommunitiestodayandforyearsto come.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrole inalmosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyour solutionsresourceful?

AdvancementsintechnologyarecrucialtoFPL’s modernizationoftheenergysystem.

Werecognizethattechnologyisessentialtodriving innovationandefficiency Weencourageemployeesto invent,createandshareideasintechnology,including augmentedrealityandotheradvancementsthatwill supportandcreategreaterefficienciesforthe companyandultimatelyourcustomers.And,our capitalinvestmentssupporttheconstructionofplants

usingthenewesttechnologyinthemarketsothatweare alwaysaheadofthecurve.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring tothecleanenergyindustry?

Thecleanenergyindustryhasgrownsignificantlyinthelast severalyears,particularlyduetothecostofsolarbecoming moreaffordable.Wehavemadesignificantadvancementsin buildingsolarenergycenters,andoverthelastdecade, we’veretiredcoal-poweredplantsandmodernizedmanyof ourolderoil-burningpowerplantswithnewnaturalgasfiredplants.Wearecontinuouslylookingatwaystobea leadingdriverofcleanenergy–exploringnew technologies,includinggreenhydrogen,whichcouldone dayunlock100%carbon-freeelectricity,andunveilingthe world’slargestsolar-poweredbatterytodelivermoresolar energytocustomers–evenwhenthesun’snotshining.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theretailelectricityindustry?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Carsandtransportationareoneofthegreatestcontributors tocarbonemissions,soelectricvehiclesareemergingasa growingtrendintheautoindustry.Weconstantlyanalyze futuretrends–suchasthese–andcreateforward-thinking programstomeetourcustomers’evolvingenergyneeds whiledeliveringclean,reliableenergy.Ourcompanyhas identifiedelectricvehiclechargingportsasasolutiontothe growingdemand.FPLEVolutionisdesignedtoboost Florida’sEVinfrastructureandsupportEVadoptionby installingover1,000chargingportsatmorethan100 locations.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforFPL?

Icontinuetoseemyselfalwaysworkinginacapacityto servetheindustryandmycommunity.And,becauseofthe company’sfocusoncontinuousimprovementand innovation,Iknowthesky’sthelimit!

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheretailelectricitysector?

Iencourageaspiringentrepreneurstostayinformedwith thisfast-pacedgrowingmarketandthetechnologythat drivesit.And,tolookformentorstohelplaythe foundationforastrongfutureintheindustry Werecently

launched35Mules,aninnovationhubpoweredbyFPL, designedtomovethestate’sentrepreneurialecosystem forwardandhelpearly-stagecompanies.Paststartups includeenergy,water,andenergy-adjacentfields,andour goalistohelptheseentrepreneursbuildandscaletheir early-stagecompaniesrighthereinthestateofFlorida.

Owner and Professional Trainer