The 10 Most Empowering Women in Business 2022

Writing The Hero’s Journey

Editor’s Desk

SakshiShrivastava

lovestories.Beingawriter,that'snosurprise.ButI

Ithinkagoodstorycanchangetheworldmorethana factevercould.Stories,Ibelieve,havethepowerof transformation–inbothpositiveandnegativeways. Therefore,itisimportanttobeawareofthekindofstories youaretellingyourselfandthepeopleyouareidentifying with.

Thestoryyoutellyourselfisperhapsmoreimportantthan thestoryyoutellothers.Areyoutheheroortheside characterofyourlife?Areyoutheonetowhomthings happen,orareyoutheonewhomakesthingshappen?Do youwriteyourstory,ordoyoujustreadit?Yourhero's journeywillbedefinedbythewordsyouhavechosenfor yourself.

Thepagesofthismagazinearefullofstories.Storiesof painters,teachers,lawyers,andothers.Storiesofpeople tryingtomakeafailingbusinesssuccessful,oflosinga passiontofindanother,ofstrugglingtobekindinan industrythatrewardsthecutthroat.Storiesofovercoming challenges,findinghope,anddreamingaboutthe impossible.

InthelatesteditionofInsightsSuccess,entitled "10 Most Empowering Women in Business," youwillfindstoriesof womenwhostartedtheirownbusinesses,womenwhoare leadinginindustriesasvariedaspaint,energy,andreal estate,womenwhohavenotletanyobstaclescomeinthe wayofpursuingtheirdreams,andwomenempowering otherstothesame.

ThesearethestoriesofCEOs,Directors,Owners,Private Investors,andWomen.

FeaturingonthecoverisJennylynPringle,CEOof FusionMineralPaint.Shetellsherjourneyofyearsof

struggletosaveherfamily'sfailingpaintbusinessandhow shetransformeditintoaninternationalbrandtodaywitha footholdin30countries.

Ihopethatyouseeyourselfinthesestories.Ihopeyousee thatsuccessispossiblebeyondthestrugglesyouface,as thesewomenhavefound.Ihopethatyouletthesestories inspireyoutodareandtohopeformorethanyouhave.I hopetheyteachyouthatdoubtsarejustthoughtswortha penny,butdreamsareinfinitelyprecious,andfailingisonly amidpointtowinning.

Andremember,astheauthor,youcan,atanypoint,choose torewriteyourstory

AllthebestinyourjourneyandHaveaDelightfulRead!

The 10 Most Empowering Women in Business, 2022

FeaturedPerson

CarlyBenewith, Co-ownerand SEOExpert

EllenWakelam, Co-founderand Director

EmmaParkinson, OwnerandDirector

GraceKustaNasralla, OwnerandDirector ofOperations

JennylynPringle, CEO

JulietRoulhac, DirectorofCorporate PhilanthropyandCommunity Engagement

RachelGomez, Co-owner

RuthieStaalsen, Owner&Professional Trainer

BriefCompanyName

MountainAirMarketing mountainairmarketing.com

IntheWelshWind inthewelshwind.co.uk

InternationalEnergy ProductsLimited internationalenergyproducts.com

e-presenceConsultants e-presence.ca

FusionMineralPaint fusionmineralpaint.com

FloridaPower& LightCompany fpl.com

MountainAirMarketing mountainairmarketing.com

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

WithEllen'sprofoundexpertise,IntheWelshWindspecializes increatingbespokespiritstailoredtoyouinitscopperpotstills MeredithandAfanc.

Emmaleadsthecompanywithanaimtoprovideafresh approach,workingwithcustomersmostcloselytounderstand theirrequirementsandoffervaluetotheirsupplychain,saving notonlymoneybutvaluabletimeandresources.

UnderGrace'sleadership,e-presenceprovidesbusiness servicesandmarketingtoolsthataredesignedtointroducethe latestbusinesstechnologiesandtrendstoemergingsmall businessenterprises.

ForfellowDIYersandwomenentrepreneursalike,Jennylyn Pringleisasourcefordesignandlifeinspiration.

Ms.Roulhacmanagesgovernmentalandcommunityrelations withelectedofficialsandmajorstakeholdersanddevelops regionalstrategiesforFPL.

Rachelguidesthecompanyinprovidingwell-designed websitesandlikeabrandthatshouldmakeacustomerfeellike hikinginthatfreshmountainair.

RuthieStaalsen Interiors(RSI) ruthiestaalsen.com

RuthieStaalsenofRuthieStaalsenInteriorsisanawardwinningDallas-baseddesignerusinginternationalelementsto createspacesthatare“relaxed,collectedandglobal.”

TessaWhite, CEOandFounder

TheJobDoctor thejobdoctor.com

TessaistheFounderofTheJobDoctor,acompanydedicated tomovingemployeeperformancefromaverageto extraordinary, andbuildingstrongcompanyleaderswith highlyengagedemployees.

Ifyouletthem,challengeswillalwaysholdyouback.

JennylynPringle,ontheotherhand,didnot.Her entrepreneurialcareerbeganwithherfinalattemptat herfamilybusiness.Workingherwayupfrombeingaonewomanshow,mixingandpackingpaint,totravelingthe worldandgivingseminarsonhowtopaintbeautiful,she leadsastheCEOofFusionMineralPaint

Afterseeingherparentsstruggletoruntheirfamily businessgrowingup,Jennylyneventuallytookoverby usingallofherskillsandstudytofillagapinthemarket, onlytocreatesuccessfulbrands.Withherpassionfor paintingfromayoungage,sheovercameseveralchallenges thatlifethrewherwaytodemonstrateherinventiveness andresilienceasafemaleentrepreneur

InsightsSuccesscaughtupwithJennylyninourendeavor tofind “The 10 Most Empowering Women in Business, 2022.” Wespokewithhertolearnmoreabouthowher experienceishelpingtoimprovethedesignandpaint

industry

Below are the highlights of Jennylyn's interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatFusionMineral Paint.Whatchallengesdoyouhavetoovercometo reachwhereyouaretoday?

Igrewupwithapaintbrushinmyhand.Thefamily businessHomesteadHousePaintCo.,wasprivatelyowned bymyparents,whoworkedtirelesslyproducingandselling milkpaintandotherhousepaints.Ihadworkedforthe familybusinesssincetheageof14andwatchedmyparents struggle.BythetimeIwas23,thecompanywasfailing.I believedinourproducts,alongsidesomanyotherdedicated followers,butwedidn'thavetheadbudgetandreachedof thelargepaintcompanies.

Idecidedtogiveitonelastshotwhenmymomleftthe companytopursueherfull-timeNursingcareersowecould paytherent.Iwantedtobringthiscompanybacktolife andseetheseamazingproductsthrive.Thisisn'twheremy entrepreneuriallifebegan,Ihadbeencloselywatchingmy parentsruntheirbusinessforyears.Igatheredknowledge andencouragementfromeverywhere;books,online, seminars,listenedtowhatcustomerswanted,andstretched myreach.BythetimeIwas27,Ihadlaunchedaprivate labelbrandandfinallyaprofitablebusiness,bytheageof 29asecondinternationalsellingbrand.

DIYerswerelookingforamoreapproachablepaint,one thatwaseasytousewithoutintimidationandeasytoapply withoutmuchprep.Isawacleargapinthemarketplace, andusingmyknowledgeofmyparent'scompany,Isaw whatwasmostsuccessfulovertheyearsandtookthose keysofinformationandcreatedFusionMineralPaint™.It checkedalltheboxes.Tomakemybrandevenmoreuser friendly,wepouredeachofthecarefullycuratedpaint colorsintoperfectproject-sizedpintcontainers.Tomake themevenmorevisuallyattractive,Imadethemclearso youcouldseethepopofcolor;cometolife!

Iamasinglemom;Ibattledwitharareinfectionthatmade meillfortwoyears.ButIbelievedinmyselfandmy products,andhereIam,CEOofFusionMineralPaint,a successfulbusinessthatcontinuestogrowinleapsand boundsinover30countriesworldwide.

TellussomethingmoreaboutFusionMineralPaint,its mission,anditsvision.

AtFusion,webelieveinaconceptwecall“PaintIt Beautiful.”Forus,thismeansacknowledging,respecting, andhonoringthedeeplytherapeuticnatureofpainting. Thereisareasonourtaglineis“Paintisgoodforthesoul.”

Ihavebeenhumbledbythecustomerswhohavereached outtometosharetheirstoriesofgrowthandhealingand theamazingpositivitythatourpainthasbroughtintotheir lives.

Theworldofpaintisahighlycompetitivemarketplace.My visionhasalwaysbeentoshowtheworldthatanyonecan paintitbeautifulandthatFusionMineralPaint™isunique inthisindustry.Fusion™ismorethanjustapaintproduct; weinspiretheeverydaypersonthroughoureducationand socialmedia,providingtheknowledgeandtoolsforour customerstomakepaintingapieceoffurnitureajoyand ensuretheiroutcomeisasuccess.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe ConsumerGoodsnichethroughyourexpertiseinthe market.

Istronglybelievethatasenseofcommunitygivesa businessitsheartandsoul.Ourpaintisspecial,created, packaged,andsold,followingthetenetsthatall communitiesholddearintoday'smarketplace.Wesolely supportsmall,independentbusinessesandboutiques.We don'tjustsellgreatpaint;weteach,inspire,listen(thereitis again),andencourage.Webelievethatoursuccesscanbe yoursuccess,andwewillshowyouhowtomakeithappen.

Throughcommunityinvolvementandengagement,Fusion hasbroadenedthereachofwhatsomethingassimpleas paintcanachieve.TheDIYmarketishugeandcontinuesto expandatwarpspeed.Throughourbroadsocialmedia reach,consumershavediscoveredthemagical transformationthatourpaintcanbringtotheirhomesand keepcomingbackformore.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

Forus,qualitycomesfirst.Ourgoalistoofferthebestof thebestineverythingthatFusion™produces.Atthesame time,westrivetokeepproductcostsatalevelthat consumerscanafford.Weneverwantthepricepointto steeranyoneawayfromthejoyofpaintingwithFusion™.

Onapersonallevel,wetreatourstafflikefamily.Igrewup ina“momandpopshop”andneverwantedtolosethe warmth,camaraderie,andsatisfactionthatcomeswiththis positiveworkenvironment.Oursuccessesaremany,and theyareproudlysharedandcelebratedbytheFusion™ familyteam.

Wecelebratewithourannualconferenceandretreatswhere Ihavethehonourofhostinganamazing3dayevent offeringseminarswithindustryleaders,sharingour knowledgeandexpertiseandcreatingastrongmerchant networkandhelpthemgrowtheirbusiness.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Technologicaladvancementshavemadeitpossibleforusto produceexcellent,earth-friendlyproducts,includingour paintandprepandtopcoats.Ourpigmentsensureourpaint emulsionsarerichandstable.Wecontinuetoresearchand findthebestwaytoproduceeveryproductwesellwiththe knowledgeableconsumerinmind.

Thetechnologybehindsocialmediaprovidesuswithdirect contactwithoursellingagentsaswellasourconsumersall overtheworld.Inspiringandteachingthroughvideos, blogs,andphotographyeasilyaccessibleonourwebsitesis crucialtoourmandatetokeepcurrentandPaintItBeautiful withtheverybestpaint.

Feedbackiscrucialtothegrowthofourbusiness.Welisten toourretailers,andconsumers.Wevaluetheirfeedback, andithelpsshapeourfuturebusinessdecisions.Wehave hugesocialmedianumbersandusetheseplatformsto continuallystrengthenourreachandplanforthefuture.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring totheInteriorDesignindustry?

Forme,changeshouldalwayssignifypositivegrowth.For manyyearstheInteriorDesignindustryhaschampionedthe DIYer.Throughtelevisionshowsandmagazines,theidea thatyoucandesignandstyleyourhomebyyourself,orat leasttakearoleintheprocess,hasbeenblossoming.Any changesthatIbringwithFusionproductsareaimedat designingyourhomeanurturing,safe,andsatisfyingone.I seeacelebrationofhandmadeaccessoriesandreclaimed furniturebecomingfocalelementsininteriordesign. Everyoneshouldfeelempoweredtolivebeautifully throughtheirdécor,armedwiththeknowledgeofhowto achieveitthemselves.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein thedesignindustry?HowisFusionMineralPaint preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Thereisatremendousmovementtowardreclaimingand preservingfurnishingsthatareotherwiseheadedtothe junkyard.Salvagebusinessandsecondhandstoresare booming.Fusionisaleaderinprovidingalltheproducts youneedtotransformfurniture.Andasimportant,weare theleaderineasyaccesstutorialsandhow-tovideos,all

Feedbackiscrucialtothe growthofourbusiness. Welistentoourretailers, andconsumers.Wevalue their feedback,which helpsshapeourfuture businessdecisions.

freeonourwebsitesandYouTube.Fusionproductsare affordableandguaranteetoPaintItBeautifulresults.We looktoexpandfurtherintothehomegoodsmarket,focused onbeautifulhomedécorelements.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforFusionMineral Paint?

IseeFusionexpandingintoawholerangeofhomegoods, includingwallpapersandfabrics.Ienvision'FusionHome' deliveringtheknowledgeandproductsyourequiretomake yourhomeuniquelyyours,backedbytheknowledgeofa strongbrandbringingexcellentqualityfirstandforemost.

Wecontinuedinternationalgrowth.WhenIbegan,wehad 100retailers,andwenowhaveover1,500andgrowing fast.Thisinternationalreachplaysanimportantroleinhow wecontinuetodesignourproductlinesandchooseour colors.Nowinover30countries,thepossibilitiesare endlessinourcolorways.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintothebusinesssector?

Itissoimportanttostartwithadream.Knowwhatyou wanttoaccomplishandwhereyouseeyourselfpositioned inyourchosenfield.Researchyourdreamfromevery angle.What'souttherealready?Canyoumakeitbetter? Howcanyoufinanceyourstartup?Behonestwithyourself; thisishardwork,24/7,energydriven.Isthatyou?

Hold onto your dream, focus on it, and be ready to work 10X harder than imagined towards making it a reality, success doesn't happen overnight. Ittook20+yearsofmy parent'scompanystruggling,takingoutloans,bothworking twojobsandtakingoutsecondmortgagestokeepafloat.

Iwasfinallyabletofindthatonethingtoskyrocketusinto success;withalotofhardworkanddedication,mydreams finallycametrue.

Ellen

m m

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

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

10 Most Empowering Women in Business

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.

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.

ough times never last, tough people do,” and

TEmmaParkinsonisanempoweringwomanwhois 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.

Quality is at the heart of everything we do.

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.

Grace Kusta Nasralla

Owner and Director of Operations

HUDDLESPACE

Grace

Making Office Spaces Work for Businesses

Kusta Nasralla

aysaregonewhenemployeesusedtositindull

Danddrabcubiclespacesandrespondtoemails. 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.

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

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

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

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.

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