February Issue: 01 2023
Inclusive Insights
The Influential Traits of Successful Business Leaders
Business Insider
The Renowned Women Leaders Changing the Paradigm of the Business World
Womenbegintheircareersinbusinessandother
fieldswiththesameaptitude,knowledge,and dedication.However,finestmakeittothe highestlevels.
Thisdivideissignificantnotjustbecausethewell-known glassbarrierisunjustbutalsobecausetheneedformore leadersintheglobeisbecomingmoreandmorevital.All womenwhopossesstheintelligence,drive,andtenacityto leadshouldbeinspiredtorealisetheirpotentialandmakea lastingimpression.
Positiveemotionsplayabigpartincentredleadership. Thereareafewtraitsthatnotablysetwomenapart.
Giventhesepotentiallydetrimentalemotions,focused leadershipactivelyincorporatespositivepsychology,an areaofstudythatlookstounderstandwhatmakeseffective leaders.
Ittranslatesintoimprovedjobsatisfaction,more productivity,fewerturnover,andgreaterloyaltyamong professionals.Feelingsoftranscendenceareanother advantage;inotherwords,givingtoacausegreaterthan oneselffostersadeepersenseofpurpose,whichfeedsa
positivefeedbackloop.Someofthefemaleleaderswere abletochangetheircourseandembracethechallengesthat wentalongwiththeirobjectivesbyfindingsignificancein theirlives.
ThelensesthatWomenLeadersemploytoperceivethe worldandinterprettheirexperiencescanhaveasignificant impactonprofessionalachievements.Withthelatestedition ofThe10MostInspiringBusinessWomentoWatch,is therevelationofthemostinsinuatingwomenleader disruptingtheparametersofBusinessWorld.
Haveamesmerizingread!
- Prashik D. Bombarde Bombarde Prashik Bombarde Managing Editor,, ,,
The Inheritance of the Liquid Conscious is the Pathway to the Transformative Outcome.
Actively Participating in Social Causes Through Philanthropic Entrepreneurship
Editor-in-Chief Merry D'Souza
Anish Miller Senior Editor
Managing Editor
Prashik Bombarde
Assisting Editors Pooja Shah, Shreyasi Shelke
Visualiser David King
Art & Design Head
Co-designer
Art & Design Assistant
Business Development Manager
Rohil Shinganapurkar
Paul Belin
Mrunalinee, Sonia
Shruti Tikotkar
Marketing Manager Joseph D'souza
Kelly, David Business Development Executives
Sales
Mark, Alice
Technical Head Jacob Smile
Assistant Technical Head
Prachi Mokashi
Technical Consultants Prashant, Rajeshwari
Digital Marketing Manager Alina Sege
Assistant Digital Marketing Manager Renuka Kulkarni
SME-SMO Executive Gemson
Research Analyst Eric Smith
Circulation Manager Tanaji Fartade
sales@insightssuccess.com
February, 2023
CluebyBiowink helloclue.com
Clueisaperiodtrackingapp,atrustedmenstrualhealth resource,andathoughtleaderinfemtech.
TheAdeccoGroup adeccogroup.com
MobileWorldCapital Barcelona mobileworldcapital.com Holaluz holaluz.com
IndicoCapitalPartners indicocapital.com
TheAdeccoGroupistheworld’sleadingtalentsolutionsand advisorycompanydrivenbyapowerfulpurpose–tomakethefutureworkforeveryone.
MobileWorldCapitalBarcelonaisaninitiativethat promotesthedigitaldevelopmentofsocietyandhelps improvepeople’slivesglobally
Holaluzisthecompanythathasbeenrevolutionizingthe electricpowersectorforalmostadecade.
IndicoCapitalPartnerscontinuousgrowthisdrivenbyourcore mission:leveragingIberiantalentforglobalimpact.
Tot tot.money
Totisafintechcompanythatcombinesthebestfinancialtools tohelpcompaniesandprofessionalsbettermanagetheir business
SchoolofBooze school-of-booze.com
Hair4Good’s hair4good.com
SchoolofBoozeisuniqueinitsrangeofservices,offeringonlinebeer,cider,winecourses,drinkstraining,drinks consultancyandcorporateevents.
Hair4Goodisaphilanthropichaircarecompanythatoffers innovativeandbeautifulaccessoriesandStylingTools.
Tevva Tevva.com
SuzyQJewels SuzyQJewels.com
Tevvaaspirestobeglobalinnovators,acknowledgedfor movingtheworldtowardsabetterwayoftransporting everythingforeveryone.
SuzyTamasyisanentrepreneur,award-winningmentorin finance,andaleaderinadvocatingforentrepreneurshipasa wayofcreatingpositivetransformationintheworld.
Our vision is to make kinder, solu on-based patented products at affordable price points.
Mary Ahrens, Founder/CEO Hair4Good
Humansaresocialbeings.Theycollectively improvesociety.However,thepushthatsociety requirestopursueabetterliving,betterthinking, andbettersocialparticipationcomesfromself-motivated individuals.
Asalways,timesarechangingagain.Professionalsare pursuinginnovativecareersorentrepreneurialpathsthat allowthemtoplayanactiveroleincomingtogetherand upliftingsociety.Suchself-motivatedentrepreneurialspirits withasocialconsciencearerapidlybecominginfluential personasformillionsglobally
MaryAhrens,FounderandCEOofHair4Good,isastar shiningbrightlyonthatentrepreneurialandphilanthropic horizon.Sheisshowingotherbusinessesandindividuals thatitispossibletocarryprofessionalandsocial responsibilitieshandinhand.
Hair4Goodisaphilanthropic,women-ownedhaircare onlinestorewithstyle.Thecompanybelievesthat everythingitdoeshasa"Higher purpose."Therefore,it continuallymakeseffortstowardsprovidingthehighest qualityhaircareaccessorieswithapurpose. 50% of all of its profits are donated to childhood charities.
Let's dive into Mary's fascinating journey of establishing Hair4Good and her motivation for active participation in social causes.
Marysuccessfullyclimbedthecorporateladdertoreach corporateofficeratConairCorporation.After27yearsof hercorporatejourney,shedecidedtomoveaheadinher careerbystartingherownventure,BeautyForwardLLC. www.Hair4Good.com.Themotivationbehindthisendeavor istobeabletofulfillherdesiretohaveacontinueous givingstreamtohelpimprovethelivesofchildreninneed bydonating50%ofthecompaniesprofitstotheirhaloof charities.
Maryfeelsthatsheisextremelyluckytohavethesupport ofsomanypeopleforherpursuanceofsocialcauses.Many individualswhoknowMaryhavecontributedtoherefforts professionallyandpersonally.
Shemakessuretopayitforwardtosociety'slessprivileged anddifferently-abledchildren.Inordertoachievethis,her philanthropiceffortsthroughHair4Goodplayasignificant role.
Thehairaccessorycategoryhasnothadmuchinnovationin thepastseveralyears.Atretail,thecategoryiscontrolled bylargeconglomeratesthatfocusmoreonsalesand distributionthanthecustomerorforthatmattercostumer needs.
Despitebeingasmallcompany,Marybelievesin promotinginnovationinhaircareproductsatHair4Good.
Never be afraid of failure; the road to success is paved with mistakes and less than perfect results.
Marysays,"We are a small company with a focus on innovation and philanthropy."
Sheadds,"Our innovative, patented, and patent-pending technology are formulated to cure hair issues, and our philanthropic mission is to help children in need. Technology and philanthropy are greatly needed in our industry."
Maryiscontinuallymotivatedbythethoughtof contributingtosocietyineverypossibleway.Responding tothequestionofhermotivebehindestablishing Hair4Good,shesays,"I have been extremely blessed in my life in so many ways. I felt the need to give back to society and opened a philanthropic hair care company that supports children's charities.”
ThisentrepreneurialventuregaveMarytheabilitytouse herbusinessskillstoserveconsumersand,atthesame time,sharetheprofitsthataregainedwiththechildren's charities.
TalkingaboutHair4Good'smission,shesays,"Our vision is to make kinder, solution-based, patented products at affordable price points.”
Additionally,shesays,"Hair4Good is a philanthropic, women-owned hair care company that supports children's charities by donating 50% of its profits.”
Foranorganizationtocarryoutitsphilanthropicduties, havingcorevaluesorprinciplesinforesightalwayshelps. Thesesetsofvalueshelpingettingpeopletoparticipate moreenergeticallyinthenobleeffort.
AnsweringthecorevaluesofHair4Good,Marysays,"Our core values are kindness, giving, and sharing our good fortune with others.”
"Our mission is to help bring out your inner beauty and make the world a better place for children in need,"she adds.
Withhervastcorporateexperience,Maryhasensuredto promoteahealthyworkenvironmentatHair4Good.
Shebelievesinaworkambiancethatenableshealthy interactionsandtheexchangeofideas.Everyone's contributiontothecompanyisdulyacknowledged.
Whileintroducingherteam,Marysays,"We are a femaleowned enterprise."Furthermore,sheputs,"Our team consists of like-minded people. We are a family that believes in kindness, honesty, comradery, and treating everyone with respect.”
Shemarks,"Egos are not welcome. Everyone shares equally in every success and failure, and everyone has a voice and a seat at the table.”
Asawordofguidanceforentrepreneurs,Maryoffersthe wisdomofheryearsofcorporateexperiencetothem. "Always follow your dreams with persistence and hard work.
Miraculous results can occur to those willing to invest in what they believe in.”
Lastly,sheputs,“Never be afraid of failure; the road to success is paved with mistakes and less than perfect results.”
Maryplanstomakeherorganization'sethosandsocial contributionsmorevisibletoleadersandcompanieslike hersinthecomingdays.Itwillactasagreatmotivationfor themtomaketheircontributiontosocietythroughvarious means.
TalkingaboutHair4Good'sfuture,shesays, “We continually work on communicating our message through social media and in-person contacts with like-minded companies and individuals who believe that philanthropy has a role in corporate America.”
Our mission is to help bring out your inner beauty and make the world a be er place for children in need.
Hair4Good is for girls and women. Run by a successful woman who donates 50% of the companies' profits to children's chari es. My children are my life, and it gives me great joy to buy great products and give back. - Missy
I love love love the scrunchies. I have very thin hair, and they hold beau fully without pulling. They are beau ful, so , and cuddly. - Maria
This cushion brush is the best brush I have ever used! It is so good that I can't even really say why. My hair is smooth, shiny, and with absolutely no frizz, and I have frizzy, kinky hair. It feels so good when you use it. It feels like you are at the solon having your scalp massaged. Great brush! - Kathleen
2022 - Na onal Women’s Business Enterprise Cer fica on
2022 - CIO Look - 10 Most iconic Founders and CEO’s
2022 - CIO Views – Most influen al Women in Leadership to Watch Company
2022 - Influen al Buisness Women Awards – Most Socially responsible Hair Accessory Company – USA
2022 - Who’s Who in America
2022 - Worlds 10 Visionary leaders to Follow
2022 - Influen al Business Woman Award – Philanthropic Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 – USA
2022 - Future of Be er Business – Corporate Excellence Award – Most community focused Hair Care Company in Connec cut
2022 - 10 Most Ionic Founders and CEO’s
2022 - Most Influen al Women in Leadership to Watch
2021 - AI Most influen al Businesswoman award 2021 – Most Influen al Hair Accessory Business Leader USA
2021 - Corporate Excellence Award – Most community focused Haircare Company
2021 - Corporate Exellence Awared - Most Community Forcused Haircare
2021 - Corporate Vision - Future of Be er Business
2021 - Exeleon - 10 most Transforma onal Women Leaders
2021 - Industry Wired - 10 Most Influen al Women Leaders to Follow
2021 - Who’s Who in America
2021 - Influen al Business Woman Award – Most Influen al Hair Accessory Leader – USA
2021 - Corporate Vision – Future of Be er Business Corporate Excellence Award
2021 - 10 Most Transforma onal Women Leaders
2021 - 10 Most Influen al Women Leaders to follow
Be na Schaller SVP Head Group Public Affairs
Womenbringculturetotheorganizationwhile
fosteringcreativezealandimbibinginnovative spiritintotheworkforce.Withtherising participationofwomeninthebusinessworld,companies arewitnessingpositivechangewithcreativityandagile development.
Sproutinganeraofsuchsocio-economicequityisBettina Schaller.Sheisanexcellentexampleofinclusive leadership.BeingtheSVPHeadGroup,PublicAffairsof TheAdeccoGroup,Bettinaworksasthegovernment's AffairsManagerandenvisionsbringingpaytransparency andparityinthecorporatespace.
FocussingontheHRmanagementspace,Bettinais changingthetideofworkoptimizationandlifelong employabilitywithTheAdeccoGroup.
WecrossedpathswithBettinatolearnmoreabouther inspiringjourney
Below are the interview highlights:
Bettina,pleasegiveusabriefoverviewofyourjourney atTheAdeccoGroup.
IjoinedtheGroupinMarch2010asaGovernmentAffairs Manager.Inthepast12years,IbuiltuptheFunctionfrom scratch,definingitsstrategy,addingvalueandimpact.I've workedwithtwoGroupCEOsandhavewitnessedtwo majorstrategicshifts,thelastinearly2021whenthe Group'sFuture@WorkStrategywasintroduced.TodayI overseetheFunctionwhilealsoholdingselectmandatesin OrganizationsfocusingontheWorldofWork.
Tellusmoreaboutyourorganizationitsvision,andthe keyaspectsofitsstrongholdintheHRservicesspace.
TheGroupistheworld'sleadingtalentsolutionsand advisorycompanydrivenbyapowerfulpurpose–tomake thefutureworkforeveryone.Our360°solutionsenable sustainableandlifelongemployabilityforindividualsand empowerorganizationstooptimizetheirworkforces.The offeringisuniqueasitcaterstoallneedsofbothworkers andcompanies.Andweleadthesocialinnovationand socialimpactagendaoftheSector Wewerethefirstto advocatefortheneedofaNewSocialContractin2019 beforetheworldwasshookupbytheeffectsofCOVID-19.
Elaboratemoreonhowyou'vecontributedtovarious organizationsthroughoutyourentirecareerwithyour expertiseinvarioussubjectmatterslikegovernment relations,lobbying,comitology,etc
Ihaveovertheyearsdevelopedastronginterestand footprintintheWorldofWorkandbeenmandatedtositon aseriesofOrganisations.Firstofall,Iwaselected PresidentoftheWorldEmploymentConfederationin September2020.WECisthevoiceofthePrivate EmploymentServicesIndustry,sotheprimeadvocacy organizationfortheHRsector.Iamalsothevice-President oftheEmployment,LabourandSocialAffairsCommittee ofBusinessatOECD,whichfeedsintotheOECD'sLabour andEmploymentAgenda.Forthepasttenyears,Ihave beenamemberoftheBusiness20FutureatWorkand EducationTaskForce,andforthepasttwoyears,Ihave beenaMemberoftheBusiness20InternationalAdvocacy Caucus.Myfocusinbothalsounderthisyear'sIndonesia Presidencyisonthepromotionofwell-regulatedlabour marketsanddiverseformsofwork.ThenIalsosupportthe WorldEconomicForum'sambitiontodrivetheCenterfor
I have zero tolerance when it comes to circumventing anti-discrimination requirements under the argument that technology is used.
theNewEconomyandSociety,withregularcontributions totheForum'sGlobalFutureCouncilsthatfocuson EmploymentandSocialAffairsmatters.
Asawomanleader,whatchangedoyouwishtoseeor makeinthecorporatespacetofacilitateopportunities thatarepresentedtowomen?
Thebiggestchangeneededistobringpaytransparencyand payparitytothecorporatespace,acrossallroles,andatall senioritylevels.
Whatisyouropiniononthenecessityfororganizations thatareprovidingHRservicestoleveragemodern technologiestobetterservetheirclients?
IcouldnotimaginethatanyHRorganizationthatisnot leveragingtechnologycouldmakeitforalongtimeinour Industry Theefficiencyandproductivitygainsareclear Moreso:Clientsdemandspeedandinnovationbesidesa competitivecoststructure.Technologywillenablethat.The questiontomeishoworganizationsutilizethetechnology, notablyfromanethicalstandpoint.Ihavezerotolerance whenitcomestocircumventinganti-discrimination requirementsundertheargumentthattechnologyisused. Ethicsandtacklingbiasesareotherkeytopicstoaddress, importantlysointheHRsector
Asanestablishedindustryleader, whatwouldbeyouradvicetothe buddingaspirantswhowishtomakea careerinthecorporategovernment affairsspace?
ExpertsintheCorporateGovernment Affairsfieldmustseethemselvesas translatorsorinterpretersornavigators between2worlds:theymustbeableto translatethelanguageofpolicymakersto theirbusinessconstituents–andviceversa.Thejargoniscompletelydifferent, anditisaskilltoadjusttotheaudience inoftencomplextechnicalissuesthatare "Political."
Howdoyouenvisionfurther strengtheningTheAdeccoGroup's strongholdin2022andbeyond?
MyfocusattheGroupliesinsupportingthestrategic prioritiesandtheGroup'sclientbase.Iamcurrently expandingmyteamwithaPolicyDataAnalystthatwill furtherenhanceourcapabilitiesofactingasapartnerto businessandourpolicystakeholdersalike.
Pleasegiveusafewtestimonialsofyour clients/customersandalistofawards/recognitionsthat accuratelyhighlightyourorganization'spositioninthe market.
Recognitions:Staffing100EuropeInfluencersince2017; Global100PowerWomeninStaffingsince2017;Latin AmericaTopLeaderinStaffingin2022.
InadditiontomyWorldofWorkmandates,Iamalsothe PresidentoftheYoungLeadersAlumniFoundationofthe AmericanSwissFoundationandaCo-founderof“The Boardroom,”aclubforfemaleleadersinSwitzerland lookingtobuildthepipelineoffemaletalentreadytotake onBoardmandates.
Inthebusinessworld,manybusinessleadersare
immersedinbusinesscollaborations.Thewaythings happenswhenyoumeetenoughimpressive entrepreneursandexecutive,itisclearthatonecansee patternsemergesomewhere.
Tostart,itwasacoincidencebuteventually,abusiness collaborationfranchisewhereentrepreneursandbusiness ownerspresentthemselvesandfeaturetheirworkdawned onthem.Thesetraitsaren'tacoincidence;itisnecessaryfor success.
Let's know some of the desirable's traits and know-how leaders function with their traits:
It'squiteeasytosaythingsaboutemotionalintelligence, butwhenitcomestobeingsuccessful,itisanimportant factor.Successfulpeopleunderstandthemselvesandwho theyatefirstasthebasisoftheirunderstandingofpeople. Thiscreatesawarenessofselfandgivesothersanauthentic relationshipthatisbuiltontrust.
Withafoundationli,etrust,relationshipshavethe feasibilitytochallengeeachother,resultinginbetter consensusondecision-making.Moreconsensusleadsto lessanxiety
Successfulpeoplehaveaninbuiltabilitytodifferentiate
opportunitiesandseizethingswhenitterrifiesthem.Thisis alsoareasonwhysuccessfulpeopledon'tgivecreditto themselvesastheygivetotheirluckandskillsetsrequired tocracktheopportunity
Asthesayinggoes, "Being in just the right place at the right time." Itisn'talwaysluck,buttheabilitytorecognize thereisanopportunityandtotakeariskindirectlymeans pursuingit.Thisiswhyakeycomponenttosuccess.
Thetwoessentialthingsinthebusinessworldfor successfulleadersarelisteningandbeingdecisive. Listeningreferstoobservingandgatheringinformation quickly.Thesefeaturesleadtoquickdecisionsanda leader'sabilitytogetbeyondthemountaintopandforecast thefuture.
Whenoneissupposedtodoso,theyaremostlikelyto prepareforthenecessarypivotsforothersthatonemaynot seecoming.
Peoplewhofallunderthecategoryofsuccessusuallyhave aperspectiveoflookingatfailuresaslearningcurves. Failuresdonotstopthemfromtryingagain.Theymainly showhowandwheretocorrectthecourse.
Successfulpeopletothatbychoosingpastshortcomingsas opportunitiestocorrectcourse,leaderscanchangetheir
perceptionoffailurecomparedtothatofdelayedsuccess. Thisultimatelyleadstopeoplewhoknowtheycannotfail andalwayssucceedeventually
Successfulleadersdohaveagrowthmindset,andtheylearn continuouslytochangeandadapttochangedsituations withoutlosingtheirvision.Theyalsobuilddiverseteams whichtheytrust.
Theproductiveconflictengagement,cleardecision-making skillsforbuy-in,andpeer-to-peeraccountabilityleadtoa result-orientedteamtofocusandprevailfurtherinthesame direction.
Leadersmusthavethecouragetoriskexperimentsand encouragecreativity.Doingsofostersinnovationthatwill steertheorganizationintoanewdestinationandaroundthe twistsandturnsofchangingbusinesslandscape. Theonlykeyistoalwaysbepersistentinpursuingyour goalswithanopen-mindedandflexibleschedule. Encouragepeoplearoundtospend15%oftheirtime exploringnewideasthroughbrainstormingand prototyping.
Competitiveleadersdomorethanjustinspireothersto followthem.Theyknowhowtomotivatetheiremployees tostrivewholeheartedlyfortheircompany'sgoals.Each employeefeelsvaluedandappreciatedandfeelslikethey makeadifference.Itwillinitiatethemtopushharderto achievesuccessfortheircompany.
Outstandingleadersunderstandthattheyneedtobe effectiveinvariousthingslikenetworking,notjustto advancetheircareersandalsotobenefittheirorganization. Itisdonebycreatingawideandvariednetworkofpeople. Leadersestablishimpactfulrelationshipswiththeir customers,clients,partnersandalsocompetitors.
Wheneveryourindustryorbusinessmightfindyourself, customer-centricityisthekeytoit.Irrequiresalmosttaking thetimetobeattheforefrontofcustomers'needs.The needsofcustomersmaychangeandevolve.
Theonlywaytocrackdownthepossiblewayisthrough payingattentiontoyourcustomersandnurturing relationships.Iteventuallypreemptivelyknowswhatthey mayneed,potentiallyevenmorethantheydo.
To conclude,
Leadersinthebusinessneedtoputthemselvesoutthere, followtheirconvictions,andhopetheywon'tloserespect evenwhenpeopledon'tagreewiththemcompletely
However,atrueleaderpossessesthesetraits,anditisn'ta bigriskafterall.Actlikealeader,andmostpeoplesupport andfollowthemregardless.
Iamanaccidentalentrepreneurwhobuiltoneofthe world’smostuniquecompaniesbynotfollowingthe rulesofbusiness.Havingmyowncompanywasnot somethingIthoughtaboutwhenIenteredthejobmarket aftergraduatingfromuniversity.Severalcareerslaterasa PRexecutive,TVproducer,andjournalistIfeltdissatisfied thatIwasspendingsomuchofmylifeworkingreallyhard forthebenefitofacorporationandthatIwasnotreally doingwhatIwantedtodo.SowhatdidIwanttodo? I wantedtoworkatsomethingthatgavemegreatsatisfaction andthatIexcelledat,whereIcouldusemypersonalas wellasprofessionalskillsinajobwhereeachdaywouldbe different,butmorethananythingIwantedtoworkinan organisationthattreatedemployeeswithkindness,offered flexibleworkinghours,caredabouttheissuesthatIdid,and hadacompanycultureofconsiderationforothers. A companythattickedthoseboxesdidnotexistinreallifeso insteadofjustdreamingaboutthismythicalbusinessentity, Ifoundedit!SchoolofBoozeoffersevents,education, consultancy,speeches,copywriting,London(UK)pub toursandsoithasmultipleincomestreams.Thisdiversified offeringwasasaviourduringthepandemicwhenallmyinpersongroupeventsandtrainingceased.
Asanaccidentalentrepreneur,Ihavedonethingsmyway infoundingSchoolofBoozetosuithowIwanttowork, andhowIwanttoworkwithothers.Ihavecreatedaniche andsucceededinit.Nascententrepreneurs,andpeople consideringstartingtheirowncompanybutthinkingthey havetoconformtobusinessnormsmightbeinterestedin whatworksforme.
Graduatesofbusinessschoolmayholdtheirhandsupin horroriftheylookedathowIrunthebusinessandmy motivations,buthappiness,integrityandrespectforthe peopleIworkwithismoreimportanttomethanrelentless profits.Ipurposelykeepthecompanystructureandmyway ofworkingflexible,includingnothavingemployees,but insteadhiringpeopleonaproject-by-projectbasiswiththe expertiseIneed. Theyarecontenttoworkascontractorsas itgivesthemflexibilitytoo.Myjobhasneverbeen9-5and neitheristhescheduleofthepeopleIhire.Unlessthereisa specificdeadline,theydotheworkinthehoursthatsuits theirpersonalcommitments.
Ioftenthinkaboutthetyrannyofthe9-5modelofworking andwonderwhenpeoplewhoworkthatwaymanagetoget tothedentist,dotheshopping,andothernecessary activities. Thereissomethingelseabout9-5working. Withinthosehourspeoplemaynotbeproductiveorattheir peakwhenanemployerexpectsthemtobe.Some employeesmayflourishatothertimesofthedaylikeIdomymostproductiveworkhoursarebetween2pmand9pm. Iftheiremployerpermitsthemtodotheworkinthehours thatsuitsthemthentheemployeeislikelytobemore productive. Irealisethatnotalljobsandcompaniescanbe flexibleand9-5mightbenon-negotiableinmanycases,but aslongastheworkgetsdone,theemployerthatcanoffer thatflexibilityandtreatstheirstaffashumanswithlives outsideoftheirjobwillhaveahappierworkforce.
NotonlydoInothaveemployees,butIdonothaveaboard ofdirectorsorstockholderseithersoIcanmakedecisions
quickly,acceptordeclineopportunities, usemyinstinctastowhatisbestforthe company,andoperateinawaythatis truetomyprinciples.Lookawaynowif profitandyear-on-yeargrowthisthe mostimportantfactorinbusinessbecause itisnotforme. Beingkind,havingfun, andofferingthebestexperiencepossible forthestaffandclientsIworkwithiswhat motivatesme.
Formekindness,empathy,andconsiderationare essentialqualitiesinbusiness. Asthesayinggoesyou getfurtherwithhoneythanvinegar.Ipayabovethemarket rateforstaff(andIpaystudentinternsalthoughmany companiesdonot)becausethemarketdoesnotgivevalue tothoseintangibleandpricelessaspectsofapersonthat cannotbemonetised–theirpersonality,theiressenceasa human,theirloyalty.IappreciatewhatthestaffIhiredo, howtheydoit,theirskills,theirreliability,andthepleasure itistoworkwiththem.Inanycasemostpeopledeserveto bepaidmorethantheyalreadyare!Ialsoensurethat invoicesaresettledwithinadayofreceivingthem. Companies(usuallybigcorporations)thatrefusetopay invoicesformonthsforgoodsandservicesalready providedareusingsupplierstosubsidisetheirbusinesses andthatispureexploitation.Imagineifthatpersonwho enforcesthedelayedpaymentofinvoicespaidforamealin arestaurantbutdidnotreceivethefoodformonths?
Myfirstemployeraftergraduatingfromuniversitywas highlyunpredictable,wouldregularlyshout,andacted unreasonably. Itwassuchastressfulatmospheretoworkin butIthoughtthatmustbewhatahigh-poweredjob entailed.Backthenanemployee’smentalhealthwasnota consideration,itisnow,andrightlyso.Nojobshouldmake apersonfeelill. ItwasonlywhenIleftandfoundother employmentwhereallwascalmthatIrealiseditwasnot normaltofeelhighlystressedintheofficesoImadethe pledgenevertoworkinnerve-janglingsituationsagainand thisinformsthewayIdobusinesstoday.Ihaveseenhow friendsemployedbycorporationshavebecomestressedby thecompanyculture,theinflexiblehours,thepressureto reachtargets,andiftheydoreachthem,thetargetsare increasedthefollowingyear. AsabusinessownerIam fortunatetohavenoneofthat,butitwasanactivechoiceI made.Mostpeoplespendthemajorityoftheirwaking hourscommutingandbeinginworksoitshouldgivethem enjoyment.
Beingasmall-businessownerdoesnotsuiteveryone, neitherdoesmyattitudetodoingbusiness,butforanyone consideringstartingtheirownenterpriseIsaydoit! And doitinthewayyouwantittobe.Inventinganicheandnot followingthetraditionalmethodsofrunningacompanyhas notstoppedmefrombeingrecognisedandrewardedformy businessacumen.SinceIfoundedSchoolofBoozein2008 Ihavewonnumerousawards,buttwoinparticularstand outforme.In2021IwasafinalistintheGreatBritish EntrepreneurAwardsandinanothercompetitionSchoolof BoozewasincludedintheTop100Small&Medium EnterprisesinLondon&South-EastEngland.Startingmy businesswasagainstalloddsandthenewlygraduatedme lookingintothefutureatthematuremeandseeingthe accoladeswouldnotbelieveit.Buildingandexpanding SchoolofBoozegivesmesomuchjoyandknowingthatI amdoingitinawaythatmatchesmyvaluesmakesmevery content.
JanePeytonisanaward-winningdrinkseducator,writer, broadcaster,pubexpert,andpublicspeaker.Sheisthe founderoftheSchoolofBooze–atraining,education, eventscompany,andconsultancyspecializinginalcoholic drinks.
JanewastheUK’sfirstaccreditedPommelier(cider sommelier)andBritain'sfirstBeerSommelieroftheYear. SheisaformerImbibeMagazineDrinksEducatorofthe Year.ForherbeerworkshewasawardedaLifetime AchievementfromBritain’sParliamentaryBeerGroup,and haswonseveralotherprofessionalawards.
Janeistheauthorofseveralnon-fictionbooksincluding ‘Drink: ATippler’sMiscellany,’‘Beero’Clock,’‘The PhilosophyofGin’and‘ThePhilosophyofBeer.’
Talentacquisitionisatthe centerofanybusinesssuccess. Oneofthemostcritical elementsforattractingGenZisthe company'sculture.Withtheriseof workfromanywhere,hirefrom anywhere,andaneasierinterview processalldonevirtually,there'sno reasonforemployees(orfuture recruits)nottolookforbetter opportunitiesmatchingtheir aspirationsforbetterworkplaces.
Amongalltheworkforcegenerations, GenZisoneofthehardesttoattract forcompanies.ThisisbecauseGenZs expecttheirworkplacestocoincide withtheirvalues,beinclusiveofall cultures,facilitatemassivelearnings, takeintoconsiderationtheirmental healthandwellbeing,andbeethicalin allforms.Alltheseexpectationsareof immenseimportancetoaGenZ candidate,andthelackofanyoneof
themmayresultinthechoiceof anotheremployer AccordingtoEvan Sohn,CEOofRecruiter.com:"The focusisnowshiftingfromhiring numberstofillingworkforcedemand tocentricemployeeexperience."
GenZ'spaysattentiontoemployer branding,andhenceworkplaceshave tocreatenewwaystoenhanceand communicatetheirbrandimage. Organizationsneedtodefineand communicatewhotheyare,whattheir purposeis,andwhatmakesthem unique.Itiscrucialthatthesequalities areaccuratelyandconsistently communicatedacrosssocialmedia channels,employerreviewsites,and otherplatforms-GenZispaying attention!
Anemployer'sbrandingisawidely recognizedandlargelyuniform perceptionorimpressionofan
individualbasedontheirexperience, expertise,competencies,actionsand/or achievementswithinacommunity, industry,orthemarketplaceatlarge.
WhenengagingwithGenZapplicants, itisimportantthatcompanies communicatethecultureoftheir organizationandwhatvaluesthey promote.GenZ'shavetogetasenseof inclusionintheirworkplaces.They mustfeelliketheyareapartofthe teamandthattheirmanagersconsider themworthyofmakingdecisions. Managersalsohavetomakesurethere issynergybetweenwhatintereststhe candidatesandwhattheorganization standsfor Thistransparencywillwork wondersdownthelineasitwillhelp attractaswellasretainpotential employees.
Herearethreewayscompaniescan attractandretainaGenZ:
Today'sGenZgenerationgives prioritytohonestyand transparency.Iftheycannottrust theirleaders,theyrefusetowork there.GenZemployeesfeel supportedandempoweredonce theyarefullyawareoftheculture aroundthem.GenZis entrepreneurialinnature,andthe majorityofthemvalueontheface settingsinanoffice.Theyare willingtostanduptotheirmistakes iftheotherpersonishonestwith them.Organizationsthatare transparentabouttheircompany culturesfromthehiringprocess seemmoreattractableinthe market.
Withthecurrentcrisis,it'snever beenmoreimportanttoinvestin youremployeebaseandmakesure
everyemployeeiswell suitedandsatisfiedwiththeir job.Bybuildinginternalmobility programs,companiescan demonstratehowserioustheyare aboutthedevelopmentand progressionoftheirstaff.Every companyhastorealizethattheir staffistheirmostvaluableasset, andtheirhappinesswillresultinthe progressoftheorganization.Hence seriouseffortshavetobetakenso thatemployeesdonotchooseto leavetheorganization.
Someofthewidestgapsbetween GenZandothergenerationsare aroundfeelingtheirworkplacesare psychologicallyandemotionally healthy TheAmerican PsychologicalAssociationhas identifiedGenZasthemost stressedgeneration,attributedto growingupwhiletheworldhas
facedsevereglobalchallengeslike gunviolence,climatechange, politicalinstability,racial reckoning,andapandemic.Great employerswillneedtoensureGen Zfeelsemotionallysupportedinthe workplacethroughthingslike regularcheck-insand encouragementtopracticeself-care (Althoughtobeclear,that's somethingallgenerationscould benefitfromafterthepastyear.)
Thesuccessofyourtalentattraction strategywilldependonhowmuch youknowaboutthem.
Halfofallhumansbornonthisplanetarefemale.You'dthink
thatwouldmeanthathalftheheroeswehearabout—at work,inschool,inthemedia—wouldbe,too.
Butweallknowthetruthisfardifferent,especiallyinthebusiness world.Only32oftheFortune500companieshavefemaleCEOs. Womenreceivelessthan1in5AcademyAwardnominations.Even at'ConsciousCapitalismsCEOSummit,onlythreeofthe19speakers lastyearwerefemale.
We'd like to change that!
Thisdemonstratesthateveryonecancontributetotherealizationof greaterequality Weremaintheexception,althoughtherearenow morewomeninpositionsofstrategicdecision-makingthanever before.Unfortunately,thisoccursineveryindustryandisespecially trueforjobswithmoreresponsibility.
Womenplayacriticalroleintheglobaleconomicreactivation process.It'stimeforqualifiedandcapablewomentoassume increasinglysignificantleadershiprolesandmoveinstitutionsand organizationstowardanewnormalwheretalentcomesfirst, regardlessofgenderoranyotherpersonalcircumstance.
Let's take a look at some women changing the dynamics of the business world:
Byusing50%lessenergythanistypicalindatacenters,Dickerson hasdemonstratedthatsustainabilityis"continuallygoodbusiness, andnotjustagoodthingtodo,"whichsheseesashergreatest achievement.
Betteryet,Google'sofficesarealsoexperiencingthisenergy reductionatthesametime.Googleincreasesworkplacesatisfaction, productivity,andthegeneralwell-beingoftheiremployeeswhile conservingenergy.
JessicaKingcontinuedtoworkastheExecutiveDirectorof ASSETS,anon-profitorganizationthataimstogrow Lancaster,Pennsylvania'seconomyandlowerthecity's horrifying30%povertyrate,whileshewasenrolledinthe BardMBA.
HerBardMBAexperienceinspiredhertocombinecreditbuildingmicroloans,women'sleadershipdevelopment,and socialimpactinnovationprogrammingintheASSETS modelratherthanprimarilyconcentratingonjobtraining.
In2017,sheleftASSETStorunforCongressinsupportof issuesincludingfreecommunitycollegetuition,Puerto Ricandebtrelief,jobtraining,andhurricanerelief.Shealso advocatedforuniversalhealthcare.
VickiSaunders Founder of SheEOSaundersisabusinessperson'sbusinessperson.Overthe pastfewdecades,themajorityofherworkhasinvolved foundingorganizationsthatempowerandinspireothersto changetheworldbystartingabusiness.Fourbusinesses, includingKids-NRG/TheNRGGroup,anincubatorfor youth-runbusinessesthatwentpublicontheTorontoStock Exchangein2000,wereco-foundedandmanagedbyher. Hermostrecentendeavor,SheEO,aimstofundamentally alterhowwefund,encourage,andrecognizefemale-led businessesthatadvancehumanity.
Sheisassemblingagroupofradicallygivingwomenwho eachgive$1,000(now$1,100)tocreateapermanentfund thatwillsupportcreativewomen-ledbusinesses.The programfunded32women-ledbusinesseswithzerointerestloansin2.5years,raised$3millionfrom3,000 womenaged14to93,andexperienceda100%payback rate.
LynelleCameron President and CEO of Autodesk Foundation; VP of Sustainability at Autodesk
Afterworkinginthenon-profitsectorfortenyears, CameronreadPaulHawken's"TheEcologyofCommerce" andunderstoodthatsheneededtoworkintheprivatesector
ifshewantedtomakethesignificantenvironmental changesshedesired.CameronwrotealettertotheCEOof Autodesk,whichmakesdesignsoftware,aboutthe company'spotentialtoincorporatesustainabilityintothe businessafterreceivinganMBAandsecuringaCSR positionatHewlettPackard.Itworked.
Shehasbeenleadingthechargeforthepasttenyearsto includeasustainabilitylensinawiderangeofthe company'sofferings,suchasprogramsthatsupportand investinthosewhoarecreatingsolutionstotoday'smost urgentsocialandenvironmentalproblems.Over2million professionalsandstudentsaroundtheworldhavebenefited fromthesustainabledesigneducationofferedbyAutodesk, thanksinparttotheAutodeskFoundation,whichshe assistedinfounding. In a nutshell,
Prominentwomenleadersareshatteringstereotypesand dominatingeveryindustryinthecurrentbusiness environment,creatingacorporateshift.Additionally,there isproofthatwomenaresignificantlyinfluencingthe directionofthebusiness,aspredictedbyinternational businessesaroundtheworld.
Throughparticipationinpeaceprocessesandotherformal decision-makingprocesses,theyarealsoplayingacritical roleinadvancinghumanrights,justice,national reconciliation,andeconomicregeneration.Investingin women'sleadershiptodaycontributestosustainable developmentandmakestheworldasaferandmore peacefulplaceforeveryone.
