romleadingthecountrytobeingatthehelmof
Forganizationsinvarioussectors,womenaremaking theirmarkseverywhere.Itallstartswiththeir enduranceandthepurposeofbringingachangeinother’s lives.
Today,thefocusofmanyorganizationsisonthepushto womeninleadershiproles.Andwhynot?Womenhavegot therequiredqualitiesandskillstothriveinany environment.Theirqualitytostrengthenandinspiretheir teamsetstheexampleforeveryone.Theyfollowaculture wherepeoplecancometogether,contribute,bechallenged, andbecomethebest.
Businesswomenbelieveinnurturingrelationshipswith teamwork,trust,andrespect.Theywanttocontinuetogrow asaleaderandleadtheteamandthecompanytothenew heights.Theyalwaystrytobringfreshandnewideastothe table.Theyalwayscomewithnewstrategiesand approachesandkeepstheirteams’andcustomers'priorityat thetop.
Moreimportantly,theirnaturalconfidence,strength, integrity,andcorevaluestandsoutinanysituation.They arefearlessofstandingtothegroundwiththeirvaluesand priorities.Thisisespeciallytruewhenweseeexamples arounduswherewomenareleadingthebigindustries.
Withtherightintenttosucceed,thereisanewgenerationof businesswomencommittedtoinspireandmakeadifference inthelifeofothers.Theyaretransformingeveryfieldwith theircreativity,takingeveryindustrytonewheights.And, theresultsspeakabouttheirperformance.
Lookingattheirbreakthroughsandthedifferencetheyhave broughttotheworld,theircontributionisworth recognizing.Theirsuccessstorieshavebecomean inspirationtomanyaspiringleadersandentrepreneursto followandshineinthebusinessarena.
Withanintenttoadmireandacknowledgebusinesswomen leadingbyexample,InsightsSuccesshascomeupwiththe edition“The 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021”.Onthecover,wehaveanexceptional womenleader,PreciousMayes.PreciousisthePresident andChiefExecutiveOfficerofPacificaHospitalofthe Valley(PHV)
Asahealthcareleaderandentrepreneur,thejourneyof Precioushasbeenverydiverseandrobustwith opportunitiesandexperiencesinavarietyofindustries. Preciousbringsherexperienceandbusinessacumenof elevatingworld-classmedicalcareincludingthemedical staffteamtohigherlevelsofpersonalizedhealthcarethat guaranteeastandalonestandardofcareforallresidentsin theSanFernandoValleyandLosAngelesCounty.Sincethe startofhercareer,Precioushasalwaysexploredthe impossiblewiththephilosophyof“anythingispossible”.
Inthisedition,youwillcomeacrossmanysuchbusiness storiesofwomenwhohavetransformedtheindustrywith theirqualitiesandnovelapproaches.
HaveaWiseRead! sourabh@insightssuccess.com Sourabh More
FeaturedPerson
AdrianaArvizo ExternalCommunications Manager
Comcast comcast.com
Comcastcreatesincredibletechnologyandentertainmentthat connectsmillionsofpeopletothemomentsandexperiences thatmattermost.
JeanneTravis President&CEO
J.RobbinsEnterprises jrobbins-ent.com
J.RobbinsEnterprises,LLCisabusinessdevelopment, marketing,andgeneralconsultingfirmthatstrivestoestablish, highlight,andgeneratecapabilitiesthatsetyourcompanyand employeesabovetherest.
JudithVirag Founder CleanClubCalgary cleanclubcalgary.com
KatieNeilson Co-Founder& ChiefRevenueOfficer
KristiAlford PresidentandCEO E2Optics
Assure assure.co
E2Optics e2optics.com
CleanClubCalgaryprovidesresidentialandcommercial cleaningservices.
AssurespecializesinSpecialPurposeVehicles(SPVs)and FundAdministrationfortheprivateinvestmentmarketplace.
E2Opticsisanawardwinning,woman-ownedlowvoltageand infrastructuresystemsintegrator
MarcelineBeijer GlobalBrandLeader
NatashaE.Feghali Founder
ManpowerGroup TalentSolutionsRPO manpowergroup solutions.com
FeghaliGroupInc feghaligroupinc.com
TalentSolutionscombinesourleadingglobalofferingsRPO, TAPFIN-MSPandRightManagementtoprovideend-to-end, data-drivencapabilitiesacrossthetalentlifecycle.
FGIisanindependentlyownedandoperatedrentalhomes, rentalofstorageunitsandholdinggroup.
PhoebeWasfy Principal
PhilopateerChristian College pccnet.ca
PreciousMayes President&Chief ExecutiveOfficer
PHVPacificaHospital pacificahospital.com
PhilopateerChristianCollegeistoeducateandempoweryoung people,transformingthemintoindividualsinwhomspiritual, academic,andphysicalattributescomplementeachother.
RadaDoytcheva Principal&Head ofDesign
RADAArchitectsLtd rada-arch.com
PacificaHospitalintendstocreatemedicinesthatimproveboth thequalityanddurationofpatientlives.
RADAArchitectsisanawardwinningChicagofirmfor academic,commercialandinstitutionalclients–privateand public.
andChief ExecutiveOfficer PHV
Anythingispossibleifonehasgotenoughnerves. Suchisthethoughtprocessofexceptionalbusiness leaders.Exceptionalbusinessleaderstrusttheir abilitiesandbelievethatanythingcanbemadepossibleif theyutilizetheireffortstothebestoftheircapabilities. Theyarenotdrivenbymediocrity.Instead,theyaredriven bydeliveringresultsandachievingsomethingsubstantial nomatterwhattheoddsare.Suchleadersmakeatangible differenceinthecommunitieswiththeirwill-powerand withtheircompletefaithintheirabilities.Theyovercome greatestchallengeswiththeirabilities.Theyexplorethe impossibleandbelievethatanythingispossiblewithone’s diligentefforts.
SheisthePresidentandChiefExecutiveOfficerof PacificaHospitaloftheValley(PHV).PacificaHospital providesfast,effective,andaffordableimmediatecarefor lifeandnon-life-threateningillnesses.
Asahealthcareleaderandentrepreneur,thejourneyof Precioushasbeenverydiverseandrobustwith opportunitiesandexperiencesinavarietyofindustries. Preciousbringsherexperienceandbusinessacumenof elevatingworld-classmedicalcareincludingthemedical staffteamtohigherlevelsofpersonalizedhealthcarethat guaranteeastandalonestandardofcareforallresidentsin theSanFernandoValleyandLosAngelesCounty.
Sincethestartofhercareer,Precioushasalwaysexplored theimpossibleandwiththephilosophyof“anythingis possible”.Shestatesthatanotherkeyinternaldriveris passionandwiththatpersonalpassiontocoloroutsidethe lines.Herpersonalmantrahasledhernaturallytoapathof ongoingcreativityanddevelopmentofbusiness opportunities.Shestates,“Cultivating a team of people who can lead with the same mantra is key to any success and business growth.”
PacificaHospitalservestheunderservedcommunityinthe SanFernandoValleyandLosAngelescounty.Itholdsthe privilegeofbeingoneofLA’sfirstchoicehospitals.AsSun Valley’schoicemedicalcenter,Pacificaisavital componentofthecommunitythatisleadingthenext generationofhealthcare.Itcombinesexceptionalmedical care,thelatestadvances,andnoveleducationtocreatean innovativeapproachtohealthcare.Thehospitalismadeup ofmorethan100physicianswhoarehighlytrained specialistsfocusedonprovidingstate-of-the-artmedical care.Fromdiagnosistotreatmentandfollow-up,physicians workintandemtodelivercarethatispersonalizedtoeach patient.
GiventhatitsprimaryfundingisMedi-Cal,thatdoesnot limitthequalityandlevelofservicelinesitprovidestoits patients.PacificaHospital’sgoalistoprovidethe“mayo clinic”typeofcaretotheunderservedcommunity
Additionally,itsstaffhasbeenapartofPacificaHospitalon averagemorethan10yearswhichhascultivatedapersonal VIPtouchtocaringforitspatients.
AtthestartofthepandemicinJanuary2020,Precious immediatelypreparedforwhatpotentiallycouldworsen.As aresult,PPEinventorywasorderedtopreparefora potentialsurgeofCOVID-19patientssoPacificaHospital staffwouldbeprotectedinprovidingcareandinfection controlpolicieswereimplemented.Sustainingoperations duringatimeofincreasedexpensesrelatedtoCOVID-19 anddecreasedpatientadmissionsoftraditionalmedical needs,Preciousaccelerateddevelopingnewcontractual relationshipswithphysician/insurancegroupswhogave accesstolargerpopulationofmembers.Additionally, anotherstrategyimplementedwasdevelopingnewservice lines.Forexample,inthemiddleofthepandemicoverthe lastyear,anewprogramwasdevelopedtoservetheacute
“PHV Holds the Privilage of Being One of LA's First Choice Hospitals.”
careneedsforMedical/Behavioralhealthissuesaswellas COVID-19.ThisprogramopenedinJanuary2021aftertwo yearsofdevelopmentwiththeDepartmentofMental Health.
Anotherstrategythatcontinuestobeeffectiveduring challengingtimes,isdevelopingandmaintaining relationshipswiththehighestlevelofstate/federal legislationandlocalofficialstovoicetheneedsof healthcareprovidersandconstituentsaswellasaskingfor theirsupportintimeofneed.Oneofkeyelementsof Preciousistoneverbeafraidtoaskforhelp.
Duringthepandemic,Preciousquicklyrespondedtothe governor’scalltoactiontohospitalprovidersinexpanding bedavailabilitytocareforsurgesinCOVID-19patients. PacificaHospitalwasabletotransition61bedstoCOVID19ICU,telemetry,andacutecareunits.
Asaresult,PacificaHospitalwasidentifiedbythestateasa RegionalCOVID-19SurgeSitetohelpdecompressother hospitalsinsouthernCA.PacificaHospitalalsoopeneda vaccineclinicandvaccinatedover2,000inthecommunity andcontinuetocollaboratewiththecountytovaccinate homebound,homeless,andschoolbasedprograms.During thepandemicPHVdeliveredlunchtonearbyresidents, especiallytheelderlypopulation.
PacificaHospitaloftheValleyisasafetynethospital.With thatbeingsaid,itisconstantlyatthemercyofstate funding.ThishospitalissituatedinnorthSanFernando Valleyandprovidesservicetopatientsasfaras400+miles away.Theneedinitsimmediateanddistantcommunitiesis high,soithasbeenabletomanagethroughitsfinancial limitationsbydiversifyingthetypeofIPA,ManagedCare organizations.Withthepandemicexperiencesince Februaryofthisyear,PreciousdecidedtopivotPacifica Hospital’savailablebedsthatwereinthemidstofrelicensingtonewservicelinestotransitioningthese availablebeds/unitstocareforacuteandsubacutelevel COVID-19patients.
Throughherexperienceofleadingdifferentlevelsof leadershipteams,Precioushasfoundcommonthreadof elementsthatareessentialtoupholdwithintheteam.For example,providingthetoolsnecessaryonanindividualand asateam.Thesetoolscanrangefromleadership developmenttrainingtosystemstoenablesuccessful results.
valuesandpriorities.Thisisespeciallyimportanttohave theconfidenceevenifoneisthelastoronlyvoiceleftin theroom.
Thehealthcareindustrycontinuestoevolveandwith increasedreimbursementlimitations,increasedcostsof care,newtechnologyandgrowingcompetition.Withthat beingsaid,Precioussaysthatitiscriticalforaspiring businessleaderswhowanttoenterintothehealthcare industrytobeflexible,adaptable,takerisksandenvision theimpossibleasPreciousbelieves,anythingispossible.
PreciousisveryproudofPacificaHospitaloftheValley,as shementionsittrulyisa“diamondintherough”ina significantunderservedcommunity.Oneofthegoalsof PreciousforPHVistoexpanditsservicesandopennew innercitycommunityhospitalstoprovidethesamelevelof “mayo”typecareandservices.Anothergrowingneedis specializedservicesformentalhealthandprovidingthe continuumofcareandsupportthatpopulationtosucceedin thecommunity.Preciousbelievesthattheleadershipteam iscriticaltoobtainingthisvision.
Inthecurrentbusinessworld,whereemployeesare navigatingtheirpersonalandprofessionalchallenges occurredduetopandemic,empathyisapowerfultool toforgelong-lastingrelationshipswiththem.Leaderswho practiceempathyaimatdevelopingacompassionateand helpfulworkplaceatmospherewhereallemployeesthrive. AdrianaArvizoisonesuchleaderwholikestocontribute positivelytoherorganizationbyleadingwithempathyand compassion.
AsExternalCommunicationsManageratComcast, Adrianaisresponsibleforconceptualizingandexecuting publicrelationscampaignsdesignedtomaintainafavorable publicimageforthecompany.Adrianasupportsgrowthof Comcastbusinessandresidentialproductsthroughstrategic partnerships,mediarelations,andsocialmediacampaigns. ShealsohelpscreateawarenessofComcast’scommunity impacteffortsthroughstorytellingandbydeveloping relationshipswithkeystakeholders.Lastly,sheoftenserves asaspokespersonintheCaliforniaregionforEnglishand Spanish-speakingaudiences.
NamedoneoftheTopWomeninPublicRelationsbyPR News,Adrianaisaformeraward-winningjournalistand currentcommunicationstrategistwithextensiveexperience inmulticulturalaudiences.Shehasover13yearsofpublic relationsandmediarelationsexperience.Beforejoining Comcast,sheservedasDirectorofCommunicationsforthe PennsylvaniaDepartmentofState.Priortothat,sheserved asPublicRelationsManagerforVisitPhiladelphia,the officialmarketingorganizationforthegreaterPhiladelphia region.Inaddition,shewasaReporterandManaging EditoratALDIANews,oneofthehighestcirculation newspapersinthenationcoveringLatinxissues.
StrivingtoBeBetterandBeingOpentoOtherViews Adrianaisanimmigrant.ShewasborninMexicoand movedtotheUnitedStatesattheageof18topursuea betterlifeandadegreeinCommunications.That experiencealwaysinfluencesherperspectiveandtheway sheconductsherselfasaleader.Shealwaysstrivestodo andbebetter,andtobeopentootherviews.
Therearetwobooksthatshealwaysfindsherselfgoing backto:TheAlchemist,byPauloCoelho,andTheGiftsof Imperfection,byBrenéBrown.Thephrase“bringyour wholeselftowork,”andTheGiftsofImperfectiongaveher thetoolstoachievethat.
Everyyear,sinceAdrianajoinedtheorganizationfiveyears ago,hasbroughtnewchallengesandunimaginable scenariosforherthathavehelpedhergrowasa communicationsprofessionalandleader.Duringthistime, Californiaexperiencedthedeadliestandmostdevastating wildfiresinitshistory.Likemanyotherbusinesses,services andinfrastructureofComcastwereimpacted.
Thescariestthingwasknowingthatsomeofitscustomers andcolleagueswereevacuatedand,insomecases, impacted.Itwasaterrifyingandstressfultime,butAdriana couldn’tbeprouderabouthowherteamandComcast responded.Everytimethereisafire,itsteamoftechnicians andengineersarethefirstonesonthescene,alongwith criticalemergencyservices,bringingtheCalFire emergencylocationsonline.ThatissomethingComcasthas doneforeverymassivefire.
Adrianaremembersfeelingveryproudwhenin2017, Comcastdonated$300,000toSantaRosaCitySchools
(SRCS)forthedevelopmentofanewfacilitytoserve communitiesimpactedbytheNorthBaywildfires.The SantaRosaIntegratedWellnessCenterstillsupports familieswholosttheirhomesorsufferedinotherways duringthefires.Thatisjustoneexampleoftheway Comcaststepsinduringtimesofcrisis.
Adrianahasneverworkedforanorganization,bigorsmall, withbetterworkculturethanComcast.Itfeelslikea family-ownedsmallbusinessinsideaFortune50company. WhenComcastsaysthatfamilyisfirst,theymeanit. AdrianahasgonethroughmanylifeeventswithComcast —pregnancy,birth,thelossofafamilymember,anda globalpandemic.Throughitall,shealwaysfeltsupported andvalued.
Also,Comcastputsalotofemphasisandresourcesinto developingleaders.IthasaprogramcalledLEADLive, whereleadersmeetonceamonthtolearnandgrowas peopleleaders.Italsohastheemployeenetpromoter system,amonthlysurveyinwhichemployeeshavethe opportunitytoexpresstheirfeelingsabouttheirjobandthe organization.
AdrianacontributestoapositivecultureatComcastby leadingwithempathyandcompassion.“The days of hiding who we are at the workplace is gone, and the new generation of leaders are not afraid of being vulnerable and showing their humanity,” shesays.
TwoinitiativesthatComcaststartedareverynearanddear toAdriana’sheart.ComcastRISEisanewprogramthat providesmarketingsupport,technologyservices,andgrant fundingtosmallbusinessesownedbyPeopleofColor.It wasbornoutofthecircumstancesthatComcastfound themselvesinaboutayearagowiththepandemic,social unrest,andtheeconomicandtechnologicaldisparitiesthat theyseeincommunitiesofcolor.TheyknowthatComcast alonecan’tremedythesecomplexandsystemicissues.But theyaredeeplycommittedtoplayingaroleindriving change,andAdrianaisproudtoworkforacompanywhose valuesalignwithher
Onadifferentnote,toomanychildrenhavebeenleft behindintheireducationfornothavinginternetathome. Thepandemicshedlightonthedigitaldivideandbrought thissubjecttotheforefront.However,Comcasthasbeen workingonthisissueformanyyears.InternetEssentials fromComcastisthelargestandmostcomprehensive broadbandadoptionprogramforqualifyingfamilies,andit allowsthemtogetinternetserviceathomefor$9.95a month.Since2011,Comcasthasconnectedmorethan8 millionlow-incomepeopletotheinternetathomethrough itsInternetEssentialsprogram.
Adrianawantstocontinuegrowingasaleaderandleada bigteam.Throughouthercareer,shehashadthepleasureof leadingsmallandmediumteams.Shereallyenjoysthis, especiallywhenshegetstoworkwithlessexperienced colleaguesandcontributetotheirgrowth.Shelooks forwardtoimplementinguniqueandcreativeideasthat drivegrowthtoComcastbusiness.
Inheradvicetoemergingwomenleaders,shesays “Bring fresh and new ideas to the table because your ideas are your currency. The industry, the business landscape, and the consumer base are changing, and we need bold women leaders with new ideas and perspectives. Make sure that your strategy has a customer-first approach. Sometimes we get so caught up in the business objective that we forget to think about what the customer wants.”
Ifwearesmartenoughtorecognizeopportunities,then thereareplentyofwaystomakeasignificant difference.Tothriveintheworldofbusiness,youneed toseetheworldwithanabundancementalityandthinkin termsofwin-winsolutions.Itisbeneficialtothinkabout unlimitedpossibilitiesforsuccessinsteadofthinkingin termsofscarcitymentality.
Inspiringbusinessleadersseetheworldwithanabundance mindsetandbuildopportunitiesforotherstothrive.Jeanne Travisisonesuchinspiringbusinessleaderwhoseesthe worldwithanabundancemindsetandplaysahugerolein helpingcompaniesunlocktheirfullpotentialandachieve success.Jeanneisanaward-winningentrepreneurand leader,foundedJ.RobbinsEnterprisesin2020,and servesasthePresidentandCEO.
Jeannebringsdiverseexperienceineducation,accounting, businessdevelopment,industrialsecurity,information technology,andentrepreneurship,offeringanextraordinary approachofsuccesstoherclients.Shegraduatedfrom VirginiaPolytechnicInstituteandStateUniversity(VA Tech)in1995withaBachelorofScienceinMathematics andminorsinPsychologyandEducation.
After11yearsasaco-founderandleaderofanindustrial securitycompany,Jeannedecidedtostartherowncompany thatfocusesonpromotingothercompanies.Jeannefinds truejoyinexaminingbusinessmodels,identifying geniuses,andcapturingaccoladesontheirbehalf.
Overeightyears,Jeannedevotedherselftobuildingher formercompanyandfoundtruedelightinmarketingand businessdevelopment.Sheworkedwithmultiplemarketing
companiestocreateastrategy,developcontent,gain exposure,andacquireaccolades.Shediscoveredittobe more“fun”ratherthan“work”tocelebrateand acknowledgetheaccomplishmentsofthesuccessesofthe employeesandhercompany
Jeannehasbeeninspiredbythemantragivenbyherparents “Never stop learning; searching, and discovering; it gives you objectivity, clarity, and confidence.” Shehasinstilled thismantrathroughouthercareer.Shealsoencourages peoplearoundhertoidentifytheiruniquetalents, understandwhattheybringtotheworkenvironmenttobest enablesuccess,andmakesuretheirvoiceisheard.She states, “Speak up, speak out, and contribute.”
AccordingtoJeanne,BusinessDevelopmentandMarketing areeverythingthesedays.Ifyourbusinessissuccessful enoughtohireanexpensivefirm,that’sgreat.Butitcan takeyearsofhardworkandagreatdealofrevenueformost companiestogettothatpoint.J.RobbinsEnterprisesoffers affordablewaystopromotecompaniestoincreasetheir sales,exposure,recruiting,andattractcapital.
J.RobbinsEnterprisesisabusinessdevelopment, marketing,andgeneralconsultingfirmthatstrivesto establish,highlight,andgeneratecapabilitiesthatsetyour companyandemployeesabovetherest.Itsteamofdiverse andboldthinkingprofessionalspassionatelybelievesthatit canhelpcompaniesexcelbybringingexceptionalanalysis andapositiveattitude.Eachdaytheyexplore,inspire,and producenewwaystoservebetterandfeaturethesuccessof theirclients.
Moreover,J.RobbinsEnterprisesresearchesitsclientsto createastrategy,developcontent,gainexposure,and acquireaccolades,asthecompetitionrequirestheclientto providethesubstanceoftheirorganization.
Theglobalpandemichaschangedhowcompaniesdo businessindefinitely.Thisshifthascreatedoneofthe greatestopportunitiesforcompaniestoignitegrowth, reduceoverhead,andbemorecompetitive.Jeanneis willingtoparticipateinanyprojecttoprovideguidanceto increasefunding,revenue,clientele,products,service,and networks.
Sinceitsinception,J.RobbinsEnterpriseshasearnedsix awardsforitsclienteleandprovidedservicesinavarietyof InformationTechnologypositionstoinclude Policies/Procedures,ScrumMaster,RequirementsAnalysis, andSoftwareTesting.CategoriesincludeFedRAMP,
TheimpactofCOVID-19hasslashedMarketing& Advertisingbudgets;J.RobbinsEnterprisesfindslow-cost opportunitiesthattakeadvantageofsocialmediaavenuesto produceexposure.Thishasshownpositivitywithan increaseinrevenueatanaverageof9%monthly,59% quarterly,withexpectedgrowthof20%inthesecond quarterof2021.Atthesametime,theclientelehasgrown by30%.Thelargestclientshowedanincreaseof10%in customersand40%inemployees.Clientsincludelargeto smallbusinesses,wherethemostnotableincludeCiscoand Guidehouse(formallyPWC).
Webecomesuccessfulbywhatweget,butwebecome happybywhatwegive.Thebeliefisthatvolunteeringand donatingareessentialtothesuccessofthecommunityand enrichingpeople’slives.JeanneandJ.RobbinsEnterprises’ communityandcharitablecontributionsincludeJDRFMy RidetoCureDiabetes,Leukemia&LymphomaSociety, MedstarNationalRehabilitationHospital,CodeVA, HerndonCares,NoKidHungry,OptimistClubofHerndon, andHerndonHighSchool’sGolfClassictonameafew.
Whilesuccessandmoneyareallniceendgoals,Jeannehas somethingalittlebiggerinmind.Forthenextfiveyears, hervisionforJ.RobbinsEnterprisesinvolvesher commitmenttosocialresponsibilityandinclusive workplaceandeducationequality.Heremphasisoffering crucialhelptopeopleinneed,worthwhilecauses,andthe community.Thisstartswithengagingwithteenstodo betterinschool,duringcollegeadmissions,andintheir adultlivesandendswithinspiringbuddingentrepreneurs thechancetosecurebusinessdealsthatcouldmakethem successful.
Jeanneurgesallwomenleaderstostaytrue,actfromtheir innatestrengths,becreative,collaborate,breakoutdated paradigms,andrelyontheiremotionalintelligenceinorder tocreateastyleofworkbestsuitedtotheirpersonalities.
J. Robbins Enterprises offers affordable ways to promote your Company to increase your sales, exposure, recruiting, and attract capital.
“ “
Cleanlinessisprerequisiteforallgoodness,asitis oneofthemostfundamentalaspectsinensuring goodhealthofeveryone.TheCovid-19pandemic hasespeciallyhighlightedtheimportanceofcleanliness evenmore.Evidently,cleanlinessisthefoundationalpillar ofanyplace.Whilecleaningcanbetime-consuming, peoplegetlesstimetospendlivingordoingthethingsthat areimportanttothem.JudithViragandherteamatClean ClubCalgaryunderstandthisdilemmaandthus,are offeringanenrichingexperienceinqualitycleaning.
Judithiscertifiedhousecleaningtechnicianandhasbeenin thecleaningindustryforover12yearsnow.Shewasraised byaverymeticulousmotherwhosucceededtoraiseaclean personfromatomboy.BornandraisedinHungary,sheand herfamilywererefugeesandimmigratedtoCanadain 1989.Canadahasprovidedsomanyopportunitiesforthem overtheyears,asbothherparentsownedtheirown businesses.Withentrepreneurshipinherblood–bothher parentsandgrandparentswereentrepreneurs–sheknewthe traditionalcareerroutewasn’tforher.Drivenbythe passionforcleaning,shefoundedCleanClubCalgaryin January2019.
Besides,Judithhasanextensiveadministrativebackground andwasanexecutiveassistantfor15yearsbeforeher cleaningcareer,andshebelievesthishashelpedher immenselyonsettingupthesystemsandhowtodealwith customerseveryday Whatcleaningindustrylackingis goodcustomerservice.JudithandtheteamatCleanClub Calgarystrivetodobettereveryday
Professional cleaning by the team at Clean Club Calgary helps free up time of customers to spend with family and friends. Or give them much needed quiet time”.
CleanClubCalgaryprovidesresidentialandcommercial cleaningservices.Thefactorthatsetsthecompanyapartis howitrespondstoitscustomers.Notonerequest, complaintorpositivefeedbackgoesunanswered.Theteam atCleanClubCalgarycommunicatetotheircustomersthat therewillbemistakesastheyarenotrobotsbuthuman. Onceamistakeordamageoccurstheydealwithitright
away.Theystriveforlongtermrelationshipwiththeir clients.Theyreturnallcallsandfollowuponallestimates received.Theyareseriousaboutworking.
Judithhadalotofinfluenceandimpactofherparentson herlife.Shestatesthatherparentsarethehardestworking peoplesheknows,andtheyhaveinstilledthisdriveand workethicinherthathasmadeherwhosheistoday.Judith alsoworkswithabusinesscoachVinceFowler.Hehas beeninstrumentalinhelpinghergrowandbeabetter businessleader.
Besides,Judithloveslisteningtopodcastsandaudiobooks. Someofherfavoritesare‘HowIBuiltThis’byGuyRaz andsheisahugefanofBreneBrown.Shehastakenher ‘DaretoLead’training,whichwasanextremelyeyeopeningexperienceforher.Shelistenstoalotofbooks,but onethatstandsoutis‘ShoeDog’byPhilKnight.
Whenitcomestobuildingapositiveworkculture,Judith believesthatitislikearelationshipthatneedsconstant nurturing.WhatwascleartoherwhenshestartedClean ClubCalgaryisthatshewantedtobedifferentandwanted toprovideasafeandcomfortableworkenvironmenttoher team.Sheopinesthatcleaningcangetveryhardnotonly onthebodybutmentallyaswellandthus,aleaderneedsto standbehindhisorherteamandsupportthem.
Moreover,Judithhasdevelopedthecompany’sinternalcore valuesonwhichtheyhire.Theyhavesevencorevalues,but theyhavenarrowedthemdowntothreethatencompasses allthesevenviz.Teamwork,TrustandRespect.CleanClub Calgaryalwaysreferbacktothese.Thepeopleatthe companyprovideinstantfeedback–whichiscrucialin theirindustryastheydonotwanttheirteammembers makingthesamemistakeoverandover TheyuseSlackto communicateandsharetheirbeforeandafterpictures.They alsosharealloftheirpositivereviewswiththeteam.
Thepandemichascertainlyimpactedmostofthesectors. “I feel at this time running a business is being a teenager all over again. One minute I cry the next I laugh as there are so many frequent changes,” Judithasserts.ForCleanClubCalgary,the pandemichasbeenbeneficialinmanyways.Judiththinksthe generalpublicisbeingmoreeducatedonwhatcleaning, sanitizing,anddisinfectingis.Thisiscrucialasa“quick dusting”doesn’tcutitanymore.CleanClubCalgary’sbusiness hasbeenupanddownalongwiththefrequentrestrictionsofits province,butingeneralithasbeengrowingatasteadypace.
OnethingthatJudithnoticedthatatthistimeinthecleaning industry,thepandemicissettingthecompetitionapart.Someof thesolocleanersarefoldinginastheydon’thavethestructure andthefundsforadvertisingandalsoalotofothercleaning companiesarestrugglingbecausetheyarenotinvestedinproper training.
Talkingaboutgivingbacktothecommunity,Judithsharesthat CleanClubCalgarysupportsvariouslocalcharities.Ithas volunteeredatBrownBaggingforCalgary’sKids.Also,every Christmasthecompanysponsorsafamilyandprovidesfree cleaningtocancerpatientsthroughCleaningforaReason.
Judiththinksshewouldliketoeliminatethis“nottalkingto eachother”.SheisoneofthecouncilmembersoftheCanadian ResidentialCleanersCommittee.Thecommitteestartedregular monthly“CoffeeTalks”wheretheyhoponazoomcalland answeranyquestionstheirpeershave.Ithasbeenagreat successandJudithbelievesthatiftheyallworktogetherasan industryitisbetterserviceallaroundforcustomersand employees.
Inthenextfiveyears,Judithwouldliketocontinuebuildingthe bestteampossible.Shewoulddefinitelyliketotripleinsize. Shedoeshaveadreamofprovidingworktonewcomersandto strivefortheopportunitytohelpnewimmigrants.
Weliveinaworldfilledwithtremendous distractionsateverymoment.Thereare distractionsintheformofdiversionsfromour mostcherishedgoals.Thesediversionsordistractionscan beduetodistractingpeopleordistractinginformation.We shouldmakesurethatwearealwayschoosingpositiveand upliftingassociationsaroundus.Itisveryimportant, especiallyforbusinessleaders,tomaintainasafedistance fromenviousandinsecurepeoplewhodonotsupporttheir goals.
Thereisalsoahugeoverloadofinformationintheworld. Havingaccesstoonlythenecessaryinformationisan importantpartthathelpsinmakingcleverbusiness decisions.Itisessentialtofilteroutalltheavailable informationandmakesurethatwerefertothemost authorizedandessentialinformation.
Theworldisfilledwithamassiveamountofdata; therefore,itisabsolutelyimportanttoknowwhattoread andwhatnottoread.Theinformationdoesnothavetobe alwaysnewtobehelpfulbutwhatmattersishavingtimely accesstothemostimportantinformation.
Itmattersthatweareselectiveinchoosingeverything carefullyinthisworld.Thereisabsolutelynopointin wastingtimewithpeoplewhodepleteourpreciousenergy andwillpower Weshouldnotwasteourtimefighting wrongbattles.Ifwewastetimeinfightingthewrong battles,wewillbeleftwithverylittleenergyforourmost importantbattlesorgoals.Weneedtoutilizeourtimeand fightingspiritforourmostimportantgoalsorbattles.To accomplishanythingsubstantialinthisworld,weneedto paythepriceofoursincereeffortsandcommitment.
Nothingismoredangerousinthisworldthansincere ignoranceandconscientiousstupidity.Sincereignoranceof notknowingwhatisrightandwhatiswrongisnotatall helpfulinmakinginformedandcleverdecisions. Conscientiousstupiditybasedonemotionalorinstinctive, orirrationalapproachtowardsdecisionmakingisfatal.The weightofregretisheavierthanpayingthepriceofsincere efforts.Rightassociationandaccesstotherightinformation helpustotakebrilliantdecisions.Weshouldnotmakeany roomforregretsbybeinghaphazardorinconsistent approach.Mindingourownresolutionstobesuccessfulin thisworldismoreimportantthananythingelse.
Scienceisorganizedknowledge,andwisdomisorganized life.Organizedlifeandhavinganorganizedapproachin businessispraiseworthy,andithelpsyouinmakingwise choices.Havingwell-organizedsystemsthatdeliver consistentresultsisalsoessentialforthesustainablegrowth ofthebusiness.Thoseleaderswhocreateorganized systemsintheirbusinessesareabletoensuresustainable successintheirbusinesses.Anorganizedapproachismany timespleasingtotheclients,anditbecomesanimportant factorinthegrowthofthebusiness.
Themostimportantattributeoforganizedbusinessleaders istheirabilitytotaketherightdecisionsbasedonthe authorizedinformationandinputsfromintelligentadvisors inthebusiness.Theorganizedbusinessleadersarenever haphazardorirrationalintheirapproach.Theyknowthatan instinctiveorirrationalapproachisdetrimental.They believeintakinglogical,analytical,rational,andcalculative decisions.Suchdecisionsleadtothemostconstructive actionsandconstructiveresults.Theytakedecisionsbased onthecognitive-intensivethoughtprocess.Theyprefer thinkingdeliberatelyandactingontheconclusionofmost logicalthought.Thatisthemostprecise,clever,and pragmaticapproachtodecision-making.
Anorganizedapproachandwisechoiceshelpleaderstobe abletoruntheirbusinessintherightdirectionandwiththe rightapproach.Thisway,theyareabletotakethebusiness togreatheights..
Theorganizedbusinessleadersarenotcomplacentintheir approach.Theyleadwithcalmnessandalertnessofmind. Theytrytheirlevelbesttoleadwithdiscipline,consistency, andwiththerightmindset.Theymakesurethattheyarenot givingintonegativedistractions.Theyneverget bewilderedbytheillusoryordestructiveopinionsofothers orwronginformation.Theseleadersplantheiractionswell andexecutewithutmostperfection.Theypromotetheright cultureintheirteammembersandbuildtheteamwith adequatetalents,skills,abilities,andresourcefulness.They havethecouragetoleadbytakingcalculativerisksand executegraceevenunderpressuresituationsortoughtimes. Theorganizedbusinessleadersaredecisiveandleadwith pragmatismandpresenceofmind.Thisapproachhelps themtodrivethesustainablegrowthoftheirbusinesses.
KatieNeilson Co-Founderand ChiefRevenueOfficer Assure
Today,women-ledbusinessesareseeingsignificant breakthroughsinthecorporateworld.Withtheir unconventionalapproaches,womenarecontinuing tobetheshininglightinthecurrentmarket.Therearemany examplesofwomenmakingadifferencewhohave overcomevariousoddstoreachwheretheyaretoday.One suchwomanisKatieNeilson,theCo-founderandChief RevenueOfficerofAssure,theleadingproviderof outsourcedadministrativeandtransactionservicesforthe privateinvestmentmarketplace.
KatielaunchedAssurewithherhusbandJeremyNeilsonin 2012withonebasicprinciple: ‘Say yes’. Nineyearslater, Assurehasgrownfromasmallback-officetransaction servicescompanytoanindustry-leadingplatformwith morethan$7billioninassetsundermanagement.Assureis inthetopthirdofthe2019Inc.5000Fastest-Growing PrivateCompaniesinAmerica,andisthethird-largestU.S. fundadministrator,asreportedbyConvergencein2020.
Saying“yes” hasenabledAssuretoimagineaninnovative, tech-enabledprocessforsyndicatedinvestingthathasgiven risetotheAssureSpecialPurposeVehicle(SPV)-afaster, easier,andmorecost-effectivewaytostructuredeals. AssureSPVssimplifythedealprocessandfund administrationsoyoucanfocusonwhatyoudobest: findingdealsandbuildingrelationships.
AsCROatAssure,saying“yes”allowsKatietothinkmore expansivelyaboutherclients'goals.Havingdecreasedthe costofSPVsby90%andcompletingover6,500SPVinitial fundingevents,Assurehelpsitsclientsdriveinvestmentin startupsthatarepushingtheboundariesofinnovationand makingadifference.
AccordingtoKatie,traditionalfinancialservicebusinesses areprimefortechdisruption.Assureisanexampleofthis, initiallyfoundedasaback-officeadministrationservices company,andthroughtechnologyhasbecomeaglobal platformthathasdrivendemandforwhatisnowoneofthe mostpopularandfastest-growinginvestmentstructuresin theprivatemarketplace.
Theventurecapitalindustry,ingeneral,hasbeenslightly slowertoadopttechnologicaldevelopmentsdespitebeing centeredonfundingthemostforward-thinkinginnovations. Asafinancialbusiness,ifyoudon’tfindawaytoadaptand findyourplaceinthenewpicture,youwillbeleftbehind. Thenewecosystemistechnologicallyintegrated.Usersare expectingsmart,fast,andefficientprocesses. Understandinghowyouoperateandinteractwithyour stakeholdersviatechnologyhasbecomeanecessarycore competency
Katiementionsthatthepandemicacceleratedtheexisting trends,andnowthereisnogoingback.Apositivetrendthat theytalkaboutatAssureistheunlockingoffundingfor underrepresentedfounders,includingwomen,peopleof color,veterans,andthoseintheLGBTQ+community They areseeingbarrierscrumblethroughinnovationand technologysparkgrowthintheseareasfortworeasons. First,ithasbecomeeasierforfounderstoaccessinvestors throughvirtualeventsandmeetingplatformssuchasZoom. Thepandemiclockdownshaveeliminatedtherequirement tobephysicallybasedintraditionalVChubs,likeSilicon Valley.Second,Assure’sSPVproducthasmadeitpossible forabroaderrangeofinvestorstonowparticipatein supportingthesebusinesses.Today,founderscanaffordably findinvestorsthathavesimilarpassionstotheirownand nothingisstandinginthewayofturningthosepassionsinto investmentcapital.
TherearethreepillarsoffocusthatmakeAssurestandout abovethecompetition:ClientHappiness,End-to-End Service,andTechnology.Ittrulywantstodelightitsclients, anditsteamgoestoalllengthstohelpthemachievetheir goals.AssureistheonlySPVproviderthathandlesyour SPVfromtheformationoftheentitytoexit.Withover 7,000entitiescreated,itistheonlyproviderthathandlesall assettypes,raisesizes,andstructures.
Assurealsoknowsthattechnologyisthefuture,andithas workedtowardsprovidingaprivateinvestmentplatform thatofferssimplicity,transparency,andaffordabilitytothe fundingprocess.
CultureiscentralatAssureonadailybasis.Ithasaquote onitsnewhireslidedeckthatsays: “Whether planned or not, all companies have a culture. A culture will form one way or another — the one they want, or the one that develops by default.”
Assureattractspeoplewhoembodysimilarphilosophies; theywanttomakeachange,wanttogrowsomething,and haveapersonalfundamentaldrivetoexcelandperform. Oneofthethingsthecompanypickeduponquicklywas thatthesetypesofpeoplewanttoworkwithotherswho sharethesequalities.So,severalyearsago,itestablisheda setofcoreculturalvaluesinanAssureCultureDeck,which outlinestheattributesnewteammembersshouldhavein ordertocontributeto—andstrengthen—itsculture.At thebeginningofitsteammeetings,itselectsanddiscusses oneofthesevalues;whatitmeans,whyit’simportant,and whatrecentexamplesithasseeninaction.
Personally,Katiehasanoteonherdeskthatsays, “Unity is enhanced when people are treated with dignity and respect.” Thisisadailyremindertoherofhowsheshould treatteammembers.Katieandherco-founderworkto createaculturewherepeoplewanttocome,contribute,be challenged,andbetheirbestselves.
Whenitcomestogivingbacktothecommunity,Assure contributesinavarietyofways.First,itscoreAssureSPV
productismakingitpossibleforpreviouslyoverlooked founderstoraisecapitalbecauseAssurehasdecreasedthe structuringandadministrationfeesbyover90%.
Additionally,AssureacquiredandnowleadsBoomStartup, anacceleratorprogramthatassistsfounderstobecome educated,mentored,andeventuallyfunded.Finally,italso hasAssureSyndicatesthatworkscloselywiththefounder ecosystemprovidingfree-of-chargementorshipand fundraisingassistanceforfoundersthatarepreparedtoraise capitalfrominstitutionalinvestorsandventurecapital firms.
Assureisbuilttoadapttoanever-evolvingprivate investinglandscape.Atitscore,itisinnovative.Katie mentionsthatitwillalsoincreasinglybenefitfrom economiesofscale,networkeffects,andimproved
technologytoconsistentlyimproveitsofferingtothe ecosystem.Lastly,andmostimportantly,itcomesdownto happyclients.Thisisatoughproblemtosolve,butwhenit works,itfundamentallychangesthewayitsclientsdo business.
Katieadvisesemergingentrepreneurswhoaspiretoventure intothetechnologyandventurecapitalindustrytobe adaptable.Shesays, “As a startup, nothing really goes smoothly. When you are pushing the boundaries of what is known, forging into the frontiers of industry, you will make mistakes. You will need to pivot. As soon as you’ve figured something out, it will no longer be relevant, and you’ll have to start over and figure it out again. To be an innovator and grow a business, you have to be adaptable, resilient and gritty.”
Eelsethroughtheirattitude,behavior,talents,and skills.Theydemonstrateexcellenceinallthatthey do.Theyleadwithauthenticity.Thereisharmonyintheir thoughts,words,andactions.Theywalkthetalkandtalk thewalk.Thishelpsthembecomeatrustworthyand reliableleader
xemplaryleaderssetthestandardsforeveryone
MarcelineBeijerembodiestheseidealsbyleadingby example.Shebelievesthatpositivityandchangestartswith oneselfandtherefore,hermantraistowalkthetalk. MarcelineistheGlobalBrandLeaderof ManpowerGroupTalentSolutionsRPO.Bydriving innovation,thoughtleadershipandthedevelopmentof people,herambitionistodeliverstrategicvalueto customers,andstronggrowthforTalentSolutions.
InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,MarcelineBeijer sharesherjourneyanddiscusseshercontributionto ManpowerGroupTalentSolutionsasaGlobalBrand Leader.
Below are the Highlights of the Interview: Pleasebriefourreadersaboutyourleadershipposition atTalentSolutions. WithinManpowerGroup,IamtheGlobalBrandLeaderfor TalentSolutionsRPOandVicePresidentforTalent SolutionsRPOandTAPFIN-MSPinEurope.TheTalent SolutionsbrandwaslaunchedinJanuary2020,andIhave beenfortunatetobepartofthedesignanddefinitionofthis newbrandandtheindustry-leadingcapabilitiesbehindit.In mycareer,andasaleader,Ihavealwaysbeena‘builder’, whichisatthecoreofhowTalentSolutionsworkswith clientstohelpthemtransformtheirworkforce.
WhenwelaunchedTalentSolutions,weusedbutterfly wingsonourbrandingasasymbolofthetransformative effectthatispossiblewhenhumanpotentialisunleashedin anorganization.Thistransformationaljourneyconnecting thespecificskillsandcapabilitiesofRecruitmentProcess Outsourcing(RPO),ManagedServiceProvider(TAPFIN) andRightManagementisanexcitingandcompelling developmentIreallyenjoyparticipatinginandbeingable toinfluence.
WhatwerethechallengesyoucameacrossasaGlobal BrandLeader?
InmyGlobalRPOBrandLeaderrole,Ihavebeengivena headstartbythegreatworkstartedinNorthAmericainthe fieldoftechnologyundertheleadershipofSarahPeiker, SeniorVicePresident,RPONorthAmerica,andWayne Crowley,VPGlobalBusinessInnovationandIntelligence. FollowingthelaunchinNorthAmericaofPowerSuite™, ourbestofbreedtechecosystem,aswellasthefully digitizedRapidRecruit,itwasarewardingprojecttobe abletoexpandourofferingacrossallregionsthroughout 2020.
ThemainchallengeIseeisthefutureofRPO:Inaworld whereby2025,humansandmachineswillsplitworkrelatedtasks50-50,IbelieveAIandautomatedprocesses thrivewhentheyarecoupledwithhumanintelligence,but whatshouldthehumanroleinaworldleaningtowards seamlessdigitalrecruitmentbe?Insuchanunpredictable worldstillgrapplingwiththecurrenthealthandsocial crisis,whereitisdifficulttocreatecontinuousalgorithms andbusinessroles,understandinghumanintelligenceand theroleforthehumantouchwillbethekeyforsuccess.
Atthesametime,candidateexperience,whichalsorequires intensehumaninteraction,isbecomingevenmore
important.Todeliverthekindofexperiencescandidates expect,weneedtore-thinkthewaythatwemanage candidateinteractionthroughouttherecruitmentprocess.
LeveragingthepowerofTalentSolutionsbycreating solutionsthatenablecrossoverofthedifferentworkforce solutionsweofferhasalsobeenagreatpositivechallenge. WeseetheexpertisefromRPObeingusedwhilebuilding DirectSourcingsolutionsforMSPs;weareabletoutilize greatcareerbuildingandupskillingsolutionssuchas RightCoach™andRightMap™whichhelpunleashthefull potentialofemployeesaftertheyarehiredviaanRPO solution.Itisgreattoseehowourdifferentworkforce solutionsallworktogethertowardsstrengtheningour clients’employerbrand,candidateexperienceand engagementacrossthedifferentstagesoftherecruitment lifecycle.
Mypassionasa‘techie’leadsmetodrivemyteamto challengethemselvesandstrivetogettothenextlevel: supportingTalentAcquisitionwithfurtherdevelopmentsin thefieldofAIsuchasbiasfreepsychometricassessments
andauthenticcollaborationintheareaofdiversity,equity andinclusion.
Beinganexperiencedbusinessleader,whatisyour opinionregardingtheimpactoftheCOVID-19 pandemicontheStaffing&Recruitingindustry?And howhasTalentSolutionsmanagedtoovercomethis significantchallenge?
StartinginthisroleasaGloballeaderandnotbeingableto travelduetothepandemictomeetandengagewiththe regionalteamshasbeenachallenge,althoughthishasbeen mitigatedbytheexcellentvirtualtoolsandcapabilitiesof ourteams.Remoteworkinghasproventobenotjust possible,butalsovaluableinbuildingtruerelationships.
Duringthepandemic,therealchallengehasbeenthe reluctanceofcompaniestohireforpermanentroles,which hasgivenustheopportunitytofurtherdevelop,diversify andinnovateourportfolioandservices.Aninteresting examplehasbeentheexpansionofourextensivedata intelligencecapabilities:wehavebeenworkingwithour clientstoanalyzeandunderstandtheimpactofthe
pandemicontheirworkforce,providingsolutionsto mitigateriskinsupplychainmanagementaswellas exploringlocationstrategiesastechnologyandremote workinghaveuntetheredtalentfromlocation.
Ibelievetherecruitmentindustryshouldalsotake responsibilityinequalizingthegrowinggapbetweenthe Have’sandtheHaveNot’sasunfortunatelyithasbeenthe jobsintheinformaleconomyandlowerincomeswhich havebeenhitthehardestbythepandemic.Astheworld economyrecoversandskillsneedschangewithwider demandforjobsinAIandtheGreenandCareindustries, therecruitmentindustryneedstocontinuetosupport training,learning,upskillingandreskillingopportunitiesfor alltheirworkers.
InwhatwayshaveyouorTalentSolutionscontributed tothecommunity?Ifgivenachance,whatchange wouldyoubringtohelpotherRPOs?
ItisinManpowerGroup’sDNAtobeaveryethical company,wehaveinfactbeenrecognizedbyEthisphereas aWorld'sMostEthicalCompanyforelevenyears;wearea truepartnerinsocialandsustainablewaysofworking,and itisanincrediblyimportantvalueintheworldofTalentand Recruitment.
Thevaluewebringasacompanyisourvisionthat meaningful,sustainableemploymenthasthepowerto changetheworld,whichIhighlyvalue.And,asIcontinue inmynewrole,IhopetobeabletocontributetotheRPO Communitybypromotingworkforceflexibilityandtalent sustainability,focusingonthebenefitsofhybridworking andtheimportanceofcontinuouslearning.
Whatwouldbeyouradviceforaspiringandemerging womenentrepreneurs?
Justkeepgoing,stayyourauthenticselfandenjoythe journey!
Whataccordingtoyouistheonetakeaway/lessonfrom theCOVID-19pandemic?
Changehappensmorequicklywitharealneed.Lookat howvaluedremoteworkingisnow,andhowmany organizationswilladoptflexibleworkingarrangements movingforward!ManpowerGroup’sWhatWorkersWant researchshowsworkersdonotwanttolosethatflexibility theyhavegainedinthepastyear,nowpreferring2-3daysa weekintheworkplace.Thatwasunthinkablefewyearsago andlookatwhatwehaveachievedinjustfewdays/weeks acrossQ12020.
Numerousindividualsinrecenttimestendtogive theirbestattheirworkplacetogetsuccessful results,butoftenitisn'tthecase;attimes,the effortsaren'tenough.Itcanaffectindividuals,leadersand organizationsonmanylevels;itbecomesessentialto maintainandstrengthenpersonalandprofessional development.
However,industryprofessionalsnevertreatedthese problemsasnecessary,butoneentrepreneurwho understoodthattherearemorebenefitstothejobthan financialisMarisaElizundia.Theideabehindherventure istospreadawarenesstounderstand,internalizeand effectivelycapitalizeonthosenon-financial benefits derivedfromwork.
MarisaistheCreatoroftheEmotionalSalary Barometer.Thisonlinetoolhelpsoneknowand understandtheiremotionalsalarytoobtainclarityon designingandshapingtheirdesiredcareer.Sheintroduceda conceptthatnoonehadtakenthetimeorinterestto researchin-depth.Thisinterestcomesfromhervast experienceworkinginthisareaandfromtheobservation andrealizationthatwhenshelookedatdemotivation,lack ofproductivity,commitment,cooperation,etc.therewere otherreasons,oftenmoreorequallyimportantthanthe financialaspectofwork. Thisledhertoresearchthe followingquestion:whenwetakemoneyoutofthework equation,whydowework?Asaresultofthisthe EmotionalSalaryBarometerwasborn,whichprovedthat theimpactEmotionalSalaryhasonpeople'shealth, wellbeing,motivation,andproductivityismorethanwe think.
Thegroundbreakingideaistousethetimeonespendsat worknotonlytoearnmoneyattheendofthemonthbut alsoasaplatformtohelponegrowpersonally, professionally,socially,andeventranscendentally.
Forthepast25years,Marisahasworkedinthepeople developmentbusinessinmultinationalorganizations, previouslyasanemployeeandcurrentlyasanentrepreneur. Throughoutthattime,shehasalwaysbeenpassionateabout peopleandtheimpactthatworkhasontheirlives.Shehas seenfirsthandthatapartfromthefinancialbenefitsyouget fromworkthereareotherfactorsthat have nothingtodo withmoneyorfinancialvalueand,haveanenormous impactonoverallsatisfaction,health,motivation, wellbeing,andproductivity Theseaspects,whichcouldbe seenasvagueorunclearormaynotresultinanimmediate impact,needconstantinvolvementandshared responsibilityfromtheorganization,itsleaders,andthe individualsthemselves.
Itiswhyit'sverycommonthatPeopleDevelopment Strategiesreceivetheleastbudget.Thismeansthatthe policiesandstrategiesimplementedarepoor,inefficient,or thatalotofmoneyisspentonactivitiesthatdonotsolve theproblemathandorgivegoodresults.
Marisaexpressesthatherbiggestchallengewasintroducing thenewconcepttothemarket(EmotionalSalary)thatis different(butcomplementary)towhatiscommoninthe HumanResourcesareas,suchasEmployeeEngagement Strategies,EmployeeExperience,EmployeeSatisfaction, andmore.
Marisa Elizundia
Marisaandherteamsawtheimportanceofintroducing strategiesandpoliciesbasedonEmotionalSalaryas somethingthatwasgoingtobeseenasabsolutely necessary,somethingobvious,andthattheleadersofthe organizationswouldrecognizeitsusefulness,importance, andnecessityimmediately
Theyrealizedearlyonthatthiswasnotthecase.InHR,it canbedifficulttointroducesomethingnewandinnovative, anditismuchlessriskytostickwiththestatusquoofwhat isknownorwhathasbeendoneforalongtime.YetESB's researchdemonstratedtimeandagainthefundamental importanceoftakingEmotionalSalaryintoaccount.
Whenitcomestoindividualworkers,Marisaandherteam havefacedtwochallenges.Thefirstisthelackof responsibilitytotakeactiontoincreaseone'sown EmotionalSalary.Thereisstillanexpectationthatthe companyortheleadersaresolelyresponsiblefor employees'EmotionalSalary,andthisisnotthecase.Itisa sharedresponsibility,andiftheindividualdoesnotdotheir part,anessentialpartismissing.
Theotherchallengeisthatmanypeoplebelievethat EmotionalSalaryisintendedtojustifyalowerfinancial salary,andnothingcouldbefurtherfromthetruth.Onthe contrary,whatMarisaandherteamadvocateandpushforis thatitcomplementsafairandreasonablefinancialsalary, whichwillhavemanyandveryimportantbenefitsfor everyone:employees,leaders,andtheorganization.
Marisarealizedhowmuchherjobmeanttoheraftershe hadtoleaveforfamilialreasons.Sherealizedwhatshe appreciatedandlovedaboutherworkanditrosefarbeyond thefinancialaspect.
Inherjourney,Marisahasbeensupportedandaccompanied byseveralwomenentrepreneurs.EspeciallyClodaghBeaty, herbusinesspartner,hasbeenaconstantsupportandhas beencrucialfortheprojecttokeepgrowingsteadily.
MarisabelievesthatMartinSeligman'sresearchon characterstrengthshaspermeatedallofherwork.
EmotionalSalaryBarometerleadswithaculturethataligns withwhatitwantstoseeinallorganizations.Belowarethe fewvaluesthatMarisaandherteamimplyatthe organization.
Theycommunicateopenlyandhonestly
Theyriskmakingmistakes.
Theyallowspaceforcreativitytoflourish.
Theycelebrateinabigwaywhenthingsgowell,and whenthingsgowrong,theteamsupportseachotherina bigway,withoutblame.
Theytakearealinterestinwhatothershavetosay ForMarisa,themostsignificantthingisthatshestaysin touchwithherteamevenwhentheydon'tgettoseeeach otherforalongtime.
Marisa'svisionistoredefineworkandseeitassomething morethanthepurelytransactionalaspectithasbeenseenas untilnow.Inorderforthistohappen,companiesneedto implementPeopleDevelopmentstrategiesthattakeinto accounttheimportanceofEmotionalSalary.
ByusingtheEmotionalSalaryBarometer,whichisbased onin-depthresearchwithhighlevelsofreliabilityand validity,organizationscangetaclearroadmapofexactly whatneedstobedoneandhowtodoit.Marisaisvery proudoftheresearchanditsimpactworldwide.
Marisaadvisesbuddingentrepreneursventuringintothe PeopleDevelopmentindustrytohavealotofpatience.She says, "One of my biggest surprises is that I thought my product was so good that I would have queues of customers. And obviously, it didn't.”
"A lot of work, patience, flexibility, openness. And above all, to take into account that the emotional cost of being an entrepreneur is high because of the ups and downs that one is a victim of in just one day," concludesMarisa.
Natasha E. Feghali
There’snodoubtinhowwomenhavemadethe remarkableprogressinheadingthecompaniesin everysector Withtheirexemplaryleadershipskills, theyhavebroughtadrastictransformationinthebusiness worldatregional,national,andgloballevels.
Whenitcomestoeducationsector,womenhaveexcelled phenomenallyindeliveringqualityeducationtoeveryone. Onesuchwomenwhoissignificantlycontributingtothe upliftmentoftheeducationecosystemisNatashaE. Feghali.Shebelieveseducationisamoldableindustryand associetyevolvesandtakesonanewshapepost-covidina neweraofthe21stcentury,educationsectorwillchange andgrowtosuittheneedsofthelearnersglobally.
NatashaisanawardwinningCanadianforherphilanthropy incommunityandstrongdedicationtoeducation.Sheisthe recipientofthe40Under40UnitedWay/Leadership Windsor-EssexAward2018aswellasnumerousawards andrecognitions;mostnotablytheSovereignCanadian Medalin2015forherdedicationtoeducationandthe futureofentrepreneurshipandyouth.
Natashaisaninternationaleducatorworkingoverseas throughouthercareerwhilegivingworkshops,seminars andconferencesNationallyandInternationally.Shehas taughtinChina,France,KuwaitandOntariofor10yrs.She isInternationalLanguageSpecialistEducator.
Natashaisalsoadistinguishedmediapersonalityactingas MCinhercommunityevents,hostingeventsintheGCCas wellasajournalistsince2012andhaswrittenfor magazinessuchasBazaarKuwaitandCityPagesMiddle East.MostrecentlyshehasreceivedtheOdysseyAward fromtheUniversityofWindsorandhasbeenpublishedina bookonWomenandLeadershipinOntariowiththe ElementaryTeachersFederation.Natashaisa2xgraduate fromtheUniversityofWindsorwithextensiveexpertisein SecondLanguageEducation.Shehasworkedin3 continentsmasteringtheireducationallawsandsystems. Shehastravelledacrosstheworldgivingpresentationsand workingwitheducationalpersonalforsuccessofstudents.
StrivingtoMakeRemoteLearningEquitableforAll Accesstoonlinelearningbecomesmoreimportant especiallyinthetimeslikepandemic.Pivotingtoonline learninghasreallybeenanewundertakingforNatashaand shehasfoundthatthestudentshavereallyembracedthe change.Shestatesthatasasociety,onlinelearningcan offeraplatformforstudentsallovertheworldwhomaynot haveequityineducationaccesstoaclassroom.Theone thingthatNatashawouldliketochangeistheaccesstoa stableinternetconnectiontoensureremotelearningis equitableforall.
In2014,Natashahadmetamentorwhilevolunteeringwho wasalreadyintheRealEstatearena.Headvisedherthat shewouldneedtomakemoremoney,growherpassive incomeandcreategenerationalimpactforherselfandher family Thenextmonthshepurchasedherfirstpropertyand 6yearslater,sheandfamilyaredoingwell!
Today,besidesbeingaproudeducator,Natashaisalsothe FounderofFeghaliGroupInc(FGI).FGIisan independentlyownedandoperatedrentalhomes,rentalof storageunitsandventurepartnership.Ithasastrong portfolioofhomesintheWindsor-EssexCountyRegion andworkswithlocalandinternationalinvestorsaswell.
AtFGI,Natashaisplanningoninternationalandlending venturesasthehousingmarketwillsofteninthefewyears.
The 10 Most Inspiring Businesswomen Making a Difference, 2021Thecompanyhasdecidedtochangeitsmodelandmakeit workforthemasinvestorstocontinuetocashflowdespite themarketfluctuations.FGIpridesitselfongivingthebest qualitycareandexpertisewhenitcomestorentalhomesas wellasthecommunityatlarge.
SofarFGIhasbeenholdingthroughthetideandhas movedforwarddespiteafewsetbacks.Thecompanyhas beendigitalforalongtime,andithasnotbeenhardfor themtopivotasitwasalreadypreparedforashifttoafully digitalmodel.
Natashaisalreadytakingthebusinessinanewdirection andassetclass.Thecompanyisslowlymovingintothe InternationalArenaaswellasMortgagelending.Through this,itwilldiversifytheportfolioevenmoreandopennew doorsofopportunity
Natashastatesthatthebestwaytodealwithtoday’sand tomorrow’schallengesislearningtopivotandchangeas thetimeschange.Sheadds, “Not every lesson will be perfect and not every child will learn the same way.”
Natashaadvisesindustryleadersaspiringtoventureinthe educationindustrytogoforit.Sheishavingagreatcareer andshecouldnotbehappier!Shestatesthatthosewho enjoyavivaciouscareerwithalotofchangeandareselfmotivated;thenshewouldcouncilthemtotaketheleap forwardinanydirection.
FGI prides itself on giving the best quality care and expertise when it comes to rental homes as well as the community at large.
Youthsoftodayarethefutureoftomorrow.Itisof utmostimportancetoinculcategoodvaluesinthe youthsoftodaytocreateresponsiblecitizensor leadersoftomorrow.Educationthatimbibesgoodvaluesin studentsandpreparesthemwithsufficienttalents,skills, abilitiesandresourcefulnesstofacethechallengesofthe futureismostessentialinthelivesofyouthtoday.Itis absolutelynecessarytohavequalifiedandcaringteachers thateducateyouthsoftodayintherightdirection.Mrs. PhoebeA.Wasfyisonesucheducationalleaderwhoasa PrincipalofPhilopateerChristianCollege(PCC)is workingwithherteamofqualifiedteacherstoeducateand empoweryoungpeople,transformingthemintoindividuals inwhomspiritual,academic,andphysicalattributes complementeachother
PCCcaresforitsstudentsspiritually,academically, physicallyandmentorsthemtoservetheirfamilies,andthe community.Cherishingfamilyrelationships,friends,and respecttowardsadultsandeachother,arepartofitsschool values.AtPhilopateerChristianCollege,theypreparetheir studentstobecomewell-roundedleadersoftomorrow
PhilopateerChristianCollegeisaPre-Ktograde12school thatbeganinMississaugabytheEgyptianCoptic Communityin1999witharound40studentsinabasement oftheCanadianCopticCentre.Phoebebeganherjourneyin theschoolin2005asagrade3teacher,followedbya positionasamiddleschoolteacherandin2008,shewas partoftheteamthatbeganthehighschooldivisionwith threegrade9students.Stepbystep,PCCmovedintoits currentlocationinitstenthanniversarywith280students. Atthattime,Phoebewaschosenbytheprincipaltobethe headteacherandleadingagroupofteacherswhotookon differentleadershiprolesintheschool.
Througheverystepoftheway,learningwasabigpartof herjourney.Shefirmlybelievesthatinorderforoneto trulysucceedandexcelinwhattheyaretaskedwith,one mustbeempoweredthrougheducation.
Fromhavingadditionalqualificationcoursesinthe pedagogyofallagegroupstoaspecialistinliteracyand history,totwo-partprincipalqualificationcourses,toa Master’sdegreeinEducationandmostrecentlya CertificateofHigherEducationfromHarvard;allthese stepsledPhoebefromteachertoheadteachertoAssistant AdministratortoAssistantViceprincipaltoVicePrincipal andfinallyin2014whenshetookontheroleof PrincipalshipofPhilopateerChristianCollege.
Manythingsplayaroleinshapingandimpactingone’slife. ForPhoebe,therewerekeypeoplewhoimpactedherand continuetoimpacther.Herdecisionofgettingintoteaching wasinspiredbyhergrandmotherwhowasagreateducator inthe60’sand70’sinEgypt.Hergrandmother’sstudents, whoarenowgrandparentsthemselves,haveneverforgotten thegreatladywhotouchedtheirlivesasateacher.
Phoebe’sleadership,manysay,isinheritedfromherfather, whoisoneoftheseniorpriestsoftheCoptic(Egyptian) OrthodoxChurchinNorthAmerica.Thethirdpersonwho hasrecentlyinfluencedPhoebeistheEgyptianMinisterof EmigrationandExpatiates,MinisterNabilaMakram.She hashadthehonourofbeingpartofnumerousinitiatives withherexcellencyandlearnedhowtoleadandreachher goalswithherteam.
Whilethewholeworldshutdownduetothepandemic, Phoebeandherteamwereseizingtheopportunitytocreate acompletevirtualhighschoolprogramandrecruiting studentsfromallovertheworld.Asaneducationalleader, shequicklyrealizedthattherearepartsofeducationthat havechangedandchangedforever.Studentshavesat behindacomputerscreenforawholeyearandthis,Phoebe believes,impactedtheirattentionspanaswellassocial interaction.PCChasmovedawayfrompaperandpen examsandhasinvestedinvirtualproctoringexamsportals, andthisisnowthenewnorm.
AsstudentscomeinandgooutofPCC,onecommon sentenceissaid: “Teachers here care!” Itsfoundationlies initssuccessfuleducationalmethodsandprioritizing studentsaboveandbeyondanyotherthing.Itbelievesthat
knowingandrespectingthelearningstylesofthestudents whileencouragingandempoweringthemtoreachtheir goalsthroughtheirstrongeducationalfoundationwillhelp themexcel.
PCChasthreekeywordsthatarecentraltothefoundation ofit.Thethreekeysastheyrefertothemare: “Education, Spirituality and Discipline.” Phoebealwaystellthe studentstheycangeteducationfromanyschool,anditall dependsoniftheyliketheteacheroriftheirteacheris strong,butwithoutGodinthecenterofeverythingthatthey do,andwithoutdiscipline,educationhasnoroots.
“Dream Big! Think Big! Believe Big” hasbecomethebest adviceandmottoforPhoebeasaneducationalleader.Over theyears,Phoebehaslearnedthatifonedoesn’tdream, thinkandbelievebig,onewillremainstagnantandwon’t growinorlovewhattheydo.Educationisthefoundation uponwhicheveryotherprofessionisbuilt.Ithasmany challengesbutitisavocationofone’sheart.Forany aspiringleaderineducation,Phoebealsosaysthat educatorsmustrespectthisprestigiousprofessionanduseit toimpacttheworldinapositiveway
Asaschool,PCCisinvolvedinmanycharitableactsboth hereinCanadaandinternationally.Asitiswritteninthe Bible: “In giving we receive.” Thisissomethingthatthe schoolinstillsinitsstudentsandstaffineverychancethey get.Forexample,forChristmas,PCC’sChristmasTreeis notdecoratedwithornaments,insteadschoolusesthistime tooncecollectmittensandscarvesforthehomeless,turkey dinnersforthoseservedbyitslocalfoodbanksoritemsthat ittakesonitsschool’sannualmissiontrips.
Ineveryopportunity,PCCteachesitsstudentsthatthe worldisveryreachablethroughtheactsofkindnessthey do.
Infiveyearsfromnow,PCCasaschoolenvisionstoreach manymorestudentsworldwide,throughbothitsvirtual platformandmaybeevenoffshorecampuses.Itsvisionis alsotopositivelyimpacttheworldonestudentatatime throughtheprofessionstheychooseintheirpostsecondary education.Itsvisioniscontinuingtomakearealdifference intheworldofeducationasawhole.
“Philopateer Christian College cares for its students spiritually, academically, physically and mentor them to serve their families, their community and their country.”
Womenareseentobeconqueringeveryfield, architectureindustrybeingoneofthem.With theirkeensenseofcreativityanddesign,women aretransformingtheindustryandtakingittothenew heights.Amongstthosewomen,RadaDoytcheva,PhD, FAIA,LEEDAPBD+C,thePrincipal/HeadofDesignof RADAArchitects,isservingasaninspirationtomany youngfemalearchitects,notonlywithherworkand tenacitytosucceed,butalsowithherrelentlessadvocacy forgivingopportunitytoothers.
We,at Insights Success,caughtupwithRadatounveilher inspiringjourneyandhercontributiontothefieldof architecturethroughRADAArchitects.
Radastartedthecompany25yearsagoandsheisstillthe enginethatmovesprojects,peopleandideastoexecution. AtRADAArchitectssheleadsindesignforallprojects;in calibratingdailyandstrategicmanagement,infindingnew clientsandpartnersinsuccess,intakingthemessageabout equalityindesignandprocurementtoconferencesand conventionsaswellastogovernmentandcorporate institutions.Withstrongconvictionsandtremendous energy,shedoesn’tonly“preach”butalsoactsonthe issues.Allofthisshedoesinthedifficultbusiness environmentforsmallandmidsizefirms,theenvironment ofthewomen-ownedarchitecturefirms-mostly.Neverhas thisexceptionallybusyandchallengingrealityprevented herfrommentoringaspiringyoungwomenandother professionals-withalife-longimpactontheircareers.
RADAArchitectsprofessionalcredoisforresolving individualclientneedswithcreativityyetwithrationality andwithoutexcess.Designsthatservepeople’sneedsand exposethemtonewexperienceareinthecenterofthe firm’swork. Creatingtransformativeenvironment,new identity,multi-useenhancedfunctions–allofthemgohand inhandwithpromotingsustainability.Incrossingtheline fromarchitecttodeveloper,RADAcreatedthefirstSilver LEEDprojectinChicagoCabriniGreen–settingthe
standardfor revitalizationofaformer“projectsarea”and doingittohigher-“green”sustainablebuildingstandards.
ThechallengeswereenormousasRadastartedthe organizationallbyherself,withnocapital,noclients,still asanewcomertothiscountry,andsoonwithayoungchild onherhands–allbyherself.
Priortostartingherownbusiness,shewasemployedwitha largemaledominatedfirm.Theworksheperformedfor highereducation,hospitalsandinternationalcommercial projectswasexceptionallywellreceivedbyclients. However,themomentshepursuedworkingwiththesame clientsasanewfirm–theywereunsurehowtotreather Themaleownershipofherpreviousemploymentfought unethicallytobringherdown.Themistrustandsuspicionto anew,smallwoman-ownedfirmwasthenorm.Therewas onlyahandfulofwomen-ownedarchitecturefirmsinthe Chicagoareaatthetime.Thiswasastartonlyworkingfor the“fearless”.
Rada is leading the firm with a mission of creatingNow,25yearslater,Radafeelsthatthebiggestchallengeto startandgrowanarchitecturefirmistosecurecommissions andrevenue.Shesays, “One cannot grow a company without getting commissions. You need to grow people and talent – architecture is no sole venture, you need to build the experience, benefits and good salaries to be able to retain people, and all of this starts with having a flow of good sized projects and revenue”.
Radacontinuestoelaboratehowgrowingafirmwasalong andtoughroadofsurvival,inanenvironmentthatprefers largerandestablishedfirms.Sheadds, “It takes exceptional endurance and sacrifice of one’s personal life – in the above circumstances – to keep going so that one can ultimately lead a firm that can sustain people working there, and even better – a firm that can function for the purpose of making other people’s lives better.”
ItisRada’sfather,Dr.KirilDoytchev,anarchitectstill livingandworkingat98,whohasbeenherrolemodel, inspirationandmentor.Inhisowncareerhewasable,in spiteofpoliticalturmoilinEasterEurope,toleadthe professionandsethismarkonthehealthcaredesign throughoutEuropeandAsia.TheAmericanInstituteof ArchitectsrecognizedhisachievementsasanHonorary FellowoftheInstitute–30yearsago.Hehasnotonlybeen Rada’smentorsinceherearlytimeintheprofession,but alsounstoppabletothisverydayinencouraginghertobe fearless,magnanimousandstrong.
Chicago Park District McGuane Park Fieldhouse
Thepandemicwasachallengingsituationforbusinesses. RADAArchitects’waytosurvivethedifficultiesofworking remotelywastosecureconstantcommunicationbetween teammembers,toholdregularmeetingsforstatusaswell asforfuntalk. Thefirmalsoprovidedthenecessary technologyandsoftwaretoalltobeabletoworkfrom home.
Radasaysthatpositiveworkcultureis “the name of the game of today”.Evenwitheverythingelseworkingwell,if itismissingfromtheworkplace–afirmcouldbeheaded fordisaster,losingvaluableworkforce.Thedefinitionofa positiveworkplaceisconstantlychanging–andthebaris constantlybeingraised.
RADAArchitectsisintentonraisinganewgenerationof architects,plantingtheseedofresponsibilityand knowledge.Thefirmiscommittedtocontinuingeducation, individualmentorships,andextensiveinternshipprogram, includingbringinghighschoolstudentsaswell.Thesystem ofawardandencouragementgoesbeyondcompensation. Thefirmhasgivenyearlyforthelast15yearsan architecturalTravelAwardtofirmindividualsandteams, whotravelledaroundtheglobe–toplaceslikeChina, Germany,GreatBritainandmanyother.
ThebiggestimpactthatRadahaspersonallysoughttohave istheempowermentofwomenandminorityarchitectural firms–forequalopportunitiesinprojectprocurement,for womentobeabletothriveinalevelplayingfield. Inthelastyear,Radaputtogetherandledthree “all women architects and consultants” teamsformajorChicagoarea projects,twoofthemsuccessfullyunderwaynow. Inheradvicetoaspiringwomenentrepreneursinthe architectureindustry,Radasays, “Build your body of knowledge and skills, add a good amount of confidence and trust in yourself and in others - and launch them to achieve the unthinkable.”
RadabelievesthattheArchitectureandDesignIndustry,as awhole,needstorestorethefaithinthearchitectasa leader,andthearchitectsneedtobeassertiveandmore responsiblewiththeworktheydo,andthevaluesthey foster.
Inconclusion,RadamentionsthatRADAArchitectswill remainaleadershowinghowwomen-ownedfirmscando asgoodofaworkaslargefirms–redefiningamodelfor theprofession,amodelfromwhichallcanbenefitinthe longrun.
Illinois Medical District
Pedestrian Bridge Concept, Chicago, IL
