The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

at Forefront

Suezann Holmes

ScaleXP

the Bias Rise

Glory

Work Ethics

Editor’s Desk

An Engaging Present to a Dependable Future

Cgrowthandpromisethisyearandshownosignsof slowingdownanytime.Thefactorsleadingto growthareexcellentmarketconditions,favorable consumers,andhardworkingandmotive-drivenemployees. However,themostimportantfactoristhecontributionof leadersbehindthescenestoensureasmoothroadforothers tofollow.Leadersarethetrendsettersoftheorganization; theenvironmenttheysetradiatesthroughlayers.Oneofthe exponentiallygrowingtrendsistheriseofwomenleaders, whoarethereasonbehindthegrowthofmanycompanies, andleadersintheirfields.Thiseditionof “The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022” coversten suchinspiringleaderswhoarepioneersintheirfield.Iwill takeyouthroughsomeofthemainreasonstheyhave successfullyledtheirrespectivecompaniestogreatness.

ompaniesintheeconomyhaveshownimmense

Thenumberonetraitofsuccessfulwomenleadersisbeing alifelonglearner.Leadershipskillsdonotgrowovernight. Thoughsomeideasareenoughtobecomealeader,agood leadermeansbeingalife-longlearner.Nomatterthe educationqualificationonecarries,womenremainforever studentsasfaraslifeexperiencesareconcerned.Aleader mayhavetofacemanysituationsorproblems,andmostof themarenottaughtatcollegesorbusinessschools.Agood leaderdevelopsstrength,leadershipskills,andleadership techniquesbygainingknowledgefromtherightcourses andtrainingprograms.Readingleadershipbooksfor womenandlearningfrommentorsarequalitiesseenin greatwomenleaders.

Beingagoodleadermeansbeingfairandreliablein makingjudgmentsthathelpcreateahealthyworking environmentandworkrelationships.Beingaleadercomes withtheresponsibilityofallemployeesinanorganization, theirideas,conflicts,andtimelyresolution.Eliminatinga

systemwithuniformrulesforallwhichare restrictivehelpinpositivelyinfluencingthepeoplein theorganization.Womenleadersarefriendlywith subordinateswhichautomaticallyinstillsdiscipline intheteam.Resolvingandnegotiatingconflict requiresemotionalintelligence,aquality synonymouswithwomenleaders.Theycanbalance emotionalneedswithpracticalthinkingtoachievea resultbetterforall.Womenleadersmaintaina rapportwithallteammembers,whichhelpsthemsee theunderliningqualitieseachonepossessesanduse themtoachieveagreatperformance.

Mostofthewomenweaskedpossessedacommon ambitionofmentoringyoungwomentobecome capableleaders.Womeninleadershiprolesarethe bestplacetomentoryoungwomenjuststartingtheir careers.Guidedbytheirownexperiences,bothgood andbad,womenadvisetheirjuniorstotacklethe uniquechallengestheywillface.Creatingstrong networkshelpsestablishedleaderssolvewomen's grievanceswhofaceproblemsinanyfield.Bydoing allthingscorrectly,womenaregroomingthenext generationofstandoutleaderswhowilltaketheir placeinthecomingyears.Thiseditionseesthebest womenleaderswithahintofqualitiesthatwecan expectfromfutureleaders.

Enjoyreadingtheamazingprofileswrittenbyourinhouseeditorialteam,whichwillimpartgreat knowledgeandlearning.

Raunak raunak.mhetre@insightssuccess.com

Raunak Mhetre

FeaturedPerson

AngelaEarl

VicePresidentGlobal Marketing

BiancaRangecroft

Founder&CEO

DeirdreMcGettrick

BriefCompanyName

RFPIOInc rfpio.com

Whering whering.co.uk

ufurnish ufurnish.com

KatyBarfield

Founder&CEO

Founder YumeFoodAustralia yumefood.com.au

LeticiaLatino CEO

MayWinfield

GlobalDirectorof Commercial, LegalandDigitalRisks

PaigeArnof-Fenn

Founder&CEO

SabrinaKhan

ChiefFinancialOfficer

SuezannHolmes

NeptunoUSA neptunousa.com

BuroHappold burohappold.com

RFPIObringstogetherteamsandincreaseswinratesthrough in-appcollaboration,advancedcontentgovernance,andmore integrationsthananyone.

Yourwardrobe,digitised.Wheringre-empowerswomenwith thetoolstotakebackcontroloftheirwardrobes.

ufurnish.compartnerswith100+furnitureretailers,bringing over1millionoftheirproductstogetheronto1website.

Yumeworkswithleadingfoodsuppliersandfarmerstosell surplusstock,thatmayotherwisehavebeenwasted,tosmart hospitalityandretailbusinesses–andtheirhappycustomers.

Neptunocreatessignificantvaluebyprovidingcompetitive pricing,excellentquality,innovativesolutions,responsive customerservice,honestintentionsandunparalleled commitmenttohelpitscustomerssucceedintheirgoals.

BuriHappoldvalueshumanwellbeing,curiosity,embrace mutualresponsibilityandgenuinelycareabouttheimpactand legacyofitswork.

Mavens&Moguls mavensandmoguls.com

AptorumGroupLimited aptorumgroup.com

ScaleXP scalexp.com

Mavens&Mogulsworkswithventurecapitalists, entrepreneursandbusinessexecutiveswhoseekexpert marketingadviceandinnovativeideaswithouttheoverheadof afull-timemarketingstaff.

Aptorumbelievesthatbyfacilitatingthedevelopmentof medicalinnovations,particularlyinthosethatabletomeet currentunmetmedicalneedsandsignificantlyimproveclinical andsurgicalexperience.

ScaleXPwasformedtogiveambitiouscompaniesthetoolsto reachtheirpotentialbybringingthepowerofdatatoyour screen,highlightingperformanceagainsttarget.

VanessaMbonu

VicePresident,Digital Marketing& Communications

Founder&CEO NAACP naacp.org

NAACPisthehomeofgrassrootsactivismforcivilrightsand socialjustice.

Empowering high-growth companies with automated insights

Suezann Holmes

FOUNDER & CEO - SCALEXP

Women in Tech Excellence 'Entrepreneur of the Year 2021' Raised $5B as CFO in corporates & Tech Track 100 companies

ScaleXP was formed to give ambitious companies the tools to reach their potential by bringing the power of data to your screen, highlighting performance against targets.

Aprofessionalcareerspread acrosstheglobe, workingprimarilyincorporatefinanceandM&A, alongwithsignificantbusinessturnaroundprojects onbehalfofworldbanks,SuezannHolmesimprintedher markinthebusinessworldwithherexpertise.

Today,sheleadswithavisionofgrowingwithconfidence astheCEOofScaleXP.

Withagrowthmindset,Suezannhasalwaysgraspednew skillstoincreaseherimpactonworkinmultipleroles. Amidherprofessionaljourney,shetookabreaktopursue anMBAinfinanceatWhartonBusinessSchool, combinedwiththeSpanishstreamoftheirLauderprogram.

Herversatileapproachtobusinessallowedhertobethe CFOofvariouscorporationsworkinginLondonbefore turningattentiontohigh-growthSMEbusinesses.

Suezann'stransitiontoasmallerbutmoreaggressively expandingbusinessesledtotheformationofScaleXP.

"I expected information in a click; my highest growth customers this year compared to last year and then in a few more clicks an analysis of common characteristics (sector, size, location, the title of our contact). Ultimately allowing identification of similar companies to target as new customers, so as the CFO I could make a meaningful impact on growth."

COVER STORY

10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

Empowering high growth businesses with automated insights

"This data is shockingly difficult to access and understand, but with my professional and tech experience, I knew that the problem could be solved," explainsSuezann.

Becomingagame-changer

AstheCFOacrosscorporatesandhighestgrowth companiesintheUK,Suezannlearnedfirst-handabout thechallengesofsustaininga200%+CAGR.More importantly,shelearnedhownoncorporatesaretypically limitedbythelackofaffordablesoftwaresolutionsfor unravelingandlearningfromtheirdata.

Suezannexpressesthatdiligentandhardworkingcompanies wrestlewithmanuallyconstructingcomplicated,error pronespreadsheetstograspthebasics.

Each'informationcycle'takesdays.

TheinsightsgeneratedbybenchmarksandextensiveKPI optionsshouldbeinstantlyaccessibleandalwaysatthe fingertipsofCFOs,CEOs,andthewiderexecutiveteam.

Suezannmentions, "Combining my technical and finance experience, we have brought the power of software to bear; specifically, we have harnessed the accessibility and cost benefits of 'Software as a Service" (SaaS).

As a result, ScaleXP is becoming a gamechanger in the B2B software space. Making automation and streamlining the reporting process affordable allows finance professionals to deliver insights with customer-centric advice.

I would like to think that this groundbreaking approach is what led to my receiving runner up in the UK Female Entrepreneur of the Year awards."

Growwithconfidence

ScaleXP'smissionistohelphighgrowthcompaniesuse thepoweroftheirdatatomakethebestdecisionsfor business.Largecorporationshaveinvestedinmultimillion-dollarsystemsandbusinessunitstosolelyfocuson crunchingtheirdata.

ScaleXPmakesthiscapabilityaffordableandoperablefor onefinanceprofessional-democratisingtheopportunityto gainbusinessadvantagefromdata.

Thecloud-reportingsoftwareintegratesfinancial, salesandmarketingdataintoonedashboardto facilitatedata-drivendecisionsandfuelgrowth.It aimstohelpyouconfidentlymakewell-informed decisionsasafounder,startup,orinvestor.

Byusingitsinteractivedashboardsandinsights,growth trajectoriesandpotentialimpedimentscanbesharedacross yourteams,theboardoreveninvestors.

A moment of insight and inspiration may start the journey, but building companies capable of realising a vision requires actical insights.

Thesoftwareincludesover100automatedKPIstailored toyourbusinesstypeandindustry–noneedformanual calculationsandformulasonyourspreadsheets!

Days,evenweeks,aresaved.ScaleXP'svisionistobea must-havetool-setwithintheglobalhighgrowthbusiness community,openingupthepowerofinternaldataand puttingitatthefingertipsofallambitiousbusiness leaders.

Suezannshares, "We are a business formed and forged against a backdrop of disruption and confusion. Our culture is one of persistence and dedication in exposing information that leads to self-understanding and awareness; both for ourselves asmembers of the ScaleXP team, ScaleXP as a company, and for our clients and users."

DeepTech

ScaleXPisadeeptechplatform,integratingdatafrom accountingandsalessystemstoautomatedashboardsand reports.Theplatformprovidesacomprehensivebusiness

picturebyintegratingdatafromaccountingsystems (Quickbooks,Xero,Sage)andsalessystems(HubSpot, Salesforce).

ItsCEOandCFOdashboardshighlightsissues.Impressive andcomprehensivepresentationsnolongertakehoursto prepare.Thegraphsandfinancialsarepreparedforyou Youaddthecommentary,savingliterallyhoursoftedious admin.

Allofwhichisachievedonitsservers,thendeliveredtothe userviatheCloud,i.e.asaSaaSsolution.

Dataanalyticsshift

ScaleXP'sfundamentalmissionistodemocratisewhathas beentheexpensivepreserveoflargercorporations.Systems Integratorshavebeeninstallingandoperatinganalytical systemssittingoncomplexandconvoluteddata warehouses,datamartsanddatalakesfordecades.

Suezannstatesthatearlystage,highgrowthbusinesses don'tneedtowaituntiltheycanaffordadataanalytics departmentoperatedby50+peopleoperatingtheselegacy

ScaleXP's automated revenue repots

STORY

10

Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

Empowering high growth businesses with automated insights

Assuming you have a great idea and team that have created a product. I have to say (with a little tongue in cheek bias) that when it comes to raising money, you really need your business's metrics on hand and presented coherently, in short, you need ScaleXP.

ScaleXP's Dashboard for CFO's

ScaleXP's built-in fundraising pack

systems;theycanbypassallthisandstartnowthankstothe progressoftechnology

Sheshares, "A major change which is set to deliver huge benefits in the 'data-driven industry' is AI-powered business analytics or intelligence. ScaleXP already partners AI leaders in academia where we collaborate in very practical research.”

Aboveandbeyond

ScaleXP'simmediatefocusistocontinuetodeliveran awesomeproductandagrowingarmyofhighgrowth companiesacrosstheWorld.Itwillcontinuetoexplore, research,anddeployenhancementsandbestpracticesthat furtherde-riskitsclients'ambitions,butitalsolearnsfrom itscommunityofusersastheyuncovernewsituations

"In the longer run, I very much would like to see our client community becoming a point of value in itself; like-minded professionals open to a mutual understanding of how their relevant sectors are performing, where the opportunities and threats lie," clarifiesSuezann.

Guidingthenextgeneration

Suezannunderstandsthatajourneyofanentrepreneuris intenselypersonalandhasitsuniquefactors.Shesays, "Armed with a great idea, you should assess what areas you most need help with; make a thorough, honest appraisal of what skills you don't have. Then go out and find your partners who complete the skill set requirement. But be aware that this is very, very hard; personalities, ability, and dependability are difficult to measure. In many ways, this is your greatest challenge.

Many VCs will tell you that they would rather back a great team with an okay idea than a weak team that has invented the next wheel."

"As an aside, in February 2022, ScaleXP hosted an event for entrepreneurs 'Funding in 2022: What the experts are saying'.

In the event, we had a panel of industry experts based in London give their input to the key areas like invoice factoring, venture capital, and how to reach out to investors," Suezannconcludes.

Stat automating your insights with ScaleXP by booking a demoà

Angela Earl Vice President Global Marketing RFPIO

The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

Angela Earl

Delivering Accessible Marketing Solutions

Wamultitudeofotherways,effectivemarketing heavilyinfluencesourpurchasedecisions.

ordofmouth,brandloyalty,advertising,andin

areasofherlifeandherworkatRFPIOisnoexception. “Findacompanywithvaluesandyoubelievein,”she advises,“andtheworkwon'tfeellikeworkmostofthe time.

Rememberthatjinglethatyoucouldn’tgetoutofyour head?Orthefunnycommercialyoucouldn’tforget.Andof coursethere’sthatonetimeyourbestfriendkeptraving aboutthatnewsomethingandyouhadtohaveit.

Memorablemomentsmayseemlikemagic,butit’sjust goodmarketing—andunquestionablythemostefficient wayfororganizationstosucceedingettingtheirproductsor servicesintothehandsoftheirbuyers.Andwhilejingles andbillboardsworkaswelltodayastheydidintheMad

Meneraofadvertising,digitalchannelshaveopenedupa nearlyunlimitednumberofwaysmarketerscancapture attentionanddrivesales.

Withexperiencespanningmanyfacetsofbusiness,Angela Earl,VicePresidentofGlobalMarketingatRFPIOhas seenhershareofchallengesandinnovativesolutions.She creditshersuccesstotherelationshipsandamazingpeople shehasmetthroughouthercareerandtothelessonsshe learnedinsomeofthehardesttimes.

"Fromtacticallessonsintimemanagementtolifeimpactingoneslikeputtingpeoplefirst,myjourneyhas challengedmeandmademeabetterperson.”

TheselifelessonshaveledAngelatowheresheistoday. Weaskedhertosharewhatshe’suptotodayandsome advicefromtheseexperiences.

AligningValues

Angelaembracesamantraofempoweringothersinall

RFPIO’smissiontocreatesoftwareuserslovedandtheir goaltoempowerorganizationstounlocktheirpotentialfits rightinlinewithAngela’sfocus.“RFPIOisreinventing howcustomer-facingteamscreatecontent,respondto opportunities,andmeetprospects'needstodrivetrue results,”saysAngela.Thecompanyistheleadingprovider ofresponsemanagementsoftware,andistrustedby successfulandgrowingorganizationsofallsizesto streamlinetheirresponseprocesses.Oneclient, Microsoftreportedsavinganestimated$2.4millionand creditsRFPIOforthesuccess.

RFPIOisalsostrivingtobeoneofthebestplacestowork. Angelaisoneof10leadersatRFPIOwhofocuson prioritizingwork-lifebalance,promotingdiversityand inclusiveness,andinstillingatruesenseofownershipand belongingforallemployees."Webelievethatautomation needsahumantouchandthatteams,includingourown, canunlocktheirfullpotentialwhentheyareempoweredto investtimeinimpactfulandmeaningfulways,”shared Angela.

SoftwarePeopleLove

Technologyhelpsbusinessesworldwidedomore,work smarter,andachievebetterresults.RFPIObelievesthat insteadofspendingtimelookingforinformationand trackingdowncolleagues,organizationsshould democratizetheirknowledge,resultinginfasterresponse timesandimprovedcustomer(andemployee)experiences.

AngelahasworkedinB2Bsoftwaresince2007and believesRFPIOisashiningexampleoftechnologydone right.“Ourcustomersloveus,andnotjustbecausewehave anawesometeam,butbecausethesoftwareiseasytouse andmakesachievingtheirgoalssignificantlyeasier.”

RFPIOhasconsistentlybeenrated#1bycustomerson G2.comandwasrecentlyrankedthefastestgrowing companyinOregononInc.Magazine’sInc5000.The companyproudlytookhome8Comparablyawardsin2020 includingBestCompanyforDiversity2020,BestCompany Work-LifeBalance,BestCompanyPerks&Benefits,Best CompanyHappiness,BestProfessionalDevelopment 2020,BestLeadershipTeams2020,BestCEOsforWomen 2020andBestCEOsforDiversity2020.

PrioritizeExperience

Technologystacksaregettingmorecomplicated,anddatais becomingmoreandmoresiloed;sincestartinghercareerin marketing,Angelahasfocusedonleveragingandaligning technologytoimproveoutcomes.Shebelievesthat alignmenttobusinessprocessesandgoalsiscriticalandis excitedabouttheroadmapandRFPIO'sabilitytocontinue tomeettheneedsofcustomer-facingteamsinsidegrowing organizations.

Angelahasseenanotableshiftinhowbusinessesare buyingandsellingsoftware.“Tenyearsago,softwarewas shiftingfromlargeproviderswhodid“everything”topoint solutionsfocusedonsolvingspecificproblems.”Angela notes,“Todayweseethependulumswingingbacktoward themiddle.Buyerswanttosimplifytheirtechstacksand arelookingforfunctionalsolutionsthatcansolvemore thanoneproblem,andmoreimportantlyintegrateeasily withothersolutions.”

RFPIOisarelativelyyoungorganizationdespiteitssize andgrowth.Foundedin2015,thecompanyhassustained incrediblegrowtheveryyeareventhroughtheeconomic uncertaintythatstartedin2020.Fromitshumble beginnings,thefocusamidstthisgrowthwasalwayson buildingacultureandcompanythatpeoplewouldwantto beapartof.Lookingahead,Angelaandtheotherleaders arefocusedonsupportingthegrowingteamwhile protectingandprioritizingcustomerandemployee satisfaction.

WordstoLiveby Angelarecallsadviceshereceivedfromamentoryearsago, "Youcan'tgivewhatyoudon'thave,"andencourages otherstoprioritizeself-care,especiallythoseinleadership roles.Time,energy,confidence,andpeaceallfallunderthis mantra,accordingtoAngela,”Takecareofyourself,and you'llbebetterabletotakecareofyourteam.”

DeirdreMcGettrick Offering Wide Range of Furnishings

hilearchitectureprovidestheframeworkfor

Wspace,settingupvibeandmoodrequires suitablefurnishingsandinteriors.Awelldesignedroomspeaksvolumesabouttheatmosphereone wantstoconvey Toprovidecustomerswiththeperfect furnishingproductsthattheyseek,DeirdreMcGettrick, founded ufurnish.com,whichhasamissiontochangethe wayweallshopforfurnitureandfurnishings.

AstheCEO,Deirdreprovidesaplatformthatenables consumerstoeasilysearch,discover,compare,andshop furnitureproductsononewebsiteacrosstheentireretail market.Inourendeavortofind “The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022,” wecameacross Deirdre.Wetalkedwithhertounderstandhowsheelevates differentaspectsofherbusiness.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatthecompany.What challengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreachwhereyou aretoday?

Asachild,Ilovedallthingsinteriors,visitingfurniture shops,andlookingatimagesfromthepropertysectionof thenewspaper.Afteracareerinbankingspanningadecade, Iboughtmyfirsthomeandwassuperexcitedaboutthe prospectoffurnishingitwithallmysavedinspiration designs.Alas,theexcitementturnedtofrustrationasIwas

unabletofindtheperfectproductsformyvision.Thisledto thebusinessideathathasbecomeufurnish.com.Iwas solvingaconsumerproblem,andthatconsumerwasme. Leavingmycareerinbankingmeantwalkingawayfroma well-remuneratedroleandtakingtheriskofstartinga company,somethingIhadnoexperiencewith.Ihadto overcomeallmydoubtsandreallybelieveinthesolutionI wasbringingforconsumers.ThekeyIrealizedtostarting andgrowingabusinessisthatyouneedhelp.Youwill neverbethebestateveryskillset,sogetpeopleonboard whocancomplementyourskills.Togetherwearestronger.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutthecompanyandits missionandvision.

Iamthefounderofufurnish.com,anonlinesearch,and discoverywebsiteforhomefurnitureandfurnishings.At ufurnish.com,webring150+furnitureretailersontoone websitetomakefindingtheperfectitemoffurnitureeasy fortheconsumers,akintohowAutotraderaggregatescars, Skyscanneraggregatesairlines,andRightmoveforreal estatesearchintheUK.Atufurnish.com,yourdreamhome isourmission.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe industrythroughyourexpertiseinthemarket. Istartedthebusinessfromtheperspectiveofaconsumer whowantedtorecreateahomedesignbasedonallthe homeinspirationIhadcollectedovertheyears.Bybeing theperson,youareactuallysolvingtheproblemfor;it

The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

helpstokeepclearinyourmindthesolutionthatisrequired whileputtingasideotherinfluencingfactorssuchas shareholders,retailersandallotherstakeholders.The consumerisalwayskeptatthecoreofmydecision-making process.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization. Wehavefivecorevaluesatufurnish.com,Honesty, Integrity,Fairness,Simplicity,andSustainability.We describeourselvesasakintoasportsteam;wearehighperformingwithadesiretodeliverresults.Weworkhardto createthechangerequiredinthefurnitureindustry Todo this,however,weneedtobeopen,transparent,andhonest inouropinionsandfeedback.Weencouragepeopleto speakup,sharetheirviews,butonceadecisionismade

basedonthefactsavailableatthetime,everyonelinesup behindthatdecisionfortheoverallgoodoftheteam.We keepsimplicityandfairnessatourcoreandoperateinthe mostsustainablewaypossible,bothfor1)theenvironment and2)maintainingsustainablerelationshipswithallour stakeholdersfromteammembers,retailers,consumers,and shareholders.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Forufurnish.com,whatiscriticalisdevelopingautonomous systemsthatservemanypurposeswithinourbusiness, whetheritbedataprocessing,integratingdisparatesystems, ortheuseofmachinelearningtoolstoimprovethe ufurnish.com allows you to search furniture and home furnishing ranges from 150+ retailers all on one website.

accuracyandqualityofdata.Thesearethethingswe constantlyimplement,analyze,andrefinetodayandwill continuetodosointothefuture.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring totheindustry?

Iamtheultimatechampionoftheconsumer,andifthe industrycanchangetomakeimprovementsforthe consumer,thatisalwaysastepintherightdirection.Iam passionateaboutincreasingtheamountofchoiceavailable toconsumerstohelpthemmakebetter-informedbuying decisions.Bybringingtogetherallretailers,regardlessof size,thestrengthofthebrand,marketingbudgets,ora numberofproducts,Ibelieveufurnish.comiscreatingthat change.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theindustry?Howisyourcompanypreparingtobea partofthatchange?

Thesupplychainwillbethebiggestchallengeoverthe comingdecade,withtheimpactoflimitedresources, expensiveshippingrates,andever-changingtradingrules (suchasBrexitintheUK),meaningthatthesupplychain willbeinterrupted.Asufurnish.comisonestepdetached fromthesupply,weseektohelptheconsumerfindtheir perfectfurnitureitemsbyshowingthemwhatisactually availableinthemarket.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforthecompany? Thevisionofufurnish.comistobetheworld’slargest searchanddiscoveryplatformforhomefurnitureand furnishings.Thatismycorefocusforthefuture,asittakes yearstobuildatrulysuccessfulcompany.Forexample, Airbnbisover13yearsold,havingbeenfoundedin2008.I envisagemyselfleadingthecompanythroughthestartup phaseintogrowthandenteringmaturityasaglobally recognizedbrand.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingwomen entrepreneurswhoaspiretoventureintotheindustry?

Networkandlearnfromotherswhohaveachievedsimilar thingstoyourgoal.Youcan’tandwon’tavoidevery mistake,butsomethingyoucanlearnfromothers’journeys tohelpyouachieveyourgoaleasier.

The Need for Compassionate Leadership During a Global Pandemic

-ByEileenWillet Co-founder CucumberClothing

woyearsago,whenNancyandIdecidedtodipour

Ttoesintotheworldofstart-ups,wehadabsolutely noideawhereitwouldtakeus.Wewereboth mumsinmid-life.Betweenus,wehadtwodogs,six children,astrongfriendshipandwhatwethoughtwasa damngoodidea.AtthetimeNancywasinvolvedinthe charitablesector(formerlyatSaatchiandSaatchi),andI wasrunningmyownsuccessfulaccessorybrand(having helpedstartupNicoleFarhiMenswear).Hindsightisa greatthing,atthetime,wethoughtCucumberClothing wouldfitintoourlives.Instead,itsoonbecameanineheadedhydradisguisedasastart-up,swallowingupas muchtime,energyandpassionaswecouldmuster.Wecan honestlysaywe’veenjoyedthechallenges,thehighsand lowsandthewonderfulpeoplewehavemeteverystepof theway

ThenCovidarrived.Whichcompanycansayhonestlythat theywerepreparedforaglobalpandemic?Iwouldventure, absolutelynone.Thepasttwoyearshavebroughtusmore intense,demanding,andtoughhurdlesthanwecouldhave imagined.Theflipsideisthatwehavebeenstretched, stimulatedandforcedtobebothexactingandflexibleallat thesametime.

Whathasthistaughtusaboutleadership?Mainlythat leadership,inparticularcompassionateleadership,becomes evenmoreessentialintimesofdeepstress,both professionalandpersonal,aswellasintimesofconflicting demand.Theabilitytoinviteopinionsandtrulylistento them;theabilitytoretainhighstandards,andyetremain flexible;theabilitytosometimesacceptthatsomething cannotbeachieved.Theabilitytobecompassionate.These arealllessonswehavelearnedandtakentoheartinthese tumultuouspastmonths.

Broadlyspeaking,compassionateleadershipcanbebroken downintofourpillarswiththeconsistencyofapplication andopencommunicationthroughoutbeingkey(all definitionstakenfrommerriam-webster.com):

Listening–tohearsomethingwiththoughtfulintention

Understanding–tohavesympatheticawarenessor tolerance

Empathising–tounderstandandsharethefeelingsof another

Helping-theactoraninstanceofdoingorsupplying somethingtomakeiteasierforanothertocompleteatask, dealwithaproblem,etc.

Regularandopencommunicationallowsthesepillarstobe fullyused.Eachmemberofacompanythenfeelsableto safelyraiseissuesthatmayotherwiseremainburied,only toariseatalaterinpossiblyamuchmoreinconvenient shape,sizeandtime.

Itisnosurprisethatmatterscantakeanegativeturnwhen employeesfeelthatcompassionateleadershipislacking. Whenleadershipisreactive,notproactiveandissuesare dealtwithonlyaftersomethinghasgonewrongacycleof negativityiscreated,particularlywhenissuesareraisedand eventhen,thereisnochange.

Compassionateleadershipensuresagreaterlikelihoodof creatingaproductiveandharmoniousworkplacewhatever theexternalpressures–forexample,aglobalpandemic!maybe.

Properlyusingandintegratingtheabovefourpillarsof compassionateleadershipintoacompany’sfunctioning allowsforacollectivefocusandcorrespondingcollective responsibilityonissuesarisingintheworkplacein achievingandmaintaininggoalsandtargets–ahugewin foranycompany Thisinturn,leadstoaworkplacewhere thecollectivegoodisprioritisedoverindividualneedsand reducesfrictionbetweenbothindividualsandgroups regardlessofstatus,againanenormouspositivewhen, especiallyintimesofincreasedpressures.

WhetheranSMEormicrobusiness,Ibelieve compassionateleadershipiskeytokeepingacompany functioningwellatanytime,andabsolutelycriticalintimes ofhugestress.Investinginandensuringthatthesimple pillarsoflisten,understand,empathiseandhelparein place,canmakethedifferencebetweenthesurvivaland failureofbusinessesinabruisingworldofchange.

Twoyearsinandnobusinesscanhaveanyrealclarity aboutwhat2022willbring.Thebestwaytoprepareisto committoensuringthatyourownbusinessisemotionally robustandpreparedfortheworstwhileverymuchhoping forthebest.Withcompassionateleadershipbakedin,itwill haveeverychance.

Leader’s

Accomplishing Most Worthy Goals with Cheerful Leadership

eadershipis theabilityto inspire peopletopursuethemost importantbusiness objectives.Itistheabilityto bringoutthebestinotherstoget thejobdonemostdiligentlyand creatively.Oneessentialtraitthatcountsto leadbyexampleisbeingcharismatic.

Charismaticleadershipisapotentialleadershipstyleto leadthepeopleintherightdirectionfortheworthiest causes.Itisdrivenbyinspiringtraitslikeexcellent communicationskills,exemplaryattitude,cheerfulness, harmonybetweenwordsandactions,persistence,andan appealingpersonality

Charismaticleadershipischaracterizedbyagreatbalance ofamazingtalentaswellasbrillianttemperament. Charismaticleadershavehappinessintheirsmiles,gravity intheirvoice,graceintheirwalk,andcommandovertheir words.Theyhavetheknackofpushingotherstogreat heights.Theybecomegoodmentorsandgoodguides.

Intheworldoftemptationsanddistractions,everyone needsacharismaticleadertohelpthemstayawayfrom unnecessarytemptationsanddistractions.Charismatic leaderskeeppeoplefocusedonachievingtheirgoals.They

Visionary Leadership

delivergreatresultsbytheirremarkableabilitytohold peopletogetherforaccomplishingthemostcherishedgoals oftheorganizationtheyareleading.

Leadershipisnotjustaboutphilosophybutaboutprovingit practically.Commonpeoplefollowwhatgreatleadersdo. Thestandardssetbygreatleadersbecomethenormforthe commonpeople.Charismaticleadersleadbybeing genuinelyexemplary.Theylivetheessenceandpreachit. Theysaywhattheymean,andtheymeanwhattheysay. Theirbrilliantpersonalityandbrillianttraitshelpthemto bringoutthebestinothersforgreatcauses.

Charismaticleadersarenotrigid.Theyarehighlyflexible. Theyignoreoroverlooktheminoroffensesormistakesby theiremployeesorteammates.Theyinspiretheiremployees tomakemistakesaslearningexperiences.Theydon’tforce theiropinionsonothers.Theyrespecttheindividual’swill andtheircreativity Thishelpstheminnurturingthe creativespiritintheorganization.Theysharpentheir personalandprofessionalattributestobethemosteffective businessleader.Coolness,commonsense,communication practice,charmandcheer,confidence,honesty,and humilityarethemostessentialtraitsofcharismaticleaders.

LMoreover,theyareverycheerfulintheirapproach.They alwaysthinkofwin-winsolutions.Theyrespondto situationswithcoolnessandcommonsense.Theyarevery goodcommunicatorsbecauseoftheirgreatcommunication practice.Charmandcheeristhemostattractivetraitof charismaticleaders.Theyknowthathalfthejobisdoneif theysucceedinmakingthemselvesandtheiremployees happyandcheerful.Theybelievethatcareofanotherhalf jobwillbetakenbyhardworkandtheirabilitytodivorce themselvesfromnegativityandstayjoyful,andmaintain thesamejoyfulatmosphereintheirteammembers.

Confidence,honesty,andhumilityareintheirgenes.They understandthatconfidenceisfundamentaltosuccessinany field.Theirhonestandhumbleapproachhelpsthemtobe groundedtopursuetheirgoalswithgritanddetermination. Theyarehighvibrationalatalltimes.Theydon’ttuneinto negativefrequencies.Theyknowthattheycangetthejob doneiftheysticktotheprocess.Theyenjoytheprocess thanjustcelebratingtheresult.Theyfightwithcompetence, confidence,andcheerfulnessandcelebratesuccesswithout beingcomplacentorcasual.Theykeepthemselvescalmin allsituationsandaimtodelivermorethanneededor expectedfromthem.

Katy Barfield

Shifting Tides as the Food Waste Warrior

Reducingfoodwastecansignificantlylessenstress ontheenvironment,andseveralsignificant initiativescanassistthefoodindustryby implementingbetterprocurement.Severalorganizations andindividualsoperateatdifferentlevelstofindan alternativewaytodealwithsurplusfood.Findingan innovativesolutiontodealwiththefoodwastagecrisis, KatyBarfieldfoundedYumeFoodAustralia,allowing foodmanufacturersandprimaryproducerstoselltheir qualitysurplusproductstocommercialbuyersatadiscount.

AstheCEO,Katyhasdedicatedherlifetothiscause, designingandimplementingaward-winningsolutionstofix themarketimbalancesthatgeneratefoodwasteandloss. HerventureisthefirstAustraliantechplatformthatallows thefoodindustrytosell,donateandbuyclearanceand excessfood.

InsightsSuccesscaughtupwithKatytounderstandhow hereffortshavedisruptedthefoodindustryforgood makingheroneofthemostinspiringwomenleaders.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatYume.What challengesdidyouhavetoovercometoreachwhereyou aretoday?

Thebiggestchallengeyoufaceasastartupfounderis moneyandtimeorlackofit.Youhaveaplan,butmore oftenthannot,whendealingwithinnovation,nothinggoes accordingtothatplan.It'saconstantinteractiveprocessto findthatelusiveproduct-marketfit,andwhenit's technology-based,it'sanexpensiveprocess.I'vefoundit alwaystakesthreetimesthemoneyandfourtimesthetime youthoughtitwould,andyouhavetododgemisterleft fieldonadailybasis!

TellussomethingmoreaboutYumeanditsmissionand vision.

OurmissionatYumeistomakecommercialfoodwastea

thingofthepast.Currently,thecommercialsectorin Australiawastes3.2milliontonsoffoodeveryyear.Thisis happeningbeforefoodevenreachessupermarketshelves, letaloneourhomes.Yume'svisionistoseeallgoodfood gettingtowhereitbelongsbyconnectingclearanceand excessfoodtootherbusinessesinthefoodindustryandto thosewhoneeditmostviafoodrescueorganizations.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe industrythroughyourexpertiseinthemarket?

Yumehasonlybeenabletomakeanimpactonthefood industrybylisteningtotheindustry'sneedsand collaboratingtocreatetechnologythatisactuallyofvalue. Oneofthereasonsfoodwasteoccursisbecauseof inefficientprocessesalongthesupplychain.Bylisteningto Yumeusers,we'vebeenabletofindsolutionstothese problems.Sofar,thishasseenYumetechnologyprevent 3.1millionkilogramsoffoodfromgoingtowaste.

Food waste is an unfortunate reality of supply chains. Yume is here to do something about it.

The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

Katy Barfield Founder & CEO Yume Food Australia

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

TheYumeteamisapassionategroupoffoodwastefighters whoaredrivenbythepoweroftechnologyincreatinga moresustainablefuture.Wevalueintegrity,grit,boldness, adaptability,curiosity,andlivelyfoodiediscussion!

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

InnovativetechnologyiswhowearehereatYume.The Yumeplatformisanever-changingsolutiontotheissueswe uncoverinfoodmanufacturingthatarecausingfoodtobe wasted.Ourmostrecentadvancementwithintheplatform wasbuildingtechnologythatstreamlineshowfood manufacturersdonateexcessfoodtofoodrescue organizations.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring totheindustry?

Ultimately,webelieveinthecreationofacircular economy,wherenothingproducediswasted.Yumehas alreadystartedtofacilitaterepurposingprojects,for example,thecreationofabeerbrewedwithupcycledcereal byproducts.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theindustry?Howisyourcompanypreparingtobea partofthatchange?

Thebigchangehappeningrightnowinthefoodand beverageindustryisthatcompaniesarewakinguptotheir foodwasteproblems.Writingoffstockhasbeenan ingrainedandacceptedprocessforalongtime,andleaders arestoppingandasking,"why?".Theywanttodo somethingaboutit.Yumetechnologyisheretosupportthis shift.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforthecompany?

Eliminatingfoodwasteisoneofthemostactionablelevers inreducingCO2emissions.Ourplanetisatacritical juncture,andweneedtodoeverythingwecantochange howwethinkaboutfood.Yume'sgoalistoshowallfood manufacturersinAustraliahowvaluabletheirfoodisand whyitissoimportantthatitiseatenandnotwasted.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingwomen entrepreneurswhoaspiretoventureintotheindustry?

Themostimportantthingaboutdoingbusinessforgoodis tobesurroundedbypeoplewhogetthevision.Theyneed tohavethepassion,integrity,andresiliencetodisrupt industriesthatdon'treallywanttochange.Youcan'tdoit alone.

Leticia Latino CEO Neptuno USA

The

Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow

Leticia Latino

Driving the Ongoing Transformation in the Telecom Industry

FromworkingforMerrillLynchand Norteltojoiningthefamilybusiness, NeptunoUSA,andbringingitsname, legacy,andknow-howtotheUS,Leticia Latino’s20+yearsofexperienceinthetelecom industryhasbeenenriching.Undertheleadership ofLeticia,Neptunohaspatentedseveral towerdesigns,applied3-Dimensional technologytoSiteSurveysandTower Mapping,createdtelecomassetsvirtual libraries,andhelpeddevelopTelecom AssetManagementSoftwareandistaking anactiveroleintheSmartCitiesmovement.

Inspiredbyhervision,weatInsightsSuccess talkedwithLeticiatolearnmoreabouther journeyandhowsheisleadingby example.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasa businessleaderuntilyourcurrentpositionat thecompany.Whatchallengesyouhadto overcometoreachwhereyouaretoday?

WhenIwasalittlegirl,myfatherused totakemetohisofficeallthetime.I envisionedwhatitwouldbeliketoone dayrunhisTelecomTowerCompany, “ifIcometoworkforyouisonlyto makethecompanythreetimesbigger,”I usedtojoketoticklehisego.Interestingly enough,rightafterIgraduatedfrom BusinessSchool,insteadofgoingto workinthefamilybusiness,IfeltI neededtoforgemyownpathand acceptedapositionatMerrillLynch.I

wantedtopursueacareerinInvestmentsbutitdidn’ttake melongtorealizethatIdidn’tenjoymanagingother people’smoney;somethingaboutitdidn’tfitwithmy personality.IthendecidedtoleaveVenezuelaandcometo FloridatopursueadualdegreeMaster’sprogramatthe UniversityofMiami,whichuponcompletion,landedmea jobofferfromNortelNetworks,whichishowI“officially” gotintoTelecom.IspentseveralyearsatNortelbeforethe companystartedhavingfinancialtroublestriggering massivelay-offsanditsultimatedemise.Itwasaftergoing throughthattraumaticexperiencethatitbecamecleartome thatifIwasevergoingtoworkashardasIdidatNortel,it betterbeforthefamilybusiness,andthat’showexactly20 yearsago,Iacceptedanoldbutalwaysoutstandingjob offerfrommyfather,whichbythewayisthebestmentor andbossonecanhopefor,andjoinedNeptuno.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutthecompanyandits missionandvision.

ThestoryofNeptunoisonethathasalltheingredientsto makeagoodmovie.Italianimmigrantarrivespennilessin SouthAmericaand,throughalotofhardworkand sacrifices,createsacompanythatiscreditedwith engineering,manufacturing,andinstallingtowersformany ofthefirstcellularnetworksintheAmericas.Thefounder’s

We like to tackle old fashion problems with innovative tools.

threekidseachhavetheirownprofessionaljourneybut eventuallyjointheirfathertoprotecthislegacyandlifelongwork.Thecompanyhasamajorsetbackbecauseit’s headquarteredinVenezuela,acountryplaguedwith politicalinstabilityandsocio-economicchallenges, promptingittotransformandpivotinamajorwaytoavoid goingunderasmostVenezuelancompanieshave,sincethe late 1990’s.Withahighmoralcompassthathasintegrityas themainNorth,in2003thecompany’smissionbecame makingimportantinroadsintheUSmarketandbecominga keyplayerinhelpingadvancebridgingthedigitaldivide, andsupportingtelecommunicationsstakeholdersintheplan ofenablingconnectivityforall.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe industrythroughyourexpertiseinthemarket. Havingbeenraisedplayingaroundwirelessconstruction sitesandtelecommunicationstechnicians,IhavewhatIcall an“insidersperspective”onthechallengesthatnotonly constructioncompaniesfacebutalsoourworkforce.My fatherhasalwaysbeensomeonethathastreatedthefield crewslikefamily Wehavetowerclimberswhose grandfathersstartedwithmydadbackinthe1970’s.Iwas raisedwithhumanitytounderstandthatthetelecom workersaretheonesmakingthe‘magic’happen,but unfortunately,theircontributionisoftenoverlooked.The TelecomIndustryissolargethatpeoplemakingdecisions fromtheofficeoftenforgetthatthe“heart”ofthisindustry isinthefield.In2019,IwasappointedbytheFCC ChairmantotheBroadbandDevelopmentAdvisory CommitteeandwasalsoaskedtochairtheJobsandSkills Workinggroup.Theworkwedidwasincredible,andwe producedadetailedreportthatwasunanimouslyapproved, withactionablerecommendationsonwhattheindustry coulddotohelpsolvetheworkforceshortage.Thisisone ofthereasonswhyIamsopassionateaboutdevelopinga highly-skilledworkforceandleveragingapprenticeship programssuchasTIRAPtodoso,becauseIknowfirsthandthedifferencethattrainingandaformalcertificatecan haveinsomeone’slife.Ofcourse,beingawomanwhohas spentovertwodecadesinaverymale-dominatedindustry alsoprovidesmewithrelevantperspectivearoundwhatcan bedonetoensurethatourindustryismorediversifiedand equitablyrepresented.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theindustry?Howisyourcompanypreparingtobea partofthatchange?

Thankstoadvancementsin5Gtechnologyandthehistoric investmentinbroadbandexpansionincludedintherecently signedbipartisaninfrastructurebill,5Gdeploymentswill

contribute$1.7trilliontotheeconomy,create4.6million jobs,andenhanceeverythingfromhowwecommunicateto thewayfarmersraisetheircropsoverthenextdecade,and thiswillbeabigchangeandhugegrowthforourindustry Tohelpcreatethosejobs,NeptunobecameaTelecom IndustryApprenticeshipProgram(TIRAP)Employerin 2020,whichisaDepartmentofLaborProgramwhose nationalSponsoristheWirelessInfrastructureAssociation anditaimsatskillingandtrainingamorediverseand inclusivetelecomworkforcewhilepromotinganincredible ‘earnasyoulearn’apprenticeshipmodel.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforthecompany? IenvisionmyselfcontinuingtogetNeptunoinvolvedin initiativesthatbringimpacttobetteringthewayweconduct businessandcreatepositivechangefortheindustryall together.Someoneoncesaidtomethatwhilemyfatherwas atthecenterofthewirelessrevolution,Iseemedpoisedto beatthecenteroftheSmartCityrevolution,andthatisan excitingthoughttome.Iamalsoverypassionateabout nurturinggenuineconnectionsandthat’swhythreeyears ago,Icreatedapodcastcalled“Back2Basics-Reconnecting totheessenceofYOU”,inwhichtheguestssharetheir storiesabouthowthroughfailuresandsuccessestheyhave stayedconnectedtotheiressenceandtowhatmakesthem tick.Inspiringchangeisultimatelywhatmakesmetick,soI doasmuchasIcantolivewiththealignmentofmyinner andoutergoals.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingwomen entrepreneurswhoaspiretoventureintotheindustry? Inmyopinion,therehasneverbeenmoreexcitingtojoin theTelecomIndustrythanrightnow.Evenifmanytimesit isonlywiththegoalofmakingadiversityquota,Women arefinallybeinggivenopportunitiesthatwereunreachable justafewyearsback.Thereisanewplatformbeing created,andourperspectiveisfindingavoiceinit.Andas mentionedbefore,theinfrastructurebilland5Gdeployment arebringinganinsurmountablenumberofnew opportunities,andallhelpisneededtofulfilvery aggressivedeploymentgoals,soifyouwanttojoinin,this isthetime,andeveryoneiswelcomed!

The Need to Embrace Tech-Transformation Approach

Thereisawideworldouttherefullofopportunities thattestusineverypartofthejourney.Butalong withsuccess,whatfollowsopportunitiesis challenges.So,whatmakesthisjourneytolerablefor companiesandespeciallyforbusinessleaders?Itisthe transformationbroughtbytechnologythathaschangedthe lifeofeveryoneandmadethingseasierforus.The industrieswelcomethistransformation,andeventhe leadersareembracingit.Theimplementationofinnovation andtechnologyintheworkplacehascreatedmany opportunities,duetowhichcompaniesandleaderswere abletobringmuch-neededchangesintheirrespective sectors.Thisshowsthateverythingispossible-onlywith therightintent,knowledge,andtheapproachofalways learning.

CircleofTransformation

Astheysay,ifyoustayinoneplaceforalongtime,you becomethatplace.Thatiswhyyouneedtokeepupdating, innovating,andre-innovatingyourselfcontinuously Today, thedrivetoturninnovativeintheirapproachhasbecomea necessityforleaders.Thisjourneygoesthroughalotof challenges,failures,andultimatelysuccesses.Butitisthe experiencethatmattersthemost.Evolvingaccordingtothe situationsandrisinginallthechallengeswilldefineyou.

Andtoday,thereisadireneedforbusinessesandleadersto leveragetechnologicaladvancementstothriveintheir domains.

Recently,thepandemicemphasizedtheneedtoembrace digitalizationasmanybusinesseshadtogodigital.The bottomlineisbusinessleaderswillalwayshavetobe preparedforsuchunprecedentedtimes,andtechnologyis oneofthefactorsthatwillkeepyouaheadofthecurve.

LeadingStrongly

Aleaderwithdiversetalentisthefirstchoiceformany companies,anditisaboutamatteroftimethatitbecomesa criterionfortoday’sbusinessleader.

Today,manyleadersarefocusedonbuildingtheir successfulbusinesscareersinthetechnologicalfield.The greatnewsisthatwearebuildingagenerationofbusiness leaderswhoarebringingachangetomakethisworlda betterplacetolive.SundarPichai,ElonMusk,JeffBezos, SteveJobs,etc.aresomeprominentnameswhohave broughtadrastictransformationinthebusinessworld.

Conclusion

Therearemanypossibilitiesbroughtbytechnological advancementsthatareyettobeexplored.Finally,wecan concludebysayingthatbycombiningtechnology, innovation,andbusinessacumen,businessleaderswill crosstheirpathswithtransformationstheywanttobringin thisworld.

Paige Arnof-Fenn

Helping Businesses Tell Their Stories in Compelling Ways

MeetPaigeArnof-Fenn,anavidmarketerwho turnedherloveforbuildingbrandsintoa profitablebusinesscalledMavens&Moguls.

Paigedidnotplanonstartingacompany.Shealways wantedtogoworkforaglobalbusinessandbeaFortune 500CEO.Whenshewasastudent,shelookedatleaders likeMegWhitman&UrsulaBurnsasherrolemodels.She startedMavens&Mogulsafterbeginninghercareeron WallStreetinthe80sandhavingasuccessfulcareerin CorporateAmericaatcompanieslikeProcter&Gamble andCoca-Colaandthenworkingat3differentstartupsas theheadofmarketing.All3startupshadpositiveexits.She tooktheleaprightafter9/11whenthecompanysheworked forcuttheirmarketing.Shehadnothingtolose.

Runningaglobalmarketingbusinessprovideshera platformtodoworkshetrulyenjoyswithandforpeople sherespects. "I get to set my priorities, I have time to travel (pre-Covid) and hang out with my inner circle, and I work out every day. It has been a journey to get here, but I am lucky to have found it. I love the autonomy, flexibility, and the fact that I know every day the impact that I have on my business," expressesPaige.

WhenPaigeworkedatbigcompanies,shealwaysfeltthe ballwouldrollwithorwithouther,thatifshegothitbya bus,someonenewwouldbeinherofficerightaway.Now herDNAisineverythingshedoes.Shecantraceevery decisionandsaletosomethingshedidoradecisionshe made,whichisincrediblygratifyingandfulfilling.Like mostentrepreneurs,Paigeisworkingharderandlonger thanever,andshehasneverbeenhappier.Sheasserts, "Working for yourself and building a business you started is incredibly rewarding and gratifying. It has been a lot of fun. I joke that I am an accidental entrepreneur. I knew I had made it as an entrepreneur when Harvard wrote 2 case studies on my business a few years after I started it. We

were very early to pioneer sharing resources on the marketing front (before my company, it was really only done with HR, legal, and accounting/finance).”

Inspiredbyherpassion,weatInsightsSuccessgotinto conversationwithPaigetolearnmoreaboutherjourney andhowsheandMavens&Mogulsaremeetingthe brandingneedsofbusinesses.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

TellussomethingmoreaboutMavens&Mogulsandits missionandvision.

Mycompany'smissionistobringworld-classmarketing talentandexpertisetoorganizationsthatwanttomakea differenceintheworld.Webelieveeveryorganization deservestherightwordsandpicturestotelltheirstoryin compellingways.Ourvisionisthatallcompanies, regardlessofsizeorbudget,shouldhaveaccesstothebest marketingtalentonanoutsourcedbasis.

Mavens & Moguls provides ideas that work to help our client partners build sustainable brands and profitable businesses.

The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

Paige Arnof-Fenn

and CEO Mavens & Moguls

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe Marketingnichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket. Wearestorytellersandcontentcreatorswhohelpour clientsincompellingwaysbyfindingtherightwordsand picturestocreateinterestfortheirproductsandservices.

Creatingcontentisagreatwaytobuildyourbrand, increaseyourvisibilitymorebroadly,raiseyourprofile,and ultimatelyattractmoreattention/clients/customers.Ihave alwayslovedtellingandlisteningtostoriessince childhood.Intheearlydaysofmankind,storieswerea greatwaytocommunicatearoundthecampfire,theyare criticaltotheBible,andtheyarestilleffectivetoday. Peopledonotrememberfactsandfigures,butifyoutell themastorythattouchesthememotionally,yougettheir attention,andtheywanttohearmore.Peopleneedtobe educated,informedand/orentertained,soIlovetofigure outhowbesttotellastoryinawaythatmakespeoplepay attentionandbreaksthroughthenoise.Whenyoushare whatyouknow--yourpassion,yourwarstories,thegood, badandugly--thecontentwillflowandpouroutofyou. Thestorieswillbeinteresting,andthelessonswillbereal; peoplewillrememberyouandcomebackformore.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforMavens&Moguls?

Successfulbusinessespost-pandemicmustbe adaptable/agile,strongcommunicators,andhaveagrowth mindset.Theywillbeinclusiveandcollaborativebecause weneverknowwhenthenextcrisiswillhit,sobeingable toadapttochangeiscritical.Stayingnimbletodayiscore tosurvivalandultimatelysuccess.Wearemeasuring productivitygoingforwardbywhatwegetdone;itisbased onaccomplishments,notactivity.

Mygoalistocontinuetobuildgrowthmindsetteams becausetheyneverstoplearning/experimenting.Theyare focusedonthefutureandseeopportunitiesaheadby creatingacultureoflearning/growth.Ittakeseffortanda commitmenttoexcellenceforpeopletocontinually learn/grow,especiallyinavirtual/remoteenvironment.Ido notthinkthereisonehabittokeepteamssharp/fresh.Iam usingacombinationofreading/learningonlineand off/attendingconferences/talks/networking/newsletters frominfluencers/TEDtalks/podcasts/finding mentors/listeningtoallfeedback,goodandbad.Tostay relevant/keepgrowing,Itrytoencouragetheteamto prioritizeprofessionaldevelopmenttokeepskillsfreshand stayontopofnewtrends/technologies.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingwomen entrepreneurswhoaspiretoventureintotheMarketing sector?

Somuchofsuccessinmarketingisabouteffective communicationsonlineandoffline.Myadviceforsuccess istobeastudentforlife,walkthestreetsandnoticeyour surroundings.Doyouknowwhichmovieswonatthebox office?BooksontheNYTbestsellerlist?TopBillboard andGrammysongs?Oscarwinners?WhywasGameof Thronespopular?Evenifitisnotyourtaste,youneedto knowaboutthesethingsandhaveanopinion.Acareerin marketingandcommunicationsisaboutrelevancy,soevery day,Itrytopayattentiontopopculture,trends,etc.You havetokeepyourantennaup!Youhavetobedriven, focused,intenselycurious,andalwaysbelookingforthe nextwaytomakesomethingbetter,beagoodlistenerto clients,colleagues,feedback,themarkettoshowrespectfor greatideas,andbeagreatcommunicator Withthesetraits andastrongworkethic,youincreasetheoddsof succeeding.

The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

An Epitome of Hardwork, Passion and Perseverance

chievingexcellenceinanyfieldrequiresconsistent

Aefforts,diligence,andpatience.Itisamarkofgreat leadersthattheysticktotheprocessandeventually embarkonthejourneyofsuccess.Theyfightthrough challengeswithhardworkandpersistence.Theyattain expertiseintheirfieldbylearninganddeveloping themselvesandhelpthecompaniestoreachnewheights. OnesuchpersistentleaderisSabrinaKhan

Let’sshedsomelightonherjourneyandhowsheis spearheadingAptorum’sfinancialobjectives.

Sabrinastartedhercareerasanauditor,whereshewas trainedandobtainedherCertifiedPublicAccountant(CPA)

Title.Afterthat,sheworkedforafewcompaniesastheir

accountingprofessionalfocusingondailyfinancial operations,IPO,andM&Aprojectswhichfurtherhelpedin buildinghertechnicalskillsandknowledge.Shethen joinedAptorumGroupLimitedasChiefFinancial Officer(CFO)in2017andhelpedAptorumGroupto successfullygetlistedonNasdaqinDecember2018andas thefirstbiopharmaceuticalcompanytodualliston Euronext.

Throughoutallthesedaysinhercareer,Sabrinafailed countlesstimes,butherpersonalityandattitudehelpedher alotingoingthroughallthesechallenges.Shelikestolearn newthingsandtakeupchallengingtasksassheenjoysthe processandthesatisfactionitbrings.Shebelievesthat challengesarenotbeyondourcontrol,andthereisalwaysa solution.

TacklingUnmetMedicalNeedswithLife-Science Innovations

AptorumGroupisaUK-basedbiopharmaceuticalcompany withafocusonthediscoveryanddevelopmentoftherapeuticassetsforthetreatmentofavarietyofunmetmedical needs,includingorphandiseases,infectiondiseases,and metabolicdiseases.Thegroupfocusesondiseasesthatare currentlylargelyunmetordonothaveeffectivetreatment available.Itbelievesthatpatientsinthesediseaseareas oftensufferfromthelackofchoicesof(effective)drugsand arefacedwithlimitedtherapeuticoptionsavailable.Onthis basis,thecompany’sproductobjectiveissimple–‘tobring effectivedrugstothesepatientsandtacklethesediseases’.

Khan

Chief Financial Officer

Group Limited

AptorumGrouphasastrongpipelineofcandidatesunder developmentwith4coreassetsshowingsignificant progress:

1) The Rapid Pathogen Identification and Detection Diagnostics (“RPIDD”) technology,arapid,accurate,costeffective,anduntargetedmethodtoidentifyanddetect existingoremergingunknownpathogensthroughliquid biopsy.SuchunknownpathogensincludeDNA/RNA-based virusessuchascoronavirus,antibiotic-resistantbacteria, fungi,etc.

2) SACT-1,arepurposeddrugcandidatefortreating neuroblastomadiscoveredthroughitsSmart-ACT®drug discoveryPlatform.

3) ALS-4,asmalldrugmoleculecandidateforthetreatment ofinfectionscausedbyStaphylococcusaureus,including Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcusaureus(MRSA).

4) NLS-2,adietarysupplementforthereliefofmenopausal symptoms.

MakingUseofExpertisetoContributeandSaveLives

Sabrinaexpressesthatmanypeoplefindaccountingtedious, andaccountantsareonlytohelpcompaniesdobookkeeping,preparefinancialreports,andtaxfilings.She asserts, “Companies need an accountant to meet certain regulatory requirements, but no one would ever think accountants can help to build their business or even the society.”

AfterSabrinaleftBig4,sheworkedforafewhealthcare andbiopharmaceuticalcompaniesandstartedbuildingher networkintheindustry.Sherealizedaccountantscanalso makegooduseoftheirknowledgeandnetworktohelp raisingcapitalandconnectingcompaniesforjointventures andothercollaboration.Thiscanhelpprovidescientists withsufficientresourcestocontinuetheirclinicaltrialsand speedupthedrugdevelopmentprocess.Sheishappytobe partoftheteamandmakeuseofherexpertisetocontribute andsavelives.

StrengtheningTeamtoMeetEvolvingNeeds

SabrinastatesthatbecauseofCOVID,manypeopleare nowmorehealth-consciousandhaveputmoreemphasison thestudyofinfectiousdiseases.OneofAptorumGroup’s keydevelopmentfocusesisoninfectiousdiseasewiththe supportoftheteamfromtheUniversityofHongKong, whichisveryfamousintheareaglobally.

AptorumGroupwouldliketofurtherstrengthentheteamas COVIDprovesthatthecurrentpaceofmedicaldevelopmentisfartooslowandcannotmeetthecurrentneeds.

ContributingtoAdvancementinGlobalMedical Development

Talkingabouttheculture,SabrinamentionsthatAptorumis determinedtocontinuedevelopingtherapeutictreatments withanovelapproachintargetingunmetmedicalneedsand contributingtoglobalmedicaldevelopment.Shebelieves thatthereisaneedtothinkquicklyandcopewiththeever changingenvironment.Shealwaysencouragesopen discussionandasksherteammemberstosharetheirviews andsuggestions.Whenencounteringanydifficulties, Sabrinausuallyguidesthemtogettheiranswersthan providingthemaquicksolution.Sheputs, “Getting their answer is the best way to inspire them to think and build

their commitment to the team and what they do. I want them to seriously understand why they are doing it that way and what they are doing instead of blindly taking instruction from above.”

DevelopingDifferentInnovativeApproach

WeaskedSabrinaaboutthechangeshewouldliketobring tothepharmaceuticalindustry,towhichshesays,“I would like to use Aptorum as an example and inspire the industry to work together and develop different innovative and novel approaches in tackling medical needs and stop using antibiotics because abuse use of antibiotics would cause drug resistance and even the manufacturing process would cause environmental pollution.”

ContributingExpertiseinFinance

Sabrinawouldcontinuetoseekdifferentbreakthroughsin herlifethroughAptorum.Shewishestocontributeher financeexpertisetoglobalmedicaldevelopment. Sabrinaadvisesbuddingentrepreneursinthemostconcise words, “Everyone, no matter what you do, your background, it’s the attitude that counts. You can do if you believe you can.”

“Aptorum aims to become a worldclass player in the biopharmaceutical industry with emphasis in science, collaboration, and entrepreneurship.”

The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022

VanessM a bonu Fighting Forward

Therearethousandsofuntoldstoriesthatcouldhave changedthecourseofhumankind.Fordecades, people'svoicehasbeensuppressed,creatingracial hatredanddiscrimination.Evennow,millionsofpeopleare fightingthearduousbattlesagainstracialprejudiceto receivepropercivilrightsandsocialjustice.Forovera century,(NAACP)hasledthefight,ensuringallpersons' political,educational,social,andeconomicequalityof rightsandeliminatingrace-baseddiscrimination.

SupportingthefightagainstracialprejudiceisVanessa Mbonu,theVicePresident,DigitalMarketing& Communications,utilizingherexperienceasa communicatortoworkadvancingsocialjusticethrough mediaandtechnology.

TheStoryteller

Vanessaknewthatshewantedtotellstoriesforaliving fromayoungage;thus,shereceivedadegreeinjournalism fromSt.John'sUniversityandaMastersinGlobalMedia andCommunicationfromtheLondonSchoolofEconomics andPoliticalScience.ShetheninternedatMaxim MagazineandworkedasaproductionassistantatVoiceof Americauntillandingherfirstpaidjobasacontentcreator forAARPtheMagazine.

Followingherdrivetotellstoriesthatpositivelyimpact people'slives,Vanessamadeaconsciousdecision,pivoting intopublicrelationsfornon-profitorganizationsandstarted herjourneyattheNAACPasaCommunicationsAssociate. NAACPcreatedafosteringenvironmentwhereshecould learnandinnovateonthejob.Heragilityaidedherin climbingtheladderintheorganizationtobecometheVice PresidentofDigitalMarketingandCommunications.

Whileconstantlybeingchallengedwithlearningtheinsand outsofpublicpolicytokeepupwiththeever-changing digitallandscape,innovativestrategies,andcampaignsata legacyorganization,Vanessatriestobeabold,supportive, andmotivationalteamleader.Sheasserts, "With any career

transition, there will always be a learning curve, but I've been fortunate enough to learn from a team of inspiring women leaders. After all, the NAACP is the nation's first and largest civil rights organization and it’s led by a C-suite made up almost entirely of women of color."

SustainingDemocracyDigitally

Vanessaoversees,protects,andmanagestheNAACPbrand online.Herworkdirectlyimpactspeople'slives,whichis whyshedoesn'ttakeitlightly.Understandingthepowerof words,everyemail,tweet,andadthatengagestheaudience bringsthemonestepclosertosustainingdemocracy

Vanessaseesmillionsofopportunitiestoimpactwhen viewinganalytics,metrics,andnumbers.

Vanessahasreachedaudiencesacrossthecountryand beyondbyconductingextensiveresearch,testing,and strategy.NAACP’semailmarketingprogramisincredibly successful,surpassingindustryengagementstandardsby morethanhalf.Shesays, "We've been able to do this, as a small team at that, by taking the time to STIR the pot. Strategize, Test, Implement and Report. Sometimes you stir the pot too much, and you end up burning your food. That's okay. Fail, but fail fast. You can't build award-winning campaigns by playing it safe."

FosteringEncouragingWorkCulture

VanessamentionsthatthecultureoftheNAACPaimsto reflecttheworlditadvocatesfor,valuingdiversity, inclusion,andequity,andbelievestheseshouldbe stfundamentalprinciplesofeveryorganizationinthe21

We are two million+ activists united in the ght to end racial inequality. “ “

Vanessa Mbonu

Vice President, Digital Marketing & Communications (NAACP)

century TheNAACPalsopridesitselfinfosteringaculture whereeverystaffpersonisencouragedtoshowupastheir mostauthenticself.Theorganizationgenuinelyinvestsin thewellbeingofstaff,knowingtheimportanceofthework theydo.

TheNAACPrecentlylaunchedaFindYourFitinitiate,with programs,tools,andresourcesthathelpthestaffenhance theirphysical,financial,professional,andemotional wellbeing.Vanessaasserts, "We're dedicated to improving the country for people of color, and we do that by starting from the inside out."

TheResponsibleUseofTechnology

Thetechnologicaladvancementshavemadeitmore straightforwardforthecompaniesthatworkasB2Band B2C;however,theNAACPisanon-profitorganizationthat triestoleveragetechnologytoimprove,protect,andchange communities.Vanessaisconstantlylookingatdata analytics,researchingthelatestmarketingtrends,and divingdeepertofigureouthowtoleveragethem.The primarygoalistomobilizeactivists,andsocialmedia,

digitalads,andgeo-targetinghaveproventhemselves invaluableonthatfront.

Thoughtechnologycanbeahugehelpinghand,itcanalso disrupttheflow,soitisahugeresponsibilitytoensureitis notinherentlydiscriminatoryinnatureanduseittoadvance society Vanessaexpresses, "We've tackled tech giants like Facebook for negligence and malpractice in the spread of misinformation on its platform. We've fought back against mobile carriers for rules such as "10DLC," which make it harder for organizations like us to reach our subscribers through text message."

TheUpcomingTransformativeShifts

Vanessaseesagradualgrowthinthenon-profitindustry andwishesthattherewouldbemoreinnovation.Shesays, "We can't fight 21st-century problems with 20th-century weapons." MillennialsandGenZareincreasinglymorein tunewiththeworldaroundthem,demandingmore transparency,committingtomaketheworldbetterthan howtheyseeittoday Vanessaseesthemasself-starters, havingtheentrepreneurialspiritofstartingmore organizationsandbringingthechange.

FromMEtoYOU

Sharingherthoughtsaboutthefuture,Vanessaenvisions herselfbuildingalifewheresheispouringbackintothe communitymorethanithaspouredintoher.Shehasseen firsthand,peoplededicatingtheirentirelivestothe bettermentoftheircommunities,leavingincrediblelegacies forthenextgeneration.Sheheartilyexpresses, "If I can achieve just 10 percent of what some of the most notable people who've come from this organization have done, I will be feel accomplished."

TellYourTales

Vanessaadvisesbuddingwomenentrepreneurstofinda mentor.Shenotes, "Whenever people ask me how I've been able to achieve what I have at such a young-ish age (I'm 27), I always tell them I only did 60 percent of the work. The other 40 percent came from the Black women who've helped me along the way. Even if you don't have someone in your immediate circle that can serve as a mentor, go on LinkedIn, open up a business journal, find someone who emulates the career path you desire, and follow their journey. Read their articles. Listen to their talks."

Lastbutnotleast,Youneedtoseepeoplelikeyou achievingwhattheworldhastoldyouisimpossible, Vanessaconcludes.