tisfamouslysaidthatnothingisimpossiblebecause
Iimpossibleitselfsays'I'mpossible.'Understandingthe possibilityofimpossibilityandsurvivingand conqueringthebusinessworld,womenleadersarereaching thetopwithself-belief.
Impossiblearemerelythethingsthathaven'tbeenlearned yet.Womenleaders,withtheirnevergiveupattitude, embracementoffailure,andwillingnesstonotlettheirego comeinthewayoftheirlearning,demonstrateeveryday whatimpossiblesuccesslookslike.Withpersistencyand hardwork,womenleaderstakeadditionalstepsbybringing theirperspectiveintothemix,whichhelpsthemtoget closertotheirgoals.
Businesswomenareasourceofinspirationandare differencemakers,changingthedefinitionoftheimpossible byovercomingallpersonalorprofessionalchallenges.
Defyinganotherchallengeisthework-lifebalance,which theyhandleperfectlybykeepingupwithvariousstrategies.
Theyarealwayskeentoexploredifferentchallengesacross variousdepartmentsandorganizations,providing opportunitiesforeveryoneandactingasamentorforthe teammembers,listeningtotheirissues,respectingthem, andworkingtosolvethem.Womenempower,guide, collaborate,andachieveacommongoal,stayingontheir principlesofcontinuoushardworkandcommitment.
Itistheseleadershipqualitiesthatmakebusinesswomen whotheyaretoday Takingthisasaninspiration,weat InsightsSuccesscommemoratethrivingwomeninour latestedition- “The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022.” Webringtogetherthejourneysofwomen
leaderswhohavechangedthebusinessscenariothrough hardworkandperseverance.
ShaliniThirunilathil,theAgileCoachLead,andthe BrandandOutreachLeadatHargreavesLansdown,is featuredonthecoverandconstantlytriestoimprove organizationalagility Withherswiftmindsetandemotional intelligencetocoachandunderstandindividuals,their emotions,andtheirstruggles.
Also,pleaseglancethroughthearticleswrittenbyourinhouseeditorialteam.
AnnaWarren CEO Acrelec acrelec.com
CarolA.Stewart AssociateVice President
TechParksArizona, TheUniversity ofArizona techparks.arizona.edu
CloeCaron President&Founder
EllenRyanMardiks Chairman
JillianWeston Owner&Founder
KateHeadley Director
o2Coaching o2coaching.ca
LisaCollum CEOandAuthor
RobynBordes CEO
ShaliniThirunilathil AgileCoachLead,Brand andOutreachLead
Acrelecisaglobaltechnologycompany.
TechParksArizonaattractsandretainstechnologycompanies andtalentinalignmentwiththeresearch,missionandgoalsof theUniversityofArizona.
o2Coachingstronglybelievesthatanypersonororganization canacheiveitsgoalsbyadoptingsimplefundamentalshiftsin mindset,attitudeandbehaviour
Golinisaglobalpublicrelationsagencythathelpscompanies createchangethatmatters. Golin golin.com
Jillian'sCircus jillianscircus.com Jillian'sCircushelpallindustriesandprofessionalsgainreal, organic,leadsfortheirbusiness.
TheClearCompany theclearcompany.co.uk
TopScore WritingInc. topscorewriting.com
IlluminaonPR illuminationpr.com
TheClearCompanyistheUK'sleadingproviderofservicesto employerstosupportinclusiverecruitmentandtalent managementpractice.
TopScoreWriting®preparesstudentsforthestatewriting assessmentprovidingbothinteractiveonlineandblending learningresourcestoschoolsanddistricts.
IlluminationPRisalifestylePublicRelationsfirm.
HargreavesLansdown hl.co.uk
HargreavesLansdownpurposeistoempowerpeopletosave andinvestwithconfidence.
OceanRescue Alliance oceanrescuealliance.org
OceanRescueAllianceisamarineconservationandrestoration non-profitorganization.
tiseasytoaspire;however,onemustbeadifference
Imakertoinspire.WhenInsightsSuccessembarkedon ajourneytofinddifferencemakerswhohaveinspired peoplethroughtheirworkandarepavingapathtowardsa betterfuture,"The 10 Most Inspiring Women Leaders to Follow in 2022," wecameacrossShaliniThirunilathil.
LetusdiveindeepaboutShalini'sprofessionaljourneyas theAgileCoachLeadandaBrandandOutreachLeadat HargreavesLansdown
Below are the highlights of the interview:
BriefyouraudienceaboutyourcareerjourneyasanIT Leader?
IgrewupinKerala,thetropicalparadiseofIndia,aland thatflourishedwithwavingcoconutpalmtrees,backwaters, hillstations,andsandybeaches.It'satrulybeautifulpartof theworld,andIwasfortunatetobebornandraisedthere.
Fromaveryyoungage,IalwaysdreamtofworkinginIT.I nevereventhoughtaboutothercareers.Icompletedmy schoolinginKeralaandthenmovedtoTamilNadufora four-yeardegreecourseinInformationTechnology These fouryearsaresoclosetomyheartastheybroadenedmy knowledgeoftheworldofIT.Myparentsalsofuelledmy enthusiasmwithalotofsupportandexcitingdiscussions abouttechnology.
MyveryfirstjobintheUKwaswithCancerResearchUK asavolunteerAssistantManager
InSeptember2007,Igotmyfirsttechnicaljobasa GraduateSoftwareDeveloperatCivicainLeeds.While there,Ihadthechancetotrysoftwaretesting,whichwasa bitofadiversion,butIstilldecidedtotryit.Itwas somethingIreallyenjoyed,soIcontinuedtoworkasa softwaretesterinorganisationsincludingProactis,Springer Nature,IBM,SAPConcur,andO2.Iworkedmywayup throughroleslikeSeniorTester,AutomationTester,Test Lead,andTestManager
Alongtheway,Irealisedmytruestrengthisworkingwith people-whetherit'ssupporting,coaching,mentoring, communication,orcollaboration.Workingwithsenior stakeholdersandleadershipteamsgavemegreatinsight intoleadershipandledmetoroleslikeScrumMaster, DeliveryManager,andAgileCoachatLexisNexisandIRIS SoftwareGroup.In2022Itookonachallengingdualrole asLeadAgileCoachandaBrand&OutreachLead workingforHargreavesLansdown,anincredible organisationandFTSE-100company.
Ofcourse,Iendeduptakingalotofrisksalongtheway ButInevergaveuponmydreams.Ihavealwaysbeenkeen toexploredifferenttechnologies,domains,andcompanies. Thisexcitement,enthusiasm,andpassionforknowingthe unknownsinthetechnologyindustrygavemefantastic opportunitiestoworkinvariousdepartments,organisations andprovidedmewithsomegreatopportunities.
In2019,Iwasoneofthefinalistsfor'RoleModelofthe Year'byComputingWomeninTechExcellenceawards, andin2020Iwashonouredasan'InspirationalLeader'by RISESynapseQAcommunity.In2021Iwon'TeamLeader oftheYear'awardintheWomeninTechExcellence Awards.
Generally,whenwestartajourney,wehaveaplan,andwe thinkifwedeviatefromtheplan,itmaynotwork. Deviationsfeelrisky;indeed,itisagamble,andnotmany ofuschoosetogothroughthem.Butwhatdoesn'thavea riskinlife?IhavebeenhereintheUKfor14yearsnow, withlotsoftwistsandturnsinmycareer.Iamalways gratefulforallthosecomplicated,challenging,andtough experiencesbecausethemyriadofpositivewaysthose experiencescontributedtomycareergrowthis inconceivable.Eachdeviationandchallengehasledto positivegrowthinsomeway,whichIamreallygratefulfor
For more than 40 years we’ve helped investors save time, tax, and money on their investments, and today we’re trusted by over 1.7 million clients.
WhatistheBIGGESTLESSONyoulearnedinyour life?
It'ssimple:'Courageisdoingwhatyouareafraidtodo.' Often,wedon'ttrysomethingchallengingbecausewe're afraidoffailingorwe'reworriedotherswilljudgeus.
Atthestartofmycareer,Iwasnervousabouttryingnew things,andIdidn'tbelieveinmyself.Iwashesitanttotalk abouthowIfelt,whichmadememiserable.Iwoundup simplyperformingthemundanetasksgiventome.
AllthatchangedwhenIstartedtotrynewthings.Ialso receivedanincredibleamountofsupportfrommy managersandmentorswhenIgatheredthecourageto speakoutandcollaboratewiththem.
Manyofusintoday'scompetitiveworldaresoafraidor scaredoffailure.Failureisnotacrime,andeveryone occasionallyfailsinlife.Failureisnormal.Themost importantthingistolearnfromthosemistakesanddevelop yourself.Myexperiencestaughtmeagreatlesson:thatthe onlywayIcouldgaincouragewastogetinvolvedinthe tasksthatIwasnotfamiliarwith.
Ilearnedit'sfinetomakemistakesandtobemorevocal andvisibleinanorganisation.Remember,noonefailsin lifecontinuously.Forsome,resultsareseenquickly;for someothers,ittakestime;eitherway,youwillsucceedif youworkhardpersistentlyandbedetermined.Being courageousandtryingnewthingsmademe realisethatit'sokaynottoknoweverything.
Intoday'ssociety,you'relikelytobejudgedforwhoyou are:yourcolour,yourethnicity,andyourbackground.But trynottoworryabouthowothersseeyouorhowsociety judgesyou.Themostimportantaspectishowyoufeel aboutyourself.Ihavemadeanefforttocultivateapositive innervoice,andImakeapointoflisteningtothatinstead.
Whatchallengesdidyoufacealongthewayinyour career?
TherearequitealotofchallengesIfacedinmycareer journey,especiallyasawomaninaleadershipposition,but thesearethetopthree:
Weoftenexpectpeopletobehavelikeus.Butnoteveryone isalike.Trytounderstandothers,help,andcoachthem.If you'vemadeamistake,acceptitgraciously-andmost importantly,learnfromit.
Thisisachallengewhenyoumovetoaneworganisation. We'reallkeentoearnthetrustofothers.Butyouhaveto givetrustfirstbeforeyouattempttoearnitbackfrom others.
Buildingtrusttakestimeinanyrelationship.Bepatient. Overtheyears,Ilearnedthatitdoesn'tmatterhowlongyou workforanorganisation-whatmattersishowyouworkin anorganisation.Yourworkwillspeakforyou.
Noneofusliketoughordifficultconversations.WhileI climbedtheladdertoleadership,Iwasalsothesame.But myexperiencestaughtmetodealwithit.Nevertryto escapefromdifficultpeopleordifficultconversations.Be bold!Faceuptothedifficulties,butdosowithempathy
Ihavealwaysbeendeterminedtolisten,respect,and appreciateothers.Iknownowthattheseareessential capabilitiesofleadership.Workinglikethishasgivenme thecourage,confidence,passion,andpositivitythat transformedmefromashy,quietgirltoawomanwiththe confidencetowritearticles,givepresentations,coach teams,andorganiseandleadevents.
Whatdoesleadershipmeantoyou?Takeusthrough yourexperienceofwinningtheTeamLeaderoftheYear award'WomeninTechExcellenceawards2021.'
Leadershipmeansdifferentthingstodifferentpeople.Some seeitascommandingandcontrolling,beingatthetopofa hierarchy,anddemandingthatteamsarefocusedontargets anddelivery.
Iworkdifferently.Myleadershipstyleispurecoaching.I encouragepeopletobringthebestversionofthemselves andhelpthemflourishintheircareers.Seeingothers succeedandtrulyachievetheirpotentialmotivatesmeto bettermyselfandcreateopportunitiesforotherstoimprove.
Thishasbeenparticularlytrueduringthepandemic,which causedunderstandabledepressionandanxietyinmany employees.Ithinktoday'sleadersandcoachescanplaya crucialroleinsupportingtheteamemotionallywith hardshipsandchallenges.
Ialsolookatleadershipthroughanartisticlens.Leadership resoundswithart.Goodleadersdevelopthepracticeby influencing,enabling,empowering,guiding,collaborating, andachievingasharedgoal.Goodleadersactas compassionatefriendstotheteamandtheorganisation. Theyneedtohaveemotionalintelligence,compassion, empathy,andpatience.Forsomepeople,thesequalities comenaturally;forothers,theyneedsomeproactive development.Eitherway,Ibelievegoodleadersshould strivetocultivateandstrengthenthesequalitiesintheir careerpathway.
Tome,goodleadershipcomesfromhome.My understandingofleadershipinmyprofessionallifeis groundedinmypersonallife.Myfatherisabusiness leader,andmymotherledourhousehold–bothare respectedandempatheticleadersintheirownways,who, alongwithmylovelysister,taughtmehumilityand integrity.Myfantastichusband,lovelydaughter,andIhave alwaysbeenforeachotheratalltimes,whichisagreat teamworkingexperience.
TheleadershipprinciplesIhavealwaysfollowedinmy careerareTeamwork,Trust,Respect,Humility,Agility,and Inclusivity
TheseprinciplesmademewhoIamtoday.Winningthe WITawardwasagreatmomentthatbroughttearstomy eyesafteryearsofhardworkandcommitment.Tome, successmeansbeinghappy,notjustaboutyourown successbutaboutthesuccessofthepeopleyoucarefor, yourteam,andyourcolleagues.
TellusaboutHargreavesLansdownandyourroleat HL?
Startedinasparebedroom,HargreavesLansdownhas growntobecomeanFSTE100companyandtheUK's numberoneplatformforprivateinvestors,lookingafter £132.3billionofsavingsandinvestmentsonbehalfofover 1.7millionclients(asof30April2022).Withover40years ofexperienceinempoweringpeopletosaveandinvestwith confidenceandhelpingthembuildtheirfinancialresilience
HL’s purpose is to empower people to save and invest with confidence and its vision is to be the UK’s most client-obsessed company.
overthelong-term,weprovidealifelong,securehomefor people'ssavingsandinvestmentsthatoffersgreatvalueand anincredibleservicemakingtheirfinanciallifeeasy
Throughourwebsiteandapp,ourclientshaveaccessto almost15,000investmentoptions.HL'spurposeisto empowerpeopletosaveandinvestwithconfidence,and ourvisionistobetheUK'smostclient-obsessedcompany.
AtHL,Ihavetwochallengingroles;IamanAgileCoach LeadandaBrandandOutreachLead.
Iusetheword'agile'todescribeamindset.It'sabout understandingothers,beingwillingtoworkwithothers, beingnimble,adaptingtofrequentchange,andstickingto theAgileManifesto's12principlesandfourcorevalues. Agilesoftwaredevelopmenthelpsteamsdelivervalue faster.Itrequiresconstantcollaborationwithcustomersand keystakeholdersandbetweentheteamthemselves,whether forgatheringrequirementsordesigningsolutions.
AsaLeadAgileCoach,Iconstantlytrytoimprove organisationalagility.Gettingeveryoneonboardwiththe agilewaysofworkingisnoteasy Thisrolerequires significantcoaching,collaboration,andleadershipskills.I usemyagilemindsetandemotionalintelligencetocoach andunderstandindividuals,theiremotions,andtheir struggles.Theseskillsetshavehelpedmebringthebest versionofmyteam,bringingpeopletogethertoencourage collaborationthroughvariousdiscussionsandevents,be theyinternalmeetings,workshops,orexternalmeet-up events.Ialsoremoveimpedimentsfortheagilecoachteam, ensuringtheyhaveapsychologicallysafeenvironmentto workinandflourishintheircareer.
AsaBrandandOutreachLead,I'mheretostrengthenthe reputationofHLDigitalinthetechnologyindustry.Myjob istomakesuretheoutsideworldknowsallaboutthegreat jobourteamisdoingandthatcolleaguesinHLgetgreat opportunitiestolearnfromtheindustry
Teamleadershipisachallengingroleattimes.Back-tobackmeetings,busyschedules,tightdeliveryplans,and lackofresourcescandrainourenergy.Ialwayssuggest reachingouttootherseniorleadersandaskingthemfor theiradviceonhowtodealwiththesesituations–remember,youarenotalone. Mytoptipis:'Don'tgiveuponyourdreamsandgoals. Believeinyourselfandyourinnerstrength.'Bepersistentin yourgoals,workhard,andmakethemarealityinthe future.
Successandfailurearetwosidesofacointhatyou'll encounteralongtheway-acceptbothofthemgracefully. Embracefailureandunderstandthatitisasteppingstoneto success.Humilityisanessentialtraitrequiredforaleader frommyperspective.Neverforgetyourrootsandwhere youcomefrom.Yourrole,designation,andpositionshould notchangetheunderlyingpersonyouare.Trustandrespect yourself;thatwillautomaticallyleadtounderstandingand respectingothers.Alwayshaveapassionforcontinuous improvement.Havinganinspirationalrolemodelwillalso helpyou.Findagreatleaderandaskthemabouttheir careerjourney;everyonewhoisinaseniorleadershiprole nowhasbeenthroughallthedifficultiesyou'refacingnow. Seekmotivationintheirsharedexperiencesandwisdom. Today'ssocietyneedsgreatleaders,mostimportantly,
wonderfulhumanbeings.Eachoneofuscanmakeasmall differenceinsocietyinourownways.Theonlypersonwho canstopyoufromachievingyourdreamsisyouyourself.
Thereisamythinthisindustrythatmostpeoplestartina particularrole,thenstayinitastheyprogressupthecareer ladder.Havinganexperiencedrolegivesyouknowledgeof anareaorsubjectin-depth,butIwouldrecommendtrying outandexperiencingotherroles,too;youmaysucceedand enjoythedifferentrolesevenbetter.Buttoexperiencethat, youneedtotakeachanceandbeopentorisk.Anopenand agilemindsetalongwithemotionalintelligencemademe whoIamtodayasasuccessfulleaderand,most importantly,asuccessfulhumanbeing.Mycareerstoryhas alreadyinspiredandmotivatedmanyindividualsacrossthe industry.Overthenextfewyears,Ihopeyoucanseemeon somegreatplatformswhereIamkeentosharemystory, theimportanceofanagilemindset,andemotional intelligence.Thesetraitsarenotjustforleadersforany employeewhowouldliketobesuccessfulintheircareers.
Iamalsoworkingtowardsinspiringandbringingmany women'stalentstothetechindustry.AsurveybyTech Nationshowedthat78%oftechdirectorrolesarefilledby men.Andthetechworkforce,morebroadly,ismadeupof 81%men.Only19%ofthepeopleworkingintechinthe UKarewomen.
Eventhoughthetechindustryisbecomingmorediverse,it iscleartoseethatwomenareunderrepresentedinSTEM roles,andthegendergapisstillanissue.So,wewantmore womentocomeintothevariedrolesinthetechindustry So,thoughallorganisationsaretryingtoimprove,Ithink wecoulddomore.Thetechnologyindustryisamazing,but weneedtalentedindividualsworkinginit,anditwillbe greattoseebothwomenandmenhavinganequal contributiontoallthegreattechnologysolutionsinthe future.Therearealotofamazingmenandwomenhelping meoutinthisjourney,givingmesomegreatplatformsto inspireandmotivatewomentogetintoandflourishinthe techindustry.
Enlightenusonhowyoumadethechangeandimpacted thetechindustrythroughyourexpertiseand Leadership?
Ifirmlybelievethetechindustryisawe-inspiring,andI
havealwaysfeltasignificantresponsibilitytosupport,help andexposeothers'truetalentstotheoutsideworld.Today, weliveinaverycompetitive,unpredictable,anddynamic world.That'swhyagilityisnotachoice.
Ihaveexperiencedmanyroles,organisations,domains, tools,andtechnologiesthankstoanagilemindset.The directimpactImadeonthetechindustryisprovingthat therearediverserolesinthisindustry,andthisindustry welcomespeoplefromanybackground.
Allweneedtodoisidentifythoseopportunitiesandwork towardsachievingourgoals.Ineverwaitedtoolongfor anychanceinmycareer.Ilovehelpingpeople,soIfound everysingleopportunitywhereIcanguide,support,and inspirethem.Iplayedacrucialroleinthesuccessofmany ofmymenteesandteams.Myprimaryfocusinmycareeris toimpactthecareerlivesofmanyindividuals,motivate them,andguideandinspirethem.Idothatbypublishing articles,givingtalks,andattendingeventsandpanel discussions.
Itwasincredibletounderstandhowevensmallactionscan makeanimpactonmanypeople.Ialwaystrymybestto retainexperiencedindividualsbygivingthemgood pathwaysforcareerprogressionandintroducingnew individualsfromdiversebackgroundsandculturesby providingthemwiththerightplatformandopportunities.I feeltrulyblessedtomakeanimpactinmysmallwayson thetechindustryandsociety.
Carol A. Stewart Associate Vice President Tech Parks Arizona, The University of Arizona
10
Withanenrichingexperienceofworkingwith researchparks,technologycommercialization, businessincubation,governmentalrelations, andbusinessdevelopment,proactiveleaderCarolStewart leadsbyexample.Currently,Carolissteeringtheshipof TechParksArizonaasAssociateVicePresidentatthe UniversityofArizona,bringingherknowledgeand experienceafterservingasachampionofCanadian innovationandentrepreneurship.
Carolisattheleadingedgeofinnovation,willingtojump inandbringothersalongfortheride.Herdiplomacy, politicalacuity,andsteadfastleadershipprovidefocus, stewardship,andvisiontothenetworkssheleadsandwhich sheispartof.Shenotonlyservesasarolemodel,butisa friendtothiscommunity,eagertocollaborateandservethe UniversityofArizona,Tucson,andtheinternational community.
Buildingondecadesofexperienceintheresearchpark world,CarollandedinTucson,Arizonatoelevatethe successoftheUniversityofArizona(UA)TechParkandto buildasecondpark–TheUATechParkatTheBridges whichislocatedclosertothemainUACampus.Itwasalso Carol’svisiontotransformtheUACenterforInnovation intoabusinessincubatornetworkthatnotonlyservesasa vitalpartoftheSouthernArizonaentrepreneurial ecosystembutalsoasakeysoftlandingslocationfor internationalbusinesses.Hercommitmenttotheregionisto advancethecommunityandmakearealimpactthrough university-basedeconomicdevelopment.
TechParksArizonacreatestheplace,environment,and interactivegroundthatgenerates,attracts,andretains technologycompaniesandtalentinalignmentwiththe research,mission,andgoalsoftheUniversityofArizona.It directstheUATechParkatTheBridges,andtheUniversity ofArizonaCenterforInnovationwiththehighestpriority ofrecruitingcompaniesseekingconnectionstotheUAto locateatthesefacilities.
Forover25years,TechParksArizonahassignificantly contributedtoregionaleconomicdevelopmentby advancingtheUniversityofArizona’simpactinmany ways:
Supportingtechnologyinnovationand commercialization
GeneratingeconomicimpactthroughtheUATechPark
Advancingnewtechnology
EnhancingR&Deffortsofindustry
IntheopinionofCarol,thepandemichasmotivated educationalinstitutionsandbusinessestopushbeyond traditionalactivitiesandtakenewcreativeapproaches. CarolandherteamhaveseentheUniversityofArizona mobilizeasanagentofchangetosupportCOVID-19 research,testing,andvacationsite.TheUniversityof Arizonamobilizedquicklyandhascontinuedtoinformthe publicthroughweeklybriefingsandleadtheregionasa PointofDistribution(POD).
techgiantsworksidebyside.Thecompanyhas reimaginedwhatthenewworkplacelookslikepostpandemic.
Itisbuildingflexibleenvironmentsanddeveloping programmingthatishighlyadaptativetomeetthe growthtrajectoryofeachbusiness,includingthenearly 60startupsthatarecurrentlyinitsUACenterforthe Innovationincubatorprogram.
Prosperousbusinessesequalaprosperingcommunity Carollistenstotheneedsofcompaniesandconnects themwiththeresourcesnecessary Thebusinessthat connectswiththecollectiveexpertiseoftheUniversity cansolvegrandchallengestotheproblemssocietyfaces. Shehasneversettledformediocreandbelievesthishas servedherwell.Carolseesmanyopportunitiesfor collaborationandgrowthinSouthern.Arizona,and workstenaciouslytowardthosegoals.
Theinstitutionalsotooktheopportunitytobeproactiveand reviewallofitsassetsandopportunities.Theacquisitionof theAshfordUniversity,nowUAGlobalCampus,isan exampleofbeingdisruptiveinthesebusinessunusual times.
Whenasked,whatistheonethingyouwouldchangein advancingknowledgeworldwide,Carol highlightswhat hasbeenachievedbyscientistsallovertheworldby collaboratingonavaccinesolutionandstressesthatwhat canbelearnedandachievedwithsuchconcentrated endeavors.Carolstatesthatwecancollectivelystreamline theprocesstosupportbusinessestonotduplicateefforts. Ideally,therewouldbeaworldwidedatabaseforbusinesses aroundtheworldtopluginto.Byshowcasingorganizations andtheiruniqueofferings,shebelievesstartupswouldhave morevaluableresourceswhichwouldsuperchargetheir pathtomarket.
Carolnotesthatcultureisking.Employeesandemployers thriveinenvironmentswherenetworkingandspontaneous discussionsunfold.UATechParksservesasthecampus wherecommunitythrives,whereemergingbusinessesand
Find your tribe and use your network. Business is about relationships. Each relationship you build is foundational to success.
Avarietyofopinionsandideasleadtobetter innovationsandmoreincreasedcreativity.The powerofunityisalwaysverystrong.Redwood treesareagreatexampleofhowallthetreestogethercan faceallthestormsbecausetheirrootsareintertwinedwith eachother.Similarly,allthepeopleworkingtogethercan faceanythingtogetherwithmoreconfidenceandmore potential.Diversityshouldalwaysbecelebratedasitisvery significantinpromotingavarietyofnewthoughtsand inventions.Thereshouldnotbeanydiscriminationagainst anyoneintheworkplace,andeveryoneshouldberespected andcherishedforahigherpurposeofachieving organizationalgoals.
Organizationswithacultureofcelebratingdiversityand promotingoverallinclusivenessflourishintheirbusinesses withmorecreativityandinnovativeideascomingfrom everyone.Thecultureofcelebratingdiversityisparamount tothesuccessofallorganizations.Thereisnobettersight thanseeingeveryoneunitedtogetherforthepurposeof achievingthegoalsoforganizations.Therefore,buildinga diverseandinclusiveworkplaceisvitalforthesuccessof allorganizations.Wheneveryonefeelsincludedandis cherishedintheorganization,theyfeellikecontributing betterforthecauseoftheorganization.Theapproachof inclusivenessanddiversityisimportantforavoidingany formofunnecessarydiscriminationagainstanyone.
Having‘UnityinVariety’isthebestapproachworkplaces shouldhavetoensurecooperativelyworkingtogether evenifthereisalotofvariety.Therecanbe variationsintheorganizationbasedongender, caste,creed,religion,orrace.Still,allthese apparentdifferencesareoflessimportance,but ensuringunityintheorganizationdespiteall varietyistherightapproachforthegood causeoftheorganization.
Promotingthecultureintheorganizationto celebrate,respect,andappreciateeveryonecan leadtoamoreharmoniousworkplace.Besides, promotingvaluessuchasequality,unity, fraternityhelpsinbuildingadiverseandinclusive workplace.Takingdisciplinaryactionsagainst thosewhocreateathreattothecultureof diversityandinclusivenesscanalsobebeneficial
forfosteringadiversifiedandinclusivecultureinthe workplace.
Celebratingdifferencesofopinionsandcomingtotheright conclusionthatisinthebestinterestoftheorganizationand allitsstakeholderswithaninclusiveapproachincreasesthe culturalvalueoftheorganizationintheindustry.Leaders shouldpromotethecultureofcelebratingachievementsof eachotherandshouldinspire,encourage,empowerallthe peopleintheorganizationfordoingtheirbest.
Theinclusiveandbroad-mindedapproachintheleaders leadstodiverseandinclusiveworkplaces.Leadersshould seethebiggerpicture.Theyshouldmakesurethatthe teamsareunitedwithkeepingtheorganizationalgoalsin thecenter.Healthycontributionofthegoalsof organizationsispossibleinorganizationswithaninclusive culture.Diversityleadstobetterdecision-makingbecause ofthegoodopinionsthatcomefromeveryone.More informeddecision-makingispossiblewithadiverseand inclusiveculture.Listeningtoallemployeescanhelp leaderstomakedecisions.
Thecultureofdiversityandinclusivenessleadstoa strongerworkforce,andthisincreasesorganizational outputs.Leadersshouldtakeintoaccountthethoughts, feedback,andopinionsintoconsiderationandmakethe bestdecisionsthatwilldrivesuccessfulorganizational results.Buildingadiverseandinclusiveworkcultureusing variouswaysisawin-winsituationforallthestakeholders relatedtotheorganization.Thiscultureintheworkplaces canleadtoheightenedorganizationalsuccessandbroader growth.Usinginclusive‘weandour’languageinthe organizationinsteadof‘Iandmine’languagecanalsolead tomoreinclusiveworkplaces.
Supportingadiverseworkforceleadstobetterinclusiveness andbetterorganizationalachievements.Buildingdiverse andinclusiveworkplacesbyputtingasideallthedifferences likerace,gender,religiousbackground,age,nationality,and suchapparentdifferencesishighlybeneficialforall organizationsfromallangles.Integratinginclusivityand diversityintothecorevaluesoforganizationscanleadto buildingdiverseandinclusiveworkplaces.Thebusiness leaderswhoareaccountabletopracticeinclusiveleadership willleadtomorediverseandinclusiveworkplacesand betterorganizationalresultsoverall.
Drivenbythepassiontohelp,inspire,anddevelop individuals,CloéCaronhastransformedthelives ofmanyleadersandorganizationsthroughher humanapproachtoentrepreneurship.
Afteratransitionalcareerchangefrommanagertocoaching leadersontheimpacttheywishtohaveontheirteamand organization,Cloeisnowtheheadofacoachingcompany namedo2Coaching,whichcountsfiveemployees.From beingacoachtoanentrepreneur,herrolehasevolved,and shefeelsthatitisnowherresponsibilitytoshareand implementaninspiringvisiontoherteamforthemto achievethegoalsthatshehadinmindwhenshestartedthe company.Besides,sheisalsoanAuthorofEmpower YourTeamandtheFounderoftheEmpowerYourTeam Movement
We,atInsightsSuccess,interviewedCloetounveilher inspiringentrepreneurialjourneyandhercontributiontothe coachingindustrythrougho2Coaching.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Takeourreadersthroughyourjourneyofbeingatthe helmofo2Coaching. Ihavebeenchallengedeverydaysinceday1.Iwasalways ahighperformer,butasanentrepreneur,Ihadtoletgoof myegoandmydesiretobeperfect.IfIwantedmy businesstobesuccessful,Ihadtoshiftfrommeperforming tohelpingotherstoperform.AshiftIhadstartedasaleader inthepharmaceuticalindustrybutthatwascompletedby mehavingtobeandactastheCEOofmycompany. ToreachthegoalsIhavesetandtohaveanimpacton organizations,teamdynamicsissoimportant,especiallyin asmallcompany.Iamproudthatmycompanynow employs5greatwomenwhoworkwithmeinthe realizationofmyvision.IcallthemtheExceptional Contributors.
Whenwasthecompanyestablished,andwhatwasthe ideabehindstartingit?
Younger,Istudiedlaw,hopingthatmycontributionwould begrand.Irealizedthatitwasnotmypath,thatitdidn’t
suitmyempatheticnature.Iwantedtomakeadifference,to haveanimpactinpeople'slives,tobethechangeasthey say.
Imanagedtolandapositioninthepharmaceuticalindustry atGSK,aplacewherecommunicationandleadershipwere valued.There,Ihadthechancetodevelopmyleadership abilities,andIdiscoveredcoaching.Itledmetolaunchmy coachingandleadershipcompanyo2Coaching,sixyears ago.It’sbeenagreatjourneyeversince.
Whatisyourideaofimpactfulleadership?Whatstyleof leadershipdoyoupersonallypreferandhave implementedatyourcompany?
Ibelievethatanoptimalleaderknowshowtojuggle numerousleadershipstylesdependingonthesituation, people,andcontext.Itrequiresempathyandperspective. Themoreweusetheleader-coachstyle,themorewe developpeopleandcreateengagement,autonomy,and accountability ThisleadershipstyleistheoneIuseasoften asIcan.Itallowsmyteamtobeinnovativeandtofully contributetoachievingthegoalsoftheorganization.
Whatwerethechallengesyoucameacrossinbecoming whatyouaretoday?
Beforebecominganentrepreneur,Ihadagreatjob, prestige,security,andnotablegrowthopportunities. Somehow,Iwaswillingtogiveitalluptofocusonwhat matteredmosttome:people.AmIgoingtobesuccessful? WillImakethedifferencethatIwanttomake?Irealized thatIhadagreatnetwork,experience,andskillstomakeit happen.Therefore,Itooktheplungeandcreatedmy businesso2Coaching.
Our mission is to create a new generation of professionals and inspiring (and inspired) leaders.
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Cloe Caron President and Founder
ThisbiggestchallengeI’vehadtofacesincewasthe pandemic.Wouldmybusinesssurviveordisappear?HaveI doneallofthisfornothing?Ihadbigambitions.Ichooseto maintainmycompanyandsupporttheleadersoftomorrow
Elaborateabouto2Coaching’sProfessionalTraining& Coachinganditsimportance.
Ourmainfeatureato2Coachingisthatweareflexible,and weadapttotheneedsofourcustomers.Allourcoaching andprogramsaredeliveredbyICFcertifiedcoaches available100%onlinethroughvirtualmeetings,microlearningtools,blogs,podcasts,andmybook,Empower yourTeam,inwhichyoufindmy5CModeltohelpany leaderandteamtoperform.
Theneedschangefromoneclienttoanother.Inthepast years,wehavedevelopedmultipleprogramstosupport thoseneedssuchasindividualandgroupcoaching, leadershipdevelopmentprogram,andone-teamsupport approach.
Ascoaches,webringadifferentperspectivefroma consultantwhenworkingwithteamsandorganizations.We startfromthepremisethatourclientshavetheiranswers, theirsolutions,andthatwearetheretohelpthemaccessit,
achieveitandignitethebestwaytoworkwiththeirteam. OneofthekeysthatIhavedevelopedtodothisisthevery powerfulconceptoftheUniqueStrategicContribution (USC).ByidentifyingtheirUSC,leadersbecomeawareof theimpacttheycanANDmusthaveontheirteamtoensure thateveryonedeveloptotheirfullpotentialandachieve desiredresults.
Everyyear,weaccompanyhundredsofleadersinthe developmentoftheirleadershipthroughourprogramsand curatedcoachingmethods.
Whatareyourplansforthecompany’sfuture?
Mymissionistocreateanewgenerationofinspiringand inspiredleadersbymakingapositiveimpactinthelivesof amillionleadersthroughmybookandtheEmpoweryour TeamMovement.Tosucceedinourmission,wewantto reachleadersaroundtheworld.
TheCovid-19pandemichasputadditional responsibilityoneducatorsandinstitutionsintermsof hygieneandsafetyprecautions.Howdoyouintendto preparethepeopleforthesame?
Thepandemichasbeenunexpectedandverychallenging. Itseffectsarefeltworldwideineveryfield.Everybodyhas beenimpactedbyit.
Atthebeginning,Iwasverynervousabouthowwewould positionourselves.Ireflectedseriouslyandrealizedthatwe wouldriseabove.Iwantedtobetheretoaccompany leadersduringthepandemicandseizethatopportunityto makeadifferenceintheworldwidecultureshiftIwantto create.Moreover,Iacknowledgethatourbiggeststrength camefromourbusinessmodel;myteamwasworking remotelysincethestart,sixyearsago.
Iwanttomakechanges,toevolveandadaptourmethodsas humansandcoaches.Iaspiretocontributetodeveloping caringandinspiringleaders,theleadersthatwillriseabove, theleadersoftomorrow.
Asanestablishedbusinessleader,whatwouldbeyour advicetothebuddingleadersaspiringtoventureinto theProfessionalTraining&Coachingindustry?
YoucanstartbybeingveryclearastowhatIcallyourUSC –UniqueStrategicContribution.It’swhatyou,inyour currentrole,aretheonlyonethatcanandshouldmakeasa contributionatthehighestlevel.Andifyouweretofocus mostofyourtimeonyourUSC,youwouldnotonly maximizeyourcontributionbuttheoneofyourteam.You wouldelevateeverybody’sgame.
“Jillian’s Circus is a full-service online marketing agency that regularly makes magic happen for clients.”
Whenitcomestodrivinganorganization’ssuccess, maintainingapositiveworkcultureisessential.Jillian’s Circusstrivesforapositiveworkenvironment.Itstraining manualgoesbeyondbasicskills/rules.Itstressesinter officerelationshipsandcollaborativestrategiesby encouraginganon-competitiveenvironment,offeringongoingtraining/teammeetings,andhostingseveralparties everyyearforallemployeesandclients.Jillian’sCircus celebratesoneanother’ssuccessesandprovidesincentives torewardexcellence.
Besides,Jillianexpresses, “If there is even one negative Ned/Nancy in your office- get them out!!! Like right nowstop reading and fire them. If you’re the person who is negative, then you need to stop because it’s killing your business.”
Ifgivenachance,onechangethatJillianwouldbringinthe waybrandsandpeopleconnectistoremovepeople's skepticismwhenitcomestosales.Shestates, “Every business is in business because it fills a need. If there is something you need or want, and you hear about someone
who has or can do it, then book a meeting with them to see if what they offer makes sense. If it does, move forward. If it doesn’t, let them know and thank them for their time.”
Jillianadvisesaspiringbusinesswomentostartbycreatinga strongbase.Sheinstructs, “Think about your client’s journey from hearing about your business to working with you for 10 years. Think about what they will see, what they will hear, what they will receive, etc. when they interact with your business and employees. Will they see a professional website? When they call how does someone answer? What does follow-up look like? If they walk into your office, is it comfortable? Then create a consistent, professional, branded flow every customer will experience.”
Overthenext5years,Jillian’svisionistoestablishJillian’s Circusasanauthorityinthedigitalmarketingspace,work ondigitaladvocacy,andgrowlikewildfire.
Longago,therewasahugeskepticismtowards women’sabilitytoleadbusinesses.Buttoday,we canseethattheyhavegonebeyondallprejudices andareplayingapivotalroleineveryfield.Theyhave crossedoverallthebarriers,andtodaytheyarethedrivers ofmostsuccessfulbusinessesandarethemostresourceful assettomanybusinessesworldwide.Theleadershipof womenisevolvedovertheyearsandiscontinuingto evolve.Theymighthavefacedchallengesintheirevolution buttheyhavebeendeterminedtothriveintheworldof business.Theyhaveprovedtheirvaluetotheworld.
Understandinghowfemaleleadershiphasevolvedover timecanhelpustapthepotentialfortheiradvancementin thefuture.Theevolutionofwomen'sleadershipisnotan abruptthing.Ithasbeenhappeningforlongyears,andthis evolutionwillcontinuetohappeninthefuture.Sincethe eventofthecollapseofLehmanBrothersinSeptember 2008,progressforwomenleadershiphasprovenquitemore substantial.Womenleadershaveprovedthattheyare capableoftakingtherightdecisions.Theyhaveprovedthat theyunderstandthestrategyandarerationalintheir approach.Theyhaveavision,mission,andgutstoplaythe roleofleadershipwithoutbeingafraidanddrivethe businessesintheappropriatedirectionofgrowthand development.
Today,womenrealizetheirpotentialandactontheir greateststrengthstoaddressthechallengesthatminimize theireffortstobuildsuccessful,rewarding,andsustainable careers.Women’sperceptionofthemselvesaspotential leaderstodayhasundergonearemarkableshift.They addresstheneedsthataretobeaddressedmuchdiligently andcalculatedly Theydon’ttakeirrationaldecisionsbut arecapableoftakinghigh-valuedecisionsthatdrivethe profitabilityofthebusinesses.
Womenleadershavebecomemoreconfidentthattheycan contributesignificantlytoanyfield.Theyarenotlimiting
themselvestoanyarea,andarethrivingeveninthemaledominatedindustries.Besides,theyaresettingan exemplaryexampleformanywomentocomeaheadandbe apartoftheworkforce.Theyhavelearnedthevalueof femalesolidarityandsupportingeachother.Theyareopen tolearningfromeachother.Theyarecomfortableworking withmenalliesandprovethemselvesascapableand resourcefulassetstotheorganizationswiththeirleadership abilitiesandsoftskills.Thewomen-ledmovementsand governmentsupporthavealsocontributedsignificantlyto theriseofwomen'sleadership.
Todaynoonecandaretounderestimatethevaluewomen leadersbringtothetable.Manywomentodayarein leadershippositionsofglobalinstitutionsandinfluential companies.Morewomenleadershavealsobeenelectedto representthehighofficeintheworld.Todayin2021, almost24countriesarebeingledbywomenleaders.
Thepandemichasalsocontributedtotheevolutionof women'sleadership.Asthereisanincreasingshifttowards remoteworkculture,thereisanopportunityforthe inclusionofthenumberofwomenintotheworkforce. Todaywomenleadersarecreatingmanyopportunitiesfor themselvesandareseizingtheopportunitieswhentheyare available.Theyarenotcasualandarereadytoplayakey rolebybeinginleadershippositions.Theyare demonstratingtheirexcellencebyleadingeffectivelyand producingsuccessfulresults.Theyarestrengtheningtheir capabilitiesandresolvetopushthroughallthebarriersand comeoutvictorious.
Todaywomenleadersaredefeatingallprejudicesand biases,settingthestandardofexemplaryleadership, profoundlycontributingtothebusinesses,andprovingtheir excellence.Overtheyears,theleadershipofwomenhas evolvedincrediblyandwillcontinuetoevolvemoreinthe future.
Kate Headley Director
Recognizedasoneoftheleadingexpertsof inclusiverecruitmentandtalentmanagementbest practice,KateHeadleyischangingthefaceof employment.Kateco-foundedTheClearCompanyin 2003andasacompanyDirectorremainsactivelyinvolved intheday-to-dayrunningofthebusiness.Positive, disruptive,andunafraidtoaskthedifficultquestions,Kate isknownformakingchangehappen.
AqualifiedHRleaderwhosecareerbeganatMarksand Spencer,followedbyseniorrolesatManchesterCity CouncilandCapita,Katehascreatedimpactandchange throughherabilitytoreachseniordecision-makersand influencersingovernmentandbusinesses.Shehas successfullycreatedandboughtseveraldigitalproductsto market.
Moreover,Kateisapublishedauthor,prolificspeaker,and facilitator,regularlyspeakingatprominentconferencesand events.Shehasledaproactive,practicalresponsetothe challengeofCovid-19,enablingemployerstoembedan inclusiveapproachtothepandemicthroughbestpractice andthoughtleadership.InadditiontoherroleattheClear Company,sheisalsoafoundermemberoftheUK GovernmentsDisabilityConfidentschemeandfoundedand chairstheUK’s‘RecruitmentIndustryDisabilityInitiative’, anationalprogramtoremovebarriersfordisabledjob seekers.
KatehasLupus,anautoimmuneconditionthathascaused significantsightlossduringthelastfiveyearsbuthasnot broughtastoptoherlevelofprofessionalinfluenceand activity
Inourendeavortofind“The10MostSuccessful BusinesswomentoWatch2021”,wecaughtupwithKateto learnaboutherjourney.Itfeelsgreattointerviewsomeone whoisfilledwithpassionandpersistenceanddrivenby values.ThereisalottoknowaboutherandDiversityand Inclusionatwork.
Pleaselistyourstrategiesandservicesthatmakeyou andyourcompanystandoutfromthecompetition.
OurteamsarepassionateaboutDiversity,Equityand Inclusion(DE&I),andourmissionistodisruptand innovatetocreateaninclusiveworldofwork.Ourclients makeDE&Ibusinessasusualbyunderstandingthebarriers toinclusionintheirworkplaceandachievepositive, sustainablechangerootedinpracticalplansthattreatthe causes,notthesymptoms.
Assessmentofanorganisation’sinclusionmaturitystatus basedonrobustdiversitymonitoringdata,documentand processreviews,stakeholderinterviewsandfocusgroups. Regularreviewstrackchangeasorganizationswork towardsagreedgoalsandoutcomes,itisapplicabletothe completeemployeelifecycleorspecificprocesses.
OurglobalDE&Iexpertsworkalongsideclientsto implementfocusedactionplans,trainingandaccessto ongoingexpertiseviaourscalabledigitalsolutionsall designedtoimproveinternalskillsandenableteamsto successfullymovefrompolicytobestpractice.
Whenleadersembodyinclusiveleadershipbehaviorsand actaschampionsfordiversityacrosstheirorganizations, thereisanoticeablecultureshifttothediversityofthought, customers,markets,andtalent.Ourhigh-impactand transformationalcoachingprogramsfocusonthepersonal DE&Ijourneyofleaders,enablingthemtoshapetheir learningandmoveforwards.
Whatwerethechallengesandexperiencesoverseeing humanresourcesacrossdifferentindustriesandatThe ClearCompany?
TheThecentralchallengehasalwaysbeentoattractandretain toptalentandimproveproductivityagainstchanging economicandsocialinfluences.Currently,weareseeinga muchmoreholisticapproachtoinvestinginpeopleand systems,andHRteamshavetheopportunitytomeasurethe impactoftheiractivitywithmeaningfuldataanalytics.
BeinganexperiencedHRleader,whatisyouropinion regardingtheimpactoftheCOVID-19pandemiconthe HumanResourcesindustry?AndhowhasTheClear Companymanagedtoovercomethissignificant challenge?
Covid-19hascreatedmanyunforeseenchallengesforHR leadersandteamsinmanagingtheearlyimpactof redundancies,furlough,andhomeworking,andnowby navigatingwhatareturntotheofficewilllooklikeinthe newworkingworld.
Asbusinessescompetetoattractandretaintoptalent,those thatprioritizeDE&Iandcandemonstratetheirabilitytodo sowillbetheonestogrow
Thisalsodemandsachangeinapproachbybusiness leaderstoo.AttheClearCompany,wehavemorethanever takenaholisticapproach,astheleadershipteambalances thechallengesofvirtualleadershipwithempatheticskills thatsupportthewellbeingandmentalhealthofemployees.
Whatisyouropiniononthenecessityforbusinessesto aligntheirofferingswithnewertechnological developments,especiallywhenitcomestoDigital Transformation?
Digitalinteractionhasbecometheprimarycontactwith employeesandcustomersduringthelast18months,andwe haveanunprecedentedopportunitytochangehowtimeat workandworkingprocessesaremanaged.Internally,it’s importanttobalancethetechnology-drivenopportunities forflexibilityagainstthewellbeingandspecificneedsof eachworkforce.Forthemajorityofpeople,it’sstillhugely beneficialtohaveregularface-to-facecontactinsome form.
TheClearCompanyhaslongrecognizedthepotentialof DigitalTransformationtoenableourclientstoachievetheir goals.Ourdigitalsolutionsrangefrominclusivity
diagnostics,virtualauditandstakeholderengagement platforms,onlinelearningandinclusionstandards,and accreditation,allapplicableglobally.
Whatpeople,whatbooks,whatlifefactorshave influencedandimpactedyou?
Books,IwasaCharlesHandyfaninmyearlyyearsandby faroneofthemostimpactfulreadsformerecently-WhyI nolongertalktowhitepeopleaboutracebyReniEddoLodge-shouldbemandatedforallCEO’sinmyopinion. LifefactorsofinfluenceincludegrowingupinSouth Manchester,havingamazingparents,my30yearmarriage, ourdaughterandmorerecentlymysightloss
Whatwouldbeyouradviceforaspiringandemerging womenentrepreneursintheHRIndustry?
Doit,bebold,holdtruetoyourvalues,andhavethe confidencetocreateateamthatwillincreasinglyovertake youintheirthinking.Donotletyourownlackofselfesteemholdyouback,mygenerationdidenoughofthat, youdon’tneedtoanymore!
Whatisyourvisionforthecompanyforthenextfive years?
TheClearCompany’svisionistoexpandourreachto businessesofalltypesandsizes,makingourexpertise availabletoorganizationswithgloballocationsandSMEs alike.Toenablethisreach,wearebringingaseriesof innovativeonlinesolutionstomarkettomakebestpractice availabletoeveryone.Watchthisspace,TheClear Companyisabouttogotrulyglobal.
Robyn Bordes CEO Illumina on PR
ithdigitalizationcameamassivewaveof
Wtransformationthatchangedthefaceofthe PublicRelationsindustrytoascalethatithad toexpanditschannelstoengagewithaudiencesthrough varioussocialplatforms.Varioustypesofcontentare createdstrategicallyandimpliedeffectivelytoensurethe brand'ssuccesstodifferentiatefromitspeers.Propellinga dedicatedteamtofulfilltheneedsandsurpassclients' expectationsisRobynBordes
AstheCEOofIlluminationPR,Robynimpliesamodern approachtopublicrelationsbyimplementinginnovative methodstoproducerealresultsthatcontributetotheoverall growthandsuccessoftheclients'brands.
IlluminationPRisalifestyle,boutiquePRfirmthatvalues anddrivesaworkculturewithethics,dedication,honesty, andperseveranceofitsentireteam.
Robyn'sjourneybeganwhenshewas13yearsold;herfirst jobwasatalocalrestaurantinherhometowninNJasa busgirl.Fromanearlyage,shealwayswishedtoopena restaurantcalledRobyn'sNest.Shewassuretobeinthe restaurantindustryuntilsherealizedthatshecoulddomore thingsinhercareer.Later,Robyngotintovariousbusiness sectorsfromdevelopment,webdesign,andeventplanning, whichledtopublicrelations.
PublicRelationsgotRobynexcitedasshewitnessedthe growthinthebusinessthroughtheeyeofthemedia.She knewshewasbringingherskillstothetablethatmovedthe needleforthebusiness.Shesays, "It was tremendously rewarding for me to see others excited watching their business take off. My business grew very quickly, and the challenges for me were just that my business grew very quickly. I was a one-woman show and had some big names to start my business. I was learning and growing at the same time.”
Robyn'svisionforIlluminationPRistobuildayounger generationofpublicistsandmanagerstoworkwithmeand ultimatelygrowintobiggeropportunitieswhileadvancing andmanagingdeals,press,andsocialmediacontentfor everyoneonitsroster.Whenshestartedherjourneyatthe firm,shefocusedonpublicrelations;however,asshegrew andgotconnectedtomorecelebrities,sherealizedthat managementiswhatshethrives.
Robynalwayswantedtogivemoretoherclients,which drovehertobesuccessfulinnegotiatingdealsandbeing creativeaboutdeliverablesandbranddeals.Shedoesn'tlike tosaynototheclientsandalwaysfindsawaytocontinue theirsuccessandcreativelybringinopportunitiestobuild
theirbrandandexceedexpectationswithoutbecoming stagnant.
RobynwantsPR&branddevelopmenttohavecriteriaof educationoraspecificlengthofinternshipthatpeoplemust havebeforegettingintoPRormanagement.
Inthepursuitofbeingthebest,IlluminationPRalways strivestobecost-effectiveforeveryone,evenifitmeans customizingapackageforanewbusinesstoenablethem theopportunitytohavePR,evenasastart-upbusiness.
Robynalwaysputsherselfinthepositionofanewbusiness owner,knowingtheimportanceofPR;herteamandshe buildpackagesforallbrandsandpeopletoensurethat everyonecanhavePR,evenforashortertermorata budget-friendlyrate.Shebelievesthateveryonedeserves thechancetoseetheirdreamscometrue.
RobynexpressesthatIlluminationPRhasadiverseage rangeanddemographiconitsteam.Anytimesomething newcomesouttechnology-wise,atleastone,ifnotall,on itsteamstartstoresearchtoseeifithasthepotentialto becomeasourceofrevenue.Ifthetechnologyhasthe potential,theteamoverfamiliarizesthemselveswiththe platformtocontinueinnovatingtheirentireroster.Once theyknowthatnewtechnologycanbemonetized,theystart suggestingittobrandswhentheyaredoingtheiroutreach.
Robynwantsbranddevelopmenttohavecriteriaof educationoraspecificlengthofinternshipthatpeoplemust havebeforegettingintoPRormanagement.Shehas experiencedacertainclientissuethatfrequentlyoccurs; clientscometoIlluminationPRafterspendingthousands
onotherpublicistswhocouldn'tdeliverorgarneranypress.
ItfrustratesRobynbecausethisissuemakesitharderfor companiestobetrustworthy.Shesays, "It's even more frustrating in the industry she works, but more importantly for the businesses that believe in the people they hire until they have exhausted their savings trying to make it. That's the change I would like to bring to this industry to protect business owners that are just starting or businesses/brands that are trying to grow to the next level.”
Lookingahead,IlluminationPRplanstoexpandmoreinto thetravelindustry,electriccarmarket,andadditional innovativeproducts.Thefirmhashadgreatpressand awardsgeneratedforinternationalpropertiesthatithas workedwith.ItisalreadyseeingAmazonstarttobroaden itsinfluencerdatabase.Robynisexcitedtobeapartofthe initiativefromthestart,asitintendstogivebrandsanew platformtoadvertiseandinfluencersanexistingplatformto monetize.
Inheradvicetobuddingentrepreneursaspiringtoventure intothePRsector,Robynsays, "Intern. Intern, Intern. This is a market that you want to make sure is right for you. It's a lot of hours. It's constant availability. Make sure you are going into the field you are interested in for the right reasons.
"An internship will properly prepare you for the field and for the type of clientele you want to work with. In speaking at colleges nationally, I saw a void in what they teach you for PR, as opposed to what you learn from working in PR. There needs to be that level of experience and understanding that you can truly only get from an internship," Robynconcludes.
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At Illumination PR, we are constantly looking for what's new, now and next; to ensure that your brand will have success and nothing less. ‘‘
