The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022 March2022

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

Work Life Balance Importance of Balancing All the Aspects of Life

Business Moments Focusing on What Really Maers

Editor’s Desk

A Thousand Soul to Inspire

Tbuildinganewrevolutionaryera.Itplayeda significantrole,becomingasaviorforbusinesses duetothepandemicforbothhumansandcorporations.We witnessedconsiderableshiftsinbusinessenvironmentsas organizationsandbusinessleadersbegantoadoptdigital workplaces.Companiesandbusinessleadersneedtolearn theselifelessonsandprepareforsuchuncertainties.

echnologyhasbecomethebackboneofbusinesses,

Today,womenleadersinvestmuchtimedevelopingallthe necessaryskillsandtrainingthemselvesasinfluencer leaders.Thelongertheyspendtimeinbusiness environments,facingthemostchallengingleadership positionsoftheindustry Thishashelpedthemgoalong wayregardingproductivityandearningtrustinthe organization.Businesswomencontinuallyplantoensure thattheorganizationisbetterpreparedforsuch unprecedentedchallengesbykeepingthemselvesawareof alltheindustryhappenings.

Womenleadersarecompassionateaboutlookingatthe biggerpicturetoworkontheirweaknessesandstrengthen theirqualities,includingtraitslikededication,belief, passion,andanever-giveattitude.Theirvastexperience helpsinspiremanyotherpeopleandbusinesswomen, creatingopportunitiesforthem.

Womenleadershavebecometheperfectfitforthe businessnicheandatrustworthysourceof inspirationwiththeirleadershipstyles.Thereisno denyingthattheybuildarealfoundationfora generationofbusinessleaders.Aboveall,onething thatstandsoutintheirleadershipisthehelping approach.Businesswomenarethesignificantreason manywomencandreambigandbecomethemselves agemofinspirationfortheworld.

InsightsSuccessacknowledgesitscontributionby featuringsuchbusinessleadersinitsupcoming edition– “The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022.” Thebusinessleadersinthiseditionshare withustheircourageousjourney,whichmakesusall believeinourdreamsanddoourbestinour capability.

sourabh@insightssuccess.com

Sourabh

FeaturedPerson

AmySanchez ExecutiveCoach andCEO

CathyGuthrie ExecutiveVice President HumanResources

JaimineJohnson DirectorOfAsset Management

JuliaAnthony Founder,President, andChief StrategyOfficer

KateBohn GlobalHeadofPrivate MarketsTechnology, MacquarieAssets Management

KarenSimon President&Managing ofTarrantCounty Division

KarinaTiwana VicePresident,Legal

NgaireFuata Directorand GeneralManager

ShereeAtcheson

GroupVicePresident ofDiversity& Inclusion

TracyV.Green Co-Founder&CEO

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

BriefCompanyName

SwimAgainsttheCurrent

Ncontracts ncontracts.com

DRKandCompanyRealty drk-realty.com

SwimAgainsttheCurrenthelpshigh-potentialprofessionals identifytheright,nextstepintheircareersotheycanmakea significantimpactinthenextchapteroftheirlives.

Ncontractsprovidesintegratedriskmanagementandlending compliancesoftwaretoarapidlyexpandingcustomerbase.

DonaldR.Kenney&CompanyRealtyisafull-service commercialrealestatecompany

SOLUtionMedical solutionmedllc.com

MacquarieGroup macquarie.com

SOLUtionisanearly-stagelifesciencecompany

MacquarieGroupisaglobalfinancialservicesorganisation withAustralianheritage,operatingin33markets

EmersonsCommercial RealEstate

EmersonsCommercialRealEstateisasophisticatedteamof realestateprofessionalsdedicatedtoprovidingyouallthe benefitsofanin-houserealestatemanagementoperation.

Infineraisaglobalsupplierofinnovativenetworkingsolutions.Infinera infinera.com

SunpixPost sunpixpost.co.nz

SunpixLtdisaNewZealandbasedTelevision&DigitalMedia Production&ManagementCompany

Valtechisaglobalbusinesstransformationagencydelivering innovationwithapurpose. Valtech www.valtech.com

VONTELLE vontelle.com

Vontélle’srootsrundeeperthanflyeyewear

AmySanchez

An Incredible Listener to Envision YOUR Career Path

Roughseasmakesskillfulsailors.Similarly,when itscomestothebusinessworld,challengeswhen handledcorrectlycanpavethepathtoimmense happinessandsuccess.Supportingcorporateleadersand companiesastheirnavigatekeytransitionsisthefuelthat drivesAmySanchez.She’sdevotedherlife’sworktohelp values-firstleadersandcompaniesovercomeperceived challengesandevolvesotheycanincreasehappiness, impact,andearningpotential.

AstheCEOandExecutiveCareer&LeadershipCoach ofSwimAgainsttheCurrent(www.swim-against.com), Amyhasworkedwithover100CorporateLeadersand Companiestohelpthemnavigatekeytransitions.Her partnershiphelpsthembuildawellthought-outstrategyand executewithintention,yieldingameasureableincreasein results.

Insights Success interviewedAmytolearnmoreabouther lifeexperiencesandherperspectiveonExecutiveCareer andLeadershipCoaching.

Belowarethehighlightsoftheinterview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderupuntilyourcurrentpositionatSwimAgainst theCurrent.Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercome toreachwhereyouaretoday?

Asalljourneysinvolvingsignificantchangedo,mystory startedwithconfusionandunhappiness.

Ihadbeeninaseniormarketingpositionforahealthcare company,anduponannouncingmypregnancy,theyasked metorelocate,payoutofpocket,orquit.Thatdidn’tsit wellwithme,andIhadbeenthinkingaboutachangefora while.Iworkedwithacoachandidentifiedcoachingasthe pathIwasbeingcalledtowards.Itwasareallyemotional timeanditwasdrivingmetowardsthefutureIwasbeing calledto.

Aftergettingmycoachingcertificationandopeningthe doorstomynewbusiness,Iwentthroughthetypical entrepreneurialpathofstumblingalong,tryinglotsof differentthings,workingwithmanydifferentclientsuntilI refinedmyprocessandfoundtherightmix.Afteracouple ofyears,Irealizedthatmyclientswereconsistentlysee amazingoutcomes!That’swhenIknewIhadsomething special,andfromthere,itgrew.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

Mycompanyismission-first.Mymissionistohelp corporateleadersreachtheirfullpotentialandbuilda nourishingandproductivecareerandlifethathonorstheir valuestocreatealargerimpactontheworld.

Externally,IexplainthismissionasIhelpcorporateleaders navigatecareertransitionssotheycanmaximizehappiness, impact,andearningpotential.Seeingthishappenisoneof thebestpartsofmyjob.

When you help talented, high achievers with an eye on the greater good get in their flow, everyone benefits.

Women of

Amy Sanchez Executive Coach and CEO

Myvisiongrowsasmycapacitytoserveexpands.Itusedto befocusedonpartnering1:1withcorporateleaders.Over time,it’salsoexpandedtosupportingteamsandmissiondrivencompaniesastheyintentionallytrytoprovide supporttoenableemployeestoreachtheirfullpotential.

Fortunately,thecoachingskillsetandassessmentsIutilize areveryeffectiveacrossB2CandB2Banddrive measurablepositivetransformations.Andit’ssuperfun.So, it’sawin-win.

EnlightenusonhowyouhaveimpactedtheCareer Coachingnichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket. It’shardtoanswerthisquestionbecausetherearemany incrediblytalentedcareercoachesinmyspace.AlthoughI collaboratewithseveral,mostofustendtofocusonour individualsphereswithlimitedinteraction.

Icansaythatwhilesomecareercoachestendtofocuson theimplementation(resume/LinkedIn/interviewing,etc.),I startearlierinoptimizingmindsetandclarifyingthetarget. Ifindthatmovingstraightto“thedoing”ofcareer searchingcanoftenlandflatifthecandidateisn’tinthe rightmindspacetobesellingtheirskillsand/orifthey’re notfocusingonthe“right”roleforthem.

WhenIstartearlierinthisprocess,itenablesmyleadersto understandthevaluetheybringtothetable,startseeing opportunitiesinsteadofchallenges,andgetclearonwhat typeofroletheywant.Myleadershavelimitedfreetime, sowhenwedostartthe“implementation”partofthejob search,weensurealleffortsarefocusedontherightareas toyieldmaximumresults.

Wedothisbytakingtheiridealroleandusingittocraft theirjob-seekingstrategyandmessaging.Weputtogethera networkingstrategy,buildtheirbrand,preparefor interviews,andgameplansalarynegotiations.Thisenabled oneofmyclientstosecurea$100Ksigningbonusthathe otherwisewouldn’thavegotten.

It’slessofa“hireme!”approachandmoreofa“doyou haveajobthatcomplimentsmyexpertiseandenablesmeto focusmyenergyonhelpingyoubuildsomethingI’m passionateabout?”Thatentirelyflipsthescript,putsmy clientsinthedriver’sseat,andtendstoyieldafulfilling nextroleandoftenmultipleoffers.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

Mycompanyisveryclient-first.It’sallaboutdelivering

valuethatenablesmyclientstogoonthejourneythey want.Toensurewe’reclearonwhatthatis,Ihaveevery clientfilloutanintakeformtotellmeexactlywhatthey wanttoachieve.Thatenablesmetotailormycoaching methodologytosupporttheiruniquegoalsanddesires.

I’malsoveryclearonwhoisnotagoodfitformy organizationanddon’toffertoworkwiththoseclients. Everyonefillsoutadiscoverysessionapplication.Ifthere’s amutualfitandIfeellikeIcanreallyhelpthatpersonwith theirgoal,Iwilloffertoworkwiththem.Iconsiderthe workIdotobeverysacred,andit’simportanttoensure there’salevelofcomfortforboththeclientandmesowe canbothdoourbestworktogether

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforSwimAgainstthe Current?

Workingwithcorporateleadersprivatelywillalwaysbe partofmybusinessplan.That’sthefoundationofSATC, anditfillsmycup.Inthelongterm,asdemandformy servicescontinuestogrow,Ienvisionexpandingthe coachingteamandincreasingthepercentageoftimeIspent coachingandfacilitatingworkshopsformission-driven companies.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheCareerCoachingsector? Bepreparedforacoupleofyearsofbusinessbuilding beforeyougetyourfooting.Stayfocusedononeortwo promotionalactivitiesthatyouenjoyandstayconsistent. Focusondeliveringagreatexperiencetoyourclientsand trustthatgrowthwillfollow.

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

JAIMINE JOHNSON Director, Commercial Operations, Leasing and Sales Realtor DRK and Company Realty

JAIMINE Director, Commercial Operations, Leasing and Sales Realtor DRK and Realty

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Engrainingthesemoralswithinherself,Jaimine JohnsonhaswalkedalongroadtobecometheDirectorof CommercialOperations,Leasing,andSalesRealtorat DRKandCompanyRealty

Jaimine'sprovenstrategieshaveshiftedtidesintheniche, gainingherrecognitionasoneofthemostsuccessful businesswomen.Withassetsabove$225millioninthe DRKportfolio,shehasaprovenrecordofsuccessin developingstrategiesthatdriverevenueandincrease overallbusinessprofitability.

InsightsSuccesscaughtupwithJaimineandtalkedabout herjourney,challenges,andfuturegoals. Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatDRK.What challengesyouhavetoovercometoreachwhereyouare today?

AsDirectorofCommercialOperations,Leasing,andSales forDRK,Ihavedevelopedandimplementedlong-term strategiesforthecommercialassetdivisioninthe investmentmanagementofoffice,industrial/flex,medical, retailproperties.

IpreviouslyworkedatDRKfrom2007to2015,andI broughtawealthofrealestateexperiencetothecompany.I haveoverseentransactionsinvolvingtheassetmanagement, sales,leasing,andmarketingofcommercialproperties whileexecutinginitiativestopromoteandsupportcompany growth,globalplanning,newbusinessstart-ups,and companybranding.AtDRK,Iconsistentlymaintaineda 96%tenantoccupancyratewhileincreasingoutsidelistings by83%.

MyrealestateexpertiseinColumbusincludesworkingas FirstVicePresidentofColliersHealthcareRealEstate Group.There,Idirectedtherealestatestrategyand

operationsinprovidingconsultativeservicesforhealthcare systemsandserviceprovidersbothinOhioandona nationalplatform.Ialsoservedasseniorvicepresidentof commercialrealestateatHuntingtonNationalBank.I developedstrategiestoenhancetherealestateportfolio comprisedof$10billioninoffice,retail,andlandoutparcel properties.

Thegreatestchallenge,certainlywhenIjoinedcommercial realestate,wasthattherewerenotmanywomeninthe industrywhodidwhatIwastaskedtodo.Iremember sittinginmeetings,andIwasonewomantoover80menin theroom.Icertainlydidnotseeitasachallengebutrather anopportunitytopavethewayfordiversification.Iwill admitthatColumbuswasverywelcoming.Ihavehadthe distincthonorofworkingwithsomeoutstandingleadersin thiscity

TellussomethingmoreaboutDRK,itsmission,and vision

DonaldR.Kenney&CompanyRealtyhas50yearsof experienceinColumbus,Ohio,inlandacquisition,land development,propertymanagement,andthesaleandlease ofalltypesofcommercialproperty,includingprofessional andmedicalofficebuildings,warehousedistribution,and retail.

EnlightenusonhowDRKhasmadeanimpactinthe Landnichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

DRKisalocallyownedandoperatedcompany Thatproves mosthelpfulwhenunderstandingexactlywhatyour communityneeds.Beinginthebusinessfor50+yearsinall municipalitiessurroundingCentralOhiohashelpedDRK solidifymanyusefulrelationshipstodeterminewherethe nextpieceofpropertyispurchased.

Landdevelopmentsignifiesgrowthinacommunity.DRK takesprideinfindinggreatsitesthatcanprospernotonly withcommercialandresidentialconstructionbutalsomany benefitstosurroundingretail,schools,tourism,creating newcommunityinfrastructure,etc.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Forbetterorworse,technologyhaschangedhowmost businessistransacted.Undoubtedly,realestatehas benefitedfromimprovedefficienciessuchasvirtualtouring, esigning,andonlinelistingssources.

Lastly,allowingmeetingstotakeplaceonlineversusinpersonhelpedusnavigateandcontinuetodobusiness safelyandeffectivelyduringapandemic,oneofthemost difficulttimesournationhaseverfaced.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring intheAssetManagementindustry? Optimization,efficiency,andlastly,improvethe understandingofassetmanagementandhowitprovesto playacriticallyimportantroleinproperNOI.Assuringall PropertyManagersarelicensed,agents.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theCommercialRealEstateindustry?HowisDRK preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Wewillcontinuetofocusontheneedforwork-flexibility, dining,shopping,healthactivities,andthesupportofour clients.Weareunderthestrongbeliefthatweneedtobe affordableandclosetomanyamenitiesthatsupportour

clients'staffinourbuildingswhileprovidingasafe environmentthatallowstheemployeestoworkhaveproper innovation,social,transportation,andtelecommunications systems.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeintheendand whatareyourfuturegoalsforDRK?

IhavecertainlyfoundwhatIenjoydoing.Theysay,"Do whatyoulove,andyou'llneverworkanotherdayinyour life"WeareaNichebrokerage;weenjoyspecializing,we studyourmarket.Ifeelwebelonginthespaceweare currentlyoperatingin,landlordswithsquarefeetfrom0120,000SF

Maintainingourgoalswillbekey.Stronggoalsforour teamwillbetoreconfigureourcurrentrealestateto maintaintheneedinthespaceandcontinuerelationship building:strongoccupancyandanevenstrongNOItoour investors.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheLeasing/Salessector? Knowyourworth,bestrongwithknowledgeandcontinue toeducateyourself.Alwaysbewillingtolearn.Lastly,pick upthephoneandseepeopleinperson.Itismucheasierto doatransactionwithafriendthanwithastranger.

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

Importance of Balancing All the Aspects of Life

Importance of Balancing All the Aspects of Life

ifeisnotblackandwhite.Therearemanyshades

Lofgrey Wearenotislandsorsaintsorrenunciants orfrustratedmonksorfanaticordogmaticpeople tobeperfectlydetachedfromeverythingandfocusononly oneaspectoflife.Therearemanyaspectstothelivesof everyindividual.Doingjusticetoallresponsibilitiesmeans work-lifebalance.Jobsorbusinessesfillourpockets; adventuresfilloursouls.Therefore,havingahealthy balanceofentrepreneurshipandpersonallifeisofgreat importanceinthelivesofalmosteveryone.Although attainingperfectwork-lifebalanceintheultra-modern worldisnearlyimpossible,butreasonableamountofworklifebalanceinthelivesofprofessionalsandentrepreneurs isessentialforfunctioningefficientlyinthelongrun.

Althoughahealthywork-lifebalanceisdifferentfor everyone,theessentialaspectsofdoingjusticetotherole, routines,relationships,responsibilities,andresultsarethe vitalaspectsofahealthywork-lifebalancealmostfor everyone.Focusingtoomuchonbusinessresultsand ignoringimportantrelationshipswillnotbesustainable;we needtodiligentlybalancethedifferentaspectsoflife.We

Work Life Balance

shouldhavethecapabilitiesofdeliveringgreatbusiness resultsandtheabilitytodojusticetoourrelationshipsin ourpersonallives.Weshouldnotbetoobusymakinga livingbybeingengagedinourjobsorbusinessesthatwe mayforgettomakealife.Businessleadersneedtobesmart enoughtobeabletobalancetheprofessionalandpersonal aspectsoftheirlives.

Planningworkactivitiesinsuchawaythatitwillnot hamperfitnessandfamilygoalsshouldbethepriorityof businessleaders.Theyshouldsetanexampleofleading balancedpersonalandprofessionallives.Theyshoulduse productivitytoolsformanagingtheirworkandlife.They shouldensurethattheyarenotneglectingtheotheraspect byfocusingonlyononeaspecttoomuch.Andtheyshould alsoensurethattheyarenotbecomingcomplacentintheir professionalresponsibilitiesinthenameofattainingworklifebalance.Makingefficientuseofavailabletimewillhelp businessleadersattainahealthywork-lifebalance.They shouldpracticesomemeditationtechniquesthatwill enhancetheirthoughtprocess,calmness,andabilitytodo thingsbalancedwithoutbeingoverreactive.

Respondingtosituationscalmly,wisely,andintelligentlyis asignofahealthywork-lifebalance.Astheysay,lifeis 10%whathappenstousand90%thewaywereacttoit. Businessleadersshouldhavetherightdispositionand positivementalattitudetorespondtotheeventualchallengesanddifferentsituations.

Ahealthywork-lifebalancegivesbusinessleaderstheedge tomakeprofitablebusinessdecisionsandenhances productivityatworkplaces.Takingsometimeofffrom workhelpsbusinessleaderstofunctionmoreeffectively andcreativelywhentheyarebacktowork.Besides, innovativenessgetsenhancedwithahealthywork-life balance.Infact,businessleadersshouldpromotetheculture ofhealthywork-lifebalanceintheemployeestobringout thebestinthemfororganizationalgrowth.

Learningtosaynotounnecessarythings,events,people alsoplaysasignificantroleinbalancingworkandlife.Itis equallyimportantforbusinessleaderstoknowwhattodo andwhatnottodo.Takingscheduledbreaksatregular intervalsisthemostimportantwork-lifebalanceelement.

Toconclude,physicalfitness,mentaltoughness,intellectual sharpness,spiritualcalmness,andbusinessacumenarethe mostimportantqualitiestobeasuccessfulbusinessleader, balancealltheaspectsoflifeveryjudiciously,andensurea healthywork-lifebalance.

Karen Karen Simon Simon

to

the Most

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

romfacingchallengesandrisingtotheoccasionto

Fdenttheuniversewithhersheerwill,KarenSimon hascomealongwaytobecomethePresidentand ManagingPartneratEmersonsCommercialRealEstate TarrantCountyDivision Today,Karenisadmired throughoutthereal-estatenicheforherfantasticleadership skillstohelpherclients,employees,andagentsgrowin theirprofessionandsucceedintheirbusiness. LetusdivedeepintoKaren'sdeterminedjourney.

ClimbingUptheLadder

Fromthebeginningofherprofessionaljourneyin1983 untiltheearly2000s,Karen'ssignificantchallengeto overcomewasstrivingasawomaninaprimarilymaledominatedindustry.Shewasamongstthefewwomenin thatperiodthatoperatedinindustrialreal-estate;however, shefoundclientsthatwereopen-mindedtodeal professionallywithwomenaslongastheywereinformed andworkedhard.Although,fellowmalebrokerswere slowertowelcomewomen.

WhenKarenwasinchargeofPublicRelationsand IntergovernmentalRelationsforfivestatesatthe DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment,she learnedhowtoobtainherbroker'slicense,neverhavinghad asaleslicense.Thedepartmentdidnotallowitsemployees toholdasalesman'slicensebecauseitcouldcreatea potentialconflictofinterest.

Fortunately,anewregulationopenedforoneyearallowed thosequalifiedtobebrokerstobypassasalesman'slicense andsitforthebrokers'exam.Karenappliedandlearned thatshelackednineclassroomhoursorthreesemester hoursoutof60toqualifyfortheexam.Beingachallenge, Karencouldnotresistandtookatwo-weekleave,tooknine classroomhours,andattendedtheexam.Shepassedand earnedherbroker'slicense,whichshecouldholdaloneand meetthelegalcriteria.

Armedwithanewtool,Karensetaboutherbusinessasif nothinghadchangeduntilataChristmasparty;shemetthe headofindustrialrealestateforHenryS.Miller,thenthe

largestrealestatecompanyinthestateofTexas.Sheshares, "After the usual chit-chat, he asked me by chance did I hold a real estate license? I said proudly, "Yes, I do!" and he offered me a job that was hard to resist.”

HenryS.Millerwantedtoopenanindustrialrealestate divisionintheirTarrantCountyofficeandhiretheirfirst

womanasaheadofadepartment.Aftersixmonthsof discussionandnegotiation,therewerenofemaleindustrial realtorsinTarrantorDallasCountyin1982.Karenbegana boldnewroadinherlifeasthefirstfemaleindustrialrealtor andthefirstfemaleheadofadivisionwithinthelargestreal estatecompanyinthestate.Sheasserts, "I remained with Henry, later to be Grubb and Ellis, for six years and then began a wild ride in the real estate business as the market took a downturn and the federal government became the largest real estate owner in the country.”

TheNextChapter

From1990to1993,Karenwasapartnerandsignificant shareholderintheR.E.GroupAdvisorsInc.DBAtheReal EstateGroup.Itwasawomanandminority-owned company,wheresheenjoyedthebenefitsandopportunities allowedtothissmallgroupinadministratingandor marketingforthegovernment.

Astherealestatemarketbegantoshift,KarenlefttheReal EstateGroup,joiningaregional-sizedretailleasingand salesdevelopmentorganizationcalledtheWoodmont Companyastheheadoftheirnewlyformedindustrialand landdivision.Shespentsixyearswiththem,helpingthem withtheindustrialneedsoftheirretailclients,and managingsitedevelopment.

In2003,KarenwasrecruitedtostartaTarrantCountyoffice fortheBradfordCompanyandspentthenext12years makingthemasuccessfulventureinTarrantCounty Sharingherexperience,shesays, "Alas, no opportunity there for ownership was going to come my way, and so my adventurous soul moved me on. In 2014, I founded the TIG company in Tarrant County, also an industrial and office brokerage and management company.”

Whenthestarsalignedin2016,Karenmetthepartnersof EmersonsCommercialRealEstateanddecidedthatshewas finallyathome.RichardWebb,aformerbanker,andMatt Price,aCPA,decidedtheywantedaTarrantCountyoffice andknewtheywantedapartnership,notanemployee-run office.Karenmentions, "We agreed that we had made a marriage worth keeping. In 2016 we formed the Fort Worth office of Emersons Commercial Real Estate. Richard and Matt had founded Emersons in 2004, and by 2016 they had a successful brokerage company and a rapidly growing management company managing over 7 million square feet in Texas.”

By2019,EmersonshadformedwithaSaintLouis-based partner,PriorityProperties,apartnershipcalled1045to

manageallofKroger'srealestatenationwide.Theyopened multipleofficesacrossthecountrywithamissiontobethe bestrealestatecompanypossibleandtohandletheirclient's needsasclosetoperfectionaspossible,havinggrowthand strengthastheobjective.

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Sharingherthoughtsontechnology,Karensays, "I am a bit slow on technological advances but have surrounded myself with techy people who help me see over the horizon. I want to help agents see that doing their best for their clients will ultimately help them the most if given a chance. Courtesy, study, and a strong work effort will benefit my fellow agents in achieving their future success.”

TotheRoots

Ultimately,Karenseesherselfreturningmoretoateaching roleassheinitiallyspentfouryearsteachingina communitycollegeandenjoyingmentoringotherstopush towardstheirexcellence. KarenwouldliketoseeEmersonsreachitsfullemergence asanethicalandsuccessfulrealestatefirmwithasolidand loyalclientele.

MentoringNextGeneration

Karenadvisesaspiringentrepreneurstoputtheirclients' needsforemostintheirefforts."A good reputation and success record will be their reward," Karenconcludes.

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

Karina Tiwana

An Ardent Legal Professional Exemplifying Passionate Leadership

t takes dedication and laser focus to find success, not

Ito mention rolled-up sleeves and dirt under your finger nails”, statesanardentleader,KarinaTiwana Asthe GeneralCounsel,VicePresidentandCorporate SecretaryofALEUSA–theU.S.entitynameofAlcatelLucentEnterprise-Tiwanahasbeenanintegralpartofthe successofthecompany.Herpassionforthebusinessside oflawandsheerdedicationhasledTiwanatowheresheis today

Afterspendingalmost15yearsatAlcatel-Lucent,firstasa ContractManagerforfiveyears,Tiwanamovedupthrough theranksofthelegaldepartment,whereshelandeda corporatecounselpositionsupportingthemostinnovative businessdivisionsofthecompany.Eventually,becamea primarylegalresourcetooneofthesedivisions,the Enterprisedivision,in2006.Thereafter,shewastappedto supportoneofthehighestrevenue-producingdivisionsin thecompany.Shedidthatupuntil2014whenshewas invitedtosupporttheplanneddivestitureoftheEnterprise divisionasGeneralCounselintheUnitedStates.Tiwana wouldbechargedwithbuildingadepartmenttosupportall thelegalneeds ofAlcatel-LucentEnterprise,thenew stand-alonecompany,inNorthAmerica.Thiswasnosmall featbut,shesaid,“manytalentedandprofessionalpeople carriedmytorch.”

Reflectingontheexperience,Tiwanarecognizesshe’s gratefulforthemenandwomenalongherpaththatbuoyed herupwhenshefeltshemightbedrowning.Helpinganew companybebornisadauntingtask.TheEnterprise BusinessDivision,turnedAlcatel-LucentEnterprise, containsaclose-knitgroupwithmanyemployeesboasting longtenureswiththecompany

Let’sknowmoreaboutTiwanaandhercontributiontothe industrythroughaninterviewconductedbetweenherand InsightsSuccess.

Below are the highlights of the interview: Asabusinessleader,whatisyouropinionontheimpact ofthecurrentpandemiconthetelecommunications industry?

Thepandemic’simpactonpeople,insomecases,hasbeen horrifyinganddeadly.Iwillinnowayminimizemy feelingsofempathytowardfamiliesthathavelostloved onesandthosewhohavefallenillfromthevirus.And,of course,toparentstryingtocopewithbothat-homeworking andat-hometeachingofchildrenrippedfromschoolsand theirfriends.Thisat-homeworkingandteachinghas createdanincreaseintheneedfortoolsliketheAlcatelLucentEnterpriseRainbowUnifiedCommunication Platform,aswellasinfrastructuresolutions,suchasthe company’sOmniAccessStellarwirelessLANandthe OmniSwitchnetworkswitchesthatmakeeverything connecttosupporttheincreasedcommunicationneeds spawnedbythecrisis.Inthisway,manytelecomindustry segmentsarereapingthebenefitsofthe“newnormal”. It’s ashiftfromin-officetohomeworkingandfromin-person schooltohomeschool.Eveneventsandwhatusedtobe liveentertainmenthavegoneonlineaswealltrytocope withtherestrictionsrequiredtokeepallofussafethrough thepandemic.Ihearthroughnewsreportsthatmany companieswillcontinuethework-from-homeoptionsin someformorotherso,itlooksliketheneedfortelecom industrytools,solutionsandinfrastructureisgoingto continuetogrow.

Whatisyouropiniononthenecessityforbusinessesto aligntheirofferingswithnewertechnological developments,especiallywhenitcomestoDigital Transformation?

Ithinkthatwhenitcomestodigitaltransformation, businessesthataligntheirofferingstoadvancesin technologyfurtherdrivetheevolution.Technology

continuestobeinstrumentalinourlivesandthegrowthof business.Inparticular,Ithink,asastrategy,aligning businessinfrastructurewithCloudtechnologybuildsa mindsetthatpushesinnovation,agilityandproblemsolving.Ourcompany’sCloudtechnologyproductsand serviceshavehelpedourcustomerspushbeyonddigital transformationplansandovercomethechallengesof workingthroughapandemic.It’scleartomethatCloud deliversthebenefitofscaleandadaptstoopportunities, whilebeingreliableandsecure.Itjustmakessensetome howflexibletechnologyenablesbusinessestoadaptthe workenvironment,ensureefficientoperationsandmanage costs.

HowdoyoubringyourGeneralCounselskillsin establishingstrategicdirectionanddeliveringresults globally?

Idothisinmanyways,butoneofmygreatestpleasuresin therecentpasthasbeencontributinglegaladvicetoour teamofwomenandmenthathavecreatedtheDiversityand InclusionEmployeeResourceGroup(ESG)underour CorporateSocialResponsibility(CSR)program Withthe executivesponsorshipofRukminiGlanard,ourExecutive VicePresidentofWorldwideSales,Servicesand Marketing,theESGhostedoursecondglobalonline summittohighlightthatdiversityandequalityarelife issuesand,definitely,abusinessissueimpactingfinancial results.Anequalworldinbusinessresultsinanenabledand betterworldforbusiness.Weneedallofourmindsandall ofourhands,asacompany,tocompeteandsucceed. Diversityandinclusion–acrossgender,ethnicity,age, religion,etc.–enableabetter,balancedenvironmentfor economiesandcommunitiestothrive.

Inwhatwayshaveyoucontributedtothecommunity? Inmycommunity,asawomanVeteran,Iamveryactivein ourAmericanLegionandAmericanLegionAuxiliary.This “AmericanLegionFamily”providessupporttolocal Veterans,theirfamiliesandthegeneralcommunitywhere Veteransliveandwork.Oneexampleofarecentprojectin 2020,werecognizedtheneedsofsomanychildreninour communityaroundChristmastime.Wesponsored,locally, ToysforTotssupportedbytheUnitedStatesMarineCorps Reserve.Weservedover300childrenandallofthem receivedgiftsandafooddonationfortheirfamilies.

Supportingthiskindof“all-volunteer”communityevent bringsmegreatjoybecauseIsawthepowerofgivingin action.Collegestudents,homefortheholidays,stood alongsidetheirParents,GrandmothersandGrandfathersto

participateinthetoyandfooddistributionportionofthe event.Istronglybelieveintheempowermentprovidedby servingacausemuchgreaterthanyourself.Igetthis empowermentthroughworkingwithinourAmerican LegionFamily.IcurrentlyserveontheExecutiveBoardas Sergeant-at-ArmsandhaveservedinthepastasPost Commander AtthetimeIservedasCommander,Iwasthe veryfirstwomanevertoserveasCommanderinthePost’s 77-yearhistory.Today,I’mproudtosay,asothernotable “firstwomen”leadersaresayingmoreandmore,“Imay havebeenthefirst,butIwon’tbethelast.”

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyoubringin providinggrowthopportunitiestoWomen?

IamveryluckytohavebeengiventhechanceatAlcatelLucentEnterprisetoeffectrealchangeinmyroleas GeneralCounselatALEUSA.Ihiredstudentinternsin 2014asacreativewaytoaugmentmystaff.Weshowedso muchsuccesswithtrainingandutilizingstudentinternsin ourlegaldepartmentthatitinspiredthecompanytoadopt anInternshipProgramandnow,manydepartmentsare hiringstudentinterns.Infact,arecenthireisgoingto supplementourglobalCSRendeavors.Shewillbe graduatingfromcollegesoonwithadegreeinEthnic Studies.Ithinktheseinternshipprogramsarevitalto creatingopportunitiesandsuccessforeveryone,especially

Step-up andlead fromthe front.

forwomen.Inmycase,allofmyinternsmovedonto becomepracticinglawyersandhavesecuredpositionsin lawfirms.I’mveryproudofallofthem.

Asanestablishedbusinessleader,whatwouldbeyour adviceforthebuddingwomenentrepreneurs?

Makesureyouknowagoodlawyer!Notashamelessplug. No,seriously,it’sveryimportanttobuildastrongnetwork ofdiverselytalentedindividualsthatcanbeaskedforthe helpyouneedalongtheway.Beyourselfbecauseyour authenticselfisyourbestface.Haveaclearpictureofwhat yourauthenticselfis.Remember,therewillberoadblocks onyourjourneytosuccessandsomemayberelatedtoyour gender,yourageoranynumberofthingsbutthe roadblocksarejusthillstoclimbandthereareplentyof peopletogiveyouahelpfulpushsoyoucankeepgoing. Leverageyourmentorsandallies.Theseareyourfriends, yourclassmates,yourteachers,yourfamily,your

colleagues,andyourprofessionalnetwork.Theywillhelp younavigate.But,aboveall,dowhatyoulove.Doitalot. Ifyoudowhatyouloveandyoudoitalot,youwillget reallygoodatit.Ifyougetgoodatit,youwilllikelymake moneyatitandyouwillbewealthy Wealthisnotmoney alone.Wealthincludesnotonlyprofessionalsuccessbut alsoself-fulfillmentandrealizingyourdreams.

Karina Tiwana, General Counsel, Vice President, and Corporate Secretary, ALE USA Inc.

Wtherest?Itistheirsheerabilitytofocuson whatmattersandeliminatetheunessential.

hatseparatessuccessfulbusinessleadersfrom

Successfulbusinessleadershavetheknackforgetting thingsdonedifferently Theythinkbigtowinbig.They haveabroad-mindedapproach.Theyareconciseand eloquent.Theyspeakwhattheymean,andtheymeanwhat theyspeak.Theyarerationalandcrystal-clearintheir approach.Theyknowthattherearebetterpracticestoeven bestpractices,andthus,theydeliverbeyondexpectations.

Successfulbusinessleadersaligntheirvisionwiththe execution.Theydon’tgiveintothenegativetemptations andtheallurementsthatwilldivertthemfromtheirmost preciousgoals.Theybelievethatitismoreimportantto mindtheirresolutionsthananythingelse.

Themarkofgreatbusinessleadersisthattheyhavethe sharpabilitiestofocusonthegoodandremovethebad. Theyreplaceeverythingbadwiththepotentialgood.They transformchallengesintoopportunities.Theyutilize resourcesmostdiligently.Theymakethebestutilizationof whattheyhave.Theyunderstandthatitisequallyimportant toknowwhattodoandwhatnottodo.Theirabilityto distinguishbetweentruthandillusionhelpsthemmake high-valuedecisionsthatwillbeprofitableinthelongrun.

Wearelivinginaworldwithalotoftemptationsall around,anditisveryeasytogetdistracted.Butgreat leaderscanfocusonwhattheywanttoaccomplisheven amidstalotoftemptations.Theyareneverdistractedfrom theirgoalsandvisions.Theyunderstandthattobedistractedmeanstobedisempoweredand,thus,alwayslookat thebiggerpicture.Theleaderswhocanfocusonthetasks intheirhandscanachieveremarkablefeatsinthebusinessestheyareleading.Focusingononeparticularaspect doesn’tmeantheyareshort-sighted,buttheykeeptrackof importantthingsthatwillhelpthemreachtheirgoals.

Successfulbusinessleadershavedifferenttraitsthan ordinarypeople.Theyslowdownonceinawhiletorelook wheretheyaregoingon,assessthesituationwell,and changethestrategyifneeded.Theyareveryflexibleintheir approach.Theyarenothallucinatory,buttheymatchtheir actionsandthoughts.Theyarenotrigidintheirapproach buttakesituationaldecisionsthatwilleventuallyhelpthem attaintheirbusinesstargets.Iftheyaremetwithtemporary failure,theydon’tchangetheirgoalsbutchangetheir strategytoachievethosegoals.Theydon’tgiveupontheir mostimportantgoals.Failureisnotawordinthedictionary ofsuccessfulbusinessleaders.Theytreatfailureasa steppingstoneorasalearningexperienceonthejourneyof success.

Nothingbelittlesthemoraleandtheconscienceofsuccessfulbusinessleaders.Theyremaincommittedtotheprocess ofconsistentlyworkinghardtowardstheirmostcherished goals.Theircommitmenttotheprocessmakesthem gloriousandsustainablysuccessful.Theyremainresolutein theirpurposeandeventuallyreachthelandmarkofsuccess. Theyaddresstheneedsthatneedtobeaddressedmost profoundlyandmakeasignificantimpactinthebusiness theyareleading.

Inaworldfullofdistractions,wecanachieveourgoals onlyifwefocusonachievingourgoalsinsteadofbeing divertedordistractedbyanythingelse.

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

NgaireFuata Director

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

Ngaire Fuata Enriching the Lives of New Zealanders

Ftofitnessinstructor,NgaireFuatahascomealong wayinhercareer.Sheholdsmorethan30yearsof experienceinthetelevisionproductionindustry.Having producedaward-winningshortfilmsMaandLiliu,Ngaire isnowisoneofthefoundingDirectorsandProducerat SunPix,theleaderinthePasifikarepresentationon mainstreamtelevision.

rombeingapresenter,producer,chart-toppingsinger

EngagingPacificCommunities

NgairementionsthatSunPixisagroupofcompanieswith itsprimaryfocusonPacificIslandsstoriesinAotearoa, NewZealandandthePacificregion.ItproducesTVNZ's flagshipTagataPasifikatelevisionprogramandhasan onlineplatformTP+tpplus.co.nztoengagePacific communitiesthroughhigh-qualityandrelevantstorytelling.

Letusshedsomelightonherjourneyasabusinessleader.

TheInceptionStory

Afternearly26yearsworkingforTelevisionNewZealand (TVNZ,amediacompany),thedepartment(Māori& PacificProgrammes)inwhichNgairewasworking,was outsourced.Formostofthattime,Ngaireandherteamhad workedonTagataPasifika,thePacificIslandsnewsand currentaffairsshow.TVNZwaslookingatexisting productioncompaniestobidfortheshow Thiswasthe impetusforNgaireFuataandherbusinesspartnerstocreate SunPixLtdandputinaproposalasanexternalcompanyto maketheprogram.Whiletheyhadyearsofexperience producinganddeliveringtheprogram,theyhadnobusiness experience.

Betweenherbusinesspartners,Taualeo'oStephenStehlin, JohnUtanga,andNgaireherself,theyhadarangeofskills, agoodtrackrecordofdeliveryandproductionexperience, andverystrongconnectionswiththePacificIslands communities.Thismadethecollaborationsolid,andwhile therewereafewhoopstojumpthrough,theywere successfulingettingthecontract.

Ngaireasserts,"One of the most difficult aspects was being a new company, a new brand, new name, and the lack of name awareness and confidence from the funders. The Pacific Sports Awards show, which was scheduled, didn't go ahead, so we decided to create our own awards show to celebrate the unsung heroes in the Pacific community. We just called it SunPix Pacific Peoples Awards. It was a good way of connecting with our audience and building the brand. SunPix is now into its 8th year and has grown from not only a production company with its own online platform to now having a post-production company as well."

AProfoundImpact

Talkingaboutcreatingtheimpactonthetelevisionindustry, Ngairesays, "We've made an impact in our television niche through our people. Our team has close connections with their island communities, and we cover all sorts of things that mainstream programs wouldn't do. We are proud to say that we have earned the trust and confidence of our communities. While the landscape is changing now, and the major broadcasters and even advertisers are seeing the value and contribution of the Pacific Islands people, our experience over the years has meant that we are leaders in this field."

Themostrecentexampleofcloseandtrustedlinksof SunPixisthatitmanagedtogetthroughtoTongaafterthe volcaniceruptionsandtsunamiwhennobodyelsecould, anditsinterviewwasusedagainbynewsoutletsaroundthe world.

Besides,thepost-productionfacilityofSunPixhasplayeda roleinfilmingandeditingtheCovid-19PacificLanguage messaging(10languages)overthelastcoupleofyears.

We are experienced at producing broadcast-quality content at a high level which can be used across multiple platforms.

SunPix'slegacyshowTagataPasifikaturns35thisyearand isstilltheonlyPacificIslandsnewsandcurrentaffairs televisionshow.Itsarchiveisextensive.It'sfundedbythe PublicInterestJournalismfundthroughNZOnAir,its broadcastingfundingagency.

Ngaireadds"Our company values are respect, cooperation and loyalty. We are a trusted brand and sometimes people will talk to us before they will talk to mainstream media. We celebrate our languages and use pacific languages where and when possible. This keeps our audience culturally connected to their homelands.

EncouragingYouthstoTelltheirStories

WeaskedNgairewhatchangeshewouldliketobringtothe digitalmediaindustry,towhichsheanswers, "Although we

are a small company, we take our roles seriously and try to encourage Pasifika youth to tell their own stories. We have done this with an attitude of never saying no to opportunities. Our dream is to provide Pasifika youth a surer pipeline into the industry as well as more stability This may mean a challenging change to the gig economy which has led to a lack of diversity. So the change we would like to see is the creation of opportunity with the result being a more diverse Digital Media industry enriching the lives of all New Zealanders."

EngagingYoungerGenerationPositively

WhenaskedaboutthenextbigchangeintheProduction& Managementindustry,Ngairestatesthattheindustryis constantlychanging,andtherearesomanyformatsand platformstoentertainpeople.WhileSunPixmoveswith this,theonethingthatstaysconstantisthestory

"Our ability to be agile is how we prepare for this constant evolutionary process. Our great desire is to engage the younger generation because their stories and they matter in this changing and sometimes polarising world," says Ngaire.

BuildingSustainableBusinessandCreatingHealthier Industry

Intheupcomingyears,SunPixaimstobuildasustainable businesswithcapacitythatmaintainsaplaceforPacific IslandsstorytellingbyPacificpeople.Ngairebelievesthat there'senoughroomformorePacificIslandsproduction companies,andSunPixhashelpedandmentoredsomenew onescomingthrough.Shenotes, "Collaboration, cooperation, and mutual respect is key and more capacity creates a healthier industry."

Further,shealsorevealsthatSunPixismakingan independentfeaturefilmthisyearcalled"Mysterious Ways",andithassomebuddingfilmmakersandhopestobe abletosupportmoreprojectslikethisinthefuture.

Ngaireadds, "We're able to commission other programmes for our TP+( tpplus.co.nz) platform and support these new producers to get funding, so we're not only creating content, we're commissioning content for our platform. We have also taken the lead in acting as commissioners for MFAT's Pasifika TV (PCBL Ltd) and we are mentoring regional broadcasters on their behalf. We are rock solidly behind the kaupapa (principle) of local stories made by local people.”

Sheree Atcheson Group Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Valtech

The

Most Inspiring Women of Influence

Sheree Atcheson Making DEI a Reality

Inanageofdata-drivenbusinesssolutions,the organizationalframeworkfordiversityandinclusion hasnotbeenleftback.Today,companiesfocusonDEI asamerittotheirworkflowproductivity.

Fromincorporatingemployeesofdiverseidentitiesto understandingbetterwaysofequityinhumanresource management,theDEIindustryisattheheartof organizationaldevelopment.Hence,today,organizations arekeenonimplementingDEIstrategyfortheirsustainable development.

ShereeAtchesonisdoingthatforValtechasitsGroup VicePresidentofDiversityandInclusion.

Shereeisapassionateleaderworkingtoincludemultidiversedemographyinthetechbusiness.PriortoValtech, shehasledDEIinitiativesofvariouscompaniessuchas Peakon,Monzo,andDeloitte.Shehasworkedinmany regionsdevelopingtailored,data-drivenDE&Istrategies, withcleargoalsandlinesofaccountabilitytoembed successandinclusionthatscales.

InspiredbyherpassionforDEI,weatInsightsSuccess caughtupwithhertolearnmoreaboutherdiversityand inclusionwork.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatValtech.What challengesdidyouovercometoreachwhereyouare today?

IstartedmycareermanyyearsagoasaSoftwareengineer andpivotedintofull-timediversityandinclusionworkafter volunteeringforseveralyearsatanonprofit,dedicatedto womenintech,calledWomenWhoCode.Iwasadoptedat 3weeksoldfromSriLankabyanIrishfamily,andthathas givenmeanabundantamountofprivilegeandaccessto opportunitiesthatIsimplydidn'tandwouldn'thavehad

before.Therehavebeenmanychallengesinmyjourney, frombeingraisedinaverywhitecountrytogrowingupon freeschoolmeals,whichisastate-providedbenefitinthe UKforlow-incomefamilies.Therearelotsofpeaksand troughsinthisjourneybutultimately,now,asasenior executivewomanofcolorintheindustry,Ihavetheability todosomethingmeaningfulbecauseIamlistenedto–and thatisthegreatestprivilegeofall.Idescribemyselfas underrepresentedyetprivileged.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe DEIindustrythroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

I'vebeendoingthisworkforoveradecade,andinthat time,I'veworkedinmanyregionsformanydifferenttypes ofcompanies.Thishasenabledmetomakesignificant changesatorganizationsthatwantto,throughusingdatadrivenD&Istrategies,focusedbothondiversityand inclusionseparately.Usingrepresentationdataandpeople analytics,Ihelpcompaniesunearthtruthsaboutperceptions ofinclusion,mappingtheseacrosspromotionprocesses (andsoon)andenablingreal,sustainablechange.Forme, sharingknowledgeiskeyandthat'swhyIwriteregularly forForbes,ThomsonReutersandmore.Expectingchange withinyourownreachisonethingbutbeingabletoshare andeducatewideriskey.It'salsowhyIwroteDemanding More:whydiversityandinclusiondon'thappenandwhat youcandoaboutit.Alongsidethis,IledtheUKExpansion ofWomenWhoCode,whichisnowtheworld'slargest non-profitorganizationglobally,dedicatedtowomenin tech,whereInowsitasanAdvisoryBoardMember

Singular actions do not create systemic change.

What,accordingtoyou,arethechallengesthatareyet tobeaddressedintheDEIsector?

Intersectionalityindata.Alltoooften,organizationsgather datainbucketsandneveroverlapthem(ortheyonlycollect oneattributeandbaseallsuccessoffofit).Peopledon't existinbubbles.Women,forexample,arenotamonolithso it'skeythatdataoverlapstogiveatruepicture.

WhatarethevaluesthatdriveValtech'sDEIefforts towardsaworkplacedemographic?

Weareaglobalcompany,in18countries.Ourwork influencesandaffectsmuchmorethanjustourselvesand throughthis,ourvaluesareShare,Dare,andCare.Wepay itforward;wethriveinuniqueenvironmentsandwecare aboutexperiences.AllofthisisintegratedintoourD&I objectivesbecauseit'sourcore.Weseektorepresentthe societiesweserve,andtheregionswearebasedon.We recognizethatwehaveworktodo,andwe'recontinuingon thatjourneyofcreatingValtechwhichengineers' experiencesforeveryone.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforValtech?

MygoalsforValtechareclear–wehaveabusinesswhich

reflectsitssocietiesandpeople.Weareamulticultural, excitingorganizationwiththeabilitytolearnfrommany differentpeopleandcultureswithoutevenhavingtoleave ourowncompany That'sahugeprivilegeandonethatis keyforoursuccesshere.Wecollaborateglobally,and implementregionally/locally Welearnfromeachother, pivotingandsharingasneeded.Fromametricperspective, we'reworkingonwhatmetricswewanttoholdourselvesto thisyearaswe'renowembeddingdifferentsystemstohelp usdothis.In2021,45%ofallnewhireswerewomen,and wewanttocontinuethisprogress.Werecognizethatgender isnottheonlyareaofdiversity,andwe'reworkingon capturingthisdifferentinformationonaregional/localbasis toaidourreporting.

Whatisthebestadviceyouhaveeverreceivedinyour professionaltenure?

Beyourownbiggestfan.Therearepeoplethatwon'tget yourvisionorbethreatenedbyyou.Rememberthatitisok, you'renotheretopleaseeveryonebecausefrankly,that wouldbeimpossible.Sitback,listentofeedback,digestit, andmoveforward.

EngraininganInnovativeEyewearCulture Tracy V. Green

nownforusingthephrase, "Challenge

Kyourself...once you've reached a new place, challenge yourself all over again," Tracy VontélleGreenhasamassedarobustprofessionalcareer whichhasdevelopedherleadershipskills,business,and financialacumen.

Today,Ms.GreenistheCEO&Co-FounderofVontélle, LLC–VontélleEyewear-aluxurybespokeeyewear companyshowcasingprintdesignsandtextilesfromthe AfricanDiaspora(African,Caribbean,andLatinxcultures). Thecompanyoffersizesthatcomplementdiversefaces, fulfillprescriptions,andcustomlens(color/tints),including bluelightblockerlenses.

BorninNewYork,Tracyearnedabachelor'sdegreefrom MorganStateUniversityandMasterofPublic AdministrationdegreeatJohnJayCollegeofCriminal Justice.Tracyhasbeeninvolvedinfundingprocurements asaBudgetAnalystfortheNewYorkCityMayor'sOffice ofManagementandBudget;wrotegrantsfortheNewYork CityDepartmentofHealth;managedbankmergersasa ConsultantforAccenture;andoversawtheNYCpublic assistancebudgetof$6.1billion(Medicaid,FoodStamps, Housing)astheDeputyCommissioneratHumanResources Administration.TracyworkedatHarlemandBellevue Hospitalsinkeyfinancialpositionsbeforebecomingthe ChiefFinancialOfficertotheDepartmentofEducation SchoolofSupportServicesandatHealth+Hospitals CorporationatMetropolitanHospitalCenterandatOne BrooklynHealthSystematInterfaithHospitalCenter.

Additionally,Ms.Greenisalicensedrealestateagentin NewYorkandsheandherhusbandownrentalproperties. Thissteadyincomeaffordedhertheopportunitytoretire earlyduetosomehealthchallengesandstartherown business.Ms.Greenhasalwaysbeencommittedto improvingthequalityoflifeforothersandwantsherlife andcareertofurtheradvocateforthenextgenerationand allculturesworldwide.

InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,TracyGreenshares herjourneyandtalksaboutwhatcomesnextforVontélle.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Enlightenusonhowyouhaveimpactedtheeyewear nichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

VontélleEyewearhasconductedasmallsampleresearchto createitscurrentcollection.Fromourresearch(including ourownexperiences)manycultureshavehadachallenging timefindingeyewearthatfit–SizeMatters.Vontélle understandsthateyewearisessentialandrealizesthe importanceofquality,thususingthemostluxurious materialswhilecreatingboldlooksfordiversefaces.This includesawiderbridgeforthenose,alongertemple(arm) foracomfortablefitonyourearsandwiderlenstofitover highcheekbones.Thegoalistochangehowyouseeandbe seen.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

WehaveinvestedinaVirtualTry-OnProgram.Thisallows ourcustomerstotryonoureyewearusingtheirphones, desktop,and/orlaptopfromtheprivacyoftheir homes/homeoffices/cars,etc.Thetechnologyisexcellent. It'sexactlylikeyouarewearingtheminperson.Eyewearis subjectiveandnow,thecustomercanseethemselvesinthe glasses.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextnotable changeineyewearindustry?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Think about this: In 2020, the global eyewear market was valuedatapproximately$140billionandestimatedtogrowto $200billionby2027.YettherearelessthanahandfulofBlack

The 10 Most Inspiring Women of Influence in 2022

Breaking away from ordinary to EXTRAORDINARY!!!

Tracy V. Green Co-Founder & CEO Vontélle Eyewear

eyewear makers. According to the Vision Council, 164 million American adults wear glasses and 218 million Americanswearnon-prescriptionsunglasses.

Thisisthefirst-timemulti-ethnicculturesarebeingincluded in sizing and design. We are about inclusion. For centuries, AfricanAmericans,Hispanics,EastIndian,Japanese,biracial andmulti-racialindividualswerewearingill-fittingglasses.I alwayshadalineacrossmynose.Manyofmycolleagueshad an indentation on their cheeks and pain behind their ears. While, we know some companies are now making "extralarge"frames,itisonly1or2inacollection.Wearemaking full collections dedicated to better fit and cultural pattern designs.

Thenextsignificantchangeiscustomglassesforeach customer.Currently,thisisveryexpensiveandonlytherich canaffordcustomeyewear.However,astechnologyand machinesgetbetterandfaster,makingperfectfitting eyewearforeachcustomeristheNorthStar

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

TheconceptforVontéllewasbornoutofaneedofboth founders,TracyVontélleGreenandNanceyHarris,who eachlosttheirexpensiveeyewearwithinthesameyearand decidedtofocustheireffortsonmakingtheirnext purchasesfromaBlack-ownedbrand.Aftersearchinghigh andlowforglassesthatwerestylish,betterfitting,andhad anethnicflair,theyrealizeditsimplydidnotexist.Thatis whenTracysuggestedwestartourline,andNanceybooked

ourfate-determiningtriptoPariswherewemetour manufacturer.Duetotheirloss,thecompanyoffersunique protectionforconsumersbyprovidingaone-year/one-time replacementwarrantyfromthedateofpurchaseifyour eyewearislost,stolen,damaged,orbroken.

Eyewear is not only an extension of your wardrobe but a necessarymedicaldevice.Vontélleunderstandsthateyewear is essential and realizes the importance of quality, thus wanting to help with eye health disparities. The National InstituteofHealth'sNationalEyeInstitutereportsthatAfrican Americans and Hispanics are more likely to have cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy than any other ethnic group.Mostimportantlyduetothesemedicalfactorsandhigh astigmatism,manypeoplecannotwearcontacts.Befittingly, theCo-FoundershavepartneredwithWIN(WomeninNeed), thelargestprovideroffamilyshelterandsupportivehousing inNewYorkCity.Theeyewearcompanyhaspartneredwith local optometrists to offer free eye exams, vision companies andnon-for-profitfoundationstoprovidefreeeyeglassesand topayfortheprescriptionlenses.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforVONTÉLLE?

Weaspiretochangethelandscapeoftheeyewearindustry andchangetheworld.Vontéllewillselloutofourinitial stock,createnewdesigns,andre-producetopsellers. Successively,designinghasstartedforourchildren's collectioncomingsoon-Spring2022.Vontélleisthefirst Blackwomen-ownedandoperatedeyewearbusinessto obtainalicensingagreementwithNickelodeonViacomCBS tocreateglassesinbelovedcharacters:SpongeBob,Baby Shark,Rugratsandmore.

Withtherightpartnersandmarketing,Vontélle[the company]islimitless.Thisincludesgrowingthebrandin 10yearstoincludeclothing/apparel,otheraccessories,ora homecollection.Vontélleiscommittedtocelebratory culturaldesignsthatrepresentglobaltextiles,boldness,and beautyfromtheAfrican,Caribbean,andLatinxdiasporas. Thereisnodoubtthattheco-founderswilltransformthe eyewearandfashionindustry