sabusinessleader,therearemanyskillsyouneed
Atomastertobuildyourprofessionalcareer,andit becomesessentialtocategorizeandfocusondire tasksandworkyourwaydowntothem.Let'sadmitit,from runningthebusinesstomakingitwork,businesswomen havealotontheirplateandarestillthrivingintheir leadershiproles.Womenhavecomealongway,from fightingfortheirrightstogettingaseatatdecision-making tables.Ithasbecomeimperativetorecognizewomen's social,economic,cultural,andpoliticalachievementsand successesworldwide.
Withwomencontributingtoalargepartoftheglobal workforceandeconomy,theyhavemasteredmanaging theirtimemorewiselyandalwaysbroughtsolidplans. Thereareseveralcompaniesouttherethatrecognizethe importanceofwomeninbusinessandstrivetomakea significantchangeinthelifeofwomen.The2019Nike video,voicedbySerenaWilliams,highlightsthefemale athleteswhohavebrokenbarriersandachievedwidespread successdespitechallengesandhardships.
Inanotherexample,thechocolategiantHersheycreatively useditsnameanddisplayedencouragingcreativityrighton itspackagingwith"Her"and"She,"renovatingits packagingtoliftaspiringwomen'sspirits.Thisisan excellentexampleofhowcompaniescanturnperceptions intopowerfulmessagesandshinealightonthesuccesses ofwomen.
Recognizingwomen'scontributionsiscrucialtobridge gendergaps,breakingbiases,andensuringamoreequal andprosperousfutureforgenerationsofwomentocome. So,whenitcomestosettinggoalsforbusiness,wecanall learnfrombusinesswomenthatinachievingyourgoal,
remembertotrackyourprogressandcelebratethe smallwinsthatkeepyoumotivatedanddetermined toachievetheoverallbusinessgoals.
Withthisperspective,InsightsSuccessbringsyou thebreathtakingstoriesofinspiringwomeninits latestedition, "The 10 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch, 2022."
OnthecoveristhestoryofAliceQuek,Headof PrivateClientsfortheAsiaregionatleading corporate,privateclient,andfundservicesprovider, Hawksford.AtHawksford,Aliceleadstheprivate clientbusinessinAsiaandhandlesmanyhighand ultrahighnetworthindividuals(HNWIs).
Whileflippingthroughpages,haveaquickrundown ofthearticleswrittenbythein-houseeditorialteam toshedlightontheindustryandleadershiptrends. HaveaGoodRead!
AliceQuek
HeadofPrivate ClientsAsia
AmySanchez ExecutiveCoach andCEO
CloeCaron President&Founder
ElissaWeimer Owner& ProfessionalTrainer
Hawksfordisaleadingproviderofcorporate,trustandfund administrationservices.Hawksford hawksford.com
o2Coaching o2coaching.ca
Paw&OrderDog Training pawandorder.com
JaimineJohnson DirectorOfAsset Management DRKandCompanyRealty drk-realty.com
JillianWeston Owner/Founder
KarenSimon
President&Managing ofTarrantCounty Division
Jillian'sCircus jillianscircus.com
EmersonsCommercial RealEstate
KarinaTiwana VicePresident Legal Infinera infinera.com
TracyV.Green Co-Founder&CEO
BlinkhornReal EstateLtd blinkhornrealestate.com
VONTELLE vontelle.com
SwimAgainsttheCurrenthelpshigh-potentialprofessionals identifytheright,nextstepintheircareersotheycanmakea significantimpactinthenextchapteroftheirlives.
o2coachingbelievesthatanypersonororganizationcan acheiveitsgoalsbyadoptingsimplefundamentalshiftsin mindset,attitudeandbehaviour
Paw&OrderDogTrainingofferscertifieddogtraining programsthataretailoredtotheindividualdogandare successfulwithallbreeds,ages,andtemperaments.
DonaldR.Kenney&CompanyRealtyisafull-service commercialrealestatecompany
Jillian’sCircusisafull-serviceonlinemarketingagency.
EmersonsCommercialRealEstateisasophisticatedteamof realestateprofessionalsdedicatedtoprovidingyouallthe benefitsofanin-houserealestatemanagementoperation.
Infineraisaglobalsupplierofinnovativenetworkingsolutions.
BlinkhornRealEstatimplementsinnovativetechnologiesand offersvirtualrealitytoursanddronevideographytoenhance thelistingsservices.
Vontélle’srootsrundeeperthanflyeyewear
Whiletherearemanysuccessfactorsto developingandoperatingasuccessfulbusiness –fromlayingoutframeworkstoexecuting strategiesandaligningworkwithorganizationalgoals–clientrelationshipsareparamount.
ThishasbeencentraltothepersonalphilosophyofAlice Quek,HeadofPrivateClientsfortheAsiaregionat leadingcorporate,privateclient,andfundservicesprovider, Hawksford.
Withdeep-rootedexpertiseinclientadvisorywork,aswell asgrowingexistingbusinessinbanksandtrustcompanies, Aliceplaysafundamentalroleindevelopingnewmarkets, whiledeepeningexistingclientandintermediary relationships.
AtHawksford,Aliceleadstheprivateclientbusinessin Asiaandhandlesasignificantnumberofhighandultrahighnetworthindividuals(HNWIs)andtheirfamilies, providingthemwithsupportandadvicetomanagetheir assets,protecttheirwealthandfacilitateitsharmonious transfertothenextgeneration.
Theglobalizationofwealthhasunlockedavastnumberof prospectiveinvestmentopportunitiesasfamiliesseeka morepersonalizedandsophisticatedapproachtothe managementoftheirassets.Thenewgenerationofwealth
ownershaveverydifferentprioritiesandinvestment philosophiestopreviousgenerations,soknowingand understandingtheclienthasneverbeenofgreater importance.
ThishasbeenacentralpillarofAlice'scareerandshehas developedandrefinedthisapproachtoengagingwithher clientsandcreatingstrongconnectionstoensureshecan deliverbespokesuccessionandlegacyplanningsolutions thataretailor-madetomeettheiruniqueneeds.
Shenotes: "I have known some of my clients for more than 20 years, and I have educated them on the developments in the financial services industry and how various sectors within the industry can work together to better meet their needs."
MotivatedbySingapore'sfoundingfather,Mr.LeeKuan Yew,Alicewastaughtdisciplineandresiliencefroma youngage.WhenAlicefirststeppedintoleadershiprolesin aninternationalprivatebankinSingaporethirteenyears ago,sheconsistentlycultivatedmultipleteamstodevelop newbusinessmarkets.
However,asleadershipstylesevolvedovertheyears–from thetraditional-hierarchy-basedstructuretothecurrent servantleadershipstyle–Aliceunderstandsthekeytogood andeffectiveleadershipismanagingpeople'sfeelingsand emotions,empathicallysteeringthebusinesstowardsits objectives.
Alicementionsthatasabusinessleader,thebiggest challengeshefacedwashiringsuitablecandidates.Every business'successdependsonputtingtogethertherightteam whowilldevelopsynergiesamongthevariousbusiness units.Thatiswhyshestaysupdatedonindustry developmentsandisalwaysopentosuggestionsonhow andwheretomakeoperationalimprovements.
Alicejoinedthefinancialservicesindustrywithdegrees fromtheUniversityofMelbourneandNanyang TechnologicalUniversity,startingoutinconsumer, progressingintoprivatebankingandnowoperatinginthe privatewealthsector
SoaringHawk-High Hawksfordsupportsitsclientsbytakingontheburdenof regulatory,financial,andtaxcompliance,corporate
governance,andreportingobligations.Theprivateclient teamprovidesinternationalandmulti-generational successionplanningsolutionstofamilieswithvarying wealthtransferrequirements.
Despitethebreadthofwork,allactivityisunderpinnedby thecompany'scommitmenttokeepingclientsattheheartof everythingtheydoand'ThinkingBeyondTomorrow'.
Alicebelievesthatthesearevaluesthathavebeen instrumentalindevelopingmeaningfulandproductive relationshipsandinteractionswithbothclientsand intermediaries.
Byinstillingandpromotingthesevaluesacrossthe company,italsocreatesacloselyalignedculturewhich helpsbuildemployeeconfidence,bolsteringthefeelingof whatthecompanycanachieveandhowitsobjectivesare bettermetasateam.
Thisculturealsoresonatesstronglywithclients, showcasingexpertiseandconfidenceearnedthrough experience,ultimatelystrengtheningtheperceptionof Hawksfordanditsteamsastrustedadvisors.
Alicebelievesthatunderstandingthewiderindustryis crucialtobeingabletogivethebestadviceandbuildinga strongrapportwithclients.
Oneimpossible-to-ignoretrendistheongoingintegration andevolutionoffintech,andoverthenextdecadeshe expectstheadoptionofartificialintelligencetoplayakey roleinthefuturedevelopmentofthesector
ThisisanareawhereAlicefeelsHawksfordisparticularly strong,andintowhichthecompanyhasmadesignificant investmentonitsjourneytoconstantlyimprovethedelivery ofitsservices,frominitialpitchestoongoingand longstandingclientrelationships.
Withastrongculturefoundedonenthusiasm,ambitionand entrepreneurialism,Hawksfordrecentlyadoptedahybrid workingenvironment,empoweringitspeopletoapplythese qualitiesanddeliverintelligentandcreativesolutionstoits clients.
Collectively,thiswillpositionthecompanywellforthe future,ensuringthatthebusinessoperatesmoreefficiently
tostayaheadofthecurve,placingittorespondquicklyto emergingmarketopportunities.
It'stheconstantlyevolvingnatureoftheindustrythatAlice findsmostappealing,andisonefactorthatshebelieveswill leadhertoremaininthefinancialservicessector,whereshe intendstocontinuegrowinganddevelopingherexpertise. Alice'sgoalsatHawksfordaretosupportthebusinessin reachingitsaspirationofbecomingthemarketleaderin eachofitsvariousbusinesssectors,thepreferredchoicefor clients,andthepartnerofchoicetoitsintermediaries.
ThisiswhereAlicebelievesthatshecanaddthegreatest value,developingstrongandenduringrelationshipswith thenextgenerationofwealthownerswhoaremore entrepreneurialandlessrisk-aversethantheprevious generation,andforwhombrandnewinvestmentstrategies willberequired.
Aliceadvisesaspiringentrepreneurstounderstandboththe widerfinancialservicesindustryandtheirspecificsectorof choiceinsideandoutinordertoensureyou'reattracting andretainingtheverybesttalent.Shesays, "Develop a compelling human resource strategy to hire the right candidates, lead them towards achieving the company's objectives and goals, and encourage a natural inclination towards engaging with people from all walks of life.”
Aliceconcludesbyreemphasizingthattheindustryisall aboutpeople.Itisessentialtoengagewellwithpeople,to takethetimeandinvesttheresourcestounderstandtheir needsanddevelopsolutionsthatconsistentlymeetand exceedtheirexpectations.
GuidingLightClients are at the center of everything we do. We take time to understand their requirements and ambitions to deliver structured administrative and planning solutions.
“ “
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.The 10 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch 2022
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.
Ibondbetweenadogandownerisimpeccable.You mighthavecomeacrossseveralvideosonsocialmedia whereadogishappy,carryingouthisshenanigans, spreadingsmilesonmillionsoffaces.However,many effortsgointotrainingthesedogs,consideredasan essentialpartofcaninecompanionship.ElissaWeimer takesdogtrainingtoherhearttodeepenthebondbetween theownerandthedogtowidentheirsmile.
fyouareapetowner,youmayunderstandthatthe
differentfeelingthanseeinganagentorpoliceofficerat yourdoor.
ElissaistheOwnerofPaw&OrderDogTrainingandis aProfessionalTrainer,withnumerouscertificationstoher name.ThroughPaw&Order,sheoffersprofessional, balanced,dogtrainingandbehavioralproblemsolving throughoutthePittsburgharea.Paw&Orderrecently expandeditsreachtoSouthwestFlorida,Houston,TX,and CentralOhiothroughfranchising.
InsightsSuccesscaughtupwithElissainourendeavorto find “The 10 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch 2022” andtalkedabouthowsheisinstillingprideindog owners,aswellasmakingdogssaferinthecommunityasa whole!
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatPaw&OrderDog Training.Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometo reachwhereyouaretoday?
IjoinedthemilitaryrightoutofHighSchool.Beinga MilitaryPolicewomanledmetothepathIamonnow.
Duringcollege,Iacquiredapaidinternshipwiththe AttorneyGeneral’sofficeandlaterwiththeFederalBureau ofInvestigationsontheirViolentDrugandGangsquadin Philadelphia,PA.Aftertwoyearsofinterningthere,I appliedforaSpecialAgentposition,butquicklyrealized thatjustwasnotwhatIgenuinelywantedtodofortherest ofmylife.Iwantedtohelppeopleandwantedpeopletobe excitedwhentheysawmearriveattheirhomes—a
IknewIwantedtobeanentrepreneur,butIdidnotknow wheretostart.IspentalongtimefiguringoutwhatIwas goodatandrealizedIamgoodatteachingpeople.Ijust hadtodecidewhatIwouldbeexcitedtoteach!Irealized thatIloveanimalsandthattheyhadthepowerofmaking peoplefeelgoodinsomanyways.Irealizedthatsomany peoplehavedogs,soIdecidedtoshadowmanyotherdog trainersandattendedatonofschoolstolearnasmany techniquesaspossibletohelppeopleENJOYtheirdogs.To thisday,Icontinuetolearnandbettermyselfandmyteam oftrainerstohelpasmanypeopleaspossible.Wenotonly continueoureducationwithbehavioralproblems,butalso
withotherareasofdogtrainingsuchastricktraining, TherapyDogTraining,CanineGoodCitizen,agility training,largefieldsocializationclasses,andK9Detection training(myBelgianMalinoisandIwon1stPlace Narcoticsatlastyear’sPoliceK9Competitionin Kentucky).Werealizedhowmuchwehavetoofferand howuniqueourcompanyisthatwedecideditwastimeto franchisein2019!
Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.
Paw&Order’smissionistoimprovethelivesofasmany familiesaswecanbyprovidingqualityandeffective individualizeddogtraining.Ourvisionistocontinue spreadingPaw&Ordernationwideandhaveanamazing trainingprogramtoensurethatthequalityofourlocal Pittsburghmarketismirroredineverymajorcityinthe UnitedStates.Wetrainourtrainerstothehigheststandards andtreatouremployeeslikefamily.Allourtrainersare extremelyvaluabletous,andwemakesurethattheyare welltakencareof.Itbuildstheirloyaltytoourbrand, makingthemwanttoworkevenhardertoensurethatour clientsarehappyandexcitedtoreferustotheirfamilyand friends.
Enlightenusonhowyouhaveimpactedthetraining nichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.
Ourtrainingisuniquetoeachdogandfamily.Wehavealso madetrainingsimpleandeffectiveforfamiliesanddogs.So often,wehearthat“mydogwillonlylistenifIamholding treatsortheleash/someotherpieceoftrainingequipment.”
Oraclientwillsaythattheirdogknowsallbasic commands(sit,down,come,stay)butwillnotdoitwhen thereareotherdistractionsaroundortheenvironmentdoes notlookthesameeverytimeforthedog.
Dogsdonotgeneralizethingswellandneedhundredsof repetitionsinasmanysituationsaspossibletoreliably understandwhatyouareaskingthemtodo.Wehave masteredourcommunicationwithdogsandtheirownersto
trainSIMPLE.Wehavefoundthatoverloadingourclients withabunchoftrainingjargonthatmeansnothingtothem isnothelpful.Dogownerswanttheirdogtobeagood familydogtheycantrustandbeproudof!Theyarenot competinginshowswiththeirdogwheretheyneedtolearn fancytricksandunrealisticpositionstotheirfamily situation(thereisnothingwrongwithcompetitions,but mostpetownersdonotcareaboutthat).Mostpeopledonot haveperfecttimingwhenitcomestocommunicatingwith theirdog,soweusemethodsthatallowadelaybetween rewardsandconsequencesoncetheirbehavior,like/dislike, hasbeenidentified.Thishelpstremendouslysothattheir dogwilllisteneveniftheirownerdoesnothavefoodora leashintheirhand.
Weprideourselvesonsolvingbehaviorproblemsand teachinggoodbehaviorsforthelongterm,notjustforthe moment.Ourclientshavelifetimeaccesstoourtrainersand theyhaveaccesstoafreeprivateadventuregroupafter theirtrainingiscompletetomakesurethattheycontinueto besuccessful.Itintroducesthemtoanamazingcommunity ofotherdogsandownerstoexperiencefunthingswith.At leastonceaweek,wemeetupattrails,parks,stores,lakes, bars,etc.,andgohiking,camping,kayaking,orjustenjoya nicedayoutsidewithourdogsandadrink!Wewantpeople toexperiencehowlife-changingourdogtrainingprograms are.Onceyourdogiswelltrained,yourworldbecomes morefulfillingandexciting!
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturePaw&OrderDogTraining goals?
Werecentlystartedopeningnewlocationsnationwideand wanttocontinuedoingso.WestrivefortheQUALITYof ourtrainersinsteadofquantity.Paw&Orderismy“baby,” andwewillonlyexpandwithindividualsthatmatchour integrityandmotivationtoworkhard,beproudofwhat theyaredoing,andcontinuetoimprovethequalityofthe business.
“We pride ourselves on solving behavior problems and teaching good behaviors for the long term, not just for the moment. We will investigate and solve your dog's behavior problems.”
Lifeisastrugglethatrevolvesaroundpersonal andprofessionalchallenges.And,whenyou arestruggling,seekingadvicefromgenuine friendsalwayshelpsyou.Butinsteadoffollowing peopleandtheiradvice,createyourownopportunities thathelpyoufindyourownpath.Becausefateisby farthegreatestmysteryofall,andyoucannever knowwhereitwilltakeyou.Buttherealquestionis thereanalternativetoallofthis?Whileeveryone speaksaboutthesecomplicatedthings,let’sdiscuss thesolutionthroughthisarticle.
Ourlivesareconnectedtotechnologyandsocial media,astheyplayakeyroleintoday’smodern world.Asbusinessleaders,wehavetoacceptthefact thatthevisiontobringchangeinthelivesofthe peopleandtransformtheworldispossiblewith technology.But,promotingcompassionandwellbeingamongthepeopleisalsoequallyimportant. Understandably,everyonewantstocreatetheir identityandinfluencetheworld.Butdeveloping leadersjustforthesakeofbusinessoutputandprofits willdegradethequalityoftheleadership.And,we don’twantsuchleaders,especiallyintoughtimeslike today
Wewantleaderswhocangetthebestoutoftheir team,whichispossibleonlywithoutthefearof judgment.Itisagreatwaytolead,discuss,guide,and helpeachotherincrucialtimes.Arayofhopeisall peopleneed,andleaderscanbringthathopethrough thesesources.Forexample,ifanyemployeeknows thathe/shedoesnothavetofacetheissuesaloneand thereissomeonetotalkaboutit,itgiveshopetothat person.
Yes,that’sthealternativeforaleader–toconnect-to helpthosewhofeeldownandtrytobringthebestout ofthem.That’swhattheleadershouldberecognized for,andthisistheshiftleadersneedtobringcurrently Asanorganizationandaspeople,weshoulddevelop compassionandethicsthatreflectouroutlookonthe world.
Itisonlywiththisapproachwecanmakeitpossible tosustainandimpactlivesforlonger,creatingabetter worldforall.Thisisamuch-neededalternativein today’spandemicsituation–promotingcompassion
andwell-beingamongthepeople.Nowthatwehave gotthealternativesolutionfortheleaders.Thenext questionis,howdoyourecognizethatyouneedhelp? Mostofustodayaretoobusymakingaliving.We existonlywithinourdailyroutine,asweare preoccupiedwithmassiveresponsibilitiesinmany aspectsofourlives,likeacademic,financial,career, householdchores,etc.Andduetothis,itbecomestoo latetorealizethatyouarealreadystruggling–emotionallyandmentally.Wenolongerlistentoour body&mind,andfinally,wedonotappreciateour actual/reallife.
Thereappearsanabsenceofself-care.Takingcareof yourselfcanbeoverlookedagainstalltheprofessional pressuresofourlife.Butitisimportanttotaketimeto careaboutyourphysical,emotional,spiritual,and mentalhealth.
Beforeyouextendyourcompassionandauthentic careforpeople,youmustfirstpracticeself-care. Why? Becauseyoucannevergivewhatyoudonot have.
Belowarethingsthatcanhelpyouinpracticingselfcare:
Startyourdaydoingthingsyoulovethemostand boostyourmood.
Begratefulforthingsyouhave,nomatterhow smallorbigitmightbe.
Havesufficientsleep,healthyfood,andexercise regularly
Doactivitiesandinteractionsaddvaluetoyourlife
Therearemuchmorethingsthatyoucandiscover yourselftopracticeself-care.Afterfollowingallthe things,youwillappreciateyourlife,evenmore, resultinginahealthywork-lifebalance.Withpeaceof mind,youwillachieveyourlifegoals.Youwillknow yourselfbetter–seeabetterversionofyourselfand attractpositivityinyourlife.
Imoralsthatareasvaluableasthelanditself.
ntheworldofrealestate,sincerityandintegrityarethe
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
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.
Theeffectivenessoftheleadersismainlyfiguredout bytheirabilitytocooperativelyworkwiththeir teamandleadthatteameffectivelytodelivergreat results.Learninghowtoteachandmotivatepeoplewho havedifferentvalues,goals,andmotivationsthanyoudo,is tough.Leadersneedtodealwithavarietyofpeopleinthe team.Theyneedtohavegoodsoftskillstorelatewithall thepeopleintheteam.Theyneedtoempathizewithpeople andbringoutthebestinthemtodriveorganizational success.
Leaderswhorelatetothepeopleintheirteamdeliver remarkableresultsfortheorganizationsaswellastheir clients.Onesuchleaderwhohascultivatedtheartof relatingtothepeopleisJillianWeston.Understanding peopleandbecomingmoreempathetichasmadehera betterleader.SheistheOwner/FounderofJillian's Circus Thecompany’sfinely-honedbalancingact identifiesitsclients’goalsandachievesthemutilizinga widearrayofonlinemarketingtools.
Jillianbelievesthatastheownerofadigitalmarketing agency,itisimportanttocreateastrongfoundationwiththe rightpricingandserviceoffering,hiremotivatedpeople withpositiveattitudesandnaturalskills,teachthemhowto dotheirspecificjob,andfinallycontinuetoteach,check-in andmotivateeachpersoninhercompany.On-going encouragementandeducationkeepheremployeescurrent withtheirclients’needs.
Talkingaboutthesignificanceofdigitalmarketing,Jillian mentionsthatitisimpossibletoreachyourcompany’sfull potentialwithoutdigitalmarketing.Thereturnon investmentisinsane.Digitalmarketingsavesanincredible amountoftimeandmoneybecausetheinternetprovidesa
placeforpeopletodobusinessanywhereintheworldat anytimewithouttheexpenseofanoffice,staff,etc. Forexample,aboutiquemightspend$10,000ontheir onlinewebsite,butthatisn’tevenclosetowhattheywould spendonrent,utilities,andstaffinginjustoneyearata brickandmotorlocation.Andtheirwebsitewilllastatleast 3-5years.
Anotherexampleshegivesisofcoaching.Acoachcanput theirlessonsonlineasvideosorhostthemvirtually, allowingmorepeopletoview/attendeachlessonand raisingtheamountofmoneytheycouldearn.Scheduling individualappointmentsorhavingaphysicalclassroom limitsbothyourtimeandthenumberofpeoplewhoattend eachlesson
Jillianstates, “Even if you cannot sell your products/ services online, it must be said that maintaining a solid online presence is still relevant. The presence alone increases your opportunity to gain new business, increases customer loyalty, repeat business, and referrals; and allows you to stay competitive. Few business owners achieve success without a digital marketing strategy.”
EveryonecanagreethattheSpringof2020wasadifficult timeforeveryoneduetothepandemic.However,itforced manybusinessestorealizethattheirbusinessneedstoadapt tothisdigitalera.Jillianopinesthatifentrepreneursdidnot knowbefore,thepandemicshowedthemthattheyneeded toenergeticallyselltheirgoodsandservicesonline.
Inanydisaster,someindustriessuffer,andothersbenefit. Jillian’sCircusadaptedbyhavingemployeesworkfrom home/remotelyandworkingwithcurrentandnewclients ongettingtheirbusinessonlineasquicklyaspossible.
Jillianstates, “That’s all part of business- sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down and must find a way to adapt.”
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.
“Jillian’s Circus is a full-service online marketing agency that regularly makes magic happen for clients.”
romfacingchallengesandrisingtotheoccasionto
Fdenttheuniversewithhersheerwill,KarenSimon hascomealongwaytobecomethePresidentand ManagingPartneratEmersonsCommercialRealEstate TarrantCountyDivision Today,Karenisadmired throughoutthereal-estatenicheforherfantasticleadership skillstohelpherclients,employees,andagentsgrowin theirprofessionandsucceedintheirbusiness. LetusdivedeepintoKaren'sdeterminedjourney.
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.”
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.
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.”
Ultimately,Karenseesherselfreturningmoretoateaching roleassheinitiallyspentfouryearsteachingina communitycollegeandenjoyingmentoringotherstopush towardstheirexcellence. KarenwouldliketoseeEmersonsreachitsfullemergence asanethicalandsuccessfulrealestatefirmwithasolidand loyalclientele.
Karenadvisesaspiringentrepreneurstoputtheirclients' needsforemostintheirefforts."A good reputation and success record will be their reward," Karenconcludes.
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
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.
Thereisatremendousamountofpotentialinevery livingentity.Untappedpotentialshouldbetrapped forthewelfareoftheworld.Wherewomenare empoweredthatplaceflourishesinabundance.Empowered womenleadstotheprosperityoffamilies,societies,nations andtheworld.Deepdown,everypersonlikestolivewith dignitybycontributingsomethingtotheworldaccordingto one’scapabilitiesandpotential.Therefore,thatpotential shouldbenurturedineveryoneandespeciallyinthegirls andwomen.Nothingcandimthelightineverypersonthat shinesfromwithin.Allgirlsandwomenhastodoistobe awareoftheirowninnerpotentialandtheycancontribute toanyfieldoftheirchoice.
Theworldiscurrentlygoingthroughtheunprecedented timesduetotheongoingpandemic.Thisiscertainly challengingtimeformanypeoplebutsomeexceptional womenleadersseethepositiveopportunityeveninsuch unprecedentedtimeandactuallythatisthehallmarkof goodwomenleadership.Exceptionalwomenleadersare alwaysawareandtheyunderstandthattheunprecedented timesalwayscallforunprecedentedactions,innovative, thoughtful,andwin-winsolutions.Theworldmaybefilled withlotofnegativityduetoinevitablechallengesand causes,butexceptionalwomenleaderscallupontheirinner lightandtheyusesuchunprecedentedtimetodevelopand nourishtheirskillsetssothattheycanbeaninstrumentof positivecontributiontotheworldinthecomingtimes.Now morethanever,womenandgirlsneedtocallontheirinner lighttoutilizethetoughesttimestotuneintotheir conscience,learnnewthingsbyusingvirtualplatformsand makethemselvescompetent.
Inthedifficulttimesofpandemicitisessentialforwomen leaderstobedetachedfromthenegativityaround themselves.Unlessanduntiloneisdetachedfromthe negativity,itisverydifficulttofocusonthepositiveandto makethemostoutofthatpositive.Exceptionalwomen leadersprefertobecourageoustoconfrontissuesmore diligentlyanddealwithpeoplewithempathyanddue consideration.Exceptionalwomenleaderschoosetothink deliberatelyandactontheconclusionoflogical,rational, analytical,systematic,andcognitive-intensivethought process.Thatisreallythemostimportantpartof exceptionalwomenleadership.Leadersaresupposedto thinkdeliberatelyandactonthebasisoflogicalconclusion fordeliveringtheefficientresults.
Educatingandempoweringagirlchildcreatesaripple effectanditcreatesapositiveinfluenceinthecommunity. Empoweredwomeninvesttimeandenergyincreatingthe strongernextgenerations.Thefutureleadersoftomorrow canbemoretalented,dynamic,andcompetenttodeliver maximumcontributionforthewelfareoftheworldifthey areraisedbytheempoweredwomen.Empoweringwomen isbeneficialinsomanywaysandtheircontributionplaya
veryimportantroleincreatingthegenuinelyexemplary futureleaders.
Genderequalityisbeneficialforthewholeworld. Promotinggenderequalityisnotjustresponsibilityof womenleadersorwomenissuebutitisasocietalissueand everyoneshouldsupportinpromotingthepurposeof genderequality.Unitednationsisagainandagain promotingtheempowermentofwomen.That’sverycrucial. Thegreaternumberofwomenineveryfieldisasignof growthandevolvedculture.Theempoweredwomenare boontotheworld.Thatisthereason‘GenderEquality’is oneofthemostimportantsustainabledevelopmentgoals. Empoweringwomenisessentialforthesustainable developmentoftheworld.Empoweredwomenbecome greatassetforbusinesses,families,societies,communities, nations,andthatisultimatelybeneficialforwholeworld.
Thereareplentyoffieldswherewomenhaveopportunities andtheycancontributeimmensely Theworldisin desperateneedofgenuinelyexemplarywomenleadersto makeadifferencethroughbusinesses,science,research, technologyetc.Womencanbecometheleadersinthefield ofbusinesses,science,research,technologyandinany choiceoftheirfieldiftheyarewillingtobeboldand courageousenoughtopursuetheircareerinsuchfields relentlessly Theyhavethepotentialtomakeadifferencein thechoiceoffieldtheygoandthereforewomenshouldnot shyawayfromutilizingtheirbestcapabilitiesandthey shoulddenytheworldoftheirvaluablecontribution.
Empoweredwomenarethesecretweaponofcreatinga positivechangeinthesocietyandtheworldatlarge. Empoweringandenhancingwomenandinvestinginthem unlocksatremendouspotentialfortheworld.Empowered womenarethemostimportantweaponandresourceinthe fightagainsttheglobalpoverty.Theuntappedresourceof womenhasthetremendouspotentialandthatshouldbe recognizedbythepeopleintheworldespeciallybythe peoplewhohavetheopportunitytocreateawareness relatedtothis.
Theempoweredwomenhavethepotentialtosignificantly improvelivelihoods,productivity,economicoutputs,and theoverallhumanlifeitself.Thebasiclongingtolivewith dignity,thefundamentaldesiretohavecontrolofone’s livesandone’sfutureandtobepartofdeterminingthe courseofourcommunitiesandournationsareverymuch universalintheempoweredwomen.Theselongingsburnin thewomenandgirls,andwiththeselongingstheycanbea greatdynamicforceintheworldtobeanagentofchange andmakeasignificantcontributionforthewelfareofthe worldwiththeirtalents,skills,andabilitiesandthatwill leadtotheultimatewelfareoftheworld.
Idifficulttoreallyunderstandthestruggleonegoes throughtochangeoneself.Wehearstoriesabout peoplewhohaveachievedsuccessandpavedtheirwayto thetopoftheirfield,butthatisjustthetipoftheiceberg.
tiseasytosaybethechangeyouwant,butitisquite
thetop5%inCanada'stotalsalesvolumewithRoyal LePageNationalFranchise.
Numerousfactorsdriveonetomakedesiredchangestobe thechangetheywant.
Inoursearchtofindsuchapersona,driventoadaptto change,wecameacrossSherryBlinkhorn,whoperfectly fitsthedefinitionof'bethechangeyouwant.'Currently, Sherrypassionatelyleadsherventure,BlinkhornReal EstateLtd.,withherdedicationtobeingthebestofthe best.
Sherry'sjourneyhasn’tbeenaneasyone.Shecameup throughthefostercaresystemandwentthroughmany challengesinherlife,butshemadesomeconscious decisionsthatwouldchangeherlifeforthegoodafterher childrenwereborn.
Sherrybeganherprofessionaljourneyasacommercialand residentialpropertymanagerinherinitialyearsthenin 1998shepursuedgettinghersalesperson’slicense.She begantoachieveonemilestoneaftertheotherbyutilizing herextensiveknowledgeandexperiencetoaccumulate record-breakingsales.Itresultedinherreceivingnational recognitionin2002and2003andin2004shereceivedthe 'PlatinumAward'forhersalesachievement,placingherin
Subsequently,embarkingonthesuccess,Sherry's adaptabilitytochangeledhertothequestofinceptingher independentrealestatefirm,in2005,BlinkhornRealEstate Ltd.,andshehasneverlookedbackedsince.Shesowedthe seedsofeffortsanddedication,formingateamwithlikemindedcolleaguesthatreapedherandherfirmthefruitof gainingasolidreputationforprovidingexceptionalservices andsupportingmanynon-profitcharitableorganizations.
AddingDifferentIngredientstotheRecipeofSuccess
Plungingforwardinherpathofsuccess,shesaysthe learningprocessneverstops.Sherryholdsadiplomain adultpsychology,socialwork,andcounsellingskills.Being amplytrainedinthementalhealthfield,sheunderstands howstressfulitcanbetobuyorsellahouse.
Sherryhasfosteredanenvironmentwheresheputspeople firstandencourageshercolleaguestodothesame.She’s createdacaringandnaturalpositiveatmosphereinher workspace.Sheknowshowcrucialitisandishumbledto bepartofthemostsignificanttransactionofone'slifeandis overjoyedtohelpittobecomeareality “We don’t see ourselves as good salespeople – we are good Realtors; there is a big difference,” saysSherry.
Sherryhasfocusedherworkapproacharoundherbuyers andsellersmakingthemtheutmostpriority.Itwasvitalto
hertocreateafamilialworkspacewhichgivesafeelingof comfortandsmoothenstheworkprocess.Shetrulycares aboutherclientsandunderstandstheirrealestateneeds, whichiswhysheimpliesafriendlyandprofessional atmosphereinheruniqueway.Shehassculptedavaluedriventeamthatstrivesandimplementseffectivemarketing strategieswithhonestyandhardwork.
TheamountofhardworkanddedicationSherryputsinher workiscommendableinitself.Herworkethichassetan example,andhereffortshavebeenacknowledgedwith numerousawards,includingthe‘CommunityMentor Award’fromBigBrothersBigSistersofPictouCounty.She alsoreceivedtheprestigious‘BusinessLeaderoftheYear awardatthePictouCountyChamberofCommerceGalain 2012.Sherryisthefirstfemaletoreceivethishonorsince itsinceptionin1991.
Herachievementsdon’tstopthereandgofurther;in2018, Sherryreceivedthe‘VolunteerVisionAward’fromthe NovaScotiaMentalHealthFoundation.Thefollowingyear shewasalsorecognizedwiththe‘WomeninBusiness Award’attheChamberBusinessAchievementsGala.Aside
fromawards,Sherrywasfeaturedin2020inthe International‘TopAgentMagazine’andherlifestoryinthe NovaScotia‘AtHomeMagazine’.
AtBlinkhornRealEstate,Sherryhascreatedaworkculture drivenbyvaluestomakeclient'sliveseasieranddelivers high-qualityproducts.Thecompanyimplementsinnovative technologiesandoffersvirtualrealitytoursanddrone videographytoenhancethelistingsservices.Theydotheir besttoensurethatclientsgetthebestpricesforbuyersand sellersbythroughtheirexperienceandexpertise.
ThejourneythatSherryembarkedonhasbeenachallenge initself,she’sworkedhardtoforgeherpathtobeatthe positionsheistoday.Herexperienceshaveallcontributed tofindingtransparencyinherlife.Shehasbeena passionateadvocateforthementallyillforyears.Shewas alsothepublicrelationsdirectorfortheCanadianCancer Society,Pictou,volunteeredforyearsonthePalliativeCare unitandmadeitpartofherlifetogivebacktoher community.
SherryhasbuiltBlinkhornRealEstatefromthegroundup andcontributedtomanycommunityorganizationsin variouswaysalongthewayincludingsponsoringsports teamsandisroutinelyinvolvedwithmultiplenon-profits andotherorganizationsacrossthecounty.
UnfoldingthepagesofSherry'slife,itiscrystalclearthat despitehurdlesshe’sfaced,shealwayshascomeoutontop. Shealwaysempowers,inspires,andencouragesaTEAM environmentatherwork.Sheensuresanambianceof professionalism,integrity,andsuperiorclientservice.She leadswithapositiveattitude,highethicalvalues,andhard workandsaysshewillpersistindoingthesameintothe future.
Lastbutnotleast,Sherryhasassertedherselfinafirmspot beingaleaderinthefieldofrealestate.Sheisan inspirationtonumerouspeopleandcontinuestochange manylives.Hercompassion,dedication,andherdriveto changehavemadeherasuccessfulbusinesswoman.Sheis trulyanexampleoftakingchargeofherownlifeandbeing thechange,shewants.
creating
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
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.
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
