The 10 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch 2022 April2022

in Diversity

Personal Capital

Counsel,

Director

Bridging

and

to

Financial Condence

Editor’s Desk

Raising the Bar for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Hsuccessful?Thedefinitionofbeingsuccessful differsfrompersontoperson.However,inmy opinion,itinvolvesgainingwhatyouvaluemost:pleasure, wealth,orpower

aveyoueverwonderedwhatitmeanstobe

Lifeisanenigma,andwe’reonaquesttounravelits meaning.Thepointoflifeistobealiveandappreciate everysecondofit.Ifyoubelievethatowningabusiness willmakeyoufeelenthusiastic,goforit.Itwillhaveitsups anddowns,butitwillbewellworththeeffort.

Sometimes,youcouldfeellikeyou’refallingbehindwhen youobservesomeonewhoissuccessfulandhappyintheir life.Youdon’twitnessabusinessperson’slowswhenyou crosspathswiththem;instead,youseethemattheirpeaks andglories.However,thisisn’talwaysthecase.Quite often,peoplemayfeelthattheyarefallingbehindandare notachievingenough.Theyalsogothroughaperiodof self-doubtthatsometimesdragsthemdown,butitiscritical tocomprehendtheprocessbehindeveryaccomplishment, includingtheblood,sweat,tears,andthelatenightsand earlymorningstorisefromahurdledpath.

Oneofthemajorchallengesthatwomenleaderswent throughandstillwitnessisthemale-dominatedculturethat isslowlyshifting.Nevertheless,therearechallengesthat womenencounterthatmalesdonot,suchasgender inequality.However,itisahugeaccomplishmentfor womenleaderstocompletetheirpurposedespite uncertaintiesandconcernsthatmaymakethemfeel different.

Tohighlightsomeofthesuccessstoriesof businesswomen,InsightsSuccessbringstoyou “10 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch 2022.”

FeaturedonthecoverofthiseditionisAllison Amadia,having30yearsofexecutiveleadership andexpertiseinmanagingandscalingtechnology companieswithafocusonfinancialservices, technology,e-commerce,andpayments.

Priortothat,AllisonworkedatExtremeNetworkas aVicePresident,generalcounsel,andsecretary.She hasmorethan20yearsofexperienceincompany law,becomingaprimeexampleofasuccessful businesswoman,settingahighbarforprospective businesses.

Exploreinspiringstoriesaboutsuchremarkable executivesandhelptospreadthewordabouttheir contributionstomakingthebusinessworldabetter place.Whileflippingthroughthepages,makesureto readthearticlesauthoredbyourin-houseeditorial staffaswellastheCxOperspectivesofsomeofthe industry’sleadingprofessionalstogaininsightinto thesector

Happyreading!

Sonali Dhiwar

in Diversity

a Diverse

Cover

Condence

the Forefront

of

Leadership

The Most Successful Businesswomen 20221

FeaturedPerson

AllisonAmadia GeneralCounsel CCO

AnnaWarren CEO

CarolA.Stewart VicePresident

CloeCaron President&Founder

EllenRyanMardiks Chairman

JanMills

SeniorVPofSales

JillianWeston Owner/Founder

KateBell Founder

KateHeadley Director

LisaCollum CeoandAuthor

CompanyName

PersonalCapital personalcapital.com

Acrelec acrelec.com

TechParksArizona TheUniversityofArizona techparks.arizona.edu

o2Coaching o2coaching.ca

Brief

PersonalCapitalgivesyouawholenewwaytosee, understand,andmanageyourmoneysoyoucanlive confidentlyandretirewell.

Acrelecisaglobaltechnologycompanyfocusedonreinventing thecustomerexperienceforrestaurantandretailbrands.

TechParksArizonaisapremier,publicresearchuniversityand agloballeaderinresearchandinnovation.

o2coachingstronglybelievesthatanypersonororganization canacheiveitsgoalsbyadoptingsimplefundamentalshiftsin mindset,attitudeandbehaviour

Golinisaglobalpublicrelationsagencythathelpscompanies createchangethatmatters. Golin golin.com

ClassLink classlink.com

Jillian'sCircus jillianscircus.com

ZipUsIn zipusin.co.uk

TheClearCompany theclearcompany.co.uk

TopScoreWritingInc topscorewriting.com

ClassLinkhasbeenhelpingschooldistrictsdeliver24/7access tosoftwareandfilesfromanycomputer,anywhere.

Jillian’sCircusisafull-serviceonlinemarketingagency

TheCleverClothingBrandFocusedonSustainabilityWith InnovativeDesignsCreatedtoFitYouBefore,During&After Pregnancy.

TheClearCompanyistheUK'sleadingproviderofservicesto employerstosupportinclusiverecruitmentandtalent managementpractice.

TopScoreWriting®isasimpleandeffectiveapproachto informative/explanatory,opinion/argumentativeandnarrative teachingplatformforstudents.

Bridging Tech and People to Bring Financial Condence

Whatyou realewhen youhave workedfora longtimeis that'speople thatmaer.

Whatyou realewhen youhave workedfora longtimeis that'speople thatmaer.

COVER STORY

Allison Amadia General Counsel, CCO, Head of HR, and Director Personal Capital

Today,anincreasingnumberofbusinessleadersare focusingtheirmissionsonapeople-centric approachanddrivingsignificantchangestotheir industryusinginnovativemoderntechnology

AllisonAmadiahasalwaysfocusedonpeoplethroughout herthreedecadesofexperiencemanagingandscaling technologycompanies,emphasizingfinancialservices, technology,eCommerce,andpayments.

AsGeneralCounsel,CCO,HeadofHR,andDirectorat PersonalCapital,Allisonhassupportedtheorganizationto achieveitsbusinessgoalswhilealigningwithitsmission. WithAllison’sinvolvement,PersonalCapitalhasbuiltits businessaroundpeople,servingabetter,logical,and personalwaytoinvestandmanageyourmoney.

BasedonAllison’sbackgroundleadingmission-focused organizations,InsightsSuccessreachedouttolearnabout herprofessionaljourneyandhowPersonalCapitalis personalizingfinancialmanagementthatdynamically evolveswiththechangingtimes.Wespokewithherabout thechallengesshefaced,hercorebusinessvaluesandwhat shehopesthenextmomentouschangewillbetofinancial services.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatPersonalCapital. Whatchallengesdidyouhavetoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?

Myjourneyasabusinessleaderbuildingandscaling technologycompaniesbeganover30yearsago.Ihavebeen fortunatetoserveasanexecutiveandtrustedadvisorfor publicandprivatetechnologycompaniesthathavespanned severalindustries,includingclassicconsumerhardware, enterprisesoftware,networking,businessintelligence, payments,security,andcurrentwealthmanagement. Basically,Iamatechnologyindustrymutt!Mybreadthof experienceacrossmanyindustrieshasenabledmetobring uniqueperspectivestoeachjob.Ialso"hungmyshingle"as anoutsourcedGeneralCounsel,asuccessfulten-year experimentthatwouldhavecontinuedindefinitelybutfora greatclientandmentorconvincingmetoclosemythriving practiceandjoinhispubliccompany.Laterinmycareer journeyandnow,Ivaluethemissionandcultureofan organizationoveranythingelse.

Work,likelife,isneverwithoutchallenges.However,I don'tthinkmychallengeshavebeenparticularlyuniquefor mygenerationofwomen.Oneofmyearlyexperiencesthat epitomizestheunconscious,andevenconsciousbias,Ihave personallywitnessedandenduredthroughoutmycareer waswhenIwasamid-levelleadcommercialattorneyfora softwaredivision.Atthattime,theinternetandelectronic paymentswerejusttakingoff,andbankswereeagerto leveragethisinnovativetechnology.Mycompany approachedabankinJapanthatshowedinterestandthen begantoassembleateamtoclosethedeal.Mybosstold methat“Management"wasconcernedaboutsendinga womantoTokyo,fearingthatIwouldnotbewellreceived asawoman.Fortunately,Irefusedtoacceptthisviewand, withthesupportofmyboss,insistedandultimately prevailed.Asitturnedout,theJapanesebankprovedtobe moreprogressivethanthemanagementteamhad anticipated,andgenderwasanon-issue.

Despitethesechallenges,Ihavebeensuccessfulinmy careerbecauseIneverdoubtedmyselfandmyabilities;and IgenuinelylovetheworkIdo.Butmysuccesswasnot achievedwithoutthesupportofmanymentors--mostof themmalebecausetheywereinthebestpositionstomentor andsponsorme.Althoughsocietyandbusinesshavemore roomtogrow,Iamgratefulfortheprogresstowardgender equalitythatIhaveseenandbeenapartofoverthelast30 years.Iamalsoinspiredbythemanyemployee-led diversity,equity,andinclusion(“DE&I”)initiativesthat havesproutedinforward-thinkingcompaniestoday, includinghereatPersonalCapital.Astheexecutivesponsor ofourDE&ICouncil,Igettoworkwithamazing, dedicatedindividualsinourorganizationthatinspireusall tochallengeourbeliefsandbiases;strivetoincreaseall typesofdiversityanddoourparttoensurewenurtureour inclusiveculture.

TellussomethingmoreaboutPersonalCapital,its missionandvision.

PersonalCapitalAdvisorsisadigitally-ledinvestment advisoryfirmthatstrivestoempowerpeopletounderstand theirholisticnetworthandactivelyplanforbetter retirementoutcomes.Todaywehaveover3millionusersof ourfreefinancialtoolsandover31,000clients(asof 1/31/22)ofouradvisoryserviceswithover$22Binassets undermanagement.Ourboldmissionistotransform financiallivesthroughtechnologyandpeople.Wehelp consumersachievethisbyprovidingindustry-leadingtools andtechnologypairedwithinvestmentmanagement,

dedicatedAdvisors,andfinancialplanningexperts.Wealso offercashmanagementsolutions,andwearelookingfor waystoprovidepeoplewithinnovativetechnologies, services,andsupport.

“

In2020,EmpoweracquiredPersonalCapital,thenation's second-largestretirementservicesproviderwithmorethan 9,000associates.Empowercurrentlyadministers$1.1 trillioninassetsformorethan13millionindividualsand approximately67,000organizations.Withthisnewbusiness combination,retirementplanparticipantsandindividual investorswillhaveaccesstorobust,digitalfinancialtools theyneedtoseeacomplete360-degreefinancialpicture, includingtheirpersonalassetsandliabilities,withthe abilitytotracktheirprogresstowardfinancialgoals.

Investwh logic.Plan whheart.

“ “

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe Bankingnichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

Ihavemadealastingimpactonseveralindustriesand companiesovermycareer.Ihavefocusedonsupportingthe value-creationofhighlyinnovativecompaniesthatbring productstomarketthattrulydelightcustomers.Asanearly pioneerintechnologyandinnovation,Iworkedonthe designandlaunchoftheveryfirstcellphones,thefirst secureelectronicpaymenttransmissionprotocol,oneofthe firstconsumerbillpayengines,andmuch-neededsolutions fortheunder-banked,includingacashelectronicpayment network.

Butmygreatestimpactstemsmorefromleadershipand mentorshipthantechnicalexpertise.Whatyourealizewhen youhaveworkedforalongtimeisthatit'speoplethat matter.Ihavespentmycareerfocusingonmentorshipand thedevelopmentofothers.Theaccomplishmentsthathave beenmostmeaningfultomehavebeenthe accomplishmentsofotherswithwhomIhaveworkedand helpedshapeinsomeway.Iwasdelightedtohelp spearheadourfirstPersonalCapitalmentorshipprogramin 2021andincrediblypleasedtohearpositivefeedbackfrom participants.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

PersonalCapital'scultureisperfectlyalignedwithitsvalues andmission--whichmeansweindividuallyand collectivelyfocusonputtingthecustomerfirst.Ourvalues arereflectedinthestoriesofourfoundersandtheday-todayattitudesandbehaviorsofouremployees.Theyarenot justslogansorwordsonpaper Weembodythem.

Putsimply,ourvaluesare:

1.Wegetbehindbeingupfront.

Weworkhardtomakethingssimple.

Wemakeallourbusinesspersonal.

Weteamupandbreakdownanychallenges.

Webuildandupholdourlegacyoftrust.

TheseguidingprinciplesmakemyworkleadingourLegal, Compliance,andHRfunctionsworthwhileandrewarding.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

PersonalCapitalhasalwaysbeenattheforefrontof technologicaladvancementwithourrobustdigitalfinancial platformofferingthatempowersuserstoaggregateallof theiraccountsinoneplaceandseetheirnetworth.We leveragetechnology,gainingefficienciesthrough automation,sowecanprovidethebestservicetoour clientsandmaketheirfinancialliveseasiertonavigate.One clearexampleofthisinnovationisourFinancialRoadmap thatenablesclientstounderstandwheretheyarealongtheir financialjourneyandpromptsthemtoexploretheirfinances andlikelyfinancialoutcomesbyallowingthemtofocuson andprioritizetheirfinancialneeds.Wewillcontinueto bringbestofbreedtechnologytoourusersandclientsto supporttheirfinancialjourney

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring inWealthAdvisoryServices?

Therehavebeenpositivechangesinthewealth managementindustryinthelastfewdecades,withtherules andregulationsmovingintherightdirectiontocatchup withtechnologyandtheneedsoftoday'sinvestors.Wehave alsoseenthedemocratizationoftradingplatforms,making investingmoreaccessibleandaffordable.

However,transparencyremainsabigissueandismore importantthaneverinlightofthetechnological advancementsbringingtheopportunitytoinvesttomany Theaverageinvestordoesnotunderstandtherequirements ofa"financialadvisor,"whoisorisnotafiduciary,and whatitmeanstobeone.Iamnotadvocatingformore disclosuresthatarenotlikelytoberead.ButIwouldliketo seemoretransparencyandaccountabilitysoinvestorscan makesmartdecisionsaboutwhomtheyshouldtrustwith theirmoney

Wetransform financiallives throughtechnology and people.

“

Thereneedstobemorebroad-reachingfinancialeducation. Thereareentirecommunitiestodaywherediscussions aboutwealthandfinancesareunheardoforculturally taboo. Therearealsocommunitiesthathavenoawareness offinancialadvisersorhaveneverconsideredacareerasa financialadvisor.Iwouldliketoseefinancialcompanies likePersonalCapitalandEmpowercontinuetobreakdown thesebarriersandsupportthisunder-servedpopulation becauseitistherightthingtodo.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein theFinancialServicesindustry?HowisPersonal Capitalpreparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Broadlyspeaking,it'scleartomethatthenextbigchangeis re-thinkinginvestableassetopportunities.Theinvestment landscapeisalwaysevolvingasadvancementsin technologybringnewinvestmentopportunitiestothe marketplace.Ibelieveweareintheearlystagesofamuch largerinvestableuniverse,especiallyforretail investors.Thecreationofnewassetclasseslike cryptocurrenciesandnewalternativeinvestmentplatforms, whicharebroadeningaccesstoprivateinvestments,are pavingtheway.PersonalCapitalisalwaysinnovating.We arecontinuouslyevaluatingnewinvestmentopportunities forthepotentialtoimproveclientoutcomes.Atthesame time,PersonalCapitalbelievesindiversificationandproven investmentstrategies.Thatmaymeanofferingsomeof thesenewassetclasses,butnotuntilwedeterminethe suitabilityofinvestmentsforourclientsaftertakinginto

accounttheirriskprofilesandothercircumstances, includingtheirindividualgoalsforretirement.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforPersonalCapital?

Iplantoalwaysbeworkingforatech-forward,client centeredcompanythatismakingarealdifferencein peoples'livesandwithpeoplethatcareaboutthatmission andeachother.ThenextchapterforPersonalCapitalis verypromising.PersonalCapitalwithEmpowermeansthat wecaninvestmoreintoprovidingthebesttechnologyto ourclientsandnowincludedefinedcontributionplan participants.IwouldliketoseePersonalCapital'shybrid modeloftechnologyandpeoplechangethefinanciallives ofmillionsinthenextdecade.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheFinancialPlanning sector?

Iwouldadvisebuddingentrepreneurstothinkcreatively andalwaysremembertheclient.Anyonecanmakemoney: Butcanyousellsomethingthattrulyhelpspeople--that's wherepersonalfulfillmentcomesin.Iwouldalso remindthemthatevenifafinancialsolutionisn'tfor everyone,it'sworthbringingtomarketifittrulysupportsa smallersegmentofsociety Weneedtobringservicesand productsthatmakeourfinancialsystemstrongerand accessibletothosewhostillarenotabletoaccessittoday

Disclosures:Anyreferencetotheadvisoryservicesrefers toPersonalCapitalAdvisorsCorporation(“PCAC”). AdvisoryservicesareofferedforafeebyPCAC,a registeredinvestmentadviserwiththeSecuritiesand ExchangeCommission.Registrationdoesnotimplya certainlevelofskillortraining.Investinginvolvesrisk. Pastperformanceisnotindicativeoffuturereturns.You maylosemoney.Theinformationcontainedhereinisbeing providedfordiscussionpurposesonlyanddoesnot constituteanoffertosell,orasolicitationofanoffertobuy orsellsecurities.Featuredindividualisanemployeeand clientofPCAC,andtheviewsoftheparticipantdonot representtheviewsofPCACasacompany. PCACpaidfor inclusioninthispublication,whichmaypresentaconflict ofinterest.PCACisawhollyownedsubsidiaryofPersonal CapitalCorporation(“PCC”),anEmpowercompany.PCC isawhollyownedsubsidiaryofEmpowerHoldings,LLC. ©2022PersonalCapitalCorporation.Allrightsreserved.

Carol A. Stewart Associate Vice President Tech Parks Arizona, The University of Arizona

10

Carol Stewart

A Pioneer in the Research Park World

Withanenrichingexperienceofworkingwith researchparks,technologycommercialization, businessincubation,governmentalrelations, andbusinessdevelopment,proactiveleaderCarolStewart leadsbyexample.Currently,Carolissteeringtheshipof TechParksArizonaasAssociateVicePresidentatthe UniversityofArizona,bringingherknowledgeand experienceafterservingasachampionofCanadian innovationandentrepreneurship.

Carolisattheleadingedgeofinnovation,willingtojump inandbringothersalongfortheride.Herdiplomacy, politicalacuity,andsteadfastleadershipprovidefocus, stewardship,andvisiontothenetworkssheleadsandwhich sheispartof.Shenotonlyservesasarolemodel,butisa friendtothiscommunity,eagertocollaborateandservethe UniversityofArizona,Tucson,andtheinternational community.

SupportingandMentoringtheCommunity

Buildingondecadesofexperienceintheresearchpark world,CarollandedinTucson,Arizonatoelevatethe successoftheUniversityofArizona(UA)TechParkandto buildasecondpark–TheUATechParkatTheBridges whichislocatedclosertothemainUACampus.Itwasalso Carol’svisiontotransformtheUACenterforInnovation intoabusinessincubatornetworkthatnotonlyservesasa vitalpartoftheSouthernArizonaentrepreneurial ecosystembutalsoasakeysoftlandingslocationfor internationalbusinesses.Hercommitmenttotheregionisto advancethecommunityandmakearealimpactthrough university-basedeconomicdevelopment.

Leading-edgeInnovation

TechParksArizonacreatestheplace,environment,and interactivegroundthatgenerates,attracts,andretains technologycompaniesandtalentinalignmentwiththe research,mission,andgoalsoftheUniversityofArizona.It directstheUATechParkatTheBridges,andtheUniversity ofArizonaCenterforInnovationwiththehighestpriority ofrecruitingcompaniesseekingconnectionstotheUAto locateatthesefacilities.

Forover25years,TechParksArizonahassignificantly contributedtoregionaleconomicdevelopmentby advancingtheUniversityofArizona’simpactinmany ways:

Supportingtechnologyinnovationand commercialization

GeneratingeconomicimpactthroughtheUATechPark

Advancingnewtechnology

EnhancingR&Deffortsofindustry

LeadsbyExample

IntheopinionofCarol,thepandemichasmotivated educationalinstitutionsandbusinessestopushbeyond traditionalactivitiesandtakenewcreativeapproaches. CarolandherteamhaveseentheUniversityofArizona mobilizeasanagentofchangetosupportCOVID-19 research,testing,andvacationsite.TheUniversityof Arizonamobilizedquicklyandhascontinuedtoinformthe publicthroughweeklybriefingsandleadtheregionasa PointofDistribution(POD).

techgiantsworksidebyside.Thecompanyhas reimaginedwhatthenewworkplacelookslikepostpandemic.

Itisbuildingflexibleenvironmentsanddeveloping programmingthatishighlyadaptativetomeetthe growthtrajectoryofeachbusiness,includingthenearly 60startupsthatarecurrentlyinitsUACenterforthe Innovationincubatorprogram.

LookingForward

Prosperousbusinessesequalaprosperingcommunity Carollistenstotheneedsofcompaniesandconnects themwiththeresourcesnecessary Thebusinessthat connectswiththecollectiveexpertiseoftheUniversity cansolvegrandchallengestotheproblemssocietyfaces. Shehasneversettledformediocreandbelievesthishas servedherwell.Carolseesmanyopportunitiesfor collaborationandgrowthinSouthern.Arizona,and workstenaciouslytowardthosegoals.

Theinstitutionalsotooktheopportunitytobeproactiveand reviewallofitsassetsandopportunities.Theacquisitionof theAshfordUniversity,nowUAGlobalCampus,isan exampleofbeingdisruptiveinthesebusinessunusual times.

MuchMorethanBuildingsandConferenceRooms

Whenasked,whatistheonethingyouwouldchangein advancingknowledgeworldwide,Carol highlightswhat hasbeenachievedbyscientistsallovertheworldby collaboratingonavaccinesolutionandstressesthatwhat canbelearnedandachievedwithsuchconcentrated endeavors.Carolstatesthatwecancollectivelystreamline theprocesstosupportbusinessestonotduplicateefforts. Ideally,therewouldbeaworldwidedatabaseforbusinesses aroundtheworldtopluginto.Byshowcasingorganizations andtheiruniqueofferings,shebelievesstartupswouldhave morevaluableresourceswhichwouldsuperchargetheir pathtomarket.

TheBestWorkplace

Carolnotesthatcultureisking.Employeesandemployers thriveinenvironmentswherenetworkingandspontaneous discussionsunfold.UATechParksservesasthecampus wherecommunitythrives,whereemergingbusinessesand

Findyourtribeand useyournetwork. Businessisabout relationships.Each relationshipyoubuild isfoundationalto success.

‘‘

Building a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace

Avarietyofopinionsandideasleadtobetter innovationsandmoreincreasedcreativity.The powerofunityisalwaysverystrong.Redwood treesareagreatexampleofhowallthetreestogethercan faceallthestormsbecausetheirrootsareintertwinedwith eachother.Similarly,allthepeopleworkingtogethercan faceanythingtogetherwithmoreconfidenceandmore potential.Diversityshouldalwaysbecelebratedasitisvery significantinpromotingavarietyofnewthoughtsand inventions.Thereshouldnotbeanydiscriminationagainst anyoneintheworkplace,andeveryoneshouldberespected andcherishedforahigherpurposeofachieving organizationalgoals.

Organizationswithacultureofcelebratingdiversityand promotingoverallinclusivenessflourishintheirbusinesses withmorecreativityandinnovativeideascomingfrom everyone.Thecultureofcelebratingdiversityisparamount tothesuccessofallorganizations.Thereisnobettersight thanseeingeveryoneunitedtogetherforthepurposeof achievingthegoalsoforganizations.Therefore,buildinga diverseandinclusiveworkplaceisvitalforthesuccessof allorganizations.Wheneveryonefeelsincludedandis cherishedintheorganization,theyfeellikecontributing betterforthecauseoftheorganization.Theapproachof inclusivenessanddiversityisimportantforavoidingany formofunnecessarydiscriminationagainstanyone.

UnityinVariety

Having‘UnityinVariety’isthebestapproachworkplaces shouldhavetoensurecooperativelyworkingtogether evenifthereisalotofvariety.Therecanbe variationsintheorganizationbasedongender, caste,creed,religion,orrace.Still,allthese apparentdifferencesareoflessimportance,but ensuringunityintheorganizationdespiteall varietyistherightapproachforthegood causeoftheorganization.

Celebrating,Respecting,and AppreciatingEveryone

Promotingthecultureintheorganizationto celebrate,respect,andappreciateeveryonecan leadtoamoreharmoniousworkplace.Besides, promotingvaluessuchasequality,unity, fraternityhelpsinbuildingadiverseandinclusive workplace.Takingdisciplinaryactionsagainst thosewhocreateathreattothecultureof diversityandinclusivenesscanalsobebeneficial

forfosteringadiversifiedandinclusivecultureinthe workplace.

Celebratingdifferencesofopinionsandcomingtotheright conclusionthatisinthebestinterestoftheorganizationand allitsstakeholderswithaninclusiveapproachincreasesthe culturalvalueoftheorganizationintheindustry.Leaders shouldpromotethecultureofcelebratingachievementsof eachotherandshouldinspire,encourage,empowerallthe peopleintheorganizationfordoingtheirbest.

InclusiveApproachLeadstoBetterDecision-Making

Theinclusiveandbroad-mindedapproachintheleaders leadstodiverseandinclusiveworkplaces.Leadersshould seethebiggerpicture.Theyshouldmakesurethatthe teamsareunitedwithkeepingtheorganizationalgoalsin thecenter.Healthycontributionofthegoalsof organizationsispossibleinorganizationswithaninclusive culture.Diversityleadstobetterdecision-makingbecause ofthegoodopinionsthatcomefromeveryone.More informeddecision-makingispossiblewithadiverseand inclusiveculture.Listeningtoallemployeescanhelp leaderstomakedecisions.

Thecultureofdiversityandinclusivenessleadstoa strongerworkforce,andthisincreasesorganizational outputs.Leadersshouldtakeintoaccountthethoughts, feedback,andopinionsintoconsiderationandmakethe bestdecisionsthatwilldrivesuccessfulorganizational results.Buildingadiverseandinclusiveworkcultureusing variouswaysisawin-winsituationforallthestakeholders relatedtotheorganization.Thiscultureintheworkplaces canleadtoheightenedorganizationalsuccessandbroader growth.Usinginclusive‘weandour’languageinthe organizationinsteadof‘Iandmine’languagecanalsolead tomoreinclusiveworkplaces.

ConcludingWords

Supportingadiverseworkforceleadstobetterinclusiveness andbetterorganizationalachievements.Buildingdiverse andinclusiveworkplacesbyputtingasideallthedifferences likerace,gender,religiousbackground,age,nationality,and suchapparentdifferencesishighlybeneficialforall organizationsfromallangles.Integratinginclusivityand diversityintothecorevaluesoforganizationscanleadto buildingdiverseandinclusiveworkplaces.Thebusiness leaderswhoareaccountabletopracticeinclusiveleadership willleadtomorediverseandinclusiveworkplacesand betterorganizationalresultsoverall.

CloéCaron

GuidingLeaderstoDeveloptheirTruePotential

Drivenbythepassiontohelp,inspire,anddevelop individuals,CloéCaronhastransformedthelives ofmanyleadersandorganizationsthroughher humanapproachtoentrepreneurship.

Afteratransitionalcareerchangefrommanagertocoaching leadersontheimpacttheywishtohaveontheirteamand organization,Cloeisnowtheheadofacoachingcompany namedo2Coaching,whichcountsfiveemployees.From beingacoachtoanentrepreneur,herrolehasevolved,and shefeelsthatitisnowherresponsibilitytoshareand implementaninspiringvisiontoherteamforthemto achievethegoalsthatshehadinmindwhenshestartedthe company.Besides,sheisalsoanAuthorofEmpower YourTeamandtheFounderoftheEmpowerYourTeam Movement

We,atInsightsSuccess,interviewedCloetounveilher inspiringentrepreneurialjourneyandhercontributiontothe coachingindustrythrougho2Coaching.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Takeourreadersthroughyourjourneyofbeingatthe helmofo2Coaching. Ihavebeenchallengedeverydaysinceday1.Iwasalways ahighperformer,butasanentrepreneur,Ihadtoletgoof myegoandmydesiretobeperfect.IfIwantedmy businesstobesuccessful,Ihadtoshiftfrommeperforming tohelpingotherstoperform.AshiftIhadstartedasaleader inthepharmaceuticalindustrybutthatwascompletedby mehavingtobeandactastheCEOofmycompany. ToreachthegoalsIhavesetandtohaveanimpacton organizations,teamdynamicsissoimportant,especiallyin asmallcompany.Iamproudthatmycompanynow employs5greatwomenwhoworkwithmeinthe realizationofmyvision.IcallthemtheExceptional Contributors.

Whenwasthecompanyestablished,andwhatwasthe ideabehindstartingit?

Younger,Istudiedlaw,hopingthatmycontributionwould begrand.Irealizedthatitwasnotmypath,thatitdidn’t

suitmyempatheticnature.Iwantedtomakeadifference,to haveanimpactinpeople'slives,tobethechangeasthey say.

Imanagedtolandapositioninthepharmaceuticalindustry atGSK,aplacewherecommunicationandleadershipwere valued.There,Ihadthechancetodevelopmyleadership abilities,andIdiscoveredcoaching.Itledmetolaunchmy coachingandleadershipcompanyo2Coaching,sixyears ago.It’sbeenagreatjourneyeversince.

Whatisyourideaofimpactfulleadership?Whatstyleof leadershipdoyoupersonallypreferandhave implementedatyourcompany?

Ibelievethatanoptimalleaderknowshowtojuggle numerousleadershipstylesdependingonthesituation, people,andcontext.Itrequiresempathyandperspective. Themoreweusetheleader-coachstyle,themorewe developpeopleandcreateengagement,autonomy,and accountability ThisleadershipstyleistheoneIuseasoften asIcan.Itallowsmyteamtobeinnovativeandtofully contributetoachievingthegoalsoftheorganization.

Whatwerethechallengesyoucameacrossinbecoming whatyouaretoday?

Beforebecominganentrepreneur,Ihadagreatjob, prestige,security,andnotablegrowthopportunities. Somehow,Iwaswillingtogiveitalluptofocusonwhat matteredmosttome:people.AmIgoingtobesuccessful? WillImakethedifferencethatIwanttomake?Irealized thatIhadagreatnetwork,experience,andskillstomakeit happen.Therefore,Itooktheplungeandcreatedmy businesso2Coaching.

Our mission is to create a new generation of professionals and inspiring (and inspired) leaders.

‘‘ ‘‘

Cloe Caron President and Founder

ThisbiggestchallengeI’vehadtofacesincewasthe pandemic.Wouldmybusinesssurviveordisappear?HaveI doneallofthisfornothing?Ihadbigambitions.Ichooseto maintainmycompanyandsupporttheleadersoftomorrow

Elaborateabouto2Coaching’sProfessionalTraining& Coachinganditsimportance.

Ourmainfeatureato2Coachingisthatweareflexible,and weadapttotheneedsofourcustomers.Allourcoaching andprogramsaredeliveredbyICFcertifiedcoaches available100%onlinethroughvirtualmeetings,microlearningtools,blogs,podcasts,andmybook,Empower yourTeam,inwhichyoufindmy5CModeltohelpany leaderandteamtoperform.

Theneedschangefromoneclienttoanother.Inthepast years,wehavedevelopedmultipleprogramstosupport thoseneedssuchasindividualandgroupcoaching, leadershipdevelopmentprogram,andone-teamsupport approach.

Ascoaches,webringadifferentperspectivefroma consultantwhenworkingwithteamsandorganizations.We startfromthepremisethatourclientshavetheiranswers, theirsolutions,andthatwearetheretohelpthemaccessit,

achieveitandignitethebestwaytoworkwiththeirteam. OneofthekeysthatIhavedevelopedtodothisisthevery powerfulconceptoftheUniqueStrategicContribution (USC).ByidentifyingtheirUSC,leadersbecomeawareof theimpacttheycanANDmusthaveontheirteamtoensure thateveryonedeveloptotheirfullpotentialandachieve desiredresults.

Everyyear,weaccompanyhundredsofleadersinthe developmentoftheirleadershipthroughourprogramsand curatedcoachingmethods.

Whatareyourplansforthecompany’sfuture?

Mymissionistocreateanewgenerationofinspiringand inspiredleadersbymakingapositiveimpactinthelivesof amillionleadersthroughmybookandtheEmpoweryour TeamMovement.Tosucceedinourmission,wewantto reachleadersaroundtheworld.

TheCovid-19pandemichasputadditional responsibilityoneducatorsandinstitutionsintermsof hygieneandsafetyprecautions.Howdoyouintendto preparethepeopleforthesame?

Thepandemichasbeenunexpectedandverychallenging. Itseffectsarefeltworldwideineveryfield.Everybodyhas beenimpactedbyit.

Atthebeginning,Iwasverynervousabouthowwewould positionourselves.Ireflectedseriouslyandrealizedthatwe wouldriseabove.Iwantedtobetheretoaccompany leadersduringthepandemicandseizethatopportunityto makeadifferenceintheworldwidecultureshiftIwantto create.Moreover,Iacknowledgethatourbiggeststrength camefromourbusinessmodel;myteamwasworking remotelysincethestart,sixyearsago.

Iwanttomakechanges,toevolveandadaptourmethodsas humansandcoaches.Iaspiretocontributetodeveloping caringandinspiringleaders,theleadersthatwillriseabove, theleadersoftomorrow.

Asanestablishedbusinessleader,whatwouldbeyour advicetothebuddingleadersaspiringtoventureinto theProfessionalTraining&Coachingindustry?

YoucanstartbybeingveryclearastowhatIcallyourUSC –UniqueStrategicContribution.It’swhatyou,inyour currentrole,aretheonlyonethatcanandshouldmakeasa contributionatthehighestlevel.Andifyouweretofocus mostofyourtimeonyourUSC,youwouldnotonly maximizeyourcontributionbuttheoneofyourteam.You wouldelevateeverybody’sgame.

Jan Mills

ifelonglearningisanever-endingjourneythat

Lbringsmeaningtothelivesofmany.Contributing towardsthislifelongjourney,empoweringstudents alongtheway, isplayingamassiveroleinJanMills bridgingthegapbetweenstudentsandeducationcontent throughtheinnovativeeducationsystemsandservicesof ClassLink.Janisthe at andSeniorVPofSales ClassLink hasaprovenhistoryofworkingwithinthee-learning industry

Foundedin1998,ClassLink’smissionistoremovebarriers betweenstudentsandimpactfuleducationcontent.Educators,students,administrators,ITstaff,andevenparentsuse itssolutionstoensurelearningopportunitiesareneverlost andschoolsthrive.

InaninterviewwithInsightsSuccess,JanMillssharesher journeyandcontributionstothee-learningindustrythrough ClassLink.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatClassLink.What challengesdidyouhavetoovercometoreachwhereyou aretoday?

MycareerbeganasaclassroomteacherandlateraDirector ofInstructionalTechnologyforIrvingISDinTexas.After 17years,IlefttobeginsellingAppleComputersinthe DFWareatoschooldistricts.Forthepast27years,I’ve workedforvariouscompanies,includingAlphaSmart, RenaissanceLearning,Pearson,Edmodo,andnow ClassLinksellinged-techsolutionsintoschooldistricts acrosstheUS.Inthebeginning,Ihadtocompletelylearn sellingskillsandstrategiesthatIdidn’thaveasaclassroom

Empowering Educators and Students with Innovative Education Systems and Services

ClassLink is a leading provider of cloud-based education products that connect educators and students with their classroom, curriculum, and each other in richer, more powerful ways.

The 10 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch, 2022 Jan Mills

Senior VP of Sales ClassLink

teacher.Now,I’vealsohadtolearnleadershipandmanagementskillsasIhavemovedtoleadsalesteamsinsteadof havingmyterritory.AndIfindthatIamalwayslearning–oftenthroughmistakes!ButIhaveagreat(andforgiving) teamthatallowsmetocontinuetolearnwhileleading.

TellussomethingmoreaboutClassLink,itsmission, anditsvision.

ClassLinkhasdevelopedaOneClickSingleSign-On solutionthatIbelieveisthebestintheindustry.ClassLink createsmoretimeforlearning,improvesaccesstodigital

resources,andsimplifiesrosteringandaccountprovisioning asacompanydedicatedtoeducation.Educationleadersuse ourAnalyticstounderstandtechnologyusagebetterand makeinformedpurchasingandtrainingdecisions.

ClassLinkaimstoempowereducatorstoimprovelearning throughinnovativesystemsandservices.Areliablepartner fordistrictsandschoolsystemsworldwide,ClassLink makesaccesseasysoeducatorscangivestudentsthebest educationpossible.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinyour respectivenichethroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

Becauseofmylongevityinthemarket,I’vebeenableto takenewandexcitingproductstomylonglistofcontacts andsharewiththemwhatI’vefound.Havingbeenintheir positioninmypast,Ithinkithasgivenmeabetter understandingofsomeoftheirproblems,andifIhavea solutionforthemthatsolvesaproblemtheymighthave, theyareusuallyopentolistening.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveragingtechnologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutionsresourceful?

Itismorecommonnowforeverystudentinaschool districttohaveadeviceand/oraccessadeviceatschool everyday Thesedevicesarebringingmoreandmore applicationstostudentstohelpthemintheireveryday learning.Singlesign-onsolutions,alongwiththeanalytics theycanprovide,arevitalinhelpingstudentsandstaff accesstheirapplicationsandpersonalizewhattoolsthey wanttouseintheirclassrooms.

Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyouliketobring toyourrespectiveindustry?

IfIhadthepower,I’ddotwothingstochangeeducation: raisesalariesofeducatorsandgetlegislatorstodecreasethe importanceofstateassessmentssothatteacherscanteach subjectmatterandnot‘thetest.’Ibelievetheteacher shortageisonlygoingtogetworseandthatisworrisome forme.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextbigchangein yourrespectiveindustry?HowisClassLinkpreparing tobeapartofthatchange?

Educationhasbeenslowtoembracemajorchange, unfortunately Technologyhasbeenabigpartofeducation

inthepastthreedecadesandisslowlyallowing teachersandstudentstoshowunderstandinginnew ways.Moreandmoretoolsarebeingdevelopedfor education,andClassLinkcanhelpdistrictsseewhich toolsarebeingusedandallowstudentsandstaffto accessthemeasilywithoutwastinginstructionaltime. Wewanttocontinuetohelpschoolslearnwhattools areeffectivesothatprecioustimeandmoneyarenot wasted.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforClassLink?

Iaminthelastfewyearsofmycareer,soIamwhereI wanttobe.LeadingoneofthebestteamsI’veever beenapartofhasbeentheapexofmycareer.

ClassLinkwillcontinuetoinnovateandgrow,notjust hereintheUSbutinternationallyaswell.OurCEO, BerjAkian,hasinstilledinallofusadesiretoservethe educationindustryandheiscommittedtoalways findingnewwayswecanbuildourproducttodeliver whatourcustomersneed.It’sbeenexcitingtoseewhat hashappenedhereinthelastsixyearsI’vebeenapart ofClassLink,andIknowit’llcontinuetobeoneofthe bestcompaniesintheindustrytoworkforlongafterI amgone.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurswhoaspiretoventureintoyourrespective sector?

Firstandforemost,buildorrepresentaproductthatyou haveatruepassionfor.Itissomucheasiertobe successfulifyouaresharingsomethingyouknowwill benefitthepersonontheotherend.Ifyouhaven’tbeen inthesettingyouaresellingintoyourself,spendas muchtimeasyoucantryingtounderstandwhat problemstheyhaveandhowyoucanofferaviable solution.Learntoaskgoodquestions,tolistenactively, topresentandspeakinpublicwithskill,andthink creativelyabouthowtogetyourmessageout.Understandthatqualitysupportandcareafterthesaleareas important,ifnotmoreimportant,thananythingyou willdo.Eventually,yourcustomerswillbetheonesto helpmakeyousuccessfulbecausetheywillbewilling totelltheirfriendsandcolleaguesabouthowyou helpedthem.

“Jillian’s Circus is a full-service online marketing agency that regularly makes magic happen for clients.”

CelebratingSuccessofEachOther

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.”

OneDesiredChange

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.”

CreatingStrongBaseandBuildingonthat

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.”

CreatingAuthorityinDigitalMarketingSpaceand GrowingLikeaWildfire

Overthenext5years,Jillian’svisionistoestablishJillian’s Circusasanauthorityinthedigitalmarketingspace,work ondigitaladvocacy,andgrowlikewildfire.

Women

Women Leadership

Longago,therewasahugeskepticismtowards women’sabilitytoleadbusinesses.Buttoday,we canseethattheyhavegonebeyondallprejudices andareplayingapivotalroleineveryfield.Theyhave crossedoverallthebarriers,andtodaytheyarethedrivers ofmostsuccessfulbusinessesandarethemostresourceful assettomanybusinessesworldwide.Theleadershipof womenisevolvedovertheyearsandiscontinuingto evolve.Theymighthavefacedchallengesintheirevolution buttheyhavebeendeterminedtothriveintheworldof business.Theyhaveprovedtheirvaluetotheworld.

Understandinghowfemaleleadershiphasevolvedover timecanhelpustapthepotentialfortheiradvancementin thefuture.Theevolutionofwomen'sleadershipisnotan abruptthing.Ithasbeenhappeningforlongyears,andthis evolutionwillcontinuetohappeninthefuture.Sincethe eventofthecollapseofLehmanBrothersinSeptember 2008,progressforwomenleadershiphasprovenquitemore substantial.Womenleadershaveprovedthattheyare capableoftakingtherightdecisions.Theyhaveprovedthat theyunderstandthestrategyandarerationalintheir approach.Theyhaveavision,mission,andgutstoplaythe roleofleadershipwithoutbeingafraidanddrivethe businessesintheappropriatedirectionofgrowthand development.

Today,womenrealizetheirpotentialandactontheir greateststrengthstoaddressthechallengesthatminimize theireffortstobuildsuccessful,rewarding,andsustainable careers.Women’sperceptionofthemselvesaspotential leaderstodayhasundergonearemarkableshift.They addresstheneedsthataretobeaddressedmuchdiligently andcalculatedly Theydon’ttakeirrationaldecisionsbut arecapableoftakinghigh-valuedecisionsthatdrivethe profitabilityofthebusinesses.

Womenleadershavebecomemoreconfidentthattheycan contributesignificantlytoanyfield.Theyarenotlimiting

themselvestoanyarea,andarethrivingeveninthemaledominatedindustries.Besides,theyaresettingan exemplaryexampleformanywomentocomeaheadandbe apartoftheworkforce.Theyhavelearnedthevalueof femalesolidarityandsupportingeachother.Theyareopen tolearningfromeachother.Theyarecomfortableworking withmenalliesandprovethemselvesascapableand resourcefulassetstotheorganizationswiththeirleadership abilitiesandsoftskills.Thewomen-ledmovementsand governmentsupporthavealsocontributedsignificantlyto theriseofwomen'sleadership.

Todaynoonecandaretounderestimatethevaluewomen leadersbringtothetable.Manywomentodayarein leadershippositionsofglobalinstitutionsandinfluential companies.Morewomenleadershavealsobeenelectedto representthehighofficeintheworld.Todayin2021, almost24countriesarebeingledbywomenleaders.

Thepandemichasalsocontributedtotheevolutionof women'sleadership.Asthereisanincreasingshifttowards remoteworkculture,thereisanopportunityforthe inclusionofthenumberofwomenintotheworkforce. Todaywomenleadersarecreatingmanyopportunitiesfor themselvesandareseizingtheopportunitieswhentheyare available.Theyarenotcasualandarereadytoplayakey rolebybeinginleadershippositions.Theyare demonstratingtheirexcellencebyleadingeffectivelyand producingsuccessfulresults.Theyarestrengtheningtheir capabilitiesandresolvetopushthroughallthebarriersand comeoutvictorious.

Todaywomenleadersaredefeatingallprejudicesand biases,settingthestandardofexemplaryleadership, profoundlycontributingtothebusinesses,andprovingtheir excellence.Overtheyears,theleadershipofwomenhas evolvedincrediblyandwillcontinuetoevolvemoreinthe future.

Kate Bell Founder

Kate Bell Revolutionizing Fashion Industry with Sustainable Clothing Solutions

Onceinawhile,anewideacomesaroundthat deliversvaluableinnovationanddisruptstheentire market.ForKateBell,thatideawasZipUsIn

KateinventedtheUniversalPanelExpander,awindproof andwater-resistantsoft-shellpanelthatexpandsyour favouritecoatsoyoucankeepyourbabyorbabybump snugandwarmthroughoutthewinter.Shehadthisidea whenshewaspregnantwithhersecondchildanddidn’t wanttoreplaceherfavouritecoatwithamaternityonethat she’donlywearforafewmonths.

Katehasalsoownedamarketingconsultingcompany, whichshestartedduetoanunexpectedturnoffate.

Let’sshedsomemorelightonKate’sjourneyasabusiness leader

ALeapofFaith

Katebelievesthatoneofthebiggestchallengesthatany entrepreneurfacesistakingthatleapoffaithandpursuing theirideawithfearlessnessandconfidence.Shewas fortunatetoalreadyberunningherownmarketingcompany,whichenabledhertoapplytheknowledgethatshe alreadyhad,buttherewasalotthatsheneededtolearnto educateherselfonthesectorandtherealnicheinformation crucialtothesuccessfuldevelopmentofherproducts. Today,Kateknowsalotmoreaboutdifferentzipsnowthan sheeverthoughtpossible!

Likeotherbusinessowners,Katecanrelatetothecomplete lackofsleepanddowntimeassociatedwithgettingtheir companyofftheground,Katealsohadtoovercomeseveral hurdles.Sheexpresses, “We have faced so many challenges over the years, we’ve had to fiercely protect our IP and constantly evolve our operations to manage the fast pace of growth we’ve been lucky to experience. Overall though it has shaped me and my business, I have built a really passionate team who all understand the products and are as invested as I am in achieving our company goals.”

ProvidingClothingforDifferentPeriodsofLife

InKate’sopinion,therehasalwaysbeenalackofsolutions availabletoenableclothingtolastwomenthroughdifferent periodsintheirlife.Onaverage,awomanwillchangedress size31timesinherlifetime,sohavingpiecesintheir wardrobethattheycanadapttowearatdifferenttimesof theirlifeiskeytocombatingfastanddisposablefashion. AfterKatedesignedtheoriginalZipUsInpanel,itseemed likealogicalsteptoexpanditsrangebeyondthatinto adaptableclothing.

Researchshowsthatduringpregnancy,womencanspend over£700onmaternitywear;havingababyisgenerally

Zip Us In is dedicated to giving people sustainable clothing options.

expensiveenoughwithouthavingtobuyanewwardrobe throughoutpregnancyandafterward.Soinvestinginafew keypiecesthatwilladapttotheirbodyandkeepthem feelingcomfortableandconfidentandhavingestablished theZipUsInbrandoverseveralyears,Katewantedto bringanothersolutiontohercustomers.

EmpoweringCustomerswithFeelingofConfidenceand Comfort

ZipUsInisdedicatedtogivingpeoplesustainableclothing optionsthatenablethemtoadapttheirexistingclothesor investinadaptableclothingtotacklethedevastating environmentalimpactscausedbythefastfashionindustry Thisempowersitscustomerstocontinuefeelingconfident andcomfortableattimesintheirliveswhentheirbodies maybechanging.

Itsprimarycustomerbaseispre-andpost-natalparents; however,ithasbeensendingseveralcustomerphotosover theyearsthatshowajacketextenderpanelcanbeusefulat othertimesoflifetoo!

Kateputs, “We will continue to develop clothing which disrupts the market so that it becomes standard practice to simply expand your jacket rather than buy a new one when your pregnant and to buy a piece of clothing which you can wear through pregnancy to give you bump support and then adapt into a baby carrier - rather than buying three separate things.”

FindingCleverWaystoEnableLifetimeClothing Solutions

WeaskedKatewhatchangeshewouldliketobringtothe fashionindustry,ifgivenachance,towhichshesaid, “It would be about revolutionising the fashion industry. It’s the second largest polluter and yet fashion rarely sees any real innovation. By finding clever ways to enable clothing to adapt we can reduce the need to buy new clothing simply because our body shape is changing. Maternity wear is really the fastest fashion, because it’s a body size change that lasts such a short time (although any mum to be would say 9 months feels like a lifetime). Do away with outdated maternity wear and instead see women choose ALTERNITY wear, clothing they can wear for a lifetime.”

HavingEco-agendatoAddressEnvironmentalIssues

Further,Katebelievesthatthereisagrowingawareness aroundtheenvironmentalimpactsofdifferentindustries. Despitealotofinformationanddatashowingthatthe fashionindustryneedstomakealotofchanges,ithasn’t facedthesamelevelofdemandforchange.Shethinksthis willchangeinthecomingyears-the20shavealready shownthemselvestobeadecadeforchangeandaction.Zip UsInisalreadypreparedforit,assinceitsfirstpanelwas madein2013,ithasalwayshadaneco-agenda.

StandingtheTestofTime

Talkingaboutthefuture,KatementionsthatZipUsIn’s long-termplanistocontinuebuildingitsbrandandofferan entirerangeofclothingthattakesitbacktokeystaple wardrobepieces-thoseitinvestsinforhigh-qualitylooks thatstandthetestoftime.Thisisbackedbyitsoverarching goaltoreducefabricwastageandbeabrandthat’struly takingactionduringthisdecisivedecade.

BeingPreparedtoLearnandEvolveConstantly

Inheradvicetoemergingentrepreneurs,Katesays, “Do your research and be prepared to constantly learn and evolve. Really take time to interact with your customer base to understand their needs. Don’t ever assume but instead ask whether your solution solves their problem. The feedback can be brutal but always listen. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, they offer the best opportunity to learn.”

Kate Headley Director

Clear Company

Kate Headley

Challenging the Conventional

Recognizedasoneoftheleadingexpertsof inclusiverecruitmentandtalentmanagementbest practice,KateHeadleyischangingthefaceof employment.Kateco-foundedTheClearCompanyin 2003andasacompanyDirectorremainsactivelyinvolved intheday-to-dayrunningofthebusiness.Positive, disruptive,andunafraidtoaskthedifficultquestions,Kate isknownformakingchangehappen.

AqualifiedHRleaderwhosecareerbeganatMarksand Spencer,followedbyseniorrolesatManchesterCity CouncilandCapita,Katehascreatedimpactandchange throughherabilitytoreachseniordecision-makersand influencersingovernmentandbusinesses.Shehas successfullycreatedandboughtseveraldigitalproductsto market.

Moreover,Kateisapublishedauthor,prolificspeaker,and facilitator,regularlyspeakingatprominentconferencesand events.Shehasledaproactive,practicalresponsetothe challengeofCovid-19,enablingemployerstoembedan inclusiveapproachtothepandemicthroughbestpractice andthoughtleadership.InadditiontoherroleattheClear Company,sheisalsoafoundermemberoftheUK GovernmentsDisabilityConfidentschemeandfoundedand chairstheUK’s‘RecruitmentIndustryDisabilityInitiative’, anationalprogramtoremovebarriersfordisabledjob seekers.

KatehasLupus,anautoimmuneconditionthathascaused significantsightlossduringthelastfiveyearsbuthasnot broughtastoptoherlevelofprofessionalinfluenceand activity

Inourendeavortofind“The10MostSuccessful BusinesswomentoWatch2021”,wecaughtupwithKateto learnaboutherjourney.Itfeelsgreattointerviewsomeone whoisfilledwithpassionandpersistenceanddrivenby values.ThereisalottoknowaboutherandDiversityand Inclusionatwork.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Pleaselistyourstrategiesandservicesthatmakeyou andyourcompanystandoutfromthecompetition.

OurteamsarepassionateaboutDiversity,Equityand Inclusion(DE&I),andourmissionistodisruptand innovatetocreateaninclusiveworldofwork.Ourclients makeDE&Ibusinessasusualbyunderstandingthebarriers toinclusionintheirworkplaceandachievepositive, sustainablechangerootedinpracticalplansthattreatthe causes,notthesymptoms.

Inclusion Maturity

Assessmentofanorganisation’sinclusionmaturitystatus basedonrobustdiversitymonitoringdata,documentand processreviews,stakeholderinterviewsandfocusgroups. Regularreviewstrackchangeasorganizationswork towardsagreedgoalsandoutcomes,itisapplicabletothe completeemployeelifecycleorspecificprocesses.

Change Management and Continuous Improvement

OurglobalDE&Iexpertsworkalongsideclientsto implementfocusedactionplans,trainingandaccessto ongoingexpertiseviaourscalabledigitalsolutionsall designedtoimproveinternalskillsandenableteamsto successfullymovefrompolicytobestpractice.

Inclusive Leadership Programmes

Whenleadersembodyinclusiveleadershipbehaviorsand actaschampionsfordiversityacrosstheirorganizations, thereisanoticeablecultureshifttothediversityofthought, customers,markets,andtalent.Ourhigh-impactand transformationalcoachingprogramsfocusonthepersonal DE&Ijourneyofleaders,enablingthemtoshapetheir learningandmoveforwards.

Whatwerethechallengesandexperiencesoverseeing humanresourcesacrossdifferentindustriesandatThe ClearCompany?

The 10 Most Successful Businesswomen to Watch, 2021

Thecentralchallengehasalwaysbeentoattractandretain toptalentandimproveproductivityagainstchanging economicandsocialinfluences.Currently,weareseeinga muchmoreholisticapproachtoinvestinginpeopleand systems,andHRteamshavetheopportunitytomeasurethe impactoftheiractivitywithmeaningfuldataanalytics.

BeinganexperiencedHRleader,whatisyouropinion regardingtheimpactoftheCOVID-19pandemiconthe HumanResourcesindustry?AndhowhasTheClear Companymanagedtoovercomethissignificant challenge?

Covid-19hascreatedmanyunforeseenchallengesforHR leadersandteamsinmanagingtheearlyimpactof redundancies,furlough,andhomeworking,andnowby navigatingwhatareturntotheofficewilllooklikeinthe newworkingworld.

Asbusinessescompetetoattractandretaintoptalent,those thatprioritizeDE&Iandcandemonstratetheirabilitytodo sowillbetheonestogrow

Thisalsodemandsachangeinapproachbybusiness leaderstoo.AttheClearCompany,wehavemorethanever takenaholisticapproach,astheleadershipteambalances thechallengesofvirtualleadershipwithempatheticskills thatsupportthewellbeingandmentalhealthofemployees.

Whatisyouropiniononthenecessityforbusinessesto aligntheirofferingswithnewertechnological developments,especiallywhenitcomestoDigital Transformation?

Digitalinteractionhasbecometheprimarycontactwith employeesandcustomersduringthelast18months,andwe haveanunprecedentedopportunitytochangehowtimeat workandworkingprocessesaremanaged.Internally,it’s importanttobalancethetechnology-drivenopportunities forflexibilityagainstthewellbeingandspecificneedsof eachworkforce.Forthemajorityofpeople,it’sstillhugely beneficialtohaveregularface-to-facecontactinsome form.

TheClearCompanyhaslongrecognizedthepotentialof DigitalTransformationtoenableourclientstoachievetheir goals.Ourdigitalsolutionsrangefrominclusivity

diagnostics,virtualauditandstakeholderengagement platforms,onlinelearningandinclusionstandards,and accreditation,allapplicableglobally.

Whatpeople,whatbooks,whatlifefactorshave influencedandimpactedyou?

Books,IwasaCharlesHandyfaninmyearlyyearsandby faroneofthemostimpactfulreadsformerecently-WhyI nolongertalktowhitepeopleaboutracebyReniEddoLodge-shouldbemandatedforallCEO’sinmyopinion. LifefactorsofinfluenceincludegrowingupinSouth Manchester,havingamazingparents,my30yearmarriage, ourdaughterandmorerecentlymysightloss

Whatwouldbeyouradviceforaspiringandemerging womenentrepreneursintheHRIndustry?

Doit,bebold,holdtruetoyourvalues,andhavethe confidencetocreateateamthatwillincreasinglyovertake youintheirthinking.Donotletyourownlackofselfesteemholdyouback,mygenerationdidenoughofthat, youdon’tneedtoanymore!

Whatisyourvisionforthecompanyforthenextfive years?

TheClearCompany’svisionistoexpandourreachto businessesofalltypesandsizes,makingourexpertise availabletoorganizationswithgloballocationsandSMEs alike.Toenablethisreach,wearebringingaseriesof innovativeonlinesolutionstomarkettomakebestpractice availabletoeveryone.Watchthisspace,TheClear Companyisabouttogotrulyglobal.

Robyn Bordes CEO Illuminaon PR

Robyn Bordes

Offering Consistent Top-tier Solution in Public Relations

ithdigitalizationcameamassivewaveof

Wtransformationthatchangedthefaceofthe PublicRelationsindustrytoascalethatithad toexpanditschannelstoengagewithaudiencesthrough varioussocialplatforms.Varioustypesofcontentare createdstrategicallyandimpliedeffectivelytoensurethe brand'ssuccesstodifferentiatefromitspeers.Propellinga dedicatedteamtofulfilltheneedsandsurpassclients' expectationsisRobynBordes

AstheCEOofIlluminationPR,Robynimpliesamodern approachtopublicrelationsbyimplementinginnovative methodstoproducerealresultsthatcontributetotheoverall growthandsuccessoftheclients'brands.

IlluminationPRisalifestyle,boutiquePRfirmthatvalues anddrivesaworkculturewithethics,dedication,honesty, andperseveranceofitsentireteam.

TheJourney

Robyn'sjourneybeganwhenshewas13yearsold;herfirst jobwasatalocalrestaurantinherhometowninNJasa busgirl.Fromanearlyage,shealwayswishedtoopena restaurantcalledRobyn'sNest.Shewassuretobeinthe restaurantindustryuntilsherealizedthatshecoulddomore thingsinhercareer.Later,Robyngotintovariousbusiness sectorsfromdevelopment,webdesign,andeventplanning, whichledtopublicrelations.

PublicRelationsgotRobynexcitedasshewitnessedthe growthinthebusinessthroughtheeyeofthemedia.She knewshewasbringingherskillstothetablethatmovedthe needleforthebusiness.Shesays, "It was tremendously rewarding for me to see others excited watching their business take off. My business grew very quickly, and the challenges for me were just that my business grew very quickly. I was a one-woman show and had some big names to start my business. I was learning and growing at the same time.”

MissionandVision

Robyn'svisionforIlluminationPRistobuildayounger generationofpublicistsandmanagerstoworkwithmeand ultimatelygrowintobiggeropportunitieswhileadvancing andmanagingdeals,press,andsocialmediacontentfor everyoneonitsroster.Whenshestartedherjourneyatthe firm,shefocusedonpublicrelations;however,asshegrew andgotconnectedtomorecelebrities,sherealizedthat managementiswhatshethrives.

Robynalwayswantedtogivemoretoherclients,which drovehertobesuccessfulinnegotiatingdealsandbeing creativeaboutdeliverablesandbranddeals.Shedoesn'tlike tosaynototheclientsandalwaysfindsawaytocontinue theirsuccessandcreativelybringinopportunitiestobuild

theirbrandandexceedexpectationswithoutbecoming stagnant.

RobynwantsPR&branddevelopmenttohavecriteriaof educationoraspecificlengthofinternshipthatpeoplemust havebeforegettingintoPRormanagement.

ImpactfulPioneeringExpertise

Inthepursuitofbeingthebest,IlluminationPRalways strivestobecost-effectiveforeveryone,evenifitmeans customizingapackageforanewbusinesstoenablethem theopportunitytohavePR,evenasastart-upbusiness.

Robynalwaysputsherselfinthepositionofanewbusiness owner,knowingtheimportanceofPR;herteamandshe buildpackagesforallbrandsandpeopletoensurethat everyonecanhavePR,evenforashortertermorata budget-friendlyrate.Shebelievesthateveryonedeserves thechancetoseetheirdreamscometrue.

TechnologicalImplementation

RobynexpressesthatIlluminationPRhasadiverseage rangeanddemographiconitsteam.Anytimesomething newcomesouttechnology-wise,atleastone,ifnotall,on itsteamstartstoresearchtoseeifithasthepotentialto becomeasourceofrevenue.Ifthetechnologyhasthe potential,theteamoverfamiliarizesthemselveswiththe platformtocontinueinnovatingtheirentireroster.Once theyknowthatnewtechnologycanbemonetized,theystart suggestingittobrandswhentheyaredoingtheiroutreach.

OnlyIf

Robynwantsbranddevelopmenttohavecriteriaof educationoraspecificlengthofinternshipthatpeoplemust havebeforegettingintoPRormanagement.Shehas experiencedacertainclientissuethatfrequentlyoccurs; clientscometoIlluminationPRafterspendingthousands

onotherpublicistswhocouldn'tdeliverorgarneranypress.

ItfrustratesRobynbecausethisissuemakesitharderfor companiestobetrustworthy.Shesays, "It's even more frustrating in the industry she works, but more importantly for the businesses that believe in the people they hire until they have exhausted their savings trying to make it. That's the change I would like to bring to this industry to protect business owners that are just starting or businesses/brands that are trying to grow to the next level.”

SettingUpGoals

Lookingahead,IlluminationPRplanstoexpandmoreinto thetravelindustry,electriccarmarket,andadditional innovativeproducts.Thefirmhashadgreatpressand awardsgeneratedforinternationalpropertiesthatithas workedwith.ItisalreadyseeingAmazonstarttobroaden itsinfluencerdatabase.Robynisexcitedtobeapartofthe initiativefromthestart,asitintendstogivebrandsanew platformtoadvertiseandinfluencersanexistingplatformto monetize.

GuidingtheNextGeneration

Inheradvicetobuddingentrepreneursaspiringtoventure intothePRsector,Robynsays, "Intern. Intern, Intern. This is a market that you want to make sure is right for you. It's a lot of hours. It's constant availability. Make sure you are going into the field you are interested in for the right reasons.

"An internship will properly prepare you for the field and for the type of clientele you want to work with. In speaking at colleges nationally, I saw a void in what they teach you for PR, as opposed to what you learn from working in PR. There needs to be that level of experience and understanding that you can truly only get from an internship," Robynconcludes.

‘‘

At Illumination PR, we are constantly looking for what's new, now and next; to ensure that your brand will have success and nothing less. ‘‘