isitingthememorylanes,Iseeaworldfilledwith
Videasbeingplantedandsomeideasthathave sproutedtogrow,spreadingtheirbranchesacross theglobe.However,themindsbehindtheseideashelped shapetheworldwithadistinctapproachthathasdrastically changedthebusiness'slandscape.
Astimeprogressed,thevalueofideasbegantoincrease exponentially.Eventually,itledtowomentakingastepout intheworld,embarkingontheirprofessionaljourney breakingthenorms,andexcellingontheirterms.Women haveexcelledintheprofessionalsectors,risingtothetop leadershiprolesinbigorganizationscontributingtothe growththroughtheirimpactinquality,service,business systems,technologicalapplications,innovation,and motivatingtheteamsforhigherproductivity.
Interestinglywomenhaveshownexceptionalgrit,patience, andconvictiontotheirbusinessesinencouragingtheteams, harnessingaconfidentbrandimageinthecustomers,and relentlessquesttoinnovateincommunication,product development,andcustomerservices.Therecentindustries thathavesprunguptothriveinthenewnormmighthave anessentialroleforwomenleaderstosteertheorganization withpassion,integrity,andtheirrock-solidcommitmentto sustainandgrowinphenomenalprogression.Theyhave playedpivotalrolesinguidingtheteamstowards systematicworkobjectives.
Celebratingsuchvaliantefforts,InsightsSuccesscameup withtheedition " The Most Admired Women Leaders in Business 2022 " highlightingthemostsuccessfuland influentialbusinesswomenwhohaveledtheirorganizations tonewlevelsofsuccess.
Theseinspiringstoriesunveiladifferentdimension oftheirpassion,perseverance,andenthusiasmto bringoutthebestinpeople.
Weurgeyoutometiculouslygothroughthe featuringprofilesintheeditiontogaininsightsinto theirdifferentmethodologies.
Also,lookthroughthearticleswrittenbyourinhouseeditorialteamfocusingonshapingthefuture ofauthentication;lastbutnotleast,learnmoreabout theindustrythroughtheCxOwrittenbyexperts.
T I C L E
SherryBlinkhorn Broker/Owner
JaimineJohnson DirectorofAsset Management
KarenSimon President&Managing ofTarrantCounty Division
KarinaTiwana
BlinkhornRealEstatesupportsmanynonprofitorganizations intheCountyandbelievesingivingbacktotheCommunity thatsupportsthebusiness. BlinkhornRealEstateLtd
DRKandCompanyRealty
DRKandCompanyRealtyhas50yearsofexperienceinall aspectsofcommercialrealestateinthecentralOhioarea.
EmersonsCommercialRealEstateisasophisticatedteamof realestateprofessionalsdedicatedtoprovidingyouallthe benefitsofanin-houserealestatemanagementoperation.
VicePresident,Legal Infinera
Infineraisaglobalsupplierofinnovativenetworkingsolutions thatenableenterprises,governments,carriers,andcloud operatorstoscalenetworkbandwidth,accelerateservice innovation,andautomatenetworkoperations
CloeCaron
Founder&President
ElissaWeimer
Owner&Professional Trainer
ImprovingyourLocalCommunityusingTraditionalValuesand New-AgeTechnology
Ato2coachingwestronglybelievethatanypersonor organizationcanacheiveitsgoalsbyadoptingsimple fundamentalshiftsinmindset,attitudeandbehaviour
Paw&OrderDogTrainingofferscertifieddogtraining programsthataretailoredtotheindividualdogandare successfulwithallbreeds,ages,andtemperaments.
Provedeliversdigitaltrust,providingbusinessestheconfidence todomore.Itsglobalproprietaryphoneidentitynetwork streamlinescustomeracquisitionandfrictionlessservicing.
GraziellaGallelli
Buildingupon30yearsofresearch,Transdermahasbrought togetherthebest,mostpreciousnaturalingredientstocreate exceptionallypure,scientificallyadvancedskincareserumsfor womenandmen.
VontélletranslatedfromFrenchmeans“thereshegoes,”or“to go.”Itshead-turningeyeweardesignsworktoensurethislevel ofcommandineveryroom.
When your skin looks good, you feel happy, comfortable, and confident in your skin by using simple, safe, and effective products. They can see and feel the difference.
Everyoneholdsthepotentialformakingadifference, buttheonlypeoplewhounderstand, "It is the action that matters the most," drivethechange.
Withanideatobringpreciousnaturalingredientscombined withthemixofinnovativetechnology,creating exceptionallypure,scientificallyadvancedskincareserums forwomenandmen,GraziellaGallellifounded Transdermaandshiftedtidesintheskincareniche.
Navigatingherselfthroughvariouschallengesand overcomingthemwithpioneeringsolutions,Graziellanever gaveupandkeptgrinding.TodayastheCEO,she embracestheessenceofTransderma'smissionstatement: "For Life, For Science, For YOU.”
Graziellawouldlovetohelppeopletransformtheirskinto feelandlookgood.Shesays, "When your skin looks good, you feel happy, comfortable, and confident in your skin and by using simple, safe, and effective products. They can see and feel the difference.”
Transdermaseekstomakeadifferenceandbethe difference.Itstrivestoempowerconsumerstomakesafe skincarechoicesbyofferingproductswithminimal,nonirrigating,organic,naturalingredientsproventobehighly effective.Itcreatesthemostscientificallyadvanced skincareproductswhilestillprovidingconsumerswitha simpleroutinefortakingcareoftheirskin.
InsightsSuccessrecognizesGraziella'seffortsoverthe yearswithTransdermathathasleftamarkworldwide.She gratuitouslyexpresses, "The fact that you state, we have made an impact in the skincare niche industry makes me feel very honored and humbled.”
Transderma'sresearchfocusesonthefactthatskinis regenerated,protected,andstrengthenedwiththeaidof vitaminsandnaturalingredients.Asvitaminsaresensitive substanceswithoutpreservatives,mostlosetheiractivity.It hasdevelopedauniquesystemthatstabilizesthevitamins intheirnatural,activeformwithoutusingpreservatives.
GraziellamentionsthatTransderma'sfiverevolutionary serumsreplaceothermorecomplicatedandinefficient skincareregimes.Transdermaserumsactas"booster"for essentialskinrenewalprocessesandquicklygivevisible resultsintheformoffirmer,moreeven-toned,improved luster,andreducedappearanceofwrinkles.
TransdermaSerumscontainnosyntheticcompounds. Insteadofusingjustafewcarefullyselected,all-natural activeingredientswiththepowertoincreasecellular activitytransformtheappearanceoftheskin.
Graziellanotes, "We strive to make a difference, to be effective while using simple, yet highly precious ingredients skin craves. I want our customers to see that wonderful transformation in their skin; when you are comfortable with how your skin feels and looks. To have a healthy-looking
I want our customers to see that wonderful transformation in their skin; when you are comfortable with how your skin feels and looks, You feel Happy.
glow and that your skin is doing that naturally, we want our products to be part of your everyday lifestyle.”
"Many companies make products by just piling and combining ingredients that are confusing to the mind and the skin; they wind up with 50 to 60 ingredients in a product! This can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. We use clean, natural vitamins and precious ingredients your skin craves! No water, no perfume, no preservatives in our Serums," explainsGraziella.
Transderma'sserumsaresimpleandeffectivewithout preservatives,artificialcolors,andfragrances.
TransdermaproducesitsserumsinSwedenwitha minimalistic,transparent,andhonestapproachcoupledwith respectandadmirationinitsworkenvironmentforeach individual'squalitiesandproficiencyintheirfield.
Graziellaexpresses, "We are fortunate to have dedicated, trusting, environmentally conscious people that are optimistic and confident in their approach to work and life. They are happy to come to work. We try to care for each other and consider people's lives. With the current world pandemic situation, we need patience and empathy towards each other more than ever!”
Transdermaconstantlyupdatesitstechnologytostayahead ofitscompetitors.Graziellaunderstandsthatitcanbe costlyandneedstherightexpertstohelpdrivethebrand's exposure.
Keepingupwithtechnologyisthenecessityofthemodern businessworldasitcanstreamlinetheworkprocessand offertransparentcommunicationwithcustomers.
Peopledesiretochangeforbetterment,andGraziellaisnot farfromit.Shementions, "If given a chance, I would love to bring change to allow more women to lead in the cosmetics industry and give us smaller businesses, that are women-owned who are pioneers, innovators. To be able to have a platform to be heard and seen, sometimes many women give up on their ideas because they don't have the resources, neither financially nor in distribution.”
Graziellathinkscombiningbeauty,science,andnaturein harmonywilldevelopsaferandsupereffectiveproductsin thenearfuture.
Transdermawasavant-garde20yearsago,anditstill maintainsthat.Ithasdevelopedaverysafedeliverysystem ofvitaminstotheskin,effectivelyandsafely,hasbeenable tostabilizeitsvitaminswithnopreservatives!
GraziellahopestoseeTransdermaSerumsreachaglobal audiencetohelptransformpeople'sskinandunitethem ratherthandivide.Sheshares, "Our skin is our link to each other how we see each other and care for each other. So, I would love to see Transderma Serums be a caring platform. When we look at ourselves, it should be a beautiful experience of beauty in and out, feeling good in your skin for Women and Men. And remember to "Age is Privilege" it goes skin deep to take care of the integrity of your skin every day. It's a lifestyle!”
Graziellaadvisesaspiringentrepreneurstoaskthemselves whytheywanttoenterthissectorbecauseitcanbea competitive,expensive,challengingbusiness.Shesays, "Do it because you love it! Because you must have a story to tell because you want something extraordinary And don't give up! It takes Commitment, Dedication, and Love.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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
The Most Admired Women Leaders in Business 2022
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.
KathleenWaid, CRO |Prove
Technologicaldevelopmentshavemadethings speedyandeasyforonlinepayments.Along withtheseconveniencesfollowedthethreats ofonlinefraudtoo.Tocontrolandpreventall kindsoffraudsintheonlinepaymentdomain, businessleadersareinitiatingnewersolutionsinbetter customerauthenticationandverificationtomaintainthe safetyandreliabilityofthetransactions.
KathleenWaid,theChiefRevenueOfficeratProve, analyzedthemarketneedforbetterpaymentsecurity systemsthatcustomizetheauthenticationprocess,apply innovativetechnologiesfromanewperspective,anddeliver aquickresultsolutiontothecustomers.Sheiskeenon providingnewandspecificsolutionsthatsecurethe transactionwithcomplexintegratedprocesses,thereby preventingallthethreatsofcyber-attacksorfrauds.The technicalteamfromProveisfocusedontheresearch processofrenewingtheirsolutionstomeettheever changingneedsofthemodernmarket.
Kathleenbeganhercareerinafraudpreventiondepartment foranotabletoptencreditcardissuer,whereshebuilta teamtodetectandpreventfraud,allowinghertobecomean industryexpertinthefield.Theissuingbankshewas workingforneededamoreefficientsolutionthanjust simplemethodsandrulestoidentifyfraud—sothey eventuallyturnedtoamachinelearning,neuralnetwork solutionofferedbyHNCSoftwareinthe'90s.
WhiletheirPhD-levelscientistbuiltamazingfraud preventionmodelstopreventcreditcardfraud(nowaFICO productnamedFalcon),theyhadnoideahowtohelpbanks operationalizeit.KathleenjoinedHNCSoftware,aSaaSbasedsoftwarecompany,insalesasanoperationalexpertto helpsolvecustomerproblems.Thishighlyactionable opportunityallowedhertomakeameaningfulchangein customerexperience.Thatledtoherfast-trackcareerin SalesandthenSalesManagement.Lookingback,itgave Kathleenaholisticbusinessapproachtoselling—that sittinginthecustomer'sshoesremainsthebestplacefor gainingperspectiveonhowtosolvetheirproblems,not sellingyoursoftware.Herexperienceinsalesleadershipat aseriesofsuccessfulSaaSAI-basedstartupcompaniesled tohercurrentroleasChiefRevenueOfficeratProve.
Prove'smissionistobetheglobalstandardfortrusted digitalidentity
Kathleenmentionsthattheworldismovingtoamobilefirsteconomy;businessesneedtomodernizehowthey acquire,engagewithandenableconsumers.Prove'sphonecentricidentitytokenizationandpassivecryptographic authenticationsolutionsreducefriction,enhancesecurity andprivacyacrossalldigitalchannels,andaccelerate revenueswhilereducingoperatingexpensesandfraud losses.Over1,000enterprisecustomersuseProve's platformtoprocess20billioncustomerrequestsannually acrossindustries,includingbanking,lending,healthcare, gaming,crypto,e-commerce,marketplaces,andpayments.
Prove is the modern way for businesses to enable their customers to prove their identities with just a phone
KathleenstatesthatProve'ssolutionsdeliverthebroadest andmostaccurateidentityinformationthatimpactsboththe consumerandthebusiness.
1. Provereducesconsumerfrustrationandfrictionwhen interactingdigitally(assimpleasopeninganew accountonline)
2. Provesavesconsumers,andabroadermarket,from becomingvictimsoffraud.
Kathleenpointedoutthatachievingthesetwothings togetherisacomplicatedproblemtosolve.Asaconsumer, onecanrelatetothedigitalidentityverificationand authenticationprocessitissubjectto.Whenaskedfor personallyidentifiableinformation(PII),orto"findthestop signs"inagrid,orreceiveaone-timepasscode(OTP)asa textweenter,orinputthose"wavywords"toverifyyouare notabot.Theseactionsensureitsprimaryidentitythrough multipleverifications,andunfortunately,doingitina
friction-filledwayfortheconsumer Thebadactorscan breakthesemethodsandstillgetawaywithfraud.Kathleen supportedthatProve'ssolutionshavepassiveidentity verificationandauthentication,eliminatingtheneedfor thesefriction-filledactionsandreducingfraud.
Kathleenaddsthatleveragingthelargestandmostaccurate networkofreusablecredentials,Proveenablesconsumer experiencesthatarebothsecureandfrictionlesswhile redefiningbusinessidentityprocessesasrevenuedrivers insteadofcostcenters.Withtechnologyadvancementssuch as5Gandthemetaverse,themarketforProve'sphonecentricidentitytechnologywillonlycontinuetogrow,all whileincreasingtheneedforasecureidentitythatisalso seamless.Withover90%ofusersoptingin,noother companyenablesbusinessestoauthenticatetheircustomers easilyandsecurelythroughsomethingassimpleand accessibleastheirmobilephones.
Shedescribedfurtheraboutcompaniesspendingmoreand moreonfraudprevention;lossescontinuetorise,asdo customerabandonmentratesduringonboarding.
97%ofcustomerssayasmooth,easyexperienceis importantwhenchoosingaserviceprovider.Source 47%ofbankingcustomerswhobeganapplicationson mobiledidnotcompletethem,citing"poorUXand confusingfraudprocesses"asthereason:Source Between2019and2020,almosthalf(47%)ofU.S. consumerssurveyedexperiencedidentitytheft:Source Thetotalamountofmoneylosttoidentitytheftinthe UnitedStatesannuallyiscomparabletotheGDPofTurkey: Between2019and2020,identitytheftlossesjumpedby 42%toatotalof$712.4billion.Source
Kathleenstatesthattherevenuegenerationfromconsumers willcontinuetorelyheavilyonthebestconsumer experiencesthatalsoprotectorganizationsfromfraud,and Proveiswell-positionedtobetheglobalstandardfor trusteddigitalidentity
Kathleenenvisionsincreasinghercareersatisfactionby addressingtheproblemshead-onandcollaboratingwith differentpeople.Shehopestocontinuementoringand learningfromherteam,atrulymeaningfulpointinher career
KathleenquippedthatthefuturegoalofProveisastandard fortrustedandreusableglobalidentity.Themarketsthey addressareinindustryverticalswherefraudthrivesbecause fasterpaymentslive.Shementionedthatthecompany wouldexpandbeyondourkeymarketsinBanks,Fintechs, Cryptocurrency,GlobalPayments,Healthcareandfurther penetratetheiremergingmarketsinGambling,Gaming, PublicSector,Insurance.Itexpectstoachievethroughbestin-classsolutionssupportedbyourSolutionsDeliveryand CustomerSuccessteams.
Kathleen'sfavorite,Emerson,quoteshisdefinitionof success,whichincludestheline"toearntheappreciationof anhonestcritic."
"I love to see folks early in their careers flourish. Those professionals who truly accept constructive criticism and value earned praise will excel. Be hungry to ask "what can I improve upon" to someone who has earned your respect."
"Be open to a different career path or plan then you originally laid out for yourself; what your trusted mentor sees in you may lead you to greater success. Learning how to listen actively is key. Listening and emotional intelligence are ridiculously underrated skills. I'm not always the smartest person in the room, but my success has always come from my ability to listen, read the room, and react accordingly," Kathleenconcludes.
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.
Real Estate is dedicated to selling
creating the best possible experience throughout the entire
we care!
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
