Tworldisthattherewillbeconsiderableturmoil. Businessleaderswillhavetoworktheirwayon howtooperatebusinessesbyadaptingtorapidchanges withoutcompromisingtheircorevalues.Womenleaders havebeenachievingnewheightsforyearsbutlack adequaterepresentationinleadershiproles.Itbecomes essentialtounderstandtheintricatedetailsoftheirstanding tofindasilverliningtobridgethegendergap.
heonlycertainthingmovingaheadinthebusiness
Womenareknownforimplementingtheirdiverse experiencesandviewpointstobringafreshperspectiveto fosterinnovation-ledbybetterdecision-making.Theyare keenonbringingnewtalentsandbuildingastrong structuralandculturalfoundationfororganizations.Their methodologyiseffective,butithelpsbringsignificant transformationwithuniqueideaswhilecreatingan encouragingenvironment.
Withanempatheticapproach,womenleadersperceivea qualitythatisoftenconsideredvitalwheninteractingwith theteam.Theyaremuchmoretoheartheproblems,finda fittingsolution,resolvesignificantissues,andpreparetheir teamfortremendoussuccess.Womenleadersareoftenseen communicatingandcollaboratingindifferentaspectsofthe business.Theyhaveadeeperunderstandingofhowopen communicationcanenableclaritytocarryoutrolesand responsibilitieswithastraightforwardapproach.
Challengesarenotnewinthebusinessworld,and oftentheirnumerouscrisisthatneedsaquick contingency Womenleadersaretakingtheedgeon thisfrontbysettinghigherstandardsandinspiring theyoungergeneration.Womenleadersareoften praisedfortheirremarkablementorshipandfor strengtheningtherootsforabrighterfuture.
Sproutingtheirextensiveexpertiseandcelebrated efforts,InsightsSuccesscommemoratessuchwomen leadersintheirlatestedition, "Top 10 Pioneering Women in Business, 2022." Featuringonthecoveris DagmarSymes,theGeneralManagerofHill RobinsonProjectManagementinSaudiArabia. Sheisaresult-orientedleaderspecializinginthe LuxuryFieldwithdiverseexperienceswithinthe LuxuryRetailandHospitalitySegments.
Exploresimilarstoriesofstrongwomenleadership invariousbusinessfieldsthatareredefiningthe businessworld'sterminology.Haveaquickrundown ofthearticleswrittenbythein-houseeditorialteam.
Haveagoodread!
aditya.gaikar@insightssuccess.com Aditya Gaikar
AdiEngel
CMO
AliciaAsinPerez Co-founderandCEO
CloeCaron
President&Founder
DagmarSymes GeneralManager ProjectManagement
vcita vcita.com
Libelium libelium.com
o2Coaching o2coaching.ca
HillRobinsonLimited hillrobinson.com
ElissaWeimer Owner& ProfessionalTrainer Paw&OrderDogTraining pawandorder.com
GowriTirumurti
PartnerandHead ofDepartment
JillianWeston
Owner/Founder
AnandandAnand anandandanand.com
Jillian'sCircus jillianscircus.com
KarinaTiwana VicePresident Legal Infinera infinera.com
LiliGilValletta
FounderandCEO
SherryBlinkhorn Broker/Owner
vcitaisacompact,quick-smartappthatkeepsyoufully connectedtoyourbusiness,wheneverandwhereveryouare workingfrom.
Libeliumdesignsandmanufactureswirelesssensornetwork devices.
Ato2coachingwestronglybelievethatanypersonor organizationcanacheiveitsgoalsbyadoptingsimple fundamentalshiftsinmindset,attitudeandbehaviour.
HillRobinsonistheleadingindependentyachtmanagement company.
Paw&OrderDogTrainingofferscertifieddogtraining programsthataretailoredtotheindividualdogandare successfulwithallbreeds,ages,andtemperaments.
AnandandAnandisafull-serviceIPlawfirm.
Jillian’sCircusisafull-serviceonlinemarketingagency.
Infineraisaglobalsupplierofinnovativenetworkingsolutions.
CIEN+isanaward-winningculturalintelligence®agencyCIEN+ cien.plus
BlinkhornRealEstateLtd blinkhornrealestate.com
BlinkhornRealEstatimplementsinnovativetechnologiesand offersvirtualrealitytoursanddronevideographytoenhance thelistingsservices.
Providing specialized management services, sharing the responsibility for all aspects of tailor-made operations, and providing creative and extraordinary solutions.
Inthebusinessworld,successisnotdrivenbya specificgender,butbyqualityperformanceofbusiness acumen.Womenleadersengravetheirtalesinthe worldandleadbyexamplewiththeirskillsandabilities. AkintosimilarleadershipisDagmarSymes,theGeneral ManagerofHillRobinsonProjectManagementSaudi Arabia.
Dagmarisaresult-orientedleader,specializedinthe LuxuryFieldwithdiverseexperienceswithintheLuxury RetailandHospitalitySegments.Influencedbyherparents, shelearnedaboutthemoralityoflife,beinggrateful,and appreciatingsimplethings.Discipline,respect,and perseverancebeingkeypillarsathome,generosityand kindnesshavebeendeeplyengravedwithinDagmar’s principles.
Havinggainedlessonsthroughoutherlife,sheleadswith empathywhilstsettingahighbarinthebusinessworld.Her expertisesupportsHillRobinsoninofferingunparalleled servicestointernationalclientsinrunningtheirestates safelyandefficiently.
Aspiringtosucceedatanearlyage,Dagmarspreadher wingstopursueacareerpathunperturbedbythesocial environmentandtheprevailingnorms,havingasound educationalbackgroundattherenownedEcoleHotelierede Lausanne(EHL).
Dagmar'smultifacetedpathledherinitialyearsthrough luxuryhospitalityattheageof28,whenshewasentrusted toherfirstroleasGeneralManager Throughoutthelater years,shedecisivelyassumedasidestepinsenior leadershippositionsintotheluxuryconsumergoods industryatLouisVuittonandBulgari;beforereturningto hertruepassion,LuxuryHospitality.
ProjectManagementanddivingintothenewandunknown fast-developingKSAmarket,hadamostvitalcomponentto takeontheroleandsomewhatbreaknewgroundsasa companyandasafemaleleader.Dagmarwasscoutedas
GeneralManagerwiththeintriguingprospectand undertakinginsettingupanewcompanyinKSA,within thecountry'sVision2030asafemaleExecutiveandLeader
Challengesarealwaysapartoflifehowever,Dagmarnever letherselfbeaffectedbytheopinionofothersand continuedtodevelopherskillsinatargetedmanner.She hasalwaystakenasportiveattitudetowardsallaspectsof competition,inselectingtherightcompaniesandmoving onwhenevershefeelsthatshecannolongerpositively inspireandimpacttheworkenvironment.
Havingamanagementstyleandarobustcareerplan, Dagmarpavedapathforherselftoberapidlyentrusted withleadershippositions.Tappingintotheunknownisa moststimulatingfactorinexploringnewopportunities.Her optimism,daring,andundoubtedlyunconventionalattitude pairedwithapersistentpositivemindsethaveprimarily contributedtohercareerpath.
Recently,HillRobinsonhascelebratedits20thanniversary astheleadingglobalplayerintheYachtandEstate Managementonaworldstage.ItsKSAentityHill RobinsonEstatesLtdSaudiastrivestoestablishitselfasthe mostreliableandreputablebusinesspartnerforprivate EstateManagementandbusinessopportunitieswithinthe Kingdom,withpushingfurtherbeyond.Dagmarnotes, "We provide personalized tailor-made services, creative and extraordinary solutions, a highly skilled workforce, and most importantly, the highest degree of confidentiality and discretion with all our clients."
Valuesarepowerfulandaretheheartofeveryorganization andcapturecollectivemotivationaldrivers.HillRobinson's keypillarsareintegrity,respect,trust,responsibility, independence,authenticity,andpassion.Thecompany breedsacultureofimprovementandgenuine empowerment,leadingtofindingcreativeandextraordinary solutionsforitscustomers,relyingonitsmostvaluedasset intheorganization,itsteam.
Dagmar'sleadershipisreflectedinempowermentpaired withapersistentpositive,empatheticattitude,open-door policy,andtransparentcommunication.Shebelievesin leadingbyexampleandanethicalworkenvironmentaskey elementstoasuccessful,diverse,andrewardingworkplace thatdrivesresultsanddeepensthetalentpooltoretain talentsworldwide.
Beingafierceadvocateforeducationandcommunity services,Dagmarguidestheseendeavorsonnumerous occasions.Foryears,shehasinitiatedandsupported variouseducationalorganizationsandcharitiesinthe region.Theseactivitiesincludeorphanages,hospitals, homesfortheelderly,universities,speakerpanels,and muchmore.Sheispassionateabouthergoaltoinspireand proactivelysourcefemaletalents,aligningwithvision 2030.
Dagmarasserts, "There is no glass ceiling! Believe in yourself. The hard work endowed regarding women's
empowerment over the past years and decades has finally started to bear fruit. The increasing number of female recruits in various professions is highly recognized. Women are perceived as passionate, professional, and hardworking individuals. Women possess various qualities such as inspiring others, effective communication, high standards in work ethics and empathy, that enhance any work community by default.”
Dagmarstatesthatthereareabundantopportunitiesinthe currentmarket,reflectedbythevastdevelopmentwithin SaudiArabia'svision2030.Thehighlevelofourclient satisfactionhasledtonewbusinessopportunitiesinareas suchasPrivateAviationandEstateManagement.She asserts, "It goes without saying that expanding with a fast pace in our business segment of Estate Management is key, leading us to be a major player in the market within the upcoming years.”
We provide personalized tailor-made services, creative and extraordinary solutions, a highly skilled workforce, and most importantly, the highest degree of confidentiality and discretion with all our clients."
WorkingintheMiddleEasthasgreatlyinfluencedmeona personalandprofessionalnote.Thevariousnorms,cultures andtraditionshaveimplantedanaspectofcuriosityin learningthedifferenttraditionalmentalitiesinboththe careerandindividualattributesofthings.
AsafemaleGeneralManagerintheregion,Iapprehended whatitmeansfortheMiddleEasternerstohaveawomanin aleadingposition.Thisinfrequentdilemmaduringmyearly years,hasindeedgivenmeanopportunitytoinspirethe youngladiesofthisregiontoaimatreachingtheirgoals andfollowingtheirdreams.
InSaudiArabiaandvariousMiddleEasternnations,the embracedculture,women'srolesweretraditionallymore restrictedwithinhousehold,maritalandmotherlyduties. However,withtheopening-upofsociety,thefemale communityisadoptingthewaysofeducation,careerand femaleempowerment.Theskyisthelimit!
Thisregionholdstheworld'slowestrateoffemalelabour force.Overcomingculturalbarrierswithintheaspectsof education,familyandcareerandlegislativebarriers, womenwillachievelucrativeprospectsinallvarious industries.Itgoeswithoutsayingthatdiversityand inclusionarebasepillarsforhealthydemographicsinall businessfacets.Timehasneverbeenabetterallytofemale leadershipthanthepresent.
Theregionisundergoingsignificantchangeinembracing newwaysoflifeandfocusingonfemaletalentbycreating unprecedentopportunitiesforwomen.Female empowermentandgenderequalityissteadilyincreasingas theregioniscontinuouslyevolvingandmodernizing. SaudiArabia,anationknownforitsimperativetraditional normswithregardstothemalevsfemalerolewithin society,thecountryhasbegunasignificantchangeto women'srightsinallofitspuzzlespieceseversince2018. However,manystillviewthisvitalempowermentfarfrom theaveragerightsandbarrierscomparedtotheinternational norms.
SaudiArabia'svision2030,isnotsolelyaimingat considerabledevelopmentandtourism,butthisnewerathat hascommencedandwillfurtherprogresshandinhandwith theKingdom'sfuture,isestablishingwomennot homemakers,butasbasicpillarsinthecountry'sworkforce, guidingtheKingdomintoVision2030withfullforce.In linewiththeKingdomVision2030,manymodernreforms forwomen'sempowermenthavebeenlaunched.Infact,a primarygoalofthisvisionistheincreaseofthefemale workforce,participatinginthelabormarket.
Inpreviousdays,womenwereneveracompoundwiththe nation'seducationandworkforce,whereasnowadaysthere arestrikingnumbersoftheseyoungladiesaspiringtojoin universitieslocallyandinternationally,wheretheyare majoringinallfieldssuchasbusiness,engineeringand medicine.Theexpeditingsocialparameters,especiallyin theempowermentofwomen,wouldfirmlyendorsethe nation'smuchaspiredeconomicgrowthanddevelopment. 2018representedatransitionyearofholdingvarious milestonesforwomenintheKingdom.Womenwere allowedtogetbehindthesteeringwheelandcruisetheir waytowardstheKingdom'sfuture.Theywereallowed,for thefirsttimetoentersportsstadiums,movietheaters, concertsandservingintheMilitary.Followinguptothe launchoflooseningtherestrictions,theyweregrantedthe righttolivealone,applyforapassport,travelwithoutthe accordofamaleguardianandbuildtheirownbusinessin thecountrywithouttheirguardian'sapproval.
Thepastfewyearsweremarkedbyincredible achievementsforwomenintheKingdomandthelevelof freedomhassignificantlyenhanced.Thereisnodoubtthat theVision2030isthedrivingforceofempowerment,under thevisionaryguidanceofHRHCrownPrinceMohammed BinSalman.Greatprogresshasbeenmadeandfarmore stimulatingprospectsareinsight,asfemaleempowerment isembracedbysociety,andthisisexpectednotonlyto continue,buttofurtherprogressinthecomingyears.
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.
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.”
Oftenlifeleadsonvariouspathstofindtheonethat anindividualresonateswiththemost.Onesuch lifeisthatofGowriTirumurti,whohasdonned multiplehatsinherlifefrombeinganinternationaltennis playertobeingthespouseofadiplomatandamotherof two,whilejugglingallherrolestomakesomesenseoutof itall.Nearlytwodecadesaftercompletionofherbachelors inlaw,andaneventfullifejourney,Gowriisnowthe PartnerandHeadofDepartment(TrademarksExports) atAnandandAnand
Gowri'sfirstvaluableexperiencecamein1996intheform ofagloriousopportunitytointernforPrabhaSridevan,a leadingwomanlawyer,aforcetoreckonwith,atruly emancipatedwoman,whowentontobecomeJudgeof MadrasHighCourtandChairmanofIntellectualProperty AppellateBoard.However,Gowricouldnotsustainthisfor toolongthenduetoherfamilycommitments.
Afewyearslater,aretiredDirectorGeneralofPatentsand Trademarks,India,whosawaglintofpromiseinGowri tookhimunderhiswings.Withoutevenrealisingwhatshe wasdoing,Gowriassistedhimwithhisfuturisticattempts tosensitiseGovernmentDepartmentsaboutthe indispensablenatureofIntellectualPropertyanditsfuture role.
Almostadecadelater,whenGowrirealisedthatherroleas amotherwasnearingfruition,shefeltastrongneedto redefineherself.
OnachillymorninginFebruary2008,Gowriarrivedatthe LibraryofAnandandAnandforaninterviewwithaSenior PartnerofAnandandAnand.Lackinginpriorexperiencein IPlaw;Gowriwonderedwhatshewasgoingtobringtothe table.Howevermuchtoherownsurprise,Gowriwas recruitedintoAnandandAnandandsoonrealisedthatit washermaturitythatwasrequiredtobeintheforefrontof herworkprofile.Evenwhileshetriedtounderstandthis, sheslippedeffortlesslyintoherrole.Gowrinotes, "My
journey had commenced on a sound footing and before I realised eight eventful years had passed. I was exposed to Trademarks, Copyright, Patents, Litigation, Transactional work, Geographical Indications, and learnt how to interact with clients with professionalism."
Induecourse,GowrihadtomovetoMalaysiawithher husbandonhisfirstAmbassadorialassignment.Shewas readilywelcomedintoaleadingMalaysianfirm,Shearn Delamore&Co,whichhadadistinguished100-year-old history.However,shelearnedthatIndiaandMalaysiahad nobilateralunderstandingtoenableDiplomats'spousesto workforaprofit.WhileShearnDelamoreofferedherarole intheirTrademarkDepartment,aworkpermitcouldnotbe obtained..Gowri'sDiplomaticstatusstoodasabaragainst hergettingaworkpermit.Undeterredbythesituation,she workedasaninternforthreeyearswithoutremuneration whileperformingtheroleofafull-fledgedlawyer Thiswas probablyoneofthebestexperiencesthatredefinedherasa professional.
In2018,afterreturningtoIndia,Gowriwasquicklymadea PartnerandHeadofTrademarksExports,ofAnandand Anand,whichwassimplyanextensionofherrolein Malaysia.
GowriheadstheExportsDepartmentofthefirm, responsibleforTrademarkprosecutionandcontentious mattersrelatingtobrandsinInternationaljurisdictions.This vastlypertainstotwokindsofactivities-takingcareofthe interestofIndianclientsabroadandthoseofForeignclients inneighboringcountries,wherethefirmbelievesithasa linguisticandculturalaffinityandfunctionalunderstanding.
TheManagingPartnerofthefirm,Mr.PravinAnandhas beenapioneerinthefield,hassetuprobustassociations withsomeofthebestlegalbrainsintheworld.These associationsprovideasoundfootingforexpeditious, efficient,andhigh-qualityservicesinpracticallyover150 countries.
Additionally,Gowrihasbeeninstrumentalinsecuring GeographicalIndicationsregistrationsforseveralleading productssuchasTequila,MunichBeerandBavarianBeer tonameafewinIndia.
TodayGowricomfortablyperformsherrolefromdistant NewYork,whileappreciatingthefirm'sbroadperspective aswellasthetechnologywhichmakesherconnectivity possible.
AnandandAnandisa98-year-oldlawfirmthatprovides comprehensiveIPsolutions,itsfortebeingdevelopingnew lawandprecision-navigationofgreyareas.Thefirmoffers completeIPservicesencompassingprotection, enforcement,advisory,licensing,andlitigationforpatents, designs,trademarks,copyrights,tradesecrets,domain names,geographicalindications,andmore.Creditedwith lawsuitsthathavetransformedtheIPlandscapeinIndia,the firm'slitigationarmhasdecadesofunmatchedexperience indisputeresolution.Ithasmaintainedapatentgrantrateof over93%.Itstrademarkteamrecorded1800-plus successfultrademarkoppositionsrecently Thefirmis committedtopushingtheenvelopetochangeinsubstantive andprocedurallawatthehighestlevel.
Gowriasserts, "My journey thus far has epitomised the possibility of a late start provided one's abilities and experience can be optimised. There is, of course, the need to keep abreast with the times, whether intellectually or technologically. I am also fortunate to belong to a Firm that thinks and helps you think "out of the box."
"Many do not realise that different kinds of Intellectual Property rights spill over into each other even without one realising it"statesGowri.Theartisticworkinalogois
subjecttocopyrightprotection,whilethelogoitselfasa wholeisprotectableasatrademark.Similarly,aCompany nameisregisteredunderCompanylawundertheMinistry ofCompanyaffairs,whilethesameisalsoasubjectmatter oftrademarkprotection.Itiscrucialtointegratethe differentformsofIntellectualpropertylawseamlesslyso thattheclientenjoysholisticprotectionfortheend beneficiary.
WhenGowriadvisesherclients,shesensitisethese concepts,particularlywhentheyseekassistancefroma branddevelopmentagencytochooseasuitablebrandfor adoption,use,andregistration.Addingtothisbasketisthe needforCustomsprotectionoftrademarksandCopyrights.
GowriexpressesthattheimportanceofIntellectual Propertyhasalwaysbeengrosslyunderemphasised, undervalued,andunderrated.Manydonotrealisethatthe practiceofIntellectualpropertylawrequiresanddevelops softskills.Thelawitselfisnascentandevolvingevery minute,withnewjudgmentsandprecedentsbeingcreated insomepartoftheworld.WhileIndiahasavastbodyofIP precedents,thereisstillmuchrelianceonInternational Jurisprudence,creatinganeedforeffectiveexpressionsof ideasandconceptstoproduceresultsforclients.
Gowrisays, "All Entrepreneurs need to bear in mind the importance of adopting and protecting their brand while launching their business. The interface of their business activity would be their brand. Therefore, the brand needs to communicate to the public what they plan to sell, in simple terms."
"While creating one's own identity, it is important to ensure that one is not seen taking mileage and unauthorised advantage of an existing brand power," Gowriconcludes.
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.”
t takes dedication and laser focus to find success, not
Ito mention rolled-up sleeves and dirt under your finger nails”, statesanardentleader,KarinaTiwana Asthe GeneralCounsel,VicePresidentandCorporate SecretaryofALEUSA–theU.S.entitynameofAlcatelLucentEnterprise-Tiwanahasbeenanintegralpartofthe successofthecompany.Herpassionforthebusinessside oflawandsheerdedicationhasledTiwanatowheresheis today
Afterspendingalmost15yearsatAlcatel-Lucent,firstasa ContractManagerforfiveyears,Tiwanamovedupthrough theranksofthelegaldepartment,whereshelandeda corporatecounselpositionsupportingthemostinnovative businessdivisionsofthecompany.Eventually,becamea primarylegalresourcetooneofthesedivisions,the Enterprisedivision,in2006.Thereafter,shewastappedto supportoneofthehighestrevenue-producingdivisionsin thecompany.Shedidthatupuntil2014whenshewas invitedtosupporttheplanneddivestitureoftheEnterprise divisionasGeneralCounselintheUnitedStates.Tiwana wouldbechargedwithbuildingadepartmenttosupportall thelegalneeds ofAlcatel-LucentEnterprise,thenew stand-alonecompany,inNorthAmerica.Thiswasnosmall featbut,shesaid,“manytalentedandprofessionalpeople carriedmytorch.”
Reflectingontheexperience,Tiwanarecognizesshe’s gratefulforthemenandwomenalongherpaththatbuoyed herupwhenshefeltshemightbedrowning.Helpinganew companybebornisadauntingtask.TheEnterprise BusinessDivision,turnedAlcatel-LucentEnterprise, containsaclose-knitgroupwithmanyemployeesboasting longtenureswiththecompany
Let’sknowmoreaboutTiwanaandhercontributiontothe industrythroughaninterviewconductedbetweenherand InsightsSuccess.
Below are the highlights of the interview: Asabusinessleader,whatisyouropinionontheimpact ofthecurrentpandemiconthetelecommunications industry?
Thepandemic’simpactonpeople,insomecases,hasbeen horrifyinganddeadly.Iwillinnowayminimizemy feelingsofempathytowardfamiliesthathavelostloved onesandthosewhohavefallenillfromthevirus.And,of course,toparentstryingtocopewithbothat-homeworking andat-hometeachingofchildrenrippedfromschoolsand theirfriends.Thisat-homeworkingandteachinghas createdanincreaseintheneedfortoolsliketheAlcatelLucentEnterpriseRainbowUnifiedCommunication Platform,aswellasinfrastructuresolutions,suchasthe company’sOmniAccessStellarwirelessLANandthe OmniSwitchnetworkswitchesthatmakeeverything connecttosupporttheincreasedcommunicationneeds spawnedbythecrisis.Inthisway,manytelecomindustry segmentsarereapingthebenefitsofthe“newnormal”. It’s ashiftfromin-officetohomeworkingandfromin-person schooltohomeschool.Eveneventsandwhatusedtobe liveentertainmenthavegoneonlineaswealltrytocope withtherestrictionsrequiredtokeepallofussafethrough thepandemic.Ihearthroughnewsreportsthatmany companieswillcontinuethework-from-homeoptionsin someformorotherso,itlooksliketheneedfortelecom industrytools,solutionsandinfrastructureisgoingto continuetogrow.
Whatisyouropiniononthenecessityforbusinessesto aligntheirofferingswithnewertechnological developments,especiallywhenitcomestoDigital Transformation?
Ithinkthatwhenitcomestodigitaltransformation, businessesthataligntheirofferingstoadvancesin technologyfurtherdrivetheevolution.Technology
continuestobeinstrumentalinourlivesandthegrowthof business.Inparticular,Ithink,asastrategy,aligning businessinfrastructurewithCloudtechnologybuildsa mindsetthatpushesinnovation,agilityandproblemsolving.Ourcompany’sCloudtechnologyproductsand serviceshavehelpedourcustomerspushbeyonddigital transformationplansandovercomethechallengesof workingthroughapandemic.It’scleartomethatCloud deliversthebenefitofscaleandadaptstoopportunities, whilebeingreliableandsecure.Itjustmakessensetome howflexibletechnologyenablesbusinessestoadaptthe workenvironment,ensureefficientoperationsandmanage costs.
HowdoyoubringyourGeneralCounselskillsin establishingstrategicdirectionanddeliveringresults globally?
Idothisinmanyways,butoneofmygreatestpleasuresin therecentpasthasbeencontributinglegaladvicetoour teamofwomenandmenthathavecreatedtheDiversityand InclusionEmployeeResourceGroup(ESG)underour CorporateSocialResponsibility(CSR)program Withthe executivesponsorshipofRukminiGlanard,ourExecutive VicePresidentofWorldwideSales,Servicesand Marketing,theESGhostedoursecondglobalonline summittohighlightthatdiversityandequalityarelife issuesand,definitely,abusinessissueimpactingfinancial results.Anequalworldinbusinessresultsinanenabledand betterworldforbusiness.Weneedallofourmindsandall ofourhands,asacompany,tocompeteandsucceed. Diversityandinclusion–acrossgender,ethnicity,age, religion,etc.–enableabetter,balancedenvironmentfor economiesandcommunitiestothrive.
Inwhatwayshaveyoucontributedtothecommunity? Inmycommunity,asawomanVeteran,Iamveryactivein ourAmericanLegionandAmericanLegionAuxiliary.This “AmericanLegionFamily”providessupporttolocal Veterans,theirfamiliesandthegeneralcommunitywhere Veteransliveandwork.Oneexampleofarecentprojectin 2020,werecognizedtheneedsofsomanychildreninour communityaroundChristmastime.Wesponsored,locally, ToysforTotssupportedbytheUnitedStatesMarineCorps Reserve.Weservedover300childrenandallofthem receivedgiftsandafooddonationfortheirfamilies.
Supportingthiskindof“all-volunteer”communityevent bringsmegreatjoybecauseIsawthepowerofgivingin action.Collegestudents,homefortheholidays,stood alongsidetheirParents,GrandmothersandGrandfathersto
participateinthetoyandfooddistributionportionofthe event.Istronglybelieveintheempowermentprovidedby servingacausemuchgreaterthanyourself.Igetthis empowermentthroughworkingwithinourAmerican LegionFamily.IcurrentlyserveontheExecutiveBoardas Sergeant-at-ArmsandhaveservedinthepastasPost Commander AtthetimeIservedasCommander,Iwasthe veryfirstwomanevertoserveasCommanderinthePost’s 77-yearhistory.Today,I’mproudtosay,asothernotable “firstwomen”leadersaresayingmoreandmore,“Imay havebeenthefirst,butIwon’tbethelast.”
Ifgivenachance,whatchangewouldyoubringin providinggrowthopportunitiestoWomen?
IamveryluckytohavebeengiventhechanceatAlcatelLucentEnterprisetoeffectrealchangeinmyroleas GeneralCounselatALEUSA.Ihiredstudentinternsin 2014asacreativewaytoaugmentmystaff.Weshowedso muchsuccesswithtrainingandutilizingstudentinternsin ourlegaldepartmentthatitinspiredthecompanytoadopt anInternshipProgramandnow,manydepartmentsare hiringstudentinterns.Infact,arecenthireisgoingto supplementourglobalCSRendeavors.Shewillbe graduatingfromcollegesoonwithadegreeinEthnic Studies.Ithinktheseinternshipprogramsarevitalto creatingopportunitiesandsuccessforeveryone,especially
forwomen.Inmycase,allofmyinternsmovedonto becomepracticinglawyersandhavesecuredpositionsin lawfirms.I’mveryproudofallofthem.
Asanestablishedbusinessleader,whatwouldbeyour adviceforthebuddingwomenentrepreneurs?
Makesureyouknowagoodlawyer!Notashamelessplug. No,seriously,it’sveryimportanttobuildastrongnetwork ofdiverselytalentedindividualsthatcanbeaskedforthe helpyouneedalongtheway.Beyourselfbecauseyour authenticselfisyourbestface.Haveaclearpictureofwhat yourauthenticselfis.Remember,therewillberoadblocks onyourjourneytosuccessandsomemayberelatedtoyour gender,yourageoranynumberofthingsbutthe roadblocksarejusthillstoclimbandthereareplentyof peopletogiveyouahelpfulpushsoyoucankeepgoing. Leverageyourmentorsandallies.Theseareyourfriends, yourclassmates,yourteachers,yourfamily,your
colleagues,andyourprofessionalnetwork.Theywillhelp younavigate.But,aboveall,dowhatyoulove.Doitalot. Ifyoudowhatyouloveandyoudoitalot,youwillget reallygoodatit.Ifyougetgoodatit,youwilllikelymake moneyatitandyouwillbewealthy Wealthisnotmoney alone.Wealthincludesnotonlyprofessionalsuccessbut alsoself-fulfillmentandrealizingyourdreams.
Karina Tiwana, General Counsel, Vice President, and Corporate Secretary, ALE USA Inc.
Thereisatremendousamountofpotentialinevery livingentity.Untappedpotentialshouldbetrapped forthewelfareoftheworld.Wherewomenare empoweredthatplaceflourishesinabundance.Empowered womenleadstotheprosperityoffamilies,societies,nations andtheworld.Deepdown,everypersonlikestolivewith dignitybycontributingsomethingtotheworldaccordingto one’scapabilitiesandpotential.Therefore,thatpotential shouldbenurturedineveryoneandespeciallyinthegirls andwomen.Nothingcandimthelightineverypersonthat shinesfromwithin.Allgirlsandwomenhastodoistobe awareoftheirowninnerpotentialandtheycancontribute toanyfieldoftheirchoice.
Theworldiscurrentlygoingthroughtheunprecedented timesduetotheongoingpandemic.Thisiscertainly challengingtimeformanypeoplebutsomeexceptional womenleadersseethepositiveopportunityeveninsuch unprecedentedtimeandactuallythatisthehallmarkof goodwomenleadership.Exceptionalwomenleadersare alwaysawareandtheyunderstandthattheunprecedented timesalwayscallforunprecedentedactions,innovative, thoughtful,andwin-winsolutions.Theworldmaybefilled withlotofnegativityduetoinevitablechallengesand causes,butexceptionalwomenleaderscallupontheirinner lightandtheyusesuchunprecedentedtimetodevelopand nourishtheirskillsetssothattheycanbeaninstrumentof positivecontributiontotheworldinthecomingtimes.Now morethanever,womenandgirlsneedtocallontheirinner lighttoutilizethetoughesttimestotuneintotheir conscience,learnnewthingsbyusingvirtualplatformsand makethemselvescompetent.
Inthedifficulttimesofpandemicitisessentialforwomen leaderstobedetachedfromthenegativityaround themselves.Unlessanduntiloneisdetachedfromthe negativity,itisverydifficulttofocusonthepositiveandto makethemostoutofthatpositive.Exceptionalwomen leadersprefertobecourageoustoconfrontissuesmore diligentlyanddealwithpeoplewithempathyanddue consideration.Exceptionalwomenleaderschoosetothink deliberatelyandactontheconclusionoflogical,rational, analytical,systematic,andcognitive-intensivethought process.Thatisreallythemostimportantpartof exceptionalwomenleadership.Leadersaresupposedto thinkdeliberatelyandactonthebasisoflogicalconclusion fordeliveringtheefficientresults.
Educatingandempoweringagirlchildcreatesaripple effectanditcreatesapositiveinfluenceinthecommunity. Empoweredwomeninvesttimeandenergyincreatingthe strongernextgenerations.Thefutureleadersoftomorrow canbemoretalented,dynamic,andcompetenttodeliver maximumcontributionforthewelfareoftheworldifthey areraisedbytheempoweredwomen.Empoweringwomen isbeneficialinsomanywaysandtheircontributionplaya
veryimportantroleincreatingthegenuinelyexemplary futureleaders.
Genderequalityisbeneficialforthewholeworld. Promotinggenderequalityisnotjustresponsibilityof womenleadersorwomenissuebutitisasocietalissueand everyoneshouldsupportinpromotingthepurposeof genderequality.Unitednationsisagainandagain promotingtheempowermentofwomen.That’sverycrucial. Thegreaternumberofwomenineveryfieldisasignof growthandevolvedculture.Theempoweredwomenare boontotheworld.Thatisthereason‘GenderEquality’is oneofthemostimportantsustainabledevelopmentgoals. Empoweringwomenisessentialforthesustainable developmentoftheworld.Empoweredwomenbecome greatassetforbusinesses,families,societies,communities, nations,andthatisultimatelybeneficialforwholeworld.
Thereareplentyoffieldswherewomenhaveopportunities andtheycancontributeimmensely Theworldisin desperateneedofgenuinelyexemplarywomenleadersto makeadifferencethroughbusinesses,science,research, technologyetc.Womencanbecometheleadersinthefield ofbusinesses,science,research,technologyandinany choiceoftheirfieldiftheyarewillingtobeboldand courageousenoughtopursuetheircareerinsuchfields relentlessly Theyhavethepotentialtomakeadifferencein thechoiceoffieldtheygoandthereforewomenshouldnot shyawayfromutilizingtheirbestcapabilitiesandthey shoulddenytheworldoftheirvaluablecontribution.
Empoweredwomenarethesecretweaponofcreatinga positivechangeinthesocietyandtheworldatlarge. Empoweringandenhancingwomenandinvestinginthem unlocksatremendouspotentialfortheworld.Empowered womenarethemostimportantweaponandresourceinthe fightagainsttheglobalpoverty.Theuntappedresourceof womenhasthetremendouspotentialandthatshouldbe recognizedbythepeopleintheworldespeciallybythe peoplewhohavetheopportunitytocreateawareness relatedtothis.
Theempoweredwomenhavethepotentialtosignificantly improvelivelihoods,productivity,economicoutputs,and theoverallhumanlifeitself.Thebasiclongingtolivewith dignity,thefundamentaldesiretohavecontrolofone’s livesandone’sfutureandtobepartofdeterminingthe courseofourcommunitiesandournationsareverymuch universalintheempoweredwomen.Theselongingsburnin thewomenandgirls,andwiththeselongingstheycanbea greatdynamicforceintheworldtobeanagentofchange andmakeasignificantcontributionforthewelfareofthe worldwiththeirtalents,skills,andabilitiesandthatwill leadtotheultimatewelfareoftheworld.
nimmigrantfromColombia,Awhodidn’tspeakEnglish, cametotheU.S.aloneatthe ageof17,leavingherentirefamily behind.Today,shemanagedtobecome arecognizedcorporateexecutive turnedbusinessownerandtech innovator
MeetLiliGilValletta,theFounder andCEOofCIEN+,anawardwinningculturalintelligence® consultancyandmarketingfirm.
AfterlandingintheU.S.,Liliquickly realizedthatthereweresome misconceptionsaboutherorigin.
Insteadofbeingdiscouragedbythe stereotypesoftentiedtobeingfrom “Colombia”,shewasmotivatedto becomeabridgetoeducateandelevate understanding.Thismotivationbecame thecatalystforwhatsheandherteam
dotodaywithCIEN+andCulturintel, bringingthepowerofCultural Intelligence®tothebiggest corporationsandbrandsaroundthe world.
WeatInsightsSuccessgotinto conversationwithLilitolearnmore aboutherjourneyandhowsheis helpingleaderssuccessfullyturn culturaltrendsintoprofits.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Briefouraudienceaboutyour journeyasabusinessleaderuntil yourcurrentpositionatCIEN+. Whatchallengesdoyouhaveto overcometoreachwhereyouare today?
InevereverthoughtIwantedtobea businessownerorfounder.However, thatentrepreneurialspiritactivated withinmewhileatJohnson&Johnson, whereIspentadecadeinafast-rising careeracrossGlobalSupplyChainand Marketingroles.Asoneofthe youngestexecutivesthen,asGlobal DirectorofMarketingServicesinthe Pharmaceuticalsector,IrealizedIhad theuniqueadvantageandperspective tochallengehowwelookinto commercialstrategies,consumersand avenuesforgrowth-andthatignited mybusinesscuriositytopushbeyond the“obvious”definitionsand applicationofdiversityandinclusion. Thatintrapreneurialmindsetmovedme topioneerthefirsteverenterprisewide multiculturalmarketingstrategic roadmap,andco-foundingthe HispanicEmployeeResourceGroup
“HOLA”,toestablishacompelling caseforactiontoturnculturaltrends intoimpactandbusinessgrowth.And thiswasthepivotalaha!Momentfor me;recognizingthatIcouldn’tfindthe companyoragencythatIwantedto hiredrivenbydataandinspired creativelybyculturetotapintothese highgrowthmarketopportunities-and CIEN+,XLAlliancethen,wasborn.
Drainingallofmystockoptionsto self-fundthestartofanewventure,my co-founderandbusinesspartner
EnriqueArbelaezandIbothlefta promisingcorporatetracktodesignthe marketingcompanyofthefuture.We knewtherewaswhitespacetohelp corporationsandbrandsfuture-proof themselvesasthemarketshifts continue-atrendwellaheadoftoday’s awakeningtowardequityand inclusion.Withtherigorofdataand technologyforinsightsandthecreative powerofinclusivemindsthatweave culturalinspirationintoeverythingwe do,CIEN+wasbornasaCultural Intelligence®Engine.Today,wehave theprivilegeofguidingand influencingsomeofthemosticonic globalcompaniesandbrandslike Google,GSK,Merck,PepsiCo, Prudential,amongotherFortune100’s.
Iamcurrentlyoneofthefewformer corporateexecutivesandLatinafounderseenalmostweeklyon nationaltelevisionasabusiness commentatorseenonFoxNews,Fox Business,CNNenEspañol,among others-alwaysbringingthepowerof numbersandbusinessanalysisinto today’snews.Ialsohavethehonorto
To me, an inclusive approach to business and marketing is not an altruistic mission, it's a business superpower, and the only path to growth given today's shifting demographics.
beoneofonly2.6%ofLatinosserving onaFortune500+publicboard,asan independentdirectoratZumiez (NASDAQ:ZUMZ).OtherboardsI serveonincludeAUAPrivateEquity Partners,HarvardWomen'sLeadership Board,andtheNationalBoardof DirectorsoftheYMCAUSA.
Tellussomethingmoreabout CIEN+itsmissionandvision. CIEN+isonamissiontoempower everycorporateleaderandbrandwith thepowerofCulturalIntelligence®. Westronglybelievethatgiventoday’s shiftingdemographicsitis mathematicallyimpossibleforany companytoachievetheirfullpotential andfuture-prooftheirgrowthwithout aninclusiveapproachtotheirbusiness strategiesandmarketing-andthat’s whyweexist.
Whatwedotranscendstraditional “marketingagency”offerings,whichis whywearetrustedbysomeofthe mosticonicbrandsaroundtheworld. WebringthepowerofA.I.anddatafor humanunderstandingwithourMarket ResearchTechCULTURINTEL.We accelerateorganizationalreadinessand strategydesignwithourCULTURAL INTELLIGENCEACCELERATORS. Andultimately,puttheoryintopractice withourMARKETINGAND CREATIVEexecutiontoengageand reachconsumerswithrelevance.
However,noneofthiswouldbe possiblewithoutthepowerofour peopleandtheanchorofourvalues, whicharetheguidingprinciplesfor howwedowhatwedoeveryday
Enlightenusonhowyouhavemade animpactintheMarketing& Advertisingnichethroughyour expertiseinthemarket. Whatwedoisnotniche,butthenew Americanmainstream.Infact,bythe year2040,theU.S.willbecomea
majority-minoritycountry,andthose shiftscallforabusinessmind-shiftthat makesinclusioneveryone'sjoband inclusiveofall.Themathisquite simple;youcannotanticipateanddrive incrementalgrowthwithoutinvesting intheconsumersegmentsthatare drivingALLthegrowth.
Andthatiswhywehavemadeitour missionforoveradecadetoempower leaderswithinclusivedata,strategy, andmarketingthatisdesignedto future-proofopportunityandstay relevant.Thebottomlineissimple, andthenumberstellaclear story...makingitmathematically impossibleforcompaniestoachieve theirfullpotentialinsocietyand businesswithoutculturalintelligence.
Inanerawheneveryonerecognizesthe importanceofinclusionaspartof businessstrategyandESG requirements,we-CIEN+-havebeen aheadofthattrendforadecade.That hasenabledustoleadinourabilityto bringAI-poweredinsightsthatare inclusive,agile,andscalableandapply theseintostrategiesandmarketing campaignsthatarealwaysdata-driven andinclusive.
Thisiswhy,inmymostrecentTEDx Talk,called“DiversityisOverrated”, thenotionofdiversityischallenged andflippedonitshead,highlighting whyinclusionisnotaprogramoran HRmissionbutamindsetfor activationculturaleconomicsand growth.Andthatrewritestherulesof graduationfrom“doingmulticultural marketing”to“marketingtoa multiculturalnation.”
Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobe inthelongrun,andwhatareyour futuregoalsforCIEN+?
Iseemyselfasacatalystofchangeas onedrivento“culturize”boardrooms aroundtheworldtodrivepurposeful
profitsinalltheydo.Justaspeople thoughtofCoveywhenitcameto LeadershipPrinciples,Ienvisiona worldwhereleadersaroundtheworld thinkofuswhenitcomestoCultural Intelligenceinbusiness.Ourendgoal istoglobalizeandembedourinclusive dataandcreativityinasmanyF500sas possibletoacceleratebusinessasa forceforsocialimpactandbusiness growth.
Whatwouldbeyouradviceto buddingwomenentrepreneurswho aspiretoventureintothe multiculturalsector?
Toentrepreneursventuringintothe multiculturalmarketIwouldsay3 things,whichtypicallyaligntowhat I’dliketocallthe“marketing macarena”,gettingtotheheart,mind andwallet,inthatorder.First,getto theheartofthematter,becominga studentandmasterofthecultural dynamicsthatmoveandinfluence people,andthatcanonlyhappenwith alearnermindsetandacultural curiosityandexplorationthatis ALWAYSON.Cultureislivednotjust readabout.Second,gettothemind, decodingandmasteringthepowerin numbers.Multiculturalorinclusion mattersarenotanaltruisticmissionbut abusinessimperative,andthatcan onlybefullycontextualizedgettingto the“minds”ofdecision-makerswith theundeniablepowerofthenumbers totellthestorybehindthecultural shifts.Andfinally,third,gettothe wallet.Noneofthisworkswithout daringtoAPPLYandexecuteonthe opportunities,getstartedinDOING beyondponderingonthenumbersand research.Andtodososuccessfully, recognizethatscalableimpacthappens asacollective,thatyoumustsurround yourselfwithpeoplesmarterthanyou andtapintocirclesofinfluencethat canshortcutcredibilityandimpact fromthebottomup.
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.
is dedicated to selling
creating
best possible experience throughout
care!
