Top Women Leaders in Retail Industry, 2022

Shamini Dhana

Make a customer, not a Sale.

Weaving the New Web of Retail

Editor’s Desk

Ashlesh Khadse AshleshKhadse

hepublicperceptionoftheretailindustryisvery

Tlimited,restrictedbythethreadsofdevelopment andnewemergingbusinessmodels.Theperception islikeastreamforanoceanwithadeeptrench.

Eveninthismodernworld,digitalretailstoresareoftenleft asidefromthetickingboxdespitebeingapartoftheretail industry.Butasthewell-knownsayinggoes, 'One man's trash is another man's treasure,' itisbuildingthefounding stoneofthenewretailindustry

Thefoundationofthisnewretailindustryisledbythe mostproficientandself-sufficientvisionaryanddedicated womenleaders.Weavingthewebofthisnewretail marketplaceinthedigitalizedera,therisingwomenleaders aremakinganefforttobringinnewinnovativebusiness modelsthatareredefiningthewayweusedtoshopinthe traditionalmarket.

Overtheyears,theworldhaswitnessedsomeofthemost persistentbusinesswomenanalyzing,planning,and executingthenewcodeofconductofbusinesstoconnect everythreadfromdifferentindustriestothecentrepointof themarketplace–theretailindustry.

Butthechangingwindsintheretailindustrydonotdefine thecompetencyandcredibilityofthenewmarketplace createdbythesewomenleadersinbusiness.Takingasmall pieceofcakefromeveryindustry,thesewomenleaders havetransfixedanewanduniqueretailmarket.

Inourlatestventuretofindsuchtransformativewomen leadersintheretailbusinessforthelatestedition—Top WomenLeadersinRetailIndustry,2022—wecrossed pathswiththeFounderandCEOofDhanaInc.Shamini Dhana(onthecover)istrailblazingandcapitalizingonthe fashionretailmarketwhileconnectingwithhumanityand theenvironment.

Readthroughthiseditionasasmalltokenofgratitudeand celebrationofthesuccessofsuchwomenleaderswhoare redefiningtheretailindustryandweavingthenewthreads ofthenewretailmarketplace.

Also,scrollthroughtheCXOswrittenbytheindustry expertstohaveabriefoverviewofthechangingretail industryparadigm.

Andhaveahappy,insightfulandinspirationalread!

W menTop Leadersin RetailIndustry, 2022

BriefCompanyName

Top Women Leaders in Retail Industry, 2022

Shamini Dhana

Uniting Humanity Through Fashion

Stand up and speak out for what you believe in and ultimately realize that what you are here to do is part of the bigger ecosystem in life and that we are all connected.

Shamini Dhana Founder and CEO

COVER STORY

WhenwespokewiththeFounderandCEOof DhanaInc.inanattempttodiscovermore aboutherpathasaleaderandherbrand,we wereleftelectrified.ShaminiDhanaisatrailblazerin retailindustry,withathrivingbusinessthatallows customerstoconnectwithhumanityandtheenvironment throughfashion,becomingarenownedleadersettingupan exampleforwomen.

Shaminiseeseverydifficultyasanopportunitytolearn, grow,andcontributeinwhateverwayshecan.Sheisarole modelforeveryone,especiallywomenofcolorand minorities.Ittakesmuchcouragetoestablishabusinessin awhite-dominatedandamale-dominatedcultureand succeed.Whatanimpressivelady!

Shaminisharedwithusmanyofherwonderfulthoughts, oneofwhichis:

Every day, we place a piece of clothing on ourselves that has the power to connect us to people and the planet.

ShaminionanExpeditionasaLeader

WhentalkingaboutShaminiDhana'sprofessionaljourney, werealizedshehadbeenatrailblazer.Asapioneerand thoughtleaderinthevariousseniorandexecutivepositions andindustries,Shaminihastakenonforthepastthirty years.Fromorganizingthefirstnon-profitconferenceon ClimateChangeaftertheRioEarthSummitin1992in Sacramento;todevelopingadefensedownsizingstrategic planforthemilitarybasesandimpactedcommunitiestoset upatradeandinvestmentofficeinSingaporefortheState ofCalifornia.

Throughoutherprofessionaljourney,Shaminihasbeen cognizantoftheimpactbusinesshasonpeopleandthe planetandlookedthroughthelensinaholistic, collaborative,andsynergisticway.Theneedtolookat businessandcommercetoempowereachother,tohighlight theinterdependenceonalllivingsystemsandtheimpacton thecollectiveaction–hasbeenaconstantinterestand missionofhers.

Shaminibelieves, “What happens to the one affects us all. Our choices do matter, and the mediums we use to make these choices are as important.”

AJourneyBesetbySetbacksandConflicts

ThechallengesthatShaminifacedduringherjourneyasan

entrepreneurincludediscriminationasawoman,aperson ofcolor,andthepreconceivedideasregardingrace, ethnicity,religion,nationality,andplaceoforigin. Additionally,theabilitytospeakupandshareyouropinion withoutjudgmentfromothershasbeenaclassicchallenge forwomenofminoritybackgroundsacrossindustries.

Coupledwiththat,itisevidentthattheclassstructurefor womenisdifferentfrommenwhenitcomestopaying structure,promotion,visibility,accesstocapital,admiration forathletics,parenting,workingmothers,female entrepreneurs,andthoughtleadership.

MakingaBigSplashintheFashionIndustry

TherecentlaunchofDhanaInc.'screativefashionplatform D/Sphere,hasgivennewmeaningtothecollectiveimpact ofcustomersintheworldoffashion.Throughdigital designs,customerscan:

• Unleashtheircreativity;reimaginehowtheirmemories andexperiencesinlifecanbecapturedthroughthe clothingwewear–anassociationwerarelyseeasa connectionandtheabilityto“wear your memories.”

• Co-Createwithafashionbrandandotherstakeholders –thisisnewterritoryandwherecollaborationtakeson awholenewlevel

• Fashionandassociatetheirmemories,experiences,and impactwithdigitalfashionandsharemutualmemories.

• Becometheirfashionbrand,climateleader,andsocial influencer–allthroughdigitalfashiondesigns

• Understandtheirenvironmentalimpact–by repurposingtheirclothing,theygettorealizethe savingsonwater,carbon,andenergy,reducetextile wasteandeliminatethechemicalprocessing

• Connectwiththegarmentworker–andpayitforward bysharinggratitudeandwordsofappreciation.This typeoftransparencyisworththeinvestmentas customershavelongdemandedtheneedtoknow #whomademyclothes.

DhanaInc.AndItsPillarsofSupport

Dhanameans“offering,”whichistoofferanewwayof connecting,storytelling,andimpacting,withthevisionof “UnitingHumanityThroughFashion,”;themissionof “connectingpeoplewiththeplanetthroughthemediumof fashion,”andfinallythecompany'staglineis“We're Wearin'theWorld.”

ThisistrulytheethosofDhana,avaluesystemthatinstills aculturethatreflects:COMMITMENTtohonorallthe

There have always been challenges along the way, but how you perceive the challenges makes for the outcome to be worth the time.

Upcycled Circular Memory Jacket (CMJ) designed by customers on D/Sphere

CELEBRATEthenaturalresourcesandenvironmentthat enableitsdesigns,styles,andcollection.

COMMUNICATEhowitdoesbusinessthrough transparencyandaccountability.COMPASSIONforalllife onearthandinbeingaforceforgood

CONSCIOUSbehaviortoensurethatitsactionspositively impactpeopleandtheplanet.

Since2008,theDhanateamhasinstilledthisethosand valuesystemaspartofitsculture;paiditforwardthrough itswork,itsproducts,andservices;certifiedasaBCorpfor thethirdtime;launcheditsnewdigitalplatformandits contributiontosocietyandplanetbysupportingtheSDGs.

EncouragingWorkplaceFlexibility

DhanaInc.isaworld-classteamofcommittedindividuals whobelievethattheirworkisofservicetohumanityand hasapositivesocialandenvironmentalimpact.Theyarea globalteamlivinginanerawheretheflexibilityoftime, non-geographicalboundaries,open-mindedness,anda heart-centricculturearecriticaltotheirworkandoffers.

Asitrelatestoworkforceflexibility,theyhavebuilttrust andtheneedfortransparencyintheirworkand collaborativeefforts.

“I have always instilled through our core value system that ownership of work is key to finding joy; plus, the need for respect, kindness, and a celebration of each person's efforts is critical to the overall goal,” addsShamini.

TheSignificanceofTechnology

Technologyiskeytoenhancingacustomerexperience, productivity,datagathering,andanalysis,tacklingthe socialandenvironmentalchallengeswefacetoday,and providingsolutionstocurrentissuesplaguingtheworld.

Inanattempttoaddresstechnology'simportance,Shamini sharesherthoughts,“Technology is an enabler, and we are looking at developing circular fashion technology to provide a much-needed solution to tackling global textile waste, pollution, climate change, transparency, and accountability, honoring people and planet and celebrating creativity. Lastly, technology paves the way for collaboration and cross-industry work to develop new solutions, products, and services for the betterment of society and our ecosystems.”

Customer and Ambassador Greg Hemmings wearing his Circular Memory Jacket

Circular Fashion Tee (CFT)

Greg Hemmings shows off his fashion stories through his CMJ

IN SERVICE TO HUMANITY AND PLANET EARTH

PreparingfortheNextBigShiftintheSustainableFashion Industry

Shaminibelievesthatthenextsignificantmilestonesinthe sustainablefashionindustryare:

• Transparencyofsupplychains,includingmaterials used,processesadopted,workercontribution,and ownership.

• Mappingthelifejourneyofafinishedpieceofgarment tilltheendoflife.

• Socialandenvironmentalimpactmeasurementforall stakeholdersinthefashionworld.

• Materialinnovationinfashion.

• Adoption,accessibility,andawarenessofthevirtual worldinconjunctionwiththemetaversetogive creativelicensetoanewgenerationofdigitalnatives embracingfashionattheintersectionofaphysicalhybrid-virtualstore.

DhanaInc.iscurrentlydevelopingongoingtechnologyin thefieldofcreativeexpressionthroughfashionplus collaboratingwithpartnerstobringforthsuchalevel playingfieldforthefutureoffashion.

AimfortheFuture

DhanaInc.islookingtoofferitsnewcreativetechnology, D/Spheretofashionbrands,companies,andretailersto engagewithcustomersandclients.Itseekstoamplifythe voicesofgarmentworkersandartisansworldwidetoshare theirfashionstoriesinspiredbytheirancestors,culture,and naturalbeauty.

AGuidingLight

Whenweaskedhertoshareapieceofadviceforaspiring leaders,Shaminisaid, “Witness yourself react to things, incidents, and viewpoints. Pay attention to where you find

true joy from the heart. Know what your creative outlet is in life (it could be multiple) and what and why you like to support things, people, mediums, organizations, and causes. Get to know yourself well and notice your own needs changing and your mindset transforming. This is important as it will drive you towards your calling in life, which will fuel the energy, passion, and inspiration required to share your unique gifts with the world.

The world needs you, and you are a powerful change agent to bring about transformation in the world of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) with your unique talents and gifts. Reach out, seek collaboration, and surround yourself with people that inspire and champion you, align with your values, and truly appreciate your worth and contribution. Stand up and speak out for what you believe in and ultimately realize that what you are here to do is part of the bigger ecosystem in life and that we are all connected.”

FinalThoughts

“Every day, we place a piece of clothing on ourselves that has the power to connect us to people and the planet. Remember the places, people, and purpose with every piece of clothing you wear as there is a story to be told – and when it's time to let go of the clothing, reflect on how you would like to recreate your clothing into something new and at the same time preserve your fashion stories associated with your life's journey.”

info@dhana.com

www.Dhana.com www.Dsphere.Network

Bianca Rangecroft

and CEO Whering

Top Women Leaders in Retail

Bianca Rangecroft

Putting an End to "I have Nothing to Wear" Dilemma

F today?romthewaywework,communicate,shop,bankto thewayhowwerelaxandentertainourselves, digitizationhastransformedeverything.Imagine yourwardrobegettingdigitized!Thisiswhatexactly BiancaRangecrofthasbroughttotheworldthroughher companyWhering.BiancafoundedWheringinJune2020 outofaprofounddesiretodemocratizethepersonalstyling landscapeandfundamentallychangethewayweinteract withourclothes(i.e.upendthethrowawayculture).

WeatInsightsSuccessgotintoconversationwithBiancato learnmoreaboutherjourneyandhowsheisshapingthe futureofthefashionindustry.

Below are the highlights to the interview:

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionWhering.What challengeshaveyouovercometoreachwhereyouare

Formethesystemwasbroken;theviciouscycleofnot beingabletoseewhatyouown,impulsebuying(never gettingitquiteright),andthelackofinspirationinthe stylingprocessmeantonlyonething,wehadtotakeit digitalandharnessthepowerofmachinelearningtohyper personalizeourfashionexperience.Thejourneyfromthere

hasbeenmostlyorganic;Voguecoveredourlaunchin8 countries,helpingussecure35kusersinlessthansix months.Wenowhave80kusers,withdownloadsincreasing monthly

Mybackgroundistotallyunrelatedtofashion–Istudied HistoryandPoliticsatSOAS&LSE,thenmovedintothe businessworldafterdoingmyMastersatImperial (Economics&Management).IworkedatGoldmanSachs from2017to2019inthefirm'sConsumerandInvestment ManagementDivisioninLondon.Iwasluckyenoughto workontheStichfixIPOandbegantodelvedeepinto consumerbuyingpatterns,howmachinelearningwasbeing usedtooptimizeshopping,andaboveall,theenvironmental costoffashion.Thiskickstartedinmeawholeintrospective journeyintomyowncontributiontothisissueandhowwe couldleveragethedatafoundinourownclosettomakethe supplychaingreener,butcruciallytomakethemostof whatwealreadyhavetogetthatnewnessfixandbuytofill wardrobegaps(alloptimizedthroughAI).Beforestarting thecompany,weconductedover350focusgroupsto identifykeycommonalitiesintheuserjourneyamongstour keydemographic:womenintheirearlytwentiesand thirties.

IabsolutelylovedworkingintheConsumerandInvestment ManagementDivisionatGoldmanSachs-andstillmanage

myownportfolio(it'smydowntimefromstartuplife!).I coveredalotofretailstocksandworkedontwobigfashion techIPOs(StichfixandFarfetch)duringmytimeatGS,and thistaughtmetodeeplyunderstandindustryshiftsand growingconsumer/behavioraltrendsandhowboththese factorsaffectednascenttechnologies.Notonlydidthis journeyprovidemewithinsightsintohowwecoulduseAI topersonaliseourfashionexperiencebutduringourprocess toselltheequitystorywe'doftenspeaktocustomerstoget asenseofWHYthiscompanywassoground-breakingandthat'swhattransformedbyrelationshiptotheenduser (astherealsourceofinformationforproductdiscoveryand innovation).Ifeltwefundamentallyhadtochangetheway weinteractwithourclothes(i.e.upendthethrowaway culture)andthoughtthetiming(bytheendofmytenure) wasperfecttobringtolifeCherHorrowitz'Clueless wardrobeapp.

TellussomethingmoreaboutWheringanditsmission andvision.

Whering,theappdesignedbyandcreatedforthenext generationofsustainability-mindedandstyle-conscious women,pavingthewaytoanethicalwardrobeandanend tothe'buy-use-dispose'model.Thelaunchoftheapp allowsuserstoquicklyandeasilydigitizetheirentire wardrobe,resultinginastreamlined,personable,and accessibleonlinestylingtool.

Wheringcreatesadigitalwardrobethatallowsuserstosee everythingtheyowninoneplace,allowingthemto maximizethepotentialoftheirwardrobe.Userswillalso receivestylingsuggestionsandpersonalizedproduct recommendationsthatcomplementthepiecestheyalready ownandlove.Inturn,thishelpsuserstoshopstrategically tofillwardrobegapswhilsthelpingtoreducethehabitof unnecessarypurchasing,ultimatelyleadingtoamore cohesiveandsustainablewardrobe.Wheringusesan intricatestylematrixandpersonalitytesttocreatetheideal stylingenvironmentforeachcustomer Theusercanthen usetheseimagestocreateoutfitsthemselvesorusethe 'DressMe'function,andWhering'salgorithmwillprovide outfitsuggestions.

AttheheartofeverythingWheringdoesisadesireto improvethefashionindustrybytacklingsomeofitsmost damagingfacets.Theappaimstorevolutionizethewaywe shop,style,anddress,andindoingsoreducethecarbon footprintleftbyfashionconsumersglobally.IntheUK alone,clothinghasthefourthlargestenvironmentalimpact afterhousing,transport,andfood.Shockingly,halfofthe fast-fashionitemswebuyasanationarethrownawayin lessthanayear.Wheringhelpsusersutilizetheirwardrobes 80%moreeffectively,meaningconsumersarelesslikelyto turntofast-fashionoptions,asourapphelpsthem maximizetheirwardrobe'spotential.Ultimately,thereisno placeforfastfashioninasustainablefuture,making Wheringanessentialappofferingmuch-neededlifestyle guidance,allowinguserstothinkmoresustainablyinthis timeofclimateupheaval.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavemadeanimpactinthe industrythroughyourexpertiseinthemarket.

The'Ihavenothingtowear'dilemmaisauniversal sensationofbeingtrappedinindecision.Inourview,partof theproblemisn'thavingnothingtowear,buthaving nothingnewtowearandtoomanyoptionsofcheapclothes tochoosefrom.Wekeepbuyingbecausewethinkthatjust onemoreitemwillunlockouridealwardrobe–buthow canitdosoifwehavenoaccessibleinventoryofwhatwe own?

Thisiswhyhavingadigitalinventoryissokey-toaidour visualmemory.Notonlydoesitallowyouto'shopyour ownwardrobe'togetthatnewnessfix,buthavingan organiseddigitalwardrobehelpsyouidentifywhatyou reallyneedandwhatpiecescanunlockamyriadof combinations.Youcanalsoeasilytrackyourwears,most wornitems,decidewhat'sworthdonatingorselling,but

We exist to radically shift our relationship with clothes (for ourselves and mama nature).

“ “

mostlyimportantly,createdifferentversionsofyourbest looksfromthecomfortofyourcouch(i.e.unleashingyour innercreative).WecreatedWheringforrecoveringlifestyle hypocriteslikeus:millennialwomenwhoareexcitedto takebackownershipoftheirfashionconsumptionandthe waytheydress.Wheringisnotjustawardrobeorganizer, it'ssomuchmore.We'rebuildingaone-stop-shopforall yourfashionneeds.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Ourtechisfocusedontwopartsofthevaluechainthat consumersown:purchasingandutilisation.Forpurchasing, Ithinkabigpartoftheproblemisthatpeopledon't understandtheirstylesobuyitemsandwearthemjusta coupleoftimesbeforedecidingtheynolongerlikethem.

Theartificialintelligencewearebuildingwillbeableto identifyyourstyle,helpyoumaximizewhatyoualready have,andonlythensuggestsustainableitemsthatweknow youwillloveand,aboveall,lovetorepeatwearing.You canalreadyuseWheringtotrybeforeyoubuy-adding itemsintoyourwardrobeandcreatingoutfits-ensuringyou willgetmaximumusageoutofanitembeforepurchasing.

Theappusesanintricatestylematrixandpersonalitytestto createtheidealstylingenvironmentforeachcustomer The usercanthenusetheseimagestocreateoutfitsthemselves orusethe'DressMe'function,andWhering'salgorithm willprovideoutfitsuggestions.

Forutilization,youcanalreadytrackhowmanytimesan itemhasbeenworninyourwardrobe,andsoon,Wherers willbeabletogetaccesstoacustomdashboard-focused onusefulstatsforyoutoimproveyourwardrobe'scarbon emissions.Whatcouldbebetterthanknowinghowmuch youwearanitemtobeabletoproperlyevaluatethevalue thatyourclothesbringtoyourlife?

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforthecompany?

Ourlarge-scaleplansfortheWheringapphavethe potentialtominimizetheimpactoffastfashionandreduce clothingwasteandpollutiononaglobalscale.Asasmall companywithbigambitions,wewanttoinspireothersto aimhigh.Wheringplanstoworkwithpartnerstofurther tacklethefashionindustry'swasteissuesandpreventthe 350ktonsofclothingthatendupinlandfillseachyearin theUK.Userswillfindrecommendationsofwhereto mend,repurposeordonatetheiritems,or,astheyare alreadydigitized,sellorrentitemsthroughthird-partyAPI integrations.WewanttoworkwithbigbrandslikeDepop, Vinted,Selfridges,andotherslowfashionfigurestogrow ourbrandandprovidethebestpossibleplatformforall sustainablefashionneeds.

Ourmissionistoextendthelifecycleoftheclotheswe alreadyown(andthatareperhapssittingidleinour closets).Wearehopingtoreducethecarbonandwater footprintofconsumersbyfocusingonthetwopartsofthe valuechainthattheycontrol:purchasingandutilization. Throughdigitizationandmachinelearning,Whererscan trackwhattheywearandunderstandtheirstyle.We encourageoutfitrepeating!

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingwomen entrepreneurswhoaspiretoventureintotheindustry?

Myadvicewouldbetotrustyourpassionandgoforitas soonasyougettheurge.Mymantraiscarpediem,which meansnotimelikethepresent.Ibelieveinseizingthe momentanddoingwhatmakesyouhappy.Thismantra carriedmethroughmydecisiontoleavemyjobinfinance andfocusondoingsomethingIenjoythathasapositive impactonpeopleandtheplanet.Lifeistooshorttowait aroundfortherighttimetodosomething.Whenyouhave anideaandapassion,andyoucangettogetherateamof like-mindedandmotivatedpeople,theworldisyouroyster Itisamazinghowfarhavingagreatconceptandbeing open-mindedcangetyou,evenwithlittlemoneytostartoff with.Asacompany,weareproudlyambitious,andthishas favouredusthroughoutourjourney,andwehavesomuch moretocome.

Rethinking the Products of Today for Better Tomorrow

Celia Pool Co-Founder DAME

Theworldisfinallywakingupto thesingle-useplasticcrisis. Overthelast10yearswehave createdmoreplasticthanthewholeof thelastcenturycombined.Halfofthe plasticwecreateisusedjustonce,and thenthrownaway,taking500yearsto decompose.By2050,theoceansare predictedtocontainmoreplasticthan fish.Theplasticcrisisisnowtoobig forrecyclingalonetofix.

Globalgovernments,businessesand consumersneedtocollaboratequickly tomakeimpactfulchangebeforeit’s toolate.However,changeisdifficult whenenvironmentallydamaginghabits havebecomesoentrenchedandoften appearmorefinanciallyappealing.

Technologyishelpinginthisfight. Reusablewaterbottlesarenow widespread,andappsthathelpyou locatedrinkingwaterrefillstationsare nowemerging. Atthesametime, reusablecoffeecuptechnologyis addressingthehalfatrilliondisposable coffeecupsdiscardedeveryyear.Such itemsaregainingincreasingsocial currencywithconsumers,whoare keentodisplaythemasmarkersof theirenvironmentalconscience.This revolutionisencouraging,butwhat abouttheproductsthatpeoplearen’tso willingtotalkabout?

100billionmenstrualproductsare thrownawaygloballyeveryyear. Thesearesingle-use,mostlymadeof plasticandcannotberecycled.Youcan choosenottohaveacoffee,youcannot choosenottohaveaperiod.Reusable options(e.g.menstrualcups,cloth pads)havebeenonthemarketfor decades,yettheadoptionratehasbeen slow Theprimarybarriertoentryis thefearofhabitchange.

Sohowdowebringabouta revolution?Theansweriskeepit simple.Andtaketimetoconsider consumerpsychology.Ashumans,we abhorchange.Wearecreaturesdrawn towardsthecomfortoftheknown.By

keepinghabitchangetoaminimum, consumersaremuchmorelikelyto adoptanewidea.

ThiswasourphilosophyatDAME whenwecreatedtheworld’sfirst reusabletamponapplicator.We ensuredthedesignwasfamiliarand intuitive,sowomendidnothaveto compromiseontheirconvenient, establishedrituals. Weknewthat hygienecouldbeasignificantbarrier toentry,soweworkedwithleading micro-biologistsandmedicalengineers andusedthebestmedicalgrade,antimicrobialmaterialsonthemarket.Asa result,theconsumeronlymustrinse theapplicatorincoldwaterafteruseto keepitclean.Simplesteps,minimal habitchange.

However,itischallengingtotacklean issuethathassuchlittleawareness. Menstruationhashistoricallybeen shroudedinshame,fearanddiscretion. Itisnotatopicopenlytalkedabout. Thisisaproblemwithfemininecareas awhole:itisfrequentlydismissedand thewomentryingtoaddressitare criticallyunderfunded.In2017female foundersgot2%ofthe$85billionVC investmentpot.About8%ofpartners atthetopBritishVCfirmsarewomen. AccordingtoHarvardBusiness Review,stereotypesaboutfemale entrepreneurspersist:womenare overlycautious,shyawayfrom growth,haveinsufficientresourcesand consequentlytheirventures underperform.Yetthereisno performancedatatosupportthese stereotypes.

Howareproductsusedbywomen supposedtochangeinlinewithhuman andenvironmentalneeds,whenthey aren’tgivenappropriaterecognitionor havewomeninvolvedinallstagesof theprocess?Womenneedtobegiven moreofavoiceifwearetocreate meaningfulchange.TheworldofAIis alreadyhighlightingtheneedto diverseawayfrommale,white, Westerncodersifwearetoavoid

unconsciousbiasintherobotsof tomorrow Amazonhadtoabandonan AIrecruitmenttoolthatwas discriminatingagainstwomen,instead favoringprospectswhomirrored Amazon’sexistingmaleengineer workforce.AtDAMEwomenhave beeninvolvedineverystageofthe journey,notasatokengesturebutas anabsolutenecessity

However,ouroverarchingbusiness strategygoesbeyondissuesof inclusivitytoincorporateawider mission.DAMEwasfoundedonthe beliefthatbusinesscanbeusedasa forceforgood.Weusethiscorevalue toguideeverydecisionwemakeinthe business,bringinggreatclaritytoour routeforward.Bycommunicatingour genuineandauthenticcommitmentto thismission,wehopethatourmessage willquicklybepickedupbythose eagertojoinamovementforchange. Todate,wehaveseenthishappennot onlywithourconsumersandthepress, butwithemployees.Peopleare increasinglydrawntocompaniesdoing good.75%ofmillennialswouldtakea paycuttoworkatasocially responsiblecompany

Allthisstrengthensourresolveat DAMEtocontinuetotacklecritical problemsthatarenotopenly acknowledged,thataresignificantly underfunded,andthathavehistorically beencontrolledbygiantmonopolies. Todaywearefocusingonmenstrual products,butourvisionisto revolutionizetheentirebathroom. Thesearebigmountains,buthaving strongguidingprinciplesmakesthe navigationmucheasier.”

- WordsbyCeliaPool, Co-FounderofDAME

Top Women Leaders in

The Need for Compassionate Leadership During a Global Pandemic

ByEileenWillet Co-founder

Ttoesintotheworldofstart-ups,wehadabsolutely noideawhereitwouldtakeus.Wewereboth mumsinmid-life.Betweenus,wehadtwodogs,six children,astrongfriendshipandwhatwethoughtwasa damngoodidea.AtthetimeNancywasinvolvedinthe charitablesector(formerlyatSaatchiandSaatchi),andI wasrunningmyownsuccessfulaccessorybrand(having helpedstartupNicoleFarhiMenswear).Hindsightisa greatthing,atthetime,wethoughtCucumberClothing wouldfitintoourlives.Instead,itsoonbecameanineheadedhydradisguisedasastart-up,swallowingupas

woyearsago,whenNancyandIdecidedtodipour

muchtime,energyandpassionaswecouldmuster.Wecan honestlysaywe’veenjoyedthechallenges,thehighsand lowsandthewonderfulpeoplewehavemeteverystepof theway

ThenCovidarrived.Whichcompanycansayhonestlythat theywerepreparedforaglobalpandemic?Iwouldventure, absolutelynone.Thepasttwoyearshavebroughtusmore intense,demanding,andtoughhurdlesthanwecouldhave imagined.Theflipsideisthatwehavebeenstretched, stimulatedandforcedtobebothexactingandflexibleallat thesametime.

Whathasthistaughtusaboutleadership?Mainlythat leadership,inparticularcompassionateleadership,becomes evenmoreessentialintimesofdeepstress,both professionalandpersonal,aswellasintimesofconflicting demand.Theabilitytoinviteopinionsandtrulylistento them;theabilitytoretainhighstandards,andyetremain flexible;theabilitytosometimesacceptthatsomething cannotbeachieved.Theabilitytobecompassionate.These arealllessonswehavelearnedandtakentoheartinthese tumultuouspastmonths.

Broadlyspeaking,compassionateleadershipcanbebroken downintofourpillarswiththeconsistencyofapplication andopencommunicationthroughoutbeingkey(all definitionstakenfrommerriam-webster.com):

Listening–tohearsomethingwiththoughtfulintention Understanding–tohavesympatheticawarenessor tolerance

Empathising–tounderstandandsharethefeelingsof another

Helping-theactoraninstanceofdoingorsupplying somethingtomakeiteasierforanothertocompleteatask, dealwithaproblem,etc.

Leader’s Viewpoint

Regularandopencommunicationallowsthesepillarstobe fullyused.Eachmemberofacompanythenfeelsableto safelyraiseissuesthatmayotherwiseremainburied,only toariseatalaterinpossiblyamuchmoreinconvenient shape,sizeandtime.

Itisnosurprisethatmatterscantakeanegativeturnwhen employeesfeelthatcompassionateleadershipislacking. Whenleadershipisreactive,notproactiveandissuesare dealtwithonlyaftersomethinghasgonewrongacycleof negativityiscreated,particularlywhenissuesareraisedand eventhen,thereisnochange.

Compassionateleadershipensuresagreaterlikelihoodof creatingaproductiveandharmoniousworkplacewhatever theexternalpressures–forexample,aglobalpandemic!maybe.

Properlyusingandintegratingtheabovefourpillarsof compassionateleadershipintoacompany’sfunctioning allowsforacollectivefocusandcorrespondingcollective responsibilityonissuesarisingintheworkplacein achievingandmaintaininggoalsandtargets–ahugewin foranycompany Thisinturn,leadstoaworkplacewhere thecollectivegoodisprioritisedoverindividualneedsand reducesfrictionbetweenbothindividualsandgroups regardlessofstatus,againanenormouspositivewhen, especiallyintimesofincreasedpressures.

WhetheranSMEormicrobusiness,Ibelieve compassionateleadershipiskeytokeepingacompany functioningwellatanytime,andabsolutelycriticalintimes ofhugestress.Investinginandensuringthatthesimple pillarsoflisten,understand,empathiseandhelparein place,canmakethedifferencebetweenthesurvivaland failureofbusinessesinabruisingworldofchange.

Twoyearsinandnobusinesscanhaveanyrealclarity aboutwhat2022willbring.Thebestwaytoprepareisto committoensuringthatyourownbusinessisemotionally robustandpreparedfortheworstwhileverymuchhoping forthebest.Withcompassionateleadershipbakedin,itwill haveeverychance.

About theAuthor

Pam Bateson is an expert coach and mentor in business, training others to Masters level qualifications and supervising coaches. She has worked within the NHS , retail, hotels, construction, media, agencies, education and public sector. She specialises in Coaching, Mentoring, Employee Engagement, Change Management, Learning and Development and Organisational Design. She has worked with all levels in organisations from graduates to the CEO/VC. She has designed change programmes that connect projects, outcomes, training and coaching. The performance outcomes have been outstanding. She is the founder of Zinnia Consulting and cofounder of Thrive Partners.

am Bateson set up Thrive

PPartners, an on-demand coaching company, three years ago. In this article, she shares her point of view on how important humans are in a more digital world, what she’s learned as a tech CEO, and what this means when you’re looking to use tech in a way that’s both disruptive and works for customers.

InOctober2015,Igaveupasuccessful careerasamanagementconsultantand coachtosetupThrivePartners.Lotsof peoplethoughtIwascrazy.Iwas approaching50,withtwochildrenstill athome.Butforthedecaderunningup tothatdecision,I’dbeenthinking aboutabetterwaytodelivercoaching –supportedbydigital,tosharemore widelythecoachingtoolsI’dusedto helpclientsformanyyears.

ThiswasthebusinessIsetouttobuild threeyearsago. Today,we’reworking with25clientsonfivecontinents–deliveringourownbrandofondemandcoaching,backedwithinsights forthewholebusiness. Thelearning curvehasbeensteep–particularlyfor someonewho,bytheirown confession,didn’thavealotof experienceinlearningtechnology.So here,Iwantedtosharesomeofthe thingswe’velearned–andwhatit mightmeanforyourbusiness.

Dreambig Ididn’treallysetouttobuilda businessthatwouldbeconsidered disruptive,butmybackgroundasa leanengineerandcoachdidmeanthat werippeduptherulebookwhenit cametothecoachingindustry We scrappedtheideathatyouneededto meetfacetoface,andthatsessionshad tolastanhour,oreventwohours.And wemadeitaloteasierforpeopleto accessacoachtoanswerthequestions theyhadthereandthen–increasing accesssopeoplecouldchattoan expertwithinanhour.

Workingwithmyco-founder,wethen rebuilttheindustrybyaskingthe biggestquestionswecouldimaging. Whatifwecouldmakecoaching availabletowholeorganisations?What ifwecouldgetlisteningasvaluedas speaking?Andwhatifwecouldhelp organisationslearnasquicklyas individuals?

Ifoundthesequestionsirresistible:I wantedtodoforcoachingwhatUber haddoneforgettingataxi,Netflixhad doneforhomeentertainment,and

Tinderhaddonefordating.It’sthese bigdreamsthathavegalvanisedour successinthelastfewyears–and whichhassetusintherightdirection forthefuture.

Buildformodernusers

Despitebigdreams,we’vealsomade ourfairshareofmistakes! Alotof themmistakeshappenedwhenwetook ourattentionawayfromourend customers. Itsoundsobvioustoseeit thereonthepage.Butitcanbeeasyto losesightofthecustomersthatmatter most,especiallywhen,asatechCEO, sometimewegetpreoccupiedwitha shinypieceofnewtechnology.

So,whattoconsiderfirstwhenit comestousers?Themainthingtobear inmindisthattheyexpectexperiences thatareeasyandfasttoaccess–ashift broughtaboutbywhatwecallthe ‘AmazonPrimeMindset.’Inthisera, clunkyuserexperiencesreducethe chancesofuptakeofservices.Inshort, ifyourtechnologycan’tmatchor exceedthequalityofdigitalexperience peoplegetintheireverydaylives,then you’llneedtogobacktothedrawing board.

Createwinsforthemany So,ifuserscomefirst–whoelsecan weharnessthepoweroftechnology for?

Ouranswer?Everyoneelseinthe system.

Earlyoninthedevelopmentour MyThriveplatform,werealisedthat deliveringdigitallywouldenableusto domorethanjustscaleandfacilitate coachinginglobalorganisations;it wouldalso meanwecouldspottrends andpatternswithincommunitiesof users,inorganisationsorsocietyat large. Justascarefullylisteninghasa powerfulandtransformativerolein one-to-onecoachingconversations, carefullylisteningtoandanalysing anonymisedversionofthe conversationswehosthasapowerful andtransformativerolewithinwhole organisations.

Thewhole-systeminsightswe producedhashelpedtomakesales processessmoother,improved communicationsandcreatedmore opportunitiesforpeopletolearn.

Keepithuman

Withsuicidebeingthebiggestkillerof menunder45,lonelinesssweeping throughdevelopedeconomiesin epidemicproportionsandathirdofall youngpeoplesufferingfromanxiety,I stronglybelievethatwehaveadutyto keeptalkingtoeachotherasasociety

Webelievethatkeepingtheartof conversationaliveinthisdigitalageis essential;onlyhumanscanmaster creativity,empathy,humourand imaginationinawaythat’scompelling. Informationiseverywhere,sowe’re usingtechnologydifferently–tooffer realhumanexperiencesatscale,atany timeoftheday,wheneverourclients needaconversation,foreverything youcan’tGoogle.

Andwhatofthefuture? Curiously, eventhestructuresofartificial intelligenceandmachinelearninglook settomimichumanpatterns.It’sstill earlydays,butleadersinthisspace talkof‘deeplearning’withAI–by layeringupdifferenttoolsthatconnect inthesamewayasourbrain’sneural networks.

Andso,thenextthreeyears?

Myrecentexperienceshaveledusto askevenbiggerquestionsthanwedid tobeginwith–whichIsuspectwill leadtoournextirresistiblesetof adventures!Whatifwecould transformlearningmanagement systemsintolearningecosystems? Whatifanycommunityoflearners couldconnectwithanycommunityof teachers? Andwhatifabetter understandingofoutcomesfrom learningcouldhelpbothindividuals, organisationsandsocietytothrive?

Iforonebelievethereareexciting timesahead.