#HASHTAG

EDITED BY DUSTIN O'REGAN ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

COURTNEY WRIGHT values helping people and believes in “the grind.” An entrepreneur, podcast host, innovator, problem solver, wife, and mother, Wright wears many hats—the first of which goes on in the wee hours of the morning. Wright has come far since her days at Lake Forest College, but her drive, her tenacity, and her will to simply start something have been constants ingrained in her from her business-savvy parents.

Wright founded CDW Merchants, the leading 3D visual retail displays and e-commerce gift packaging provider for the nation’s top retailers including Kate Spade, Victoria’s Secret, and Club Monaco. In 2016, Wright packaged CDW for the last time and sold it to Bunzl PLC. That same year, Wright bought Gemini Builds It! and Showcase Acrylics, a leader in the framing, moulding, and custom display industry. As CEO, Wright quickly expanded their offerings to become a well-known name in e-commerce, design, corporations, museums and institutions, PPE, and health care, as well as the hospitality and events industries. She continues to look for organic growth opportunities through additional acquisitions.

With her solid mix of entrepreneurial foresight, creativity, and hustle mentality, it was only natural that Wright would develop a platform to share her highly sought-after business advice. The Ladyboss Podcast by Courtney Wright is a modern-day guide to business, offering listeners real conversations with other successful leaders and entrepreneurs to discuss failures, successes, and strategies.

Wright is a ladyboss, a female success story, and wants women to know they can have their cake and eat it too. She has been married to her life and business partner, Larry, for more than 26 years and they have two sons. Here is how this CEO and ladyboss stays on-trend.

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

In The Company of Women. I was so proud to celebrate Women’s History Month and to realize that our company has developed so many female leaders. When we bought the company just a few years ago, there were no women in management. A few short years later there are double-digit female leaders.

#ON MY MOBILE

I am all things business, fashion, and health. I look to Codie Sanchez on Instagram (who has the most practical advice) and listen to Built to Sell Radio and The Genius Life regularly on my podcast channels.

#IN MY EARBUDS

I have to make a ruthless self-plug here so it helps the people I am trying so hard to help! Listen to The Ladyboss Podcast with Courtney Wright to hear all about entrepreneurs and their journeys. I am hoping to publish this insightful material into an entrepreneur’s field guide!