Zamecnikova Marie
EDITOR’S LETTER
THE FUTURE OF TECH IS FEMALE
DearReaders,
Thetechgameischangingforthebetter.Andit’shightimeyoutooknotice.Forgetthe tiredstereotypeofthelonemalecoderhunchedoverakeyboard.Thefutureoftechnology isvibrant,diverse,andundeniablyfemale.
Theevidenceisirrefutable.Arecentstudyshowswomennowmakeupnearly27%ofthe techworkforce.Thatnumber’sclimbingsteadily,andit’snotjustamatteroffilling seats.Thesearetrailblazingwomenwiththebrains,thevision,andthesheergumptionto disruptthestatusquo.
Whatdothesewomenbringtothetable?Technicalprowess,forsure.They’renotthereto playdress-up.Theycode,theyengineer,theyunderstandthenutsandboltsoftheindustry
Butthat’snotall.Theybringleadershipacumen,andastrategiceyeforthelonggame.And mostimportantly,they’rebuildingasupportsystemforotherwomenintech.
Let’smeetthedoers,shallwe?Thisissuefeaturessomeofthemostextraordinarywomen reshapingthetechlandscape.We’vegotMarieZamecnikova,CEOofMarieOlivieLtd., onthecover.Awomanwithafireinherbellyforinnovationandaknackforbridgingthe gapbetweenbusinessandtechnology.That’sthekindofleadershipweneed.
Marie’sbackgroundinIT,coupledwithaburningdesireforinnovation,hasmadehera bridgebetweenbusinessandtechnology.Shedoesn’tjusttalksolutions,shedeliverswitha hands-onapproachthatsetsherapart.
AndMarie’sjustthetipoftheiceberg.We’vegotinspiringleaderslikeBethBauer,Connie Ansaldi,AlisonArmstrong,andHuiWu-Curtis.Eachwithitsownstory,eachleavingits mark.
Thisissueisacelebration,yes,butit’salsoacalltoaction.Acallforyoungwomento embracetheirtechdreamsandsmashthoseindustrystereotypes.Acallforcompaniesto wakeupandnurturediverse,inclusiveenvironmentswherethesewomencantrulythrive.
We hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it together!
HappyReading!
Pankaj GHOLAP
managing Editor
PUBLISHER ARCHANA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF VIKRAM
MANAGING
PANKAJ
PROJECT
PANKAJ
PROJECT MANAGERS
JUSTIN
CREATIVE
SACHIN
VISUALIZER
AAKASH
RESEARCH
ADVERTISING
M A R I E Z A M E C N I K O V A
Cover Story
CONNIE
CEO | Marie Olivie Ltd.
Zamecnikova
Keypoints:
● MarieZamecnikova, withabackgroundinIT andapassionfor innovation,founded MarieOlivieLtd.to bridgethegapbetween businessand technology,sparking digitaltransformation forclientsacross varioussectors.
● Herhands-onapproach andcommitmentto innovationhave propelledMarieOlivie Ltd.tobecomealeader indigitalconsultancy, offeringtailored solutionstoclientslike theEuropean Commission,UCB,and NATO.
● Throughinitiativeslike Innovatology,Marie OlivieLtd. democratizes technologyknowledge, empoweringboth professionalsandthe widerpublictoexcelin thedigitalera.
MMarieZamecnikovaspentseveralyearshoningherskillsand understandingoftheITindustrybeforelaunchingherstart-up. Today,MarieOlivieLtd.iscrossingtheboundariesoftraditional ITandtechnology,aidinginthedigitizationofvarioussectors.
Marie’shands-onapproachwascrucialforunderstandingeach aspectofthebusinessbeforedelegatingtospecialistslikeeditors andbrandandsocialmediamanagers.Herproudestachievement islaunchinghercompanyat26andservingasitsCEOsince. Thisearlystartallowedhertoinnovateandpilotnewinitiatives, settingMarieOlivieLtdapartfrommoreestablishedfirms.
MarieZamecnikovainitiallyhadapassionforinternational relations,design,andbusinesscoordination,butshewasdrawnto thedynamicchallengesofthetechindustry.Despitetheattractive prospectsinherhomeland,theCzechRepublic,sheyearnedfor somethingmore.Shecravedtheexperienceofexploringthe worldandunderstandinghowtechnologyoperatesandimpacts differentculturesandeconomiesoutsideherowncountry This desireforexplorationandherexpertiseinprojectmanagementled hertothetechindustry Thefield’sinherentchallenges,requiring innovativeproblem-solvingandconstantadaptation,havenot onlyfueledhergrowthbutalsosolidifiedhercommitmentto makingameaningfulimpactthroughtechnology.
Despitethecompany’simpressivegrowth,Zamecnikovabelieves MarieOlivieLtdisonlyscratchingthesurface.Havingfaced unemploymentasayoungprofessional,she’scommittedto creatingacompanyculturethatvaluesandrecognizeseveryteam member’scontribution.Moreover,sheisdeterminedtocontinue pushingtheboundariesofwhat’spossibleinthetechindustry.
MirrorReview:Canyourecounttheuniquejourneythatled tothebirthofMarieOlivieLtd.?Whatdistinctiveservices andsolutionsdoesyourcompanyoffer?
Marie:WefoundedMarieOlivieLtd.withavisiontoleverage technologyasabridgebetweenbusinessandIT Thisvision aimedtoigniteinnovationinprocesses,workflows,andsystems forourclientsacrossboththeprivateandpublicsectors.We wantedtomaketechnologymoreaccessibleandstimulate
innovation.Astimepassed,MarieOlivieLtd. becameabeaconofdigitaltransformation,offering customconsultancyandinnovativesolutions.
OurservicesrangefromstrategicITconsultancyto thedevelopmentofstate-of-the-artdigitalplatforms. Wefocusparticularlyonempoweringorganizations suchastheEuropeanCommission,UCB,and NATO.ThroughourInnovatologyinitiative,we shareourexpertisewiththepublic,spreadinsights, andcultivateatech-savvycommunity
MirrorReview:WhatmakesMarieOlivieLtd. standout?Whatuniquevaluedoesyour companyoffertoclients?
Marie:WepositionMarieOlivieLtd.asbotha pioneerindigitalinnovationandabridgebetween thetechnologicalandbusinessworlds.Ourunique valuepropositioncomesfromourcommitmentto actasacatalystfortransformativeprocesses,
We must act swiftly; we need more women in tech to correct disparities and guide AI towards serving everyone equitably “
workflows,andsystemsacrosstheprivateandpublic sectors.Weofferexclusive,custom-madedigitalservices thatdriveinnovationandefficiency.
AstheCEOofNVIDIAsaid,“Everyfieldinthefuture willbedigitalized.”Withthisvisioninmind,weextend ourexpertisebeyondtraditionalB2Bboundariesthrough our“Innovatology”project,democratizingtechnology knowledgeandempoweringbothprofessionalsandthe widerpublic.Thisdualapproachequipsourclientsand followerstonavigateandexcelinthedigitalera,making technologyaccessibleandbeneficialforall.
MirrorReview:Whattypesofclientsdoyouwork with?Whataretheirmostcommonpainpoints?
Marie:WeareshiftingMarieOlivieLtd.towardsaB2C modelthroughourInnovatologyinitiativetodirectly engagewithindividualsinterestedintechnologyand innovation.Similarly,weconnectwithtechenthusiasts, professionalsseekingtoharnesstechforgrowth,and thosecautiousofartificialintelligence,offeringthem clarityandunderstanding.
Ouraudienceprimarilystruggleswithnavigatingthefastpacedtechlandscapeandleveragingtechnologyfor personaladvantage.Inresponse,wearelaunchingdigital coursesthatdemystifytechtrendsandprovidestrategies forpersonalbrandingandmonetization.Thisinitiative highlightsourcommitmenttoempoweringindividuals withtheknowledgeandtoolsneededtothriveina technology-drivenworld.Ifyouwantmoreinsights,stay tunedtoourInnovatologychannels!
MirrorReview:Couldyoupleasesharewithusthe challengesyoufacedasawomaninthetechindustry? Howdidyouovercomethem?
Marie:Asawomanandamentorinthetechindustry, I’veexperiencedandobservedapervasivestrugglefor respectandequitableopportunities. Manyofmymentees havetoldmetheyfeeloverlookedanddesiremore significantresponsibilitiesthatareoftenmorereadily giventotheirmalecounterparts.
Toaddressthis,Iestablishedamentorshipprogram specificallydesignedtoequipwomenwiththeskillsand confidenceneededtocommandrespectandtakeon deservedresponsibilities.Thisinitiativeisalsoa fundamentalpartofourupcomingcourses,tailoredto
Women in tech aren’t just necessary; they’re indispensable “
providewomenintechwiththetoolsto securetheirrightfulplaceinafieldripe forchange.
MirrorReview:Tellusaboutyour team.Whatisyourcompanyculture like?
Marie:Wehavecreatedanopenand dynamiccultureatMarieOlivieLtd., reflectingthefast-pacedtechindustry weworkin.Ourcommitmentto inclusivity,bornfromthechallengesI facedearlyinmycareer,recognizes eachteammember’sunique contributions.Therefore,webuiltan environmentthatcelebratesdiversity andinternationalperspectiveswhere freedomofexpressionisparamount. Thisapproachensuresthatevery individualhastheopportunitytovoice theirambitionsandareasforgrowth.
Inaddition,ourweeklyinitiativesfoster innovationandadaptability,allowingus toevolveconstantly.Byprioritizing thesevalues,wenotonlyenhanceour workbutalsoensurethateveryteam memberfeelsseenandvalued.
MirrorReview:Asawomanintech, whatmessagewouldyouliketo conveytotheworldaboutthe significanceofdiversityandinclusion intechnology?
Marie:Mymessageisarallyingcryfor womentobefearless:it’stimetostep forwardanddrivechange.Thefield, especiallyartificialintelligence,facesa criticalchallengewithdatathatis skewedtowardmaleperspectives.This imbalancecanresultinbiasedAI decision-making,impactingareasas crucialashealthcare.It’snotjustabout fairnessbutaboutharnessingthe comprehensiveinsightsthatonly diversitycanoffer.
Wemustactswiftly;weneedmore womenintechtorectifythese
COVER STORY
disparitiesandsteerAItowardsserving everyoneequitably Womenintecharenot justnecessary;theyareindispensable.
MirrorReview:Howdoyoumanageto haveaperfectwork-lifebalance?Whatare yourhobbies/interestsbeyondthecabin?
Marie:Mypassionforalternativemedicine, sports,anddrawingplaysasignificantrolein achievingabalancedwork-lifedynamic.By delvingintobiohacking,Ioptimizemy energylevelsbeyondconventionalmeans, whichisinstrumentalinmanagingmy businessandpersonallife.Iembrace innovativeandtraditionalhealthpractices liketheWimHofmethod,icebaths,and saunasessions,whichcontributetomy overallwell-being.
Drawingalsoallowsmetotapintomy feminineenergy,providingavulnerableand creativeoutletformyaspirations.Meanwhile, engaginginmartialartsandsportsshooting helpstohonemyresilienceandleadership skills.Bybalancingtheseactivities,I maintainnotonlyawork-lifeequilibriumbut alsoahealthyintegrationoffeminineand masculineenergies,whichiscrucialinthe businessworld.
MirrorReview:Isthereanythingyouwish youhadknownbeforeyoustartedyour owntechcompany?Whatadvicewould yougivetowomenwhoaspiretofollowin yourfootstepsinthetechindustry?
Marie:ThemantraIlivebyis“NoHealth, NoWealth.”Myadvicetowomenintechand beyondisthis:Prioritizeyourwell-beingwith thesameintensityasyourcareergoals. Pursuingprofessionalmilestonesrelentlessly withoutmaintainingyourhealthcanputboth yourpersonalandbusinessaspirationsatrisk.
Balanceiscrucial—makeanearlyinvestment inyourhealth,anditwillyielddividends, enablingyoutobuildandsavoryour achievements.Remember,yourhealthisthe silentpartnerinyourventure;nurtureit,and youlaythegroundworkforlastingsuccess.
Carnaval Art
Management-ConnieAnsaldi,CEO
URL-www.marketplace.carnaval.art
Founded-2021
Description-CarnavalArtisahighly–curatedNFT marketplaceofIbero-Americanartistssecuredonthe BitcoinblockchainnetworkontheRootstocksidechain
Covéa
Management-SylvieNoel,ChiefProcurementOfficer
URL-www.covea.com
Founded-1999
Description-Astronganddynamicfinancialplayer,Covéa isaleadinginsuranceandreinsurancegroupinEurope
Management-
CatherineVlaeminck,VPof GlobalMarketing
URL-
www.infinidat.com
Founded-
2011
Description-Infinidatfocusesonreturningbusiness valuetoclientsbyeliminatingconflictsbetween performance,availability,andcostforenterprisestorage onamulti-petabytescale.
Mimoto
Management-
KrisBondi,CEOandco-founder
www.jointhemuse.com Infinidat
Marie Olivie Ltd.
Management-
MarieZamecnikova,CEO
URL-
www.marieolivie.com
2023
URL-
www.mimoto.ai
Founded-
2020
Description-Mimotoanalyzeseverytimeahuman interactswithasystemtoidentifymalicioussystem-level behavior.Itsendsalertsandenforcespoliciesinreal-time toaddresscyberattacks.
FoundedMUSE TECHNOLOGY
Description-ThroughinitiativeslikeInnovatology, MarieOlivieLtd.democratizestechnologyknowledge, empoweringbothprofessionalsandthewiderpublicto excelinthedigitalera
Management-
MichelleZhang,CEOandco-founder
URL-
Founded-
Description-MUSETechnologyisagame-changing,AIpowereddataanalyticsdecentralizedappthatspecializesin collectibles.leveragepeople,armedwithdataandanalytics, toachievecommercialgoals. 2021
PosiROI, LLC
Management-BethBauer,CEO
URL-www.posiroi.com
Founded-2000
Description-PosiROIrespondstoclients’strategic challengesbysharinghowtobetterleveragepeople, armedwithdataandanalytics,toachievecommercial goals
SuccessFinder
Management-JessieLambert,Director
URL-www.successfinder.com
Founded-2017
Description-SuccessFinderisanHRtechcompany thatdeliversin-depthbehavioralanalyticsforpredictive hiring,talentmanagement,andcoaching.
SupportU
Management-HuiWu-Curtis,COO
URL-www.supportusolutions.com
Founded-2021
Description-SupportUSolutionsisawoman,minorityownedcompanythatspecializesinContactCenter Operations Theyarededicatedtohelpingbusinesses growbyprovidingtop-qualitysupportacrossall inbound/outboundchannels.brandloyalty.
Uscanuy Contractors
Management-AlisonArmstrong,Co-founderandCOO
URL-www.uscanuy.com
Founded-2010
Description-UscanuyContractorshasbeenactively involvedinvariousresidentialprojectsofvaryingsizes andtypes,suchasfullremodels,Additions,outside projects,andearthquakeretrofits
ALISON ARMSTRONG
co-founder Chief Operating Ofcer
Uscanuy Contractors
Pioneering Operations Executive Shaping Automotive and Tech Industries
AlisonArmstrong,anaccomplishedco-founder
andChiefOperatingOfficeratUscanuy Contractorsisadynamicandresults-driven OperationsExecutive.Herremarkablecareerspansover twodecadesintheAutomotiveandTechnologysectors, includinginfluentialrolesatrenownedorganizations suchasFordMotorCompany,SunMicrosystems, Oracle,Tesla,OnTapConsulting,andZero MotorcyclesInc.
Alison’sexpertiseencompassesaspectrumofvital domainswithinOperationsManagement.Herstrength liesinherknowledgeofDesignforManufacturingand ProblemSolving. Butshecanalsoorchestrateseamless ProductLifecycleManagement,aswellassteering ProcessRe-Engineering,SupplierManagement,and QualityManagement.Hermultifacetedprowessisa drivingforcebehindherachievements.
Aonce-certifiedISO9000auditoranda6-Sigma Greenbeltholder,Alisonhasdistinguishedherselfwith dualdegreesinEconomicsandElectricalEngineering. Thesedegreesreflectherdeep-rootedcommitmentto continuouslearningandholisticunderstanding.Her internationalexposurehashonedheraptitudeforcrossculturalcollaborationandsensitivity,augmentingher adeptnessinglobalbusinessdynamics. Inaddition,the implementationofLeanManufacturingconceptsis centraltoherapproach,anethosthatpervadesevery projectshedoes.Alison’sadeptengineeringfinesseand skillinguidingteamshaveconsistentlysteered organizationstowardelevatedproductivity,reduced costs,andsustainableimprovements.
Inacandidconversation,wedelvedintoAlison’slife journeyandprofessionalinsights,coveringtopics rangingfromelectricvehiclestogenderparityand women’sempowerment.Herreflectionsleftus profoundlyimpressed,offeringamplefoodforthought. Aswepresentthisnarrative,weareconfidentthatour globalreadershipwillfindthemselvesequally captivatedbytheremarkablejourneyofthisexceptional leader
NavigatingthePathofElectricalEngineeringand Leadership
Alison’sjourneyintotheworldofelectricalengineering beganduringherfinalyearofhighschoolwhenshe enrolledinaPhysicsclasswithastrongfocusonelectricity Shefoundthesubjectmagicalanddesiredtodelvedeeper intoitsmysteries.Whileshewouldn’tdescribeherselfasa natural,shewaskeenonunderstandingitsinnerworkings.
Shethoughtshemightstudymedicinebutwasinclined towardElectricalEngineering,andsheultimatelypursued thisfieldatQueen’sUniversityinCanada.Duringher summers,Alisongainedvaluableexperienceasaninternin FordMotorCompany’sElectronicsdivision.These opportunitiesexposedhertointriguingprojectsandthe excitementofproblem-solving.Shealsograspedthe significanceofefficientmanufacturingpracticessuchasSix Sigma,5S,andOEE(Efficiencymetrics),whichFordwas pioneeringastheyopenedthefacilitytoToyotaandTPS (ToyotaProductionSystems).
“Efficiency is such a fascinating statistic and one that plays a key role in Manufacturing - how does one balance cost, speed and equipment / people workload,” Alisonnotes. Alison’stimeatFordenrichedherinsights;however,she yearnedforbroaderhorizons.Thispursuitledherto California,whereshejoinedSunMicrosystems,acompany undergoingsignificantgrowth.Sheembracedvariousroles and,crucially,soughtmentorshiptochartherprofessional trajectory.Inherten-yeartenureatSunMicrosystems, AlisonrosetothepositionofOperationsEngineering Director,overseeingaglobalteamofover80engineers. Heradeptleadershipplayedacrucialroleinstreamlining theintegrationofStorageTek-acriticalacquisition-into SunMicrosystemsandensuringthealignmentofprocesses withSun’soverarchingbusinessstrategies.Byexpressing herinterestinpeoplemanagement,Alisonsteadily advanced,equippedwithnewfoundnetworkingskills.
Alison’sadmirationforTeslawasconspicuous. “Tesla’s vehicles were like computers on wheels,” sheobserves.Her backgroundwasinComputerandAutomotive-amatch
madeinheaven. Intriguedbythis cultureofinnovation,shesecureda roleinTesla’sPowertrainDivision. Impressively,withinfivemonths,she waspromotedtooverseePowertrain Manufacturing,managingateamof 1800individualsand1900robotic cells.Theresponsibilitieswere substantial,oftendemandingextended hoursanddedication.Sheplayeda pivotalroleintheproductionofModel XandModelS.Notably;her leadershipearnedherdirectreporting linetoElonMuskforasignificantsixmonthperiod.
AfternearlytwoyearsatTesla,Alison recognizedtheneedforabreak. “My kids were young, and I just wanted a breather,” shereflects.Eagertorunher ownbusinessandsupporther husband'sconstructionventure,she embarkedonanewchapter,leveraging herexperienceanddetermination.
DiversificationintoConstruction andtheResurgenceof ManufacturingPassion
Followingabreak,Alisonshiftedher focustoherfamily’sconstruction business.Sherecognizedtheneedfora fulloverhaulofmarketingand businessoperations;aswellasbetter customercommunication. Alison committedherselftostreamlining processes,resultinginanimpressive 300%increaseinrevenueforUscanuy Contractors.Thisshiftmarkeda
significantturningpointasshefully engagedherselfinthebusiness.
Foundedin2010,UscanuyContractorshas beenactivelyinvolvedinvarious residentialprojectsofvaryingsizesand types.Theirservicesencompass:
●FullRemodels
●Additions
●OutsideProjects
●EarthquakeRetrofits
WhileAlisonfoundconstructionrewarding andenjoyedwitnessingprojectscometo life,sheconfessed, “I started to miss Manufacturing.” Thisfeelingpromptedher totransitionbacktohermanufacturing roots,achoicethatunderscoresher adaptablenatureandhercapacityto seamlesslytransitionbetweendifferent industries.
NavigatingOpportunities
DuringAlison’sdedicatedtenurewith UscanuyContractors,anotableopportunity emerged:aconsultationrequestfroma formermanagerandmentor.Thismarkeda newchapter,promptingherreentryintothe professionalarena.Thecollaboration materializedthroughOpsOnTap,a consultingfirmconnectingherwith promisingstartups,whereshejoineda seasonedgroupofconsultants. Sheworked onamazingprojectssuchasarobotthat madegourmethamburgers,medical equipmentcriticalforuseinanMRI,anda robotthattrainedshelteranimals.
Anotherintriguingprospectcame herwaythroughLinkedInwhen theCEOofanestablishedelectric motorcyclecompanyextendedan invitation.Despiteinitial hesitations,Alisonfoundherself drawntotheopportunityof leadingamanufacturingteam, closelycollaboratingwiththe CEO,andcontributingtoaproject shefeltpassionateabout.This involvedspendingseveraldaysa weekawayfromherfamilyin Scott’sValleyasshelenther expertisetoZeroMotorcycles-an All-ElectricMotorcycle-known asthe“Tesla”ofmotorcycles.
HerinitiationatZeroMotorcycles posedchallenges.Justdaysafter commencing,shehadtofurlough asignificantportionofherteam duetoCOVID-19.Fortunately, theymanagedtobereinstated withinamonth.Theteam’swork heldimmenseimportance, particularlyinsupplying motorcyclesforpoliceand militaryapplications. Unprecedentedsupplychain disruptionsandfire-related hurdlestestedheradaptabilityand problem-solvingprowess.
AfterthreeintensiveyearsatZero Motorcycles,Alisonfeltthestrain ofthedemandingscheduleand longcommute.Despiteherfervor, shewantedtotakesometimeto doacompleteteardownofher primaryresidence. “Now, I am taking another break to reenergize and focus on home and health. But I am beginning to miss Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and major problem-solving. As the plans come together for our massive home renovation, I will begin to look at the next supply chain and manufacturing opportunity,” Alisonreveals.
NurturingTeamsandFostering Growth
Alison’sjourneyhascultivateda genuineloveformanagingpeopleand teams.Sherecognizesthedistinctyet interconnectednatureoftheseefforts. Successfulteamsrequirebothcohesion andindividualgrowth.ForAlison,itis crucialtobuildstrongteamsthrough team-buildingactivitiesandenjoyable interactions.SheisafanofScott McNealy’smotto,“Kickbuttandhave fun,”whichsheinstillsinherteamsand leaders.Thisapproachemphasizes dedication,gettingresults,andafun, positiveatmosphere.
Beyondteamwork,Alisonfocuseson personaldevelopment.Shebelieveseach teammembershouldhavetheirownset ofcriticalgrowthtargets.Understanding theirpassionsandstrengthsisavitalpart ofherrole,andsheoftenseesstrengths inpeople,theyneverreallysawin themselves! Sheasksherself, “How can I help them grow, while driving key business metrics?” Thiscommitment underscoresherdedicationtonurturing individualsandhelpingthemreachtheir potential.
Alison’sapproachisgroundedin practicality.Shevaluesdata-driven decisions,employingthisstrategyfor bothteamsandindividuals.Bysetting measurablegoalsandtrackingprogress, shecultivatesacultureofaccountability andachievement.
AddressingGenderDisparity: FosteringEmpowermentand Diversity
Alisonoffersagroundedperspectiveon theevolvingattitudestowardgender disparityinbusiness.Sheacknowledges thatwomenremainaminorityinthe techindustry.Often,inmeetings,she findsherselftheonlywomanoroneofa few.Whiletherewasanincreasein
womenenteringengineeringinthe past,recentyearshavewitnesseda slowdowninfieldslikecomputerand electricalengineering. Shehasgained usefulinsightstohelpcompanies achievediversity
Beingaminorityinthefieldmeansshe hastoexertmoreefforttobeheard. Eventhoughshecollaborateswith talentedmen,sherecognizesthe presenceofunconsciousbiasandthe needtoworkharderthanher counterparts “For women trying to ‘fit in, it can lead to significant burnout,” Alisonworries.
“Join the afnity groups. Kick butt and have fun!”
Alisoniscommittedtopromoting diversityinteams,knowingthatitbrings significantbenefits.ShecitesForbes, whichshowsthatdiverseteamsperform 60%betterandmakebetterdecisions 87%ofthetime.
Herjourneybeganwhenshereluctantly attendedaleadershipconferencefor women,initiallyharboringadesiretobe “one of the guys.” However,ananalysis ofherteam’scompensationdynamics basedongenderrevealedastark truth—herfemaleteammemberswere significantlyunderpaid.Thisrevelation propelledherintoaction,catalyzingher involvementinconferences,advocating forminorities,andactivelyexploring waystoenhanceinclusivitywithinthe techindustry. Shewantedtodrive solutions,insteadofhidefromthe discomfort.
Sincethattransformativeconference, Alisonhasconsistentlysupported women’saffinitygroupsineach
companyshehasbeenapartof. Encouragingmentojoin,these groupsfocusonnetworking,career growth,andaddressingunique challenges.Herengagementand executivesponsorshipofOracle Women’sLeadership,Womenat Tesla,andWomeninZero underscoreshercommitmentto nurturinganinclusivetech landscape.Throughthesegroups,she providesnotonlypracticalinsights butalsoempathy—avitalassetin creatingpositivechange.
ExploringElectricVehicle RealitiesandFutureContributions
Alison’stakeonelectricvehiclesand theuseofroboticsispragmaticand future-focused.Thegrowing popularityofelectricvehicles resonateswithherduetothepositive impacttheyhaveontheenvironment andthelegacytheyleaveforfuture generations.Alison’sengagementin theElectricVehiclesectorhasbeen exciting,fueledbyamissionthat extendsbeyondprofessional pursuits.
Lookingahead,Alisonenvisionsa roleinshapingthetrajectoryofthis fieldforthebettermentofsociety. Herinquiriesreflectapragmatic approach.
●Canwegetridofrare-earth magnets?
●Canwedobetteronthe environmentalimpactsofmining lithiumandnickel?
●Isthevehiclechargingallcoming fromgreensources?
●Canwerecycleeverything?
●Canwereducethecostof manufacturingandthusreducethe costtotheconsumer?Arerobots therightanswer?
●Canwemakemoneywhilealso makingvehicleslastlonger?
10 Self-Made Richest Women in the World 2024
10 Self-Made Richest Women in the World 2024
“Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” In anerawhereambitionknowsnobounds,theseself-made richestwomenintheworld,arebreakingbarriersand redefiningsuccessontheirterms.
Theyarelivingproofthatdreamswhenpairedwithselfbeliefandhardworkcanleadtoextraordinary achievements.So,inthisbloggetreadytobeinspiredby thesegreatwomenwhogotitall!
ListofTop10Self-MadeRichestWomenintheWorld 2024
1.RafaelaAponte-Diamant
2.DianeHendricks
3.WuYajun
4.OprahWinfrey
5.KimKardashian
6.Rihanna
7.TaylorSwift
8.LisaSu
9.MichelleZatlyn
10.ToryBurch
1.RafaelaAponte-Diamant
●Age:79
●Networthasof2024:$36.3billion
●Nationality:Italian
●Industry:ShippingIndustry
Rafaelaandherhusband,GianluigiApontedidgreat workintheshippingindustrymakingmassiveprofits. Theybothowna50%stakeintheMediterranean ShippingCompany(MSC).Well,MSCistheworld’s largestshippinglinebycontainercapacity
TheApontesfoundedMSCin,theyear1970.The journeystartswiththepurchaseofaship,usingaloanof $200,000.Interestingly,overtheyearsthisshippinggiant hasexpandeditsreachintovariousareas,likeholiday cruises(MSCCruises),portoperations(Terminal InvestmentLimited),andinlandlogistics(Medlog).
Apartfrombeingtheco-founderandtheco-ownerofthis massivesuccess,Rafaelaisalsoresponsiblefor decoratingshipsforMSCCruises.Undoubtedly,their fortunestreamedbyacombined$46billioninthepast year.Therefore,thismakesherthehighest-ranking femalefoundereverandoneoftherichestwomeninthe World.
2.DianeHendricks
●Age:77
●Networthasof2024:$20.9billion
●Nationality:UnitedStates
●Industry:BuildingSuppliesIndustry
DianeHendricksisatrueexampleofasuccessful combinationofleadershipandabusinessmind!Her journeybeganwhenshesoldcustomhomestopeoplefor abuilder Additionally,aftermeetingherhusband,thelate Ken,whowasaroofer,theyco-foundedABCSupplyin 1982.
Diana’sstrategicleadershipandstrongbusinesssense poweredthecompany’sexpansion.Sheeveninvestedin localeconomicdevelopment,renewingwholeblocksin Beloit,Wisconsin.Well,thisattractednewbusinessesto thestate.AsthechairpersonofABCSupply,whichisone ofthelargestwholesaledistributorsofroofing,siding, andwindowsintheU.S.,Dianehasshownsignificant growth.
Additionally,ABCSupplymadetwomajoracquisitions, whichincludetherival‘Bradco’in2010,and‘L&W Supply’,abuildingmaterialsdistributorin2016.This waythecompanybragsabouthaving900branch locations,andanachievementof$20.4billioninrevenue asof2023.Therefore,allthesemassivesuccessesmake DianeHendricksoneoftherichestwomenintheworld today.
3.WuYajun
●Age:60
●Networthasof2024:$7.2billion
●Nationality:Chinese
●Industry: RealEstateIndustry
WuYajunbeganherjourney,asajournalistbeforeshe enteredtherealestatebusiness.Alongwithherexhusband,CaiKuisheco-foundedLongforProperties,a HongKong-basedrealestatedeveloperin1993.Their strategicvisionandsuccessfulventuresinproperty developmentcontributetoherimpressivenetworth.
However,shelostherpositionduetoherdivorcefrom CaiKui.Despitetheirdivorcein2012,WuYajun’s impactontherealestateindustryremainssignificant. Being,theco-founderofLongforProperties,shestepped downaschairmanin2022.Additionally,Longfor
Propertiesisamajorparticipant,inthemarketof,China’s realestate.And,itmainlyfocusesonresidentialand commercialproperties.
SheisalsoamemberoftheNationalPeople’sCongress. Allherwealthismanagedbyafirmnamed,WuCapital. Thisfirmhasalsoinvestedintechnologycompanieslike UberandEvernotewhichaddstothewealth.Therefore,her entrepreneurialmindandbusinessskillsmakeWuYajun oneoftherichestwomenintheworld.
4.
●Age:70
●Networthasof2024:$2.8billion
●Nationality:UnitedStates
●Industry: TelevisionIndustry
OprahWinfreyhasachievedremarkablesuccess,livingas aniconictelevisionhostandmediatycoon.OprahWinfrey startedherjourneyfromscratchandbuiltherwealthover time.shebecameabillionaireattheageof49in2003.
Hericonicshow,‘TheOprahWinfreyShow’ranfor25 years.Moreover,thisshowwasattractingmillionsof viewersandadvertisers.But,Oprah’simpactwasfar beyondjusttelevisionasshefoundedHarpoProductions whichproducedsuccessfulshowsandfilms.Additionally, shealsolaunchedabook,‘Oprah’sBookClub’whichhada greatinfluenceworldwide!Hermediaempirealsoincludes OWN(OprahWinfreyNetwork)herownmediachannel!
Oprah’suniqueabilitytoconnectwithpeopleeffortlessly, herbusinesssense,andherdeterminationtoempower otherscontributedimmenselytoherwealth.Thereforeshe broadenedherventuresincludinginvestments,media ownership,andphilanthropy(generouscharity).Her journeyinspiresmanyacrosstheglobemakingheroneof theself-maderichestwomenintheworld.
5.KimKardashian
●Age:43
●Networthasof2024:$1.7billion
●Nationality:UnitedStates
●Industry: FashionandBeautyIndustry
FollowingthefootstepsofheryoungersisterKylieJenner, Kimlaunchedherowncosmeticcompanynamed,‘KKW Beauty’.Thiscompanyhad$100millioninsaleswithinits firstyear
Additionally,sheventuredintoherbrand,‘Skims’in 2019.Thisbrandisasolution-focusedshapewearand loungewearcompany.Paidappearances,fragrance lines,andproductendorsementsalsocontributedtoher enormouswealth.Besides,herrecentlydiscontinued mobilegame,‘KimKardashian:Hollywood’was downloadedover45milliontimesbeforeitsremoval fromtheappstore.
Kim’sruthlessdriveforprofits,entrepreneurialspirit, andbusinessventuresmovedhertowheresheistoday Well,allthismakeshercountinthelistoftherichest womenintheworld.Therefore,sheisatrueexampleof turningfameintofortune!
HereAretheRestoftheTop10Self-MadeRichest WomenintheWorld2024
6.Rihanna
●Age:36
●Networthasof2024:$1.4billion
●Nationality:Barbadian
●Industry:MusicIndustry,andtheFashionand BeautyIndustry
Herwealthprimarilycomesfromhercosmetics company,‘FentyBeauty’,whichhasbeenpraisedfor itswiderangeofshadescateringtoallskintones. Importantly,sheco-ownsthiscompanywithFrench luxuryretailerLVMH.Thebrand’sviralpopularityand substantialrevenuehavesignificantlycontributedtoher fortune.
BylaunchingFentyBeautywithadiverserangeof40 shadesoffoundation,Rihannasetanewinclusivity standardinthebeautyindustry,thatresonatedwitha broadaudience,andledtothebrand'smassivesuccess. ShealsohasasignificantstakeintheSavageXFenty. Undoubtedly,the‘FentyEffect’isoftencitedasthe reasonbehindRihanna'ssourceofrichness.
7.TaylorSwift
●Age:34
●Networthasof2024:$1.1billion
●Nationality:American
●Industry:MusicIndustry
TodayTaylorSwiftisaprominentfigureinthemusic industrywithsignificantachievementsandwealth.
OprahWinfrey
Indeed,TaylorSwift’swealthislargelyattributedtoher successful‘Eras’tour,whichisprojectedtobethe highest-grossingconcerttourofalltime,heralbum sales,andthestrategicre-recordingofhermusic catalog.
Importantly,thekeytoTaylorSwift’srichnessliesin herabilitytoconnectwithfans,hersongwritingtalent, andhersavvybusinessdecisions.However,hertours generatesignificantrevenue,andheradvocacyfor artists’srightshaspositionedherasaleadingfigurein theindustry.Herbusinessinsightsandinvestmentsin realestatealsocontributetoherfinancialstatus.
8.LisaSu
●Age:54
●Networthasof2024:$1billion
●Nationality:American,andTaiwanese
●Industry:TechnologyIndustry
Herwealthprimarilycomesfromherleadershiproleat AMDandhersignificantstockholdingsinthe company.Since,takingoverasCEOin2014,LisaSu hasbeencreditedwithrevitalizingthecompany's successanddrivingconsiderablegrowth.
Additionally,shehasbeeninstrumentalindeveloping partnershipsandleadingtheexpansionofthecompany intonewmarkets,particularlyAIandmachinelearning, whichhavebecomesignificantgrowthdriversfor AMD.
9.MichelleZatlyn
●Age:44
●Networthasof2024:$1billion
●Nationality:Canadian
●Industry:InternetSecurityIndustry
Herwealthcomesfromherroleastheco-founder, president,andCOOofCloudflare,acompany specializingininternetinfrastructureandcybersecurity Therefore,thiscompanyhasbecomeacriticalservice forinternetsecurityandperformance.
Also,Cloudflare’srelianceonAItosafeguardits customersandpreventcyber-attackshasledtoasurge inthecompany’ssharevalue.Moreover,thecompany’s growthandpublicofferinghavesignificantlyincreased MichelleZatlyn’snetworth.Herleadershipandvision
havebeenpivotalinCloudflare’sjourneytobecominga billion-dollarcompany.
10.ToryBurch
●Age:57
●Networthasof2024:$1billion
●Nationality:American
●Industry:FashionIndustry
ToryBurch,isarenownedfigureinthefashionindustry Shehasmadehermarkintheindustry,particularly knownforherpreppy-chiclifestylebrand.Indeed,Tory Burch’swealthislargelyattributedtothetransformation ofherfashionbrandfromsensible,preppyclassicsto edgydesignsthathavebecomepopularonready-towearrunways.
Additionally,thissuccessfulreinvigorationboosted revenues,reportedlygrowingtonearly$2billion, making2023thecompany’shighest-earningyearever Herdesignsreflectashiftinthewaywomenembrace theirindividuality,andherclothingandaccessoriesaim togivewomenanewlevelofconfidence.Thisties,into theworkshedoesaroundwomen’sempowerment, whichhasresonatedwithabroadaudienceandledto thebrand’smassivesuccess.Herjourneyinspiresmany acrosstheglobemakingheroneoftheself-maderichest womenintheworld.
BETH BAUER
ENABLING DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION IN THE TECH INDUSTRY
Womenareleadingacross varioustechrolestoday, mainlybyimpactfully respondingtotheaccelerationof change.Towithstandthisfast-paced world,leadersareexpectedtokeepone eyelaser-focusedonshort-termvalue andtheotherstrategicallyscanning andcapitalizingoninternaland externalsystemicchanges.Women havehistoricallyhonedsuchsoft leadershipskillsandarenow leveragingtheseskillsmorethanever toexecuteoncohesivevisionsthrough collaboration.BethBauer(CEO, PosiROI)isenablingdisruptive innovationsthroughdataandtechby helpingcustomersandemployees becomemoreateasewiththis new normal speedofinnovation.
DedicatedtoDataandHealth
Ahighlyqualifiedpersonality,Beth double-majoredinpsychologyand professionalwritingandminoredin statisticsatCarnegieMellon University(CMU) Whilereferringtoa CMUmentor,shesays,“Dr. Stephen
Feinberg, a top statistician at the time, played a crucial role by encouraging a statistics minor.” Later,herworkatthe RobertWoodJohnsonFoundation reinforcedherdesiretostayin healthcareandpursueanMSin statisticsfromRutgersUniversity The healthinformationtechcompanyIMS, nowIQVIA,andpharmaceuticalgiant Merckbothprovidedexcitingwork opportunitiesforBethtoigniteher passionforcreatingvaluethroughdata innovation.
FeelingFortunatetobeinData Innovation
Asaself-described data detective, Bethspentmuchtimeminingmassive databasesforactionableinsights.For 30+years,sheconducteddatamining andledlargeanalyticsteams responsiblefordesigningmeaningful andtrusteddataproductsatamultiindustryscale.Expressingheraffection fortheprofession,shesays,“I was distinctively fortunate to be both a creator of data systems and then a user of those same data products, working
in commercial analytics and leading commercial data strategy. To sit on both sides of data product innovation is eye-opening!”
ClosestheGapstoSuccess
Beth’spassionfordatawerefully realizedthroughhercompany. Establishedin2000andagain launchedin2021,PosiROIpositions clientsforsuccessthroughbetteruseof datatohelpensurepositivereturnson investments.PosiROIrespondsto clients’strategicchallengesbysharing howtobetterleveragepeople,armed withdataandanalytics,toachieve commercialgoals.PosiROIactsasthe slideronazipper:securelyclosingthe gapstoalignstrategyandoperations withdata,analytics,andtechnologyto successfullyexecuteacohesivevision.
ConnectingPeoplewithData
AtPosiROI,Bethisresponsiblefor craftingthehigh-levelvisionofatechenabledworld,whereshared knowledgeconnectspeoplewithdata.
“Transparency and collaboration are the keys to increasing profits using today’s tech; timing continuous cycles of innovation with what people and our planet need.”
Shelistensintently,thenguidesthe executionmilestonesneededfor customerstocapitalizeonnew capabilities.Herbiggest achievementsweresuccessfully executingdatastrategiesattwo Fortune500companies.Both implementationsincludedcreating internalandexternalpartnerships withcohesivecross-functionalteams. Byregularlylisteningandactingon cross-siloandcustomerneeds,these teamsbuilttherelationshipsand structuresthatproduceongoing, immediatelyusableanalytics,trusted andcreatedbythebusiness.Beth’s teamsderivedunprecedented dividendsontightbudgets.Each initiativebrought$150M+innew revenueopportunitiesoverthecourse ofjusttwoyears.
FindingPurposeinWork
Duringherjourney,Bethfaced challenges,suchasunderstandingthe interdependenciesbetweendataquality andthepeopleusingit,recognizing thatalackofplaybooksininnovation putspressureonthepeoplewhotrust youtodeliver,anddespiteallthis, keepinganopenmind.Tohandlesuch pressures,BethfollowedtheJapanese conceptofIkigai.“When you find purpose in your work, your work is in your wheelhouse, and you love what you do,” saysBethhappily.Bethalso realizedthereareoftenunspokenfears fororganizationstotakenewrisks.By teasingoutthesefearsinPosiROI’s customers,hercompanyguides innovativeleaderstowardcalculated& sharedrisks,havinghonest,difficult conversations,andbeingwillingtobe accountableandlearnfrommistakes. Ikigaiandthisdistinctiveapproach towardworkinghavepropelledBeth overthelonghaulasatrustedleader andpartner
DiversityandInclusion
PosiROIadvocatesthatadiversityof experiencesandinclusionofalternate perspectivesisneededtominethe nuggetsthatrevealactionableinsights. Thecompanyhopestoempowernot onlywomenbutalsoallless-heard voices.Bethadds,“No matter your business, at some point your strategies will either limit your growth potential or recognize the need to expand your market.”
Bethbelievescultureandcorevalues areattheheartofwork.PosiROIrelies onpartnerships,bothnewandold,to keepthecompanyfocusedonastrong alignmentofpositivepurpose, sustainability,sharedvaluecreation, theutmostethics,andhavingfun!
Foryoungwomenandotherunderrepresentedpeoplewhowanttoenter STEMcareersorimprovewaysof working,Bethrecommendsseeking communitieswhosupportdiverseand inclusiveopinions.Sheadds,“What many people don’t realize about DEI is that it is not necessarily a specific program or set of investments. It is about a culture of respect and being open to opinions that are not like our own. This could be gender, age, race, religion, or even simply geography. It can even be business vs. data science.”
EmphasizingLocalCommunities
PoisROIprioritizesclientsatisfaction bytransparentlysharingprocessesand makingsurethecompanyandits customersworkinalignmentfrom strategytomindsettoexecution.Its methodsareuniqueintechinthatit alsobringscriticalthinking,trust capabilities,andthehumanenablement neededtosynthesizethestrategicgoals ofclientsthroughdataandtechthat maximizereturns.
PosiROIprimarilyserves pharma/healthcaresystemcustomers, focusingondataanddigital,but recentlyexpandedofferingsto tangentialindustries.Furthermore,it emphasizeshelpinglocalcommunities whowanttoleveragedatabetterto meettheirgoals.Byconnectinglocal peopleandbusinessestoalarger networkofinsightsandresources, PosiROIaimstohelpimprove communitytrustindataandscience.
WorkHard,PlayHarder
Work-lifebalanceplaysasignificant roleforBeth.Shebelievesin‘Work Hard,PlayHarder.’Shemanagesto sticktotheprioritiesofself-careand familyfirst,thenfriendsandwork.She adds,“I’m privileged to have always
had the ability to flex my time to make it all fit, and feel supported by my husband and family.”Shemakespeace withhavingletsomeopportunities pass,saying,“While you can have it all, you may not be able to have it all at once.”
Bethlovesadventurevacationswith friendsandfamily.Sheenjoys cooking,gardening,community groups,music,Broadway,anddancing. Whileexpressinghertravelaffection, “I am thrilled we are back to world traveling. I believe through travel we learn, without barriers, about the multi-cultural human experience.”
Co-existenceofProfitandEthics
AccordingtoBeth,trendsthatwill drivethebrightfutureoftechinclude theriseofconsumer-consenteddata, thefacilitationofopen-sourceinsights &standards,andanalignmentofthe ecosystemshiftsneededtoreduce disparitiesineducation,health,and wealth.Shefindsthatprofitthrough transparentandethicalbusiness practicesprovidesthemostsustainable businessmodel.
Bethsharesadviceforaspirantsof sustainablehighreturnsthroughtech innovation:
• Positive,diverseworking culturesproducethehighest returns.
• Servantleadershipprovides thetrustandinspirationfor teamstotakecalculated risks.
• Themosteffectiveleaders balancekindnesswith strength.
How Positively Handling THEWORKPLACE Changein
Canturnto YOUR
ADVANTAGE?
EVA LONGRIA
Net Worth, Bezos Courage & Civility Award
Curiousaboutthespotlightedwomanforyears?Meet EvaLongoria.Notonlyanactress,she’saboss.She directs,produces,andwritesbooks.“Eva’sKitchen”is oneofthem.Shepossessestalent,beauty,charm,and generosity.Hercircleincludestheinfluential—likeJeff Bezos.Hedonatedamassive$50milliontohercauses. Hercareerspansovertwodecades.She’smadeus laughandcrythroughherroles.
Inthisblog,wearegoingtosharesomecoolstuff aboutherthatyouprobablydidn’tknow Andguess what?Shealsohelpspeopleallovertheworldthrough theGlobalGiftFoundation.Howawesomeisthat?
HereIsaSneakPeekattheLifeofEvaLongoria
1. SnapshotofEvaLongoria’sLife
NetWorth $80Million
Occupations Actress,Producer,Director, Businesswoman
BirthDate March15,1975(age49)
Birthplace CorpusChristi,Texas,U.S.
Education TexasA&MUniversity-Kingsville (BS)CaliforniaStateUniversity, Northridge(MA)
Family MarriedtoJoséBastón,1child
EarlyLife
• Longoriawastheyoungestoffourdaughtersborn toherTejanoparents,EllaEva(Mireles)andEnrique LongoriaJr
• Oneofhersistershadspecialneeds,andLongoria hasoftenspokenabouthowthisshapedher perspective.SheoncetoldRedbook, “There was never any resentment, because I saw how hard my mother worked and all she did for my sister [with special needs], and I wanted to do whatever I could to help. We all did.”
• RaisedinaHispanichome,Longoriadidn’tgrowup speakingSpanish.Shelearneditin2009.
• Tofundherquinceañera,Longoriaworkedpart-time ataWendy’srestaurantforthreeyearsduringhigh
school.Shehasoftencreditedthisexperiencefor shapingherworkethic.
• In1998,shealsowonthetitleofMissCorpusChristi USA.
• Aftercollege,shemovedtoLosAngeles,whereshe wasspottedandsignedbyatheatricalagent.During herearlyyearsinLA,sheworkedasaheadhunterfor fouryears.
• LongoriahaspubliclycreditedJenniferLopezand TejanalegendSelenaasherinspirations.Sheonce said, “Jennifer broke down so many doors so that we could walk through them,” anddescribedSelenaas “my idol, my inspiration” and “the reason I even dared to dream that a better life was possible.”
WhyIsEvaLongoriaSoFamous?
EvaLongoria’sbreakthroughcamein2003whenshe wascastasGabrielleSolisintheABCcomedy-drama DesperateHousewives.Sheoncecommented, “I think it’s funny when people say I’m an overnight sensation because I’ve been working at it for 10 years.”
• Longoria’sfirstsignificantrolewasintheCBS DaytimesoapoperaTheYoungandtheRestless, wheresheportrayedIsabellaBrañafrom2001to 2003.
• In2006,shewasnominatedforaGoldenGlobe AwardforBestPerformancebyanActressina TelevisionSeries–MusicalorComedy,alongwith herco-starsinDesperateHousewives.
• Longoriahasappearedinseveralhigh-profile advertisingcampaignsandnumerousmen’s magazines,reachingNo.14intheFHM“Sexiest Women2008”poll.ShewaslistedasNo.1in Maxim’sHottestFemaleStarsof2005and2006.
BusinessVenturesandEndorsements
EvaLongoriafoundedUnbelievableEntertainment,a filmsandtelevisionproductioncompanyin2005in California,UnitedStates.InMarch2008,sheopened Beso,aHollywoodrestaurant,incollaborationwith famouschefToddEnglish.Therestaurant,which translatesto“kiss”inSpanish,isjoinedbyaVictorianthemednightclubcalledKiss.
In2009,shegrewherrestaurantventure.Sheopened anotherBesoandEvenightclub.ThiswasinLasVegas’ CityCenter,aretailandentertainmenthub.
• In2011,BesoLLCfiledforChapter11protection. ThecorporationownedaVegasrestaurantand nightclub.Itaimedtorestructureabout$5.7millionin debt.Alsoincludedwereotherliabilities.Longoria hada32percentshareinBesoLLC.
• Longoriapublishedherfirstbook,Eva’sKitchen: CookingwithLoveforFamilyandFriends,inApril 2011.ShealsocollaboratedwithIronChefMichael SymonforapromotionforPepsiCo’sLay’spotato chipscontestcalled“DoUsAFlavor.”
• In2012,UnbelievableEntertainmentsignedafirstlookdevelopmentdealwithUniversalTelevision. Additionally,Longoriawasanexecutiveproducerfor theLifetimetelevisionseries,Documentaries,The Harvest,andFilmsFoodChains.
• LongoriaisapartoftheownershipgroupofAngel CityFCoftheNationalWomen’sSoccerLeague.
• ShealsocollaboratedwithMott’sFruitFlavored SnackstopromotetheMott’sSnacksandStories program,whichgivesawaybilingualchildren'sbooks.
PoliticsandActivism
• Longoria’spoliticalinvolvementbeganwaybefore herHollywoodfame.ShevolunteeredforBill Clinton'scampaignbackin1992.
• AlongwithHenryR.MunozIII,Longoriaco-founded theLatinoVictoryProjectin2014toempowerLatino participationinpolitics,agrowingdemographicgroup intheUS.
• Sheservedasanationalco-chairforObama’s2012 re-electioncampaignandevenhostedtheDemocratic NationalConventionin2020.
• Sheco-foundedtwopoliticalgroupsdevotedto rallyingtheLatinovoteandhasbeenpersistentinher effortstorecruitcandidatesandraisemoneyfor Democratsseekinglocalandnationaloffice.
• LongoriahostedtheDemocraticNationalConvention
in2020,herthirdtimespeakingattheparty’s majornationalevent.
• LongoriawashailedbyTexasMonthlyasa potentialtopDemocraticcandidateinthe2024 UnitedStatesSenateelectioninTexas,notingher previousrefusaltoruleoutrunningforofficeinthe future.
EvaLongoria sPhilanthropyWork ’
Longoriahasreceivednumerousawardsforher philanthropicwork,includingtheNationalHispanic FoundationfortheArts’HorizonAward,the“Latina VisionaryandCommunityEmpowermentAward” fromtheHispanicWomen’sCorporation,the “CorazonesUnidosAward”fromtheLarryKing CardiacFoundation,andthe“CesarChavezLegacy Award”fromtheCesarChavezFoundation.
• ShefoundedtheEvaLongoriaFoundationin2012.
• Thisfoundationfocusesonfocusesonhelping Latinasbuildbetterfuturesthrougheducationand entrepreneurship,includingprogramsforSTEM educationforgirls,parentengagement,microloans, businesstraining,andadvocacy
• ShewasselectedasaPresidentialCommissioner oftheNationalMuseumoftheAmericanLatinoby SpeakeroftheHouseNancyPelosi.
• Apartfromherfoundation,EvaLongoriahasalsodonatedahousetooneofthevictimsofKatrinathrough Oprah’sAngelNetwork,anddonatedherwholeone-episodesalary
• ofDesperateHousewivestoOprah’snewphilanthropicTVshow“TheBigGive”.
• In2024,Longoriawasawarded$50millionforhercharityworkaspartoftheBezosannualprize
WhydidBezosgiveEvaLongoriamoney?
JeffBezos,thefounderofAmazon,andhisfiancée,LaurenSánchez,honoredEvaLongoriawiththeBezos Courage&CivilityAwardin2024.Thisawardwasfoundedin2021tohelpleaderstackletoday’sunsolvedissues. Thepurposeofthehonoristorecognizeleaderswhoaimhighandpursuesolutionswithcourageandcivility
Aspartofthehonor,EvaLongoriawaspresentedwith$50milliontodirecttothecharitiesofherchoice.Asa Latinawoman,LongoriahasbeenalongtimeadvocateforthegrowthoftheLatinocommunity,bothasa successfulactressandphilanthropist.
Longoriaplanstousethefundsforcharitableorganizationsthroughherfoundation,whichfocusesoneducational programs,scholarships,mentorship,andentrepreneurshipforLatinas.TheawardfromBezosrecognizesher accomplishmentsandwillallowhertocontinueandgrowthisessentialwork.
Inconclusion,EvaLongoria’sjourneyreflectsherdiverseaccomplishments.Eva’stale,fromherimpressivenet worthtohercherishedfamilylifetotheprestigiousBezosCourage&CivilityAward,hasinspiredmany.Her accomplishmentsproveherdedicationandthegreatimpactshecontinuestohave.Letuslearnfromherexample andworktomakeadifferenceinourcommunities.
Connie Ansaldi
Leading the Charge for Diversity in Tech
Historically,thetechnology industryhasbeendominated bymen,resultinginalackof representationandconsiderationfor issuesthatdisproportionatelyaffect women.Womenleaders,ontheother hand,areplayingasignificantrolein today’stechno-savvyworldby introducingempathyasakey characteristicforhigh-performing teams.Withtheiruniqueleadership abilities,theyarepromotingglobal diversityandinclusion.Accordingto studiesconductedbyMSCIandthe HarvardInstitute,companieswith womenintopleadershippositions outperformtheirpeers.Thisiscrucial notonlyfromamoralperspectivebut alsofromabusinessstandpoint.Inthis context,womenleaderslikeConnie Ansaldi(CEO, Carnaval Art)bringa uniqueperspectivetothetable.Her unwaveringcommitmenttopromoting diversityandinclusionhasmadehera respectedfigureintheinnovationand technologicalindustry
“By advocating for change and raising awareness about these issues, we can help bring attention to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” Conniesays.
ImprovingLivesthroughTechnology
Connie’seducationalandprofessional journeyisatestamenttoher determinationandpassionforbuilding thefuture.Growingupasamemberof GenerationX,shedidnothavethe internet.However,astechnology advanced,sheembraceditand subsequentlyhelpedothersdothe same.Shehashelpedbusinessesand peopleadopttechnologiessincethe mid-1990s,firstinWeb1,theninWeb 2,andnowinWeb3.
Asaleaderandentrepreneur,Connieis committedtomakingadifferencein people’slives.Sherecognizesthesame humandesiresandneedswherevershe goes,inspiringhertokeeppushing
CONNIE ANSALDI CEO | CARNAVAL ART
forward.Hereffortshavealreadymade asignificantimpact,andshehas becomeasought-afterspeakeraround theworld.Sheusesherplatformto encourageotherstopursuetheir dreamsandaspirations,buildinga communityof3millionpeoplethatshe supportsandmotivatestoreachtheir fullpotential.Thatearnedherthe nicknameofReinventionQueen.
CarnavalArt:Revolutionizingthe ArtMarketwithBlockchain Technology
Establishedin2021,CarnavalArtwas bornasahighly–curatedNFT marketplaceofIbero-Americanartists securedontheBitcoinblockchain networkontheRootstocksidechain. ThenCarnavalpivotedtoaB2B businessmodelasanocodeplatform thatreducesfrictionintheadoptionof Web3andprovidesbrandswithtools toimproveengagementwiththeir customers.CarnavalArtisaloyalty ecosystemwithitsownblockchain, wallet,andportal.
UndertheleadershipofConnieandan amazingteamofexperts,CarnavalArt isbecomingthego-todestinationfor brandslookingtooptimize,createor maketheirfirstmoveswiththeirown loyaltyprograms.Theteamworkswith eachclientinanimmersiveand personalizedway,ensuringthatthe strategyisalignedwiththeirDNAand expectations.
RedefiningLoyaltyPrograms
with
PersonalizedStrategies
Stayingaheadofthecompetitionin Web3andblockchaintechnology demandsconstantiterationwith customers.Whatsetsthecompany apartareitsconstantiteration,rapid learning,andforwardmovementand
“The big challenge is not breaking the crystal ceiling but the cement minds.”
alsothebrandingandmarketing expertiseofCarnaval’sCLevel.It incorporatesartasadifferentiatorin theprocess,allowingavarietyof artiststocreateone-of-a-kind experiences.Itsteamiscommittedto listeningtouserfeedbackandlearning howitscustomersadoptnewtools.
“When working on innovation, there is no benchmark: you are your own benchmark. And that is why it’s essential to pay close attention to user feedback,” addsConnie.
NavigatingtheStorm
AstheCEOofCarnavalArt,Connie’s primaryrolesandresponsibilities includeforgingalliances,definingthe product,attractingcustomers,and makingtheirvalueproposition visible.Herleadershipabilitieswere puttothetestin2022,achallenging yearforthecryptoindustry.Despite this,Conniewasabletonavigatethe marketuncertaintyandemergewitha superiorproposal,whichwasa significantaccomplishment. Furthermore,sheisalsoleadinga StartupsecosystemcalledLadinnerde losFounders,ContameunSecreto,a mentalhealthinitiative,and representingthenumberone OrganizationalDesignStudioin AustraliacalledNeu21.
BreakingBarriersandEmpowering Women
Connieisleadingthechargeforgender equalityinthetechindustry.At
CarnavalArt,thecultureisoneof perpetuallearning,continuous iteration,andconstantcommunication. With50%oftheteamcomposedof women,thecompanyvaluesgender equalityandencourageslearning throughhands-onexperiencesand opendiscussions.
However,therealityofgender disparityinthetechsectorcannotbe ignored.Asper UN Women,only7% oftechnologycompaniesintheworld areledbywomen,andamere3%of venturecapitalfundingisallocatedto companiesledbywomen.Connie,asa CEO,isacutelyawareoftheproblem andisdeterminedtomakeachange. “Even if it is uncomfortable, we must bring this conversation to the table in order to make these issues visible to the decision-makers,” mentionsConnie.
FromOvercomingPrejudicesto LeadinginInnovation
Connie’sjourneytobecominga successfulleaderhasnotbeena cakewalk.Accordingtoher,oneofthe biggesthurdlesshehashadto overcomeisotherpeople’sprejudices andfearoftheunknown.Toovercome thesechallenges,sheplacesastrong emphasisoneducationandoutreach. Shealsoteachesblockchain technologytothousandsofpeople. “If we can help them understand it, they stop fearing it, and therefore, can adopt it,” Conniesuggests.
JugglingWorkandCommunity Building
AstheCEOofCarnavalArt,Connie’s workkeepsheroccupied,yetshe enjoyscommunitybuilding.She spendsalotoftimeengagingwith peopleandprovidingthemwithtools thataddvaluetotheirdailylives.Apart fromwork,shelovestraveling, exploringtheworld,andmeetingnew people.
RevealsTrendsDrivingtheFuture
AccordingtoConnie,threetrendsthat willdrivethefutureoftechare blockchain,artificialintelligence,and immersivetechnology
• Blockchaintechnologyhasbeen gainingtractioninrecentyears duetoitsabilitytooffer transparency,decentralization,and traceabilityinallkindsof operations.
• Artificialintelligence,ontheother hand,hasthepotentialto encompasseverythingand everyoneuntilwecannolonger distinguishhumansfrom machines.
• Lastly,immersivetechnologyisa newwayofexchangingandliving experiences.
Sustainable Fashion Brands
Top10 toWatchin2024
Areyoulookingforthebest sustainablefashionbrandsthatare leadingtheEco-StyleRevolution?
Youknowhowwealllovefashionand clothes?Well,themoneyweallspend onitaddsuptoahugeamount,like $142.06billion!Buthere’sthenot-socoolpart-about7to10outofevery 100trashbagsintheworldarefilled withwastefrommakingtheseclothes. That’salot,right?
Gonearethedaysofmindless consumptionandwasteinthefashion industry.Now,youhavethechoiceto selectbrandsthatprioritize sustainability,ethicalpractices,and eco-friendlymaterials.
Inthisblog,wehavecuratedalistof ourtop10sustainablefashionbrands thatarenotonlystylishbutalsokindto ourplanet.So,weneedtothinkabout howwecanenjoyfashioninaway that’sbetterforourplanet.
DidyouKnow?
• Thefashionindustryisnotjust aboutglitzandglamour;it’sthe world’ssecond-largestpolluter, rightbehindtheoilindustry.
• Yourtrendyoutfitscomewitha hiddencost:fastfashionis responsibleforupto10%ofglobal carbondioxideemissions
• Eachyear,thefashionworld produces97milliontonsofwaste, whichincludestextiles,chemicals, andpackagingmaterials.
• Theapparelandfootwearsectorsare responsiblefor8.1%oftheworld’s greenhousegasemissions.
• Thefashionindustryisthirsty, accountingfor20%oftheworld’s totalwastewater
• Ifwestartusingmoresustainable fibers,wecouldcutdownCO2 emissionsby20%
Imagine you have a piggy bank with $7.80 in it. Now, every year, you add 20% more money to it. So, if you had $1, next year, you would add 20 cents to it, making it $1.20. If you keep doing this from the year 2023 to 2030, your piggy bank will have about $27.95 in it. This is similar to how the market for sustainable fashion is expected to grow, USD 27.95 billion!
1 PANGAIA
Owner:MiroslavaDuma
Placeoforigin:UnitedKingdom
Foundedin:2018
PANGAIAisonethebestsustainable fashionbrandsintheworld.Itisa materialssciencebrandonamissionto saveourenvironment.Itshouldbe notedthattheydesignproductsfor livingin,foranysituation,andbasic needs.
Inaddition,thecompanyusesspecial techtomaketheirproductsbetterfor theplanet,andtheytrytousestuffthat canberecycled.Theysellallsortsof things,fromsportsclothesandhoodies tobabyclothesandt-shirts.
Besides,PANGAIAusesstuffthat comesfromplants,likeaspecialkind ofdenimmadefromhemp.Theyalso makeafluffymaterialfromflowers insteadoffeatherstokeepyouwarm andcozy,andit’sbetterforanimals.
Apartfromthis,PANGAIA’slatest initiative,‘BeeTheChange,’focuses onbees.Thesevitalpollinatorsface challengesduetoecologicalshifts.Ata bigmeetingaboutclimatechange calledCOP28,thecompanylaunched theTrillionBeesinitiative,aimingto secure$1billionforprojectsthat
safeguardbeepopulations.Bydoing so,theycontributetothehealthofour ecosystemsandfoodsources.
2.Patagonia
Owner:YvonChouinard Placeoforigin:Ventura,California, USA
Foundedin:1973
Patagoniaisoneofthemostpopular sustainablefashionbrandsknownfor itssustainablemovement.The companymakesoutdoorclothingand gearforactivitieslikeclimbing, surfing,skiing,snowboarding,fly fishing,andtrailrunning.
Aspartofthe1%forthePlanet initiative,Patagonia’sgenerosityhas ledtoamassive$140millionin donationstograssrootsenvironmental groupsworldwide.
Interestingly,Patagoniaweavesits magicwithsustainableandrecycled materials,includingbiobased polyester,recycledcotton,andeven hemp.Thisiswherefashionmeetsecoconsciousness.
Apartfromthis,Patagonia’sAction Worksplatformconnectspeoplewith environmentalactiongroupsintheir communities.Ithelpsyoufindevents, signpetitions,andvolunteerforcauses youcareabout.It’sawayforanyoneto getinvolvedwithenvironmentalissues andmakeadifference.
3.Vuori
Owner:JoeKudla Placeoforigin:Encinitas,California, USA
Foundedin:2015
Vuoriisarenownedactivewearbrand basedinCaliforniathatstandsout despiteitssmallsize.Itproudlyboasts
ofbeing100%climateneutral,compensatingforallits carbonemissions.
WithVuori,yougettheassuranceofabrandthatis activelyfightingagainstplasticpollution.Knownas PlasticWarriors,theyhavepartneredwithCleanHubto addressthisissuehead-on.Byswitchingtorecycled materialsforgarmentbags,Vuoriisonamissionto reduceplasticuseinitssupplychainby80%.
OtherinitiativesbyVuoriincludeclearsustainability goals,suchasa42%reductioninScope1and2 emissionsby2030.Scope1referstodirectemissions, whileScope2pertainstoindirectemissionslikeenergy use.
Moreover,VuoricombatsdeforestationinBorneoand supportsemission-reductioninitiativesintheUS.These programs,backedbypartnershipswithPachamaand 3Degrees,aidinoffsettingcarbonemissions.
4.Finisterre
Owner:TomKay
Placeoforigin:StAgnes,Cornwall,UK
Foundedin:2003
Finisterreisaleadingclothingandwetsuitbrand,inspired byBritishsurfersanddesignedforthosewhosharealove fortheocean.
ThisCornwall-basedbrandproudlyflauntsitsBCorp certification,signifyingthatit’snotjustaboutfashion;it’s aboutoceanawareness.
WithFinisterre,yougetproductsmadefromocean plastic,transformedintofabricslikeeconyl—arecycled nylon.It’sworthnotingthateachtonneofeconyl producedhelpssaveastaggering5.7tonnesofCO2.
Besidesthat,Finisterredivesintoactionwithitsocean programs,fundingswimminglessonsforchildrenwith disabilitiesandmodifyingwetsuitsforbetterwater access.Bychampioningthesea,Finisterrenurturesthe nextgenerationofoceanconservationists.
5.Passenger
Owner:RichardandAlexaSutcliffe
Placeoforigin:TheNewForest,SouthernEngland,UK
Foundedin:2012
Passengerisoneofthemostpopularsustainablefashion brandsandapartofthesustainablemovement.Their ethosis“Weputsustainability&adventureattheheartof everyproduct.”ThisUK-basedfashioncompanyproudly displaysitseco-badgeanditsforestinitiativesare commendable.
Similarly,Passenger’sfashionalsonurturesourgreen planet-onetreeatatime.Foreverypurchase,theyplant atree,restoreforests,andsupporttreeprotectors worldwide.
Moreover,Passenger’stree-plantinginitiativehasresulted inoverhalfamilliontreesbeingplanted.They’vealso securedprotectionforanimpressive28,724,186sqmof rainforest.
WhenitcomestoitsGlobalAllies,Passenger collaborateswithglobalforestchampionslikethe RainforestTrust,TreesForTheFuture,andOneTree Planted.
6.StellaMcCartney
Owner:StellaNinaMcCartney Placeoforigin:London,England Foundedin:2001
StellaMcCartneyisagloballyrecognizedfashionbrand knownforitssustainableinitiatives.Thegarmentsfrom StellaMcCartneydefytradition.
Theyarecraftedfromgrape-basedalternativestoleather, whichmeans80%recycledrawwaste.Moreover,their animal-freeleatherhasanenvironmentalimpact24times lowerthantraditionalleather
Notjuststylish,theirhandbagsareeco-warriorstoo. Since2012,they’vebeenlinedwithmaterialmadefrom recycledplasticbottles.Stella
StellaMcCartney’sfashionisn’tjusthigh-end;it’shighimpactaswell,leavingatrailofconsciouscouture.By closelytrackingmateriallifecycles,theyensuresupply chainsustainability
7.Storymfg.
Owner:SaeedandKatyAl-Rubeyi Placeoforigin:London,England
Foundedin:2013
Storymfg.isanotheroneofthemostpopularsustainable fashionbrandswithabigheartfortheplanet.It’sthe perfectchoiceforpeoplewhocareabouttheenvironment andwanttomakeadifferencewithwhattheywear
Thisbrandstandsoutbecauseittakesleftoverfabricand turnsitintobeautifulclothes,cuttingdownonwaste.It’s theirwayofshowingloveforourEarthandpushingfora worldwherefashiondoesn’thurttheplanet.
Besidesthat,Storymfgleadsthewayinfarmingwhich helpsthelandhealitself.Theystayawayfromnasty chemicalsandhelpthesoilgetstrongandhealthy.In addition,thecolorsintheirclothescomefromnature itself,likeaforestthat’sbeenbroughtbacktolife.These naturaldyesarekindtotheEarthandleaveitbetterthan before.
Moreover,Storymfg.knowsthatbuildingabetterworld takestime.They’recommittedtodoingitstepbystep, makingsureeverypieceofclothingtheymakeispartofa biggerpictureofcaringforourworld.
8.GreaterGoods
Owner:JaimusTailor
Placeoforigin:London,England
Foundedin:2018
GreaterGoodsisallaboutcreativeflair Theytake “nothing”andturnitinto“something”special.
ThinkofabrandfromLondonthat’sallaboutgivingold clothesanewleaseonlife.They’renotjustupcycling; they’recreatingfresh,coollooksforthestreet.
Here’safactthatmightsurpriseyou:everysecond,atruck fullofclothesendsupbeingthrownaway.GreaterGoods isfightingagainstthiswaste.Theypickuptheseold clothesandturnthemintosomethingyou’dlovetowear. Additionally,theyworkwithbigbrandslikeNiketoadd evenmorecolortotheircreations.
Otherthanthat,GreaterGoodsmakesastatement:fashion canbesustainable,andthat'stherealtrendtofollow
9.Camper
Camperisoneoftheoldestsustainablefashionbrands knownforitstrendyshoes.
Owner:LorenzoFluxa
Placeoforigin:Mallorca,Spain
Foundedin:1975
Theirslogan,“alittlebetter,neverperfect,”shows they’realwaystryingtoimproveandbekindertothe Earth.Inaddition,theCamperteamisonthelookoutfor materialsthatdon’tharmtheenvironment,likerecycled leatherandothersustainableoptions.Bytheyear2030, theywantalltheirmaterialstobeeco-friendly.
Apartfromthat,Camperkeepsaneyeonwheretheir materialscomefromandhowtheirproductsgettoyou. Camper’smovetousenaturalandlong-lastingmaterials meansthey’renotjustmakingshoes;they’rehelping leavealightermarkontheEarth.
10.ArvorLife
Owner:CharlotteFoxhall
Placeoforigin:Cornwall,England
Foundedin:Notspecified
ArvorLifeisaclothingbrandbornontheCornishcoast, andit’sallaboutlovingourplanet.It’snotjustabrand; it’sawayoflifethat’sgoodfornature.
Theirclothesareinspiredbythegreatoutdoors,perfect foranyonewholovestoswiminthewild,goon adventures,orjustenjoybeingoutside.What’stheir secret?Theyusematerialsthatarefreefromplasticand are100%vegan.
Otherthanthis,everypieceofArvorLife’sclothinghas itsownstory,madefromrecycledororganicfabrics, contributingtonowasteatall,andeventhepackaging canberecycled.
Butthere’smore.WearingArvorLife’sclothesfeels good,notjustbecausethey’reeco-friendly,butbecause they’resoftandcomfytoo.Sowhenyouweartheir organiccottonsweatshirtortheirvestforeveryone, you’renotjustlookinggood,you’realsohelpingtoget ridofplasticfromtheocean,bitbybit.
Wehopethisbloghelpedyoulearnaboutthetop sustainablefashionbrands.Remember,whenyouchoose brandsthatcareabouttheplanet,you’renotjustbuying clothes—you’remakingastatementandhelpingbuilda cleaner,fairerworld.Sowhywait?Refreshyourcloset withoutfitsthatareasgood-lookingastheyaregoodfor theEarth.
HUI WU WU-CURTIS
ATrailblazerwithProfuseKnowledgeofContactCenterOperations
Inahighlycompetitivemarket
wherebrandsarecontinuously competingforcustomerloyalty, contactcenteroperationsaregaining prominencewhenitcomesto deliveringeffectivecustomerservices. Today,ithasbecomevitalinproviding anddeliveringefficientcustomer serviceforbrands.
Byremovingbarriersofold-school scriptedtalktracksandexecutingthe necessaryelements,SupportUdelivers profoundlygoodcustomerservice whichconvertsissuesinto opportunitiesandestablisheslong-term brandloyalty.Thecompanyisthe brainchildofHuiWu-Wu-Curtis (COO)whoholdsprofuseexperience aswellasexpertiseinthefieldof contactcenteroperations.With SupportU,Wu-Curtisseekstocreatea companybasedonsimpleprinciples andabeliefthatthesuccessofan organizationbeginsandendswithits people.
SteadilyClimbingtheCorporate Ladder
Duringcollege,Wu-Curtisundertooka part-timejobworkinginacallcenter wheresheworkedforafewmonths andleftasshewasnotfascinatedby theplacetowork.Afterafewyears, shejoinedacallcenterasasupervisor andwasdeterminedtoundertakea
leadershipchallengeoneffectively managinganddevelopingthepeople. Sincethatmoment,Wu-Curtishas workedincallcentersandlearnedhow tosteadilyclimbthecorporateladder atdifferentorganizations.She progressedtoapointwherecompanies wereseekingherguidanceand assistancerelatedtotheircallcenter concerns.
Thesepositionsprovidedherexposure torunningglobalteams,understanding thegloballandscape,andinnovating thecustomerexperienceorcontact centerspace.Hercareerfurther progressedintomorestrategic executive-levelpositionsandWuCurtiswaseventuallypromotedtothe CEO/Presidentofsmall-mediumsize companiesbeforeshestartedherown
businessprocessoutsourcing(BPO) company,SupportU.
BuildinganEmpoweringGlobal Culture
Whileworkinginhospitality, Wu-Curtisgarneredenoughknowledge aboutthefunctioningandchallengesof aBPO.Sheappliedthesestrategies fromthebrandperspectivetoBPO deliverystrategies.Wu-Curtis understandsthepainpointsofclients andtheirexpectationsfroman outsourcingpartner.Shealsobelieves thatfocusingontheclient requirements,businessgoalsand financialobjectivescanbeachieved whenemployeesarevaluedandearna livingwage.
Withthatsaid,SupportU’sbusiness modelisbasedonemployee development,trainingandfinancial modelsthatallowreallocationofthe company’sbudgettosustainits employeebasewhilebenefittingthe clients.WithSupportU,Wu-Curtisalso wantedtostartawoman,minorityownedBPOthatwasmission-driven. Beingoneofthefewwomen minoritiesattheexecutivelevel,she setoutonamissiontocreatean organizationthatembracesdiversity andvaluespeople.Moreover,she wantedtocreateanopportunityto provideemploymentanddevelopment
totheunderservedpopulationand providethemaccesstoajob, advancementopportunitiesorsimilar careeropportunities.
UniqueTechnologyStack
SupportUofferscontactcenterservices incustomerservice/support,inbound sales,technicalsupport,andbackofficeprocessing.Thecompanyhasa strongomnichannelsolutionwith capabilitiestoserviceandsupportvia chat,email,SMStextmessaging, socialmedia,andvoice.SupportU differentiatesitselffromthe competitionbythewayitdesignedits technologystackwiththeemployees andleadershipinmind.
Inaddition,SupportUundertakestotal ownershipandaccountabilityforits clients’brand,ensuringitcontinually deliversonperformanceandprovides valuebywayofprocess improvements,costsavingsor suggestingideasforinnovation. “Our
“PEOPLE WILL MAKE MISTAKES. THEY NEED TO KNOW THAT ALL MISTAKES CAN BE FIXED AND NOT BE AFRAID IF A MISTAKE OCCURS.”
technology stack enables us to extend to our clients and facilitate their company digital transition,” says Wu-Curtis.
‘EveryMomentisaTeaching Opportunity’
Beingatthehelm,Wu-Curtisholdsa uniqueapproachtoleadership.She adds, “My leadership approach has always been to mentor and teach people, arm them with the right resources and support, and give them the room to thrive and excel.” Witha firmbeliefthateverymomentisa teachingopportunity,sheholds everyoneaccountabletoensurethat people’sactionsarealignedwiththeir wordsandviceversa.Moreover, Wu-Curtisempowersemployeesto think,understandthebusiness,and makedecisionswhileproviding guidanceandfeedback.
Speakingofemployeesatisfaction, Wu-Curtisbelievesthatprovidingan
outstandingcustomerexperiencestarts internallywiththepeople.Withthat said,SupportUensuresitsemployees arewellsupported,whichentails empowerment,havingtheright resourcesandtheabilitytomakea living.Thecompanyalsoensuresthat itsemployeesfeelvaluedand understandhowtheyfitintoitsoverall success,whichresultsinthem deliveringincredibleresultsand customerexperience.
InvestinginLearningManagement Systems
SupportU’soperationalmodelsenable employeestoestablishworkschedules thatfitandaccommodatetheirfamily andpersonalneeds.Itsperformance anddevelopmentprocessesprovide real-timesupportivementoringand coachingratherthanthetraditional delayedpunitivequalityassuranceand performanceimprovementmodel.The company’sagentwagesare significantlyhigherthantheindustry
normandincentivecompensationis basedondeliverieswithinthe responsibilityoftheindividual employee.
“Our people’s growth and development are the core of our business model,” saysWu-Curtis.SupportUinvestsin learningmanagement systems—externallyineducationaland certificationprogramsandinternallyin mentoringandjobrotations.The companyaimstohelpitspeoplegrow, learn,andapplytheirnewskillsetsin theworkplace.
DecipheringNecessitiesofLife
Thenecessitiesoflife,accordingto Wu-Curtis,canbecondensedinto3 goals:Earn,LearnandReturn.Eachof theserequirescommitmentandfocus andcreatesrealsatisfactionand growth.Sheaddsthatreturnisa significantcomponentofSupportU’s cultureaswellasherpersonalbelief.
Wu-Curtisfurtheraddsthatitishardto thinkofonlyonecharacteristicevery leadershouldpossess.However,she believespositivityisanecessityand
emphasizesbeingapositiveforcefor people,thecommunity,andthe industry
Advisingtheleadersoftomorrow, Wu-Curtissuggeststakingadvantage oflearningasmuchaspossiblewhile notbeingafraidtotrythings.Shealso emphasizesbeingintrospectiveand buildingself-awarenesstobecomea betterleader.Lastly,shesuggestsbeing compassionate,empathetic,andkind.
Subscribe Now
SCAN & GET INSPIRED, STAY UPDATED WITH ALL THE BUSINESS WORLD BUZZ
SCAN & GET INSPIRED, STAY UPDATED WITH ALL THE BUSINESS WORLD BUZZ
WITH MIRROR REVIEW MAGAZINE
WITH MIRROR REVIEW MAGAZINE