The 10 Empowering Business Women Leaders of 2023

Irene Ortiz-Glass

Transforming Success through Empowered Leadership and Unstoppable Resilience

EDITOR’S LETTER

She leads, we all succeed!

Dearreaders,

Intheglobalbusinesslandscape,theprogressofwomenleadersisevident,withwomen occupying33%ofseniormanagementroles,28%servingasCEOsandmanagingdirectors, and26womenCEOsinFortuneGlobal500companiesin2023.Additionally,womenfoundedstartupssecured$68billioninventurecapitalfundingin2022.However, challengespersistaswomenremainunderrepresentedinleadership,holdinglower-paying positionsandfacingobstacleslikeunconsciousbiasandlimitedmentorshipopportunities. Thecurrentscenarioforwomenleadersreflectsprogressbuthighlightstheongoingneedto dismantlebarrierstogenderequality

Tosupportwomenleaders,acomprehensiveapproachisnecessary.Thisentails implementingmentorshipprograms,combatingbias,fosteringinclusiveworkplaces,and recognizingwomen'scontributions.Byactivelyaddressingthesechallenges,wecanstrive forafuturewherewomenholdequitablepositionsincorporateleadership,fosteringamore diverseandprosperousbusinessworld.

Inthecontextoftheprogressandchallengesfacedbywomenleadersinthebusinessworld, it'sessentialtorecognizeandcelebrateoutstandingachievements.Wearedelightedto presentourlatestmagazineissue,“The10EmpoweringBusinessWomenLeadersof 2023,”highlightingtheremarkableaccomplishmentsofthesetrailblazingwomenwhoare shapingthefutureofcorporateleadership.

Gracingourcoverstory,wehaveIreneOrtiz-Glass,theFounderandCEOof LeadershipAdvisoryGroup,LLC WithovertwodecadesofexperienceinGlobalTalent ManagementandGeneralManagement,IreneisdedicatedtohelpingType-Aexecutives navigateoverachievementandburnoutthroughheruniqueapproachtoexecutivecoaching, encompassingpersonaldevelopment,leadershipgrowth,organizationalmanagement,and businessexecution.

Alongwiththat,wehavealsofeaturedastellarlineupofaccomplishedleadersinourissue. KimberlyTucker,ReemIkram,ConnieAnsaldi,andKristieBaird.Theirinspiringjourneys andcontributionsadddepthtoourcelebrationofwomeninleadership.

Happy Reading!

Tejas Tahmankar Project Editor

MANAGING

PROJECT

C ONTENT

IRENE ORTIZ-GLASS

CONNIE ANSALDI

Irene Ortiz-Glass

and

IIreneOrtiz-Glass,theFounderand CEOofLeadershipAdvisoryGroup, LLC,isaseasonedexecutivewith overtwodecadesofexperiencein GlobalTalentManagementand GeneralManagement.Irene’sexpertise liesindevelopingleadersandbuilding high-performingteams.Ireneis dedicatedtohelpingType-Aexecutives grapplewithoverachievementand burnout.Heruniqueapproachto executivecoachingcoverspersonal development,leadershipgrowth, organizationalmanagement,and businessexecution.

OneexceptionalqualityofIreneisher abilitytoconnect.Sheisacompelling speakerwhoopenlysharesher personaljourney,includingher struggleswithtrauma,illness, depression,andanxiety.Irenetalks aboutthesechallengeswithhonesty, sheddinglightonherownexperiences. Sheisalsodeeplycommittedto wellness,nutrition,andleadinga purposefullife.

Inadditiontocoaching,Irenedelivers impactfulpresentationsontopicslike “FindingYourVoice,”“ThePowerof Purpose,”“BeautifullyBroken:A StrugglewithPerfection,”and “AddictiontoAdrenaline.”Through hertalks,sheignitescrucial conversationsandinspirespositive change.

Inthiscoverstory,wetakeanin-depth explorationofIreneOrtiz-Glass,her background,herphilosophy,andher

journey.Joinusasweuncoverthe insightsofaleaderwhocombines practicalbusinessacumenwith genuinecareforpeople’swell-being.

ADynamicBackgroundfrom ConsultingtoLeadership

IreneinitiatedhereducationatAzusa PacificUniversity,wheresheearneda BAinCommunications.Shethen pursuedaMaster’sDegreein OrganizationalLeadershipfrom ChapmanUniversity,whichlaidthe foundationforhersuccessfulcareer

Inherprofessionaljourney,Irene gainedvaluableexperienceindifferent roles.Shetookonleadership responsibilitiesforKorn/Ferry’s LeadershipandTalentpracticeinthe WesternRegion,overseeingtheglobal technologypractice.Herexpertisein executiveassessment,coaching,and talentmanagementbecameevident.

Irene’spathledhertoSAP,whereshe assumedtheroleofHeadofGlobal Talent.Toenhanceherskillsshealso acceptedtheroleasleaderoftheOn PremiseHRbusiness.Thisrole providedinsightsintoleadership, financialmanagement,andthe establishmentofglobalteams.

Inspiredbyherexperiences,Irene’s entrepreneurialspiritmotivatedherto establishtheLeadershipAdvisory GroupafterhertimeatSAP This markedanewphaseinhercareer, whereshecombinedhereducation, professionalbackground,andpassion toguideotherleaderstowardsuccess.

APurposefulStart:Nurturing LeadersatLeadershipAdvisory Group

In2013,LeadershipAdvisoryGroup wasestablishedwithaclearpurpose: tohelpleadersthriveinlifeandwork.

Thispurposedrivestheirmission ofcreatingasafeenvironment whereleaderscanengageinselfreflectionandself-improvement andexcelintheirroles,allwhile leadingameaningfullife.

WhatsetsLeadershipAdvisory Groupapartisitsunique approachtoexecutivecoaching. Theydelvedeeper,guiding leaderstoexploretheirpast, comprehendtheirpresent,and shapetheirfuturethroughselfawareness,reflection,and practicalchanges.Theircoaching goesbeyondbusinessstrategies, encompassingacomprehensive perspectivethatrecognizesthe intricaciesofindividuals’lives.

Overthepastfiveyears,the conversationsatLeadership AdvisoryGroup havenaturally expanded.Whilebusiness-related topicsremainfundamental,an increasingnumberofleaders seekguidanceonabroaderrange ofissues.Thefocushas broadenedtoencompassareas suchasanxietymanagement, stressrelief,familydynamics, andburnoutprevention. “Yes, we talk about the business too, but in the context of the person. I don’t know anyone else who is taking this approach,” statesIrene.

Irene’sperspectiveperfectly encapsulatestheethosofthe LeadershipAdvisoryGroup:

“Our goal at the Leadership Advisory Group is to align the ‘person’and the leader to help leaders thrive in life and work.” Thismirrorstheirdedicationto fosteringaharmonious integrationofpersonalgrowth andprofessional accomplishment.

PracticalServicesforEffective

LeadershipatLeadershipAdvisory Group

AtLeadershipAdvisoryGroup,their servicescatertoawiderangeof industries,withaprimaryfocuson collaboratingwithDirectors,VPs, Executives,andtheirteams.Their offeringsaimtobeinclusiveand impactful,addressingtheneedsof leadersatvaryinglevels.

Animportantannualprogramtheyhost istheWomeninLeadershipinitiative, tailoredspecificallyforfirst-time ManagersandDirector-levelwomen. Thisprogramholdsthepotentialto drivesignificantchangebyequipping womenwiththeskillsandconfidence neededtonavigatetheirleadership roles.

Today,LeadershipAdvisoryGroup tacklesthepressingchallengesfaced byitsclients.Theseencompass managingstressandpriorities, achievingasuitablework-lifebalance, andconstructingeffectiveteams. Leadersalsoseekguidancein assumingmorestrategicleadership roles,navigatingorganizational dynamics,andeffectivelyengaging withstakeholders.

LeadershipAdvisoryGroup’sexpertise particularlyshinesthroughwhen collaboratingwithexecutiveteams. Theirfocusliesincreatinga comprehensiveframeworkthat encompassesstrategy,vision,mission, andgoalalignment.Thisframeworkis designedtoseamlesslypermeatethe organization,fosteringunityanda sharedsenseofpurpose.

NavigatingRolesand ResponsibilitieswithExpertise

Irene’sexpertiseencompasses collaboratingwithexecutiveteamsfor strategicplanning,organizational

“

The best way to build a great team is to understand the DNA of the team

development,andchange management.Shealsocommits herselftonurturinghigh-potential femaleleaders,annuallysponsoring womeninleadershipprogramsaimed atemergingtalents.

AstheFounderandCEOof LeadershipAdvisoryGroup,Irene leadsbysettinganexample.She facesthesamechallengesasher clients:balancingdiversedemands, overseeingateam,andmaintaininga fulfillingpersonallife.Herstrength liesinresiliencemanagement,askill shepracticesdailyusingproven techniques.

Irene’sknowledgetranscends leadership;sheisacertifiedhormone practitioner,comprehendingthe intricateconnectionsbetweenthe body,mindset,anditsimpacton leadership.Drawingfrompersonal experiences,shehaspavedapathto guideothers. Herapproachtoteam-buildingis

foundedonunderstandingtheteam’s fundamentalenergeticcomposition throughabraindominance assessment.Byrecognizing individualenergydynamicsand guidingefficientenergyusage,Irene introducestoolsthatempowerteams toenhanceexecutionthroughenergy management.

Intacklinggenderdisparities,Irene offerspracticalinsights.Her coachingempowerswomentofocus onpurpose,talentsandnavigating vulnerability,fosteringadvancement inleadershiproles.

“I love what I do every day. There is not a thing I don’t love about my career; I know that sounds trite, but it’s true.” Irenecandidlyshares, reflectinghergenuinepassionand down-to-earthperspective.

PrioritizingPersonaland ProfessionalWell-Being

Irenehighlyvaluesachievinga healthywork-lifebalance.Reflecting onthepast,sheacknowledgesashift inherperspective.Inearliertimes, worktookprecedence,oftenleaving littleroomforself-careandhealth practices.However,aturningpoint arrivedwithsurgicalmenopause—a momentthatignitedapowerful awakening.Itservedasareminder toevolvenotonlyasaleaderbut alsoasawoman,wife,and mother—toprioritizeherhealthand happiness.

ThisrealizationpromptedIreneto adoptadisciplinedapproachtoher dailyroutine.Herschedule,self-care rituals,andhealth-conscioushabits movedtotheforefront.This deliberateprioritizationempowers hertoexcelinherprofessionallife whilealsothrivingpersonally Listeningtoherbodyisacrucial

aspectofIrene’sequilibrium-seekingstrategy When fatiguesetsin,sheseeksrest;whenoverwhelmed,she shiftstowardorganizationanddelegation.Beginningher dayswithprayerandmeditationgroundsherbeforediving intotasks.Irenestronglybelievesthatourbodies communicateneeds—amessagewemustheed.

“When I am tired, I find rest. When I am feeling overwhelmed, I begin to organize and delegate. I pray and meditate in the morning to find my center before I move into the full list of things on my plate. The body knows what it needs if you listen. We need more help here than ever before,” Ireneemphasizes,sheddinglightonthe collectiveneedforabalancedapproachtowell-being.

GuidanceforEmergingWomenLeaders:Irene’s Insights

Whenitcomestoguidingaspiringwomenleaders,Irene offersstraightforwardandvaluableadvice.Shesuggests startingbygainingclarityabouttheircurrentlifephase andaspirations. “Define your life purpose,” Irene recommends,assuringthatthisstepissimplerthanitmay seem.Sheemphasizestheimportanceofviewingacareer asjustonepartoflife'sjourneyratherthanthesolefocus.

Moreover,Irenehighlightsthesignificanceofaligning energyandtimewithpersonalpurposeandvalues.By managingtheseaspectsharmoniously,individualscan cultivateabalancedandfulfillinglife. “Live on purpose!” Ireneconcludes,underscoringthevalueofleadinglife withintention.

“Our mission is to help leaders thrive in life and work.”

Drip IV

Management-

KristieBaird,Director

URL-www.dripiv.com

Founded-2008

Description-DripIVprovidespersonalizedIVvitamin servicessuchashydration,immunologicalboost,and performanceenhancement Mobiletreatmentsensure patientsafetyandcomfort.Youcaneasilybookyour sessionontheirwebsite.

K&C Solutions Inc.

Managementwww.kcmedsolutions.com

KimberlyTucker,CEOandFounder

Fraud.net

Management-CathyRoss,Co-founderandPresident

URL- www.fraud.net

Founded-2015

Description-FraudnetcombinesAIandcollaboration toprotectonlinebusinessesfrompaymentfraud Its unifiedarchitecturedetectsfraudinreal-time,offering data-drivenanalyticsforenhancedoperationsandrisk managementintheevolvingdigitallandscape.

Management-IreneOrtiz-Glass,FounderandCEO

URL-www.leadershipadvisorygroup.com

Founded-

URL2016

Description-KCMEDSOLUTIONS,amedical consultancy,helpsclinicsincreaserevenueand efficiency Theirskilledteamassistswiththeintegration ofauxiliaryservicessuchastreatment,streamlining invoicing,andoptimizingoperations,henceimproving patientcareandsatisfaction.

Founded-2013

Description-Thecompany’sproductsaredesignedto providerelevantandfullydigitalizedhealthcareusingthe mostrecenttechnicaladvancementsandtoprovidethe mostseamlessdigitalhealthcaresolutionsusingAI,IoT, VR,andothercomplextechinfrastructures

NRPR Group

Management-

NicoleRodrigues,CEOandFounder

URL-www.nrprgroup.com

Founded-2014

Description-NRPRGroupisadistinctivestrategic consultingfirm.Theirbroadteamofhybrid professionalsprovidesablendofcontentPRandsocial strategy,benefitingorganizationsofallsizesin industriesrangingfromentertainmenttotechnology

Onapsis

Management-

SelenaProctor,CCO

URL-www.onapsis.com

Founded-2009

Description-Onapsissafeguardscriticalbusiness applicationsfor300+worldwidebrands,including20% oftheFortune100 OnapsisResearchLabs,in collaborationwithindustryexperts,discoversand mitigates800+zero-dayvulnerabilitiesinmission-critical software.

Publicis Sapient

ManagementTeresaBarreira,GlobalChief MarketingandCommunicationsOfficer

URL-www.publicissapient.com

Founded-1990

Description-PublicisSapient,adigitaltransformation company,collaborateswithglobalenterprisestorethink customerexperiencesandproducts With20,000 specialistsacross50officesworldwide,ourSPEED skillsanddata-drivenapproachenableclientstoprosper inthedigitalage

ThriftPlan

Management- ReemIkram,Co-FounderandCEO

URL-www.thriftplan.sa

Founded-2019

Description-Withitsinteractivedigitalsavings solution,Thriftplan,aSaudiFinTechinnovation, transformsemployeebenefits ItreimaginesSocial Securitybyenablingbothbusinessesandemployeesto investinthefutureinaseamlessmanner

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.

RedefiningLoyaltyProgramswith 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.

I“If you’re clear on what you believe, you have a great foundation to go make a market,” statedGinniRometty, IBM’sChairman,President,andCEO.ForfemaleCEOs, thejourneytowardsuccessisnoeasyfeat.Recentstatistics revealthatonly24%ofwomenholdleadershippositions, andfemalesholdamere29%ofseniormanagementroles. Despitethechallenges,40%ofwomenhaveachievedthe covetedpositionofCEO.Impressively,41oftheFortune 500businessesareledbyfemaleCEOs.Thesefiguresare startling;womenmustbegivenmoreopportunitiestoexcel intheirrespectivefields.Thisarticlewillshowcasethetop fivewomenCEOsonFortune’sGlobal500listwhohave madehistoryandinspiredfuturegenerationswiththeir exceptionalcareers.

1. MaryBarra

● Yearof Birth:1961

● Country:USA

● Company: GeneralMotors

● Networth: $171Million

In1985,MaryBarracompletedherundergraduate studiesinElectricalEngineeringatKetteringUniversity. Later,sheearnedagranttopursueherMasterofBusiness AdministrationfromStanfordGraduateSchoolofBusiness, whichshecompletedin1990.

Marybeganhercareerin1980at18asaco-opstudentwith GeneralMotors.Overtheyears,sheworkedherwayupthe ranksandwasappointedVicePresidentofGlobal ManufacturingEngineeringin2008.Thefollowingyear, shewasselectedtoserveasVicePresidentofGlobal HumanResources,apositionshehelduntil2011.In2011, MarybecameVicePresidentofGlobalProduct Development,andtwoyearslater,herrolewasexpandedto includepurchasingandsupplychains.Andin2014,Mary wasnamedCEOofGeneralMotors.

Maryhashadasuccessfulcareerasatopexecutive,earning accoladessuchasForbes’35thmostpowerfulwomanin 2013andrankingfourthinthesamecompetitionin2018. ShewasalsonamedfirstonFortune'slistofthemost powerfulwomenin2015,holdingthatpositionuntil2017.

In2023,shewasawardedtheLarryFosterAwardfor IntegrityinPublicCommunicationattheArthurW.Page CenterAwards.MaryBarraiscurrentlyrankedthirdamong thetopfivefemaleCEOsonFortune'sWorldwide500list, andhercompany,GeneralMotors,hasamarketvalueof $55.06billion.

2. GailK.Boudreaux

● Yearof Birth:1960

● Country:USA

● Company:ElevanceHealthInc

● Networth: $99Million

Gail’stransformationfromabasketballsuperstartothe CEOofElevanceHealth(formerlyAnthem)hasinspired many AftergraduatingfromDartmouthCollegein1982, GailpursuedheracademiccareeratColumbiaUniversity’s businessschool,whereshegraduatedwithhonorsin1989.

In2002,afterspendingtwodecadesinAETNA,Gailwas selectedasthepresidentofBlueShieldofIllinois.Shelater joinedUnitedHealthGroupinMay2008asanexecutive vicepresidentofUnitedHealthcare,wheresheworkeduntil 2014.In2015,sheestablishedandbecametheCEOof GKBHealthandLLC.OnNovember6,2016,shewas appointedCEOofElevanceHealthInc.

Between2008and2021,Gailwasrecognizedasoneofthe 50mostinfluentialwomeninAmericanbusinessandoneof Forbes'100mostpowerfulwomenglobally.In2020,she securedthetenthspotonForbes’listofThe100Most PowerfulWomen,andin2021,sheranked16th. Additionally,shewasawardedtheTheodoreRoosevelt Awardin2022.Presently,ElevanceHealthboastsamarket valueof$105.37billion.

3. CarolTomé

● Yearof Birth:1957

● Country:USA

● Company: UPS

● Networth: $67.5Million

Carolhasalwaysbeeninterestedinfinance,possibly becauseherfatherwasacommunitybanker Afterearninga businessdegreefromTheUniversityofDenver,she envisionedworkinginabank.

Carolhasheldvariouspositionsinhercareer.Sheservedas abusinesslenderforWellsFargoandasJohnsManville

Corporation’sbankingdirector Additionally,shewasthevice presidentandtreasurerforRiverwood InternationalCorporationinAtlanta.

In2001,CarolwaspromotedtoCFO atTheHomeDepot.Shewas appointedCEOofUnitedParcel Service(UPS)afterabriefretirement periodin2020.ForbeslistedCarol amongthetop12to16mostinfluential womenglobally Additionally,she securedthesecondpositiononThe WallStreetJournal’srankingofthe bestchieffinancialofficersin2012.

4. KarenLynch

● Yearof Birth:1963

● Country:USA

● Company:CVSHealth

● Networth:$51.2Million

KarenLynch holdsabachelor’s degreeinaccountingfromBoston University’sCarrollSchoolof Management.Sheobtainedher CertifiedPublicAccountant(CPA) certificationupongraduation.

Afterstartinghercareerinthe insuranceindustryatErnst&Young, KarenbecamethepresidentofCigna Dentalin2004aftercompletingher MBA.In2009,sheleftCignatotake ontheroleofpresidentatMagellan HealthServices.Then,in2012,she joinedAetnaastheseniorvice presidentandheadofSpecialty products.

In2015,Karenmadehistoryasthefirst femalepresidentofhercompany Duringthepandemic,shewas appointedpresidentandCEOofCVS Health,becomingthehighest-ranking femaleCEOoftheFortune500andthe

40thfemalechiefexecutive.Underher leadership,CVSHealthsuccessfully administeredanddistributedCOVID vaccinestoover50statesintheUS. Herachievementsearnedheraspoton Time'sTime100listoftheworld’s mostinfluentialpeoplein2023. Currently,themarketvalueofCVS Healthis$88.92billion.

5. RosalindBrewer

● Yearof Birth:1962

● Country:USA

● Company:WalgreensBoots Alliance

● Networth:$24.4Million

Rosalindhasalwaysbeenintriguedby numbersandscience.Herinterestin thesesubjectshasledhertoachieve thesecond-highestrankingamongthe topfivefemaleCEOsonFortune’s Global500list.Thissuccesshas inspiredhertopursueacareerin medicine.AftergraduatingfromCass TechnicalHighSchoolin1980,she attendedSpelmanCollegeand obtainedabachelor’sdegreein Chemistry

Aftergraduating,Rosalindstarted workingasaresearchtechnicianat Kimberly-Clark.Shecompleted executiveeducationprogramsatthe UniversityofChicagoBoothSchoolof BusinessandStanfordLawSchooland anadvancedmanagementprogramat TheWhartonSchooloftheUniversity ofPennsylvania.

Rosalindistheonlyblackwoman currentlyleadingaFortune500 corporation.Sheisanaccomplished workingmomnamedtheworld’smost powerfulin2013.In2020,Forbes recognizedherasthe27thmost

powerfulwomanintheworldandthe48th mostinfluentialwoman.Shewasrecently namedoneofUSAToday’sWomenofthe Year.It’simpressivethathercompany, WalgreenBootsAlliance,isnowvaluedat $25.12billionin2023.

Insummary,thesefemaleCEOshave increasedtheircompanies’marketvalue throughtheirhardworkanddetermination. Itisnotaneasytasktoholdthepositionof

CEO,regardlessofgender Therefore, womenwhohavethispositionshould beconsidered.Encouragingmore womentoaspiretosenior managementrolesisvital,and ensuringtheyaretreatedsomewhatis critical.Ourarticleonthetop5 womenCEOsonFortune'sGlobal 500listaimstoinspireupcoming femaleCEOstoperseveredespite theirchallenges.

Kimberly Tucker

Passionate Entrepreneur on a Path to Revolutionize Healthcare Business

Intoday’sdynamicbusinesslandscape, wearewitnessingaremarkable transformationinhowwomen approachleadership.Whatwasoncea hesitantdemeanorhasnowgivenwaytoa proactive“getitdone”mindset.Women’s approachgoesbeyondtraditionalnorms, showcasinginnovativethinking,and effectiveproblem-solvingandefficient execution.Theypossessauniqueabilityto adeptlymanagemultipletaskswhile promptlymakingintentionaldecisions.One ofthemostnoteworthyaspectsofwomen’s impactonthebusinessrealmistheir prioritizationofcollaborationover competition.Byacknowledgingtheinherent valueofformingteamswithdiverse strengths,womenensurethatthesynergy amongindividuals,irrespectiveofgender, optimizesprojectoutcomes.

KimberlyTuckerembodiesthese principlesinherroleastheCEOand FounderofK&CSolutionsInc. Let’s delveintohowKimberly’sresolute determinationandfearlessperspectiveact ascatalystsforchange,inspiringanew generationofwomenleaders.

AnEntrepreneurialJourneyRootedin Family

Kimberly’sjourneytobecominga successfulentrepreneurandbusiness leaderhighlightsthepowerofpassion anddetermination.Herfather,a corporatebusinessman,inspiredher, nurturinganearlyinterestinthebusiness world.WhilestudyingatOklahomaState University,shefoundanewpassionfor healthcareduringhertimeatthelocal hospitalandorthopedicclinic.

Combininghertwopassions,shesetout onamissiontoempowerphysiciansas successfulbusinessowners.

Herpathintoentrepreneurshipstemmed fromadeepunderstandingofherselfand adesiretocreatepositivechange.

Recognizingtheimportanceof empowerment,education,collaboration, andconnection,shededicatedherselfto addingvaluetoeveryphysicianshe workedwith.ForKimberly,beingan entrepreneurwasn’tjustaboutpersonal success;itwasaboutchangingthe healthcarecultureitself.Shebelievesin

“ Become who you aspire to be and never give up! Compete with no one other than who you were yesterday!

makingalastingimpactthatwill matterforyearstocome.Witha strongdreamandavisionfor significantchange,Kimberlyisa majorforceinthebusinessworld.

K&CSolutions:Navigatingthe ComplexitiesofHealthcare Business

KimberlyfoundedK&C Solutions,Inc.in2016.The company’smissionrevolves aroundsimplifyingthebusiness sideofmedicine,enabling healthcareprofessionalsto concentrateonpatientcarewhile ensuringtheprosperityoftheir practices.Theirdistinctapproach differentiatestheminthemarket, offeringavaluableplaybook exclusivelytailoredfor independentphysicians—the “PartnerPlaybook.”

K&CSolutionsstrategically providescustomizedsolutions, boththroughpartnershipsand proprietarymethods,allgeared towardsbenefitingtheirclients. Whetherphysiciansarelaunching newmedicalpracticesorhave beenestablishedforyears,the K&CSolutionsteamcanassistin augmentingrevenue,enhancing efficiencies,andraisingthe standardofpatientcare.

Thecompanyprimarilycenters itseffortsonthehealthcare sector,furnishingaroadmapfor medicalpracticestoattain enhancedsuccessand profitability.Theirsolutions tackleprevalentpainpointsfaced byclients,suchasstreamlining practiceoperations,securing appropriateresources,and selectingoptimalpartnersfor vitalserviceslikebilling,coding, HR,andmarketing.

PavingthePathofGrowthwitha Solution-OrientedApproach

Inherroleastheorganization’sleader, Kimberlyoccupiesacrucialposition initsgrowthandtriumph.Hermain responsibilitiescenteronidentifying valuableprospectsforbothcurrent andprospectiveclients.Withher visionaryoutlook,sheconsistently pursuesinnovativesolutions, especiallyinlightoftechnology’s ongoinginfluenceontheindustry. Kimberlyarticulates, “I am a visionary who is obsessed with solution-oriented ideas and opportunities.” Theseattributes galvanizehercapacitytoguidethe teamandsurmountobstacles.

Regardingtheindustrysheoperates in,Kimberlyderivesimmense satisfactionfromtheprofusionof chancestoinstigatepositivechange. Nevertheless,sheholdsastrong aversiontothebureaucracyand politicsthatfrequentlyimpede advancementandnovelty.Despite thesechallenges,Kimberly’ssteadfast commitmenttoeffectingchange remainsresolute.

InsightsintoBuilding ExtraordinaryTeams

Inthepursuitofbuildinganexcellent team,Kimberlyunveilsasurprisingly straightforwardyetinfluentialformula –intentionalityandgenuine understanding.Shebelievesthat motivationoriginatesfromwithin, ignitedbytheinspirationtosurpass personallimitations.However,what distinguishesherapproachisherskill inenablingindividualstoembrace theirauthenticpotentiallongbefore theyevenrecognizeit.

Venturingintothedomainofgender inequalitywithinthebusinessrealm, Kimberlychallengesconventional

“The road to success is always under construction.”

thought.Toher,thefocusisnoton gender;rather,itisabout acknowledgingthediverseskillsand boundlesspotentialinherentineach individual.Byembracingdistinct strengthsandweaknesses,shefosters adynamicculturewherelike-minded individualsunite,unleashingtheir collectivepower Asatrailblazer, Kimberlychampionsempowerment forthosewhoareeagertodrive positivechange.Inherworld,it’snot aboutgender–it’sabouttheardor, commitment,andpotentialthat individualscontributetothe discourse.

ThrivingAmidstChallenges

Kimberlyappreciatestherhythmof life’sseasonsinherpursuitof maintainingawell-rested,healthy,and high-performinglifestyle.Sheadopts aday-to-daystrategy,welcoming periodsthatrequireadditionaleffortas wellasthosethatoffermomentsof relaxation.Reflectionservesasher guide,allowinghertoacknowledge accomplishmentswhileaimingforan evenmorepromisingfuture.Amidst everything,sheretainsherunwavering aspiration,alwayskeepingpotential opportunitiesinview

AdviceforAspiringFemale Leaders

Kimberlyimpartsvaluableadviceto womenaspiringtoleadershiproles, drawingfromherownachievements andthewisdomhandeddownbyher father.Shewarmlyrecollectsher father’simpactfulwords, “The road to success is always under construction,” aguidingprinciple thathasprofoundlyinfluencedher journey.

Kimberly’smessagetofuture womenleadersisunequivocaland empowering:Embraceyour ambitionsandperseveresteadfastly Asyoustrivetowardyour objectives,bearinmindthatyour solecompetitionshouldbethe personyouwereyesterday.This mindsetchampionspersonalgrowth andperpetualenhancement,free fromthestrainsofcomparison.

WithKimberly’sperceptive guidance,aspiringwomenleaders areemboldenedtonavigatetheir individualpathstosuccess, recognizingthatthejourneymight beongoing,yetthedestinationisall themoregratifying.

The 48 Laws of

The Complete List

Ifyouwanttoexperiencepower,armyourselfagainst

authority,orclaimyourpassion,read“The48Lawsof Power.”RobertGreene,oneofthewell-knownauthors ofsixinternationalbestsellers,wrotethisbook.Robert’s booksareintenseandhavevaluablelessonsthatstillhold valueintoday’sworld.Hisbestseller,The48Lawsof Power,highlightsthephilosophiesofvariouspersonalities suchasMachiavelli,SunTzu,CarlvonClausewitz,Queen ElizabethII,etc.Inthisblog,wewilldescribeeachlawin hisbook.Let’sbegin!

Law1:AlwaysKeepYourMasterAboveYou.

Hideyourtalentsandmakethoseaboveyoufeelsuperior, sotheywillneverfeelthreatenedbyyouandwillinstead promoteyou.

Law2:BeWaryofYourFriends.

Friendsaremorelikelytobetrayyouinhastethanenemies, astheyaremorepronetoenvy.Makefriendswithaformer enemy,astheywillhavemoretoprove.

Law3:ConcealYourIntentions

Keeppeopleoff-balanceandinthedarkbyneverrevealing thepurposebehindyouractions.Iftheyhavenocluewhat youareupto,theycannotprepareadefense.

Law4:AlwaysSayLessThanNecessary

Thelessyousay,themoremysteriousyouappear.Silence makespeopleuncomfortableandforcesthemtofillinthe blanks,revealingmoreaboutthemselvesthanintended.

Law5:SoMuchDependsonReputation-GuardIt WithYourLife

Donotleaveyourreputationtochanceorgossip;itisyour life’sartwork,andyoumustcraftit,honeit,anddisplayit withanartist'scare.

Law6:CourtAttentionatAllCost

Appearmoreprominent,colorful,andmysteriousthanthe blandandtimidmasseswhojudgeeverythingbyits appearance.

Law7:GetOtherstoDoYourWork,butAlwaysTake theCredit

Thislawstatesthatitismoreefficientandeffectivetouse theskillsandknowledgeofotherstofurtheryourown goals.Bydoingso,youwillappearmorepowerfuland efficient.

Law8:MakeOtherPeopleComeToYou-UseBaitif

Necessary

Itisalwaysbettertomakeyouropponentcometoyouina powerstruggle.Thisputsyouincontrolandgivesyouan advantage.Useanybait,ifnecessary

Law9:WinThroughYourActions,NeverThrough Argument

Argumentsarecounterproductiveandcancreateresentment. Itisbettertodemonstrateyourpointthroughactions,without sayingaword.

Law10:Infection-AvoidtheUnhappyandUnlucky

Theunhappyandunluckycanbringtheirmiseryonyoulike aninfection.Associatewiththehappyandfortunateinstead, astheirpositiveenergywillruboffonyou.

Law11:LearntoKeepPeopleDependentonYou

Tomaintainyourpower,makeothersdependentonyou.The moretheyneedyou,themorecontrolyouhaveoverthem.

Law12:UseSelectiveGenerosityandHonestytoDisarm YourVictim

Asingleactofhonestyorgenerositycandisarmeventhe mostsuspiciousperson.Oncetheyaredisarmed,youcan manipulatethematwill.

Law13:WhenAskingForHelp,AppealtoPeoplesSelf Interests,NevertoTheirMercyorGratitude

Appealtopeople’sself-interest,nevertotheirmercyor gratitude.Peoplearemorelikelytohelpyouiftheyseeitas intheirbestinterest.

Law14:PoseasaFriend,WorkasaSpy

Togainpower,youmustlearntogatherinformationabout yourrivals.Thebestwaytodothisistobefriendswiththem andgaintheirtrust.

Law15:CrushYourEnemyTotally

Destroyyourenemiesnotonlyinbodybutalsoinspirit. Leavethemnoroomtomaneuverornegotiate.

Law16:UseAbsencetoIncreaseRespectandHonor

Toomuchpresencemakesyoucommon,sowithdraw strategicallytoincreaseyourvalueandmakepeoplecrave yourpresence.

Law17:KeepOthersinSuspendedTerror-Cultivate anAirofUnpredictability

KeepOthersInSuspendedTerror:CultivateAnAirOf Unpredictability.Soyoucanthrowthemoffbalanceand eventerrifythembycultivatinganairofunpredictability.

Law18:DoNotBuildFortressesAroundYourselfIsolationIsDangerous

Isolationisdangerousbecauseitmakesyoublindtothe threatsaroundyou.Itisbettertostayconnectedwith othersandbuildanetworkofallieswhocanprotectyou.

Law19:KnowWhoYouAreDealingWith-DoNot OffendtheWrongPerson

Becarefulwhoyouoffend;somepeoplewillneverforget orforgive.Therearemanydifferentkindsofpeoplein theworld,andeachwillreactdifferentlyifyoulieto them.

Law20:DoNotCommitToAnyone

Youshouldonlypartiallyalignyourselfwithoneperson orgroup,whichwilllimityourpowerandinfluence. Beingindependent,youcanplaypeopleandbeatan advantage.

Law21:PlayaSuckertoCatchaSucker-Play DumberThanYourMark

Togainpower,makeothersfeelsmarterthanyou.This willdisarmtheirsuspicionandmakethemmorelikelyto trustyou.

Law22:UsetheSurrenderTactic-Transform WeaknessIntoPower

Whenyouareweaker,surrenderratherthanfightforthe sakeofhonor.Itgivesyoutimetobuildstrengthand undermineyourvictorwhileyouwaitforhispowerto weaken.

Law23:ConcentrateYourForces

Conserveyourresourcesandenergiesbyconcentrating themwhereyou’llbenefitmost.Focusonminingthe richestmineratherthanawholestringofmines.

Law24:PlaythePerfectCourtier

Theperfectcourtierhasmasteredtheartofindirection, flattering,andassertingpoweroverothersgracefully

Law25:Re-CreateYourselves

Donotaccepttherolesthatsocietyimposesonyou.Instead, re-createyourselfbyforginganewidentitythatcommands attentionandneverborestheaudience.

Law26:KeepYourHandClean

Nevergetpersonallyinvolvedinanythingmessyor unpleasant.Alwaysuseothersasscapegoatsandcat’spaws todisguiseyourinvolvement.

Law27:PlayOnPeople’sNeedstoBelievetoCreatea CultlikeFollowing

Mimicisareligiousstructurewithahierarchy,rituals,and requestsforsacrifice.Createacultlikefollowing,andyou willhaveuntoldpoweroveryourfollowers.

Law28:EnterActionsWithBoldness

Hesitationisdangerous.Onlyattemptitifyouaresureofthe courseofaction.Yourdoubtsanduncertaintieswillaffect yourexecution.

Law29:PlanAlltheWaytotheEnd

Planallthewaytotheendandfocusonyourultimategoal. Don’tbeswayedbywishfulthinkingortemptedto improvise.

Law30:MakeYourAccomplishmentsSeemEffortless

Hidetheeffortthatwentintoyouraccomplishments.People willbemoreimpressedbyyourachievementsiftheyseem effortless.

Law31:ControltheOptions:GetOtherstoPlayWith theCardsYouDeal

GetOtherstoPlaywiththeCardsYouDeal:Thebestwayto deceivepeopleistomakethembelievetheyhaveachoice andareincontrol.Inreality,youareincontrol.

Law32:PlaytoPeople’sFantasies

Fantasiesmoreeasilyswaypeoplethanreality.Ifyoutapinto people’simaginations,youcangaintheirtrustandsupport.

Law33:DiscoverEachMan’sThumbscrew

Discoveringandexploitingweaknessescangiveindividuals poweroverothers.Everyonehasaweaknessthatcanbe exploited.

Law34:BeRoyalinYourOwnFashion:Act LikeaKingtoBeTreatedLikeOne

Peopletreatyouthewayyoutreatyourself.Ifyou carryyourselfwithconfidenceanddignity,people willrespectandtreatyouasnecessary

Law35:MastertheArtofTiming

Takeyourtime.Alwaysbepatient,aseverything willcometoyoupromptly.Liveinthemoment.It willtakeyoutogreatheightsofpower

Law36:DisdainThingsYouCannotHave: IgnoringThemIstheBestRevenge

Thelessinterestyoutakeinthingsthatirritateyou, themoresuperioryouseem.Byacknowledging yourenemy,yougivetheirexistencecredibility and,therefore,power

Law37:CreateCompellingSpectacles

Peoplearemorepersuadedbywhattheyseethan whattheyhear.Usestrikingimageryandgrand symbolicgesturestocreateanauraofpower aroundyou.

Law38:ThinkasYouLikebutBehaveLike Others

Inwardly,youcanthinkandbelievewhateveryou want,butoutwardly,itisbesttoblendinand behavelikeothers.

Law39:StirupWaterstoCatchFish

Yougainadecidedadvantageifyoucanangeryour enemieswhilestayingcalm.Itwillrattlethemand putthemoffbalance,givingyoutheupperhand.

Law40:DespisetheFreeLunch

Everythinghasaprice,sobewaryofanythingthat seemsfree.Bewillingtopayyourwayandstay clearofgratitude,guilt,anddeceit.

Law41:AvoidSleepingIntoaGreatMan’s Shoes

Growingupasthesonordaughterofafamous personforcesyoutooutshinetheirpopularity Don’tbeinfluencedbythat,andcreateyourown identity.

Law42:StriketheShepherdandtheSheepWill Scatter

Donotsuccumbtoornegotiatewithtroubles. Neutralizeormakethemirrelevantsotheydon’t multiplyandcauseproblems.

Law43:WorkontheHeartsandMindsofOthers

Togainpower,youmustwintheheartsandmindsof others.Youcanachievethisbyplayingwiththeir emotions,appealingtotheirself-interest,and garneringbroadsupport.

Law44:DisarmandInfuriateWiththeMirror Effect

Bymirroringyouropponents’actionsandwords, youcandisarmthemandinfuriatethem.Reflecting ontheiremotions,interests,andvaluescan accomplishthis.

Law45:PreachtheNeedforChange,butNever ReformTooMuchatOnce

Peoplearecreaturesofhabitandresistchange.If youwanttoimplementchange,dosograduallyand makeitseemlikeagentleimprovementfromthe past.

Law46:NeverAppearTooPerfect

Appearingtooperfectwillmakepeopleenviousand resentful.Itiswisetodisplaydefectsandadmitto harmlessvicesoccasionally

Law47:DoNotGoPasttheMarkYouAimed For;InVictoryLearnWhentoStop

Learnwhentostopandconsolidateyourgains.It willallowyoutomaintainyourpowerandavoid makingmistakesthatcouldjeopardizeyourposition.

Law48:AssumeFormlessness

Beflexible,fluid,andunpredictablesoyour opponentscan’tgetafixonyouandfigureouthow torespond.

ThesearesomeessentiallawsthatthebookThe48 LawsofPowerhastaughtus.Wemusttrytofollow theselawsaswegrowinlife.Doingsoallowsusto createthebestversionsofourselvesandgrow rapidlyasourcareersadvance.

Baird (Director,DripIV)

Kristie

Kristie Baird

An Ardent Leader Inuencing Medical Sector with Ingenuity

Resiliencyanddeterminationaretwoofthemost prevalentqualitiesanentrepreneurmust-have today.Challengesandsetbacksareapartand parcelofanentrepreneur’sjourney,andthosewhoarenot botheredbytheseobstaclesoftendistinguishthemselvesas thefinestentrepreneurs.

KristieBaird(Director,DripIV)isonesuchdrivenand motivatedentrepreneurwithastrongworkethicanda disciplinedapproach.Talkingaboutthefactorsthat differentiateherfromtheotherleaders,shesays, “I don't compare myself to other business owners or entrepreneurs. I think anyone with the drive to create a concept from scratch should be given recognition.”

BeginningataYoungAge

Kristiestruggledwithhigh-school-leveleducation.Shewas goodinacademics,however,shewantedtogetoutintothe realworldandworkfromaveryyoungage.Shestartedher ownbusinessattheageof18beforerelocatingfromNew ZealandtoAustralia.InAustralia,shestartedmaking progressinthecosmeticinjectingandskinindustry.Kristie becameamanagingpartnerinabusinessforaroundseven years.

Talkingaboutherintroductiontoentrepreneurship,Kristie

says, “I never aspired to be an entrepreneur; business and leadership just came naturally to me.” Shepersistently createsnewideasforopportunitiessheseesinthemarket. Kristiementionsthatconstantlyseekingideascanbea burdensometimes,asshestrugglestoswitchthatoff.

MindfulBusinessInception

Currently,KristieservesastheDirectorofDripIV Establishedin2008inSydney,Australia,DripIVhasa missiontomakehealthaccessibleforeveryonebyoffering servicesinthecomfortoftheirownhomes.Holdingsucha powerfulmission,Kristiesetupthebusinessinmost Australianstateswithin6months.Afterfouryears,the companyexpandeditslocationsalloverAustraliaandNew Zealand.Currently,itfocusesonspreadingthebusinessin theUS,Bali,andtheUK.

Cutting-edgeServices

DripIVprovidesanarrayofdistinctservicesandsolutions, mostprominently,arangeofVitaminIVservices.The medicalteamadministerstheseinthecomfortoftheclient's home,office,orhotel.Thecompanyalsohasclinic locationsnationwideandwantstohelppeoplebyoffering itsservicesmobile.Withthese,itcancatertobusy professionalsortopeoplewhocan'tleavetheirhomes

becauseofillness.Thismakesitthemostconvenientoption forclients.

ConstantAdaptiontoChanges

Sincethecompanystarted,Kristiehasshoulderedmany responsibilitiesandmanagedmarketing,accounts,HR,and customerservicewhichhasallowedhertounderstandall divisionsofthecompany.Sheisanunderstandingbosswho alwaysassistsherteam. “I don’t fit into the mold of what some company structures may look like,” addsKristie.

Kristieconstantlyadaptsandfindsbettersolutionsforhow thecompanycanoperate.Sheprimarilyoverseestheentire operationsofthecompanyandfocusesongrowingthe businessandlaunchingnewlocations.

ReputationandGrowth

Currently,VitaminIVisarelativelynewconceptin

AustraliaandNewZealand.DripIVwasthefirstcompany toofferVitaminIVtherapyasamobileserviceandit dominatedthemarketquicklywiththecompany’sgrowth. Whenthecompanystarted,therewereonlyafewclinics thatusedtooffersimilarservices.Withtheinceptionofthe newindustry,newcompetitorscomeintotherace. However,DripIVhaslongestablisheditsreputationand thegrowthisexpediential.COVIDalsohasabigpartinthe growthandwherethecompanystandstoday.Peopleare becomingmoreconsciousabouttheirhealthandwellbeing.Theyarealsopreferringahomeserviceinsteadof goingintomedicalpractices.Withaninnovativeconceptof VitaminIV,DripIVassuresitsclientsthebestservices.

ExemplaryCustomerService

CustomerfeedbackplaysanimportantroleinhowDripIV operates.Kristieisthankfulforsuchclientelefeedbackand shehasadaptedtonewsystemsandprocessestomakethe experiencestreamlinedandbeneficialfortheclient.She

believesthateverycompanyneedstoconstantlyadaptand seewhereimprovementscanbemade.Withthatsaid,she briefsthatDripIVgoesaboveandbeyondtoeducateits clientsonthebenefitsofvitamintherapy.

OvercomingChallenges

Beingasuccessfulentrepreneur,Kristiesharesherideology aboutentrepreneurship. “It is the hardest journey, and you would be lying if you said it was easy,” addsKristie.Every daycomeswithanewchallengetoovercome,however, thereisapointwheretheindividual’shardworkpaysoff andtheprocessbecomeseasier.Kristieadmitsthatshehas beentestedmanytimesthroughoutherjourneyandgives inspirationwithherthoughts— ‘I came this far and dreamed to be in this position, why would I give up now?’

FutureUpgradation

Kristiehasplansforthebrightfutureofthecompany.She iscurrentlyworkingondevelopingthecompany’sown medicaldisposalsandequipment.Shehasdiscoveredgaps inthemarketwherethecompanycannotonlyusethe productsbutalsoimproveonwhatiscurrentlyavailable.

Kristiehasvastexperienceinservingtheindustryandhas seenmanylowsandhighsduringhercareer.Shesuggests thatforsuccessfulentrepreneurship,aspiringleadersshould startsomewhere.Manypeoplearetooscaredor procrastinateinputtingtheworkin.Sheadvisesthemto focusontheirendgoalsandtakeasteptowardsthemevery day

“I would like to advise the aspiring leaders to trust their gut and don't let people they admire take advantage of them. ”

Co-Founder & CEO

REEM IKRAM REEM IKRAM

Intoday’sdynamicbusiness environment,smallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)are facingadauntingchallengeintheform ofsocialsecurity.Fromtheperspective ofemployees,thisresultsinahard-toswallowdeductionfromtheirsalaries. However,itisnotjustaboutthe financialaspect;employees,regardless oftheirbackground,wantstabilityand security,aswellasaccesstoadiverse rangeofinvestmentoptionstobuild theirwealth.

Meanwhile,companiesarestruggling withtheinternalretentionof employees,losingthemduetosmall increasesinsalaries.Itisclearthatthis isnotjustacommercialchallenge,but alsoasocialonethatbusinessesneed toaddress.AccordingtoanewBoston ConsultingGroup(BCG)study, approximately70%ofUAEemployees areconsideringchangingjobs,with compensation,retirement,and insurancebenefitsbeingthe“topdeal breakers.”

Similarproblemsinothermarketshave beenaddressedwithDefined contributionPlanssuchasthe401kin theUS.Thesechallenges,however,are globalinscope,anditistheroleof exemplaryleaderstochangenotonly themarketbutalsothoughtprocesses.

AnexampleofthisisReemIkram (Co-Founder, CEOand of ThriftPlan).Withhervisionand foresight,sheisredefiningsocial securitybyofferinganinteractive investmentplatformforboth employersandemployeesinthe MENAregion.

ATrailblazer’sJourney

Reemhasanimpressivejourneythat beganinherchildhoodinGermany, whereshediscoveredthethrillof creatingherownenterprisebyselling stones.Asachild,shewasfascinated bythefinancialaspectofrunninga business,andthisearlyexperienceleft alastingimpressiononher.

Afterstudyingentrepreneurship,Reem workedininnovationandtookher family’sbusinessfromthefirsttothe thirdgeneration.Shefacedthe dauntingchallengeofbringingthe companyintothedigitalageand transforminganimport/exportbusiness intoe-commerce.Herexperiencein managingfinancesprovedtobe invaluableduringthistransformational journey

UponmovingtoSaudiArabia,Reem encounteredasignificantchallenge duringhertimeworkinginPrivate EquityinSaudiArabia–the complicatedpensionsystemforexpats andthestrugglesofayounggeneration thatisnotpreparedforfinancial hurdlesinthefuture.Assomeonewho

wasusedtohavingadeductionfrom hersalary,Reemfoundithardtoadapt tothenewsystem,andthisrealization promptedhertoaddressamore widespreadproblem.Thisrealization sparkedtheideaforThriftPlan,a revolutionaryplatformthatoffersan interactiveinvestmentplanforboth employersandemployees.

RevolutionizingFinancialSecurity inMENA

Foundedin2019,atAlYasmeen, Riyadh,ThriftPlan’sgoalistohelp individualsachievefinancialsecurity inaregionwheresocialsecurityisa challengingissue.WithVision2030 addressingtheneedforsaving solutions,Thriftplanisactively highlightingoneofthelargestsources ofsaving,theWorkplaceSaving Plan,whichhascrossedamarket valueofmorethanUSD$7trillionin theUnitedStates.

Moreover,itisthethoughtprocessof companiesandindividualsthatis changing.Oneofthecorestrugglesin encouragingindividualstosavehas beenthecountry’sleveloffinancial

literacy,whichhasproventobea difficultobstacleinamarketwitha largeyoungpopulation.However,by automatingandencouragingdigital learningwhileinvesting,Reemandher teamarechangingthefutureofa generation. “The secret to evoking change is to have believers; my team was the first to believe. They are the ambassadors of saving,” saysReem.

InvestinginEmployeeRetention

AtThriftPlan,theteamhelps companiescreatedefinedcontribution plansthatincreaseinternalemployee retention.Unlikecompetitors,the company’sapproachinvolvesallowing adirectcontributionfromthe employee’ssalarytothesavingsplan, matchedbytheemployerbasedon theirretentiongoals.Thisencourages employeestoinvestintheirfuture whilebuildingloyaltytotheir employer.

ThriftPlanalsoempowersemployees bygivingthemtheautonomytodecide ontheirinvestmentportfolio,ensuring thatonlytheirdiscretionaryfundsare managedbythem.Additionally, ThriftPlanofferscomprehensive workshops,educationalcontent,and advisoryservicestohelpcreatethe mostsuitabledefinedcontributionplan foreachcompany’suniquehierarchy, objectives,andculture.

MakingThingsPossible

Reemisadynamicleaderwho shoulderstheultimateresponsibility foreverythingatherorganization. Withherleadershipstyleofleadingby example,sheensuresthatnotaskis beneathher,regardlessoftheskillset required.Asaleader,sheisrenowned forherabilitytomakethingspossible. Sheapproacheseveryproblemwitha contingencyplan. “Every problem

should have a plan B, a plan C, and if needed all the way to Z,” statesReem.

Asanentrepreneur,Reemunderstands thechallengesofkeepingherselfand herteammotivated.However,she considerstheimpactshehasonthe communityandstakeholderstobethe mostrewardingandrefreshingaspect ofherprofession.Sheisafirmbeliever thatbusinessesmustlookbeyond profitabilityandaddresssocialissues aswell.

Reemremembersatimewhenpeople toldherthatwhatshewasdoingwas impossible.However,sherefusedtolet thenaysayersdiscourageherand insteadpersevered,makingthe impossiblepossible.

Underherleadership,thecompanyhas achievednumerousnotableawardsand achievements.Inrecentyears, ThriftPlanwasawardedtheprestigious titleofthemostinnovativecorporate savingsolutioninKSA.Thecompany hasalsoreceivedmultipleawardsfor itsexceptionaleducationincentive.It participatedinFintechSaudiandwon thefirstprizeduringDemoDay.

StayingProactiveinaChanging Landscape

“Opportunities come, but they are a gift; as leaders, we need to be able to recognize them and capture them to succeed,” assertsReem.Sheopines thatbeingproactiveisnotonly importantbutalsoanobligationfor leaderstoseekoutnovelwaysto evolve.Itisnotonlyforthebenefitof stockholders,butalsoforthe organization’semployees,the ecosystemthatdependsonit,andthe individualswhohavenoalternative.

FromBoardroomtoBarn

Beyondhercabin,Reemindulgesina fewhobbiesthatbringhertruepeace. Shefindssolaceintrainingandriding horses,whichbringsanunparalleled senseoftrustandrejuvenationbetween theanimalandtherider.Forher,itisa refreshingfeelingthathelpsher unwindfromthedemandsofherbusy schedule.Inadditiontohorseriding, Reemalsoenjoysjoggingandreading whichhelpsherreleasestressandcalm hermind.

TheMindsetofaLeader

Reemsharesinvaluableadvicefor aspiringbusinessleaderswhowantto excelintheirfield.Heradviceis simpleyetprofound–“Believe in yourself.”Evenwhenothersdoubt yourabilitiesortellyouthatyourideas areunrealisticorimpractical,she advisesthatyoushouldnotgiveup. Instead,usetheirskepticismasa motivatortoworkevenharderand provethemwrong.

Opportunities come, but they are a gift; as leaders, we need to be able to recognize them and capture them to succeed. “