t is estimated that I will take another 2.5 centuries to close the existing gender gap in the corporate world. The number of well-known global organizations like IBM, GM, and Mondēlez international have shown an upward trend in the selection of female CEOs. In fact, today there are more women than there have ever been in the history of the Fortune 500, all time.
However, Year 2020 saw the beginning of a global health crisis with the potential to roll back hard-won gains for women around the world. Women entrepreneurs and business owners majorly from the emerging economies were amongst the most affected group in this global catastrophe, resulting in many women forced to close down businesses and leave the labor market.
2021 brought the gradual opening of the major economies and sense of normalcy in world economy, businesses, startups across the world showed sign of recovery
The Tycoon Magazine is dedicating this special issue to all the strong and resilient women business owners & entrepreneurs who successfully managed to whether the storm and not only managed to survive in this crises but managed to thrive their business in the face of adversity.
Featuring on the covers of this special issue is Ritu Sethi The owner of The Sethi Partnership Solicitors proud itself to be one of the longest established practices to be set up in Eastcote priding itself as a trusted law firm since 1994
This issue featuring exclusive interview of the creator & founder of Date High FlyersAnisa Hassan (DHF) and an exclusive article on Education non-futuristic Technological Singularity by Nataliia Rzhevska the EdTech Mentor at CIO VideoWiki.
Besides this we have cherry picked stories of Inspirational business women from all across the world!
MFounder & Senior Partner at The Sethi Partnership Solicitors, Awardwinning author of the book "A Woman's Guide to Having it all Now" (voted the most inspirational book at the London Parliament), Motivational speaker, TV presenter of her own TV talk show "Chai with Ritu", Radio guest who has also featured regularly in leading publications where she is the 'go-to' person for opinions on legal issues and current legislation as well as a commentator on current affairs and the latest news.
eet Ritu Sethi The
O V E R S T O R Y
Rituwasadmittedasasolicitor (EnglandandWales)andanofcerof theSupremeCourtinMarch1990after completingherBachelorofLaw (LL.B.)HonsinBristol.Immediately afterbeingadmittedasasolicitor,she notonlysecuredherselfapositionin anestablishedlawrminLondonbut wasinvitedtobecomeaJuniorPartner onqualicationthedayshenished hertrainingtobeasolicitor.She startedherowndepartmentwithinthe rmworkingasaCriminalDefense Solicitorandrepresentedclients accusedofarangeofoffenses includingmurder,drugimportation, andfraud.
Afterthebirthofhersecondchild,her BusinessPartner,Martin,andshe decidedtosetuptheirownlegal practice.Sadly,onFriday13thMay 1994,Martindiedofaheartattack,and Rituwaslefttosetupthermonher rdown.On23 May1994,TheSethi PartnershipSolicitorswasbornwith aUSP"Weareinpartnershipwith ourclients"
Onsettingupthelawrmin1994;
with2babiesandmanybillstopay, losingwasnotanoptionforher.She readandlistenedtomanyinterviewsof entrepreneursandbusinesspeoplewho hadbeenthroughadversities.She enrolledontoTheAntonyRobbins weekendcourseandfoundtheembers ofherrewithinwereignited.There wassomuchtodoandsomuchto achieveforher–thepossibilitieswere endless.
Shesaid"Iwantedtobethebest versionofmyselfandinthispursuit,I foundmyuniquenessandthatof peoplearoundme.Inmotivating others,Itoofeelasenseofsatisfaction andfullment."
OvertheyearsRitubattledgender barriersinwhataccordingtoherisstill amale-dominatedworld.Anincident shenarratedwhereshewasonce lockedinacellwithherclientwho wasarapist.Uponnishingher consultation,theofcersdelayed openingthecelldoorandleftherthere foraprolongedtime.Whennally releasedshecomplainedtothe CustodySergeantatWatfordPolice stationwhorespondedsayingthat,
"Womenshouldneverbecriminal lawyers.Youareanoccupational hazard!"Itookthematterfurtherand inuencedthechangewherebysecure meetingroomswereprovidedto solicitorsforconsultationswiththeir clientsandtheynolongerhadtobe lockedinthecellswiththem.
Overthepast28years,shehasworked exceptionallyhardtoearnareputation oftrustandexcellencefromher clients,business,andlegalcolleagues. shebuiltapracticefromnothingto whatitistoday,andthermisahighly reputablehighstreetpracticeadvising acrossabroadspectrumoflegal mattersincludingemploymentlaw, litigationanddisputeresolution, commercialproperty,residential property,familyanddivorce,wills, trustandprobate,business immigration,personalimmigration, drivingoffenses,criminallawandall legalissues.
Asidesfromthedaytodaylegal matters,therms'ethosistoneversay notoanyregisteredcharityaskingfor assistanceandsohavedevelopeda largenetworkoforganizationsand individualswhohavebenettedfrom
theirgenerosityandmindsetofpaying itforward.Theybelievein"Whenwe succeedthenallwillsucceed".Ritu hassupportedandplayedanextremely activepartinfundraisingfor37+ causes/charitiesbasedbothintheUK andoverseas,coveringalldifferent areasfromsupportingpoverty, homelessness,andabusetoensuring accesstoqualitylegalservices.
Sheisarecipientof28awards includingbusinessandlegalawards andculminatinginbeingawardeda LifetimeAchievementAwardin2019 forLegalServices.
Someofheraccoladesincludes:
LifetimeAchievementAward2019 intheLegalServices
AsianTop100HotPowerCouple 2019and2020-Inuencersinthe community
FinalistBestinLawLondonAsian BusinessAwards2018
PropertyTeamoftheYear,Modern ConveyancingAwards2017
ConveyancingFirmoftheYear, South,ModernConveyancing Awards2017
BestinLegalServicesatThe BritishIndianAwards(BIA)2017
FinalistHSBCForwardLadies Awards2017
FinalistWomanoftheYearBritish AsianAchieversAwards2017
NominatedforTheForwardLadies OutstandingBusinessWomanof theYear2016
VotedamongsttheTop10Women Lawyersof2016attheLaw SocietyAwards
AsianTop100HotPowerCouple 2014
VotedintheTop5womenwho rockinasari2014
WonAuthorofBestInspirational BookbyIBBF2013inLondon Parliament
NominatedforBestinLegal ServicesbyBritishIndianAwards 2013presentedbyBDO
WonFemaleEntrepreneurofthe year2012AsianAchieversAwards byIBBFinLondonParliament
WonBusinessServicesattheFirst WomenAwards2008
WonBusinesswomancategoryof theIndiaInternationalAwards2008
WonBusinesscategoryattheFirst WomenAchievementAwards2008
WonBusinesswomanoftheyear 2008fromtheAsianWomanof ExcellenceAwards2008
ShortlistedforTheProfessional ExcellenceAwardattheLloyds TSBJewelAward2008
NominatedforProfessionalofthe
YearattheAsianAchieversAwards 2007
NominatedfortheProfessional ExcellenceJewelAwardin September2007
WonAwardofAchievementin Judiciary/Law2007
NominatedforAsianBusiness award2006
NominatedforLegalPersonalityby SocietyofAsianLawyersofthe yearawardinyear2005
NominatedforWomeninBusiness AwardforAsianAchieversAward in2003
NominatedforAsianAchievement AwardforBusinessWomenofthe Year2003
WontheAsianBusinesswomenof theYear2000award,awardedby theEuropeanFederationofBlack WomenBusinessOwners, sponsoredbyBT
Commentingonthecurrentindustry scenariosheopined–"Ithasbeena rollercoasterrideformostindustries.
Manylawrmsofasimilarsizehave closedtheirdoorsduetotheimpactof thepandemic.Therehasbeenan evolutioninthinkingandbeing committedtoanofceroutineanditis
refreshingtowitnesshowpeoplehave adaptedtoanewhybridworking practice.However,sinceexperiencing 2previousrecessions,wewerebetter equippedtohavetheforesightand madeacommitmenttoourstaffthat wewouldnotfurloughormakeany redundancies.Instead,wehaveused thespaceandtimetofurtherexpand ourserviceareasandappointed2 additionalPartnerstothefirm."
Ritubelievesinthepowerof empathizing.Accordingtoher,there aremanyotherlawfirmstheirclients togoto,buttheycometoherfirmas theyprovideanempatheticand personalservice.Fromclientsin acrimoniousmarriagestobereaving overtheirlovedoneswithprobate matterstoobtainingBritishCitizenship intheimmigrationdepartmenttobeing maderedundantintheEmployment Department,tobuyingtheirfirsthome orbusinessinthepropertydepartment. Thefirmencouragesdiversityand inclusion,therearemanyfacetsto whatthefirmdoes,buttheclientis alwaystheirpriority.
Herfuturegoalistohelp/touchas manylivesaspossiblewhetheritis throughthefirmorviacharities.The firmitselfprovideslegaladvicetoover 1000clientsayear.Inover27yearsof trading,thatisapprox.30,000clients inoneformoranother.Thatistheir legacy.
Mentoringemergingwomen entrepreneursandprofessionals. When TheTycoonmagazine interviewedRituandaskedherabout HowsheperceivesTheroleasa mentortoAspiringwomen entrepreneursandprofessionalsshe said-"Toomanyyoungladiesfeel thattheyhavetochoosebetween familyandcareerandmymottohas
alwaysbeenthatyoucanhaveboth;in otherwords,youcanhaveitall.Ihave witnessedalotinmylifetimewith genderbarriersanditisrefreshingto seethe'balance'beingredressedasin theearlieryear,theprofessionwas verymaledominated.Thisisnot necessarilythecasenow.
Wecontinuetomotivateandeducate thenewfemaleledbusinessesand entrepreneurstohavetheconfidenceto dowhatisintendedofthem.Wefeel thepotentialinpeopleandsupport themtothrive.Thefirmregularly offersworkplacementstothoseat school/collegeinthecommunity whichhasresultedinjoboffers includingtwonewemployeesworking part-timewhilstsimultaneously studyingatuniversity."
Rituwroteabooktitled'HavingitAll Now–AWoman'sGuidetoHaving itAllNow:AnInspirational Journey'.Asaresult,shewasawarded 'Authorofthebestinspirational book' byIBBFin London Parliament. Thebookwaslaunchedin Londonandisamotivationalguideto empoweringwomenandhelpingthem toachievetheirperfectwork/life balance.Rituhasspokenatmany corporatefemalenetworkingeventsin theCityofLondonandherbookhas beenwidelydistributedwithinthe organisationssuchasAvivaInsurance women'snetworkandsuchlike. Readherbook; Awoman'sguideto Havingitallnow!–
AboutTheSethiPartnership Solicitors TheSethiPartnershipSolicitorsisan award-winninglawfirmpridingitself asatrustedlawfirmsince1994.The firmoffersahigh-qualitypersonable servicetoclientsinabroadspectrum oflegalmattersincludingemployment
law,litigationanddisputeresolution, commercialproperty,residential property,familyanddivorce,wills, trustandprobate,business immigration,personalimmigration, drivingoffenses,andcriminallaw.
Thefirmattractstalentedstafffromall backgrounds,religions,languages spoken,age,andsizesenablingitto continuetodeliverahighlevelof dedicationandcommitmenttomany generationsofindividualsandbusiness clients.Thefirmhasinstilledintegrity, loyalty,andfairnessandthishasbeen provedviathelongevityofemployees withinthefirm.Theirmultilingual teamisproficientinEnglish,Gujarati, Tamil,German,Hindi,Urdu,Punjabi, Farsi,Malayalam,andHindko.
Thefirmhasmaintainedhighstandards byretainingtheLexcelaccreditation forLegalExcellenceinpractice managementfor20yearsandisalso accreditedfortheConveyancing QualityScheme,FamilyLaw Accreditation,andLawyersfor Business.
TheSethiPartnershipSolicitors,she hasoverallresponsibilityformanaging thepractice,forclientcare,ethicaland professionalstandards,financial management,andhumanresource.She isthecorporatefigureheadandhas navigatedthefirmthroughdifficult times.
ContactDetails www.sethi.co.uk
02088666464
info@sethi.co.uk
TheBarnHouse,38MeadowWay, Eastcote,Ruislip,HA48TB
The Sethi Partnership Solicitors is one of the longest established prac ces to be set up in Eastcote priding itself as a trusted law firm since 1994.
Date High Flyers Interna onal Pte Ltdis An award winning matchmaking agency providing services catered to professionals & elite individuals
AccessAlts Asia is an exclusive Asian Alterna ves Investment Club and alloca on pla orm. It connects top Asian Alterna ve Investment Managers (Hedge Funds, PE and VC) to Global Allocators, and Global Funds to Asian Allocators.
Swan Financial Advisors is an independent, women-focused, financial consul ng and coaching firm lead by Jennifer Perri.
Kathleen Cameron is aManifesta on Queen, Success Coach, 7 figure entrepreneur, and Interna onal Best Selling Author Through Diamond Academy Coaching, thousands of students have been able to experience quantum growth.
FARE enhances the lives of individuals with food allergies empowering them to lead safe, produc ve lives with the respect of others through educa on and advocacy ini a ves and improved awareness around healthcare op ons and treatment.
Nom Noms World Food cra s, mouthwatering world cuisine that is ready to heat and eat in seconds. Think delicious, exo c meals, and high protein hot wraps, fully cooked and full of flavor – no grocery shopping, no prepara on, and no cooking necessary
VideoWiki is an open Collaboratory content edi ng pla orm that enables rapid crea on, modifica on, protec on and mone za on of immersive content.
Kurt Law, LLC, delivers the legal help people need when they are facing challenging issues. offers straight talk and realis c and logical approaches to resolving clients' cases that are designed to be effec ve and keep costs down.
“My source of motivation comes from my desire to leave a legacy where at least one million couples get to experience and enjoy a lifetime of happiness, fulfilment and meaning when they achieve their relationship goals. It makes me come alive and feel so incredibly happy knowing that I have played a part in someone's love story." Anisa Hassan
Knownasoneofthebest matchmakersinAsia,Anisa Hassanisabonade matchmakertobusinessowners, millionaires,VIPsandhighnetworth individuals(HNWIs)andherdating blackbookcontainsnamesofhighly inuentialandexceptionalsinglesfrom theregionandaroundtheworld.
Anisaisthecreatorandfounderof DateHighFlyers(DHF), an internationallyrecognised,luxury matchmakingserviceforprofessionals, businessownersandhighnetworth individualsandwhohavemarriagein mind.WithitsHQinSingapore,DHF caterstoaworld-wideclientbase offeringitselitematchmakerservice onaninternationallevel.
InanexclusiveinterviewwithThe TycoonMagazine,Anisashedslight onherprofessionaljourney,andhow sheisplayingtheroleofcupidinthe livesofthousandsofprofessionals, businessownersacrosstheworldby ndingaperfectmatchforthem. Shealsotalkedaboutcommon problemsfacedbyfemale entrepreneursandsharedvaluable insights,advicesforaspiringwomen entrepreneurs,
BelowarethehighlightsofThe InterviewBetweenAnisaHassanand TheTycoonMagazine:
Briefusaboutyourcurrentroleand yourjourneysincethebeginningof yourcareer.
Beingtheownerofaluxury matchmakingserviceforprofessionals, businessownersandhighnetworth individuals,Iearnedthereputationof beingAsia'sUltimateMatchmaker afterbeingresponsibleformorethan 1100marriagessince2004.That'slike initiating5marriagesamonthor1 marriageaweek
Thoughmybusinessisheadquartered inSingapore,myclientscomprise70% whoarebasedinSingaporeand30% basedincitieslikeLondon, Melbourne,Sydney,Manila,Hong Kong,Tokyo,Karachi,KualaLumpur, Jakarta,DohaandDubai.
Myforayintothedatingand matchmakingindustrystartedin2004 whenIboughtandbroughtan internationaldatingfranchiseinto Singapore.Itbecameaninstanthit becausesinglesinSingaporeatthat timedidnothavemanychoicesother thanthegovernmentledmatchmaking agencycalledtheSinglesDevelopment UnitorSDU.Thelatterwasfocussed onhelpinglocal,Singaporeangraduate singlesminglewithotherlocal graduateswithanunderlyingfocuson helpingSingaporeincreaseits decliningbirthrates.
Mythendatingagencyprovideda welcomereliefforsingles(localsand non-locals)whowerelookingfora morediscreetandprivatewayof meetingtheirlifepartners.Itattracted asizeablenumberofexpatriateswho wereresidinginSingaporeatthattime andrightoffthebat,myagencyhelped bringtogetherinter-ethniccouplesthat laterledtoaproliferationofinter ethnicmarriages.Thisphenomenon wasnewandnotwidelyacceptedat thattimebutwiththeinuxofmore expatriatesintoSingapore,myagency
madeinter-ethnicpairingsmore mainstream.
Myagencyalsobrokewithconvention whenweweresuccessfulinpairing coupleswhohavebeendivorcedinthe past.Myworkmadeitnormaland acceptablefor divorcedsinglestostart lookingatremarriageswheninthe past,thistopicwasneverbroachednor openlydiscussedandthethoughtofa remarriagewasnotperceivedina positivelight.Beforemyagencywas established,therewasnomatchmaking agencythatcateredfordivorcedor widowedsinglesasthefocushas alwaysbeenonrstloveandrst marriages.Infact,therstcouplewho gotmarriedafterbeingmatchedbyme happenedbetweentwodivorced singlesandtheyweremarriedbarely5 monthsafterbeingintroducedtoeach other.
Afterpartingwayswiththe internationalfranchisein2017,I started Date High Flyers (DHF) International andthefocusofthis matchmakingagencyistoprovide completediscretionandprivacyfor businessownersandhighnetworth individualswhoarelookingforan alternativetoonlinedating,tolookfor theirlifepartners.
Whilemillionsofsinglestheworld overareusingonlineplatformstomeet theirpotentialmatches,there'saniche
segmentwhostillpreferthepersonal touchofamatchmaker Thesesingles valuetheirtime,privacyandsafetyand wouldratherhaveatrustedexpertto helpidentifyandselectthebest possibilitiesforthem.Iviewthisasa greatopportunitytoworkexclusively withaselectgroupofclientswhoputa premiumonmydeepdomain expertise,talentinspottinggood potentialsandaccesstoawidenetwork ofpossibilitiestochoosefrom.
Todatesomeofmyclientsinclude amongothers,topCEOsof multinationalcompanies,business owners,startupfounders,TV personalities,beautyqueens,former politiciansandamemberoftheroyal family
Havingearnedanhonoursdegreein InternationalRelationsfromthe NationalUniversityofSingapore,my initialcareerasanewspaperjournalist, laterabroadcastjournalistandnallya newspresenterforChannelNewsAsia helpedinuencemyinterviewingskills duringmyclientmeetings.I'mcurious toknowwhatmakesmyclient's journeydifferent,interestingand inspiringandIgobeyondthesame, usualquestionof"Whatareyou lookingforinapartner?"
Tellusaboutthechallengesyou facedtowithstandthecomplexities oftheindustry.
Atthestartofmyjourneyinto matchmaking,Iburiedmyheadinmy workandbarelytooknoticeofthe competitionthatwashappening locally.Ihadotherlocalagenciesthat blatantlycopiedthewordsandphrases thatIusedonmywebsite,aformer staffwhotriedtopass-offasanexpert afterjustbeingtrainedbymeforless thanamonthandmanyother
solopreneurswhowerejumpingonthe bandwagonafterrealizinghow untappedthematchmakingindustry was,atthattime.
Therewasalsoawelltodo/well connectedentrepreneurwhomanaged toquicklyraiseseveralroundsoffunds tostartanonlinedatingplatformthat laterpivotedtobeanentertainment companyandsoldoffthedating business.Theventurestruckgoldfor thefounderandthewinwasonesided.
Duringthosetimes,insteadoftryingto fendoffcompetitorswhichtomewasa wasteofmytimeandenergy,Igot betteratmycraft.Igottoknowmy clientsreallywellandworked tirelesslytobethe"windbeneaththeir wings".Ialsoattendedconventions andseminarsoverseastolearnfrom othermatchmakerswhoweresharing bestpracticesandasaresultIhoned andsharpenedmycraft.
Ultimatelythisisapersonalbusiness
andIunderstandthatthemoreintimate knowledgeIhaveofmyclients,the betterIgetatpairingthem.Todate, I'moneofthelongestserving, professionalmatchmakersinSingapore (andevenAsia)andIfeelthatthisis wheretherubberhitstheroadandI'm abouttoembarkonafantastic trajectory
Mycompany Date High Flyers offers apersonalizedandexclusive matchmakingserviceforprofessionals, businessownersandhighnetworth individualswhohavemarriagein mind.Myinternationalclients comprisemenandwomenintheirlate 30sallthewaytoearly60sforwomen andlate30stomid-70sformen,who areeithernevermarried,divorcedor widowed.Slightlymorethanhalfof myclientsaredivorcedand70%ofmy clientsarecurrentlybasedin Singapore.
Sincethisisahighlypersonalized service,Ispendalotoftime interviewingmyclientstounderstand wheretheyarenowandwheretheysee themselvesin12months.Iworkona retainerbasisandmyservicecouldbe focussedonmatchingclientsin Singaporeonlyorclientswhoareopen tobematchedwithsomeonefrom anothercity.Clientswhopersonally needmyattentionwillenrolinthe BlackLabelmembershipwhilethose whoworkwithmyteamof matchmakersjointheLuxe membership.
Clientsreceiveprolescontaining imagesandinformationoftheperson theywillbematchedwithand matchmakersalsoprovideadetailed insightonwhythematchwaschosen forclients.Afacetofaceoravirtual dateisthensetupwhenclientsagree tomeeteachother
Briefusaboutthecurrentindustry scenariofromyourperspective. Thecurrent,globaldatingand matchmakingindustryisestimatedto beaUS$3.24billionindustryin2021. Thiscomprisestheonlinedatingspace wherethenumberofusersinthis segmentisestimatedatmorethan442 millionin2024.Onlineuserson averagespendUS$8to$60ononline apps.Incontrast,theofine matchmakingspacetendstobesmaller andmoreconservativebutusersare willingtospendanywherebetweena fewhundredtoclosetoamillionfor luxurymatchmakingservices.It'splain toseethatndingandpursuinga lifetimepartnerispricelessandthis evergreenindustrywillalways continuetogrowintheonlineand ofinespaces.
Whatareyourpastexperiences, achievements,orlessonsthathave shapedyourjourney?
Theentrepreneurialjourneyis somethingthatnoonecanprepareyou for.Iwasn'texpectingimmediate successtakingtheroadlesstravelled andevenhadtodealwithmyown parentsandfamilymembers'doubting mynewcareerchoice.Afterall,Iwas alreadyapublicgure,readingthe newsonaregionaltelevisionstation andliterallyhadlights,cameraand actionatmyfeet.
However,Idrewsomuchcourage frommyhusbandwhobelievedinme andmyabilitytosucceedinthisnew venture.Hisblessingandsupportwere enoughformetochartanewpathfor myselfandwithinayearandahalf,I won"TheWomenEntrepreneur Award"conferredbytheSingapore MalayChamberofCommerceand Industry.Fastforward17yearslater,I managedtoclinchseveralotherlocal andregionalbusinessawardsandeven wrotetwoguidebookstobuttressmy positionasabonadematchmaker
Alltheseyears,Ihavemadefriends andlostfriendswhenIsucceededor failedtopairthem…earnedmoney fromclientsorlostmoneytoclients who'dghtmetoothandnailtogeta refundafterthey'vebeenrejectedby someonetheyfancy…exaltedby successfulcouplesorexoneratedfrom disgruntledsingleswhodidn'tthink twiceaboutdiscreditingthereputation thatIhavepainstakinglybuilt.
Ultimately,Ilearnthatmybusinessisa personalbusinessandeverythingis personalinbusiness.AndaslongasI continuetodothisbusiness,Iwould continuallybeinthespotlightearning bouquetsorfending-offbrickbats.Still, Ichoosethisasmycallingasthere's nothingelsethatI'dratherdo.
Whatareyourstrategiesto contributeeffectivelyinahypercompetitivemarket?
AlbertEinsteinoncesaid,"intellectuals solveproblems;geniusesprevent them".Inthiscompetitivemarket,I feelthatit'snolongerenoughformeas amatchmakertopairmyclientsfor couplehoodbecauseIhaveseenso manyofmyclients"uncouple"or divorceduetomanyfactors.Asa matchmaker,Iknowthatmybusiness issustainableoveralongperiodof time,onlywhenIcontinuetoadd valuetomyclients'lives.That'swhy apartfrompairingthem,Ialsooffer relationshipcoachingbeforeandafter marriagetohelpmyclientskeepand sustaintheirmarriages.Andevenifa coupledecidestocallitquits,Igive themthecourageandcondencetoreenteranewmarriagewithmore wisdomandinsightandlessmistakes.
Howdoyouseeyourselfinthenear future?Tellusaboutyourfuture goals.
IhaveopenlydeclaredthatI'mona missiontocreateonemillionmarriages
worldwideandIhaveaskedGodto givemeworktillmylifeshallendand lifetillmyworkisdone.Iseemyself owningtheO2Ospace–ofineto onlinespace–inmatchmakingand haverecentlylaunchedaMuslim matchmakinginMalaysialastyear.
JustbeforeIcouldhittheground runningwithmyappwhichiscalled Joompa,thelaunchwhichwas scheduledinFebruary2020cametoa screechinghaltasaresultofthe worldwideCovid-19pandemic.My fundraisingeffortwasstymiedby dwindlingcondenceinthestart-up ecosystemswithinvestorswaitingon thesidelines,preferringtoadopta waitandseeattitudeuntilmyapp achievessometraction.
Whatarethefrequentchallenges facedbywomeninthecorporate worldandwhatarethewaysto tacklethem?
In2019,Iattendedastart-upboot campinSiliconValleyandaninvestor pitchingeventinAsiawheretherewas adisproportionatelyhighernumberof bothmalefoundersandmaleinvestors relativetofemalefoundersand investors.
Forinstance,therewerecloseto40 malestart-upfoundersand3female foundersvyingforaroundof investment.Therewerealso10male investorsand1femaleinvestoratthe table.Afterthepitchingrounds,the malefoundersandmaleinvestors huddledformoretalkswithbeersin theirhandswhilethefemalefounders wereleftoutoftheinnercircle conversations.
Despitemyclosefollowupsand furtherpresentations,themale investorsthoughtmyideawas"too early"andthatIneededmoreproof andtraction,sotheywentaheadwith othermoney-makingmale-led ventures.
Sincenotallfoundersare fortunateenoughtohave immediateinvestorsand/or nancierstofundtheir dreams,Ifeltthatthe exercisewasunder whelmingknowingthat women'sbusinessesare amongtheleadingventures thatlacknancialsupport. Whilethereareseveral femaleinvestors championinggenderlens investingwhohave emergedrecently,venture investmentintowomen-led companiesmadeuponly 2.8%ofallinvestmentsin 2019andtheoveralldeal activityforwomen-led startupshastakenabeating sincetheonsetofthe worldwidepandemicin 2020.
Thewaystotacklewillnot happenovernightasthiswouldrequire maleinvestorstobeacutelyawareand consciousofthishugedisparityand takingstepstorevolutionizetheir perceptionsonfemalefounders.A massiveoverhaulinthinkingis requiredandthemoremaleinvestors stepforwardtoconsciouslygive femalefoundersanopportunityto shineandcontributeintheirchosen elds,themorethisattitudeand mindsetwilltakecentrestageinthe yearstocome.
Whatwouldyouadviseyoung womentosucceedintheworkplace orasanentrepreneur/professional?
Howdoyouperceivetheroleof mentorshiptoaspiringwomen entrepreneurs/professionals?
Myadvicetoaspiringwomen entrepreneursisyoucanonlybecome trulyaccomplishedatsomethingyou love.Sorst,haveanoverpowering desiretoserve,makebetterproductsor
createasolutionthatgoesbeyonda merewish.Thismustbefollowedbya strong,unwaveringbeliefinyourown abilitytoaccomplishyourdesires… thatfeelingthatyou'rebornand destinedtodoonejobandthatjobis thatallconsumingdesire.Finally,to growabackbonesostrongthatyou haveaninvincibledeterminationto winandcreateadentintheUniverse. Havingamentorisabsolutelypriceless becauseinaworldthat'srifewithfear, unfairnessandnegativity,amentorcan continuallyremindyouofyour purpose,provideclarityinthemidstof confusionandkeepyougrounded whenyouattainyoursuccess.Butrst, youmustbepreparedtodotheheavy liftingyourselfandonlythenwillyou attracttherightmentorswhowilltake youfurtherwhentheycanseethatyou haveskininthegame.z
Aglobalfootprint,billionsofdollarsinassets, accesstocaptableofeveryUnicorn.Thesewere justsomeofthemilestonesAradhnaDayal, founderandCEOofAccessAltsAsia,hadonherhorizon asshestrivedtobuildoneofthemostpowerfulnetworksof investorsandentrepreneurs,basedoutofHongKong.
ButasCovid-19reverberatedaroundtheglobe,itchanged theworldorder,decimatedbusinessesandspookedthe investmentworld.ForAradhna,itcreatedtheultimate storm.Shecouldeitherplayitsafe,shutdownher investmentclub,andseeyearsofbloodandsweatget washedaway.Orshecouldmakethemostoftheupheaval, backthe"businessesofthefuture"andcreatethebiggest "Impact"ofherlife.
ThosewhoknowAradhnawouldnotblinktwicebefore pickingthelatter.Andwillexpecthertoaddafewkickers touphergame.SoitwasnosurprisethatAradhnarefocusedAccessAltsonbusinesspreservation,regrouped herinvestorsonadigitalplatformanddecidedtobackideas thatwillchangelivesinthepost-Covidworld.
AradhnamovedtoHongKonginthe late1990sandsetupherfamily investmentofce,havingafrontrow seattothetransformationinAsia's nancialmarkets.Fromsleepy backwaters,countrieslikeChina, India,VietnamandIndonesiawere turningintoeconomicpowerhouses, andAradhnacouldseethepotentialfor globalinvestorstocomein.
However,Asiawasseenasopaqueand hardtoaccess.Aradhnasawthisniche andleveragedherwideglobalnetwork tobridgethisgap.Shesaysthat businessfamiliesareinherently entrepreneurialandtheylikelookingat newgeographies.However,theyprefer comingthroughatrustednetwork. Aradhnaprovidedtheperfectconduit forglobalfamiliestocomeandinvest inAsia,andthuswasborntheideaof AccessAltsAsia.
Startedasasimpleidea-sharing platforminHongKongveyears back,AradhnaledAccessAlts' exponentialgrowthintoaninuential, global"members-only"investment clubwithover350members, channelizingsmartcapitalinto transformativecompaniesinAsia.The clubbringstogethersomeofthe world'smostinuentialbusiness families,institutions,strategic investors,andcaptainsofindustrywith twoprimarygoals:investinhigh-alpha alternativeinvestmentsandbuild billion-dollarcross-borderbusinesses. FamiliessuchastheRockefellers,the Sinegals(foundersofCOSTCO)and theKanooshaveallbeenapartofthe AccessAltsjourney
AccessAltsalsopioneeredtheconcept ofdiscreet,intimateMemberMeetsin
keynancialcentres:NewYork, Dubai,London,Washington,San Francisco,HongKongandShanghai, givingtheclubaglobalfootprint. ThroughAccessAlts,Aradhna inadvertentlycreatedtherstEastWestinvestmentbridgethattiedglobal familyofcestogether.
Aradhnahasreceivedseveralawards inrecognitionofhercontributiontothe worldofentrepreneurship,women leadershipandsociety.In2021shewas awardedtheAmericanChamberof Commerce"WomenofInuence Award"whilein2019shereceivedthe PurvizShroffWomenofInspiration AwardforLeadership.In2020, AradhnawasinvitedbyTheMilken InstitutetoleaddiscussionsonGlobal WomenLeadershipinAbuDhabi.In 2019,AccessAltswasinvitedby WarrenBuffettotakea delegationtotheannual BerkshireHathawayAGM, seenastheMeccaofthe investmentworld.
However,herjourneyto buildingAccessAltswasfar fromeasy."Iwasadevoted momandtheideaofbuilding somethingsoglobal,so public,wasintimidating.My riteofpassage,funnily enough,camefroma4am conversationwithmythen16yearoldson,whoadvisedme to'GointoitlikeaMan.'I wasn'tsurewhatthatmeantat thetime,butnowIunderstand thathewastellingmenotto holdmyselfbackjustbecause Iwasawoman,"says Aradhna.
Onaprofessionalfront, earninghercredibilityinthe
highlymale-dominatedworldof investmentwasanotherchallenge. Galvanizingaglobalnetworkwasthe next.Aradhnarememberstravelingfor over400daysto30citiesintherst threeyears,workingthroughdifferent timezones,losingtrackofdays,and eventuallywinningsupportersthrough herdeepknowledgeofAsia.
JustasAccessAltsfeltinvincible,it gothitbyCovid-19.Asapeoplefocusedbusiness,andallphysical meetingscancelledfor2020,ithad evolve,andfast.Overnight,Aradhna turneditintoa360-degreeconsultancy thatnotjustdidinvestedbutalso formedasupportcommunityfor businessesgaspingforair.Sincethen, ithasbackedtransformative technologiespoweringtheFutureof Work,Healthtech,EthicalEcommerce, DigitalInfrastructure,Disruptive Logistics,EducationPortalsandmore.
Ar adhna Da y al with her kids Pr adyumn Da y al and P ankhuri Da y al
"Iampassionateaboutpeopleand connectingthemasglobal communities.ForaslongasIcan remember,mybiggestjoyhasbeen travelingtheworld,eatingatlocal haunts,chattingwithcabbies, exploringculturalnuances,and understandingwhatmakespeoplewho theyare.
Iamalsopassionateaboutsocial justice,aboutglobalchallengesthat threatenhumanity'sfuture,andabout harnessingthepowerofpeople(and technology)tosolvethem.
Inmanyways,AccessAltsismyway tocreateaninterconnectedcommunity
ofremarkablepeoplefromallaround theworldwhoarepassionateabout makingadifferenceandprotectingour future."statesAradhna,whenasked aboutwhatkeepshermotivated.
Whetheratentrylevelorin boardrooms,womenfaceunconscious biaseseveryday.However,Aradhna believesthatCovidhascreatedalevelplayingeldforwomeninthe corporateworld.Digitalbusinesses,in particular,aregender-agnostic.Amidst this,Aradhnaencouragesyoung womentobuildcondence,skills, networksandadeterminationto emergeasgame-changers.
Shealsoadvisesthemtolearntheart ofPivoting."Iencouragemyprotegees toadaptandthinkoutoftheboxto increaserevenue,stayprotableand focusonethicstobuildasustainable brand.Thereisnoquickerwaytogain respectasawomanleaderthanto enhancethebottomline."
Mostimportantly,Aradhnaadvises youngwomentoNOTcrave perfection."Aswomen,weare conditionedtobeperfect:perfect mothers,perfectwives,perfect daughter-in-laws,inadditiontobeing perfectprofessionals.Butthatis humanlynotpossible.Soembraceyour imperfectionsandbuildatribearound youthatgetsyouandholdsyouwhen youfall."
Seenasaniconinfemale entrepreneurshipspace,Aradhnawants toleveragehernetworkandskillsto createthemaximumImpact."Ihave alwaysbeenpassionateaboutcreating a"just"anddiversesocietythat providesequalopportunitiestoall," saysAradhna."Covidhasallowedme totakeapauseandthinkaboutthe legacyIwanttoleavebehind."
Withthatinmind,Aradhnahas launchedaWomenonBoardsinitiative thatmentorstalentedyoungwomen andhandholdsthemtowardscorporate boardrooms.Alongwithherchildren, PradyumnandPankhuriDayal, AradhnarunsMove4Migrants,anaid organizationthatempowersmigrant andminoritycommunities.
Finally,throughAccessAlts,Aradhna wantstodirectcapitalandresources towardstechnologythatcreatesafairer world."Iamgoingtobe50nextyears andrealizethattherealjoyoflifeisin creatingsocialROI,notjustnancial ROI."
Aradhna Dayal with her kids Pradyumn Dayal and Pankhuri Dayal
urstoriesgiveusthepowerto
Obecometheauthorofourpast andfutureexperiencesand unleashourtruth.Everywomanhasa story,andthisisthestoryofJennifer Perri,"TheSmartMoneyGal"
JenniferisaTransformationalMindset &MoneyCoach,ConsultantandBestSellingAuthor.Throughherworkwith hernancialadvisingrm,Swan Financial,Jenniferhasbeenableto helphundredsofwomenmanagetheir toughestseasonsvictoriously,suchas theirdivorce,lossofalovedone,and careertransitions.Asa TransformationalMindset&Money Coachandthroughher"SmartMoney
Gal,"platform,Jenniferhelpswomen ndtheirnancialcondence,reclaim theirpower,andembracealifeof prosperity
TheJourneywasnoteasy.Inher20's, Jenniferfoundherselfengulfedina volatilemarriagemarkedbymental, emotional,andphysicalabuse.The relationshipnallyimploded,leaving herbrokenandherabuserimprisoned. Atthetime,shehadnojob,nochild support,andlimitedresourcestokeep herfamilyaoat.Shedidnotknow whototurntoforguidanceorhowto pickupthepiecesofherlife.Shefelt completelylostandisolated.
Aspainfulasthosedarkdayswere,her divorceultimatelysavedherlifeand pavedthewayforhertoturnthepain shehadsufferedintoapassiontohelp others.
Shefeltledtohelpotherwomen;in herownwords"awaytotakemy "mess"andmakeitmy“message."I wantedtobecomeforotherwomenthe personIdesperatelyneededbutcould notnd.Myexperienceshelpedme turnmywoundsintowisdom;Iremain determinedtohelpotherwomen transitionfromtraumatotriumph."
"Mostmoneymanagersandnancial advisorsworkontheirterms.Theysay theyareprovidingcustomizedplans andstrategiesbasedontheunique needsoftheclients.ButfromwhatI haveseenupcloseandpersonal,there isnothinguniqueorcustomaboutit. Theyhavesetplans,programs,and systemsthroughwhichtheyfunnel mostoftheirclients.Theytyouinto the"box"ofwhattheyoffer,evenifit doesnotquite…t"saidJennifer
ShefurtherStates:Thetruthis,thereis noone-size-ts-allwhenitcomesto nances.Ourmoneyisinextricably tiedtoourindividuallivesandmajor eventsthathappenalongtheway. WhensomeonehasfacedalifealteringeventthatisusuallywhenI meetthemfortheveryrsttime. Maybetheyareseekingnancialhelp astheyaremourningthelossofthe loveoftheirlife,orarecomingoutofa divorce,orovercomingthewreckage ofabuse.
IamhappytoadmitIdothings differentlywhenitcomestomoney andhelpingpeoplemanageit. Iipthescriptontraditionalnancial planningbyaddressingemotionaland situationalpiecesrst.Onceyourhead andheartareclearandfocused,then wepickupthenancialpieces, together
Idon'ttrytoforceyouthroughyour healingprocessorpushyououtofthe nancialdriver'sseatintoa predeterminedlane.Iusemy education,mybackgroundknowledge, expertise,andlifeexperiencestohelp createcustomizedplansbuiltaround you.
Whenweworktogether,you'reinthe driver'sseattheentiretime.Just considermeyourroadtripwing
womanwhopointsoutbumpsinthe roads,watchesthepotholesandblind spotsandkeepsyourspiritsliftedwith loveandlaughter
Whenaskedaboutchallengesfacedby her,Jennifersaid"Thenancial servicesindustryisamaledominated one.Thismakesithardforwomento excelasnancialprofessionalsand makesitevenharderforwomenwho neednancialhelptobeheardand understood.Womenviewmoneyvery differentlythanmenandneedaunique styleofnancialplanning."
Sheconsidersherselfblessedthat othersinhercommunityandacrossthe nationhavehonoredherworkand foundvalueinhermission.
Someofheraccoladesinclude:20132016,2020Women'sChoiceAward forFinancialAdvisors;Kentucky ColonelAwardforcivicleadership fromtheCommonwealthofKentucky; 2013InducteeintotheNational AcademyofBest-SellingAuthors; 2013AcquisitionInternational FinancialAdvisoryFirmoftheYearUSA;andmulti-yearawardwinner intheBestofAtlantaBusinessHall ofFamefromthecityofAtlanta.
Apartfromthis,Jenniferhadthe incredibleopportunitytoco-authora Best-SellingbookwithJackCaneld, creatoroftheChickenSoupforthe Soulseries.Shehasalsobeencitedfor herknowledgeandhaveappearedon sourcessuchasABC,NBC,FOX, CBS,TheBostonGlobe,Newsweek, Fortune,andForbes.
Shestates"Althoughmanyhavefound inspirationwithinmystory,ultimately, chasingsomeoneelse'sversionof successisempty Attheverycore,my passionishelpingwomenstandintheir
powerandwritetheirownstory. Throughmytransformativeprograms andprivatesessions,myclients achievescalcondenceandlaythe foundationsforalifeofpower, prosperity,andpurpose."
Inadditiontoherone-on-onecoaching, JenniferislaunchingTheSmart MoneyGalAlphaAcademythatwill provideonlinecoursesandresources forfamilies,divorcees,widowsand entrepreneurs.
WhenTheTycoonMediaasked Jenniferforadvicetoemergingwomen businessleadersandprofessionals,she said:
Womenneedtorealizetheyareworth it;ineverythingtheydoandallthey wanttoaccomplish.Knowyourworth, askforwhatyouwantandpursue whateverthatiswithanunshakeable desiretosucceed.Don'tletanyoneelse writeyourstory
athleenCameronisa
KManifestationQueen, SuccessCoach,7gure entrepreneur,andInternationalBest SellingAuthor.Injust18months,she hasbuilta$7.5-Million-dollarbusiness andcontinuestoshareherknowledge andexpertisewithallofwhomshe connectswith.
Withherdetermination,unwavering faith,andpowersofmanifestation,she hashelpedover100,000peopleattract morelove,money,andsuccessinto theirlives.Herinnovativeapproaches toManifestationandutilizingtheLaws ofAttractionhaveledtothecreationof oneofthetopglobalsuccessnetworks.
ThroughDiamondAcademyCoaching, thousandsofstudentshavebeenableto experiencequantumgrowth.Theforce behindhermagneticeldhas catapultedmanystudentsintoalife beyondtheirwildestdreamsandsheis justgettingstarted.
Kathleenisamotheroftwowonderful daughters,graduatedwithtwo undergraduatedegreesandaMaster's degree,hasheldahighlevelexecutive positioninhealthcare,andtransferred herknowledgetosomanyothersina waythatbringseveryone'svibrations upalongsidehers.
KathleenbeganhercareerinNursing in2009.Afterashorttimeofbedside Nursingshemovedintoaleadership roleasachargenursethenManager, leavinghealthcareinaDirector positionwiththeprovincial governmentin2019. SheleftNursing topursuehercareerinnetwork marketing,butfoundhertruecalling6 monthslaterincoachingmanifestation.
Shelaunchedhercoachingbusinessas aBobProctorConsultantinJanuaryof 2020asasolocoach,quicklybreaking recordsandreaching$1millionin revenuein7months.Sincethattime, sheisnowtheChiefManifestation& SuccessCoachandhasmultiple coacheswhoworkwithher,generating over$7.5millioninrevenue.
ThegoalisforDiamondAcademyto becomethe#1globalsuccessnetwork intheworld,andforKathleentobe recognizedonasimilarlevelofTony Robbins,toraisethefrequencyforall womanglobally!
MakingQuantumLeaps Today,Kathleenhasbeenabletodo
whatonceseemedimpossible, somethingshesawaspossiblefor othersbutneverforherself.Through tappingintoherpowerfulpowers within,Kathleenhasmanifestedthe extraordinarylifeshelivesnow.She hasachievedallofthisandmore becauseofherfaithinherself.Itall comesfromanabsolutebeliefthatthe universewillprovideherwithwhatshe istuning.
"Iwasteachingaboutfacingyourfears lessthansixmonthsago,helping otherstounderstandfearinorderto bettermanageit,andIhadthis thought:"Idon'twanttotalkaboutfear anymore."Byeventalkingaboutit,I wasgivingitpower,andI'dhad enough.Ihadarealizationthattorid yourselfoffear,youneedtolivein
faith.Asyoumoveclosertofaith,the feelingoffearsimplydissipates."
KathleenCameronThroughthisfaceKathleenhas managedtoeliminatefearandallof thenegativeenergythatcomeswithit. Hersuccessisaproductofthelifestyle thatshechoosestolive.Withthe properleveloffaith,sheknowsthat shecanachieveanything.Oneofthe biggestchallengestothiswaslearning toloveherself.
ThroughoutKathleen'sentirelifeshe struggledwithherownself-image. Growingupasanoverweightgirlshe becameincreasinglyawareofhowshe didnotmatchuptoothers.Becauseof thisKathleenspentmostofherlife attemptingtoconformtotheideal weight.
"Friends,family,strangers,andthe mediaalltoldmethatmybodywas "toobig"andthatIneededtogoona "diet."WhenIwaselevenyearsold,I wouldthrowoutmylunchandstarve myself,drinkinglargeamountsof waterbecausesomeonetoldmeit would"ushthefatout.""
ThisallchangedwhenKathleenlost 100pounds,anddiscoveredthather heartcouldn'tkeepupwithherbody's changes.Itwasatthismomentthat Kathleenrealizedhowmuchofher ownself-worththatshehadbeen leavinguptoothers.Successdoesnot comefromthebody;itcomesfromus.
SincethenKathleenhaslivedherlife outloud,continuingtoshowby examplethatyoudon'thavetobe skinnytobesuccessful.Everydayher businessisaninspirationtowomenall overtheworldwhohavestruggled withtheirownself-image.
AnothermisconceptionthatKathleen workstodisabuseisthatyouhaveto workhardandbeluckytobe successful.Which,ifthatweretrue, Kathleenwouldbeexhausted.Andfor awhileshewas,becauseshewas alwaysinmechanicalmotiontowards hergoals.
Whetherthatbethroughstudyingfor hermastersasamotheroftwo,or hustlingtogetheroriginalbusinessoff theground.Still,itwasn'tuntilshe becamemoreintentionalwithherwork thatshefoundtherewasawaytodoit all.Withoutworkingherselfintothe ground.
OneofKathleen'sfavoritelawsofthe universeisthelawofvibration.
Alongsidetheworkthatshedoes Kathleenisconstantlyutilizingthis magneticpowertopullhergoalscloser toherself.
Thisvibrationiscontrolledthroughher feelings,andKathleenisanexpertof maintainingpositivevibes.Oneofher maingoalsinlifeisteachingothersto dothesame.
WhenTheTycoonMagazine contactedandaskedKathleenwhat wouldsheadviseYoungwomen entrepreneursandprofessionalsintheir professionallives.KathleenStatesOneofthegreatestchallengesistolive accordingtoyourownrules,yourown dreamsandyourowndesires.Weare
shapedbythosearoundus,butwhen wegowithinandwereallyask ourselves,"whatdoIreallywant?",we canseethatmuchoflifeisbasedon what'soutsideofus.Iwouldencourage youngwomentoempowerthemselves togowithin,ndwhatdrivesthemand bringsthemjoyandmovecloserto thateverysingleday
OnMentorshipKathleenOpinedMentorshipisamust.Findsomeone whoinspiresyou,someonewhohad donewhatyouwanttodoanddowhat theysuggest.Havingamentorshaved yearsoffmyjourney,thepathwas alreadypaved,Ijusthadtowalkit.
Mbusiness,political,andphilanthropiccircles duetoherabilitytotackledifcultissues directlyandwithdisciplineanddiplomacy.
eetLisaGable,ahighlyregardedexecutivein
LisaiscurrentlytheCEOofFARE,theworld'spremier NGOghtingfoodallergiesthroughinvestmentin research,educationandadvocacy.Sheisalsotheauthorof Turnaround-HowtoChangeCourseWhenThingsAre GoingSouth,abookshewrotetoguideteamsand organizationsndingsurvivalmorechallengingthanever Assomeonewhohasexecutedmanyturnarounds,Lisa wantedtoofferpractical,time-tested,andindustry-proof methodstoexecutiveswhoarestrugglingorlookingfor solutionstoseeminglyintractableproblems.
LisahasservedPresidentsandGovernors,counseled corporateCEOs,andledcoalitionsandnonprots.Being bipartisanbynature,shehasbroughttogetherpolitical parties,corporatecompetitors,anddisparatenationsto fosterqualityleadership,diplomacy,andresultsthatbetter societyandcreatesustainablepartnershipsandprotable businessmodels.
LisagraduatedfromtheUniversityof VirginiawithaBachelorsin InternationalRelationsandfrom GeorgetownUniversitywithaMasters inNationalSecurityStudies.Shealso attendedtheUSArmyWarCollegeand studiedChineselanguageatNational TaiwanNormalUniversity
Attheageof19,Lisawenttoworkin ReaganAdministrationandhadan opportunitytoworkattheWhite HouseandthePentagon. Attheageof 24,shewasrecruitedtoIntel Corporationbythemanwhowould beCEOandChairmanoftheBoard.At theageof30,shehadthehonorary rankofa3-stargeneralwhenshewas Vice-ChairofaCommissionhelping womenbecomemoreeffectively integratedintothemilitary,giving themmoreopportunities.At40,she becameaUSAmbassador.Today,she istaskedwithsolvingacomplex problem,foodallergies,whichaffects 85millionAmericansandahalfbillion peoplearoundtheworld.
Lisahadafront-rowseatatmajor inectionpointsthroughouthistory. SheservedattheReaganDefense Departmentduringthenaldaysof theColdWarandtransferredtothe WhiteHouseafewmonthsprior Gorbachev's1987visit. Shejoined IntelCorporationwhenitwasa$1.4B companyandhadthechancetowork onapartoftheIntelInside® programwhichchangedconsumer techpurchasinghabitsandledtothe company'sdominantsemiconductor marketshareinthe90s.AsSilicon Valleyentrepreneurs,sheandher husbandenjoyedthedot.comboom andalsosurvivedthebust.
In2004-2005,Lisaworkedclosely withtheautoindustryandhosteda
hallmarkNagoyameetingbetween ToyotapatriarchDr.ShoichiroToyoda andGeneralMotorsCEORick Wagoner,asthecompaniesbattledit outforthetopglobalsalesposition–withtheJapaneseautomaker maintainingtheedge.Workingwith16 foodandbeveragecompanyCEOs,she helpeddriveaprocesswhichreduced 6.4trillioncaloriesfrom35%ofthe foodsoldintheUnitedStates. Asanobserver,aparticipant,anda leaderduringtimesofhistoricchange, Lisalearnedtoplanformultiple scenarioswhenredesigningand buildinghigh-impact,sustainable operations.
FAREisthelargestglobalNGO investinginfoodallergyresearch, educationandadvocacy.Itenhances thelivesofindividualswithfood allergies,empoweringthemtolead safe,productiveliveswiththerespect ofothersthrougheducationand advocacyinitiativesandimproved awarenessaroundhealthcareoptions andtreatment.
FAREistheresultofthemergerofa grassrootsorganizationandaresearch non-protin2012. Althoughthe
organizationwassuccessfulin recruitingimmunologiststoenterthe foodallergyspaceandhadestablished aclinicalnetworkof30institutions, thenonprot'seconomicmodel,atthe timeLisawasrecruited,wasnot sustainable.Lisaimmediatelyworked toturnthingsaroundonlytodiscover thatwithoutanextensiverestructure andprioritizationofspending,FARE woulduseupcashreservesinfewer thanthreeyearsatthecurrentrunrate.
Compoundingtheissuewasthatoneof theprimaryfundraisingvehicles, walks,werecostingtwicetheamount theybroughtinasthisfundraising methodwasseeingparticipation declinesnationwide.Torighttheship, Lisawentintotriagemode—rst,to stoplosingmoney.Sheimmediately assembledandledaturnaroundteam toauditnancialsandprovidean accurateassessmentofcoststructure. In24months,herturnaroundteamand sheraisedenoughfundstopaythe previousyear'sbills($15M)inve monthsandsecuredatotalof$85 millionincommitmentsagainsta$200 milliongoal. Inbrief,Lisaandteam launchedaContains:Courage™ research-focusedfundraisingand awarenesscampaignandexpanded theFAREClinicalNetworktoinclude 50academicmedicalinstitutionswhich conducttransformationalresearchand trials.Theteamrestructuredthe organizationby83%intherst12 months,increasedrevenueby62% whilekeepingexpensesrelativelyat, achievedreductionsinmanagement andoverheadby30%,andreduced fundraisingexpensesby10%.She also,importantly,increaseddiversity amongFARE'sleadershipandboards andelevatedthevoiceofthepatientto ensureaccesstocareandtherapiesfor underrepresentedcommunities.
complexproblemsasameansto distinguishherselfinmultiplesettings.
ShehighlightsthatCraigBarrett, formerCEO/ChairofIntel Corporation,counseledhertospeak withfactsanduseprocesstoreengineertroubledorganizations.From thehallsoftheReaganWhiteHouseto supportingtheC-suiteatIntel,inher 20sLisalearnedtodeneherself throughdiligence,humor,humilityand determinationwithgrace,grit,and gladnessfortheopportunitytomakea differenceinpeople'slivesby leveragingtheamazingopportunities withwhichshewasblessed.
Iamfascinatedbythecontinued mergeroffood,medicine,and technology The"foodismedicine" movementisdemonstrativethatweare seeingacrosspollinationofinnovation acrossmultiplesectorsandleadership fromunexpectedallieslikeNestle, Google,andothersenteringthespace aswelookatbiologics,probiotics,and foodwithhealthbenetsashavingthe potentialforthegreatestimpactin treatingdiseaseandmitigatinghealth risks,statesLisa.
Atatimewhendizzyinginnovation cycles,hypercompetition,andaglobal pandemichavemadesurvivalmore challengingthanever,Lisausesher time-testedandindustry-proofmethod whichsheoutlinesinherbook, Turnaround.Thebookgivesyouthe toolstoturnyourshiparoundandchart acoursetosuccess.
Herfourprinciplesofguidance broughttolifewithexamplesin Turnaround are:
Ÿ
Visualizethefuture—don'tx
what'sthere;startfromscratch.
Ÿ Breakdownthepresent—ditch whatisn'tworking;keepwhat does.
Ÿ Createapathtoyour future—mapoutcriticaldecision andactionsneeded.
Ÿ Executewithcondenceand diplomacy—speedupby partneringwellwithothers.
Lisa'smessagetoyoungwomenisto challengeassumptionsfromyouryouth bybeingstrategicinyour conversations.Usedataandprecise deliverytomoveconversationinthe roomfromassumptionstofacts.By doingso,youwillchangethetermsof thedebateandyourswillbethe commentspeoplereferenceafterthe fact.Thiscanbedifcultifyouarethe rstwomantoenteramaledominated arenaasLisawaswhensheworkedas apoliticalappointeeintheReagan DefenseDepartmentattheageof21.
Hermalementorsweretheoneswho rsttaughtherhowtoownaroom. Theyhelpedherlearnhowtochannel herintellectanduniqueabilitytosolve
Underliningtheimportanceofgood mentorshipLisasaid-Mentorswho proactivelyhelpotherssucceedby bridginggapsandservingasongoing soundingboardsaresomeofour greatestassets.Lifeoffersfewhighspeedelevatorswhichaccelerateusto theupperlevels. Manytimes,wemay ndourselveshurtlingtothebasement instead.Ifyouwanttocreatea measurabledifference,asamentor,be preparedforalong-termallianceby beinghands-oninopeningdoors, providingrecommendationsand specicadvicerelatedtothedifferent oorsonwhichyourmenteewillstop ontheirwaytothetop.
Followingthepublicationofher book- ,-HowtoChangeTurnaround CourseWhenThingsAreGoingSouth, Lisaisplanningtowriteasecond bookaroundmentorshipsand leadership.
by LISA GABLE
Massivesupermarketlaunches,sensational collaborationsandaonce-in-a-lifetime opportunitytocompeteandwinatthe2020 GlobalStartupWorldCup.Thesewerejustsomeofthe grandplansLisaSohanpal,co-founderandCEOofNom NomsWorldFood,andherteamhadontheirquestto revolutionizetheworldoffast&convenientfood.
Yet,likeanuncontainableblaze,COVID-19setretothose planswhilsttorchingthroughallmajorindustriesandthe livelihoodsofbusinesses&thepeoplewhodependon them.ForLisa,itsymbolizedacriticalinexionpointin herentrepreneurialcareer–shouldshetakeamuch-needed breaktoseewhatunfoldedintheworldwhilst spendingtimeathomewithherhusbandand3children?Or shouldshebringoutthewhiteboard,deviseanewstrategy, committoensuringhersupplychainwasprotectedandbe launch-some-day-readywithlimitedfundstospendin uncertain,unprecedentedfuture?
Ifyoupickedthelastone,youarecorrect.Exceptaddtothe mix:launchingabrandnewprotectivefashionbrand,a social-impact-focusedinvestmentgroup,andanumbrella companyastheparenthesisencompassingallbrands, namedafterherFather
PriortofoundingNomNomsWorldFood,Lisawasinthe MedicalDevicesindustrywhereshespent18yearsasan InternationalDirectorofMedicalDevices,managing47 countries,andtravelingaroundtheworldallthetime–at theoddestofhours.
Lisastatesthatshewasfortunatetotraveltomany destinationsthroughherworkintheMiddleEast,Asia, Africa,andEurope.Duringherexperience,shesawmany childrensuffermalnutritionandwereconstantlyghtingfor theirlives.Theywouldonlygotoschoolbecausetheywere guaranteedamealandwouldwalkmilestodoso.With3 youngchildrenofherown,itwasheart-breakingtosee.
ComingbacktoNorthAmericaandseeingtheopposite–thatkidswereconsumingjunkfoodbythesecond–which motivatedherfurthertotransformthewayouryounger generationseat,sothattheycanlivelonger,healthierlives, whilsthelpingtochangethelivesofthoseinneed. Workingwithdieticiansandfoodexperts,alongsideher husband,Dr.ImratSohanpal,Lisadevisedrecipesforreal food,madefreefromharmfulpropertieswiththeinvaluable bonusofnotrequiringpreparation,cookingorwashingup whatsoever.Withanambitiontodiversifythepalateof consumersaroundtheworld,herproductsstrivetore-create theauthenticavorsfromtheirglobalculinaryexperiences andthus,NomNomsWorldFoodwasborn.
NomNomsWorldFoodcraftsmouth-wateringworld cuisinethatisreadytoheatandeatinseconds.Think delicious,exoticmeals,andhighproteinhotwraps,fully cookedandfullofavor-nogroceryshopping,no preparation,andnocookingnecessary.All100%locally
madewithoutanynastiesorprocessing,pre-packagedto cuthumaninteractionanddeliverconvenienceatitsbest.
NomNomsbelievesthatsolvingworldhungershouldbeas easyaseating.Soforeverypurchase,theyfeedhungry childreninneedtokeepthemoffthestreetsandin schooltogainaneducation
Usingadvancedtechnologyinnovations,NomNomsis disruptingtheconvenienceeconomywithunprecedented shelf-lifeinfreshandfrozen,whilstenablingpeopleto measuretheirimpactendtoend.Finally,visualcreators fromaroundtheworldwilldesignanddeliverunique localizedexperiencestoyourmobiledevice,throughtheir world-rstExperience-Sharingplatform.
NomNomsWorldFoodhasreceivedover42awards spanningacrossproductinnovation,packaging,concept, andentrepreneurship.Morerecently,theseincludethe prestigious 2019 Telus Pitch Multicultural Business of the Year awardandWinningthe Startup World Cup 2020 New York Regional,puttingtheminpositiontonowwinthe Start-Up World Cup in 2021
Also,NomNomsWorldFoodwashand-pickedbythe BritishRoyalFamily,asanotablebrandtobeincludedin the“OurRoyalBaby”commemorativebook,tocelebrate thebirthofArchieHarrisonMountbatten-Windsor.
Butthejourneywasnoteasy.Oneofthebiggesthurdles Lisafacedwasgettingfunded,asitisnearimpossiblefor womentobreakthroughtheunchangedhistoryoffunding challenges.Currently,only3%ofwomen-ownedbusinesses getinvestment–it'smind-bogglingandcannotbeignored. Breakingthisbarrierwassomethingthatshealwaysheld closetoherchest,andshewantstoeducateandinspire fellowfemaleentrepreneurstodothesame.
ResilientisthewordLisabelievesbestdescribesher With thenumberofbizarrethingsthatshehadfacedhastaken herresiliencetoalevelshedidn'tevenknowexisted.She simplydoesn'tthinkthereisanythingshecannotbounce backfrom.Forthosestartingup,sherecommendsworking outcontingencyplansaheadoftime.Alwayshaveseveral backupoptionsforallareasofyourbusiness,always!
Tothoseseekingfunding,shesays “never give up on your dreams and continue to work hard to bring your vision to reality. Keep persevering especially when others doubt you. No one will ght for your business more than you and when the timing is right, doors will not only open, they will have an elevator to take you straight to your dreams.”.
Growingupastheeldestof4childreninanIndianfamily newtopre-multiculturalAustraliahadinstilledanundying senseofresponsibility,tochallengeculturalnormsandto helpthefamilysucceedinanenvironmentseemingly workingagainstthem.HerFather'sinspiringstory,one relatabletomanyimmigrantparents,droveLisato empowerment,breakingthroughglassceilingsthroughout male-dominatedworkingenvironments,andrisingtothe topofhereld.
“NoonewouldwanttodobusinesswithDadbecauseofhis ethnicity,sohegotcreativeandchangedhisnametoBob Berklytogetthroughtothemoverthephone.Oncethey methim,theywere'rudely'surprisedthathewasa sensationalbusinessman,andwhenhegotthroughthedoor, itwasadonedeal.Mostwouldsayhechangedforthe environment,butwe(hischildren)sawitasamasterclass inadaptingtoyourenvironmenttosucceed.Andwell, 'adaptordie,astheysay!”,describedLisa.
Fast-forwardingto2020,thistenacitytodowhateverit takes,stoodwithherafteryearsofexternaldoubt.She drawsonyearsinresilienceandndingsolutionstosomeof themostunfathomableofproblems,andadaptedtothe environmentasherDadwould,ndingcreativewaysto fundherbusinesswhilstbeingdriventocreatebrandsthat wouldchangethefortunesandthefutureoftheworld's mostimpoverished.
ThebirthoftheBerklyGroupisatestamenttothevalues sheholdstruetothisday,whichnowhastwobrandsunder itsbelt–NomNomsandmiixtechnologies(awellnessfocusedprotectivefashionbrand)–tofurtherhervisionin makeserious,long-lastingchange.
AsforNomNoms;thebiggestgoalrightnowistogive accesstotheirfoodformillionsofpeoplearoundtheworld, andtheyareexcitedtobelaunchingandpartneringwiththe likesofWalmart,EmiratesFlightCatering,Costcoand more.Theyareambitiousandwithalltheseproductssold, theyhopetodonate10,000,000mealstochildreninneed. Moreproductssoldmeansmoremouthsfed,andthat motivateshertogrowthebusinesstoastronomicalheights.
Theyhaveavisionfortechnologytodisruptthefutureof food,andareintheprocessofenablingconsumersto measureandtracktheirimpacttothechildreninneed,be rewardedforit,andcreatecontentconnectingthemtolocal experiencesfromglobalcurators.
WhenTheTycoonMagazinecontactedandaskedLisa aboutherperspectiveonthecurrentscenarioandImpactof COVID19onreadyfoodindustryshesaid,
“The current Economic and COVID-19 health situation globally has led people to drastically change their grocery
and dining habits. Consumers are cooking more, and more often with more mouths to feed, which is taking up more time. Plans to travel and experience different cultures have halted indenitely. People cannot go out to eat an authentic meal and instead must try to make it at home. Grocery store visits should only happen if essential and ingredient availability has become a game of chance.
The desire to enjoy world cuisine remains high yet caution prevails when ordering through limited restaurants available. That too has become more of a luxury in today's economic climate, and consumers are choosing not to take that chance, due to the element of human interaction on made-to-order food.
What remains true from before all of this happened is that food brands need to cater to what we call, the convenience economy. So to succeed in today's Food & FMCG landscape, brands need to ne-tune their empathy skills and deliver experiences that bring the lost joys of good food, social interaction and travel, back home.
Traditional methods of distribution cannot cater to consumer's needs fast enough, so brands need to be agile and be accessible in more ways than one. Ultimately, new lifestyles are here to stay, and brands need to be more creative and forward-thinking with regards to how to leverage the current landscape of food.”
Lisaadvisesthosewhoareenteringintotheworldof entrepreneurshiptolearnnotonlyhowtostaythecourse butcreatetheirownalongtheway,whilstbeingguidedbya blendoflogicandgutfeel.
“Mindmatters,butyourgutknowsyoubetter,trustit. There'snothingworsethanhavingregretsofgivingupon yourvisiontooearly.Itwilltaketime,thedayswillseem extra-longandtherewillbemanysleeplessnights.Believe thattheanswersareouttherewaiting,believeinthatlife willsurpriseyouagainandagain.Believethatthejourney isthedestination,believeyouarethegreatestprojectyou willeverworkon,believethatyoucanandwillmakeit happen.”
Herstoryistrulyaninspirationalone,aswithhersheer aspirationtodestroymalnutrition,hungerandtransformthe wayouryoungergenerationseat,sheiscreatingapositive impactontheworldandrevolutionizingconveniencefood, oneNomNomsatatime.
W MEN“I see people at their worst times in their lives, I am able to be the logic and reason for them during such an emotional time. In hopes, to allow them to be able to move forward after the legal matter has resolved. This also led to the coaching business. The listening, supporting and coaching young attorneys and clients have become a passion. I want women to know that it's ok; needed; and accepted that other women support and encourage other women. There is nothing wrong with promoting other women. Everyone has their own glitter to leave behind! Let them shine and let them know it is ok to do so. Can't ever have enough glitter!"
States Pamela D. Kurt
PamelaD.KurtisaLifeCoach forprofessionalwomenandan attorney. Shelivesonthe ShoresofLakeErie,Ohiowithher husbandandtheirdogsBaileyand Bella. Shehasanadultsonwhoisan award-winningmoviedirectorand producer. Shecurrentlyownsherown lawrmKURTLAWOFFICE,LLC
Asabusinessowner,sheisalsovery activeinhercommunityandhasheld severalleadershiproles.Shehasbeena guestspeakeronvariousforumsandan authorofabestseller,TheSuccessful Women'sMind-set,21Journeysto Success. Herpassionistosupportand toempowerwomentobethebestthey can! Themostpersonalenjoymentis whenherclientsndtheirownway Herprivatepracticecreatedto empowerwomen. BETHEBEST YOU! Hercoachingprogramhas allowedherclientsonapowerfulselfdiscoveryjourney.
InaninterviewwithTheTycoon Magazine,Pamelashedslightonher professionaljourney,howsheis helpingfamiliesthroughtheirlegal troubles.Andmentoring,guidingand coachingprofessionalwomentobethe bestversionofthemselves.
Thejourneyhasn'tbeeneasybutIam gratefulforallthatIhavelearnedover theyears. Thewaythroughthe journeyisbymyfaith. Iworkwithout a"net". Idon'thavearichfamilyor husband. Ihavebeenabletoovercome adversitythroughmyfaithinGod. Iwentbacktocollegeasadivorced singlemother. Iworkedmultiplejobs toobtainmyeducation.Ireceivedmy Associates,Bachelors,Mastersand Doctorate. Iwentoutonmyownand openedalawpracticewhilebeinga substituteandadjunctcollege professor. Ihavealwaysenjoyed
teaching. Overtheyears,Iwantmy lawpracticetobeforfamilythatarein needwitheverydayproblems.
Thebiggestroadblockhasbeenmy expectationsofothers. Iamgetting betterastimegoeson. Ihaverealized thatothersdon'talwayswantthesame thingsIwouldwantinascenario. I havelearnedtolistentothemandhelp themrealizetheirgoalsanddreamsnot justwhatIwouldwantorseeforthem. ThebiggestlearningisthatIcan't believeandforcepeopletodoand believemorethantheydothemselves. IhavefoundIwillbelieveandinvest inpeoplemorethantheyactuallyare willingtodoso. Thisasaleaderand businessownercancostmoneyand time. Ihavetostepbackandaccess whatsomeoneisactuallywillingtodo toreachtheirgoals. Noteveryone desirestoreallyreachthem.
Someofmyexperiencesarebasedon faith. WhenIthoughtthingswouldn't workout.Godhasalwaysprovided. LessonsIhavelearnedarethatyou needtorstandforemosttakecareof you. Ifyoudon'tyouwon'thave anythingtogivetotakecareofthe others. Youoweittoyourselfandyour family. Ihavelearnedthislessonthe hardwayovertheyears.
ThecurrentindustryisSTILLmale dominated. Therearestillmany innuendoandunspokengesturesthat canbeoffensive. Ithinkwomenthat arelawyersarestrong! ThisiswhyI alsostartedthecoachingbusinessfor ladylawyers. Ialsowanttoempower WOMENlawyers!
Futuregoalsaretocontinuetodevelop thecoachingbusinessintoanational market. Iamcurrentlyworkingon multipleclassesandbooks. Ihave alreadybeenpartofseveralsummits andspeakingengagements. Iwantto empowerwomentobethebestversion ofthemselves! Iwanttobethenext femaleTonyRobbins
Eventhoughit's2021,womenarestill theminorityinthelegaleld,westill aren'tatequalpayandtherearestill moremaleattorneys.
Someofthestereotypesareweare willingto"givein"innegotiations. Wearewillingtodotakecareof detailsforanyeventorproject. Weare willingtodofollowupsandtake responsibilitiesforalldetails. Ithink oneofthegeneralstereotypesarethat
womenarecaretakers. Whilethatis trueandverygeneral,womenas leadersknowhowtosettheboundaries necessaryinbusinesssettingstonotbe takenadvantageof.
Iwouldadvisetobethemselvesand condent.Ithinkthatmentorshipis crucialandiftheopportunitypresents itself,TAKEIT!
I want anyone I encounter to feel that they can be anything! They can be the best version of themselves. If they can Dream it, Believe It, they WILL Achieve it! I want to be that positive inuence to show them they can do it!
SomeofPamela'sAchievementsand accoladesincludes:
OhioStateBarAssociation
LakeCountyBarAssociation, President,2021
GeaugaCountyBarAssociation
AshtabulaCountyBarAssociation
ChardonChamberofCommerce
EasternLakeCountyChamberof Commerce
AshtabulaCountyWomen'sClub
FineArtsAssociation,Women's Committee,Willoughby
UnitedWay,Women'sCouncil
AmericanBarAssociation,former AdvisoryPanel
OhioWomen'sBarAssociation, formerLegislativeCommittee
WesternLakeCountyChamber, formerBoardMember
ForbesHouse,Women'sShelter, formerBoardMember
PayItForwardFoundationof Cleveland,BoardMember
BNI,ChapterPresidentof ExecutiveChapter2015
WilloughbyHills,Economic DevelopmentCommittee2016
WilloughbyUnitedMethodist Church,Mission&Social ConcernsCommittee
McKinleyOutreach,formerBoard Member
LAB,LearningAboutBusiness, formerBoardMember
JoannDavidsonLeadership InstituteofOhio,Classof2013
LeadershipLakeCounty,Classof 2015
LakeCountyPlanningCommission
2017topresent;ViceChair20202021
LakelandCommunityCollege,Hall ofFamerecipient2010
SmallBusinessoftheYear,2010
OhioStateBarFoundationFellow Classof2011
WomenoftheYearawardNAPW, 2011/2012
AmericanLawyerMedia,TopOhio Lawyer2013
Trademark'sWho'sWhoHonor Edition2015
NAFLA,Top25Lawyer2015and RankedTop10Award
AmericanInst.OfLawAttorney SatisfactionAward,2016
ExpertNetwork,Distinguish AttorneyAward,2016
AmericanInst.OfFamilyLaw,10 BestAttorney-Ohio,2016-2017
AttorneyandPracticeMagazine, FamilyLaw,Top10OhioMay 2017
AmericanInst.OfFamilyLaw,10 Best2018
BestAttorneyofAmerica,member, Ohio2018
10BestFemaleAttorneyinOhio 2019,FamilyLaw
LawyersofDistinction2021 FamilyandDivorceLaw
BestsellingAuthor2021
Speakervariousvenues
Shewouldbehonoredtohelpyouon yourjourney!
Pamelaiscurrentlyacceptingnew privatecoachingclients. Please contactheratBestVersionYou.com foraconsultationtoseeifthis programisrightforyou.
Using AI-based text classification methods, we can identify the context of the content and make queries to public video media libraries using APIs. These can be given back to the teachers as an assisted course creation tool to develop interactive digital media lessons for their students.
Using AI-based text classification methods, we can identify the context of the content and make queries to public video media libraries using APIs. These can be given back to the teachers as an assisted course creation tool to develop interactive digital media lessons for their students.
Theoretical knowledge online is what most universities have achieved, but practical training online so far seems unique. We are building tools to auto-generate (convert) text-based content to video-based online content with an extension towards gamification and immersive techniques for advanced pieces of training. www.videowiki.pt
Theoretical knowledge online is what most universities have achieved, but practical training online so far seems unique. We are building tools to auto-generate (convert) text-based content to video-based online content with an extension towards gamification and immersive techniques for advanced pieces of training. www.videowiki.pt
At Cisco, we aim to build a world where everyone gets equal access. That means taking every challenge and facing it head on. We're committed to empowering the people we serve and leaving the world better than we found it. From social justice to global sustainability, we stand to create new opportunities for tomorrow. Our purpose is to power an inclusive future for all.
