The Most Influential Female Founders & CEOs In Business | CIO Women Magazine

Magazine

2023 C o omen

INFLUENTIAL FEMALE Founders & CEOs In Business

THE MOST

Anna N Schlegel : A Charismatic Leader breaking the Stereotype

Pg. 32

The Supremes: Timeless Classics That Defined an Era

Pg. 12

Pg. 52

The Art of Selling 7 Techniques for Succes

| NOVEMBER | 2023

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

Pioneering Leadership in

BUSINESS AND TRANSFORMATION

C o omen Magazine

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“Do not follow where the path may lead.

Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

- Muriel Strode

Women under Spotlight!

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that we present to you the latest edition of CIO Women Magazine, aptly titled, “The Most Influential Female Founders & CEOs in Business.” This special issue celebrates the remarkable journeys, accomplishments, and invaluable contributions of the incredible women who are driving innovation, shaping industries, and redefining the business landscape.

In a world where diversity and inclusion are more important than ever, it is essential to shine a spotlight on the women who are breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. The stories featured in this issue are a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence, leadership, and the unshakable belief that gender should never be a barrier to success.

Throughout these pages, you will find insightful profiles, interviews, and in-depth articles about the most influential female founders and CEOs across various sectors, from technology and finance to healthcare and beyond. These women have not only achieved success in their respective fields, but they have also paved the way for future generations of aspiring women leaders. Their stories are not just inspirational; they are a call to action for us all to continue supporting, nurturing, and championing female leadership in the business world.

On the cover of this issue, we have featured Dr. Regina Banks-Hall, Founder of RBH Professional Development Institute, LLC. She is undeniably one of the most influential female founders and CEOs in the business world. She lends her expertise to corporate leaders, enabling them to uncover hidden talents within their organizations, leading to remarkable transformations. Alongside her, we have featured Anna N. Schlegel in the ‘Special Profile’ section.

We hope you have a great read!

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Devils Postpile National Monument: A Pioneering Geological Marvel of California

Anna N Schlegel : A Charismatic Leader breaking the Stereotype

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CONTENTS

12

The Supremes: Timeless Classics That Defined an Era

The Art of Selling 7 Techniques for Success

CONTENTS CONTENTS

22 Dr. Regina Banks-Hall

12

THE SUPREMES

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In 1959, the Supremes were founded as the Primettes in Detroit, Michigan. It was Motown’s most commercially successful act and the most successful American vocal band consisting of 12 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100. The original members Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown were all from the Brewster-Douglass public housing project in Detroit. They incorporated the Primettes as the sister act to the Primes.

Thereafter, in 1960, Barbara Martin substituted McGlown, and the group signed with Motown as the Supremes one year later. In 1962, Martin left the act and Ross, Ballard, and Wilson continued as a trio.

Having Ross as the lead singer and Holland–Dozier–Holland as the songwriting and production team, the Supremes accomplished mainstream success in the middle of the sixties. The Motown president Berry Gordy changed the name of the group to “Diana Ross and The Supremes” and included Cindy Birdsong in the place of Ballard in 1967.

When Ross left the group to fulfill his dream of a solo career, the group gained its original name The Supremes.

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Motown and Supremacy The Supremes experienced a vital moment in their career by signing with Motown Records. Mostly addressed as “Hotsville, USA”, Motown was a powerhouse of talent which included acts like Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, etc. In 1964, their first chart-topper, “Where Did Our Love Go” was released, which became a game changer as the infectious melody of the song and the angelic vocals of Ross made it an instant classic. Their music was a combination of pop and soul, hence known as the “Motown Sound”, reflected in their series of chart-topper “Baby Love”, “Stop! In the Name of Love”, and “You Can’t Harry Love”.

Empowerment and Civil Rights The Supremes were more than just a musical sensation for their fans. They embodied resilience and empowerment. The group broke down barriers when racial segregation and discrimination were growing. The first all-female group was succeeding in a male-dominated industry and becoming popular. Furthermore, the music of the Supremes carried the message of social unity along with hope and love, which resonated in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s.

They performed at events supporting racial equality and were an inspiration to many African Americans during this turbulent period in American history.

Impact on the Audience The Supremes deliberately adopted a more glamorous image, encouraged by Motown chief Berry Gordy and Maxine Powell. Ross sang in a calmer and thinner voice as compared to her contemporaries and her vocal styling was matched by having all women embellish their femininity rather than

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duplicating the male groups. The Supremes appeared onstage with highlighted make-up and a highfashion gown with wings. Moreover, they performed gracefully with a choreography by Cholly Atkins. The Supremes were told to “be prepared to perform before kings and queens.”

Gordy wished for The Supremes to be equally appealing to black and white audiences, like other male groups.

The Supremes were international stars by 1965, who traveled around the world and became famous. They recorded songs for motion picture soundtracks after their initial numberone hits. The song was launched in the film “Beach Ball” and the group endorsed dozens of products, at one point having their bread brand. “I Hear a Symphony”, “You Can’t Harry Love”, and “You Keep Me Hanging On” were added to their list of hit songs. Consequently, the group released The Supremes A’ Go-Go, which appeared to be the first allfemale group album to achieve a separate position on the US Billboard 200. They knocked the Beatles’ Revolver out of the top spot.

As The Supremes were famous among black as well as white audiences, at renowned supper clubs, for example, the Copacabana in New York, Gordy had the group performance.

Furthermore, pop standards and Broadway were established in their

repertoire in addition to their hit songs.

Soon, it turned out to be the first black musical act to gain a remarkable and sustained crossover success.

What issues did the group face?

Every success story has some dark shades, and clearly, The Supremes are not an exception. It experienced tension due to recurring problems with Motown Records' stable performers.

According to some sources, Berry Gordy was focusing mainly on the Ross and it was quite unfair to other members of the group. Changing the

CIO Women Magazine | 17

name of the group escalated the rumors of a solo career of Ross and led to professional as well as personal damage to the group. When Ross became the focus, Ballard started suffering from depression and developed an excessive drinking habit. She put on so much weight that she couldn’t comfortably wear many of her performance outfits on the stage. Subsequently, she pursued a solo career with ABC Records and was forced to deny solo contracts of Motown as a part of the settlement.

The Supremes in the 1970s In January 1970, the Supremes performed at the Frontier Hotel in Las Vegas under the name ‘Diana Ross & The Supremes’, which was considered their last performance. One year later, the live recording of the performance was made public with the title, ‘Farewell’. At the event, Jean Terrell was announced as the replacement for Diana Ross and changed the name to ‘The Supremes’. “Right On” was the first album of the group without Ross and included Jean Terrel with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong. “Floy Joy” was the group’s Top 20 hit single release written and produced by Smokey Robinson and “Automatically Sunshine” was followed after that.

Thereafter, it became the final Top 10 singles in the UK. Terrel shared the lead with Mary Wilson on both ‘Floy Joy’ and ‘Automatically Sunshine’. After recording the Fly-Joy album, Cindy Birdsong left the group and Lynda Laurence was introduced. Jimmy Webb started to produce the Supremes. The Stevie Wonder-led “Bad Weather” reached 87th rank on the US pop charts and 37th in the UK in early 1973.

Laurence left the group to start her family hance, and Cindy was brought back.

In the UK and Japan, the Supremes remained a popular live act and continued touring overseas.

However, the new recordings of the group were not as successful as their earlier ones. “He’s My Man” was a popular disco hit in 1975 on which Payne and Wilson shared lead vocals.

Many producers published a fiction work based upon the journey of the Supremes. The trio called ‘Sisters & the Sisters’ from New York appeared in the movie called ‘Sparkle’ was a true story of the group. Loosely based on the history of the Supremes, the Tony Awardwinning musical ‘Dreamgirl’ appeared at the Imperial Theatre. It represents the all-female singing trio from

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Chicago who became music superstars.

Awards and Nominations In the category of ‘Best Rhythm’, The Supremes were nominated twice for the Grammy Awards. However, it never won any awards in the competition. Thereafter, three of their songs were added to the ‘Grammy Hall of Fame’ which includes “Where Did Our Love Go” and “You Keep Me Hangin’On” (both 1999) and “Stop! In the Name of Love” (2001). In 2023, the group (Ross, Wilson, Ballard) was named one of eight recipients to receive a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. The Supremes had a profound influence on black society and inspired black girls to achieve notable awards in music.

The Supremes Group fans were excited about the reunion and wanted them to perform live to remember the old days. In 1982, Motown reunited the group (Wilson, Birdsong, and Payne) and included them in recordings.

However, Wilson refused to reunite, and the idea was scrapped. To perform “Someday We’ll Be Together” Ross joined Wilson and Birdsong and reunited with them. In 1976, with the death of Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson in 2021, there is no longer any possible reunion of the original classic lineup.

Legacy and Influence The legacy of the Supremes is indelible, as their music is timeless and has given numerous hits to continue the grace of airwaves. The compositions like “My World Is Empty Without You” and “Someday We’ll Be Together” keep resonating with the international audience. The Supremes inspired future female artists like Destiny's Child and TLC. They are a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and cultural progress, reaching beyond just the music industry.

Conclusion The Supremes are integral to American cultural history because of their harmonious melodies, contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, and barrier-breaking achievements. Today, their music is entertaining old and new generations by cherishing the melody spread by the group. Moreover, the success story of the group serves as a testament to the power of talent, unity, and determination. The Supremes defined an era in music and inspired positive change.

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Cover Story

Dr. Regina Banks-Hall Pioneering Leadership in BUSINESS AND TRANSFORMATION RBH Professional Development Institute, LLC | FOUNDER

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oday, Women leaders have brought transformative change to various industries, infusing fresh perspectives, innovation, and exceptional leadership qualities.

Their influence goes beyond gender boundaries, contributing significantly to the dynamic growth of their organizations and sectors.

Setting an example, Dr. Regina Banks-Hall, Founder of RBH Professional Development Institute, LLC, is undeniably one of the most influential female founders and CEOs in the business world. Her remarkable journey is marked by her commitment to helping individuals overcome their fears and discover their life’s purpose. Moreover, she lends her expertise to corporate leaders, enabling them to uncover hidden talents within their organizations, leading to remarkable transformations.

Dr. Banks-Hall has over 15 years of professional experience, including human resources, operations, mentoring, and more. Her contributions extend to professional training and coaching seminars that empower individuals to reach new heights, as well as workshops that guide them in visualizing their dreams and navigating the small business landscape. Dr. Banks-Hall exemplifies the potential of influential female leaders, emphasizing empowerment, inclusivity, and visionary leadership, making her a prominent figure to watch in the business world.

Accomplished Journey Dr. Banks-Hall’s professional journey is marked by a series of remarkable achievements. Notably, she achieved best-seller status through her coauthorship with Jack Canfield in the book “The Keys to Authenticity, Unlocking the Code to a Fulfilling Life in Business.” She earned a doctorate in organizational leadership and received the Best Selling Author Award. With over 15 years of experience in business, she possesses SHRM CP certification and is a certified grants administrator, speaker, teacher, trainer, and coach, along with being a distinguished Toastmaster. Yet, she believes that her most significant achievement remains her deep commitment to helping individuals discover their talents and progress in their personal and professional journeys.

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EMPOWERING EXCELLENCE RBH Professional Development Institute provides leadership and training with a mission to foster professional growth and advancement among individuals and organizations. The institute is deeply rooted in a mission centered on facilitating growth and self-discovery for individuals. It equips its clients with the essential keys and tools to foster advancements in every facet of life, whether personal or professional. With a history spanning over a decade, the coaching team at RBH has been instrumental in driving change and assisting people from across the nation in reshaping their lives and transforming dreams into tangible realities. Essentially, RBH Professional Development Institute offers invaluable guidance, profound insight, and support, resulting in enhanced focus, determination, and a resolute commitment to unlocking life’s full potential.

Dr. Banks-Hall is committed to inspiring people and businesses to reach their maximum potential. The institute’s vision is to deliver world-class training, comprehensive professional development opportunities, personalized small business coaching, and book publishing services. It is dedicated to empowering its clients to excel in their respective fields and realize their aspirations.

Cover Story

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Key Responsibilities At the helm of the institute, Dr. BanksHall Banks-Hall shoulders several critical responsibilities. She guides the institute by overseeing the products and services offered. Her commitment extends to empowering the institute’s consultants and ensuring its longevity beyond her involvement. To achieve this, she sets a visionary tone for the

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institute, focusing on understanding consultants’ needs and meeting customer demands, all in pursuit of the institute’s mission to become a premier institution in its field.

Overcoming Initial Challenges Dr. Banks-Hall encountered several challenges when establishing the RBH Professional Development Institute. One

of the primary hurdles was entering a saturated market with numerous leadership training providers. To address this, she strategically focused on the unique value of her services, encompassing workshops, mastermind classes, keynote presentations, and her certification as a John Maxwell consultant. This collaboration with John Maxwell’s organization equipped her with valuable tools.

Furthermore, she realized the importance of financial stability and resource management. To overcome this challenge, she cultivated a strong relationship with a local bank, enabling her to secure the necessary resources to support and advance her business, ultimately laying a solid foundation for RBH Professional Development Institute’s growth.

Products & Services

Leveraging Technology

RBH Professional Development Institute offers a range of exclusive products and services tailored to foster personal and organizational growth.

These comprehensive services encompass diverse areas, including relationship and intimacy, emotional processing, motivation, time management, business and leadership, finances and budgeting, health, lifestyle, aging, personal growth, purpose, life direction, stress management, and professional development.

Dr. Banks-Hall highlights the pivotal role of technology in the institute’s offerings. She emphasizes that as a business owner, leveraging technology is essential because it drives change and opens up new growth opportunities. The institute successfully adapted to the changing landscape, especially during the challenges posed by COVID-19, by extensively using webinars and virtual meetings to connect with a global audience. Furthermore, it integrated video technology into its customized programs, tailoring content to suit specific industries such as HR or the automotive sector.

The institute also offers Mastermind Classes, fostering accountability, synergy, and brainstorming within a group setting to enhance personal and business skills. Dr. Banks-Hall’s team of certified speakers delivers specialized training, emphasizing effective communication to strengthen relationships and equip teams with the attitudes necessary for enhancing their leadership skills. RBH Professional Development Institute also provides an online leadership assessment, allowing individuals to gauge their leadership skills.

RBH Professional Development Institute’s adaptability extends to podcasts and webcasts as additional tools to engage with diverse audiences.

Dr. Banks-Hall reflects on the importance of tailoring products and services to meet the unique needs of each audience, solidifying the institute’s commitment to excellence in leadership and development.

Cover Story

Employee Care & Uniqueness Committing to individual and group coaching, the institute tailors its approach to individual and professional goals. Group coaching cultivates a cohesive bond among participants, nurturing each member’s inner leader while benefiting the collective group.

The institute also provides Behavior Disc assessments, a valuable tool for gaining insights into organizational personnel. These assessments aid in understanding the workforce more comprehensively. Dr. Banks-Hall introduces a leadership game designed for executive leaders, enabling them to gain profound insights into their leadership style and its potential impact on their organization.

Dr. Banks-Hall places a high priority on nurturing her team at RBH Professional Development Institute.

Her approach revolves around understanding each employee’s needs and aspirations, ensuring they are placed in roles where they can thrive.

This empowers team members to excel and contribute to the institute’s progress effectively.

By instilling a sense of empowerment, Dr. Banks-Hall encourages her team to chase their dreams and attain personal success. Her leadership philosophy centers on fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to achieve their goals.

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The distinctive quality of the RBH Professional Development Institute team is the culture of listening to ideas, providing an atmosphere conducive to success, and a shared commitment to seeing each team member succeed.

Resilience against Gender & Racial Biases Dr. Banks-Hall, being an AfricanAmerican woman business leader, has encountered gender and racial biases in her career. However, she is committed to confronting biases and not giving in to adversity. She recognizes that some individuals may form judgments based on stereotypes or preconceived notions. In response, she emphasizes her education, experience, ethics, and dedication to customer service, striving to show that, given the opportunity, she can change their perceptions and demonstrate the value she brings to the table.

Fostering Women Empowerment Dr. Banks-Hall prioritizes the promotion of women’s inclusion and places a strong focus on achieving equity and equality within the institute.

Furthermore, she actively supports women’s organizations and ensures her team’s involvement in various professional development opportunities. She actively works towards building a diverse team that provides female leaders a seat at the table, offering opportunities for growth, promotion, and advancement.

She ensures that women feel valued and supported within the institute.

Influential Figures Two figures stand out as sources of inspiration to Dr. Banks-Hall. First and foremost, Dr. Banks-Hall is inspired by Michelle Obama during her time as First Lady. Banks-Hall asserts, “Mrs

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Obama’s post-White House activities, including her books and advocacy work, further reinforce her message of hope and encouragement for women and others.”

Another influential figure is Mary Kay Ash, the founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics. Dr. Banks-Hall has drawn inspiration from Ash’s story, which showcases the significance of dreams and vision. Starting her company with limited resources, Ash’s journey is a powerful example for women who may face constraints but possess a clear vision and determination. While each person’s path to success may differ, Dr. Banks-Hall believes in the valuable lessons and inspiration gleaned from the stories and perseverance of role models like Michelle Obama and Mary Kay Ash, empowering individuals to pursue their own goals and dreams.

Work-Life Balance Dr. Banks-Hall emphasizes the importance of work-life balance in her professional journey. Her strategy for achieving this balance involves dedicating her weekdays to work, giving her full commitment during this time. When the weekend arrives, she ensures it becomes her time for relaxation. While occasional clientrelated work may demand her attention on Saturdays, she has cultivated the self-care habit. She engages in activities she is passionate about, such as playing golf and the piano. She allocates quality time solely for herself and enjoys dining out with her husband on Friday evenings. This allows her to relax, rejuvenate, and return to her professional duties with renewed energy. She recognizes the significance of quiet moments and enjoys listening to music as another means to refresh her mind and maintain a healthy worklife balance.

Essential Qualities Dr. Banks-Hall emphasizes the importance of vision. According to her, a woman leader must be a visionary who sets a clear direction for her organization and steadfastly believes in the path she charts for success. Dr. Banks-Hall also underscores the significance of being passionate about one’s work, as it fuels dedication and perseverance.

Furthermore, she believes that networking plays a pivotal role in every leader’s journey. Building a supportive inner circle and seeking advice from the right sources are crucial aspects that can significantly impact leaders. Dr. Banks-Hall also highlights organization and time management as key qualities a woman leader should possess. These traits are essential for effective leadership and achieving goals in any professional setting.

Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs Dr. Banks-Hall offers invaluable advice to women aspiring to become entrepreneurs. She underscores the importance of clarity in understanding the product or service they intend to provide and emphasizes the need to identify their target customers. This understanding should complement a well-defined marketing strategy underpinned by thorough market research.

Furthermore, she advises entrepreneurs to recognize their competition and develop a unique selling proposition that sets them apart. Understanding the financial aspect is crucial, she encourages a grasp of credit and finance management to support business growth. Passion is a cornerstone, with a solid recommendation to choose a business

venture that one is passionate about and willing to dedicate substantial time and effort to.

Cover Story

Networking, according to Dr. BanksHall, also plays a pivotal role in building connections and expanding opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of sharing one’s enthusiasm for the product or service, allowing it to shine through in every interaction. This pride in what they offer and the genuine belief that it can transform lives should be a constant driver for aspiring women entrepreneurs.

“ Dr. Banks-Hall’s leadership philosophy centers on fostering an environment where individuals feel valued and motivated to achieve their goals.”

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B Being a business leader is a daunting task in today’s intensely-competitive marketplace. It becomes trickier if you are a woman leader, given the societal challenges along with the traditional ones. However, many women are breaking the stereotypical norms to come ahead and successfully lead their businesses toward growth. The increased percentage of women in business is a testament to this. Anna N Schlegel is a prime example of a woman leader making a mark in a typically male-dominant business world.

Alongside having lived in different countries, being raised multilingual, and becoming a woman in tech, Anna has incredible parents who lead by values and a lot of clarity. She raised four kids who are now in their early 20s. One of her kids is a special needs kid and she has learned about autism for 20+ years, which has shaped her journey thus far.

At an early age, Anna was the spokesperson for her school to the parents. Moreover, she was the captain of the Volleyball team and occasionally the referee of the final games.

“Someone saw something that I didn’t see. I just went with it. Maybe it started when I was young. I literally just connected all these dots recently when some journalist asked me,” she asserts.

Anna further states that it is crucial to give young girls these opportunities.

“Pick someone, try them out, show them how, mentor them closely, give them feedback,” she adds.

Helping Companies go global As the founder of one agency and the GM for a large globalization vendor, Anna has worked on several technologies. Usually, she enters a company when it decides to go global and sees it through a good amount of expansion. Some prominent examples are online security “https” with VeriSign, VMware’s virtualization layer and all their products, NetApp’s operating system ONTAP and all their products, Xerox digital platform, and Google’s crowdsourcing linguistic process.

Anna has helped numerous globalization engineering processes advance with first internationalization patents and prior art that have helped many other companies. Besides this, Anna is also an advisor to a few technological companies, agencies, and non-profits.

Embracing Cultures and Experiences Anna was born in Olot, Catalunya, a beautiful corner of the world known for trade, visitors, entrepreneurs, artists, and hikers for a long time. Anna grew up in two countries, speaking four languages and spending summers surrounded by people from all over Europe. She studied her first two university degrees entirely in German and English—where she got to understand the world, the many points of view, diplomacy, how to work and speak, etc.

Enjoying different cultures fascinates Anna every day. For example, she has signed deals with an Argentinian and a Korean in China. She thinks she could not have done this without a completely open mind to cultures and many trials and errors along the way.

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There are roses and there are thorns, it’s a back and forth. I get up the next day with HEY we are still here, alive, and ready to kick off a brand new day of challenges, joys, and learnings.

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We all start with one main career or focus. Eventually, choose your superpower and get really great at that, but before that study different things. Eventually, study areas that surround your passion to expand how you see things.

Leading from the Front Anna started her own company in San Francisco to localize content and internationalize code. From there, she was hired

by Cisco Systems and consulted with many companies in Silicon Valley like Yahoo, Google, and Levi Strauss. She moved to several other high-tech companies where she did a severe rotation. Anna has led digital marketing, international market strategy, and product life cycles for multi-billion dollar businesses. Moreover, she has led globalization, enterprise content strategy, and global engineering.

All these experiences have helped Anna develop the ability to assist companies excel globally. Thinking back, she recalls being a QA Manager as an example, a translator, data, and artificial intelligence platform applications. All these roles are part of ensuring products and platforms, solutions, and companies can grow globally. Leveraging her experiences, Anna is helping her company go global.

“There are roses and there are thorns…”

Challenges are a part and parcel of the story of every successful business leader. Anna confronts these challenges with a positive approach. She believes in learning from and having fun with the challenges. “There are roses and there

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are thorns, it’s a back and forth. I get up the next day with HEY we are still here, alive, and ready to kick off a brand new day of challenges, joys, learnings,” she adds.

Having immigrated to other countries has helped Anna pivot and adapt fast. She faced challenges like being a woman in tech, raising kids while traveling a lot, being laid off, etc. However, she believes all of this is just part of life.

Anna puts a lot of perspective into everything she does. She believes if a leader has fun and motivation to train, is constantly willing to learn, tries to stay healthy, and exhibits grit, they do not take things as challenges but as adventures and new areas of growth.

Anna mentions that a lot can be figured out or broken down into little steps. According to her, there is always someone to talk to about how you parent, how to learn a new area, how you should look at a problem, etc. “If you have blind spots, you have to make your own reality with optimism.

Dancing while you are at it, and being open to other perspectives,” she asserts.

Attributes of Success Anna attributes her success to the people she has associated herself with, rather than her degree or professional experience. The people she has worked with and learned

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from have been influential in her career. She has learned a lot from seeing, which she does even today. She has traveled to China and Japan with Diane Greene (ex-CEO of VMWare).

Moreover, she has worked with Brian Anderson (GM of Dell) and Bob Pearse (Chief Strategy Officer of Netapp). The ability to do so has come from changing jobs, studying philology to engineering and strategy to how to run boards, and offering her support to help the C Suite.

Furthermore, Anna is a big believer in attitude and predisposition, how to run a business, empathy, and how to listen actively. Some of these things are not taught in a regular class setting, and she had to choose the type of leader she wanted to be. Anna learned and kept learning different models, for example, presenting, speaking, listening, making hard decisions, and having crucial conversations. “All these things you have to intentionally practice, learn, see what you are missing, and get feedback on,” she mentions.

Thirst for Innovation Anna believes that entrepreneurship has changed significantly after the pandemic. She recalls always going to the office and even being strict about how many days people could telecommute. Presently, it is the opposite. Anna admits that working from home has its advantages, however, going to the office makes her feel more special and brings a camaraderie in a different way.

Anna further states that there is a lot of isolation happening, however, there are many hours to innovate. She adapted to being remote and still being able to visit offices in her global role. She believes that one has to keep on top of how teams are feeling and performing

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If you have blind spots, you will need to ask what those are, proactively. Be open to themes you need to work on to grow.

and for her, a lot of it is via Zoom or Google Meet. She still thinks that a ‘people first’ mentality and thirst for innovation have not stopped for her.

Continuing to bring others up the ladder In the near future, Anna plans to keep learning how to adjust, run global companies better around the world, and share those learnings. She loves bringing others along with her and is a huge advocate of giving back. Anna has also launched a book named Truly Global, which she plans to keep reediting. She aims to keep speaking on behalf of Women in Technology.

Furthermore, Anna envisions herself

championing her kids, the kids of the non-profits she supports. She also aims to keep developing her internationalization patent as well as learning with the newcomers and passing along some knowledge with them.

Words of Wisdom Anna advises budding entrepreneurs to learn the opposite of what they know now. “We all start with one main career or focus. Eventually, choose your superpower and get really great at that, but before that study different things. Eventually, study areas that surround your passion to expand how you see things,” she asserts.

Anna is a big believer in superpower and mentions that it comes with a lot of studying, immersion, and different rotations at various companies or within a company. For example, at NetApp, Anna had worked with 10 different managers and each one showed her something different. She was able to help them be successful as well. “Help others be successful, often behind closed doors,” concludes Anna.

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Devils Postpile National Monument is nestled in the Eastern Sierra region of California. It stands as a testament to the fascinating world of geology and the artistic prowess of nature. The national monument covers a compact area of 798 acres and gives a glimpse of the extraordinary geological formation that captures the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts. It is a must-visit destination for anyone who is seeking to connect with nature and understand the geological history of the Earth. In this article, you will read about history, formation, and places to visit near Devils Postpile National Monument.

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Origin of the National Monument Devils Postpile National Monument is located in the United States at Madera County in the Sierra Nevada region of the state of California. The national monument was established in 1911 by presidential proclamation. It protects and preserves the Devils Postpile Formation, the 101-foot-high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. In the world of geology, it is a rare sight that ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt.

According to the data, its columns are established 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry.

look like tall posts stacked in a pile, therefore it is known as Devils Postpile. All of these columns would be expected to be hexagonal if the lava cooled perfectly in an even manner. However, some of these columns have different crosssectional polygons due to variations in the colling pattern. In the summer months, to get into the monument, you might need to ride the shuttle, however, you can drive up to yourself during winter months only if weather permits.

The Natural Canvas: Flora and Fauna

Campfire at Devils Postpile Campground To have a proper experience of natural wonders, you can camp at Devils Postpile Campground to find many interesting attractions and can easily walk through Devils Postpile. Here, fires are allowed only in fire rings, and not more than two pets are allowed per campsite. Moreover, you can keep your food in bear-proof lockers. Nearby campgrounds include Agnew Meadows Campgrounds, Pumice Flat Campgrounds, Coldwater Campgrounds, etc.

Hiking at Rainbow Falls

Once Devils Postpil used to be part of Yosemite and it appeared as a collection of massive rocks. Being one of the most unique natural wonders situated in California, this short hike is full of beautiful views and can be extended in the journey to visit the famous Rainbow Falls.

How did the Devils Postile form?

The Devils Postpile National Monument used to be a Yosemite National Park, however, in 1905, gold was discovered near Mammoth Lakes which prompted the boundary change to leave the Postpile on adjacent public land. A few years later, a proposal was passed to build a hydroelectric dam, known for blasting the Postpile into the river. As part of the consequences, of stopping the demolition in 1911, some influential Californians persuaded the federal government of President William Howard. Due to this, the area of the national monument was protected and represented as one of the most important natural architectural sites.

The average diameter of the columns of the Postpile is 2 feet and the height is 3.5 feet. Together these columns

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The hexagonal columns of Devils Postpile are the main attraction among tourists as its landscape is surrounded by a unique and charming diverse ecosystem. There are lush forests, wildflower-strewn meadows, and serene lakes, that provide rich habitat for a variety of wildlife species. If you are a nature enthusiast who likes to explore an array of well-maintained trails then you will enjoy watching black bears, mule deer, and a wide range of bird species, etc. It is a perfect combination of geological wonders that thrives ecosystem of Devils Postpile National Monument.

Places to visit at the Devils Postpile Devils Postpile received its status as a National Monument in 1911, and today around 130000 people visit there annually. A fraction of millions of these visitors are from Yosemite. If you are planning to visit Mammoth Lakes in California, set aside at least half a day to explore the monument. You can have fun at these places during your trip:

After exploring rock formation, Rainbow Falls is one of the most popular sites at the Devils Postpile National Monument. You will find that the hike to the falls is 2.5 miles each way and it is a bit easier if you are a fitness freak. Moreover, there is just 300 feet of elevation gain. To make your trip more comfortable, the trail takes you along the river and sort of rolls up and down the entire way. You may hear the falls long before seeing them, giving hikers an inkling of how large they are.

Rainbow appears here mostly in the sunny afternoons in the mist. The famous Rainbow Falls is 101 feet high and it is worth hiking. You can enjoy the scenic spots and have a little picnic over there if you are going there at midday. Furthermore, you will observe some Lower Falls there which have been ignored by most of the visitors.

Mammoth Adventure Center If you are on a family trip and looking for adventure then coming to Mammoth Mountain is worth it. Here, your children can enjoy the ropes course. It is an elevated obstacle course

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transportation facilities for visitors with disabilities. Wheel-chair ramp facilities at the entrance of the ranger station are available. Trails are making your experience at the national monument memorable and unique. designed for smaller-sized adventure seekers at least 5 years old. Bungee Trampoline, Climbing Wall, Junior Zip Line, etc. are other adventures waiting for you at Mammoth Adventure Centre.

Moreover, you can enjoy bike rides and a kid-friendly pump track there.

Hike to Minerate Falls Hiking to Minerate Falls Trail is a good option if you are looking for an easy waterfall hike. It is less than 100 feet of elevation gain and almost 1.4 miles. At the end of the trail, 250-foot falls keep tumbling over a broad granite rock formation. Along the Minerate Falls, you have a chance to extend the trek along the Pacific Crest or John Muir longdistance trails. After a few miles, the Canadian border will start and you can see traversing the Sierra Nevada Mountain range at a distance.

Reds Meadow Valley The Reds Meadow Valley is truly a special place to visit on a trip to Devils Postpile National Monument. The panoramic view includes the jagged peaks of Minarets, Mount Ritter, and Banner Peak. After returning from your other favorite places, you can hike around the surrounding trails. The Reds Meadow Valley has remained the favorite place among tourists due to the shuttle system. It would be a major traffic safety hazard during peak times of tourism.

Accessibility Facilities Accessibility is a key concern for every tourist place and Devils Postpile is not an exception for that. National Park Service has initiated accommodation and

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The ideal time to visit Devil Postpile National Monument In your next vacation if you are planning to visit Devils Postpile then the ideal time would be from mid-June to midOctober depending upon the snow conditions. However, it is important to check the official website of the National Park Service for up-to-date information during operational hours and seasonal closures. You should be prepared for variable weather conditions as the temperature keeps changing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons.

Furthermore, you should never forget to carry plenty of water, snacks, and appropriate clothing in addition to footwear for hiking and exploring the trails.

As we discussed above, Devils Postpile National Monument is a geological masterpiece in a true sense that offers a unique opportunity for visitors to witness the incredible forces of nature to shape the Earth. The hexagonal basalt columns rejuvenate the vibrant ecosystem and other recreational activities like hiking, fishing, etc make the destination more appealing. It offers a treasure of natural beauty where you can escape to the great outdoors and have a relaxed time with your loved one. We hope you enjoyed reading the article and found it helpful to plan your next vacation.

Is it possible to climb on the basalt columns at Devils Postpile?

Tourists are encouraged to admire columns from a distinct point and respect all guidelines mentioned in the brochure so that the national monument will be preserved for future generations. Therefore, climbing on the basalt columns of Devils Postiple is strictly prohibited in order to protect the geological formation.

How to access Devil's Postpile?

It is easy to reach the Devils Postpile National Monument by taking a mandatory shuttle bus from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Centre in the days of summer. It will reduce the congestion and protect the environment at the same time.

Is Devil's Postpile National Monument open yearround?

The timing of opening and closing the National Monument depends upon the weather conditions.

You will find Devils Postpile National Monument open from mid-June to mid-October. However, you should check the exact dates before visiting there.

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There are several ways that are tried and got successful or even failed. You can leverage the right elements and

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technology to persuade the customer.

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