C L Magazine Winter 2015 - Volume 1 Premiere Issue

Volume 1 | Issue 1

CAREER & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE for women of color

Women Leaders Making a Difference for Women in Cleveland‌ Out Front and Behind the Scenes!

Clockwise, from the top: Alexandria Johnson Boone, Founder/Chairwoman, Women of Color Foundation Rita N. Singh, Founder & CEO, S&A Consulting Group and Elite Women Around The World Dr. Charleyse S. Pratt, Assistant Vice President, Inclusion & Multicultural Engagement, Cleveland State University Shakyra Diaz, Policy Manager, ACLU of Ohio Robyn Minter Smyers, Partner-in-Charge, Cleveland Office, Thompson Hine LLP

W INTER 201 5

GROWING STRONGER COMMUNITIES. We’re putting down deep roots and giving back to the communities we serve.

We think it’s only natural to cultivate meaningful relationships

volunteering over 100,000 hours of their time. From refurbishing

in the communities where we live and work. And at Dominion,

homeless shelters to replenishing local food banks to cleaning

that means we do more than write checks. So while we’re

up parks to helping soldiers and their families, we’re donating

very proud to invest more than $19 million in our communities

the most precious resource of all: our energy. Learn more by

annually, we’re even prouder of Dominion’s employees for

visiting dom.com/foundation.

contents FEATURED Sexuality in the Workplace

Does coming out equal being put out?

8

Career Coach

12

New Year’s Resolution Do-Overs

19

Inclusive Leadership

22

Women Leaders

24

14 Key Beauty & Wardrobe Essentials

28

Appetite For Destruction?

34

Learn how a woman was promoted TWICE in 9 months!

3 Remarkable tips for longer lasting resolutions Test your knowledge

Making a difference for Women in Cleveland...

Out Front and Behind the Scenes for the Woman on the Go!

What this doctor wants you to know about healthy eating

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE A Mother’s Advice Served Well

7

The Power of Vision

11

Before you Click Post, is your Content Valuable?

14

Arts & Culture: Explore your City

16

Executive Profile: Robyn Minter Smyers

25

Her Life Matters: The Criminalization and Incarceration of Women

26

What’s Holding you Back from Achieving Success?

32

Lois and Clark

38

Why Marketing Only Needs One P

40 3

CL Magazine Team Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer Michelle Rankins Contributing Editor Simone Swanson Assistant Editor and Chief Researcher Melissa Schiltz Designer and Creative Strategist Heather M. Holmes Creative Services Paula T. Newman Business Manager Bernadette K. Mayfield Assistant to the Publisher Rodney L. Brown Photographer & Photo Editor TiaMarshae E. Sanford Director, Marketing and Social Media Platforms LaRick Calhoun Director, Advertising Sales Michelle E. Urquhart Production and Distribution C L Magazine is published digitally on a quarterly basis, by the Women of Color Foundation (WOCF), (a 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt organization), for the benefit of women of and girls of all colors. Our offices are located at 50 Public Square, Tower City Center, Suite 832, Cleveland, Ohio 44113. Toll Free Phone number: 866.962-3411 (866.WOCF.411).

Copyright © 2014-2015. All rights reserved.

No portion of this publication may be distributed electronically, reproduced or duplicated in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher. Subscription price is $16.00 per year.

Readers and advertisers may subscribe at: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com/clmagazine Magazine Production: GAP Communications Group Printing: American Greetings Corporation

4

I Just Looked Up, and We Were Here!

Dear Readers and Friends, Welcome to the premiere issue of CL Magazine, a career and lifestyle magazine for women of color.

This has been a long journey and a true labor of love. Since 2006, I envisioned publishing a magazine that would highlight and profile success stories and achievements of brilliant women and girls of all colors.

I searched for the right graphic designers, the best photographer, gifted writers, researchers, editors, production professionals and information & relevant issues. I put my head down and kept plugging away. It was in April of 2014, that I was able to bring together the incredible team of people who have indeed produced a masterpiece in our Winter 2015 Issue.

Through continuous prayer, God’s never-ending grace, and a team of committed and competent individuals & supporters, we made it to this point.

I just looked up and we were here! And, we are here to stay.

Please enjoy our magazine, engage with your community, empower each other, and celebrate the brilliance of women and girls of all colors around the world everyday!

In the spirit of the greatness in us all,

Alexandria Johnson Boone Publisher and Chief Editorial Officer

CAREER & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE for women of color

To Subscribe, visit womenofcolorfoundation.com or call us at 1 (866) 962-3411 ext. 307 5

A Mother’s Advice Served Well My life has been fulfilling with the joys of being a wife, mother, daughter, career woman, and friend but in all honesty it can be a tough road. We often hear the saying “you can have it all….but not at the same time”. I use to fight the last part of the mantra because why can’t I have it all? Why can’t I be great at all those things and thrive in a challenging and rewarding career?

Many have said “I don’t know how you do it all” and admittedly I wonder the same at times. A few years ago my mother suggested I find a “wife”. At first I thought, we can’t afford a nanny! She explained,

finding someone you trust to clean, cook and babysit might ease some of the pressure. I was fortunate enough to find that person who today is an important part of our family.

This help allowed me to focus on my job, attend community events, and have some much needed quality time with my husband.

For work/life balance to truly be effective, help is not all you need. I’ve also learned you must be clear about what you want professionally and personally, learn to let go of being perfect, and make time for yourself.

When all of those things are in alignment, you just might be able to have it all!

Charmaine Brown - Forest City www.forestcity.net

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Does your

sexuality define you

in the workplace?

ccording to the U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission website, “sex discrimination involves treating someone (an applicant or employee) unfavorably because of that person’s sex. Discrimination against an individual because that person is transgender is known as gender identity discrimination.” How do lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender employees combat these issues? I spoke with Phyllis Harris, Executive Director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender (LGBT) Community Center of Cleveland, to gain insight on how LGBT employees are treated in the workplace.

Ms. Harris said this type of discrimination can be either subtle or overt. She said, “I’m an out lesbian. I worked for an organization with a lot of 20 year olds. Part of the organizational structure was to celebrate having babies. I was VP, so they’d come to me about plans to celebrate these families. It was hetero-normative behavior.” But when Ms. Harris and her partner got pregnant, the office people were happy, but she wasn’t given a baby shower. She said, “I didn’t say anything until the next time, I pointed it out to the office, and they apologized.”

Another form of discrimination is the issue of designated public restrooms. There are activists in Cleveland pushing the city to adopt legislation to make nearly all public restrooms open to both sexes. Ms. Harris stated that “transgender individuals face the most harassment. The discrimination occurs when they’re transitioning or have transitioned. An employer can say which restroom a transgender person can use. A transwoman maybe tall or have big hands.

To send a transwoman into a men’s room is dangerous. Organizational cultures are hetero-sexual normative.” *Hetero normativity is a cultural bias in favor of opposite sex relationships (man and woman) as opposite to same sex relationships.

In your experience, what are some classic examples of sexual orientation or gender identity discrimination in the work place?

If a LGBT employee has been discriminated against, how should one proceed? What type of support services

Sexual Identity and Gender Discrimination in the Workplace:

Know the Facts

Interview with Phyllis Harris,

Executive Director of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community Center of Cleveland

A

8

are available at the LGBT Center of Cleveland?

Follow internal procedure for the organization.

Alert human resources. Make a timeline of events leading up to the discrimination and the actual event. Document as much as possible. Read the employee handbook. Does your organization have a non-discrimination statement including sexual and gender identity? The LGBT Center would be helpful by providing active referrals. For example, the American Civil Liberties Union is one who has a LGBT group in Cleveland. Equality Ohio or Legal Aid are others.

In your opinion, how can employers make their companies more LGBT friendly?

Invest in Safe Zone Training to be an inclusive and accepting workplace climate and to get an idea of what marginalized individuals face. Once the training is complete, the organization receives a sticker or a plaque saying “Safe Zone”. Ms. Harris said, “If I see

a sticker, I know it indicates to me that somebody there has gone through training and they are allies.

That sticker allows me to relax and be myself.” The best thing an organization can do is get training, ask questions, and connect with other organizations who deal with LBTC issues and support it.

What professional advice do you have for LGBT college students entering the workforce?

For LGBT individuals entering the workplace, ask the organization about their discrimination policy to make sure it includes LGBT members. Check to see if the organization has an employee resource group, ERG’s. If there’s not an LGBT group, but there are others, I’d question that. Be a game changer as a young LGBT person, see what exists and talk to human resources about starting a group. Also, network with local organizations.

Please visit, http://www.lgbtcleveland.org/ for more information.

Michelle Rankins- M. Rankins Creative Learning, LLC www.mrcreativelearning.com

The Power

of

Vision

The power of vision is that it provides you with direction and purpose. Often we struggle finding our true purpose because we do not dedicate the time and energy to self-care. It is through self-care that we as women are able to be still in our chaos and provide meaning and connection to the many

“

thoughts that we encounter throughout the day. The meaning and connections that we make allow us to draw on our strengths, making us more effective in our personal and professional relationships.

Audre Lorde, writer and civil rights activist, once said “when I dare to be powerful, to use my strengths in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.”

Imagine if we let go of our fears and began devoting energy to something 365 days of the year. The amount of energy you devote on a daily basis may vary from a simple idea being noted on a post-it note, to spending twelve hours on a proposal.

Is it possible? Of course, it is possible; fear is simply false evidence appearing real! Is fear keeping you from pursuing your purpose? Develop tangible strategies around the execution of your vision. These factors include identifying your personal fears, managing those fears by developing alternative solutions to address them, and most importantly, creating action!

There is only one goal in life: to {find and fulfill} the highest most truthful expression of yourself.”

- Oprah Winfrey

Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper - Improve Consulting and Training Group www.improveconsulting.biz

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Forget A New Year’s Resolution...

Get a Coach Instead

D

o you wonder why you continue to create New Year’s resolutions, even though they don’t last? Don’t waste your time feeling guilty. Instead, focus your energy on something that really does work, a career coach.

A career coach helps you examine where you are in your career, where you’d like to be and the steps needed to realize that dream.

Investing in a career coach means availing yourself to weekly, objective discussions about what is working and what is not in your life.

People who invest in coaching are already successful. They engage in coaching because they may be looking for a competitive edge.

They may be looking to regain passion. They may be looking for accountability.

I had a client who was very driven. She wanted a managerial position at work. She developed a strategic plan on what actions she needed to take and how to communicate these goals with her supervisor.

She identified road blocks and revised her plan to fit the new circumstances. Because of her planning, she was promoted twice within a 9 month period.

Finding the right career coach is crucial.

A good coach will hone in on your verbal and nonverbal cues. I coached a business

owner who had difficulty completing his bimonthly assignment. When I asked “why,” it became clear that he was stuck. He could not move forward because he was avoiding having an uncomfortable conversation with an investor.

For that client, my job was to illuminate how to engage in difficult conversations. We discussed how improved communication can make him a more effective leader and how to carefully convey his feelings. Interestingly enough, he did have the conversation, it went extremely well, and the proverbial weight had been lifted. He was now ready to complete his assignment, which would make him one step closer to his goal.

When I coach business owners and employees, I look for the “why.”

Not completing an assignment is a sign that there may be a challenge that needs to be explored. Getting to the “why,” forces the client to be introspective. It is out of discomfort that you can begin to grow.

While comfort breeds stagnation, challenges spawn growth.

As you formulate your career plan for 2015, accelerate your goals with a career coach.

Receive tools and employ techniques that will ensure your success. With help, you can turn your talk into action and that is never a waste of time.

Patrice Blakemore- Blakemore Coaching www.blakemorecoaching.com

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The foundation of our company is the strength of our people

At Forest City, we do more than develop, own and manage real

Within our own Forest City community, we embrace and value

estate. We create exceptional places where people live, work and

diverse individuals, opinions, cultures and abilities and actively

enjoy life together. We believe that high-quality communities

seek them out. We believe that by working collaboratively, we can

have the power to enrich lives. And we believe that diversity and

leverage the unique talents, skills, experiences and perspectives

inclusion are critical to that experience. We understand that each

of our associates, business and civic partners, and end-use

community is unique and seek local partners who best

consumers to drive success, create a competitive edge and add

understand the needs of their community.

shareholder value.

www.forestcity.net

Before You

Click Post...

Is Your

?

Content Valuable

Y

ou’ve created a Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram page for your business, and are posting content to each platform on a regular basis. All the makings for a following to just magically happen, right?

Except there’s one problem. No one is liking, commenting, sharing, or otherwise engaging with your brand.

If you’re wondering why, take a few steps back for a second and ask yourself these questions: Is your content valuable? Does it inform, entertain, or inspire? If the content you create is incredibly personal, it is unlikely that people will engage with it.

In order to get moving in the right direction, start by taking a look back at your most successful posts and determining what made them so engaging. Was it a video, graphic, coupon code or a great freebie?

For a non-profit Facebook page we manage, we saw that our videos illustrating the organization’s commitment to giving back to the community had significantly more likes, shares and views than status posts and pictures. As a result, we are now posting 2-3 original videos each week which has increased follower engagement by 200%.

Once you discover what your followers like to see on their timelines, you can begin to develop quality content worth sharing.

Lauren Jennings and Michelle Maltbia- LaurenMichelle Events www.laurenmichelle.com

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This is a membership-based professional experience!

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND OVERVIEW

PROGRAM FACILITATED BY:

BENEFITS:

Dr. Ellen Burts-Cooper

o Coaching sessions, seminars, assessments, conferences, panel discussions, and business networking events o Action planning guides to ensure success and accountability for all participants o Learn from the latest research on successful women in leadership roles o Interactive, creative, scenario-based learning

and Expert Co-Facilitators from various industries

CUSTOMIZED COURSE TRACKS: Call 216-539-8737

o Experienced Leader o Emerging Leader

today for more information or a

LOCATION: The LOFT, 1667 East 40th Street, Suite 2E, Cleveland, Ohio 44103

confidential program

INVESTMENT: Continuous Development Offering with Professional Development Units (PDUs): $3,500.00

application!

theloft@improveconsulting.biz www.improveconsulting.biz/womensleadershipdevelopment

Art

&

Culture

W

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E x plo r e You r Cit y

elcome to C/L Magazine’s Arts and Culture Column. This space is dedicated to showcasing the best in arts and culture in Northeast Ohio. Here, we’ll highlight local creative professionals of color working in various mediums including (but not limited to) spoken word, literature, web design, fine arts, dance, or bloggers. Also, we’ll recognize those business owners who use creativity in their workplace thus proving that art lives in all of us. For example, I recently spoke with Cleveland native Siobhan Sudberry, founder of the BeFree Project (befreeproject.com) who is not only a blogger but successful life coach. You can’t help but notice the creativity embedded in her BeFree Life Classes. Visit her website, BeFreeProject.com to witness Ms. Sudberry in action.

Not only will this space highlight local arts and cultural events, but I’ll also suggest local businesses to patronize, especially those owned by people of color. For example, have you been to Dru Christine Fabric and Design in Cleveland Heights? After seeing an ad on Facebook, I visited founder Dru Christine’s shop last year. If you’re looking for quality African and vintage fabrics as well as funky handmade jewelry and handbags, check out her website and swoon over the bold African prints, www.druchristine.com. Need some holiday gifts? Consider Simply Betsy Spa, Beauty, and Personal Care founded by Betsy Gates located in the beautiful 5th St Arcade Gallery downtown (www.facebook.com/ SimplyBetsy) for handcrafted soap and body products.

By Michelle Rankins

Did you know that Playhouse Square is the 2nd largest theater district in the country?

According to Playhouse Square’s website, we’re only 2nd to New York City. Indeed, the Broadway Show Series has brought classic musicals like Porgy and Bess to more contemporary shows such as The Book of Mormon, and most recently Motown, the Musical. Have you been to the Karamu House lately? According to their website, Karamu House, located in the Fairfax neighborhood on the east side of Cleveland, is the oldest African-American theater in the United States.

As a frequent visitor, I can tell you that Karamu is very affordable. Not into plays? No problem!

Go walk around the Cleveland Museum of Art (www.cleveart.org) or the Museum of Contemporary Art (www.mocacleveland. org). The free summer concerts of Wade Oval Wednesdays in University Circle are wonderful! As a poet, I get asked by so many people about where to find authentic open mic poetry sans the bar scene. In my opinion, you can’t get more real than the Guide To Kulchur, located on the westside in the Gordon Square Arts district (www.guidetokulchurcleveland. com). Their lecture series and open mic nights are authentic and thought-provoking, which sadly has become a rarity in this area. Love jazz or live music? So many venues! Visit Take 5 Rhythm and Jazz located in downtown Cleveland (www.take5live.com). You’ll find both local and national acts.

Until next time, go explore YOUR city! Also, if you know of places that I should visit, please contact me at m.rankins5@yahoo.com or tweet me @michellerankins.

13th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2015” Thursday, April 2 – Friday, April 3, 2015 | 8:00am – 5:00pm Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East

Join us for “Connections, Community and Career 2015” on Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3, 2015 from 8:00am – 5:00pm at Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East located at: 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128.

Featuring national speakers: Linda Spradley Dunn, Founder and CEO, Odyssey Media and Odyssey Women’s Business Retreat; Linda Clemons, Highly acclaimed Entrepreneurial Coach and Body Language Expert; and Alexandria Johnson Boone, Founder/Chairwoman, Women of Color Foundation and Organizational Consultant to Non-profit Organizations Limited Event Scholarships are available! For More Information and to Register, please visit: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com; Or Call: 216.391.4300, ext. 307, Toll Free: 866.962-3411, ext. 307

www.womenofcolorfoundation.com

The Perfect Time for a

A

New Year’s Do-Over

re your trips to the gym getting less frequent this month? Is that first cigarette starting to look more appealing?

Are you finding the lack of pasta and bread at dinner leaving you less than satisfied?

If you do, you’re definitely not alone. It’s way past New Year’s Eve when your heartfelt resolutions seemed so compelling. You’re back to life as usual.

If your resolutions had anything to do with what you think needs to be eliminated from your life, especially if it reflects the desires of someone important to you, February is the month when your proverbial mental chickens come home to roost.

That clucking you hear is the sound of those broken resolutions. If all you want to do right now is put a pillow over your head to drown out the sound of your disappointment in yourself, let me assure you there is another way.

(And it’s not too late to have a New Year’s Eve Do-Over.)

Starting right now, focus on what you want in 2015. Since it takes less energy to create a new a habit than it does to stop an old one, simply start with what you want to create instead of what you want to eliminate.

If you want a strategy to launch your new year with unshakable self-confidence and laser-focused mental clarity, you can bypass the indignity of broken resolutions with three simple steps:

1. State what you want. When was the

last time you said exactly what you wanted?

Our brains are hard-wired to help us bring about what we think about, so when we get exactly what we say we don’t want, it’s because we’re thinking about it all the time.

Stating you’re a non-smoker makes quitting a lot easier. That tiny shift in language will buy you a world of difference in results.

2. Picture your success as real now.

If you were planning your dream vacation, you’d know exactly what it would look like, feel like and sound like when you arrive. This vivid detail makes it real. This year, imagine what it would look like, feel like and sound like to get what you want. Make it as vivid as your dream vacation plans. This process sets your brain up to recognize every opportunity that will bring your success to you so you can act on it.

3. Blueprint your process. Outline what

you’re going to do. Be sure to include beliefs that will help you, abilities you need—or need to develop—along with the actions you need to take. Keep your actions simple. Plan just three steps at a time. If your resolution were a pizza, you wouldn’t try to eat it all in one bite. You can accomplish anything if you take it a bite at a time.

Use these three simple steps to make 2015 the year you get exactly what you want.

Maia Beatty - Maia Beatty & Associates www.maiabeatty.com

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CORPORATE COLLEGE — YOUR TRAINING PARTNER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Corporate College provides training and development for professionals through open enrollment courses. Our talented team brings a wealth of experience that will help take your skills to the next level.

CUSTOMIZED TRAINING Corporate College understands your organization’s unique challenges and provides customized solutions that meet strategic business goals. We strive to improve individual, team and organizational performance.

CONFERENCE CENTERS Corporate College provides world-class accommodations for business events of all sizes.

With locations in Warrensville Heights and Westlake, we offer leading-edge technology, award-winning catering services and business amenities that will help to take your next meeting or event from good — to great.

www.corporatecollege.com | 216-987-2800

2015

Calendar of Events

CLEVELAND, OHIO

4th Annual “Speaking of Women!

A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” CLEVELAND, OHIO

13th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2015” COLUMBUS, OHIO

10th Annual Personal and Professional Development Retreat for Women of Color “Connections, Community and Career 2015” CLEVELAND, OHIO

4th Annual “Speaking of Women!

A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership”

Tuesday, March 24, 2015 11:30am – 1:30pm Special Women’s History Month Program Location: TBD Thursday, April 2 – Friday, April 3, 2015 8:00am – 5:00pm Cuyahoga Community College - Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128 Monday, May 11, 2015 8:00am – 5:00pm Creekside Conference & Event Center 101 Mill Street, Suite 300, Creekside Plaza Gahanna, Ohio 43230 Thursday, June 11, 2015 11:30am – 1:30pm Dominion East Ohio 1201 East 55th Street Cleveland, Ohio 44103

CLEVELAND, OHIO

4th Annual “Speaking of Women!

A Dialogue Series for Women in Leadership” CLEVELAND, OHIO

10th Annual Women of Color Leadership Development and Training Institute & Awards Luncheon

Thursday, September 10, 2015 11:30am – 1:30pm Location: TBD

Thursday, November 5, 2015 8:00am – 2:00pm Location: TBD

For More Information Please Visit: www.womenofcolorfoundation.com Or Call: 216.391.4300, ext. 307 Toll Free: 866.962-3411, ext. 307

Inclusive Leadership “In today’s business environment, leaders need to be inclusive in order to integrate diverse perspectives to create high-performing global teams that drive growth for their organizations.”

P

icture the most efficient, productive and innovative organization you can imagine. What does it look like? Who works there? How are things executed? Chances are that it resembles a highlyadvanced leadership team who understand the importance of Inclusive Leadership.

To be successful, now and in the future, organizations throughout the world must develop leaders who can function across borders, inspire across generations, and be at ease across cultures.

They must understand that effective leadership and the programs that develop it involve a commitment to diversity and all its elements.

Leading inclusively requires a baseline of trust between immediate managers and direct reports.

Managers who successfully achieve trusting relationships with direct reports, enjoy greater team productivity, and realize personal satisfaction in their successful development of talent.1 This trust foundation often eludes most organizations due to the focus on the “Get it Done” at all cost sub culture behaviors. However, without this foundation, organizations may have success for a period of time but will not sustain success. Trust between managers and a direct report is essential to forming productive workplace relationships, facilitating employee development, engagement and performance,

- Mike Cullen, EY Global navigating the workplace and improving overall performance across the organization.

Overall, women executive leaders are demonstrating significant strides in the area of Inclusive Leadership. Our natural tendencies are to lead teams that thrive on respect, trust, engagement, rewarding work and open and honest two-way communication. It has been my observation that women leaders are often more aware of how their leadership style impacts the productivity of their teams. Successful executive women leaders understand the importance of employee development and are often more actively engaged in providing development opportunities to grow, build exposure, visibility, engagement and goal attainment.

However, if that leader is challenged by her lack of confidence and perception of her contribution, this innate skill can take an unpleasant turn. This behavior will manifest itself in “crab in the barrel” activities. Only looking out for oneself - at all cost.

This women leader is perceived to be one who will throw her team and colleagues under the bus at the first opportunity. She is seen as someone who is only out for herself and often is blindsided when given direct feedback. This lack of self-awareness is a significant derailer for a long-term successful executive role...female or male.

References: 1. Kurt Dirks and Donald L. Ferrin, “Trust in Leadership: meta-analytic Findings and Implications for Research and Practice, “Journal of Applied Psychology, vol. 87, no. 4 (2002) 2. Minding the Gap: Overcoming Organizational Barriers to Develop Inclusive Leaders 2010

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So how do we guard against the tendency to fall victim to this behavior? Let’s face it, we all have a little voice in our heads telling us we’re not good enough, we’re not smart enough…our confidence is always on the front line – taking a daily beating. Here are a few safeguards to put in place to regroup when we find ourselves in a state of uncertainty of our contribution:

Invest in an Executive Coach – someone who can provide feedback to help us build and grow as well as an objective party to provide observations.

Know thyself – take advantage of assessments – 360, Hay Group, DISC, MBTI, etc.

Provide that information to your coach and/or leader you trust to make sure you are working on areas of opportunity.

Know your triggers and how to handle them – based on the information above, your personal observations

and direct feedback – KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS and have a plan to “count yourself off the ledge”.. people love to push our buttons – don’t give them the satisfaction.

Ensure your “SistaGirl” network is intact – sometimes it takes a “Come to Jesus” conversation with just the right friend or group of friends to get you back on track and no one can do that like true SistaGirls”

An Inclusive Leader is an asset to any organization. The leader who has solid core values and is focused on team development through attainment of corporate strategic goals and objectives is invaluable to the success of the organization.

Below I’ve provided a high-level list of Characteristics of an Inclusive Leader as well as an Inclusive Culture.

As you consider the Characteristics below, ask yourself: • Am I demonstrating these behaviors? If not, why, what will I do differently on Monday?

• What are my opportunities to grow and refocus my efforts?

• How will I hold myself accountable as an Inclusive Leader?

• Is there a leader in my organization who is seen as an Inclusive leader? If so, how will I connect to learn their best practices?

Characteristics of an Inclusive Leader:2 • • • • • • • • • •

Champions the Corporate D&I initiatives Is an advocate for culture change Leaders courageously Change Agent for innovation Challenges the Status Quo Celebrates and recognizes contributions Listens and is open to new ideas Possesses self-awareness Understands what motivates the team Hold themselves and other accountable

There’s a good reason that inclusive leaders foster loyal and productive teams—they leverage their teams’ individual talents and help to build individual strengths while inviting opinions. They help create cultures that embrace diversity, thrive on synergy, and produce exponentially high results.

Characteristics of an Inclusive Culture:

• Diversity is recognized and valued.

• The various ways people learn and communicate • • •

are respected.

Open and honest discussion is encouraged.

Policies and activities which promote understanding and appreciation of other members are encouraged.

Progress and change are seen in a positive light.

Inclusive organizations focus on attracting, developing, and advancing women and underrepresented populations by removing roadblocks, gaining stakeholder buy-in, and developing opportunities for growth.

Renita Jefferson- EMBRACE! Consulting www.embraceconsulting.biz

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Women Leaders Making a Difference for Women in Cleveland…

Out Front and Behind the Scenes!

Shakyra Diaz is the policy director for the ACLU of Ohio. She is an extraordinary

young leader, making a difference behind the scenes in this community. Although her face may not be widely recognized in Cleveland, her work and tireless efforts on behalf of battered, abused and incarcerated women, is widely known and highly respected across the State of Ohio. Diaz has worked on efforts that examine hip-hop as a form of political activism, reproductive health care access for Latinas, and ineffective gang initiatives. She has worked on initiatives that have brought about reforms in drug law policies, selective enforcement, youth and police relations, school-to-prison pipeline, anti-immigrant policies, juvenile access to counsel, juvenile shackling, sentencing, seclusion and restraints in schools, collateral sanctions, and voting rights for currently and formerly incarcerated people. Diaz has co-authored or contributed to several ACLU of Ohio publications and frequently provides commentary to members of the media on a wide range of issues.

Dr. Charleyse S. Pratt has been known as an “out front” and “up front” leader in academia and the larger community throughout her incredible career. Currently, she is the Assistant Vice President of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement at Cleveland State University. Her work is intended to promote inclusive excellence in the learning and work environments. She has also served as Director for BaldwinWallace University’s Eastern Campus where she was instrumental in creating and implementing several innovative and successful programs for adult learners.

While most of her career has been spent in corporate environments, specifically human resources management, Dr. Pratt developed a love for public school education while working on an Appreciative Inquiry initiative at Shaw High School in East Cleveland in 1999. Since that time, she has been actively involved with several progressive initiatives for positive change in urban education, conducting professional development for students, teachers and administrators in urban communities.

Rita N. Singh

is visionary leader with more than 25 years of progressive management achievements. As an Executive Coach and Leadership Strategist, her main focus has been in helping women develop skills in entrepreneurship and leadership in various stages of their careers. As the owner of two successful businesses: S&A Consulting Group and Elite Women Around The World®, Rita has touched many lives. Over the years as a CFO and CPA, she has managed a diverse portfolio of clients in Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive, Construction and Restaurant industries, helping clients to be successful in the global market.

Rita scales her impact by leading an organization that advises and coaches CEOs, executives and emerging leaders in major corporations, political arenas, non-profits, and entrepreneurial ventures. Most recently she was honored with the SBA Women Business Champion of the Year 2011, and inducted into the Women’s Hall of Fame in 2010. Rita is currently writing a book titled Business Warrior.

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Executive Profile

photo by Janet Century

Robyn Minter Smyers Partner-in-Charge, Cleveland Office, Thompson Hine LLP

R

obyn is the Cleveland office Partnerin-Charge, as well as former chair of Thompson Hine’s firmwide Diversity & Inclusion Initiative. She is a partner in the firm’s Real Estate and Corporate Transactions & Securities practice groups. She focuses her practice on commercial real estate acquisitions and sales, development, financing, leasing and corporate transactions. Robyn regularly represents and advises real estate investment trusts (REITs), real estate investment funds, public and private real estate development companies, commercial lenders, retailers and other corporations.

The coordination of complex transactions, including ground-up development deals and multi-site, multi-

state acquisitions and divestitures, are her forte.

Her practice has a particular focus on shopping center deals and urban redevelopment projects.

Her practice also focuses on corporate sourcing and procurement transactions. In 1995, Robyn clerked for Justice Albie Sachs on the Constitutional Court of South Africa. From 1991 to 1992, she was a Benjamin Trustman Traveling Fellow in South Africa, where she worked for Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Education • Yale University, J.D., 1997, Earl Warren/NAACP Legal Defense Fund Scholar; Schell Center for International Human Rights Fellow, 1995 • Harvard University, B.A., 1991, cum laude

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HER LIFE MATTERS

Her Life Matters: The Criminalization and Incarceration of Women

The Criminalization and Incarceration of Women

The United States is the number one incarcerator of people in the world.

Those who have been criminalized often are sentenced to a lifetime of poverty, marginalization, and irreparable trauma. It is important to note that most of those incarcerated are imprisoned for a lowlevel, non-violent offense, or breaking a probation rule. People of color are disproportionately arrested and more punitively sentenced than their white counterparts for the same offenses, leading to a justice system that does not deliver fairness or equity.

Yes, men make up the largest portion of those incarcerated. However, The Bureau of Justice Statistics’ most recent Prisoners report indicates that female prisoners continue to be one of the fastest growing prison populations.

With regard to women, The Sentencing Project found that: • One in 25 women in state prisons is pregnant when imprisoned and can be shackled during labor and delivery in 37 states.

• Women are at risk of permanently losing parental rights.

• Women are more likely to experience sexual victimization from prison staff.

• Nearly 75 percent display symptoms of a mental health problem while incarcerated.

Where Does Ohio Stand?

According to the Prisoners report and the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections: • Ohio has the fourth largest female prison population in the country.

• There are 57 pregnant women in Ohio’s prisons.

• Our prison capacity is 38,579 but 50,624 are currently incarcerated.

• Approximately 56,000 children in Ohio have an incarcerated parent.

• Black people are disproportionately overrepresented in Ohio’s prisons. This is not surprising given that black people are more likely to be arrested than their white peers for the same offense.

America is addicted to mass criminalization and incarceration. We must be more thoughtful about the decision to criminalize and separate families because the impact of those decisions is felt for generations.

Today, nearly 3 million children have an incarcerated parent. Some children may be lucky enough to visit their mom on Mother’s Day this year, but most will not. The distance to travel for a prison visit is often too long and costly.

We have to begin to ask ourselves if we are doing more harm than good. We have to begin to wonder how we hurt mothers and children when we separate them by glass or bars.

Shakyra Diaz - Policy Manager, ACLU of Ohio www.acluohio.org

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Congratulations YWCA 2015 Women of Achievement Julie Boland Cleveland Managing Partner, Ernst & Young LLP Dr. Linda Bradley Vice-Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women’s Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic Trina Evans Executive Vice President, KeyBank, Director of Corporate Center, KeyCorp Sally Wertheim, Ph.D. Professor and Dean Emeritus, John Carroll University Sonali Bustamante Wilson, General Counsel, Cleveland State University

39th YWCA Greater Cleveland Women of Achievement Luncheon and Women’s Leadership Conference Monday, April 27, 2015 | Renaissance Cleveland Hotel | ywcaofcleveland.org/woa

Dressing for Success

Essentials for the Woman on the Go When you look good you feel good, so it is definitely important to put your best foot forward everyday when you walk out the door.

You never know what great opportunity may present itself and you want to make sure that you make a great impression at all times.

Looking good doesn’t always mean that you have to break the bank to do so. There are some key fashion and beauty items that you should have in your possession so that you are always ready to make your statements to the world without missing a beat.

Key Make-up Essentials Tinted Moisterizer

Red Lipstick

doesn’t hide natural essence,

natural makeup look, as well as brightens your smile and can be worn day to night.

Benefit: Evens out Skin but giving a nice healthy glow.

Recommended: Laura Mercier

Translucent Powder

Benefit: Can be used alone as well as being a great finish to your makeup.

Recommended: Makeup Forever HD Powder

Recommended: MAC Red or MAC RUBY WOO

Lip Moisturizer

Benefit: Conditions lips, keeps lipstick from cracking, as well as adding a natural shine.

Recommended: Aquaphor Lip Repair

Blush

Mascara

warmth, making the skin look healthy and bright.

pop, giving a simple dramatic appeal. Also makes lashes

Recommended: Nars TAOS

look fuller and darker.

Benefit: Gives your face

or MAC Coppertone

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Benefit: Great finish to

Benefit: Makes your eyes

Recommended: L’Oreal® Paris Voluminous Original Mascara

Key Wardrobe Essentials White Blouse

It’s a versatile wardrobe item that can be worn alone, with suiting, under a sweater or jacket. Provides a crisp and polished look to your outfit.

Featured: Nine West Top, Sleeveless Tie Neck Blouse

Knee-Length Black Skirt A classic and timeless must have. It provides you a slimming appearance. Your body type will determine whether you should choose a pencil or A-line cut.

Featured: Vince Camuto Ponte-Knit Midi Skirt

Black Blazer

A basic that you can build your outfit around. It goes with just about everything and you can change the look of it wearing it with various wardrobe pieces and accessories.

Featured: Jones New York Double-Button Blazer

Black Dress

A universal investment that always gives you your money’s worth. Can be worn for multiple occasions taking you from the office to a cocktail party. A great LBD can accentuate your attributes and hide flaws. Best thing, they come in so many variations that anyone can find their own special flattering fitted LBD. Featured: Calvin Klein CapSleeve Cutout-Neckline Sheath

Dark Denim Jeans

They are slimming and versatile, as well as can be worn casual or dressy.

Be sure to find a pair that flatters your assets. Great legs; a pair of skinny jeans work. Boot cut is good for drawing attention away from waistlines. Featured: Paige Denim Skyline 12” Skinny Jeans in Fountain Wash

Black & Nude Pumps

These two colors will go with everything. If you are a traveler its great for rotation with your outfits.

Featured: BCBGeneration Cielo Pumps

Pearls

Great accent to any outfit, whether at work, a formal event or even a night out.

Featured: Belle de Mer Pearl Necklace, 36” Cultured Freshwater Pearl Endless Strand

Pashmina Wrap

Perfect to have just in case it gets cold and you need something to cover you up while working or traveling, rather than having a coat or jacket. Featured: Apt. 9® Twill Pashmina Wrap

Onitia Frazier onitiafrazier@gmail.com

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Jenell Ross President Bob Ross Auto Group

Jenell Ross is president of the Bob Ross Auto Group in Centerville, Ohio, one of the largest auto groups in the Dayton region. The group includes four franchises: Buick, GMC, Mercedes-Benz and Fiat.

Ross facilitates a team of managers and develops long-range goals, objectives and policies for dealerships, which have 100 employees. Ross is the only second generation African-American Woman Automobile Dealer in the country. She has a bachelor’s degree from Emory University and completed the General Motors Dealer Management Development Program. She is also a graduate of the National Automobile Dealers Association Dealer Candidate Academy. Ross is an active member of the Dayton community serving on numerous boards including the Diversity Council for CentervilleWashington Township, The Miami Valley School Alumni Council, Central State University Foundation and the Federal Reserve Board of Cleveland-Dayton Business Advisory Council.

Ohio’s Answer for Growth, Opportunity and Access visit our website at www.mbdacleveland.com

What’s Holding You Back from

create an action plan to achieve them. By doing so, you are more apt to achieve them.

Lack of Confidence:

Perhaps you have your goals in mind but lack the confidence to achieve them. For example, if you want to begin gaining more visibility by networking more with people, yet you are not confident, your networking success may be hindered. Be confident about who you are, your business or product, and your ability to achieve great success.

Laziness:

Achieving Success?

W

anting success is something most of us want, but it is not always as easy as we think to actually live a successful life. Sometimes setbacks and hurdles come our way and seem to slow us down or frustrate us enough to want to stop chasing our dreams.

What is holding you back?

This is a valid question that we should ask ourselves on occasion. If we are on a journey to achieve certain goals and dreams, it is important to evaluate how we are doing on that journey regularly. If we don’t, we might lose sight of goals and settle for just living status quo.

There are different things that tend to hold us back from achieving our goals. Here are some of the common things and some advice on how to get past them.

Undefined Goals:

If you have not sat down and written your goals out, you are less apt to know what your goals actually are and less likely to achieve the level of success you desire. Define your goals, write them down on paper, add a date of completion, and

The truth is that success in any area requires self-discipline and hard work. Lazy people do not normally find themselves in a world of success. If you ask successful people how they become successful, most of them will tell you that hard work, tenacity, facing fears along with other characteristics, helped them.

Time:

If you want to achieve your goals and experience success, it is important to invest time into yourself and your business. Life can get super busy, but if you are utilizing your time wisely, your personal and professional life can flourish.

Your Social Network: Who are you connected

with? Are your friends and co-workers positive or negative people? Your surroundings certainly influence you, so if you are around downers or negative people, your level of success may suffer.

Surround yourself with positive and passionate people!

Passion: Are you passionate about accomplishing

your goals? Do you think about them continually and talk about how you are making progress often?

Do your friends and family sense your passion and energy? Passion is momentum, so get passionate about achieving the level of success you desire!

By following these tips, you are well on your way to achieving success. Keep a positive attitude and keep taking step after step toward your dreams. Be consistent, disciplined, and allow setbacks to cause you to try even harder. You can do it!

What is holding you back?

Delores Pressley - DeLores Pressley Worldwide www.DeLoresPressley.com

32

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Are you

Digging your Grave with your Fork?

Advice from Linda D. Bradley, MD Professor of Surgery, Vice Chairman of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health Institute, Cleveland Clinic and Chair, Celebrate Sisterhood

T

his year take on an oath and pledge. Make a promise to yourself to try one new healthy habit each week and stick with it. Annually, we all make resolutions usually related to our financial, spiritual, educational, or physical health. I want you to think about your most important possession: your health.

It’s the most important asset that you possess and it trumps everything else in life. Health makes wealth.

Healthy individuals make stronger communities. It’s just as simple as that.

Are you digging your grave with your fork?

Each of us can improve our lifestyle choices on a daily basis. Yes, you can make successful changes.

How? By making conscious choices about what you select to put in your body. What’s in your refrigerator or handbag? Real food or junk food? Chewing tobacco or cigarettes? Recreation or prescription drugs? Are you consuming too much alcohol?

Becoming more intentional about what you do will make a difference.

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Each week write down one new healthy resolution that you would like to accomplish. Sure it sounds like homework. Putting your thoughts on paper and checking off your accomplishments are more often associated with success than just day dreaming about your goals.

Each of us can be the cure. You can cure or modify your risk for premature death and disability by: exercising, losing weight, controlling hypertension, stop smoking, wearing a seat belt, removing firearms from your home, and managing stress. It is as simple as that. Seventy percent of health care dollars are spent on diseases related to obesity, smoking, and diabetes. Almost all of which are controlled by individual choices.

When it comes to eating and losing weight, Michael Pollan sums it up best with seven simple and liberating thoughts: Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants. Since reading his best selling book, In Defense of Food, I have changed my eating habits one meal at a time. Having embraced his recommendations, I would like to share them with you.

How does this doctor want you to become an empowered patient?

Eat home cooked food more often.

Make enough so that you can have it for lunch. Why? Not only will you save tons of money, but you will cook with less salt, fat, and sugar than a similar meal eaten at a fast food or chain restaurant.

Don’t eat standing up.

Stop eating in your car; rather eat at a table and not in front of a TV. Chew your food more slowly. Why? When you are distracted you eat 50% more than when you are aware of what you are eating.

Don’t drink your calories.

Did you know that each twelve ounce can of Coco Cola has 10-12 teaspoons of sugar? Imagine coming to my home and watching me prepare lemonade with a similar amount sugar!! Eating an orange rather than drinking orange juice is actually healthier for you. Because fruit has loads of fiber, less calories, and great phytonutrients compared to juice.

Fiber makes you feel fuller longer, decreases the hunger urge and will add fewer inches to your waistline.

Eat four servings of fruit and five servings of vegetables daily.

I mean fruit in its own skin. Fruit with curves. Apples, oranges, bananas, pineapples, berries, or any fruit in season. If you can’t get fresh fruit, buy it frozen. Read the package label and only purchase frozen fruits and vegetables without added sugar or salt. Frozen fruits and vegetables are picked at the height of the season and have high vitamin content. So go ahead, cut up an apple and put a little cinnamon on it for additional taste and antioxidant health benefit. During the winter months, I always keep a piece of fruit in my car. After a long day at work and long commute home, eating a pear or apple on the way home keeps me from feeling ravenous when I walk into my house.

Dig out of the grave, forkful by forkful. Make a conscious choice of what to put in your body. These choices embody the essence of taking care of self: self care reform. Do for yourself what government, doctors, religious community, or friends can not do for you. Forkful by forkful you will see a difference in your health. Make the extra effort to learn more ways to become healthy, including learning to cook.

Advocacy begins with you. Personally, speak to the owners of your local grocer and request that more

fresh, local, seasonal fruits and vegetables be stocked in the produce aisle. Boycott stores that don’t listen to your requests. Self care reform means that you choose what to put on your fork. Self care reform means you choose to make an old family recipe more nutritious by trying a new spice or condiment that enhances flavor, thereby using less oil and fat.

Finally, self care reform means that you will share your new wisdom with your friends and family. Self care reform is transformative. Taste it…you’ll like it.

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The Best and M ost Power ful. Collec tively.

Calendar Events 20152015 Calendar ofofEvents FEBRUARY 2015 CLEVELAND, OHIO Women’s Executive Leadership Network First Meeting Sunday, February 8, 2015 • 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm Elite Women Around The World Headquarters 2573 Butterwing Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44124 MARCH 2015 CLEVELAND, OHIO Leadership MasterMind Program Session 3 Women’s International Day Rising to the Challenge Together We March Forward!

Through The Shattered, Broken & Damaged… Glass Ceiling Sunday, March 8, 2015 • 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Executive Caterers Landerhaven 6111 Landerhaven Drive, Mayfield Heights, Ohio 44124 MAY 2015 CLEVELAND, OHIO Leadership MasterMind Program Session 4 Thursday, May 28, 2015 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Location TBD JULY 2015 CLEVELAND, OHIO Leadership MasterMind Program Session 5 Thursday, July 23, 2015 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Location TBD OCTOBER 2015 CLEVELAND, OHIO Leadership MasterMind Program Session 6 Thursday, October 1, 2015 • 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm Location TBD

We offer arts-enhanced learning programs with great results. Imagine a poetry breakout session at your next corporate retreat or a tutoring session using comic books to build reading skills for your students or employees. It can happen!

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Contact Michelle Rankins, President/Founder, (216) 570-7131 and visit our website www.mrcreativelearning.com

Lois & Clark O

n a refreshing spring day, Lois and Clark turned onto I-271 South. Lois excitedly touched Clark’s hair and planted a kiss on his cheek. Saturdays made Lois happy. The anticipation would grow during the week and taking this trip every weekend with the person she loved most in her life, Clark, held life purpose and made her feel complete. And Clark, like her, seemed just as excited. The tradition called for Clark driving and Lois enjoying Clark’s ride and the view of Lake Erie. Lois’s mother helped with their two young children every Saturday from noon to 3 pm. Faithfully, Lois and Clark drove to their favorite restaurant. They loved their lunch date. After a long week of managing their work and their family life, a glimpse of the time spent together captured ongoing inspiration.

For Lois, touching and gently kissing Clark while enjoying the view of the lake felt like heaven.

Clark and the view of the lake always brought to the surface different emotions and feelings, visions, character transformations, break ups, make ups, major life transitions, endings and new beginnings. She loved Clark very much with all he was, the good and the bad. They loved one another and there was no question about it. Like the lake, Clark was sometimes calm and blue, and sometimes dark and irritated, had clear or blurry thoughts, had days he was amazing, and days you did not want to be near him as you could not help but feel you were just about to get into a nasty storm. There were days, Clark, like the lake, was so peaceful you did not want to disturb it but just enjoy it. There were other days he was so deep you would feel you could end up drowning.

Having these thoughts of colors and characters, Lois reminded herself one more time of her love for Clark and the lake. Both inspired her, made her mad, and made her happy.

One common theme resurfacing over and over remained her unconditional love for both. This

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refreshing spring day, made Lois especially grateful. This Saturday, fell on their 10th anniversary of their first conversation. Lois and Clark remembered every single detail of their relationship. From the first time they said hello, to the day they expressed their love to each other, the time in which they shared their love with their respective families, their wedding date, a day were they promised each other they would take on this journey together, the birth of their first child as well as the second. They had a long list of days they celebrated each year. Many of their friends envied the ways Lois and Clark celebrated each other.

As every other Saturday, Lois and Clark started their Saturday journey. They drove past the movie theater. The new movie arrival posters hugged the windows. Lois made a mental note of “Dirty Pretty Things.”

This was an independent movie and radio reviews were great. As they drove through the one lane with cars bumper to bumper she noticed one of her friends and her daughter in the opposite of their driving direction.

She lightly moved her hand and waived hello to them. Trader Joe’s parking lot was crowded. She felt some sense of relief she did not have to shop there at that moment.

Oh, and the line at the House of Pancakes was out the door. Who would want to eat those enormous omelets when you could go to Lucky’s and have their made from scratch food with ingredients from local farmers.

By this time, Clark had taken his eyes off the road and enjoyed his own view, Lois’s smiling face. She looked so beautiful when she smiled. What a view!

By this time they had approached the intersection. Right before they turned onto I-271 South, as Clark was driving, a car which seemed to come out of nowhere,

continued driving forward on a red light, with Clark turning left, with the green left light signal only. With no time or room to maneuver, Clark found himself trying to make the unavoidable collision as smooth as possible. In a second, their life together and all memories flashed in front of his eyes.

Like in a dream, he hoped this was not really happening and maybe, just maybe, a part of a bad dream. At that moment, he thought of a pilot that would maneuver the wheel in such a way and take the airplane off the ground right before a collision. He felt helpless and hopeless. What about God? Where was He? Was God aware of the love he had for Lois?

The car was fast approaching and Clark had to make a decision. The thought of Lois being hit by the careless driver made him even more resentful of what was taking place and he continued to feel helpless.

Lois’ scream almost shook him from the bad dream feelings and cleared his thoughts.

As the two cars were about to collide and Lois would have been hurt really bad, Clark sped and performed a very quick half U-turn.

Instead of the car hitting Lois from the side, the novice driver hit the back of the car at an angle which downsized the collision power.

When he hit Clark’s car, the contact between the cars was very strong and made a huge dent in the back of Clark’s car.

Clark and Lois slowly opened their eyes.

People were talking to them and doing something with them. Neither Clark nor Lois knew what was happening. People cheered as Clark and Lois opened their eyes. Clark set his eyes over Lois and even though he seemed in pain, a smile covered his face. A couple of minutes later, Clark started talking and said to Lois, “It’s all about faith. We’re on this journey together.” Lois smiled back at him and continued to lay flat.

Anila Nicklos, M.Ed., CDP freelance writer of fictional short stories

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Why Marketing Only Needs One When I took my first marketing class, the four Ps were drilled into our brains. I can recite the marketing mix in my sleep: Product, Price, Place and Promotion.

Now, many years and the inundation of the Internet and the social media revolution later, the four Ps may not only be irrelevant, but an old relic only to be dug up and placed in the history museum.

Technology is transforming marketing. Of the four Ps, only product is important. The others, according to Jens Martin Skibsted and Rasmus Bech Hansen of Venturethree, can be thrown out with the trash.

dime on advertising. Google is one of them.

With traditional pricing, placement and advertising/promotion going away with the typewriter, companies now must make sure they have the best products and services to compete in this new marketing mix.

A lot has changed since Marketing 101.

Those who are ready to shift gears will reap the benefits.

product price place promotion

Price: With sites such as Bizrate, Priceline and Tripadvisor, companies are now at the mercy of the market when setting prices.

Place: With the success of Amazon.com and other e-commerce sites, where you place your product has now become a non-issue.

Promotion: Many successful companies never spent a

Montrie Rucker - Visibility Marketing, Inc. www.visibilitymarketing.com

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