The 10 Most Ambitious Women in Business to Follow 2023​

Quality Attributes

Women

Ambition is the spark that Ignites the fire within ambitious

Leadership skills are pivotal in today’s high-tech industry. Whether you run your own business, lead a whole department, manage a small team, or aim to get a promotion, being a good leader will help you thrive. Rapid change, rising market opportunities, and new customer needs –all the time– are the only constants in the tech industry. This means that for your organization to remain what it is now, you need to adapt constantly. You need to think of new ways to do things quickly.

You are not just trying to figure out the world that surrounds you but also attempting to determine who you are and what your role truly is within your organization. The digital world and its constant changes actively challenge your perspective and sense of self, but don’t let these dynamics affect you. Of course, this ecosystem demands continuous adaptation, but good leaders are genuine and true to their beliefs. Even in challenging situations.

Working in the high-tech industry requires quite unique leadership skills. Embracing the journey of the influential personalities who are transforming the modern business arena with their exceptional traits and innovative ideas, Insights Success features the enthralling stories of such staunch leaders in its latest edition, “ The 10 Most Ambitious Women in Business to Follow 2023 .”

Train skill.

Flip through the pages and have a delightful read !

Clear communication is a non-negotiable skill for being a good leader, especially in the tech world. At some point, you will need to explain technical messages to nontechnical people, transfer complex ideas from one team member to another, or simplify an intricate vision to your whole team. When you need to do so, clear and concise communication will be your best ally.

Effective communication is not only about transmitting information but also about inspiring and coaching others. It is about being able to listen to, and communicate with, a wide range of people across roles, geographies, social identities, and more. Some cultures, for example, expect explicit, specific messages, while others tend to rely on the context between the lines.

Joshi

Abhishek

Cov Story Sammie Leary

Featured Person

Alexandra Isele Vice President Satellite Solutions

Caroline Wanga CEO

Brief Company Name

Beyond Gravity beyondgravity.com

Essence Communications Inc. essence.com

Alexandra is a passionate Expert in Space Hardware Development and Manufacturing. She leads the Business Unit Mechanical Satellite Solutions at Beyond Gravity.

Caroline inspires action and self-empowerment by telling simple stories and pushing the boundaries of what can be accomplished.

Donnica Hawes-Saunders serves as Partnerships Manager for Global Transformation Communications at Philip Morris International. Philip Morris International pmi.com

Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin Partner

Jenifer (Dillon) Namestka CEO/Principal Consultant

Jennifer Cooke Vice President Satellite Solutions

Julie Jones Television Producer, Speaker, Breakthrough Coach

Kelly Barnard Senior HRBP

McKinsey & Company mckinsey.com

Eyitope Kola-Oyeneyin is a thought-leader on financialservices innovation and has led multiple projects and coauthored reports on how to unlock the potential of digital financial services in Africa.

Jenifer Namestka brings over 20 years of experience developing strategies, overseeing large program implementations, and introducing change. Avo Solutions, Inc avosolutions.com

Export Development Canada exportdevcanada

The Adventures of Julie Jones LLC juliejones.biz

Jennifer aims to grow support to businesses owned by underserved entrepreneurs along their entire exporter journey and close the gap in diverse representation amongst exporting SMEs.

Julie inspires people to transform their stinking thinkin' into a more courageous way of being so they can have the courage to be who they are meant to be.

For the last 4+ years, Keely has been grateful to serve over 400 clients with her position at Nedbank. Nedbank nedbank.co.za

Lisa Gable Chairperson

Lisa aims to support the next generation of leaders & organizations that are solving the world’s biggest problems. World in 2050 w2050.org

Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa sparrowssalonandmedspa.com

Sammie Leary, Founder & CEO of Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa, thinks that beauty is all about knowing your self-worth.

Donnica Hawes-Saunders Partnerships Manager

Sammie Leary Founder & CEO

Sammie Leary

Exhibiting Pure Flair of Magnificence

We help our clients feel good about themselves and value who they are. The message behind Greater than Sparrows is ‘Knowing your Worth.

Sammie Leary

Founder & CEO

Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa

The 10 Most Ambious Women in Business to Follow 2023

What is beauty? The question is an old one with roots in ancient philosophy. Every generation, every decade, has given a different answer to this question. In the era of social media’s filtered aesthetics, the discussion has only increased in intensity.

Sammie Leary, Founder & CEO of Greater than Sparrows Salon and Medspa, thinks that beauty is all about knowing your self-worth. The name of the salon originates from the bible verse, “for even the very hairs on your head are all numbered; therefore, you are worth more than many sparrows.” Sammie wants everybody who has lost their identity or forgotten their value to hear this message and believe in themselves again.

Sammie’s passion for hair and beauty started young, as she was always the one doing her friends’ hair. But it was a lifethreatening car accident that befell her while she was in dental college that caused her to take a closer look at her life and reexamine her choices.

With Greater than Sparrows Salon, Sammie’s goal is to offer a place where everyone can meet all of their beauty needs in one convenient location. The salon offers its clients the royal treatment, with the priority being to enhance their natural beauty. Its website claims, “Expect to turn a few heads when you walk out that door.”

Hair is Sammie’s one true love. She loves experimenting, breaking the rules, and creating new shades and ways of doing things. Color and extensions are her favorite parts to work on. She says, “I don’t like anything boring I’m not satisfied unless I create the perfect eye-catching color that turns heads!”

In an exclusive interview with CIOLook , Sammie shares her journey and the challenges she overcame. She opines on what beauty is, what she wished people would embrace, and her vision for Greater than Sparrow’s future.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position at Greater than Sparrows. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?

I’ve always been the hardest worker in the room, and I was always willing to do the things others would not. I’ve been

poor, I’ve experienced tragedy, trauma, pain, and hurt. I’ve worked in my kitchen without the lights on and my kids climbing all over me, I’ve worked 2-3 jobs at a time, and I’ve even scrubbed toilets ALL with a smile on my face. I’ve overcome a lot, and the journey has been valuable. You will learn the most valuable lessons at the bottom- before you ever get to the top.

Tell us something more about Greater than Sparrows highlighting its services in the business arena.

We don’t just offer great services that are highly sought after in the beauty industry. Still, we help our clients feel good about themselves and value who they are, which, is often forgotten nowadays due to the pressure social media puts on society to look a certain way. The message behind Greater than Sparrows is “Knowing your Worth.” You can be yourself and still be beautiful.

What are the immersive benefits of the services that Greater than Sparrows offers to its clients?

Its literally beautification at your fingertips. For example, you can walk in and walk out with a pair of hair extensions on the same day. Most salons, you would have to have two separate appointments and have to wait for the hair to come in. We’ve cut out the middleman on most services.

Enlighten us on how you have impacted the personal care services industry through your expertise in the market.

I’ve created the first full-service beauty salon, hair extension salon, day spa, and med spa, all in one convenient location.

What is the current scenario of the personal care services industry, and how does Greater than Sparrows excel in the niche with your staunch leadership?

It’s a one-stop shop for all of your beauty needs. You can literally get Botox while your color processes or get a pedicure while your hair extensions are being put in. We’re saving our clients valuable time, and I can’t think of anything that’s more important than your time.

I don’t like anything boring I’m not satisfied unless I create the perfect eye-catching color that turns heads!

Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.

Integrity, hard work, constant education, perfecting our skills, and also giving back to the community and those in need is a HUGE part of who we are.

Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you leveraging technological advancements to make your solutions resourceful?

Our reps keep us trained and updated on the latest and greatest advancements. Plus, the constant research that I do on my own time to make sure we have the best of the best when it comes to the products and tools available to offer our clients.

What change would you like to bring to the personal care services industry if given a chance?

I would like to see more people going after the looks that they want and not being so afraid of change and also new products that would make change easier, because we are forever changing our minds–– ha!

What, according to you, could be the next significant change in your sector? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?

Technology is increasing at a very fast pace, and everything is getting much more computerized. I could see walking into a beauty salon where a PC digitally scans your face and picks out your perfect hair color. I see hair color processing times becoming less and less time-consuming. I see new tools that make beautification easier. We’re ready for all of it!

Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for Greater than Sparrows?

I’ve always just wanted to make a difference in this world. It’s never been about the money. I would like to get involved with some of the orphanages and offer apprenticeships and franchise opportunities. After a recent visit to another country, I learned that after the children turn

18, they are released, and if they do not have a skill or a sponsor they are put on the streets. This has stayed on my mind ever since, and that usually prompts how I begin my next business ventures.

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the personal care services industry?

Find someone you look up to and do an apprenticeship. It’s way cheaper than paying for a full-time school, and you will learn so much more. Work your butt off and smile while you do it. You never know who’s watching and where it will take you. Trust God.

Emergence of Women in the Dynamic Business Arena Leadership

In recent years, the business landscape has witnessed a

significant shift towards gender equality and diversity in leadership roles. Women leaders are increasingly making their mark and bringing about transformative changes in the dynamic and competitive world of business. This article explores the emergence of women leadership, the challenges faced, and the positive impact they are creating across industries.

Breaking Barriers and Challenging Stereotypes : Historically, women have faced numerous barriers and stereotypes in the business arena. However, with changing societal attitudes and a growing recognition of the value women bring to leadership roles, these barriers are being broken down. Women leaders are challenging stereotypes by showcasing their expertise, skills, and unique perspectives.

Overcoming Bias : Women leaders are defying gender bias by demonstrating their capabilities and expertise in traditionally male-dominated fields. They are proving that leadership is not defined by gender but by competence, vision, and effective decision-making.

Shattering Glass Ceilings : Women are actively breaking through glass ceilings and occupying top positions in companies worldwide. Their rise to leadership roles inspires and paves the way for future generations of women to follow suit.

Work-Life Integration: Balancing personal and professional responsibilities is a challenge faced by both men and women. However, women leaders are instrumental in advocating for policies and practices that promote work-life integration. Flexible work arrangements, family-friendly policies, and a supportive organizational culture benefit everyone and foster gender equality.

Driving Innovation and Business Success :

The emergence of women leadership is not just about representation; it brings a multitude of benefits to businesses and organizations. Women leaders contribute to innovation, foster creativity, and enhance overall business success through their distinct approaches and skills.

Diverse Perspectives : Women leaders often bring diverse perspectives to the table, enabling a broader range of ideas and solutions. This diversity drives innovation and promotes a more comprehensive understanding of customer needs and market dynamics.

Collaboration and Team Building : Women leaders tend to emphasize collaboration, teamwork, and relationshipbuilding, creating inclusive work environments that foster employee engagement and productivity. These leadership qualities contribute to high-performing teams and a positive organizational culture.

Emotional Intelligence : Women leaders often excel in emotional intelligence, understanding and responding to the needs and motivations of their teams. This ability to empathize and connect with others enables effective communication, conflict resolution, and the development of strong relationships.

Adaptability and Resilience : Women leaders exhibit a high level of adaptability and resilience, enabling them to navigate complex challenges and uncertain environments. Their ability to embrace change and lead with agility contributes to organizational success in today's rapidly evolving business landscape.

Mentorship and Sponsorship : Women leaders are actively engaging in mentorship and sponsorship programs to support and guide aspiring women professionals. By sharing their experiences and knowledge, they help bridge the gender gap in leadership positions.

Promoting Gender Diversity and Inclusion :

The rise of women leaders is not just about individual achievements; it signifies a broader movement towards gender diversity and inclusion. Organizations that prioritize gender equality benefit from a range of advantages that contribute to their long-term success.

Attracting Talent : Companies that prioritize gender diversity and demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities are more likely to attract top talent. Women professionals seeking inclusive workplaces are drawn to organizations with a diverse leadership team.

Enhanced Decision-Making : Gender-diverse leadership teams provide a broader range of perspectives, resulting in more well-rounded and informed decision-making. By including women in leadership roles, organizations tap into a wealth of ideas and experiences, leading to better outcomes.

Improved Corporate Reputation : Organizations that champion gender diversity and inclusion enjoy a positive reputation in the market. These companies are often viewed as forward-thinking, socially responsible, and attractive to a diverse customer base.

Networking and Collaboration: Women leaders understand the power of networking and collaboration. They actively seek out opportunities to connect with other professionals, both within and outside their industries. These networks provide support, advice, and opportunities for professional growth.

The emergence of women leadership in the dynamic business arena signifies a significant transformation in the corporate world. Women leaders are breaking barriers, driving innovation, and fostering diverse and inclusive workplaces. They overcome challenges, build supportive networks, and serve as role models for aspiring leaders.

The collective efforts of organizations, leaders, and society as a whole are essential in promoting gender equality, creating opportunities, and empowering women to thrive in leadership positions. By embracing and celebrating women leaders, we pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future in the business arena.

Lisa Gable

Showcasing the Traits of Exceptional Leadership

SSuccessful leaders are the power and intellect behind their organizations. They are the visionaries charged with steering their brand around pitfalls. They must know when to seize opportunities and how to rally employees to work hard toward their company’s goals.

Effective leaders transcend the title of “manager” or “boss.” They have found a way to achieve the right combination of charisma, enthusiasm, and self-assurance, probably with a healthy dose of luck and timing. It may seem like some people are just gifted with these skills, but the truth is that most leadership traits can be learned and sharpened with time and practice.

Exceptional leaders have the ability to look into their company’s future and make clear, concrete goals that will benefit their organization. They are confident and optimistic, inspiring enthusiasm in those around them. Being a visionary is about managing change while striking a balance between stability and growth. These exceptional starlets incorporate new approaches without getting distracted from the main goals.

These attributes shed the spotlight on Lisa Gable , former US Ambassador and recently, sits at the position of Chair of “World in 2050,” the global futuristic think tank of the Diplomatic Courier Chair.

Lisa’s 40-year career spans leadership roles in government, business, and philanthropy. She has served as CEO, US Ambassador and UN Delegate, and have counselled Fortune 500 companies in their efforts to advance society and turnaround projects and organizations.

In an interview with Insights Success, Lisa shares valuable facts highlighting her professional tenure and her journey in the dynamic industry.

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about your company and its mission and vision; how does your company thrive towards enabling advancements in the ever-evolving modern industry?

I recently accepted the position of Chair of “World in 2050,” the global futuristic think tank of the Diplomatic Courier.

The Diplomatic Courier, founded by CEO Ana Rold, is the flagship media network and magazine for top diplomats in Washington, DC, New York, Brussels, Geneva, and 182 countries around the world.

World in 2050 was created to address how major global forces such as demographic changes, resource stress, technology advances, and economic power shifts will affect our future. To date, they have convened over 20,000 multinational stakeholders and futurists in the public and private sectors, answering challenging questions about the future of society and galvanizing solutions through unique collaborations.

The founder of World in 2050, as well as team members and advisors, are all people with brilliant minds and generous hearts, yet they are also humble.

The organization models outcomes using a spectrum of signals, opinion polling, social sentiment, and megatrends, including:

Ÿ Exponential technologies radically reshaping the world.

Ÿ Climate change disrupting our lives.

Ÿ The future of the workplace caring more about skills.

Ÿ Societal distrust and fragmentation surging.

Ÿ The weakening of democracy and the rule of law.

I am honored to support Ana and her team as the organization, like the world, goes through a period of exponential growth.

Brief our audience about your journey as a business leader until your current position in your company. What challenges have you had to overcome to reach where you are today?

I view my life in three distinct phases, each with its own challenges.

Phase one was my credentialing phase, where I built the foundation for my career path. I attended the University of Virginia and Georgetown University National Security Studies graduate program while working at the Department of Defense and the White House. I leveraged my experience in dual-use technologies to secure a job at Intel Corporation working as a troubleshooter for an executive who would become CEO and Chairman of the Board.

I was often the only woman in the room, surrounded by military brass, political figures, and CEOs. I learned to build relevance for any idea I promoted by using advanced preparation, data, and research as my secret weapon.

Phase two was my impact phase. I leveraged the credentials and skills I gained to help organizations, projects, and teams change course when they were headed south. I became well known as an expert in going deep into the moment, identifying the north star, evaluating the unintended consequences of good intentions, and using a unified vision and a big idea to drive results. Instead of throwing money at problems, I built an ecosystem of partnerships and sought out new people with differing opinions. Most importantly, I made success a team sport.

Phase three is determining how I can best deploy my experiences to enable and support the next generation of leaders and those who are investing in solutions to solve big problems.

Enlighten us on how you have impacted the industry through your expertise in the market.

Currently, as part of World in 2050, we are tapping into a global brain trust which crosses industries and the philanthropic and government sectors to answer four critical questions:

Ÿ What does a best-possible future look like?

Ÿ How can we help it arrive well?

Ÿ What must depart for that future to arrive well?

Ÿ How do we help it depart well?

We have innovation labs which are multiyear collective intelligence spaces where we experiment on how to build better future outcomes for our society’s biggest problems. We deliver that information through various communications platforms, including blogs and articles, research papers, policy playbooks, bookazines, video explainers, and more.

Lisa Gable former US Ambassador/ Chair of “World in 2050 , an iniave of the Diplomac Courier

Describe in detail the values and the work culture that drives your organization.

The founder of World in 2050, as well as team members and advisors, are all people with brilliant minds and generous hearts, yet they are also humble. We recognize that the world has become fractured and siloed. We see this as a unique moment to seek out diverse points of view, identify strength in cultural differences, and relentlessly focus on fostering uncommon collaborations across multiple sectors. No one claims to have all the answers, but we can bring the smartest and most adept thought leaders into the room to find solutions.

Undeniably, technology is playing a significant role in almost every sector. How are you advancing towards technological innovations to make your solutions resourceful?

Last summer, we launched our inaugural Innovation Lab, which convened a large group of experts in a collective intelligence experiment. We brought together stakeholders from six continents in a productive and meaningful way, leveraging a process that combined in-person conversation with time to reflect and write on individual schedules.

Based on the success of our methodology, we recently announced our new platform bridge, which houses our action-oriented community. The bridge is driven by collaborators’ ideas and innovation for a better world. The platform allows delegates to connect and network together in real time, as well as access multimedia, special reports, and invitation-only events.

What, according to you, could be the next significant change in your sector? How is your company preparing to be a part of that change?

Inflection points are happening at a dizzying pace, so we need to be agile and planful, and embrace our inner unicorns. This means building an ecosystem that constantly integrates and upgrades how we curate and create meaningful discussion while rapidly communicating actionable input in a manner thought leaders want to receive it.

To do this, we are testing and monitoring innovations in technology and communications to determine how to lift and shift information to new platforms in a cost-effective manner that most effectively engages our customer—the world’s key decision-makers.

Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company?

Our goal is to innovate a future that is more Star Trek and less Mad Max. We can only achieve that if we become the premier global collaborative that facilitates a passing of the baton between consecutive generations of thought leaders and decision-makers over the next 27 years and beyond.

What would be your advice to budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the dynamic industry?

You can’t be all things to all people. Focus on your core competencies, leave your ego at the door, and start collaborating.

Traits of Innovave Leaders Who are Driving Transformations in the Modern Industry

n today's rapidly evolving and disruptive business I landscape, innovative leaders play a crucial role in driving transformations and propelling organizations towards success. These leaders possess a unique set of traits and qualities that enable them to navigate uncertainty, embrace change, and inspire innovation within their teams and industries. This article explores the key traits of innovative leaders who are at the forefront of driving transformations in modern industry.

Visionary Thinking:

Innovative leaders possess a strong visionary mindset. They have the ability to anticipate future trends, identify emerging opportunities, and envision a compelling future for their organizations. Their clear and inspiring vision serves as a guiding force, motivating and aligning their teams towards a common purpose.

Openness to Change:

These leaders embrace change and see it as an opportunity rather than a threat. They understand that innovation requires continuous adaptation and are willing to challenge the status quo. Their openness to change encourages experimentation, learning from failure, and embracing new approaches and technologies.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning:

Innovative leaders have a natural curiosity that drives them to explore new ideas, concepts, and perspectives. They seek out diverse sources of knowledge, stay informed about industry trends, and actively engage in continuous learning. Their intellectual curiosity enables them to think outside the box and uncover innovative solutions to complex problems.

Risk-Taking and Resilience:

Innovation often involves taking calculated risks, and innovative leaders are not afraid to venture into uncharted territory. They understand that failure is a natural part of the innovation process and are resilient in the face of setbacks. They encourage their teams to take risks, learn from failures, and iterate quickly to achieve breakthrough results.

Collaboration and Empowerment:

Innovative leaders foster a culture of collaboration and empowerment within their organizations. They recognize that innovation is a collective effort and encourage crossfunctional collaboration, diversity of thought, and idea sharing. They create an environment where employees feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and actively participate in the innovation process.

Emotional Intelligence:

These leaders possess high emotional intelligence, which allows them to understand and connect with their teams on a deeper level. They empathize with the challenges faced by their employees, foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, and cultivate strong relationships based on trust and respect. Their emotional intelligence enables effective communication, conflict resolution, and the development of high-performing teams.

Adaptability and Agility:

Innovative leaders are adaptable and agile in navigating the complexities of the modern industry. They understand that market conditions can change rapidly, and they proactively adjust their strategies and approaches to stay ahead. They promote a culture of agility, where quick decision-making, iterative experimentation, and continuous improvement are encouraged.

Customer-Centric Mindset:

These leaders prioritize understanding customer needs and preferences. They adopt a customer-centric mindset and actively seek feedback from customers to inform their innovation strategies. By staying closely connected to their customers, they can anticipate market trends, deliver superior products or services, and provide exceptional customer experiences.

Ethical and Responsible Leadership:

Innovative leaders demonstrate ethical and responsible leadership practices. They are mindful of the impact of their decisions on stakeholders, society, and the environment. They prioritize ethical conduct, integrity, and corporate social responsibility, ensuring that innovation aligns with broader societal values and contributes to sustainable outcomes.

Strategic Thinking and Execution:

Innovative leaders excel in strategic thinking, developing a clear roadmap to guide their organizations through transformational initiatives. They possess the ability to identify key priorities, allocate resources effectively, and execute plans with precision. Their strategic mindset ensures that innovation efforts are aligned with organizational goals and yield tangible results.

Boundary-Pushing and Disruptive Mindset:

These leaders are not satisfied with incremental improvements; they have a boundary-pushing and disruptive mindset. They challenge conventional thinking, encourage creativity, and push the boundaries of what is possible. They inspire their teams to think outside the box, embrace unconventional ideas, and break free from the limitations of the status quo.

Data-Driven Decision-Making:

Innovative leaders understand the value of data in driving informed decisions. They leverage data analytics, market insights, and customer feedback to guide their innovation strategies. By making data-driven decisions, they minimize uncertainty and increase the chances of success for their transformative initiatives.

Adaptability to Digital Transformation:

In the era of digital transformation, innovative leaders recognize the importance of leveraging technology to drive innovation. They embrace digital tools, automation, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies to optimize processes, improve efficiency, and create new business models. They proactively seek out digital opportunities and leverage technology to stay ahead of the competition.

The traits of innovative leaders are instrumental in shaping the modern industry. Their visionary thinking, openness to change, curiosity, and continuous learning fuel a culture of innovation. Their risk-taking mentality, resilience, and collaborative approach empower teams to explore new possibilities and drive transformative change.

By combining emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a customer-centric mindset, these leaders create sustainable and customer-focused solutions. Ultimately, innovative leaders are the driving force behind industry transformations, shaping the future of organizations and driving them towards success in an ever-evolving business landscape.