The Most Inspirational Leaders in Business to look out for 2023

www.insightssuccess.com VOL-11 | ISSUE-02 | 2023

The Most

Inspirational

Leaders in

Business to look out for 2023

Balancing Inspira on with Execu on The Art of Leadership

What Makes a Great Leader?

The Essen al Quali es of Effec ve Leadership

From Wanderlust to Marketing Maven

Kristen

DeGroot

Unleashing Innovation and Growth in the Agency Realm

Kristen DeGroot

CEO

The Campfire Circle Agency

Ambition is the spark that Ignites the within

fire

Women ambitious

Editor’s Note

The Icons of

Inspiration

I

n a time of rapid change, disruptive technologies, and dynamic global markets, leadership is at the forefront of shaping the future of business. Leaders who not only adapt to these changes but also drive transformation are the ones who stand out. These inspirational leaders possess the qualities that are crucial for navigating the complexities of the modern business world: vision, adaptability, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.

We hope that the stories featured in this edition will motivate, educate, and energize you to take your own leadership journey to new heights. Let these leaders serve as beacons of hope and ambition, illuminating the path for all who aspire to be change-makers in the world of business.

Flip through the pages and have a delightful read!

Each profile showcases the personal and professional tenure of the leaders, highlighting their unique strategies, innovations, and thought leadership. Their diverse backgrounds and experiences underline the idea that leadership knows no bounds and can be found in every corner of the business world.

As we introduce you to these influential leaders, we aim to provide our readers with inspiration and ideas that can be applied to their own lives and careers. Whether you are a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned executive, or an aspiring leader, the wisdom and experiences shared by these luminaries are sure to resonate with you.

Our commitment to delivering high-quality content remains unwavering. We continue to explore the latest trends, innovations, and best practices that shape the ever-evolving business landscape. This is a testament to our dedication to sharing knowledge, insights, and inspiring success stories with our readers. The individuals featured have not just adapted to the evolving business landscape, but they have set new standards for leadership excellence.

n o s m o h T Henry

Cov

Story

08

From Wanderlust to Marketing Maven

Kristen

DeGroot

Unleashing Innovation and Growth in the Agency Realm

A r t i c l e s

16 20

Balancing Inspiration with Execution

The Art of Leadership

What Makes a Great Leader?

The Essential Qualities of Effective Leadership

Editor-in-Chief Merry D'Souza Deputy Editor Henry Thomson

Executive Editor Jenny Fernandes

Assistant Editors Lusy Jameson

Visualizer

Art & Design Director

Associate Designer

David King

Rosy Scott

Angela Ruskin

Senior Sales Managers

Business Development Manager

Bruno Alves, Damian Mathew

Joe Adams

Marketing Manager

Sales Executives

James M.

Luke A.

Technical Head

Business Development Executives

Jacob Smile

Simon, Tom

Technical Specialist Irvin Wilson

Digital Marketing Manager Dominique T.

SME-SMO Executive Steve Rodrigues

Research Analyst Frank Adams

Circulation Manager Robert Brown

Database Management Stella Andrew

Technology Consultant David Stokes

sales@insightssuccess.com November, 2023

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Featuring

Company

Brief

Kerry L. Heinrich President and CEO

Adventist Health adventisthealth.org

Kerry is passionate about creating improved healthcare with the best quality care as the driving force redefining the impact of well-being in the sector.

Kristen DeGroot

The Campfire Circle Agency thecampfirecircle.com

With Kristen’s expertise and The Campfire Circle’s tailored services, agency owners can finally direct their energies where they matter most—serving clients with excellence.

Edkey® Inc. edkey.org

Mark has played an instrumental role in driving the company's culture by ensuring that integrity and innovation remain the core of driving it towards success.

KeepFlying keepflying.aero

Sudarsan is an entrepreneurial-spirited, pioneering technologist who has has a passion for technology-led services, focusing on transformative solutions, digital services design, and product design.

LinkedIn linkedin.com

Susana has over 20 years of experience and at LinkedIn, she provides innovative solutions for her customers and partners using her expertise in AI and tech.

CEO

Mark Plitzuweit CEO

Sudarsan Lakshmikumar Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer

Susana CorreiaCF Regional leader (Staffing and Scaled)-LinkedIn Talent Solutions MENA

C o v e r S t o r y

Kristen DeGroot

CEO

The Campfire Circle Agency

From Wanderlust to Marketing Maven

Kristen

DeGroot

Unleashing Innovation and Growth in the Agency Realm

My foundation is that I don’t just get a pulse on an agency’s target audience. I do campaigns for their target audience’s target audience.

The Most Inspira onal Leaders in Business to look out for 2023

A

digital marketing landscape is where agency owners are immersed in delivering outstanding client work, crafting compelling campaigns, optimizing websites and strategizing social media blitzes.

But what about their own agencies? They often find themselves short on time and energy to nurture their own business growth.

Amid this whirlwind, Kristen DeGroot emerges as a guiding light. With 12 years of experience in growing and scaling agencies, she recognized a gap in the market. The agency world needed a savior, an agency for agencies. And so, The Campfire Circle Agency was born.

The Campfire Circle isn’t your typical marketing services company. It’s a haven for agency owners seeking to expand without losing their focus on clients. Kristen’s brainchild provides the support, strategies and solutions they crave.

She’s the CEO at the helm, driven by a mission to empower agency owners to thrive.

With Kristen’s expertise and The Campfire Circle’s tailored services, agency owners can finally direct their energies where they matter most—serving clients with excellence.

Kristen and her agency are here to ensure that in the world of marketing, no agency owner is left in the cold, alone in the dark, but rather gathered around the warm glow of success.

Let’s delve into a journey towards unparalleled success in the world of marketing services!

The Marketing Maze Thirteen years ago, Kristen held an English writing degree but felt a bit adrift. She embarked on a journey to India, teaching English to monks while chronicling her adventures in a blog that gained unexpected popularity.

Returning to the US, her India blog opened doors. Kristen found herself in the world of marketing at a startup software company, quickly rising to become the head of marketing.

Yet, after five years, she craved flexibility and took the freelance route.

During her freelance years, Kristen collaborated with various agencies, initially as a client-facing partner. Over time, she transitioned into scaling and expanding agencies.

A lifelong dream of starting her agency finally came to fruition six months ago with The Campfire Circle—an agency for agencies.

When I was a freelancer, I worked from all over the world so I do get how important it is to offer flexibility as long as you’re receiving quality work.

In her current role, Kristen has discovered a niche. She noticed that agency owners often get swamped with client work, leaving them little time for growth. As she puts it, “I’ve found that agency owners spend a ton of time doing awesome client work and often don’t have the time to spend on growing their agency so they work with me for my organic lead gen process.” Kristen’s expertise lies in organic lead generation and business optimization, providing much-needed assistance for agency owners.

Listening to the experiences of numerous agency owners, Kristen found a common thread. Cold outreach, once a goto strategy, has lost its luster. What they crave now is a more organic approach to lead generation. Kristen’s secret sauce? Lead magnets. These become the heart of her campaigns for clients.

Why lead magnets? Well, it’s simple. When leads come knocking on an agency’s door, the game changes. When potential clients come to them, it elevates the agency’s credibility, making the sales cycle shorter and sweeter.

Kristen’s journey from a traveler and blogger in India to the founder of an agency for agencies—showcases her adaptability and commitment to helping others in the everevolving world of marketing. With her flexibility and experience, she’s lighting the way for agencies to thrive.

Kristen’s focus on this organic strategy is a game-changer for agency owners, offering a more effective and efficient way to build their businesses without the burnout.

The Wild Ride

The Puppet Master

Starting a new agency can be a real uphill climb. Kristen knows this struggle all too well. She understood the importance of having a track record to attract clients, but she faced a catch-22—how can you prove yourself without a client in the first place?

Presently, Kristen operates as a one-woman shop, occasionally enlisting the help of freelancers. She had a revelation while observing agency owners—they seemed drained and stretched thin. Sensing an opportunity, she decided to specialize in this niche.

Kristen cracked this code by showcasing her previous work, especially her lead magnets, to other agencies. She let her skills and results speak for themselves, building that muchneeded “social proof” step by step.

Support also played a crucial role in her journey. Kristen leaned on her parents, husband and in-laws for encouragement and assistance while she nurtured her agency into existence. Their unwavering belief in her dream kept her going.

Of course, every journey has its bumps. Kristen faced the slowdown of marketing activities during the summer, a common challenge in the industry. But instead of seeing it as a setback, she used this time wisely.

She ironed out any kinks in her approach, fine-tuned her strategies and laid the groundwork for success. Now that the summer has passed, Kristen finds herself with more clients than she ever imagined.

Unearthed Gems In her own words, Kristen hopes to make a real difference in the lives of agency owners. She believes that they shouldn’t have to exhaust themselves juggling client work and agency growth.

What makes Kristen’s approach unique is her ability to dive deep into the intricacies of the agency world. She doesn’t merely scratch the surface by understanding an agency’s target audience—she delves even further. Kristen crafts campaign that resonate with her clients’ target audience’s target audience—yes, it’s a bit of a tonguetwister, but it’s where her expertise shines.

Here’s a practical example: Kristen worked with an agency specializing in-home services. Instead of churning out the usual industry report, she took a different route.

Kristen surveyed the people who had recently used home services to understand why they chose a particular company and what marketing efforts appealed to them.

This data was then transformed into an insightful report. The result? It was eyeopening and became her most successful lead magnet.

Kristen’s ability to connect the dots and unearth valuable insights has propelled her agency to new heights. She continues to create industry reports based on her client’s target audience’s target audience, offering a fresh perspective that sets her apart in the dynamic world of marketing.

Fueling Agency Agility Kristen says, “Oh my goodness, I’m all about flexibility,” conveying Flexibility as her mantra. Her agency operates with freelancers and she believes in giving them the freedom to choose their work hours as long as they meet the agreed-upon deadlines.

Kristen’s own experience as a freelancer, working from various corners of the world, taught her the importance of this flexibility. She understands that quality work thrives when freelancers aren’t bogged down by tight schedules.

In her role as an agency partner, Kristen empathizes with the bustling nature of agencies. She knows just how hectic things can get. To strike the right balance, she adopts a gentle approach with her clients.

I earned success by showing agencies the work I did, specifically lead magnets, with other agencies.

Kristen sends them friendly reminders when she needs something from them, ensuring that her requests are heard without coming across as pushy. It’s all about fostering a collaborative and stress-free working environment, where everyone can deliver their best work.

Behind the Pixels Kristen is a keen observer of the modern work landscape and acknowledges the pivotal role of technology in our lives. She recognizes that technology is the backbone of many job opportunities today, underpinning our employment prospects.

For her agency, The Campfire Circle, Kristen deftly wields a digital arsenal. HubSpot serves as her go-to for CRM and marketing automation, while Pollfish aids in audience surveys, providing invaluable insights for her clients.

What Next?

Kristen’s current ambition centers on the expansion of her agency with a vision to bring full-time employees on board.

At present, her agency thrives with a roster of exceptionally skilled contractors, but Kristen aspires to take it to the next level by building a dedicated team.

Another cherished goal that sparkles on Kristen’s horizon is to receive that one email, the kind that every professional dreams of—a notification from a publication that she has been selected as one of the “40 Professionals Under 40.”

For Kristen, this recognition would signify not only personal achievement but also evidence of the resonance of her agency’s vision and philosophy with a broader audience. It would serve as confirmation that her work is making an impact, that her ideas are striking a chord, and that her agency is on a path of significance.

Social media platforms are her canvas for extensive promotional efforts and her website—hosted on SquareSpace—relies on their analytics tools. She’s also a fan of G-Suite for seamless content sharing and collaborative spreadsheet work.

With these aspirations guiding her, Kristen is set to chart an exciting course for her agency’s growth and personal achievement, driven by a passionate pursuit of her dreams and a commitment to making a difference in her field.

Tech’s Toolbox

Keys to the Marketing Kingdom

Looking to the horizon, Kristen predicts a game-changing shift in the agency industry—AI-driven content generation.

While she sees the potential of tools like ChatGPT in enhancing writing efficiency and ensuring SEO optimization, she underscores the importance of the human touch.

Kristen shares a timeless piece of wisdom for aspiring business leaders, “My advice to anyone who aspires to be a business leader is kind of cliché but I advise being patient.”

She recognizes the journey to success can be slow and steady.

In her view, content should never be 100% AI, as it tends to lack the human touch that readers can spot a mile away.

Instead, she suggests using AI as a starting point to draft content and then having a skilled writer infuse it with personality and authenticity. She says, “Someone who can actually write should give it voice and make it sound humanized.”

Moreover, Kristen points out a limitation of AI like ChatGPT—it draws its data from 2021 or earlier, rendering it unsuitable for citing recent data, which is often crucial for content creators to bolster their arguments effectively. In her forward-thinking approach, Kristen adapts to the evolving landscape while keeping the human element at the core of her content creation strategy.

Launching a new business, Kristen notes, requires time to gain traction. Those initial steps might feel like a climb, but once you secure your first customers, a transformative snowball effect begins. As Kristen puts it, “After you land your first customer or few customers, it becomes a snowball effect and business will start rolling in.”

This momentum builds naturally, especially if you harness the power of social proof from those early customers.

Demonstrating that your business effectively addresses pain points becomes the key to attracting a steady stream of clients.

Choose Excellent Choose Insights.

Balancing Inspiration with Execution

of Leadership

The Art

L

eadership is an art that requires a delicate balance between inspiring others and driving effective execution. Great leaders not only have the ability to motivate and inspire their teams but also possess the skills to translate vision into action.

We will explore the art of leadership and delve into the importance of balancing inspiration with execution. We will discuss strategies and insights on how leaders can master this delicate balance to achieve outstanding results and foster a culture of success within their organizations.

Inspiring a Compelling Vision: Effective leaders understand the power of a compelling vision in motivating their teams. They communicate a clear and inspiring purpose that connects with the values and aspirations of their employees. By sharing a vision that resonates with others, leaders ignite a sense of passion, instill a shared sense of purpose, and create a collective drive towards a common goal.

Cultivating Open Communication: Balancing inspiration with execution requires leaders to foster open and transparent communication channels. Leaders should create an environment where ideas, feedback, and concerns can be freely shared. By actively listening to their teams and valuing diverse perspectives, leaders gain valuable insights that inform their decision-making process and enhance execution.

Effective communication also helps align individuals with the organizational vision, ensuring clarity and focus.

Setting Clear Goals and Expectations: While inspiration sparks motivation, effective execution relies on clear goals and expectations. Leaders must translate the inspiring vision into actionable objectives that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By setting clear goals and expectations, leaders provide a roadmap for success, empowering individuals to channel their energy and efforts towards achieving tangible outcomes.

Empowering and Developing Others: Leaders who strike the right balance between inspiration and execution empower their teams to excel. They provide support, resources, and autonomy to individuals, fostering a sense of ownership and accountability. By delegating responsibilities, leaders allow others to showcase their skills and grow professionally. Investing in employee development through mentorship, training, and opportunities for growth further enhances execution and cultivates a high-performance culture.

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Leading by Example: Leadership is not just about words; it is about leading by example. Leaders who balance inspiration with execution demonstrate integrity, authenticity, and resilience in their actions. They exemplify the values and behaviors they expect from their teams, setting the standard for excellence and commitment. When leaders model the desired behaviors, they inspire trust, foster a positive work culture, and motivate others to follow suit.

Embracing Agility and Adaptability: Successful leaders recognize the need for agility and adaptability in today's dynamic business landscape. They balance inspiration with the ability to adjust and pivot as needed. This flexibility allows leaders to respond to changes, seize opportunities, and navigate challenges effectively. By nurturing a culture of learning, experimentation, and innovation, leaders encourage their teams to embrace change and proactively adapt to evolving circumstances.

Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating achievements is a crucial aspect of balancing inspiration with execution. Effective leaders recognize and appreciate the efforts and accomplishments of their teams. By providing recognition, rewards, and a sense of appreciation, leaders fuel motivation, enhance engagement, and reinforce the connection between inspiration and successful execution.

Building Strong Relationships: Leaders who balance inspiration with execution prioritize building strong relationships with their team members. They invest time in understanding their employees' strengths, aspirations, and challenges. By cultivating authentic connections and demonstrating genuine care, leaders create a supportive environment where individuals feel valued, motivated, and empowered to give their best.

By incorporating diverse perspectives and considering both short-term and long-term implications, leaders enhance the quality of decision-making and increase the likelihood of successful execution.

Creating a Culture of Accountability Leaders who excel at balancing inspiration with execution create a culture of accountability within their organizations.

They set clear expectations, establish performance metrics, and hold individuals and teams responsible for their results.

By fostering a culture where accountability is valued, leaders create an environment where individuals are motivated to take ownership of their work, driving execution and achieving desired outcomes.

Continuous Improvement and Learning Leaders who balance inspiration with execution embrace a mindset of continuous improvement and learning. They encourage their teams to seek opportunities for growth, innovation, and skill development. By promoting a learning culture and providing resources for professional development, leaders empower individuals to enhance their capabilities, which ultimately fuels execution and drives organizational success.

The art of leadership lies in the delicate balance between inspiring others and driving effective execution. Great leaders understand that a compelling vision, open communication, clear goals, empowerment, leading by example, agility, and recognition are key components of this equilibrium. By mastering this balance, leaders create a dynamic and high-performing environment where individuals are motivated, aligned, and empowered to achieve exceptional results. The art of leadership encompasses both the ability to inspire and the skill to execute, ultimately leading organizations to sustained success and growth.

Effective Decision-Making: Balancing inspiration with execution requires leaders to make informed and timely decisions. Effective leaders gather relevant information, analyze options, and consult with key stakeholders before making decisions that align with the organizational vision.

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What Makes a Great Leader?

The Essential

Qualities of Effective

Leadership

G

reat leaders are not born overnight; they develop and refine their skills over time. Effective leadership requires a unique combination of qualities that inspire, motivate, and guide individuals and teams towards success. In this article, we will explore the essential qualities that make a great leader. By understanding and embodying these qualities, aspiring leaders can cultivate their leadership abilities and make a positive impact on those they lead.

Vision and Purpose: Great leaders have a clear vision and purpose that serve as a guiding force for their actions. They envision a better future and articulate a compelling direction for their organization or team. By communicating this vision with enthusiasm and conviction, leaders inspire others to share in their aspirations and work towards a common goal.

Integrity and Trustworthiness: Integrity and trustworthiness form the foundation of effective leadership. Great leaders consistently demonstrate honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior. They lead by example, honoring their commitments, and holding themselves and others accountable. By building trust through their actions, leaders create a safe and understanding environment where individuals can thrive.

Effective Communication: Effective communication is a hallmark of great leadership. Leaders who excel in this area are skilled listeners, clear and concise in their message delivery, and adapt their communication style to suit diverse audiences. They foster open and honest dialogue, encourage collaboration, and provide constructive feedback. Through effective communication, leaders ensure clarity, alignment, and a shared understanding among their teams.

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Emotional Intelligence: Great leaders possess emotional intelligence, which allows them to understand and manage their own emotions while empathizing with others. They have the ability to recognize and regulate emotions, navigate conflicts, and inspire and motivate their teams. Leaders with high emotional intelligence foster positive relationships, create a supportive work environment, and adapt their leadership approach to individual needs.

Decisiveness: In the face of complex challenges and uncertainty, great leaders demonstrate decisiveness. They gather relevant information, analyze options, and make informed decisions in a timely manner. While considering input from others, leaders take ownership of the decision-making process, balancing the need for thoughtful deliberation with the need for action.

Resilience and Adaptability: Resilience and adaptability are crucial qualities for effective leadership. Great leaders embrace change, navigate adversity with grace, and remain steadfast in their pursuit of goals. They encourage their teams to be flexible, learn from setbacks and face challenges as opportunities for growth.

By demonstrating resilience and adaptability, leaders inspire confidence, foster innovation, and overcome obstacles.

Empowerment and Development: Great leaders empower their teams by providing opportunities for growth and development. They delegate responsibilities, foster a culture of autonomy and ownership, and support the professional advancement of their team members. Leaders who prioritize empowerment and development not only elevate the skills and capabilities of their teams but also create a pipeline of future leaders.

foster collaboration among team members, and recognize and leverage the diverse strengths and perspectives within their teams. They encourage open communication, resolve conflicts constructively, and create a surrounding where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

Continuous Learning: Great leaders have a thirst for continuous learning and personal growth. They seek new knowledge, stay abreast of industry trends, and actively seek feedback to improve their leadership skills. By embracing a growth mindset, leaders inspire their teams to embrace learning, innovation, and adaptability.

Empathy and Compassion: Empathy and compassion are qualities that distinguish great leaders. They sincerely care about the well-being and success of their team members. By understanding and considering the needs and perspectives of others, leaders build strong relationships, provide support during challenging times, and create a positive work culture.

Becoming a great leader requires a combination of essential qualities that inspire, motivate, and guide individuals and teams towards success. By cultivating vision and purpose, demonstrating integrity and trustworthiness, communicating effectively, exhibiting emotional intelligence, making decisive decisions, embracing resilience and adaptability, empowering and developing others, fostering collaboration and team building, embracing continuous learning, and practicing empathy and compassion, leaders can create a positive impact and drive exceptional results. Through ongoing self-reflection, growth, and development, aspiring leaders can embody these qualities and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those they lead.

Collaboration and Team Building: Collaboration and team building are essential for effective leadership. Great leaders promote a culture of inclusivity,

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