Cra ing an indelible legacy is an uphill task, regardless of gender. However, given the male-centric rhetoric of the business world, women find it harder to forge their paths and make their presence felt. While this remains the reality, female entrepreneurs and leaders worldwide are working relentlessly to sha er the glass ceiling and create a more egalitarian basis for growth.
In this edi on, we, The Leader Globe Media, cover 'The Powerful Business Women 2023' who have succeeded in countering gender stereotypes to posi on themselves as stalwarts of the industry. By leveraging their talents, unique outlooks, and potent foresight, these women have forged a golden path to success, annihila ng all obstacles that came their way.
The powerful business women covered in our current issue share certain common virtues. They have all instrumentalized a strategic thought process to iden fy new opportuni es, assess risks, and make sound decisions to drive the success of their companies. With their courageous outlook, they have remained true to their unwavering core vision. From building companies from the ground up to heading successful ventures, these women have etched their names in gold in the world of business.
Owning their edge, these powerful business women have embraced the tenets of innova on and novelty They have devoted their me and efforts to crea ng something new and revolu onary, thereby con nuing to sha er the expecta ons of what women in business can a ain. From a stringent resilience to foresee obstacles to taking calculated risks that pay off, these women espouse a deep understanding of the playing field and aren't afraid to flaunt their audacious sides.
As pillars of inspira on, these business women have wri en a new chapter in the industry's history. Their victory tales have served to light the fire of mo va on across borders, inspiring others to pursue their dreams, regardless of the social barriers. As celebrated predecessors to genera ons of powerful business women, they have consistently worked to expose, discredit, and eradicate the intrinsic male biases of the business world while also crea ng very real and tangible opportuni es for all the women who follow in their footsteps
- uparna Dey
PublisherMr. Rajesh Kendale
Senior EditorZelen Silva
Picture EditorManwa Deshmukh
Art EditorAjinkya Pandit
Art & Design DirectorAnkit Kulkarni
BDEJessica Edwards, Neha Bhole, Nupur Goel & Sandip Babar
BDMRohn Jamson
- Editor Dr. Sonal Burghate
- Co-Editors
Maria, Suparna Dey
- Visualizers
Nilesh, Sachin, Akshay, David
- Designer Pankaj Kharde
- Marke ng Manager
Om Naik
- Database & Research Analyst
Parth & Akash
- Technology Consultant
Pra k Dande
editor@theleadersglobe.com
Copyright 2023 THE LEADERS GLOBE MEDIA (TLG MEDIA LLP), All rights reserved. The Images and content used in this magazine should not be transmi ed or reproduced in any form or any merchanical, electronic, means, recording, photo copying or other wise, without prior permission from TLG MEDIA LLP,
Reprint rights remain solely with TLG MEDIA LLP.
Dr. Shellie Hipsky
Inspiring Lives International
“Success for me is when I can keep #FamilyFirst and have nancial freedom while helping support the women of the world reach their goals!”
Accordingtodatafrom
theWorldEconomic Forum,womenhold only24%ofseniormanagement rolesglobally.Additionally, researchfromMcKinsey& Companyhasfoundthatwomen areunderrepresentedinall stagesofthecorporatepipeline, fromentry-levelpositionstothe C-suite.
Researchalsoindicatesthat femaleentrepreneursfacemore challengesthantheirmale counterpartswhenitcomesto accessingfunding,networks, andmentorship.Thislackof representationandsupportcan makeitmoredifficultfor womentosucceedinbusiness andcanperpetuateacycleof underrepresentationin leadershippositions.
Therearesomeeffortsto addressthisissue,suchas genderquotas,mentorship programs,andinitiativesto promotediversityandinclusion intheworkplace,butmorework needstobedonetoensurethat womenhavethesame opportunitiestosucceedin businessasmen.Onewoman whoisconsistentlyfightingthe genderstereotypes,offering mentorshipandcoaching programmes,andworking relentlesslyforthe empowermentofwomenin businessisDr.ShellieHipsky.
Fromdonningthehatofa tenuredprofessorattheRobert MorrisUniversitytobecominga beaconofinspirationforwomen
aroundtheworld,Dr.Shellie Hipsky'sjourneyisonethat neverfailstoamaze.Asthe CEOofInspiringLives International,amotivational mediacompanythatworksto empowerandinspirewomen, Dr.Shelliehasleftnostone unturnedtopushtheresources womenneedtoflourish.Byselfdefinition,Dr.Shellieclassifies herbusinessassimplywomen empowermentand entrepreneurship.Herfocushas neveroncewaveredfromthis coreobjective-betteringthe livesofwomenandteaching themtobetterinstrumentalise opportunities.
MeetingtheGlobal EmpowermentCoach
Dr.Shellieclearlysawherpath backwhenshewasmentoring Ph.D.studentsinthe InstructionalManagementand Leadershipcourse.Duringthis period,shesawthemleverage technologicaltoolstoincrease theirimpactradius.Thisiswhen sheidentifiedtheneedfora similarnetwork,wherewomen fromvariedbackgroundscould gettheresourcesandhelpthey neededtopropelforward.“I begantoclearlyseetheneedfor womenfromavarietyof backgroundstohaveeducation, resources,mediaresources,and educationtoconnectthedotsfor themselves”,assertsDr.Shellie.
Herinspirationaljourneyand result-orientedapproachhas receivedseveralaccoladesover theyears.In2022,shewas honouredasan“Empowered
Woman”,“EliteBusiness LeaderstoWatch”,“Most InfluentialFemale EntrepreneurshipCoach”,“A TopEntrepreneurintheUS”, “WomenLeaderstoLookUp To”,“Top10Unstoppable WomenEntrepreneurs”,“Top20 BusinessCoachestoWatch For”,“The10MostInfluential WomenBusinessLeaders”, “GlobalWomanInfluencer”,and theworld's“TopGlobal EmpowermentCoach”inVegas bytheInternationalAssociation ofTopProfessionals.
Penninghersuccessstrategies andguidance,Dr.Shellieisan award-winningauthorofworks likethe CommonThreads trilogy on Inspiration, Empowerment, an d Balance -abookbasedonher EmpoweringWomenRadio.Her 13thbook Ball GownstoYoga Pants:EntrepreneurialSecretsto CreateYourDreamBusinessand Brand andlatest14thbook, MomMagicMompreneur have bothfeaturedoninternational bestsellerlistsindifferent countries.Apartfromwriting books,Dr.Shellieregularly contributestoForbesmagazine andisapartoftheirExpert Coachpanel.Sheisalsothe editor-in-chiefoftheInspiring LivesMagazine,amagazine dedicatedtospreadthe empowermentwordandinspire womenglobally.
Dr.Shellie'spursuitofwomen empowermentdoesn'tendwith InspiringLivesInternational. ShealsohostsEmpowering
WomenRadioandtheInspiring LiveswithDr.Shellieshowon NBC.Herpodcastsandvocal recordingsofAndAllThatJazz fromthemusicalChicagocanbe heardonSpotifyandiTunes.As aprolificspeakerandadvocate forwomen'sempowermentand progress,Dr.Shelliehas deliveredkeynoteaddresses internationally-rightfrom PassiontoProfitsinHollywood toillustriouseducation institutionslikeHavard, Columbia,andtheOxford University.Hertitledsignature keynote-titledSpeakUp-canbe viewedonAmazon Prime. Addingtothislist,she recentlyfinishedfilmingforthe docu-series -The Makingofan Entrepreneur.
Dr.ShelliestartedtheGlobal Sisterhood501(c)(3),anonprofitorganisationaimedat betteringthelifeofwomenand childrenglobally.Partnering withvariouscharities,theNGO offerslife-alteringhelpto womenacrosstheworld,right fromPittsburghtoPakistan.The organisationisfocusedon amelioratingamyriadofissues includingdomesticviolence, homelessness,lackofclean drinkingwater,etc.Talking abouttheimpactofthe organisation,shepropounds, “Kemi,fromKVDPAleadsour EntrepreneurialCollegein Tanzaniaandthisschoolhas beensupportedbytheGlobal Sisterhoodandmyselfforovera decadeasweencourageand
educatebusinesswomenofthe futureinaruralpartofAfrica.”
Herspiritofcommunityservice istrulyrelentlessandhas fetchedherseveral acknowledgements,including
themostrecentone.Dr.Shellie willbehonouredbyPresident Bidenwiththe“Presidential LifetimeAchievementAwardin Service”in2023.Thisawardis arecognitionforher4,000+ communityservicevolunteer
hourstosupporttheneedsof womendomesticallyand internationally
“Imakeadifferenceintheworld onaverylargescaleby supportingmyCharity PartnershipsthroughtheGlobal Sisterhoodandtrainingup womenleadersthroughmy signatureEmpowerUMaster Class(whichprovidesan InternationalScholarshipfor eachcohort.)”,assertsDr. Shellie.
Buildingabusinessisallabout authenticconnectionsforDr Shellie.Shebelievesthattrue, transparent,andtrustworthy connectionsareattheheartof
anybusinessventure.“Iform relationshipsandsupportthe needsofwomenwhothen recommendtheirotherwomen leaderfriendstoworkwithme towardstheirgoalsanddreams forthemselvesandtheir businesses”,remarksDr.Shellie. Shesimplyshowshercoaching clientshowtheycanmaterialise theirbestlivesandachievetheir businessgoals.Givenherimpact onthesewomen,theventurehas grownexponentially,largelydue tothepositiveword-of-mouth.
Managing life, work, and everything in-between is not an easy task, especially for a busy and hands-on entrepreneur like Dr. Shellie. However, she has
unlocked the secret to this by unearthing the perfect balance. While finding this balance can be difficult, as she tells her EmpowerU Master Classes, it is definitely priceless once achieved. For her, balance is hidden in the art of delegating, holding onto her personal boundaries, and focusing on her priorities. Family is the grounding element in her element As a 'mompreneur' she is dedicated to the success of her business, but at the same time, she is ready to drop everything if her family needs her.
While Dr Shellie's inspirational leadership style can work its magic on all, she still believes that surrounding oneself with talented self-starters, with a penchant for innovation is always reliable.Thus, each member on the Inspiring Lives team is selected to bridge the existing gaps of learning and skills and is well-aware of their impact on the world. She also believes in giving her team space to work in an open environment As she puts it, “as long as they are achieving the target goals, they can do the work in the way that best suits them and their families which is a huge benefit particularly for “mompreneurs” on my team.” Dr Shellie believes that a motivated team is a wellfunctioning team and thus, never fails to celebrate their wins with praise and gratitude.
Asallgreatleaders,Dr.Shellie tooneverceasesanopportunity togrowandexpandher horizons.Speakingabouther recentlearningexperiences,she drawsonthepandemicandhow ittaughtherthevalueofbeing flexible.DuringtheCovid-19 pandemic,shelearnttheneedto pivot,becauseshiftshappenand it'simportanttoadapttothese changestocontinuegrowing. Inculcatingthisvirtuetoher existingrepertoirehashelped hertweakherapproachina favourableway.
The measure of success is similar for no two leaders The
same is true for Dr. Shellie. When asked about her definition of success, she states, “Success for me is when I can keep #FamilyFirst and have financial freedom while helping support the women of the world reach their goals!” Fulfilling her role as 'mompreneur', she values the smiles on the faces of her children and parents over all the illustrious awards and accolades she has received over the years “Seeing them smile when I include quality time for them in-between travelling the world and making the business thrive is my biggest achievement!”, propounds Dr. Shellie.
ForDr.Shellie,aneffective leaderisonewhocaninspire othersandcreatefutureleaders. Itissomeonewhopossessesthe giftofignitingthefireofchange inothers.Theseleaders acknowledgetheirstrengths,but don'tshyawayfromrecognising theirweaknesses.Theycreatea conduciveworkenvironment, supportingteammembers throughthethickandthindays.
Espousingallthesequalities herself,Dr.Shelliesumsher leadershipphilosophyinjust threeimpactfulwords-'Lead withLove'.Asastrongbeliever intheempatheticleadership style,sheadvocatesforamore
“As a 'mompreneur' - I am highly dedicated to my business and yet, if my family needs me – I will drop what I am doing to help them”
-Dr. Shellie Hipsky
understandingleadership approachthatwon'tjustbring outthebestintheteammembers butwillalsohelpconnectwith customers.
Advisingfuturewomenleaders, Dr.Shelliestressesonthe importanceoffinding mentorshipandlearning.She adds,“Neversacrificethatwhich isapersonalpriority.Stayheartcentred.”Whilefocusandselfcareareimportantvirtues,she remindsaspiringwomen entrepreneursoftheimportance ofwhat'sconstantinlife-their families.Lastly,sheadds, “Speakingoftheclimb,always remembertoreachbehindyou andliftupothersasyougetto thetop!”
Currently,Dr.Shellieisfocusing onhersignatureEmpowerU MasterClassandVIPcoaching experiences.Withthese mentorshipsessions,sheis focusedonenrollingandguiding womenwhoareoverwhelmed withthetaskofstrikinga favourablebalance.Theclasses catertobuddingentrepreneurs andbusinessownerswhoare strivingtotaketheirbusinesses tothenextlevel,butdon'twant tocompromiseontheirlives
Themediocreleadertells.Thegoodleaderexplains.The superiorleaderdemonstrates.Agreatleaderinspires.”–
SteveBuchholzandThomasRothKnowinglyorunknowingly,theworldhasbeenunderthe influenceofgreatleaders.Aplethoraofopulentmindschanged theworldwiththeirforesightaswellasaccomplishedsome wickedgoalsthatareadmiredtodate.Leadersalwaysstandout fromthecrowdbecauseoftheirexceptionalqualitiesof decision-making,determinedthoughts,presenceofmind,and soon.Theyusuallyhavetotakechallengingdecisionslikewhat shouldbethenextmoveinthecompany'sprogress,letting employeesleaveorrepositioningthem,whethertoshareornot thebadnewswithstakeholdersandmanyotheruncountable challengeshastobetackledbyleaders.
Leadersareresponsibleforendowingaprocessbywhich decisionsaretakenamidstbalancingemotionswithreasonsthat bruntpositivelyonthemselves,
theirorganizations,their employees,theircustomers,and theirstakeholders.Sometimes leadershavetomakevigorous decisionsinarduoussituations whichmayleadtoanxiety,stress, andattimestheunfavorable reactionsofothers.Leaderswith self-confidencealwaysovercome aproblembyinvestingtimeand energytocollectinformationand alsowhohavegreatanalytical skillswhichcanprocessthe informationingreatdetail, consideringallpositiveand negativeaspectsandfinallycome upwiththemostsuitable decision.
Leaderswithgreatdecisionmakingskillsalsoresultina surgemeadowofcreativityand innovativetasksdefiningthe companyandcapableinleading theirteamtowardsexcellence. AnOrganizationisakintoaship sailingintheseaandleadersare thecaptainwhosteersthrough thehighandlowtides.In handlingcomplexworking structures,leadersshouldhave out-of-boxqualities.Someare mentionedbelow:
EmotionalIntelligence Leaderswithemotional intelligenceskillscaneffectively supporttheirteamand organizationinappropriateways. Theycanprogresswiththeir dutiesfortheirorganizationand canmanageprojects,working connections,andteammates efficientlyandexpandtheir opportunitiesthroughouttheir careers.Asaleadersometimes hastofacetoughsituations,a pressurizedworking
environment,anddeadlinesfor projectcompletionreachan uncomfortablelevel.
Withemotionalintelligence, leadershandlestresscorrectly andmanagethepressured workplacepeacefullyandbuild strongrelationshipswiththeir colleagues.Leadersmust emphasizeothers,this understandingisequally importantforunderstandingthe rootcauseoftheproblem.Thisis avitalfactorthatshouldbe consideredwhilemakingany decisions.Leaderswithhigher emotionalintelligence communicatebetterwithintheir team,recognizetheireffortsand beopentotheirideas,appreciate them,thiswillhelptogeneratea productiveenvironmentinthe organization.
Leadersmusthaveexceptional logicalthinkingintermsof progress.Peoplewantleaders whodictaterobustlogicaland reasoningskillsbecausethey takedecisionsbasedonfacts ratherthanemotions.Logical thinkingkeepsaleaderupdated, organized,predictableand successfulconcerningthe specifiedoutcome.Potential leadersmusthaveclearand precisegoalsthathelpto concentrateontheirtargets.
Inthefastesttransformingand exclusivelycompetitivebusiness surroundings,leadershaveto makedecisionsregardingthe organization'scompetitive positioninthemarketarena,the ratioofresources,andsoon.
Leaderswithlogicalorcritical thinking,firstanalyzescenarios, reactions,andrevertsandthen concludethedecisionbasedon theinput.Leaderswithcritical thinkingprovidebrainstorming solutionstoproblems.
Theworld-transformingdigitally. Innovationsgrabbingaplacein humanspace.InthisAItechno arenakeepingabalancebetween humanworkersandIntelligence robotsisthemajorconcernfor leaderswhiletakingdecisionsfor thebenefitofthecompany.AI machinescanperformmore complextaskstakingahugestep inhumandecisionsbutleaders knowhowtobalancebetween humansandAI.Itistheleader's responsibilitytoidentifythetask thatisbestsuitedforthehuman workforceandthemachine.
Greatbusinessleaderstrusttheir intuitions.Aswegrowup listeningpracticemakesaman perfect.Forstrongintuition, leadersmustpractice,andwith theirexperiences,throughoutthe journey,theyneedtoupdate themselvestotakeextraordinary decisions.Forcreativityandrisktakingtasks,intuitionisthekey traittoallleadersshouldlean into.Whenleadersgowiththeir gutvoice,thedecision-making processbecomesalotclearer Trustingintuitiongivesbetter turnstothedecisionswithmore clarityandlessconfusionmakes agreatleader
The Valiant Trailblazer Reshaping the World of Business
Audaciousbusiness womenshareacommon passionforexcellence andgrowth.Thisisevidentin theircareertrajectoriesthat exemplifyanodetotheir unrelentingspiritsandcommitted personalities.LindaRendleis onesuchgregariousand dedicatedleader,whoisactively reshapingtheworldofbusiness astheCEOofTheClorox Company.
Establishedin1913,TheClorox Companyhascraftedan unparalleledlegacyforitselfover thecourseofthebygonecentury
Asahealthandwellness company,thefirmhas endeavoredtowardspositively impactingtheworldandsatiating thecleanlinessneedsofits clients.
Linda'scareertrajectoryatThe CloroxCompanyexemplifiesher relentlesszealtoexceland succeed.Lindaholdsa
Bachelor'sDegreeinEconomicsfromtheprestigiousHarvard University.PriortojoiningtheteamatTheCloroxCompany,Linda workedforProcter&Gamble,wheresheheldseveralpositionsinsales managementintheBostonandCharlottemarkets.Shehasdedicatedthe betterpartofherprofessionallifetogrowTheCloroxCompanyinthe variousrolesshehasheld.Uponjoiningtheorganizationin2003,Linda beganhercareerasaseniorsalesanalystonthecompany'scharcoaland insecticidesbusinesses.
- Linda Rendle
As CEO, I take a human-centric approach to leadership because I believe that realizing the full potential of my teammates is the best way to achieve results. An investment in them is an investment in the success of our business”
In2016,Lindabeganservingher tenureastheSeniorVice PresidentoftheCleaning Division.Shealsojoinedthe CloroxExecutiveCommitteein thesameyear,withadditionalof responsibilitiesofoverseeingthe company'sProfessionalProducts businessin2017.Afteracing severalseniorleadershiprolesat TheCloroxCompanyoveran illustriouscareerspanningover 20years,LindaRendlebecame theChiefExecutiveOfficerof thefirminSeptember2020.
Priortohelmingthereignsofthe company,Lindaservedasits Presidentandwastaskedwith overseeingallthecompany's businesses,corporateand businessdevelopment,corporate strategy,andthefivecoreglobal functions–Marketing,Sales, ProductSupply,Research& DevelopmentandInformation Technology.Whileservingasthe ExecutiveVicePresidentofThe CloroxCompany,Lindawas responsibleforthecompany's CleaningandInternational segmentsandcorporatebusiness strategyalongwiththe company'sfivecoreglobal functions.Herexpertisein leadingthecompanyalsostems fromherexperiencein overseeingtheNutranextand RenewLifebusinesses.In November2020,shewas appointedtotheboardof directorsofVisaInc.
Visionaryleadersaredefinedby theirabilitytoenvisionrealand tangibleevolution.Asafearless
womanacingtheworldof business,Lindawasabletomake someinvaluableadditionstothe company'sofferingsandhelpfine tunethealreadyexisting strategies.Linda'scontributionas anaudaciousbusinesswomanare conspicuouslyvisibleinthevery fabricoftheorganization.When servingastheVicePresidentof Sales(CleaningDivision), Linda'singeniousthinking helpedthecompanyinnovateand diversifytheirstrategies.Linda helpedideatenewstrategiesand growthplatformsfortheLaundry andHomeCarebusinesses.
Lindabelievesinleadingthe companyfromitsveryforefront. Sheexemplifiestheimageofthe audaciousleader,whodoesnot shrugawayfromfacing challengeshead-on.Atthesame timeshebelievesthatvaluing one'steammatesandtheir contributiontotheventureis equallyessential.Byembodying
aleadershipapproachthathelps othersreachtheirpotentials, Lindaexcelsatbringingoutthe bestinpeople.“AsCEO,Itakea human-centricapproachto leadershipbecauseIbelievethat realizingthefullpotentialofmy teammatesisthebestwayto achieveresults.Aninvestmentin themisaninvestmentinthe successofourbusiness,” propoundsLinda.
AccordingtoLinda,her introvertedpersonalityisa definitiveboonwhenitcomesto definingherleadershipstyle.She believesthatthistraithelpsgive heranedgeintermsofleadinga groupoffellowteammates.“My tendencyhasalwaysbeentostart withlistening,whichIbelieveis thefoundationofempathyas wellaspeopleandsituational understanding,”proposesLinda. Thus,asanaudacious businesswoman,Lindadoesnot shyawayfromacknowledging theneedtoempatheticallyorient one'sselftoothersinthe organization,andtheconsequent importanceofthisvirtuein definingthegrowthofboththe companyanditspeople.
Asacourageousbusinessleader, Linda'soutlookmirrorsthatof TheCloroxCompany.Sheis committedtothecauseof helpingpeoplebehealthyand safeintheireverydaylives. Lindaasserts,“Ourstrongsense ofpurposeguideshowweshow upbecausewebelieveinthe strategiclinkbetweensocietal impactandlong-termvalue creation”
- Linda Rendle
My tendency has always been to start with listening, which I believe is the foundation of empathy as well as people and situational understanding”
Admirationforgreat
leadershipstemsfrom theabilitytoidentify notablequalitiesthatmakethe leadershipstyleworkfora particularventure.Whileall leadersmayfaceacertainsense ofidentitycrisisinthemodern workspaceandmayinturnneed afewtrialanderrorsessionsto figureouttheiruniquestyles, womenleadersaremorelikelyto experiencethisissue,according torecentstatisticalstudies. Aswomenleadersmaketheir formidablecontributiontothe worldofbusinessandbolsterup theorganizationalhierarchyin varioussegments,itisimportant forustoacknowledgeand celebratethenovelandunique
traitsthatinfuseauthenticityinto theirleadershipstyles.Listed belowaresomeofthemost uniqueandnotableleadership traitsthatdaringbusinesswomen embody:
1.
Becominganaudacious entrepreneurandleaderina male-dominatedindustryisnot aneasytask.Doubtsand suspicionsaboutthe effectivenessoftheindividual remainapartoftheprocess.In suchascenario,daringwomen leadershavecastouttheshadow ofself-blameandqualmsin ordertoembracetheoften underminedvirtueofself-belief
andperseverance. Theyexemplifythesevirtuesnot inawaythatedgestoward unabashedegoism,butratherthe traitofself-beliefishealthily cultivatedtocurateawork culturewherenoonewillever seektodemoralizeothers.Their leadershipstylesflourishbecause ofthiscorevirtue.Itenables themtoacceptandprocess critiqueandfeedbackinamuch moreconducivemanner.
2.
Bravewomeninbusinesshave certaincoretenetsthattheytend toshare.Anopportunity-driven attitudeisoneofthemost significantvirtuesthattheyhave incommon.Youcannotreachthe
epitomeofsuccessinthe competitivebusinessworld withoutinfusingthecoveted opportunitymodelintoyour psyche.Daringbusinesswomen aremotivatedtolookforthebest ineventhedirestof circumstances.Whenfacedwith achallenge,theytrytocreatively seekopportunitiesofturningthe currentaround.
Practicaloptimismisembodied bythesewomen.Theytryto pushtheboundariesbeyondthe horizoneverytimetheyfacea woe.However,atthesametime theyknowwhentoriskitalland when'noaction'willbethebest optionfortheirefforts.
Althoughthetraditionalgenderrolesmodelhasassociated womenwithnurturing-viewing itasacoretraittoprimarily confinethemtothedomestic sphereandcertaintypesof occupationalopportunities-this ideologycanbeeffectively reorientedtoexplainthesuccess ofwomenleadersintheworldof business.Inthecompetitive market,theseverynurturing skillscanpropelthemtowards uncharteredterritoriesofsuccess. Nurturingwomenleadersare alsogoodlistenersandgreat communicators.Boththesetraits areindispensablewhentalking aboutanastuteleader.Similarly, theyalsoenjoycreating collaborativeecosystemsand workteams-bothofwhichare essentialtothesuccessofa venture.Thishelpsin multiplyingthesizeofan opportunityaswellasdelivering excellencewithinashortspanof
time.Asconflictmediatorspar excellence,thesedaringwomen makebusinessseemeasy.
4.
Adefinitivequalitythatmost daringwomenleadersin businessshareistheireverquestioningdispositions.They allhaveimbibedtheinquisitive spiritthatfurtherguidesthemon theirjourneytothepinnacleof success.Allaudaciouswomen leadershavethecourageto questionthestatusquo.They havetheinherentstrengthto questionthe'businessasusual' idea.
Theydeclinethetraditional approaches-thathaveoftenbeen androcentricandovertly masculine-anddemandfora fruitfulreevaluation.Bypushing backonconventionalwaysof operation,theyhelpcreatea safer,moreequal,anddiversified workenvironment.Throughtheir ingeniousandconstantly questioningspirit,thesewomen helpcraftthefutureofthe businessworld.
helpothersgrowandbloomby sharingresponsibilitiesand empoweringthemtomakea differenceaswellasshowcase theirtalents.Therecipefortheir successishiddeninthe equilibriumtheyattainby favorablydelegating responsibilitiesandknowing whatisbestfortheenterprise.
Themostsuccessfulwomen leadersthatthosewhoexemplify thesetraits.Theyworktowards thebettermentoftheirventures whilesimultaneouslyinvestingin theimprovementoftheteam. Theyareguidedontheirquestby theformidableidealsof visionarythinkingandgoalorientation.Courageouswomen leaderscrafttheirworkteamsin awaythatisdistinctivelyunique andauthentic.Theyconquernew featsofsuccessthroughtheir ingeniousthoughtprocessand out-of-the-boxstrategies
CallforAssistancewhen Needed
Sinceaudaciousbusinesswomen areextremelyself-perceptive, theyarewellawareofwhento askforhelpandassistance.They knowtheircapabilitiesand strengths,butmostsignificantly theyareequallyawareoftheir weaknesses.Thus,thesewomen knowwhentodelegatetasksto expectthebestoutcome.
Theyrefrainfromtakingontoo muchsincetheyarewell-aware oftheirthresholds.Thesewomen
The Bold Pioneer of the Mortgage World
Leadingateamof7,000
memberswithinahighly competitiveindustrial landscapeisnotforthefainthearted.MelindaWilner,Chief OperatingOfficerofMichiganbasedUnitedWholesale Mortgageistheembodimentof suchadaringleadershipstyle thatsetsthefirmaclass-apart fromtherestofitsmarket competition.UWMisrenowned foritshighlyefficient,accurate, andexpeditioussupport mechanismsandforproviding state-of-the-arttechnologyand unrivaledclientservice.UWM underwritesandprovides closingdocumentationfor residentialmortgageloans originatedbyindependent mortgagebrokers, correspondents,smallbanks, andlocalcreditunions.
MeetingtheAudacious Leader
UWMisledonitspathof greatnessundertheguidanceof itsformidableandaudacious
COO,MelinaWilner.WithaBachelor'sDegreeinEconomicsfrom VanderbiltUniversity,Melindaleadsover9,300teammembersin Underwriting,Operations,andIT Withinthisarena,sheis pioneeringanewstandardofexcellencebyfocusingonefficiency, accessibility,andservice.Melindaoverseesthelargestcollective groupofteamsatUWM,wheresheconstantlystrivestostreamline thelendingprocessformortgagebrokersandborrowersnationwide. Shehasbeenhelmingthereignsofthefirmsince2015.
Backin2011,MelindajoinedUWMasanUnderwritingManager Sincethenshehasworkedinseveralkeycapacitiesincludingthatof theHeadofUnderwritingandChiefRiskOfficer.Melinda's brilliancehasbeenrecognizedwithseveralaccoladesincluding awardslikethe2016Corp!MVP,2016MortgageProfessional AmericaHot100,2017HousingWireWomenofInfluence,2017 HousingWireVanguard,2018NationalMortgageProfessional MortgageBankingMostPowerfulWoman,andthe2019Women withVisionaward.ShecurrentlysitsontheUWMCboardof directorsandtheNewYorkStockExchangeListedCompany
AdvisoryBoard.Under Melinda'sauspices,UWMhas earnedthedistinctionofbeing namedthe#1wholesalelender inthenationsixyearsinarow.
Melindaepitomizesthe imageryofadaringbusiness womanwhoisgearedtowards attainingthatwhichliesbeyond thehorizon.Shedevotesher timeandefforttoideate strategiesthatwillmake UWM'sloanprocessing proceduresmorestreamlined forcustomers.Byperpetually reviewingthestandard protocolsofoperationatUWM, Melindaisdedicatedtothetask ofcreatingamuchmore customer-friendlyandnuanced approachtoallUWM operations.
Thebrillianceofthisingenious spiritledtothedevelopmentof theClientRequestsystem.This systemisbasedonclient feedback.Itisdesignedtohelp optimizeresponsestoclient queries.Sincethesystemis equippedwithautomatic routingtothemostconducive helpforaquerygeneratedby theclient,gettinganswersto questionsisnowpossibleatan unmatchedresolutionspeed.
Melindaderivesherrelentless drivetoexcelinallarenasof herlifefromtheformidable legacyofherfather.Asa hardworkingman,whoalso raisedsixkids,hewasher
sourceofinspirationgrowing up.Atthesametime,he showeredthosearoundhim withgenuineloveandaffection. ThismotivatesMelindaasshe aspirestobelikehimandmake apositiveimpactonallthose aroundher.
Intuitiveintrospectionisoneof themostinvaluabletraitsofany audaciousbusinessleader This isalsotrueforMelinda. Implementingherfather's teachingsinherdailylife, Melindabelievesinlooking inwardandaskingherselfifher thinkingprocessisactingasthe roadblocktoanopportunity.At othertimes,Melindaderives strengthfromherdeterministic outlookthatpusheshertosolve theday'spuzzleatanycost.She asserts,“Toputitsimply,ifyou haveagoal,thehardwork oftenisthesmartworkaslong asyou'reconsciousofhowyou arespendingtheminutesof yourdayandmakingsure
they'reasimpactfulas possible.”
Life'sunpredictabilityisoneof itsgreatesttreasures,according toMelinda'soutlook.She believesthatitisextremely easytogetenticedinthe negativeaspectsoflife's'what ifs',butthechallengeistotruly appreciateandanticipatethe positiveones.Whileitis importanttoremainprepared forallpossibleoutcomes, Melindaassertsthatatmost timesourwildestfearsand worriesnevercometofruition. Itisthus,imprudenttoletthese issuesaffectpeople'sdecisionmakingabilities.Instead,such anapproachdilutesone'sfocus fromtheimportantthingsat hand.Melindaapproaches challengesuniquely Asshe asserts,“Iconsciouslyput thingsinperspective,I compartmentalizethethingsI canandcannotcontrol.It's importanttotakewhatcomesat youinstride,knowingyouare strongenoughtogetthrough whatevercomesatyou.”
Melinda'smanagementstyleis emblematicoftheveryessence ofalldaringbusinesswomen. Shebelievesindevelopingher teambyaskingdetailed questionssothatshecanhelp guidetheirprogresswhile offeringthemtheautonomy theyneedtoaccomplishtheir
- Melinda Wilner
“
goals.Shealsobelievesthata clearandconsistent communicationstyleis necessaryfortheteam.“It's importanttomethattheentire teamfeelscomfortablevoicing theiropinions,ideas,and concerns,andoperatingfroma placeofkindnessishowweget there,”assertsMelinda.
Shehasasimilarperspectiveon nurturinglong-term relationshipswithclients. Melindabelievesthatthisfeat
restsontheprovisionofelite services.Eliteservicegoes beyondsimplyspeedand problem-solving,itisabout showingclientshowmuchthe teamatUMWcaresabouttheir partnerships.Thisisdoneby displayingappreciation, helpfulness,friendliness,and beingtheiradvocates.
HarmonizingWork&Home Balancingworkandhomeoften turnsintoanarduousbattlefor mostaudaciousbusiness
women.Melinda'ssecretto strikingaharmoniousblend betweenherworkandfamily lifeishiddeninasmallexercise sheperformsdaily.“Everyday, Iaskmyselfwhatwillmakeme thebestmom,wife,andleader andIusethattomakedecisions onwhatgetsprioritized. Sometimesthatmeans watchingavideogametutorial onYouTubesoIcanplaythe gamemysonisreallyintoat themoment.Othertimes,it meansspendingqualitytime withteammemberstolearn moreaboutthemandtheir strengthsandopportunities,” proposesMelinda.Honestyand introspectionarethetwokey idealsoneneedstoimbibein ordertoacethisbalancingact
The spirit, propulsion, and care that happens when everyone is working toward a common vision is how we remain competitive and hungry every day”
“
- Melinda Wilner
TIAA tiaa.org
AWellnessRevolution awellnessrevolution.com
bushbrothers&company bushbeans.com
InspiringLivesInternational inspiringlivesinternational.com
Helpingthosewhohelpothersretirewith confidencehasbeenourmissionfor100+ years
AWellnessRevolutionwasfoundedto revolutionizethefieldofhealthandwellness.
BushBrothersandCompanyisafamilyownedcorporationbestknownforitsBush's Bestbrandcannedbakedbeans.
InspiringLivesInternationalisamotivational mediacompanythatprovidesresources, coaching,keynotes,literature,curricula,and platformsforupliftingwomenaroundthe world.
TheCloroxCompany thecloroxcompany.com
Let'srecover letsrecover.com
UnitedWholesaleMortgage, uwm.com
TheCloroxCompanyisahealthand wellnesscompanythathasendeavoredto positivelyimpacttheworldandsatiatethe cleanlinessneedsofitsclients.
Recoverprovideseffectiveandaffordable addictiontreatmentviatelemedicine.
UnitedWholesaleMortgageisthe#1 wholesalelenderinthenationsixyearsina row,providingstate-of-the-arttechnology andunrivaledclientservice.UWM underwritesandprovidesclosing documentationforresidentialmortgageloans originatedbyindependentmortgagebrokers, correspondents,smallbanks,andlocalcredit unions.
inspirEngageinternational, melodyhossaini.com
S'well swell.com
SouthernGasAssociation southerngas.org
InspirEngageInternationalisaglobalsocial enterprise-supportingpeopletobesuccessful bygivingback.
S'wellisareusablewaterbottleandinsulated productscompany
SGAadvancesthenaturalgasindustryanda sustainableenergyfuturebylinkingpeople, ideas,andinformation.
Blendingtheidealsof sustainabilitywitha covetedsenseofstyleand panacheisanaudaciousand imaginativeendeavour.Feware equippedwiththemastervision neededtobringsuchidealsto fruition.SarahKaussexemplifies theelixirofexcellenceneededto acethisarena.Shesuccessfully ideatedS'wellastheperfectblend betweensustainabilityandstyle. Today,S'wellstandsasa testamenttoherrelentlessdriveto ideateenvironmentallyconscious productsthatmakeadifferencein theworld.
WhenSarahstartedS'wellin 2010,hervisionandmissionfor theventurewerequitesimple.She aimedateradicatingthe circulationofsingle-useplastic bottles.Byeffectively amalgamatinghereyefor perfectionandflairwiththeneed tobeenvironmentallyconscious, Sarahwasabletocreatethe world'sfirstreusablehydration accessory.Thisresultedinthe creationofabeautifulformthat
fusedfunctionwithfashionwhilesimultaneouslycontributingtoanoble cause.Itwasthroughherhardwork,dedication,andthirstforexcellence thatshewasabletobuildS'wellfromthegroundup.
S'wellhasearnedthedistinctionofsecuringadistinctivenicheinthe marketthroughtheunmatcheddedicationofitsFounderandExecutive Chairwoman,SarahKauss,Sarahisaconsumerproductsleaderwitha trackrecordinlaunchingcompanies,buildingmulti-milliondollar successfulbrands,andassemblinghigh-performanceseniorleadership teams.AfterearningaBSinaccountingfromtheUniversityofColorado, Boulder,andanMBAfromHarvardBusinessSchool,Sarahinitially beganhercareerasacertifiedpublicaccountant.Asasuccessfulglobal entrepreneurandproductdesignexpert,shehasextensiveexperiencein partneringwithmultinationalcorporationstobecomemoresustainable
Every S'well purchased counts towards displacing millions of plastic bottles and also helps the company pledge millions of dollars to organizations that help communities around the world”
Founder & Executive Chairwoman S'well
- Sarah Kauss
andmeetenvironmentalgoals. Priortobeginningtheventure withherownsavingsof$30k, Sarahwasaninternationalreal estatedeveloperwithapublicly tradedrealestateequity investmenttrustwhereshespent sixyearswithincreasing responsibilityleadinglarge internationalcollaborationsand partnerships.
SarahstartedS'wellwiththeir iconic17-ouncebottles,quickly progressingbeyondsimplybottles andhydrationintofood,barware, andaccessories.Herflairfor variationsoonledhertocreate thesedesignsindifferentcolors, prints,patterns,andtextures. SustainableS'wellaccessorieslike handles,caps,cleaninggearsnow addflamboyancetothespiritof environmentalconsciousness.All S'wellproductsaredesigned keepinginmindthecornerstone oflongevityandsustainability.
Sarah'sentrepreneurialjourney hasbeencoveredextensivelyby Inc.,Fortune,Forbes,Bloomberg, NPR,andmore.Heraudacious spirithasbeenaccreditedwith severalnotableawards.Shehas beenrecognizedasaFortune's “40Under40”honoree,EY EntrepreneurialWinningWoman, andawardedtheHarvard BusinessSchoolClubofNew York'sEntrepreneurshipAward. UnderSarah'sleadership,S'well wasnamed#1Fastest-Growing, women-ledcompanybythe WomenPresidents'Organization. Itwasalsohonoredwiththe BrandDesignAwardbyInc.
magazineandplacedontheInc. 500List(top100)offastestgrowing,privately-held companies.
Asadaringbusinesswoman, Sarahdonsmultiplehatsandaces multipledomains.Shesitsonthe UNICEFUSANewYork RegionalBoardandisalsoan EntrepreneurinResidenceatthe HarvardBusinessSchoolanda mentorintheFortune-State DepartmentGlobalMentoring Program.Sarahisamemberof the2018ClassofHenryCrown Fellowsandamemberofthe 2020ClassofBraddockScholars withintheAspenGlobal LeadershipNetworkattheAspen Institute.
Curatingadistinctivebrandniche inanovertlycompetitive marketplaceisnotaneasytask.It isdefinitelynotonesuitedforthe faint-hearted.Sarah'saudacious decisiontobeginaventurethat wasrelativelynewinthemarket backin2010istrulylaudable. Moreover,herdesiretodomore fortheplanetbyleveragingthe powerofdesignisasentiment fewbringtotangiblefruition.The successofS'wellissymbolicof
Sarah'sgritasadaring businesswoman.Itexemplifiesher triumphoverthemyriad challengesinvolvedinguidingthe brandthroughboththickandthin.
Sarahhasmanagedtonotonly excelasaleaderinthefieldof businessbuthasalsoacedthe domainofleadingateamwithan environmentallyconscious outlook.Inatimewhenthescarce resourcesavailabletohumanity arealreadyonthevergeof depletionproductslikethose curatedbySarahcanmakeallthe difference.Bysimplyinvestingin areusablebottleorbowl,onecan positivelycontributetowardsthe preservationofourplanet.
AsSarahmentions,“Westriveto positivelytransformtheworld, notonlythroughourproducts,but throughconsistentactionand givingbackwhenwecan.”Every S'wellpurchasedcountstowards displacingmillionsofplastic bottlesandalsohelpsthe companypledgemillionsof dollarstoorganizationsthathelp communitiesaroundtheworld.As adaringbusinesswoman,shehas daredtodreamdifferently Asan earlyadvocateoftheimportance ofESG,Sarahintegratedvalues andimpactwithinS'wellright fromitsinception.Today,S'well isaCertifiedBCorpwithawide rangeofproductsthathavehelped displacemorethan4billion single-useplasticbottles
- Sarah Kauss
“
Therisingtideoffintech
servicesisconstantly changingthefinancial landscape.Traditionalbanking andfinancialservicesareunder theperpetualpullandpushofthe fintechsectorintermsofadapting tothenewstandardsofservice qualityandcustomerssatisfaction ensuredbythissegmentoffirms. Itisimportanttounderstandthat themarketdisruptioncausedby fintechfirmsisowedlargelyto theiringenioususageofcuttingedgetechthatautomateseminal, coreprocesses.
Fintechfirmsarereshapingthe marketoffinancialservicesby twocoreofferings:
·Improved Services: Thekeyto thereverentstatusachievedbya fintechcompanyvis-à-vis traditionalbankingisowedtoits astuteabilitytonarrowdown services.Unliketraditional financialservicesthatattemptto hookcustomersontoaholistic ecosystemofservicesand products,fintechventuresfocus onsmallerthingsinordertotarget specificareasandbuildcustomer trust.Theyusereferral-based acquisitionstoofferimproved servicesanddeliverbettervalue toclients.
Themantraforsuccessinthe currentperiodisdominatedbythe processofgamificationof
marketingandbranding.The marketingteamsatfintechfirms workrelentlesslytobuildbrands peoplelove.TheingeniousUX/UI designcomponentsusedbythese firmsensuregreatercustomer engagementandamore satisfactoryexperience.Fintechs cancreateleanoperationmodels thatdeliverunmatchedvalueto customers.
Therevolutionaryimpactof fintechfirmsinreshapingthe trajectoryofthetraditional financialmarketcanbefurther gaugedinthefollowingways:
Thefintechrevolutionhelped pioneeranerainbankingthat providedcustomerswithbetter financialmanagementtools, mobilepayments,fastloans, crowd-funding,peer-to-peer lendingaswellasInsureTech solutions.Itisseminaltonotethat thiswasdonebyindustryexperts whorecognizedthekeyareas wheretraditionalbankingwas lackingandideatedasystemthat wouldbegearedtowards alleviatingtheseveryissues. Thekeytothemeteoricriseof fintechfirmsandtheirdisruptive pullontraditionalbanking systemsishingedontheir perceptivecapabilitiesofgauging theneedsofthecustomers.They thentailortheirservicestocater tothesespecificneeds.Fintechs embodythebeliefthatby
truncatingbankingservicesand focusingononeorsimplya couple,willinevitablyallowthem tomaximizecustomersatisfaction andattainnotablemarket recognition.ThefriendlyUI designsadoptedbyfintech interfaceschangesthewaywe perceivebankingchores.Theyuse theeyesofthecustomersto envisiontheseinterfacesand designpurebrilliance.
CompetitiveAdvantage
Studiesshowthat90%ofbanking customersprefermobilebanking solutionsoverphysicallyvisiting theirbanks.Thelackofa customer-orientedapproachby traditionalbankshasalsobeen notedinthesestudies.Fintechs havecapitalizedonthesetrendsto gaintheacepositionamongthe newlyemergentfinancialservice providers.Therefore,fintechs offerquality,ease-to-useservices atlowercoststhatareboth effectivelyfasterandefficacious.
Similarly,fintechshaveideateda modelofprovidingfinancial servicesthatispivotedaroundthe tech-savvygenerationof customers.Byincorporatingthe boonsoftechnicaldevelopment intotheiroperativemodelsand leveragingnewagetechnicaltools likeAIandML,fintechsare disruptingtraditionalbanking standardswhilesimultaneously pavingthewayforabrightdigital future.
TheMobile-FirstApproach
Fintechshaveaddedasmarket disruptorsbyfocusingonthe creationofenhanced,transparent, andconvenientcommunication channels.Thisisreflectedbythe factthattraditionalbanking servicesaretakingaleafoutof thefintechplaybooktodevelop dedicatedmobileapplicationsto theirlimiteddigitalplatforms.The problemisthattheholisticlistof servicesprovidedbytraditional banksmakesitdifficultforthem tosqueezeinallofthemintotheir mobileplatforms.Whilefintechs areinfusedwithagilitythatallows themtoadapttothechanging marketneeds.Thismobile-first approachhashelpedpropel
fintechstoacemarketpositions whilediminishingtheinfluenceof traditionalbankingservices.
Anotherwaythedisruptiveeffect offintechsisvisibleiswithregard totheurgefeltbybankstoadopt fintech-basedSaaSsolutionsto effectivelystreamlinetheir services.Thisisatrendthathas becomeveryapparentinthe recentyears-onethathasbeen furtherenhancedbythepandemic. Withfeatureslikeomni-channel banking,customerservice chatbots,blockchain-enabled digitaltransactions,andAIempoweredfrauddetection systems,fintechsolutionsare
beingrapidlyincorporatedinto thetraditionalbankingstructure. Thisisindicativeofthedramatic effectthatthefintechrevolution haspioneeredinthismarket segment. Thus,thefutureofbankingis definitelyonewithfintechatits core.Atthishistoricaljuncture,it isnearlyimpossibletothinkofa timewhenthetraditionalbanking serviceswillflourishwithoutthe influenceoffintech.Moreover, fintechsalsohaveastrategic upperhandinthematterthathas furtherallowedthemtodisrupt thelongstandingnormsofthe traditionalfinancialservice offerings.Hence,thefutureof bankingisinvariablyfintech-led
