Michelle Zhang
EDITOR’S LETTER
Shattering Ceilings, Leading Tomorrow's Vision
DearReaders,
Thelandscapeofempoweringwomeninbusinessleadershipin2023presentsacomplex picture.Ononehand,there'sbeenaslightriseinwomenassumingseniorleadershiprolesand anincreasedawarenessofgenderdiversity'simportance.However,challengespersist.Womenstillencounter workplacediscrimination,andunderrepresentationindecision-makingpositions,andthegenderpaygap remains.
Addressingthesechallengesrequiresmultifacetedefforts.Businessesmustfosterinclusivity,combating discriminationwhileofferingpathwaysforgrowthandwork-lifebalance.Moreover,increasingfemale representationinleadershipdemandsmentorship,sponsorship,andreshapingperceptionsthrougheducation. Byproactivelyaddressingtheseissues,wecanstriveforamoreequitableandsupportiveenvironmentfor womeninbusinessleadershipin2023andbeyond.
Amidpersistentchallengesandgradualprogress,weproudlyintroduceourlatestmagazine:"THE10 EMPOWERINGBUSINESSWOMENLEADERSOF2023."Thisissuespotlightstenremarkablewomen shapingcorporatelandscapeswiththeirdeterminationandremarkableachievements.Theirinspiringstories championinclusivity,shatterbarriers,andleavealastingimpact,resonatingacrossindustriesandgenerations, promisingafuturewhereempoweredwomenleadersthrive.
Gracefullyadorningthecover,weshowcaseMichelleZhang,thepioneeringCEOandFounderofMUSE A scionofentrepreneuriallegacy,Michelle'sjourneyunfoldswithtenacityandinnovation.Emergingfroma backgroundsteepedinbusinessacumen,shetraversedinvestmentbankingandglobalventures,catalyzing significanttransformations,frommultimillionRMBprojectstorevolutionizingbeautybrands.Michelle's leadershipepitomizestheconvergenceoftraditionandmodernity,forgingatrailthatresonateswithGeneration Zandleavesanenduringimprintontheglobalbusinesslandscape.
Withinthepagesofthisedition,wealsofeaturetheinspiringjourneysofGittaToussi,ZarminaJafar,Reem Ikram,andSharolWilson.Theseexceptionalleadersstandasbeaconsofinnovationanddetermination, reshapingtheirrespectivelandscapeswithdistinctivevisions.
Happy reading!
Tejas Tahmankar
Project EditoR
TEJAS
ASHWINI
Michelle Zhang
Michelle Zhang
Thistimeweshinethelighton
thestoryofawoman technopreneur,Michelle Zhang(CEOandFounderof MUSE),aChina-bornAustralian entrepreneur.Michelleisatrue technophilewhohasusedcutting-edge technologiessuchasartificial intelligence(AI),bigdata,virtual reality(VR),andblockchainto transformonlineshoppingintoasocial experiencethathastakentheindustry bystorm.WhatsetsMichelleapartis herunwaveringpassionfortechnology andherdedicationtousingittosolve theworld’spainpoints.
COVER STORY
“If you wanna change the world, what you need is passion and technology,” assertsMichelle.Shefirmlybelieves thattochangetheworld,youneedto havefireinyourbellyandtheright toolsatyourdisposal.Sheisaforceto bereckonedwith,acorporate individualwhoisresults-drivenand possessestheexpertisetodelivertech solutionsthatareperfectlyaligned withorganizationalneeds.
Ourtete-a-tetewithMichellerevealed afearlesswomanleaderwhoisagile andhasarareabilitytoconceptualize anddeliverinnovativesolutions.Her trackrecorddemonstratesherabilityto driveinnovationandprogress.Sheis alsocreditedwithestablishing significantdiversityandinclusivity, whichhavetransformedorganizational practicesandcreatednewopportunities forwomenandotherunderrepresented groupstopursuecareersintechnology
FromInvestmentBankingtoGlobal Entrepreneurship
Michelle’sstoryisoneof determination,innovation,and boundlessambition.Bornintoafamily ofbusinesspeopleinChina,she inheritedherfamily’sentrepreneurial spiritandwentontoachieve remarkablesuccessintheworldof business.AfterobtainingherMaster’s degreeinAustraliainhertwenties,she beganhercareerininvestment banking.Overthenext16years,she gainedextensiveexperienceassisting companieswithmergersand acquisitions,aswellascapitalstructure management,acrossavarietyof
“Giving luxury a new life.”
industries,includingtechnology, energy,fashion,andmanufacturing.
Michelle’sexpertiseandleadership skillsledhertoplaykeyrolesin severalcommercialcooperation projects,includingasignificantproject worthover1.5billionRMBforan SPMparkintheShanghaiFreeTrade Zone.Herinvestmentintheenergy industryinSpainin2013wasalsoa majormilestoneinhercareer,asthe clientfirmwasawardedoneofthe world’smostinnovativeclean-tech companies.
MichellejoinedDONGTIANHolding in2017,whichwasthefirstbeauty businesstobelistedonChina’sstock market,andserveditglobally.Sheled thecompany’stransformationfroma traditionalbusinesstoaglobalbrand, cateringtoGenerationZbyoperating incosmeticproductsandclinicswith highmargins.Herentrepreneurialspirit andinnovativeideaspropelledherto theforefrontoftheglobalbusiness world.
MUSE:ARevolutionaryPlatform forHigh-ValueCollectibles
Michellerecognizedtheneedfor innovationandprogressintheworldof high-valuecollectibles.Shesetoutto createarevolutionaryplatformthat wouldbringsecurity,trust,and sustainabilitytothismarket.Thus, MUSETechnologyPtyLimitedand MUSE&PartnersPtyLtdwereborn in2021,duringtheCOVID-19 pandemic.WithMichelleatthehelm, MUSETechnologyissetto revolutionizethecollectiblesmarket andprovidecollectorswithaplatform thattrulyreflectstheirpassionand expertise.
MUSETechnologyisagamechanging,AI-powereddataanalytics decentralizedappthatspecializesin
collectibles.Thisuniqueplatformleveragesthelatest advancementsinAI,data,andblockchaintechnologyto providecollectorswithastreamlinedandsecurewaytobuy andsellhigh-valueitems.
TheuniquefeatureofMUSETechnologyisitsaccurateand up-to-datevaluationofcollectibles.Thispowerfultool providesuserswiththeknowledgetheyneedtomake informeddecisionsaboutbuyingandselling.By incorporatingblockchaintechnologyintotheapp,MUSE ensuresthatalltransactionsaresafe,secure,andgenuine. Thismeansbuyersandsellerscantransactwithconfidence, knowingthattheirinformationisprotectedandtheir collectiblesareauthentic.Italsoaddstransparencytothe marketandcanhelppreventfraudorpricemanipulation.
Inaddition,MUSEismorethanjustamarketplace.Itisa communitythatconnectslike-mindedindividualswho sharealoveforhigh-valueitemsandcollectibles.Itfosters acommunityofcollectors,enthusiasts,experts,and influencers.Itisaplatformforanyonewhoispassionate abouttheseitemsandthestoriesbehindthem.MUSE providesaone-of-a-kindmethodofmintingNFTs,allowing userstopreservethelegacyoftheirvaluableitemsand collectibles.
FosteringLuxuryEcosystem
“We are giving luxury a new life” isnotjustasloganat MUSE;itisamission.Itscommunityisdedicatedto makingadifferenceintheworldofluxurybypromoting sustainablepractices.MUSE’steamnotonlypromotesthe resaleandreuseofhigh-valueslowfashionitemsbutalso thecirculareconomy Theteam’scommitmenttopromoting acirculareconomyandethicalconsumptionisboth financiallyandsociallyresponsible.Throughitsplatform,it enablesindividualstorepurposeluxuryitemsthatwould otherwisegotowaste.
MUSEisalsoleadingthewayinsustainablepracticesby implementingeco-friendlyoperationsandreducingits carbonfootprint.Itscommunityofcollectorsand enthusiastswhocareaboutsustainabilityandethical consumptionshareitsvalues,helpingtomakeadifference inthefashionworld.
CommitmenttoSustainabilityandInnovation
MUSEhasaculturethatissteepedinvaluesthatareas elegantandsophisticatedastheplatformitself.Theircore valuesofreliability,integrity,innovation,collaboration,
transparency,accountability,and sustainabilityarethedrivingforce behindeverythingtheydo.Theyclaim thatthereisnogreaterluxurythan sustainability.
Technologyisanothercorevalueat MUSE.Accordingtothem,success dependsonknowingwhereyouhave beenandwhereyouaregoing.They don'tsettlefortheordinarybecausethey thinkthatbeingextraordinaryistheonly waytostandout.MUSEalsorealizes thatthereisnofinishlineandis dedicatedtoconstantlypushingforward andimproving.
MUSE’scultureandpersonalityreflect theircommitmenttopeople’svalues. Theyprioritizeexceedingclient expectationsbydeliveringhigh-quality worktailoredtotheiruniqueneeds.They valuebuildinglong-termrelationships withclientsandworkcloselywiththem tounderstandtheirpreferencesand developcustomizedsolutionsthatmeet theirspecificrequirements.
RisingAboveAdversity
Michelle,amotherandsuccessful leader,hasbeenthroughthewringeron herjourneytosuccess.Sheknowsthat theroadtothetopisarockyone, especiallyforwomeninaman’sworld. However,shehassoldieredon, overcomingeveryobstaclethathascome herway
Michellegotmarriedrightafterher graduationceremony,andherfirstchild wasborninthesameyear.Herhusband leftherwhentheirsecondchildwasonly fouryearsold,leavingMichelletoraise herchildrenonherown.Thosewere difficulttimes,filledwithpainand suffering.However,sheknewwhoshe wasandchosetobeherself,andthis decisionhelpedherbecomethestrong andresilientleadersheistoday.
“I appreciate the difficulties I had in my life and how I get stronger. Now I am enjoying solving problems. Problems are no longer problems to me, they are experiences,” Michelle adds.
LeadingwithVisionandInspiringa TeamatMUSE
AsthefounderandCEOofMUSE, Michellehasawiderangeofrolesand responsibilitiesthatcontributetothe successofthestart-up.Herprimary dutiesinvolvedevelopingMUSE’s vision,culture,andstrategy,setting goalsandobjectives,andoutliningthe directionofthecompany.Shealsouses herlifeexperiencestoinspireand motivateherteam,contractors,clients, andcollaborators.
Inadditiontohervisionaryrole, Michelletakescareoftheday-to-day operations,financialmanagement, stakeholdermanagement,andbusiness development.Michellerealizesthe valueofreputationforanybrand, regardlessofindustry.Asaresult,she putsgreatemphasisonmaintaining MUSE'spositivereputation,believing thatitiscrucialtothecompany’s success.
CombatingGenderDiscrimination intheWorkplace
Inthetechindustry,promoting diversityandinclusivityiscrucial,and Michelleistakingstepstomakea positiveimpact.Shebelievesthatthe issueofgenderdisparityinthetech industryisacomplexonethatrequires attentionandefforttoaddress.Asa womanleader,shealsounderstandsthe struggleofbalancingprofessional responsibilitieswithpersonaland
familyobligations,whichcanleadto burnoutandsetbacks. Sheovercame theseobstacles,nevertheless,by developingconfidence,relationships, andnetworking.Sheencouragesand supportswomentopursuecareersin techtoensurediverseperspectivesare includedinthedevelopmentof technology.
WithMichelle’sleadership,MUSEis creatinganenvironmentwherewomen feelvaluedandincludedindecisionmakingprocesses.Sheiscommittedto promotingequalityandproviding supportandopportunities.Sheis fosteringaworkplaceculturethat valuesdiversityandinclusion,offers equalopportunitiesandsupport,and encouragesrespectandopen communication.Michelleopinesthat bydoingso,shecanhelpprevent genderdiscriminationinthe workplace.Furthermore,she understandsthesignificanceof providingflexibleworkarrangements, particularlyinapost-COVIDworld.
TechTrendstoWatch
AccordingtoMichelle,threemajor trendsareshapingthefutureof technology.Thesetrendsaresetto haveasignificantimpactonthe industry,itscustomers,andtheworld asawhole.Tobegin,artificial intelligence(AI)hasmadesignificant progressinrecentyearsandis expectedtobecomeevenmore prominentinthefuture.
Second,astheworldfacesserious environmentalchallenges, sustainability-focusedtechnologyis becomingincreasinglyimportant. Thereisagrowingdemandfor technologythatcanhelpaddressissues
suchasclimatechangeandresource depletion,suchassustainableenergy productionandconsumption,efficient transportation,andenvironmentally friendlymanufacturingandagriculture. Finally,theinternetofthings(IoT)is theinterconnectivityofvariousdevices andobjectsthroughtheinternet.IoTis increasinglybeingintegratedinto variousindustries,rangingfrom healthcareandretailtoagricultureand manufacturing,assmartdevices becomemoreprevalent.
“MUSE focuses on creating innovative products and services that align with these trends to meet the evolving needs of their customers,” Michellestates.
BalancingWorkandMotherhood
Beingamotheroftwo,Michelleis knownforheruniqueapproachto work.Shebelievesinsingle-tasking anddevotingherfullattentiontoa singletaskatatime.Thisapproachhas enabledhertoachieveexcellencein herworkwhilealsomaintaininga healthywork-lifebalance.
COVER STORY
Asabusyprofessional,Michellefinds itessentialtocreatespecifictimesfor workandpersonallifeandstickto them.Despiteherfrequenttravels,she nevermissesanyofherchildren’s schoolevents.ShesetsasideJanuary forafamilyskiholidayandswitches offherphonewhileenjoyingthesnow inZermattwithherchildren.
Asidefromworkandfamily,Michelle enjoysskiingandboxing.Shefinds skiingtobeagreatwaytoleave behindeverythingandenjoythebeauty ofnature. “At the end of the day, life is a journey,” Michellenotes.
“
There is no greater luxury than sustainability.
Gitta Toussi
Leading the Charge for Gender Equality in Business
Withtheadventoftechnologyandsocialmedia, womennowhaveaplatformtoraiseawareness aboutworkplacechallengesandadvocatefor bettercareeropportunities.The“metoo”movement,in particular,hassignificantlyempoweredwomentoaddress issuessuchasunequalpayandlimitedaccesstohigher positions,whichmentraditionallydominated.Thisshiftin mindsetislongoverdue.Historically,womenhavebeen underrepresentedinleadershippositionsandcontinue earninglessthanmenforthesamework.Butthanksto technology,womencanfinallybreakthroughthebarriers thathaveheldthemback.
GittaToussi,theFounderandCEOof1WorldIn Freedom,LLC,isanempoweringwomanbusinessleader whohassignificantlyimpactedthisrealm.Gittaestablished hercompanyasaSolopreneurin2005,offeringherexpertise toorganizationsthatvalueherservices.Byoperatingasan independententity,shecreatesanenvironmentwhere employeescantrulyunderstandherwithoutconcernsabout competitionfortheirpositionsorcareeradvancement.
Throughouthercareer,Gittahasearnedasolidreputationas areliableandtrustworthybusinessprofessional.Whether workingasanemployeeorcontractorforvariousfirms,she hasgained27yearsofimpressiveexperience.Recently,she decidedtostepforwardandofferherexceptionalskillsasan independentprogram/divisional/enterprise-levelagilecoach serviceprovider
Gitta’sPathtoIndependentSuccess
Gitta’seducationalandprofessionaljourneybeganwithher graduationfromtheUniversityofMaryland,whereshe obtainedaBachelor’sinComputerScience.Duringthat
time,heronlyaspirationwastobecomeaBusinessAnalyst, arolethatgreatlyinterestedher.Shesecuredherfirstjob withaTelecommunicationscompany,startingasatester
However,Gitta’sinitialannualreviewwaspoorduetoa misunderstanding.Duetoherlimitedworkexperience,she believedsherequiredclearanddetailedinstructionsfor everytask,justlikeinoldmovieswhereworkishandedto youandyouwaitforthenextassignment.Hermanager addressedthismisconceptionandexplained, “Gitta, we noticed as long as someone comes to you and tasks you with work, you get it done right away and perfect. But as soon as you are left on your own, nothing is happening.”
Gitta’smindsetshiftedafterthisrevelation.Sherealizedshe didn’thavetowaitforpermissionordirectiontocontribute tothecompany’sobjectives.Withthisnewfound understanding,herworkhabitstransformed,andher managersnoticedhergrowth,describingheras“risinglike ahelicopter.”Sheappreciatesthesupportandmentorship shereceivedfromhermanagerduringthisperiod.
AsignificantturningpointinGitta’scareercamewhenthe companyfacedachallengingcriticalmilestone,leadingto unmotivatedcoworkers.Takingcharge,Gittaproactively approachedindividualsfromdifferentdepartments,seeking tolearnabouttheirroles.Sheaimedtogiveherbestand contributetothecompany’ssuccess.Throughthisinitiative, shegainedfirsthandknowledgeofthecompany’sbusiness processesandsoftwaredevelopmentlifecycle(SDLC). Gitta’sdedicationandwillingnesstogoaboveandbeyond earnedhertherespectofherco-workers.Thisexperience demonstratedthatwhatseemedimpossiblewas,infact,an opportunityforsuccess.Asaresult,hercareertookoff,and shereceivedseveralpromotionstorecognizeherhardwork.
Gitta’sfearlessnessintryingnew thingsledhertopursuehands-on experienceinvariousITroles.These rolesincludecoder,database administrator(DBA),qualitycontrol (QC),systemsanalyst(SA),business analyst(BA),businessrelationship manager(BRM),and project/program/portfoliomanager.Her curiosityextendedbeyondrolesto encompassindustriesandcompany sizes.Sheactivelypursued opportunitiesintheautomotive industry,pharmaceuticals,healthcare, finance,banking,education, telecommunications,andthesecurity sector.Thisallowedhertogain experienceinremotework,particularly withininternationalcompanies.
Finally,in2005,Gittafeltherwork experiencehadbecomewell-rounded. Drawingonherdiverseexperiences, sheleapedindependenceby establishingherowncompany,1 WorldInFreedom,LLC.Thisstep markedasignificantmilestoneinher entrepreneurialjourney
ASolopreneur’sMissiontoInspire BrillianceintheWorkplace
1WorldInFreedom,LLC’sprimary focusistoprovideservicesto organizationsthatvalueGitta’s uniquesetofskills.Byoperating independently,thecompanyensures employeescanbetterunderstand Gitta’sexpertisewithoutconcerns aboutcompetitionorpersonalcareer advancement.
Themissionof1WorldInFreedom, LLCistounleashleadership brilliance,fosterathrivingcompany culture,andmaximizethegrowth potentialoftalent.Thecompany’s visionistoencouragecreativityand bringoutthebestinleaders.They aimtocultivateanenvironment wherethevalueofindividualgrowth isharnessedandcelebrated.
Themissionstatementand philosophyof1WorldInFreedom emphasizetheimportanceof embracinggenuineness,focusingon personalgrowth,respectingthe uniquecontributionsofeach individual,andchanneling confidenceandpositivecontentina purposefuldirection.Thecompany advocatesforwin-winsolutionsthat benefitbothindividualsandthe world.Theypromotemeaningfuland enrichinglearningexperiencesthat leadtopositiveandhumane outcomes.
1WorldInFreedom,LLCaimsto createaworldwhereallsevenbillion peopleuniteinthisinitiative,bothin theirpersonallivesandbusinesses. Theyencourageshapingandforming theworldthroughpositiveactions andconsideratebehaviorforthe presentandfuturegenerations.By embodyingtheseprinciples,the companystrivestomakealasting andpositiveimpactonsociety
EmpoweringDiverseIndustries towardsSocietalProgress
Gittaprimarilytargetscompaniesfrom diverseindustries.However,sheis selectiveinchoosingclientswhose missionstatementsalignwithher valuesandcontributetosocietal improvement.Whileeachcompany believesitsprocessesandchallenges areunique,Gittahasobservedcommon painpointsthatcutacrossdifferent sectors.Theseincludeemployee satisfactionandhappiness,customer retention,ensuringqualityandtimely delivery,effectivecostmanagement, andtheneedforanenvironment conducivetoinnovation.Although everyindustryhasunique characteristics,manycompaniesface similarchallengeswhenstrivingfor progressandexpansion.
LeadingwithClarity
Throughouthercareer,Gitta’srolesand responsibilitieshaveevolved,andshe foundherselfdrawntotheAgile methodologyandtheservantleadership approach,whichalignswellwithher personality.Embracingtheagile coachingrole,shehasinvested significanteffortinobtainingnumerous leadershipandagilecertifications.
OneofGitta’snotablestrengthsstems fromherdiversehands-onexperiences invariousorganizationalroles.This backgroundhashonedherabilityto communicateeffectivelyandclearly withindividualsatalllevelsofa company’sorganizationalstructure. Gittacanbridgecommunicationgaps byengagingwithC-levelexecutivesor thetalentedindividualsresponsiblefor deliveringcommitments.Hertalentin facilitatingdialoguebetween coworkersandleadersacrossdifferent divisionshasproveninstrumentalin keepingthemfocusedonthe company’svisionandmission.
EstablishingPsychologicalSafety
Gittabelievesestablishingshared valuesisthebestwaytobuildagreat team.Recognizingtheimportanceof understandingandtreatingpeoplewith respectandempathy,sheemphasizes thevalueofteamworkandhavinga commongoal.Gittabelievesthat constantlyinstructingindividualson whattodoisnotconducivetobuilding astrongteam.Instead,sheencourages openconversationsandinvitesteam memberstocontributetheirideasand perspectives.Whethersomeoneis introvertedorextroverted,Gitta recognizestheimportanceofgiving everyoneachancetovoicetheir opinions.Thisinvolvesestablishinga senseofpsychologicalsafety,which enablesteammemberstosharetheir ideasandperspectiveswithoutfearof judgment.
CompetingonEqualGrounds
Gittaacknowledgestheexistenceof statisticallydifferentpayratesbetween maleandfemaletalent,andshe approachesthisissuecalmlywhile seekingopportunitiestoaddressit diplomatically.Sheadvocatesfor individuals,irrespectiveofgender,to beawareofthesalariesofothersin similarpositions.Understandingone’s self-worthenablesonetoconfidently negotiateforfaircompensationwhen appropriate.
InGitta’sperspective,competitiveness isnotinherentlygender-basedor focusedonoppositegenders.Bothmen andwomencanbecompetitivewithin theirrespectivegroups.Thosewho prioritizecompetitionandsubscribeto the“survivalofthefittest”mindset mayprioritizetheactofcompetition overgender.Insuchcases,competition maytakeprecedenceovertraditional genderdynamics,challengingthe “ladiesfirst”notionintheworkforce.
Gittastressestheimportanceof beingreadytobetreatedtheway mentreateachotherin competitivesettingswhen competingwiththem.
Gittarecognizestheneedfor adjustmentsinsocietalperceptions ofgenderrolesand responsibilities.Sheacknowledges thatchangingtheseperspectivesis challenging,asglobalconsensus onsuchtopicsisrare.Gitta expectsprogressinthisareabut admitsthatitmayfluctuateas societyevolves.
NavigatingthroughChange
Gittalovestheversatilityofher profession,asitallowsherto applyherskillstovarious industriesandengagewith individualsatalllevelswithinan organization.Thisenablesherto unitediverseteamstowardsa commonobjectivewhile empoweringeachindividualto reachtheirfullpotential.She appreciatesthecontinuous learningopportunitiesthatcome withherwork,broadeningher knowledgeanddivingdeeperinto specificareas.Gittafindsit excitingtofacenewchallenges andexploreunchartedterritories.
However,oneaspectshedislikes abouttheindustryisthetendency ofhiringmanagerstorevertto traditionalcriteriaduring economicuncertainty.Thisshiftin mindsetcanmakethemless receptivetoinnovativeapproaches andlessopentoembracingnew ideas.Gittahasobservedthat whentheeconomyisshaky,there canbeareluctancetodeviatefrom establishednorms,hindering progressandlimitingopportunities forinnovativesolutions.
“The first person who needs to respect and stand the ground for you is you. Everyone else around you who may volunteer to support you is a bonus.”
AdviceforWomen
Asasuccessfulleader,Gittahasvaluable adviceforaspiringwomenleaders.She encouragesthemtopursuecareersthat alignwiththeirpassionsandhavea positiveimpactonothers.Gittabelieves thatashumanbeings,individualsoften havemultiplepassions,anditis importanttoexploreanddiscoverthem.
However,Gittacautionsagainstthe counterproductivenatureofwomen’s empowermentwhenitinvolves perceivingotherwomenasrivalsor competitors.Sheemphasizesthatwomen shouldonlyfeeltheneedtobe competitivewithoneanotherifan agreed-uponfriendlycompetition motivatesanddrivesbothindividuals forward.Gittapromotessupportingand upliftingoneanother,creatingamore conduciveenvironmentforgrowthand successamongwomenleaders.
INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
IN THE WORKPLACE
Key Strategies for Success!
Canyouimagineaworkenvironmentwhere
companiesexpecttheiremployeesto performtheirbestdespitefacinggender, ethnicity,language,orpersonalchallenges?Itis improbable.Inclusionanddiversityarecrucialinthe workplace,whichiswhytheyplayavitalrole. Althoughawarenessofthisconcepthasexistedfor sometime,itwasn’tuntilthelate1960sthat organizationsbeganactivelyimplementingit.Since then,theoutcomeshaveconsistentlyshown improvement.Ifyouarecuriousaboutthisconcept’s origins,evolution,andcurrentstatus,weinviteyou tositbackandrelaxasweexploretheseaspectsin thisblog.
WhatdoesInclusionandDiversitysignify,and whenandhowdiditbegin?
Inclusionanddiversityintheworkplaceencompass assemblingdiverseindividualswhocollaborate
harmoniouslytowardsasharedobjectivewithout subjectinganyonetodiscriminatorytreatmentthat mayunderminetheirsenseofsecurityandhinder theirproductivitywithinthedesignatedwork environment.Theideawasimplementedinthelate 1960sorearly1970s,althoughpeoplehaddiscussed itbefore.Thevisionarywhopioneeredtheutilization ofthisapproachwasconsiderablyaheadoftheirtime.
Subsequently,officialinitiativeswereundertakenby notableorganizationssuchastheEqualEmployment OpportunityCommission(EEOC)andtheNational OrganizationforWomen(NOW)duringtheeraofthe CivilRightsMovement.
Thoughthepreciseoriginsofthisconceptremain undocumented,thereareindicationsfromhistorical recordsthatitwasgraduallyintroducedwithin organizationalsettings,eachwithitsdistinct approach.
GeneralElectric(GE)-1960-establisheda diversitytaskforcetoaddressworkforcediversity deficiencies.
● IBM-1970-Launched“PeopleofColorin Management”diversityprogram
● Procter&Gamble(P&G)-1980-Initiated“Women inLeadership”diversityprogram.
● AT&T-1990-Introduced“DiversityandInclusion forthe21stCentury”diversityprogram.
Whyisitimportant?
Prioritizinginclusionanddiversityintheworkplacecanyield positiveresultsfororganizations.Astudyconductedby McKinsey&Companyhasrevealedcompellingfindingsthat demonstratethevalueofsuchpractices.Thereportindicates thatthecompaniesinthetopquartilehavea35%higher probabilityofachievingfinancialreturnsthantheirrespective nationalindustrymedians.Moreover,organizationsstrongly committedtoinclusionanddiversityhavereported significantbenefits.
● Approximately70%oftheseorganizationsclaimto attractandretaintop-tiertalentmoreeffectivelythan theircounterparts.
● 65%assertthattheyoutperformtheircompetitorsin termsofinnovation.
● 60%oftheorganizationsstatethattheiremployees exhibithigherengagementlevelsthanotherentities.
Furthermore,thereportestablishesacorrelationbetweena firm’sfocusoninclusionanddiversityanditsprofitability. Notably,organizationsrankedinthetopquartileforinclusion anddiversitydisplaya25%greaterlikelihoodofattaining profitabilitythanthoseinthebottomquartile.Thesefindings underlinethecompellingbusinesscaseforprioritizing inclusionanddiversitywithinorganizations.
HowcanyouputInclusionandDiversityinthe WorkplaceintoAction?
Well,therearemanywayshowyoucanimplementthis strategytogrowyourbusiness.Herearesometricksand techniquestoskyrocketyourcurrentresultsintosomething massive.
1. AssessingYourExecutiveTeam
Thecompositionofyourexecutiveteamservesasa significantindicatorofyourentireworkforce,reflectingthe valuesandprinciplesofyourorganization.Itis,therefore, crucialtocultivateadiversetopmanagementteam encompassinggender,ethnicity,sexualorientation,and more.Arebothmenandwomenadequatelyrepresented? Areindividualsfromvariousculturalandreligious backgroundsgivenopportunities?
ThefollowinginfographicshowsthepopulationofFortune 500CEO’s.
Race: Black: 3 White: 497 Other: 1
Source:BostonConsultingGroup
Whileexertingdirectcontroloverthecompositionofyour executiveteammaybelimited,itisimperativethatyou advocatefordiversityandinclusionintheC-suite,should theopportunityarise.Additionally,youcanfosterauthentic andtransparentcommunicationbetweenyourexecutives andemployees,attractingdiversetalentstoyour organization.
2.RecognizingandRespectingDiverseReligiousand CulturalPractices
Establishinganall-encompassingorganizationalculture holdsimmensesignificanceinensuringthesuccessof diversityendeavorsandyieldingsubstantialemployee engagementandproductivitybenefits.Aviableapproachto fosteringinclusivityinvolvesaccordingtoduerecognition andrespectfordiverseholidaysandcelebrations.Forbes recommendsthatorganizationsuseaseparaterefrigeratorto storeKosherfooditems.
Moreover,whilecertaincompaniestraditionallyobserve ChristmasDayasadesignatedholiday,agrowingnumber nowofferflexiblefloatingholidaystoaccommodatethe religiouspreferencesoftheirentireworkforce.Cultivating anenvironmentwhereemployeesperceivetheir organization’scommitmenttodiversityandinclusioncan leadtoenhancedemployeeretention,therebyoffering tangibleadvantagestothecompany
3. InitiatingaDiscussiononGenderPayDisparity
Genderpaydisparityremainsacontroversialissuein numerousorganizations.Establishingtrustandfostering inclusivitywithintheworkforcedependonacompany’s transparencyregardingitspoliciesandeffective communicationaboutthem.Incaseswheregenderpay imbalancesexist,itisessentialtocreateopenchannelsof communicationthatenableemployeestoexpresstheir thoughtsandopinions.
Furthermore,itiscrucialtoarticulatethecompany’scurrent orfuturestrategiesforrectifyingthegap,ensuring employeesfeelreassuredbytheorganization’scommitment toaddressinggenderpayinequalityactively
● Whenpresentingdatarelatedtosuchpolicies,itis imperativetorefrainfromadoptingadefensive stance.
● Whenthedataappearsbiasedduetovariousfactors likedisparitiesbetweenmaternityanduntaken paternityleave,itisvitaltoprovideastraightforward andclearexplanationtoemployees.
4. PromotingInclusiveThinkingforEnhanced Diversity
Byactivelypursuingdiversehiringpractices,yourcompany canfosteraculturethatembracesdiversethinkingandbenefits fromculturallyvariedperspectives.However,achievinglasting impactrequiresmorethanjustassemblingadiverseworkforce; itnecessitatesacomprehensiveapproachtoinclusivity
Itisimportanttoacknowledgethatpeoplefromdifferent backgroundsandagegroupsmayhavedifferingperspectives onworkplaceissuessuchasdresscode,emailetiquette, evaluations,andparticipationinmeetings.Thus,understanding thinkingpatternsisimportantatanindividuallevelandcrucial forteams,departments,andtheentireorganizationto comprehendhowothersfeel.
Byembracingdiversethinking,yourcompanycanharnessa multitudeofideasandreceivevaluablefeedback,allwhile cultivatinganenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelsvaluedand connectedtoasharedmission.
5. EstablishingaMultigenerationalWorkforce: EmbracingDiversityandInclusion
Inthecurrentemploymentlandscape,themillennialgeneration constitutesthepredominantportionoftheworkforce.Creating aninclusiveenvironmentthatvaluesdiversityrequiresbuilding ateamthatwelcomesindividualsfromdifferentagegroups.It’s importanttonotethatpeoplebornfrom1981onward,often viewedastech-savvy,belongtothemillennialgeneration. Consequently,oldermillennialsmaypossessadifferentlevelof proficiencywithtechnologytoolsthantheiryounger counterparts.
Thisdiscrepancybecomesapparentincommunication practiceswithinorganizations.Someemployeesaremore inclinedtowardsutilizingsocialmediaplatformsorgroupchat functionalities,whileindividualsfromoldergenerationsmay exhibitamorereservedattitudetowardsembracingsuch communicationchannels.
Communicationprofessionalsshouldconsiderinvestingina comprehensiveworkforcecommunicationsplatformtoaddress thisissue.Suchaplatformwouldfacilitatethe
seamlesscreationanddisseminationofmessagesthrough channelspreferredbyemployees.Byadoptingthis approach,communicatorscaneffectivelytailortheir messagestoresonatewithindividualsfromallgenerations andencourageactiveengagement.
Deloitte’sresearchrevealsthatover80%ofmillennials experienceaheightenedsenseofengagementwiththeir workwhentheiremployersfosteragenuinelydiverse workplaceculture.
Howisitgoing,andwhataretheoutcomes?
BasedonasurveyconductedbyDeloitte,asignificant majorityofemployees,amountingto82%,recognizethe significanceofdiversityandinclusionincontributingto theirorganization’soverallsuccess.
Furthermore,theWorldEconomicForumconductedastudy revealingthatcompanieswithdiverseleadershipteamsare moreinclinedtofosterinnovationandyieldgreater profitability.However,thecurrentstateofaffairsinthe UnitedStatesindicatesasubstantialgapbetweenthe workforcecompositionandexecutive-levelpositionsheld bycertaindemographicgroups.
● Women comprise 47% of the workforce but only 24% of executive-level positions.
● Black employees comprise 13% of the workforce but only 6% of executive-level positions.
● Hispanic employees comprise 17% of the workforce but only 4% of executive-level positions.
Source: Boston Consulting Group
BenefitsofDiversity:
● Companieswithdiversemanagementteamshavea 35%higherlikelihoodofachievingfinancial performancethatsurpassestheindustryaverage.
● Diverseteamsaremoreinnovativeandcreative.
● Diverseteamsarebetteratunderstandingand servingcustomersfromdifferentbackgrounds.
Inconclusion,promotinginclusionanddiversityinthe workplaceiscrucialforethicalreasonsandstrategic advantages.Embracingdiverseperspectivesandexperiences
fostersinnovation,employeeengagement,andstronger relationshipswithcustomersandcommunities.By prioritizinginclusivepractices,organizationscreate environmentswhereindividualscanflourishandmake maximumcontributionsdrivingsustainablebusinesssuccess.
FAQ’s
1. Whatisinclusionanddiversityintheworkplace?
Diversityencompassestherangeofdifferencespresent amongindividuals,suchastheirrace,ethnicity,gender, sexualorientation,age,disability,religion,andotherpersonal characteristics.Inclusionreferstothepracticeofcreatinga workplaceenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelswelcomed, respected,andvalued,regardlessoftheirdifferences.
2. HowcanIbeanadvocatefordiversityandinclusion intheworkplace?
Therearemanywaysthatyoucanbeanadvocatefor inclusionanddiversityintheworkplace.Someofthese include:
● Talktoyourcolleaguesabouttheimportanceof diversityandinclusion.
● Speakupwhenyouseeorhearsomething discriminatoryoroffensive.
● Getinvolvedinyourorganization’sdiversityand inclusioninitiatives.
● Supportfororganizationsthatpromotediversityand inclusion
3. Whataresomeresourcesforlearningmoreabout diversityandinclusion?
Thereareanumberofresourcesavailabletohelpyoulearn moreaboutdiversityandinclusion.Someoftheseinclude:
● TheSocietyforHumanResourceManagement (SHRM).SHRMoffersavarietyofresourceson diversityandinclusion,includingarticles,webinars, andtrainingprograms.
● TheDiversityandInclusionCouncil.TheDiversity andInclusionCouncilisanon-profitorganization thatprovidesresourcesandtrainingondiversityand inclusion.
● TheNationalDiversityCouncilisanon-profit organizationthatsupportsdiversityandinclusionin theworkplace.
REEM IKRAM REEM IKRAM
Intoday’sdynamicbusiness environment,smallandmediumsizedenterprises(SMEs)are facingadauntingchallengeintheform ofsocialsecurity.Fromtheperspective ofemployees,thisresultsinahard-toswallowdeductionfromtheirsalaries. However,itisnotjustaboutthe financialaspect;employees,regardless oftheirbackground,wantstabilityand security,aswellasaccesstoadiverse rangeofinvestmentoptionstobuild theirwealth.
Meanwhile,companiesarestruggling withtheinternalretentionof employees,losingthemduetosmall increasesinsalaries.Itisclearthatthis isnotjustacommercialchallenge,but alsoasocialonethatbusinessesneed toaddress.AccordingtoanewBoston ConsultingGroup(BCG)study, approximately70%ofUAEemployees areconsideringchangingjobs,with compensation,retirement,and insurancebenefitsbeingthe“topdeal breakers.”
Similarproblemsinothermarketshave beenaddressedwithDefined contributionPlanssuchasthe401kin theUS.Thesechallenges,however,are globalinscope,anditistheroleof exemplaryleaderstochangenotonly themarketbutalsothoughtprocesses.
AnexampleofthisisReemIkram (Co-Founder, CEOand of ThriftPlan).Withhervisionand foresight,sheisredefiningsocial securitybyofferinganinteractive investmentplatformforboth employersandemployeesinthe MENAregion.
ATrailblazer’sJourney
Reemhasanimpressivejourneythat beganinherchildhoodinGermany, whereshediscoveredthethrillof creatingherownenterprisebyselling stones.Asachild,shewasfascinated bythefinancialaspectofrunninga business,andthisearlyexperienceleft alastingimpressiononher.
Afterstudyingentrepreneurship,Reem workedininnovationandtookher family’sbusinessfromthefirsttothe thirdgeneration.Shefacedthe dauntingchallengeofbringingthe companyintothedigitalageand transforminganimport/exportbusiness intoe-commerce.Herexperiencein managingfinancesprovedtobe invaluableduringthistransformational journey
UponmovingtoSaudiArabia,Reem encounteredasignificantchallenge duringhertimeworkinginPrivate EquityinSaudiArabia–the complicatedpensionsystemforexpats andthestrugglesofayounggeneration thatisnotpreparedforfinancial hurdlesinthefuture.Assomeonewho
wasusedtohavingadeductionfrom hersalary,Reemfoundithardtoadapt tothenewsystem,andthisrealization promptedhertoaddressamore widespreadproblem.Thisrealization sparkedtheideaforThriftPlan,a revolutionaryplatformthatoffersan interactiveinvestmentplanforboth employersandemployees.
RevolutionizingFinancialSecurity inMENA
Foundedin2019,atAlYasmeen, Riyadh,ThriftPlan’sgoalistohelp individualsachievefinancialsecurity inaregionwheresocialsecurityisa challengingissue.WithVision2030 addressingtheneedforsaving solutions,Thriftplanisactively highlightingoneofthelargestsources ofsaving,theWorkplaceSaving Plan,whichhascrossedamarket valueofmorethanUSD$7trillionin theUnitedStates.
Moreover,itisthethoughtprocessof companiesandindividualsthatis changing.Oneofthecorestrugglesin encouragingindividualstosavehas beenthecountry’sleveloffinancial
literacy,whichhasproventobea difficultobstacleinamarketwitha largeyoungpopulation.However,by automatingandencouragingdigital learningwhileinvesting,Reemandher teamarechangingthefutureofa generation. “The secret to evoking change is to have believers; my team was the first to believe. They are the ambassadors of saving,” saysReem.
InvestinginEmployeeRetention
AtThriftPlan,theteamhelps companiescreatedefinedcontribution plansthatincreaseinternalemployee retention.Unlikecompetitors,the company’sapproachinvolvesallowing adirectcontributionfromthe employee’ssalarytothesavingsplan, matchedbytheemployerbasedon theirretentiongoals.Thisencourages employeestoinvestintheirfuture whilebuildingloyaltytotheir employer.
ThriftPlanalsoempowersemployees bygivingthemtheautonomytodecide ontheirinvestmentportfolio,ensuring thatonlytheirdiscretionaryfundsare managedbythem.Additionally, ThriftPlanofferscomprehensive workshops,educationalcontent,and advisoryservicestohelpcreatethe mostsuitabledefinedcontributionplan foreachcompany’suniquehierarchy, objectives,andculture.
MakingThingsPossible
Reemisadynamicleaderwho shoulderstheultimateresponsibility foreverythingatherorganization. Withherleadershipstyleofleadingby example,sheensuresthatnotaskis beneathher,regardlessoftheskillset required.Asaleader,sheisrenowned forherabilitytomakethingspossible. Sheapproacheseveryproblemwitha contingencyplan. “Every problem
should have a plan B, a plan C, and if needed all the way to Z,” statesReem.
Asanentrepreneur,Reemunderstands thechallengesofkeepingherselfand herteammotivated.However,she considerstheimpactshehasonthe communityandstakeholderstobethe mostrewardingandrefreshingaspect ofherprofession.Sheisafirmbeliever thatbusinessesmustlookbeyond profitabilityandaddresssocialissues aswell.
Reemremembersatimewhenpeople toldherthatwhatshewasdoingwas impossible.However,sherefusedtolet thenaysayersdiscourageherand insteadpersevered,makingthe impossiblepossible.
Underherleadership,thecompanyhas achievednumerousnotableawardsand achievements.Inrecentyears, ThriftPlanwasawardedtheprestigious titleofthemostinnovativecorporate savingsolutioninKSA.Thecompany hasalsoreceivedmultipleawardsfor itsexceptionaleducationincentive.It participatedinFintechSaudiandwon thefirstprizeduringDemoDay.
StayingProactiveinaChanging Landscape
“Opportunities come, but they are a gift; as leaders, we need to be able to recognize them and capture them to succeed,” assertsReem.Sheopines thatbeingproactiveisnotonly importantbutalsoanobligationfor leaderstoseekoutnovelwaysto evolve.Itisnotonlyforthebenefitof stockholders,butalsoforthe organization’semployees,the ecosystemthatdependsonit,andthe individualswhohavenoalternative.
FromBoardroomtoBarn
Beyondhercabin,Reemindulgesina fewhobbiesthatbringhertruepeace. Shefindssolaceintrainingandriding horses,whichbringsanunparalleled senseoftrustandrejuvenationbetween theanimalandtherider.Forher,itisa refreshingfeelingthathelpsher unwindfromthedemandsofherbusy schedule.Inadditiontohorseriding, Reemalsoenjoysjoggingandreading whichhelpsherreleasestressandcalm hermind.
TheMindsetofaLeader
Reemsharesinvaluableadvicefor aspiringbusinessleaderswhowantto excelintheirfield.Heradviceis simpleyetprofound–“Believe in yourself.”Evenwhenothersdoubt yourabilitiesortellyouthatyourideas areunrealisticorimpractical,she advisesthatyoushouldnotgiveup. Instead,usetheirskepticismasa motivatortoworkevenharderand provethemwrong.
Opportunities come, but they are a gift; as leaders, we need to be able to recognize them and capture them to succeed. “
The Complete List
Ifyouwanttoexperiencepower,armyourselfagainst
authority,orclaimyourpassion,read“The48Lawsof Power.”RobertGreene,oneofthewell-knownauthors ofsixinternationalbestsellers,wrotethisbook.Robert’s booksareintenseandhavevaluablelessonsthatstillhold valueintoday’sworld.Hisbestseller,The48Lawsof Power,highlightsthephilosophiesofvariouspersonalities suchasMachiavelli,SunTzu,CarlvonClausewitz,Queen ElizabethII,etc.Inthisblog,wewilldescribeeachlawin hisbook.Let’sbegin!
Law1:AlwaysKeepYourMasterAboveYou.
Hideyourtalentsandmakethoseaboveyoufeelsuperior, sotheywillneverfeelthreatenedbyyouandwillinstead promoteyou.
Law2:BeWaryofYourFriends.
Friendsaremorelikelytobetrayyouinhastethanenemies, astheyaremorepronetoenvy.Makefriendswithaformer enemy,astheywillhavemoretoprove.
Law3:ConcealYourIntentions
Keeppeopleoff-balanceandinthedarkbyneverrevealing thepurposebehindyouractions.Iftheyhavenocluewhat youareupto,theycannotprepareadefense.
Law4:AlwaysSayLessThanNecessary
Thelessyousay,themoremysteriousyouappear.Silence makespeopleuncomfortableandforcesthemtofillinthe blanks,revealingmoreaboutthemselvesthanintended.
Law5:SoMuchDependsonReputation-GuardIt WithYourLife
Donotleaveyourreputationtochanceorgossip;itisyour life’sartwork,andyoumustcraftit,honeit,anddisplayit withanartist'scare.
Law6:CourtAttentionatAllCost
Appearmoreprominent,colorful,andmysteriousthanthe blandandtimidmasseswhojudgeeverythingbyits appearance.
Law7:GetOtherstoDoYourWork,butAlwaysTake theCredit
Thislawstatesthatitismoreefficientandeffectivetouse theskillsandknowledgeofotherstofurtheryourown goals.Bydoingso,youwillappearmorepowerfuland efficient.
Law8:MakeOtherPeopleComeToYou-UseBaitif Necessary
Itisalwaysbettertomakeyouropponentcometoyouina powerstruggle.Thisputsyouincontrolandgivesyouan advantage.Useanybait,ifnecessary.
Law9:WinThroughYourActions,NeverThrough Argument
Argumentsarecounterproductiveandcancreateresentment. Itisbettertodemonstrateyourpointthroughactions,without sayingaword.
Law10:Infection-AvoidtheUnhappyandUnlucky
Theunhappyandunluckycanbringtheirmiseryonyoulike aninfection.Associatewiththehappyandfortunateinstead, astheirpositiveenergywillruboffonyou.
Law11:LearntoKeepPeopleDependentonYou
Tomaintainyourpower,makeothersdependentonyou.The moretheyneedyou,themorecontrolyouhaveoverthem.
Law12:UseSelectiveGenerosityandHonestytoDisarm YourVictim
Asingleactofhonestyorgenerositycandisarmeventhe mostsuspiciousperson.Oncetheyaredisarmed,youcan manipulatethematwill.
Law13:WhenAskingForHelp,AppealtoPeoplesSelf Interests,NevertoTheirMercyorGratitude
Appealtopeople’sself-interest,nevertotheirmercyor gratitude.Peoplearemorelikelytohelpyouiftheyseeitas intheirbestinterest.
Law14:PoseasaFriend,WorkasaSpy
Togainpower,youmustlearntogatherinformationabout yourrivals.Thebestwaytodothisistobefriendswiththem andgaintheirtrust.
Law15:CrushYourEnemyTotally
Destroyyourenemiesnotonlyinbodybutalsoinspirit. Leavethemnoroomtomaneuverornegotiate.
Law16:UseAbsencetoIncreaseRespectandHonor
Toomuchpresencemakesyoucommon,sowithdraw strategicallytoincreaseyourvalueandmakepeoplecrave yourpresence.
Law17:KeepOthersinSuspendedTerror-Cultivate anAirofUnpredictability
KeepOthersInSuspendedTerror:CultivateAnAirOf Unpredictability.Soyoucanthrowthemoffbalanceand eventerrifythembycultivatinganairofunpredictability.
Law18:DoNotBuildFortressesAroundYourselfIsolationIsDangerous
Isolationisdangerousbecauseitmakesyoublindtothe threatsaroundyou.Itisbettertostayconnectedwith othersandbuildanetworkofallieswhocanprotectyou.
Law19:KnowWhoYouAreDealingWith-DoNot OffendtheWrongPerson
Becarefulwhoyouoffend;somepeoplewillneverforget orforgive.Therearemanydifferentkindsofpeoplein theworld,andeachwillreactdifferentlyifyoulieto them.
Law20:DoNotCommitToAnyone
Youshouldonlypartiallyalignyourselfwithoneperson orgroup,whichwilllimityourpowerandinfluence. Beingindependent,youcanplaypeopleandbeatan advantage.
Law21:PlayaSuckertoCatchaSucker-Play DumberThanYourMark
Togainpower,makeothersfeelsmarterthanyou.This willdisarmtheirsuspicionandmakethemmorelikelyto trustyou.
Law22:UsetheSurrenderTactic-Transform WeaknessIntoPower
Whenyouareweaker,surrenderratherthanfightforthe sakeofhonor.Itgivesyoutimetobuildstrengthand undermineyourvictorwhileyouwaitforhispowerto weaken.
Law23:ConcentrateYourForces
Conserveyourresourcesandenergiesbyconcentrating themwhereyou’llbenefitmost.Focusonminingthe richestmineratherthanawholestringofmines.
Law24:PlaythePerfectCourtier
Theperfectcourtierhasmasteredtheartofindirection, flattering,andassertingpoweroverothersgracefully
Law25:Re-CreateYourselves
Donotaccepttherolesthatsocietyimposesonyou.Instead, re-createyourselfbyforginganewidentitythatcommands attentionandneverborestheaudience.
Law26:KeepYourHandClean
Nevergetpersonallyinvolvedinanythingmessyor unpleasant.Alwaysuseothersasscapegoatsandcat’spaws todisguiseyourinvolvement.
Law27:PlayOnPeople’sNeedstoBelievetoCreatea CultlikeFollowing
Mimicisareligiousstructurewithahierarchy,rituals,and requestsforsacrifice.Createacultlikefollowing,andyou willhaveuntoldpoweroveryourfollowers.
Law28:EnterActionsWithBoldness
Hesitationisdangerous.Onlyattemptitifyouaresureofthe courseofaction.Yourdoubtsanduncertaintieswillaffect yourexecution.
Law29:PlanAlltheWaytotheEnd
Planallthewaytotheendandfocusonyourultimategoal. Don’tbeswayedbywishfulthinkingortemptedto improvise.
Law30:MakeYourAccomplishmentsSeemEffortless
Hidetheeffortthatwentintoyouraccomplishments.People willbemoreimpressedbyyourachievementsiftheyseem effortless.
Law31:ControltheOptions:GetOtherstoPlayWith theCardsYouDeal
GetOtherstoPlaywiththeCardsYouDeal:Thebestwayto deceivepeopleistomakethembelievetheyhaveachoice andareincontrol.Inreality,youareincontrol.
Law32:PlaytoPeople’sFantasies
Fantasiesmoreeasilyswaypeoplethanreality.Ifyoutapinto people’simaginations,youcangaintheirtrustandsupport.
Law33:DiscoverEachMan’sThumbscrew
Discoveringandexploitingweaknessescangiveindividuals poweroverothers.Everyonehasaweaknessthatcanbe exploited.
Law34:BeRoyalinYourOwnFashion:Act LikeaKingtoBeTreatedLikeOne
Peopletreatyouthewayyoutreatyourself.Ifyou carryyourselfwithconfidenceanddignity,people willrespectandtreatyouasnecessary
Law35:MastertheArtofTiming
Takeyourtime.Alwaysbepatient,aseverything willcometoyoupromptly.Liveinthemoment.It willtakeyoutogreatheightsofpower
Law36:DisdainThingsYouCannotHave: IgnoringThemIstheBestRevenge
Thelessinterestyoutakeinthingsthatirritateyou, themoresuperioryouseem.Byacknowledging yourenemy,yougivetheirexistencecredibility and,therefore,power
Law37:CreateCompellingSpectacles
Peoplearemorepersuadedbywhattheyseethan whattheyhear.Usestrikingimageryandgrand symbolicgesturestocreateanauraofpower aroundyou.
Law38:ThinkasYouLikebutBehaveLike Others
Inwardly,youcanthinkandbelievewhateveryou want,butoutwardly,itisbesttoblendinand behavelikeothers.
Law39:StirupWaterstoCatchFish
Yougainadecidedadvantageifyoucanangeryour enemieswhilestayingcalm.Itwillrattlethemand putthemoffbalance,givingyoutheupperhand.
Law40:DespisetheFreeLunch
Everythinghasaprice,sobewaryofanythingthat seemsfree.Bewillingtopayyourwayandstay clearofgratitude,guilt,anddeceit.
Law41:AvoidSleepingIntoaGreatMan’s Shoes
Growingupasthesonordaughterofafamous personforcesyoutooutshinetheirpopularity Don’tbeinfluencedbythat,andcreateyourown identity.
Law42:StriketheShepherdandtheSheepWill Scatter
Donotsuccumbtoornegotiatewithtroubles. Neutralizeormakethemirrelevantsotheydon’t multiplyandcauseproblems.
Law43:WorkontheHeartsandMindsofOthers
Togainpower,youmustwintheheartsandmindsof others.Youcanachievethisbyplayingwiththeir emotions,appealingtotheirself-interest,and garneringbroadsupport.
Law44:DisarmandInfuriateWiththeMirror Effect
Bymirroringyouropponents’actionsandwords, youcandisarmthemandinfuriatethem.Reflecting ontheiremotions,interests,andvaluescan accomplishthis.
Law45:PreachtheNeedforChange,butNever ReformTooMuchatOnce
Peoplearecreaturesofhabitandresistchange.If youwanttoimplementchange,dosograduallyand makeitseemlikeagentleimprovementfromthe past.
Law46:NeverAppearTooPerfect
Appearingtooperfectwillmakepeopleenviousand resentful.Itiswisetodisplaydefectsandadmitto harmlessvicesoccasionally
Law47:DoNotGoPasttheMarkYouAimed For;InVictoryLearnWhentoStop
Learnwhentostopandconsolidateyourgains.It willallowyoutomaintainyourpowerandavoid makingmistakesthatcouldjeopardizeyourposition.
Law48:AssumeFormlessness
Beflexible,fluid,andunpredictablesoyour opponentscan’tgetafixonyouandfigureouthow torespond.
ThesearesomeessentiallawsthatthebookThe48 LawsofPowerhastaughtus.Wemusttrytofollow theselawsaswegrowinlife.Doingsoallowsusto createthebestversionsofourselvesandgrow rapidlyasourcareersadvance.
SHAROL WILSON
Unlocking the Top 1% of Food & Beverage Talent
Thefoodserviceindustryison thebrinkofamajorboom, withaprojectedsalesfigureof astaggering$997billionin2023,as perthelatestindustryreport.This remarkablegrowthislargelyattributed totheupwardtrendinmenuprices, drivingincreasedrevenueforthe sector.Furthermore,thefoodservice industryisexpectedtowitnessasurge inemploymentopportunities,withan estimatedadditionof500,000jobs, resultinginatotalindustryworkforce of15.5millionbytheendof2023.
Despitethispromisingoutlook,the foodindustryisgrapplingwitha formidablechallenge–thedireneed forexceptionalleadershipatthesenior level.Withtherapidlychanging landscapeoftheindustryandthe growingdemandsofconsumers, businessesarefacingthedauntingtask offindingtherighttalenttonavigate throughthesecomplexitiesanddrive positivechange.
Recognizingthischallenge,industry luminarySharolWilson(Founder,and CEOofS.WilsonStaffingLLC),has emergedasabeaconofhope.Sharol's staffingfirmisdedicatedtodoingthe duediligenceandallthenecessary backgroundworktopresentthecrème delacrèmeofcandidatestocompanies
seekingthetop1%oftalentinFood& BeverageinNorthAmerica.
FromHRtoHeadhunting
Sharol’sjourneyisoneofperseverance andpassionforhercraft.Sheholdsa Master’sinBusinessAdministration fromtheUniversityofPhoenixandhas spentherentireprofessionallife workingintheHumanResourcesand Recruitingarea.
ShebeganherjourneyastheDirector ofRecruitment,HumanResourcesfor KMG Inc.,wheresherevampedthe company’srecruitmentpolicyand procedures,managedthefinancial performanceofthecompany’snew officeinRochester,NY,and successfullyledabudgetof$200K.
Sharol’snextadventuretookherto Cornell University,wheresheserved astheStationHousingManagerfor foreignstudentsandvisitingscholars thatlivedincampushousing.Shealso leveragedherexpertiseinrecruitment tosource,screen,andqualify candidatesforallskillsets,including Professors,PostDocs,andlab technicians.
However,itwasherroleasthe BrokerageOwner&Executive
Headhunter-AccountManagerfor The Staffing Exchange thattrulyignitedher passionforthefoodindustry.Sharolis nowfocusedonrecruitingtop-tier talentintheFood&Beverage ManufacturingIndustry,including PlantManagers,Maintenance Managers,SalesManagers,and Directors.
Sharol’spassionforthefoodindustry stemsfromitsrecession-proofnature, withtheassurancethatfoodwill alwaysbeneeded.Thisledherto establishS.WilsonStaffingLLC,a top-tierstaffingfirmthathelpsfood industrycompaniestapintothebest talentavailable.
S.WilsonStaffingLLC:APremier ExecutiveSearchFirmintheFood Industry
FoundedinJune2017inGeneva,New York,S.WilsonStaffingLLChas quicklybecomealeadingproviderof executivesearchservicesinthefood industry Thecompanyoffersexclusive servicesandsolutionsthatare unparalleledintheindustry.Asa premierexecutivesearchfirm,S. WilsonStaffingspecializesinhiring thetop1%inthemanagementareaof Food&BeverageinNorthAmerica.
S.WilsonStaffingiscommittedto makingabalancedfitbetweenthe candidateandthecompany.Theywork withthetop100companiesinthefood industrytoidentifythebesttalent availableandensurethattheyarea perfectfitfortheirclient’sneeds.With aproventrackrecordofsuccessanda commitmenttoexcellence,thestaffing firmhasearnedareputationasa trustedpartnerinthefoodindustry.
ATenaciousandDrivenLeader
AsthePresidentandExecutive HeadhunterofS.WilsonStaffingLLC, Sharolwearsmanyhatsinherday-todaywork.Shetakesonavarietyof rolesandresponsibilitieswithinthe company,rangingfromspeakingwith potentialclientsandstrongcandidates tomanagingalladministrativeand financialaspectsofthebusiness withouttheaidofanadministrative assistantorateamofassociates.
Sharol’srelentlessworkethicandher passionforthejobkeephermotivated andproductive.Sheisconstantly researchingnewtalentandstayingon topofindustrytrends,alwaysstriving toprovidethehighestlevelofservice toherclients.
ContributingtotheSustainable FoodMovement
Thefoodindustryhasacriticalroleto playinaddressingsocietalissuessuch assustainabilityandfoodinsecurity Whilemanydefinesustainablefood systemsbyfactorssuchasgreenhouse gases,landuse,biodiversity,andwater use,Sharolunderstandsthatthe primarypurposeoffoodproductionis toprovidenutrients.
Sharolbelievesthattherelationship betweendietsandsustainabilityis crucial,andsustainabledietsshouldbe focusedonfourdomains–public
health,theenvironment,food affordability,andculturalrelevance.To supporttheseinitiatives,S.Wilson Staffingconductsresearch,engagesin socialmediaactivity,andhostsZoom meetingswithotherfoodindustry expertswhohavesimilarobjectives.
NavigatingtheChallengesofaMaleDominatedIndustry
AsafemalePresidentofherown company,Sharolfacedachallengeto thriveinthefoodindustrythatis primarilydominatedbymen.However, sheovercamethisbystaying determined,focused,andconstantly researchingeverydetailofthefood industry.Ithelpedherbe knowledgeablewhenanswering clients’questions.Herresilienceand dedicationtohercrafthavenotonly helpedherovercomethechallenges shefacedbutalsopositionedherasa prominentleaderinthefoodindustry.
CelebratingSuccess
Sharolconsidersherbiggest accomplishmentinherprofessional careertobethesuccessfulplacement ofaSeniorLevelcandidateat$160K andassistinganothercandidatein transitioningintoanewrolewitha 25%salaryincrease.Itwasa significantmilestoneforherasaleader inthestaffingindustry
Inaddition,themostexcitingproject sheworkedonwasduringthe beginningofthepandemicin2020, whereshewasabletosecuretwonew FoodandBeverageclientsand successfullymaketwoSeniorLevel placementsbeforethecountrywent intolockdown.Despitethechallenging circumstances,Sharolwasableto adaptanddeliverresultsforherclients, whichsheconsidersagreat accomplishment.
10YearsAhead
Sharolpredictsthatthefoodindustry inthenextdecadewillsurpass everyone’sexpectationswiththe continuousdevelopmentofnewand innovativefoodresources.Sharolsees
hercompanyplayingavitalrolein shapingthefutureofthefoodindustry byactivelystayingontopofemerging trendsandbuildingstrong partnerships.Bydoingso,S.Wilson StaffingLLCwillbenefitfromthe excitingopportunitiesthatthefuture holdsforthefoodindustry.
ProductivityTipsandInsightsfor ThrivingintheFoodIndustry
AsanExecutiveHeadhunterinthe FoodIndustry,Sharoladvisesaspiring leaderstoprioritizeresearchandstay updatedwiththelatesttrendsand developmentstosucceed.
SherecommendstighteningQuality ControlSystems,providingproper training,increasingtheuseof AutomationandTechnology,and loweringprocessingcoststoincrease productivity.Byensuringtheoptimum utilizationofresourcesandequipment, leaderscanproducemoreunitsina shortertime,whichleadstoimproved revenue.Sharol’sproductivitytipsare rootedinherexperienceasasuccessful entrepreneurwhohasbuilther company,S.WilsonStaffingLLC, fromthegroundup.
“Since the Food and Beverage Industry will continue to grow, I know I will be able to find those top 1% of Senior Management candidates.”
The Health Bank Global
Transforming Healthcare Space through Technology and Professional Exper se
Thehealthcareindustryiscurrentlyundergoinga
significanttransformation,shiftingitsfocusfrom reactive“sickcare”toproactive“healthandwellness management.”Thisshiftisbeingdrivenbyadvancementsin technology,anincreaseintelemedicineadoptionpostpandemic,andapatientpopulationthatdemandsbetterand fastercare.Keepingtheseaspectsinmind,THBGlobalhas comeacrossasoneoftheprominentplayersinthehealthcare spacebytheforesightofthesetrendstoprovidespecific healthcareservicestoitspatients.
Establishedin2016withitsglobalheadofficelocatedinDubai, THBGlobalisaworldwidehealthcareproviderthatoffersa widerangeofhealthcareservices,including Global Health Management Memberships, Wellness, and Lifestyle Services, as wellas Clinical Services for Home Care and After Care
ZarminaJafar(GlobalHeadofStrategyandCEOofTHB GlobalPakistan)isinchargeofthecompany'sstrategyand direction,withaspecialemphasisondrivinggrowthand expansionintheMENASA(MiddleEast,NorthAfrica,and SouthAsia)region.
THBGlobalhasexpandeditsoperationstoincludeVirtualCare andHomeCareservices.IthasalsolaunchedinPakistanand Kuwaitmarketswithafocusontheregionandgrowingwithin itsexistingmarkets.Itsvisionistotransformhealthcareand improvequalityoflifebyprovidingcompletecareexperiences, poweredbytechnologyandprofessionalexpertise.The companyiscommittedtoofferingaseamlesshealthcare experiencetoitspatientsthroughouttheirjourney,from hospitalsandinsurancecompaniestospecialistcare,athome, whiletraveling,andmore.
THBGlobal’sapproachtodiseasepreventionandtreatmentis basedonthefundamentalsofprecisionmedicine,ensuring personalizedcaretailoredtoeachpatient’sneeds.Itsunique click-and-mortarmodel,withhubsservingcommunitiesand supplementedbyat-homeandremoteservicedelivery,makesit standoutintheindustry
PromotingIndependenceandaBetterQualityofLife
THBGlobalofferspersonalizedandinnovativehealthcare servicesthroughacombinationofat-homeanddigitalcare services.Theyprovidehigh-qualityhospital-levelcareto patientsofallages,intendingtokeepthemhealthyintheir homes.Theirservicespromoteindependenceandabetter qualityoflife,usingthelatestindigitalhealthsolutionsand telemonitoringtooffersmart,connected,andempoweredcare. Thecompanyhastwomaindivisions:theHomeCareDivision andtheRemoteCareDivision.
TheHomeCareDivisionprovidesbespokeandhighqualityhomecareservices,includingnursing, physiotherapy,nutritionmanagement,phlebotomy,home diagnosticsandimaging,DNAtesting,andphysician-athomeservices.Theirteamisqualifiedtomanageanarray ofpatientconditionsandrequirements,includingGeriatrics, Post-SurgicalCare,MedicationManagement,Palliative Care,PostNatal/Newbabycare,AssistedDailyLiving CaregiverTraining,andmore.
TheRemoteCareDivisionprovidesvirtualcareservices thatallowindividualstoaccesscarefromanywhereinthe world.AVirtualCareTeamcoordinatescarerequirements andprovidescustomizedprogramsforhealthconcernsand goals,withaccesstohands-onsupport,remotemonitoring, nutritionadvice,dietplanning,healthtips,progressreports, andmore.Programsincluderemotemonitoring,chronic diseasemanagement,secondmedicalopinions,DNA testingandlifestylemanagement,HealthTourism,and HealthManagement.
LeveragingTechnologytoAssurePersonalizedServices
THBGlobal’sinnovativeapproachtohealthcareinvolvesa combinationoftechnologyandpersonalizedservices,andit aimstoprovideaconnected,patient-centricexperienceto itsclients.Byembracingtechnology,THBGlobalbelieves itispavingthewayforthefutureofhealthcare.The companyutilizesthelatesthealthdevicesandsoftwareto combinetechnologywithpersonalizedservices,enabling clientstoreceivecareremotely,securely,andatanytime.
“The future of health care lies in working hand-in-hand with technology, and embracing it is the only way forward.” – Zarmina Jafar
TheuseoftechnologyalsoallowsTHBGlobaltostorehealth recordsandtrackprogresswhilefacilitatingsecure communicationtoolsbetweenpatientsandhealthcareproviders. VirtualWardmonitoringisoneexampleofhowthecompany incorporatestechnologyintoitsofferings.ItallowsTHBGlobal toremotelymonitorpatientsandprovidecontinuouscareinreal time.Thistechnology,coupledwithsecuredataandprogress tracking,providesacompletecareexperience.
CommitmenttoBuildPersonalizedRelationshipswiththe Team
THBGlobalunderstandsthevalueofhavingamotivatedand skilledteaminprovidinghigh-qualityhealthcareservices.The companytakesaholisticapproachtoteammanagementby ensuringthateachmemberunderstandstheirroleinachieving thecompany’svisionandgoals.Opencommunicationis encouraged,andthecompanyfostersacultureofcontinuous learninganddevelopment,providingstrategicopportunitiesfor teammemberstoupskillsandtakeonmoresignificant responsibilities.
THBGlobalvaluesitsteammembersandiscommittedto buildingpersonalizedrelationshipswitheachofthem.The companycreatesasupportiveandinclusiveworkenvironment thatprioritizesthewell-beingofitsteammembers.Tokeep employeesmotivated,THBGlobalofferscompetitive compensationandbenefitspackages,providesopportunitiesfor careeradvancement,andrecognizesthehardworkand dedicationofitsteammembersthroughrewardsandrecognition programs.
Thecompanyencourageswork-lifebalanceandprovidesa flexibleworkenvironment,whichallowsteammembersto balancetheirpersonalandprofessionallives.Thecompany alsoinvestsinteam-buildingactivitiesandeventstofoster asenseofcommunityandtogethernessamongitsteam members.Byprioritizingthewell-beingofitsteam members,THBGlobalcanattractandretaintoptalent, ultimatelyimprovingthequalityofitsservicesandpatient experiences.
LeveragingtheTrendstoLeadtheHealthcareIndustry
AccordingtoTHBGlobal,thethreetrendsthatwilldrive thefutureofthehealthcareindustryarepersonalized healthcare,telemedicine,wearablemedicaldevices,andthe growthofAIandmachinelearning.Thecompanyseemsto bewell-equippedtoleveragethesetrendsastheyhave alreadyincorporatedthemintotheirserviceofferings.For instance,THBGlobalofferspersonalizedhealthcare servicesthataretailoredtoeachpatientbasedontheirage, genetics,orriskfactors.Thecompanyalsoreliesheavilyon
“Whether you require preventative care, management of chronic conditions, or home care, The Health Bank provides you with a true continuum of care.” – Salman Arif, CEO, THB Global UAE
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wearablemedicaldevicestoprovideremotemonitoringof patientsandtoconnectthemwiththeirvirtualcareteam.
Inaddition,thecompanyisopentotheuseofArtificial Intelligence(AI)andmachinelearningtoanalyzepatient dataandimproveclinicaldecision-making.THBGlobal’s focusontechnology-enabled,personalizedcare,combined withitsdedicationtocontinuousdevelopmentandupskillingofitsteammembers,suggeststhatitiswellpositionedtoleadthewayinthefutureofhealthcare.
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