Jeni Bukolt
EDITOR’S LETTER
Trailblazing Business Women Personalities!
DearReaders,
WelcometothisspecialeditionofTheUSALeadersMagazine,dedicatedtocelebratingand showcasingtheremarkableachievementsoftenvisionarywomenwhohavebeenleadingthe chargeintheworldofbusiness.Inthisedition,weputthespotlightontheseexceptionalindividuals,their groundbreakinginitiatives,andtheircommitmenttomakingapositiveimpactintheirrespectiveindustries.
OurcoverstoryfeaturestheindomitableJeniBukolt,thedrivingforcebehindHAVENCreative.Herjourney fromasmallstart-uptoaglobalcreativeagencyservesasaninspirationforaspiringentrepreneurs.Withher creativegeniusanddetermination,Bukolthastransformedhercompanyintoahubofinnovationandacatalyst forchangewithinthemarketingandadvertisinglandscape.
Butthat'snotall;wehavealotmoretoofferinthisedition.MeetAnneSophieTourrette,ConnieAnsaldi,Dr MayIkeora,MichelleGuglielmoGilliam,andacouplemorebusinesswomanleaders.Thiseditionservesasa testamenttotheunstoppablespiritofwomeninbusinessandtheirabilitytobreakbarriersandshapethefuture.
Aswecelebratethesetenexceptionalleaders,wealsorecognizetheneedforgreatergenderequalityand inclusivityinthecorporateworld.Letustakethisopportunitytoreaffirmourcommitmenttoempowering womenandprovidingthemwithequalopportunitiestoleadandsucceed.
Wehopethatthestoriesoftheseinnovativebusinesswomenwillinspireandmotivateourreaderstopursue theirowndreamsfearlesslyandembraceinnovationasadrivingforceforchange.Aswedelveintothe journeysandachievementsofthesetentrailblazers,letuscelebratethepoweroffemaleleadershipandits transformativeimpactontheworldofbusiness.
Wehopeyoufindthiseditionasinspiringaswedidandthatitsparksnewideasandperspectivesonhowto navigatetheever-evolvingbusinesslandscape.
Happy reading!
Parag Ahire Project EditoR
PUBLISHER
ARCHANA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VIKRAM
MANAGING
PANKAJ
PROJECT EDITORS
PARAG AHIRE
PROJECT MANAGERS
CHRIS
VISUALIZER
MARK
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ASHWINI DHUMAL
AAKASH
ROBERT
RESEARCH
JAMES
MARIA
O V E R S T O R Y
Jeni Bukolt 12
Jeni
Thebrandingandadvertisingindustrydatesback centuriesandhasarichhistory.Newspaperand magazineadvertisementsusedtobetheleading sourcesfordisplayingads.However,technological advancementsintheindustrycausedasteepdownturn.By 1980,theUSA’sadvertisingexpendituresstoodataround $55billion.Fast-forwarding,theindustrywitnessedthe displayoftheworld’sfirstdigitaladvertisement,disrupting theentireadvertisinglandscape.Digitaladvertising,after almostthreedecadesinthemarket,hasachievedseveral milestones.
By2026,digitaladvertisingisprojectedtoreachaglobal valueofUS$836billion,offeringimmenseopportunities. However,entrepreneursandbusinessesfacechallengesin capitalizingonthisbillion-dollarprospect,especiallygiven thefloodofdigitalmarketingagencies.Thisiswhere marketingconsultancywithbrandingandstrategic communicationcomesintoplay JeniBukolt(Founder andBrandingMavenofHAVENCreativeLLC)aimsto makeadifferenceinthebrandingandadvertisingindustries byofferingacreativeapproachandleveragingdiversified talent.HAVENCreativespecializesmainlyinbrandingand strategicmarketingcampaigns,usingtacticslikesocial media,SEO,digitalandprintadvertising,andPR.With theirmarketingconsultancyservices,theyassistbusinesses inidentifyingtheirtargetaudience,craftinguniquebrand identities,anddesigningeffectivemarketingstrategiesthat delivermeasurableresults.
Inthisbusinessstory,weexploreJeni’sjourney,howshe startedherconsultancyfirm,andhowsheplanstofurther expandandrevolutionizethebrandingandadvertising industrywithherexpertise.
FromFilmtoCommunity-Building
Jeniisanentrepreneurwhoispassionateaboutstorytelling andconnectingwithpeople.Herjourneytosuccessstarted inHollywood,wheresheworkedinfilmandtelevision beforetransitioningtoproductmarketing.However,shefelt unsatisfiedsinceshehasalwayswantedtotellstoriesthat connectpeople,affectchange,andinspireothers.Drivenby herentrepreneurialspirit,shetookachanceonherselfand startedHAVENin2012afterrelocatingtoNorthCarolina withherfamily.Shewantedtobuildaplatformwhere peoplecouldsharestoriesandhelpcommunitiesthrive.
Herdedicationandhardworkpaidoffwhenshewas connectedwiththeEntrepreneurs’Organization,which helpedherscaleherbusinesstonewheights.Asthe
businessgrew,Jenirealizedthatshecouldhelpmore communitiesbybuildingateamofHAVENMavens. Today,Jeniisinspiringotherentrepreneurswhowantto buildabusinessaroundtheirpassion.
HAVENCreative:ConsultantsofChange
JenifoundedHAVENCreativein2012toexpressher creativityafterrelocatingfromthewestcoast.Overthe years,thecompanyhasevolvedtotakeonagreatermission ofbuildingcommunitieswithinorganizations.Herpassion foreducatingandempoweringclientshashelpedthe companycarveoutauniqueniche.Itfocusesonmaking clientsexpertsintheirmarketingstrategies.Thecompany’s distinctiveapproachhashelpeditgrowandsucceedover theyears. “To make mavens of our clients, we have to first ask the tough questions, dig in and understand what works and what doesn’t,” Jeniadds.
UnderJeni’sdirection,HAVENhasbecomeatrusted partnerforbusinesseslookingtoelevatetheirmarketing strategies.Hercommitmenttocommunity-buildingand clientempowermenthasmadeitago-toagencyforthose seekingtotaketheirmarketingeffortstothenextlevel.Jeni furtherstatesaboutthemarketingagenciesinthemarket, “Many marketing agencies view themselves as creative first, but we see ourselves as consultants of change.”
RadicalCandorandCoreValues
Abusinessthrivesonitscorebeliefsandskilled management.Implementingitinanefficientworking systemmakesitsimpletoadheretothevisionandgoal. Jenirecognizesthis,andasaresult,shehasimplemented theEntrepreneurialOperatingSystem(EOS)atHAVEN.A systemthathasassistedherinbuildingastrongteam, consistentprocesses,andservicedelivery Asthe ‘Visionary’intheEOSsystem,sheestablishesthevision forwherethecompanyisgoingandhowthefirmwill positionitselfinthemarket.Furthermore,Jenispeaksabout herrole,whereshedescribes, “As CEO, I lead our sales efforts and set a positive company culture. My why is building community, inside and outside of organizations.”
Toevaluateateam’sperformanceandcreativeoutputitis essentialtoensurethattheteammeetsitsfundamental expectationsoffulfillment,care,andsuccessbefore deliveringtheoutput.Jenimakessurethesebasic expectationsarefulfilledforherteam’sunmatchedwork delivery.Theteamreliesheavilyonitscorevaluesand toolslikeKimScott’s‘RadicalCandor’toaddressissues
“
As an entrepreneur who is in the 1% of women-owned agencies in the USA, I see the biggest way that we contribute to the business world is by setting an example for others.
“
Cover Story
andcommunicateeffectively.Asolidmanagement perspectiveconsidershiringsmarterprofessionalsasthe bestpractice.Jenibelievesthesameandhirespeople smarterthanherselftosolveproblemstogether.Itisa practicethathaspropelledHAVENtoovercomeany obstaclethatcomestheirway
CreatinganImpactontheMarket
AccordingtoJeni,communicationissuesareoftenatthe rootofbusinessproblems.WhileHAVENisnotlimitedto anyparticularindustry,itspecializesincustomizedservices tofulfillindividualclientrequirements.Itsteamofexperts deliverscommunicationsolutionstobusinessesacross diverseindustries.Ifabusiness’ssalesarelagging,theteam investigatestouncovertherootcause,whichcouldbe ineffectivecommunicationofthevaluepropositionbythe salesteamorpoormarketingtargeting.Thecompany providesclearandtransparentsolutionsregarding marketing,communication,andbrandpositioning,thereby resolvingcommonpainpointsforbusinesses.HAVEN addressesthesechallengestomakecommunicationa competitiveadvantageforitsclients.
AheadoftheCompetition
Withtherockettakeoffofdigitalmarketing,several agenciesemerged,butasignificantnumberofthemlacked themindsettomeettheirclient’srequirements.However, HAVENstandsapartfromotherenterprisesthatdependon buzzwordsandemptypromises,asitiscommittedto equippingclientswithknowledgeandexpertise.This allowsittoestablishitselfasagame-changerinthe brandingsectorthroughitsservice-specific,industryagnosticapproach.Itsdistinctivebrandethosisto “make mavens of our peers and partners,” whichsignifiesthatit placeshighvalueonteachingclientsaboutthebenefitsof theirmarketinginvestment.Asaresult,HAVEN outperformsthecompetitionbydeliveringoutcomesthat supporttheobjectivesofitsclients.
AssemblingaTeamofCreativeMinds
Jeniunderstandsthatasuccessfulbusinessisbuiltona greatteam.Shebelieveshiringtherightpeopleandcreating anenvironmentwheretheycanthriveisthekeyto unlockingtheirfullpotential.Withthisphilosophyinmind, shehascarefullycuratedateamofcreativemindswhoare passionateabouttheirwork.Theyworktogetherseamlessly todelivertop-notchmarketingsolutionstotheirclients.
Jeniconstantlysearchesforwaystoimproveherteam’s structureandmaximizetheirproductivity.Shehasrecently madesomechangestotheagencystructure,whichhave alreadydeliveredpositiveresults.Atthecoreofherstrategy isafocusonthecompany’svisionandcorevalues.By ensuringthateveryoneisalignedwiththesevaluesand workingtowardsasharedgoal,shehasbuiltasolid foundationforgrowth.Withsuchatalentedandcommitted team,theskyisthelimitforHAVEN.Jenistatesan interestingfactaboutcreatingtherightteam.Shesays, “If your team is working towards the same goal and shares the same values, you’ve built a foundation that will help you grow.”
EmbracingLife’sUpsandDowns
Corporatelifeisrewardingaswellaschallenging.To managethis,theconceptofwork-lifebalancehaspopped up.Itbasicallytalksabouthavingawell-balancedwork life.Jenichallengesthenotionofa“perfectwork-life balance.”Inasocietythatoftenvaluesperfectionism;she recognizesthatitcanhaveanegativeimpactonmental health.Instead,Jeniviewslifeasateeter-totter,withups anddownsthatmakeitmoreinterestingthanaflatline.
Cover Story
Asanentrepreneur,sheunderstandstheneedtoprioritize differentaspectsofherlifeondifferentdays.Somedays,it meansputtingmoreenergyintothebusinessand,onothers, spendingmoretimewithherfamily.Whilethere’sno perfectbalance,Jenisetsclearboundariesandsurrounds herselfwithasupportiveteam.Sherejectstheideaofa perfectwork-lifebalanceandembraceslife’snaturalups anddowns.Thus,Jenifostersahealthier,moreproductive mindsetforherselfandherteam.
BeyondBuzzwords
Jenilovescollaboratingwithlike-mindedindividualsto developinnovativeconcepts.Witnessingthoseideascome tolifeandmakingadifferenceintheworldisthemost rewardingpartofherwork.
However,Jeniisdisappointedwithhowthemarketing industryisfilledwithbuzzwordsandmeaninglessmetrics, withlittleornoreturnonclients’investment.Theterm “marketingagency”oftenbringstomindoverpriced
servicesthatdon’tdeliver Tocounteractthis,Jeniandher teamfocusonsettingmeasurableandmeaningfulgoalswith theirclients.Theyholdthemselvesaccountableandare dedicatedtodemonstratingthereturnoninvestmentfortheir clients.Withtheirclientpartners,theyaimtosetclear expectationstoensurethattheirservicesdeliverwhatthey promise.
Jeni’sViewonWomen'sParticipationin Entrepreneurship
Jeniinitiallyfacedapprehensionaboutexpandingherbusiness asasolofemaleentrepreneur Thelackoffemalementors madeitdifficultforhertotakethefirststeps.However,with thesupportofmultiplecoaches,sheovercameherfearsand scaledhercompanytonewheights.Sheadmitstofacingthe challengeofwomenbeingcompetitivewitheachotherinthe businessworld,withthebeliefthatthereisonlyoneseatat thetable.Butoverthelastdecade,thismindsethasshifted. Today,therearenumerouswomeninleadershippositions,and thetrendofwomenmentoringotherwomenisontherise.
Cover Story
AdvicetoaspiringWomen Leaders
Jenihasshownthatwith determinationandawillingness totakerisks,anyonecanturn theirdreamsintoreality.Her journeyisatestamenttothe powerofentrepreneurshipto createpositivechangeinthe world.Shebelievessuccess takesamaven(expert)mindset, whichencompassesthe following:
● Findyourcommunity:“If you want to soar, you have to hang with eagles.” Here,Jeni talksabouthavingapositive communityaroundherthat propelledhertosuccess.
● Bebraveandpractice RadicalCandor:Aleader shouldbecourageousenough tospeakoutforthedesired goals.Thosewhospeakwell withkindwordstendto achievesuccesssoon.
● Haveaclearvision:Being specificwithyourgoalsand havingclearinsightsmakesit easytogetthroughthe potentialhurdles.Aclear visionwillprovidearoadmap tofollowandhelpmake informeddecisions.
“ My Inspiration To Grow Was Realizing That I Could Help More Communities Thrive By Building The Team Of HAVEN Mavens.
Anne Sophie Tourrette
A Veteran Leading with Astute Finance Strategies
Inanexecutiveworldthatis largelycontrolledbymen,women havetostruggletocarveouta placeforthemselves.Itisevidentthat theymustputinmoreefforttoreveal theiractualmanagerialabilities.The founderoftheindependentwealth managementfirmAdvisorOne,Anne SophieTourrette,hasaparticular perspectiveonwomeninleadership roles.Shethinksthataswomen’s levelsofeducationhaveimproved, theyhavebecomemuchmoreselfassuredaboutwhattheycanoffer
AccordingtoAnne-Sophie,bothmen andwomencanpossesstheleadership skillsnecessarytoexplore,invent,and haveapassionforcreatingand advance.However,womenare perceivedasbeingmorepracticaland long-termfocusedthanmen,which makesthemlesstacticalandmore human.Theytendtobemoreselfless (lessself-interested),morecareful,and more“knowinghowtobe”than “knowinghowtodo.”
JourneytoAdvisorOne
Anne-Sophiestartedherbanking careerin1990,wheresheworkedin France,theUS,Luxembourg,and Switzerland.Herclientelehas traditionallycomprisedhigh-net-worth individualsandcorporateleaders,with amajorityofwomen.Shecompeted against100otherapplicantsfromthe Europeanfinancialandwealth managementindustriesforthetitleof “CitywealthPlatinumAdvisor”in 2007. (Just to be precise not only I competed but I was awarded)
AdvisorOnewasfoundedbecauseof Anne-Sophie’schoicetoestablish herselfasanindependentmanager followingaburnoutin2008.AnneSophierealizedshehadtoleavethe bankingindustry,sinceitwentagainst hermorals.Shefrequentlyreferstoher
workas“wealthstyling,”which describeshowsheapproacheseach clientindividually
AssuringFinance
AdvisorOneisaGeneva-basedasset managementbusinessoperatingunder Swisslaw.Thebusinessspecializesin individualizedwealthmanagementand planningandisassociatedwithaSwiss associationofassetmanagers. AdvisorOnedoesn’ clientsintoapredeterminedmoldasit aspirestoestablishagenuine connectionratherthanmerelya businessrelationship.
AdvisorOne’ clientstodefinetheirneedsand identifysolutionsthatwillsatisfy them.Thecompanyhasimplemented ESGstandardstocarryoutthis (investmentsthatconsider environmental,social,andgovernance criteria).Giventhatitisunusualfor womentoworkinwealthmanagement inSwitzerland, tohavebeenabletocommemoratethe company’stenthanniversary(in2018).
Thecompany’smostsignificantand uniqueserviceisgearedtoward women’sempowerment.
Hundredsofpeoplehavebenefited fromAdvisorOne’shelpinfindingthe idealinvestment.Thecompany customizesitsservicestoeachclient's uniquepersonalandprofessional circumstancesandtakesthetimeto discussalloptionswiththembefore recommendingaparticularinvestment.
ImplementingExperience
With32yearsofbankingexpertise, Anne-Sophiesawabigknowledgegap amongherfemaleclientsandthatthe industrylingowascompletelyforeign tothem.ThegoalofAnne-Sophie’s five-step“Choseabundancefortherest
“AdvisorOne is a company that assembles architects; it uses all of its abilities to construct a sturdy building and seeks partners with the same ideals as its clients.”
empowerwomentosuccessfully managetheirassetswitha“money mindset”byhelpingthemunderstand howthefinancialsystemoperatesas wellastheirreluctanceand relationshipwithmoney
Anne-Sophie’sprimaryfunctionand dutiesaretoensurethatthecustomer hasfinancialsecurityandthe motivationtomakeagoodimpact investmentforboththefutureofthe planetandthewelfareoffuture generations.
ChallengesandAccomplishments
Anne-Sophieisawomanwhoenjoys beingslightlyhyperactive.Sheenjoys posing,accepting,andfacing
Anne-Sophiehasalotof ,determination,andabove allaveryhighdegreeofindependence thatpusheshertoalwaysfindanswers. Sheisasinglemotherandabusiness ownerwithdisruptiveandoriginal ideas,andsheisalwaysonthego.
Beinginthefinancialindustryfor32 yearsandstillenjoyingit,inAnnesopinion,ishergreatest accomplishment.Shewasnonetheless namedoneofthe10InspiringBusiness omenLeadersof2022after receivingtheCitywealthPlatinum AdvisorawardinEuropein2017. Anne-Sophieispursuingherpassion andispleasedtosupportthese slivesafterassistingthemin decidingtochooseplentyfortherest
Anne-Sophietakesprideinher accomplishments,whichinclude managinghundredsoffinancial portfolios,runningherownbusiness since2008,andleadingworkshopsfor bothyoungpeopleandwomen.To supportthecommunityof56 independentassetmanagers,shealso foundedanotherbusinessin2011 calledAWAP.
AdvisorOneasaSociety
Toapproachrequestsanddeliver solutionsthatbestfulfillcustomer expectations,AdvisorOnetakesthe timetotalkwithandgettoknowits workersandclients.Transparencyisa veryessentialvalue,andthecompany valuesitsrelationshipswithcustomers andpartners.Annethinksof AdvisorOneasacompanythat assemblesarchitects;itusesallofits abilitiestoconstructasturdybuilding andseekspartnerswiththesameideals asitsclients.Whenaclientacceptsa transaction,thecompanydoesn’t merelyhuntforaserviceproviderwho willpayit;instead,itprioritizesthe
humanelementsinceitwantstheclient tobehappy.
KeepingWork-LifeBalance
EventhoughAnne-Sophiehaslong beenaworkaholic,ittookherover52 yearstorecognizethatsheneededto findabetterbalancebetweenher personalandprofessionallives.In Anne-Sophie’sopinion,learningabout kundaliniyogahassavedher.Even afterchangingcareers,shecontinuesto makeonecallperweek.Anne-Sophie enjoysswimmingandskiingandtrains herselfinthegymtwotothreetimesa weekwithapersonaltrainer.
AdviceforYoungWomenLeaders
AccordingtoAnne-Sophie,Awoman leadermustbeabletolisten,think thingsthroughbeforeresponding,trust herself,andpayattentiontoher feelings.Andmostimportantly,always respectandusecommonsense.
Shecontinues, “You have to believe in what you are doing, constantly keep your attitude positive, and create avenues that will bring you to your goals.” Anne-Sophieendsherchat withadviceforaspiringwomen leaders.Shesays, ‘Many individuals have the belief that “we have always done things this way, so I don’t see why we should change,” yet the world is continually changing, so we must too! We must welcome the new technologies and the ideas of young people who have different ways of thinking and have grown up with different tools than us, rather than fighting against this change.’
LEADERSHIP LESSONS
You Can Learn from Female Leaders
Manywomenstrivetobalancetheirpersonaland
professionallives,regardlessoftheirjob position.Despitethedifficulties,womenhave facedthesechallengeswithcourageanddetermination.As of2023,32%ofseniormanagementpositionswereheld bywomen.Interestingly,researchshowswomenarerated higherin12of16essentialcompetenciesforexceptional leadership.Inthisarticle,wewillexplorevaluable leadershiplessonsthatwecanlearnfromfemaleleaders.
1.YoudoYou
Whenyoustaytruetoyourauthenticself,anythingis achievable.Embracingyourtrueselfgivesyouthe confidencetotaketheleadasyouunderstandyour aspirationsandhowtoaccomplishthem.Acceptingand embracingyouruniquequalitiesboostsyourselfassuranceandeliminatesanyuncertainties.Bybeing genuine,youacknowledgeyourfemininesideand establishboundariesthatalignwithyourdesiresand values,demonstratinghonestytoyourself.
2.WalkingonaSafePathIsNecessary
Manywomenstriveforbalance,makingitatoppriority However,evenwhenunhappywiththeircurrentpath,they oftenfeelapprehensiveaboutchanging.Ifyoufindthat somethingishinderingyourcareergrowth,takeamoment toaskyourself,“why?”Then,confronttheissuehead-on byidentifyingtheproblemanddevisingasolution.This processcanhelpyoubetterunderstandyourvaluesand determinewhattrulymatterstoyou.
3.Don'tUnderestimateYourself
Oneofthemostcrucialleadershiplessonsfemaleleaders canimpartistoavoidoverthinking.Thishabitaffects manypeopleandcanleadtounderestimatingoneself.You mightstillquestionyourselfevenifyouknowyoudeserve aparticularrole.Motivatingyourselfoftenand recognizingthatyoudeservethatpositionisessential.This willhelpyoudevelopconfidenceandtheabilitytotake calculatedrisks,vitalqualitiesinagoodleader.
4.FighttheBattleWhenYouKnowYou
Aswithanybattle,itiscrucialforkingsandqueenstofirst analyzetheirownstrengthsbeforeassessingtheir opponents.Thisallowsforthedevelopmentofaneffective battlestrategy.Similarly,asaleader,it’sessentialto understandandrecognizeyourownstrengths.Thiswill helpyourcolleaguestolookuptoyouinspecific situations.Taketimetoreflectonyourachievementsand letthemguideyouinyourleadershiprole.
5.NeverStopLearning
Asyougothroughlife,youcontinuelearningnewthings, regardlessofageorqualifications.Successfulleaders recognizetheimportanceofcontinuouslearning, recognizingthateveryoneintheworkplaceconstantly acquiresnewknowledge.Pursuingknowledgeisessential foradvancingone'scareer,asgrowthleadstogreater confidenceand,ultimately,bravery.Keepingacuriousand openmindandbeingwillingtolearndailyiskeyto achievingsuccess.
6.RiskandWorkGoHandinHand
Takingrisksmayseemdaunting,butitisanessential componentofgrowthandprosperity-avaluableinsight gleanedfromfemaleleadersinleadership.Asaleader,you managemanytasksandobligationstomeetthecompany's objectives.Thus,takingcalculatedrisksisoften indispensable.Ifthesituationwarrantsit,keepgoing. Confrontthechallengehead-onwithmeticulousplanning toachievetheoptimaloutcome.
7.TeamingUpforTasksIstheNorm
Agreatleadereffectivelycoordinateswiththeteamand nevertakessolecreditforaccomplishments.Bydelegating tasksandrecognizingtheteam'sexcellentperformance,a leadercanmotivatetheteamtofollowtheirlead. Collaborationandcommunicationbetweenleadersand teammembersleadtobetterteamperformance.Leaders shouldrefrainfrommakinghastyjudgmentsabouttheir
teammembers.Thisiscrucialfor buildingarobustandhighperformingteam.
8.ListeningIstheKey
Toachieveeffectivecommunication, bothpartiesmustlistenactively.As aleader,youmustlendanearto yourcolleaguesandempathizewith anychallengestheyface.Even seeminglyminorissuesdeserve attentionandunderstanding,asthey canleadtomoresuccessful problem-solving.Beingathoughtful listenercanbuildstronger relationshipswithyourcolleagues andearntheirrespectasatrusted senior
9.WomenSupportingWomenIs theBestHelp
Womensupportingotherwomenare thebestscenario.Inthecorporate world,womenareoftengivenmore manageabletasksthanmen.“Leave thetechnicalstufftous”and“But howwillyoudothattask?Isn’tthat aman’sjob?”aresomeofthemost commondialogueswomenhear.A goodleader,especiallyafemale leader,shoulddistributetasks equallyandencouragefemale colleaguestograbmorecareer opportunitiesfortheirgrowth.
10.Don'tDrown
Asyouadvanceinyourcareer,you mayencounterinsurmountable obstacles.Despiteyourbestefforts, circumstancesmaygodifferently thanplanned.Itiseasytobecome discouragedinthesesituationsand considerthrowinginthetowel. However,thisispreciselywhatyou mustavoid.Ifyoufeelstuck,takea momenttocollectyourthoughtsand evaluateyouroptions.Itisperfectly normaltofeelstuck,butacting
impulsivelywillonlyworsenmatters. Takeadeepbreathandstaydetermined -givingupisnotanoption.
11.TrustandPatienceGoHandin Hand
Trustandpatiencearevitalqualities thataleadermustpossesswhen workingwiththeirteammembers. Doubtingandcriticizingcolleagues duetolackingtrustcanharmthe team’ssuccess.Ontheotherhand, exercisingpatienceduringproblemsolvingeffortsisequallycrucial.When assigningacomplextask,itisessential totrustyourteammembers’abilities andgivethemthetimeneededto completethetaskeffectively.Rushing theprocesscanleadtodetrimental outcomesandultimatelyharmthe team’sefforts.
12.ResponsibilitiesAreUnavoidable
Beingaleadermeansbearingthe weightofthecrownandits responsibilities.Leaderscannotshy awayfromtheirdutiesasitaffectsthe entireteam.Whenaleadertakes commitment,itgivestheteamasense ofstrengthandpurpose.Neglecting responsibilitieswillonlyleadtopoor teamperformance.Eveniftheteam fails,iftheleadertakesresponsibility, theyearnrespectfromtheirteamand seniormanagement.Andifthey succeed,it’sevenbetter
13.BeingFairIsRespecting EveryoneIndicatesaGreatLeader
Respectingallteammembersand avoidingfavoritismtowardsany individualisessential,asthisbehavior isnottoleratedinaprofessional setting.Thisisacruciallessonin leadershipthatcanbelearnedfrom femaleleaders.Focusingsolelyonone personcanresultinothersdisregarding yourleadershipauthority
Acknowledgingandmaintaining neutralitytowardsallcolleaguesand offeringpraiseandconstructive criticismisessential.
14.IntimidationIsNottheAnswer toDiscipline
Inacompany,disciplineisessential. Leadersshouldavoidbeingtoo lenientwiththeircolleaguesand remainneutraltowardsthem.Itis acceptableforagoodleadertobe strictoccasionally,butonly sometimes.Ifaleaderisintimidating 24/7,itiseasierfortheteamto approachthem.Peopletendtoavoid individualswhoareoverlystrictand intimidating,causingprofessional relationshipstosuffer
15.MoreDiversityEqualsMore Creativity
Researchsuggeststhatfemaleleaders tendtoencourageparticipation amongteammembers.Agoodleader shouldnotexhibitanyformof discriminationbasedonraceor gender.Whenindividualsfrom diversebackgroundscollaborate,they bringuniqueperspectives,whichcan bebeneficialwhenworkingona specifictask.Therefore,aleadermust activelylistentotheopinionsofall teammembersassignedtothetask,as thisfostersapositiveworking environmentandpromotesteam cohesion.Suchaleaderisoften highlyregardedbytheircolleagues.
Wehopethattheinsightsand experiencesfemaleleaderssharehave motivatedyoutoimproveyour leadershipskills.Byembracingthe lessonstaughtbytheseoutstanding individuals,wecanworktowards buildingamorediverseandfair society Todiscovermorevaluable information,continuereadingMirror Review
Connie Ansaldi
Leading the Charge for Diversity in Tech
Historically,thetechnology industryhasbeendominated bymen,resultinginalackof representationandconsiderationfor issuesthatdisproportionatelyaffect women.Womenleaders,ontheother hand,areplayingasignificantrolein today’stechno-savvyworldby introducingempathyasakey characteristicforhigh-performing teams.Withtheiruniqueleadership abilities,theyarepromotingglobal diversityandinclusion.Accordingto studiesconductedbyMSCIandthe HarvardInstitute,companieswith womenintopleadershippositions outperformtheirpeers.Thisiscrucial notonlyfromamoralperspectivebut alsofromabusinessstandpoint.Inthis context,womenleaderslikeConnie Ansaldi(CEO, Carnaval Art)bringa uniqueperspectivetothetable.Her unwaveringcommitmenttopromoting diversityandinclusionhasmadehera respectedfigureintheinnovationand technologicalindustry
“By advocating for change and raising awareness about these issues, we can help bring attention to the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace,” Conniesays.
ImprovingLivesthroughTechnology
Connie’seducationalandprofessional journeyisatestamenttoher determinationandpassionforbuilding thefuture.Growingupasamemberof GenerationX,shedidnothavethe internet.However,astechnology advanced,sheembraceditand subsequentlyhelpedothersdothe same.Shehashelpedbusinessesand peopleadopttechnologiessincethe mid-1990s,firstinWeb1,theninWeb 2,andnowinWeb3.
Asaleaderandentrepreneur,Connieis committedtomakingadifferencein people’slives.Sherecognizesthesame humandesiresandneedswherevershe goes,inspiringhertokeeppushing
CONNIE ANSALDI CEO | CARNAVAL ART
forward.Hereffortshavealreadymade asignificantimpact,andshehas becomeasought-afterspeakeraround theworld.Sheusesherplatformto encourageotherstopursuetheir dreamsandaspirations,buildinga communityof3millionpeoplethatshe supportsandmotivatestoreachtheir fullpotential.Thatearnedherthe nicknameofReinventionQueen.
CarnavalArt:Revolutionizingthe ArtMarketwithBlockchain Technology
Establishedin2021,CarnavalArtwas bornasahighly–curatedNFT marketplaceofIbero-Americanartists securedontheBitcoinblockchain networkontheRootstocksidechain. ThenCarnavalpivotedtoaB2B businessmodelasanocodeplatform thatreducesfrictionintheadoptionof Web3andprovidesbrandswithtools toimproveengagementwiththeir customers.CarnavalArtisaloyalty ecosystemwithitsownblockchain, wallet,andportal.
UndertheleadershipofConnieandan amazingteamofexperts,CarnavalArt isbecomingthego-todestinationfor brandslookingtooptimize,createor maketheirfirstmoveswiththeirown loyaltyprograms.Theteamworkswith eachclientinanimmersiveand personalizedway,ensuringthatthe strategyisalignedwiththeirDNAand expectations.
RedefiningLoyaltyProgramswith PersonalizedStrategies
Stayingaheadofthecompetitionin Web3andblockchaintechnology demandsconstantiterationwith customers.Whatsetsthecompany apartareitsconstantiteration,rapid learning,andforwardmovementand
“The big challenge is not breaking the crystal ceiling but the cement minds.”
alsothebrandingandmarketing expertiseofCarnaval’sCLevel.It incorporatesartasadifferentiatorin theprocess,allowingavarietyof artiststocreateone-of-a-kind experiences.Itsteamiscommittedto listeningtouserfeedbackandlearning howitscustomersadoptnewtools. “When working on innovation, there is no benchmark: you are your own benchmark. And that is why it’s essential to pay close attention to user feedback,” addsConnie.
NavigatingtheStorm
AstheCEOofCarnavalArt,Connie’s primaryrolesandresponsibilities includeforgingalliances,definingthe product,attractingcustomers,and makingtheirvalueproposition visible.Herleadershipabilitieswere puttothetestin2022,achallenging yearforthecryptoindustry.Despite this,Conniewasabletonavigatethe marketuncertaintyandemergewitha superiorproposal,whichwasa significantaccomplishment. Furthermore,sheisalsoleadinga StartupsecosystemcalledLadinnerde losFounders,ContameunSecreto,a mentalhealthinitiative,and representingthenumberone OrganizationalDesignStudioin AustraliacalledNeu21.
BreakingBarriersandEmpowering Women
Connieisleadingthechargeforgender equalityinthetechindustry.At
CarnavalArt,thecultureisoneof perpetuallearning,continuous iteration,andconstantcommunication. With50%oftheteamcomposedof women,thecompanyvaluesgender equalityandencourageslearning throughhands-onexperiencesand opendiscussions.
However,therealityofgender disparityinthetechsectorcannotbe ignored.Asper UN Women,only7% oftechnologycompaniesintheworld areledbywomen,andamere3%of venturecapitalfundingisallocatedto companiesledbywomen.Connie,asa CEO,isacutelyawareoftheproblem andisdeterminedtomakeachange. “Even if it is uncomfortable, we must bring this conversation to the table in order to make these issues visible to the decision-makers,” mentionsConnie.
FromOvercomingPrejudicesto LeadinginInnovation
Connie’sjourneytobecominga successfulleaderhasnotbeena cakewalk.Accordingtoher,oneofthe biggesthurdlesshehashadto overcomeisotherpeople’sprejudices andfearoftheunknown.Toovercome thesechallenges,sheplacesastrong emphasisoneducationandoutreach. Shealsoteachesblockchain technologytothousandsofpeople. “If we can help them understand it, they stop fearing it, and therefore, can adopt it,” Conniesuggests.
JugglingWorkandCommunity Building
AstheCEOofCarnavalArt,Connie’s workkeepsheroccupied,yetshe enjoyscommunitybuilding.She spendsalotoftimeengagingwith peopleandprovidingthemwithtools thataddvaluetotheirdailylives.Apart fromwork,shelovestraveling, exploringtheworld,andmeetingnew people.
RevealsTrendsDrivingtheFuture
AccordingtoConnie,threetrendsthat willdrivethefutureoftechare blockchain,artificialintelligence,and immersivetechnology
• Blockchaintechnologyhasbeen gainingtractioninrecentyears duetoitsabilitytooffer transparency,decentralization,and traceabilityinallkindsof operations.
• Artificialintelligence,ontheother hand,hasthepotentialto encompasseverythingand everyoneuntilwecannolonger distinguishhumansfrom machines.
• Lastly,immersivetechnologyisa newwayofexchangingandliving experiences.
EMPOWERING SUCCESS
The Top 5 Women CEOs on Fortune's Global 500 List by Net Worth
I“If you’re clear on what you believe, you have a great foundation to go make a market,” statedGinniRometty, IBM’sChairman,President,andCEO.ForfemaleCEOs, thejourneytowardsuccessisnoeasyfeat.Recentstatistics revealthatonly24%ofwomenholdleadershippositions, andfemalesholdamere29%ofseniormanagementroles. Despitethechallenges,40%ofwomenhaveachievedthe covetedpositionofCEO.Impressively,41oftheFortune 500businessesareledbyfemaleCEOs.Thesefiguresare startling;womenmustbegivenmoreopportunitiestoexcel intheirrespectivefields.Thisarticlewillshowcasethetop fivewomenCEOsonFortune’sGlobal500listwhohave madehistoryandinspiredfuturegenerationswiththeir exceptionalcareers.
1.MaryBarra
●Yearof Birth:1961
●Country:USA
●Company: GeneralMotors
●Networth:$171Million
In1985,MaryBarracompletedherundergraduatestudies inElectricalEngineeringatKetteringUniversity.Later,she earnedagranttopursueherMasterofBusiness AdministrationfromStanfordGraduateSchoolofBusiness, whichshecompletedin1990.
Marybeganhercareerin1980at18asaco-opstudentwith GeneralMotors.Overtheyears,sheworkedherwayupthe ranksandwasappointedVicePresidentofGlobal ManufacturingEngineeringin2008.Thefollowingyear, shewasselectedtoserveasVicePresidentofGlobal HumanResources,apositionshehelduntil2011.In2011, MarybecameVicePresidentofGlobalProduct Development,andtwoyearslater,herrolewasexpandedto includepurchasingandsupplychains.Andin2014,Mary wasnamedCEOofGeneralMotors.
Maryhashadasuccessfulcareerasatopexecutive, earningaccoladessuchasForbes’35thmostpowerful womanin2013andrankingfourthinthesamecompetition in2018.ShewasalsonamedfirstonFortune’slistofthe mostpowerfulwomenin2015,holdingthatpositionuntil 2017.In2023,shewasawardedtheLarryFosterAwardfor IntegrityinPublicCommunicationattheArthurW.Page CenterAwards.MaryBarraiscurrentlyrankedthirdamong thetopfivefemaleCEOsonFortune'sWorldwide500list, andhercompany,GeneralMotors,hasamarketvalueof $55.06billion.
2.GailK.Boudreaux
●Yearof Birth:1960
●Country:USA
●Company:ElevanceHealthInc
●Networth:$99Million
Gail’stransformationfromabasketballsuperstartothe CEOofElevanceHealth(formerlyAnthem)hasinspired many AftergraduatingfromDartmouthCollegein1982, GailpursuedheracademiccareeratColumbiaUniversity’s businessschool,whereshegraduatedwithhonorsin1989.
In2002,afterspendingtwodecadesinAETNA,Gailwas selectedasthepresidentofBlueShieldofIllinois.Shelater joinedUnitedHealthGroupinMay2008asanexecutive vicepresidentofUnitedHealthcare,wheresheworked until2014.In2015,sheestablishedandbecametheCEOof GKBHealthandLLC.OnNovember6,2016,shewas appointedCEOofElevanceHealthInc.
Between2008and2021,Gailwasrecognizedasoneofthe 50mostinfluentialwomeninAmericanbusinessandoneof Forbes’100mostpowerfulwomenglobally.In2020,she securedthetenthspotonForbes’listofThe100Most PowerfulWomen,andin2021,sheranked16th. Additionally,shewasawardedtheTheodoreRoosevelt Awardin2022.Presently,ElevanceHealthboastsamarket valueof$105.37billion.
Mary Barra General Motors
Carol Tomé UPS
3.CarolTomé
●Yearof Birth:1957
●Country:USA
●Company: UPS
●Networth:$67.5Million
Carolhasalwaysbeeninterestedinfinance,possibly becauseherfatherwasacommunitybanker.Afterearninga businessdegreefromTheUniversityofDenver,she envisionedworkinginabank.
Carolhasheldvariouspositionsinhercareer.Sheservedas abusinesslenderforWellsFargoandasJohnsManville Corporation’sbankingdirector Additionally,shewasthe vicepresidentandtreasurerforRiverwoodInternational CorporationinAtlanta.
In2001,CarolwaspromotedtoCFOatTheHomeDepot. ShewasappointedCEOofUnitedParcelService(UPS) afterabriefretirementperiodin2020.ForbeslistedCarol amongthetop12to16mostinfluentialwomenglobally Additionally,shesecuredthesecondpositiononTheWall StreetJournal’srankingofthebestchieffinancialofficersin 2012.
4.KarenLynch
●Yearof Birth:1963
●Country:USA
●Company:CVSHealth
●Networth:$51.2Million
KarenLynchholdsabachelor’sdegreeinaccountingfrom BostonUniversity’sCarrollSchoolofManagement.She obtainedherCertifiedPublicAccountant(CPA)certification upongraduation.
AfterstartinghercareerintheinsuranceindustryatErnst& Young,KarenbecamethepresidentofCignaDentalin2004 aftercompletingherMBA.In2009,sheleftCignatotake ontheroleofpresidentatMagellanHealthServices.Then, in2012,shejoinedAetnaastheseniorvicepresidentand headofSpecialtyproducts.
In2015,Karenmadehistoryasthefirstfemalepresidentof hercompany.Duringthepandemic,shewasappointed presidentandCEOofCVSHealth,becomingthehighestrankingfemaleCEOoftheFortune500andthe40thfemale chiefexecutive.Underherleadership,CVSHealth successfullyadministeredanddistributedCOVIDvaccines
toover50statesintheUS.Herachievements earnedheraspotonTime’sTime100listofthe world’smostinfluentialpeoplein2023.Currently, themarketvalueofCVSHealthis$88.92billion.
5.RosalindBrewer
●Yearof Birth:1962
●Country:USA
●Company:WalgreensBootsAlliance
●Networth:$24.4Million
Rosalindhasalwaysbeenintriguedbynumbers andscience.Herinterestinthesesubjectshasled hertoachievethesecond-highestrankingamong thetopfivefemaleCEOsonFortune’sGlobal500 list.Thissuccesshasinspiredhertopursueacareer inmedicine.AftergraduatingfromCassTechnical HighSchoolin1980,sheattendedSpelman Collegeandobtainedabachelor'sdegreein Chemistry.
Aftergraduating,Rosalindstartedworkingasa researchtechnicianatKimberly-Clark.She completedexecutiveeducationprogramsatthe UniversityofChicagoBoothSchoolofBusiness andStanfordLawSchoolandanadvanced managementprogramatTheWhartonSchoolof theUniversityofPennsylvania.
Rosalindistheonlyblackwomancurrentlyleading aFortune500corporation.Sheisanaccomplished workingmomnamedtheworld’smostpowerfulin 2013.In2020,Forbesrecognizedherasthe27th mostpowerfulwomanintheworldandthe48th mostinfluentialwoman.Shewasrecentlynamed oneofUSAToday’sWomenoftheYear.It’s impressivethathercompany,WalgreenBoots Alliance,isnowvaluedat$25.12billionin2023.
Insummary,thesefemaleCEOshaveincreased theircompanies’marketvaluethroughtheirhard workanddetermination.Itisnotaneasytaskto holdthepositionofCEO,regardlessofgender. Therefore,womenwhohavethispositionshould beconsidered.Encouragingmorewomentoaspire toseniormanagementrolesisvital,andensuring theyaretreatedsomewhatiscritical.Ourarticleon thetop5womenCEOsonFortune’sGlobal500 listaimstoinspireupcomingfemaleCEOsto perseveredespitetheirchallenges.
Exhibiting Proficient Leadership in Media and Information Management
Leadershipinthemediasector involveswearingnumerous hatswhilebeingatthe organization’sforefront.Theroleof medialeadersisnotjustconfinedto theareasofmanagementand operationsbutinvolvestakingcharge ofseveralotheraspectssuchas ensuringauthenticity,verifying,and monitoringthetransparentflowof information.Moreover,theyarealso responsibleforleadingtheteamand ensuringswiftorganizational operations.
Anillustriousexampleofsuchardent andzestfulleadershipisportrayedby MichelleGuglielmoGilliam.Sheisa recognizedmedialeaderwithan eminentcareerbackground.Her journeyintopublicrelationsand marketingstartedinthenewsmedia. Michellewasalwaysawareofher willingnesstoworkinmedia—there wasnoonedefiningmomentthat pushedherinthatdirection.After graduatingwithhonorsfromVillanova University,sheworkedinnewsrooms fromMiamitoNewJersey,learning thetradeandeventuallybecamea reporter
Followinghercareerinnews,shetook apositionasaproduceronThe
People’sCourt,cultivatingher journalismskillsonanational courtroomprogram.However, Michelle’spathtookadifferentturn afterthehistoric9/11incident,andshe beganproducingconferenceson militarytopics.Gleaninglessonsfrom topgenerals,admirals,andDepartment ofDefenseofficials,Michellehoned herspecialeventproductionskills,a tradesheoftenusesinhercareertoday. Currently,MichellespearheadsPoint TakenCommunications asthe FounderandPresidentand contributestoitsimmensesuccessand development.
InarecentconversationwithMirror Review,Michelleelaboratedonher rolesandresponsibilitiesasamedia leaderandspokeabouthercompany anditsupcomingplans.Followingare somesnippetsfromtheinsightful conversation:
According to you, how have the customer preferences in media industry evolved over the past few years?
Aspeople’shabitsandtechnology change,themediaisevolvingtomeet thegrowingdemandsofconsumers. Customersarenolongerwillingto
ichelle Gilliam
waitfortheeveningnewscastorthemorningpaperto learnwhattheyneedtoknowabouttheircommunity, theirindustry,orotherissuesthataffectthem.Theywant informationandtheywantitontheirterms,whetherthey receivethatinformationviaanewsalertontheirphone, asocialmediapost,oratextfromafriend.
Can you please walk us through the establishment journey of Point Taken?
IstartedPointTakenshortlyaftermysonwasbornwith Downsyndrome.Ashehasgrownandmatured,sohas PointTaken.Westartedasapublicrelationsconsultancy andhavegrownintoaboutiqueagencyoffering marketing,PR,webdesign,andvideoproduction.
Being at the company’s forefront, what are your primary roles and responsibilities?
Imanageallbusinessoperationswhileworkingwithmy teamtoensurewealwaysproducetop-qualityworkon budgetandontime.Asateamofseniorprofessionals, ourgoalistomakeourclients’jobseasier,findingthem newopportunitiestopromotethemselvesandtheir organizations.
Can you please walk us through the prominent highlights of your career as a media leader?
OneofmycareerhighlightswasbeingnamedaWomen ofInfluencebyPetAgeMagazineandreceivingmultiple awardsforPointTaken’sworkasatopPRandmarketing agency.However,mybiggestachievementiscreatingan environmentthatallowswork/lifebalanceatPoint Taken.Idropoffmysonandpickhimupfromschool eachday,oftenspendingtimewithhisteachersand administrativestaff,aspartofmyroleasvicepresident oftheschool’sboardofdirectors.
How do you ensure optimum satisfaction for your clients and customers?
AtPointTaken,ourjobistonotonlyensureoptimum customersatisfactionbutalsotoguideourclientsto makedecisionsthatresultinthebestreturnontheir investments.Wehelpourclientscreatenewsworthyand shareablecontent.
Token of Leadership
Always put your family first, grow your business for both profits and the good of the community and treat your team as your family.
They will perform better the more respect you give them.
The global pandemic resulted in massive disruptions within every sector. What measures did you incorporate to counter the challenges induced during the pandemic?
Asabusinessowner,Ibalancedrunningan increasinglybusyagencywithhomeschool.Inthe faceofthisunprecedentedtimeinmodernhistory,we pivotedourstrategies,guidingourclientsto communicateclearly,concisely,andcalmlywiththeir employeesandcustomers.Wehelpedourclients sharepaycheckprotectionprograminformation, mentalhealthstrategies,andopeningandclosing notices.
Duringthesummerof2020,wepivotedagain, assistingourclientsinthedevelopmentofthoughtful statementsaboutdiversitypolicies.Ourbiggest lessonof2020wastobeflexible,mindful,and resilientaswefacedatimeofinternationalcrisis.
While working within an industry where the flow of information is rapid and continuous, how do you ensure maintaining transparency and authenticity?
Informationisspreadingfasterthaneverbefore, allowingforariseindisinformation.Asmedia leaders,wemustcombatthespreadof misinformation,reestablishingtrustinthemedia. Thattrustbeginswitheachandeveryoneofus.We needtocheckoursourcesforcredibility,ensurewe havemultiplesourcesandencouragecollaborative teamworktofact-checkourstories.Weaspublic relationsprofessionalsmustensureweareonly workingwithethicalclients,pitchingnewsworthy stories,andcreatingin-housecontentthatismoral andfactual.
How do you envision the future of Point Taken Communications?
Aswecontinuetogrowand5Gtakesover telecommunications,PointTakenforeseesaneedfor morein-house,brand-developedcontentthatcanbe deployedquickly Weplantocontinuetogrowour contentdevelopmentdivision,offeringmorecustom video,copy,creative,anddynamiccontent.
THE USA LEADERS IS AN ILLUMINATING DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT DRIVES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN LEADERS DISRUPTING TECHNOLOGY WITH AN UNPARALLELED APPROACH.