Diane Ayres
EDITOR’S LETTER
EDITOR’S LETTER
Disrupting the business world
DearReaders,
Forcenturies,thedomainofbusinesshasbeenpredominantlyoccupiedbymen,whohave achievedtremendoussuccess.However,unlikeanyotherfield,womenhavecapitalizedon everyopportunitytoestablishatheirdomaninaceandinfluencethebusinessdomain,attaining remarkablesuccessandacclaimthroughinnovativeideasandconcepts.Theiraccomplishmentshavebeenso impressivethatnumerouscompaniesnowactivelyseektoappointwomenasCEOsorCMOs,aimingto leveragetheirexpertiseforthebenefitoftheirventures.
Despiteongoingstrugglesforgenderequalityinthepresentlandscape,therearethesebusinesswomenwho havealreadyemergedvictoriousinthisbattle,showcasinganalternativepathtoattainingthedesired recognitionandtreatmentwithinoursociety Achievingequalityisnotsolelydependentonprotestsorslogans; itnecessitatessubstantialeffortanddedicationinone'swork.Thisimportantpointhasbeenhighlightedby successfulfemaleentrepreneurs.
Againstthisbackdrop,wearedelightedtopresentourlatestmagazineissuetitled“The10Revolutionary BusinessWomenLeadersOf2023Vol.2.”Withinthisedition,wehavecuratedacollectionofthetop10 womenentrepreneurswhohavedecipheredthecodeofsuccess,scalingtheheightsofachievementandserving asbeaconsofguidancefortheupcominggeneration.
Inourcoverstory,wefeatureDianeAyres,co-founderandPresidentofPorchLightRentalandDestination Services.Renownedforherinnovativeandhighlyeffectiveapproachintherealestatebusiness,Ayreshas assistednumerousfamiliesandindividualsinseamlesslytransitioningtonewlocationsduetojobrelocations.
Additionally,wearehonoredtoshowcasethesuccessstoriesofCynthiaGibson,EdithHamilton,Mirella Hansen,andHollySinger Theseremarkablewomenleadershavecarvedtheirownpathstosuccess,forging aheadontheirjourneystocreateanenduringlegacyandleaveanindeliblemarkinthehistoryofwomen's entrepreneurship
We hope you have a wonderful reading experience.
Tejas Tahmankar Project Editor
PUBLISHER
ARCHANA
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
VIKRAM
MANAGING EDITOR
PANKAJ
PROJECT EDITORS
TEJAS TAHMANKAR
PROJECT MANAGERS
CHRIS
VISUALIZER
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
ASHWINI DHUMAL
AAKASH MAHAJAN HEAD OF DISTRIBUTION & PRODUCTION
ROBERT SMITH HEAD OF OPERATIONS
RESEARCH ANALYSTS
JAMES ADAMS
ADVERTISING
MARIA
STORY
Diane Ayres COVER
22 CYNTHiA GiBSON 28 EDiTH HAMiLTON HOLLY
SiNGER
HANSEN
TThecorporateworldiswitnessingasignificantshiftin leadershiproles,withwomenincreasinglytakingthereins invariousindustries.DianeAyresandJanetZamecnikare twoprominentfemaleleadersattheforefrontofreshaping rentalanddestinationserviceswithprocessexcellence.
DianeAyres,theco-founderandPresidentofPorchLight RentalandDestinationServices,recognizedaglaringgap intherelocationandrealestateindustriesandsetouttofill itwithherinnovativeapproach.JanetZamecnik,cofounderandVPofOperationsisanotherforcetoreckon withintheindustry.Herprocessexcellenceapproachhas enabledPorchLighttoconsistentlydeliverexceptional service.
Together,DianeandJanet’sleadershipandinnovative approachhaverevolutionizedtherentalanddestination servicesindustry,providingcriticalsupporttopeopleand familiesembarkingonjobtransfers.Theircontributions havenotgoneunnoticedandhavepavedtheway,notonly inrelocationandrentalfindingbutalsoformorewomento takeonleadershiprolesinthecorporateworld.
FromGroundFloorOpportunitytoAspiringLeader
DianebeganhercareerwithCorporateLodgings,a companythatprovidedshort-termfurnishedhousingto peopleandfamilieswhowererelocatingandinneedof temporaryhousinguntillocatingtheirpermanenthome. Fromthegroundup,shelearnedhowtobuildaservice businessandhonedherskillsatsellingtocorporate decision-makers.Injust18months,shebeganexpanding thebusinessintonewmarkets.Overthecourseofsixyears, CorporateLodgingshadinventoryandofficesin Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Louisville, Lexington, Detroit, and Milwaukee.Hertenacityanddeterminationpaidoffasshe drovethecompany’sgrowth,andtheownerdecidedtotake thecompanypublic.Theymergedwithfourother companiestoformBridgeStreetAccommodations,which wentpublicin1996.
Diane’sexperienceworkingforapubliccompanyprovided herwithinvaluableinsightintoitsoperations.She continuedtolearnandgainnewopportunities.These
experiencesgavehertheknowledgeandconfidenceto launchherownservicebusinessintherelocationand mobilityindustries.
“I identified that when people move and buy a home, they have excellent support, but if that same person was renting, the support was non-existent in a professional, quality way,” mentionsDiane.Sherecognizedagapinthemarket, andherownbusiness,PorchLight,herbrainchild,setoutto changethat.
FromVisiontoReality
EstablishedonMay19,2003,PorchLightRental& DestinationServicesprimarilyservestherequirementsof Human Resource Departments, Global Mobility Departments, and Relocation Management firms throughout theUnitedStatesandCanada.SituatedinStow,OH,the companythriveswiththevisiontorevolutionizerental findinganddestinationservices.Atthecoreofthisvisionis apassionforadvocatingforrenterstohaverental-finding services.Withtheirkeenunderstandingofcustomer challenges,cutting-edgetechnology,andprocess excellence,PorchLightisabletodeliverbest-in-class customerexperiences,resultinginongoingtrustand measurablevaluefortheirclients.
HelpingEmployersandRentersThrive
Fromallthenewscoverageandfromhumanresource recruitingdata,thewarfortalenthasbeenachallengefor years,especiallyinSTEMpositions.Relocatingemployees fornewrolesorpromotionscanmakethattaskevenmore difficultforemployers.Employeeswhoareupwardly mobilearefrequentlyrequiredtorelocateinorderto advance.However,relocationservicesandtherealestate industryprimarilycatertohomebuyers,leavingrentersata disadvantage.Relocatedrentersareoftenprovidedwithin 30daysoftemporaryhousingastheyarerequiredtostart theirnewposition,butnoserviceisprovidedtohelpthem learnaboutthecommunityandqualifyforthebestrentals fortheirneeds.Sheacknowledgedthisdisparity.
Furthermore,therentalmarketcanbedifficultforrenters duetolimitedinventoryandtimeconstraintswhen searchingforrentaloptionswhilealsostartingtheirnew job.Thosewithpetsorcreditblemishesmayfacerejection fromlandlords,whichcanbeasignificantsourceofpain. Moreover,newlyrelocatedrentersoftenlackthenecessary knowledgeoftheareatomakeaconfidentleasingdecision.
Thecompanyunderstandsthatrenters needmorethanjustaccesstorental listings.Theyneedsupportfromlocal expertswhocanadvisethemonthe bestplacestolive,confirmrental availability,andassistthemin assimilatingintoanewcommunity
DianeandJanetobservethatappsand onlinetoolsarenotenoughtomakean informeddecision.However, PorchLight’sknowledgeablestaff, localrentalexperts,andleasereview capabilitieshelpmitigaterisksfor customers.Itsproprietaryreporting tool, Renter Analytics, enables employerstomeasuretheeffectiveness oftheserviceprovided,ensuringthat theiremployees’needsaremet.The companyunderstandsallthepitfalls thatrentersmayencounterandstays withthemthroughouttheentireservice experienceuntilarentalisidentified.
AKeyDifferentiator-Beyond RelocationPolicySupport
Forover20years,PorchLighthasbeen settingitselfapartfromcompetitors whoofferso-called“techsolutions”for renters.AccordingtoDiane,“tech offerings”mayseemappealing,but theyfallshortofaddressingtheactual needsofrentersinanewcity.They alsocannotprovidethesamelevelof supportandexpertisethatapersonal home-findingexperiencecanoffer. Overthelasttwoyears,therental marketofferedsuchlimitedavailability thattherewerebiddingwarsonrentals. Anonlinerental-findingtoolcan’t negotiaterentersintoleases. Professional,localexpertiseand supportmadeallthedifferencefor customers,whowerechallengedbythe volumeofrentalapplicants.However, PorchLightdifferentiatesitselffromits competitorsbyfocusingonrefiningits serviceofferingstoaddressthereal problemsrentersface.
Itgoesaboveandbeyondacompany’s policysupporttoensureproper attentionforrentersastheytransition totheirnewlocation.Throughits Renter Analytics portal,clientshave 24/7accesstoreviewPorchLight’s performance.Thedataandreporting providedthroughthisportalgive stakeholderstheinformationtheyneed whenassessingtheservicevalue.This ongoingrental-findingassistanceisa competitivebenefitthatdistinguishes thecompanyfromitscompetitors.
Love-HateRelationshipwiththe RelocationIndustry
Dianelovesthefactthathercompany helpspeoplefindtheirdreamhomesin newplaces.Thesatisfactionthatcomes fromcustomerswhodidn’tknowrental findingservicesexistedandhowlife-
changingtheyareduringahectic, stressfulrelocationbringsgreat satisfactiontoallinvolved,especially therenterandtheemployerwho investedintheservice.It’sawin-win. However,thereisanopportunityfor companiestoincorporaterentalhomefindingservicesintotheirrelocation policies.Rental-findingassistanceis theleastexpensiveserviceinthe relocationprocess,yetitisoften overlooked.Forasmallinvestment, companieswouldseesignificant returnsinmobileemployeessecuringa leasemorequickly,acclimatingwith ease,andreportingtoworkreadyfor theirnewrole.
“Corporations require ROI and positive employee experiences as they relocate their talent. When clients understand how effective PorchLight’s
service is at helping mobile employees quickly and confidently secure their new lease, the service becomes a staple of their relocation policy. The results are undeniable, and the ROI is realized.”
PartnershipImportance:SharedQualities
DianeandJanetmetwhilebothworkingatBridgeStreet Worldwide.Inthenewlyformedpubliccompany,theywere taskedwithbuildingtheglobalreservationcenter.Itwas duringthisexperiencethatDianewitnessedJanet’snatural talentforsystems,processdesign,andexecution.When theyformedPorchLight,Janetwaspreparedtouseher experiencetodesignthecustomsoftwareandworkflow neededforPorchLighttoprovidetheserviceandmetrics thatwoulddifferentiatePorchLightinthemarket.
BothJanetandDianepossesssharedqualitiessuchas passion,commitment,andperseverance,knowingthat withoutthem,partnershipsfailandemployeesleave.This helpedthemconquerthechallengesofstarting,growing, andmaintainingabusiness.Their20-yearpartnershipisa
“We believe in the service we offer and the value it provides to relocating people and families who choose to rent in their new destination. We are committed to, finding good people who care about the service they provide to customers.” “
testamenttothestrengthoftheirintegrityaspeopleand partners,whichhasplayedacrucialroleintheirsuccess.
“There are many challenges along the entrepreneurial business journey, but our trust in each other wasn’t one of them”. We are grateful for the team that joined us in this journey and for helping PorchLight deliver on our service promises for our customers,” DianeandJanetagree.
BuildingaStrongTeam
“We are believers that we don’t motivate people We provide an environment where motivated people will succeed, ” saysDiane,statingheruniqueperspectiveon motivation.Herleadershipteambelievesincreatinga qualityworkenvironmentwheretrustandcommunication thrive,allowingteammemberstogrowandexcel.As motivatedindividualsaredrivenbyasenseofconnection andpurpose,shelooksforteammemberswhopossessgood characterandself-motivationandthosewhotakepridein theirwork.
Dianeopinestheyareaccountabletotheirteam,andthat theirteamisaccountabletothemintheirbusiness interactions.Sheknowsthatiftheycanattractcustomersto theirdoor,herteam’sperformanceanddedicationwillkeep themcomingbackformore.
StrikingthePerfectBalance
COVER STORY
Achievingawork-lifebalanceisnoeasyfeat,butitis somethingthatDianeandJanettakeseriouslyfor themselvesandalloftheirteammembers.Oneexampleis makingsureweandourteamdoesn’tmissimportantevents orcompromisefamilyneeds.Frompreschoolgraduations andsportingeventstocaringforsickchildrenorelderly parents,weincorporateflexibilitytomeetpersonaland businessneeds.
BothDianeandJanethaveraisedtheirfamilieswhile startingandbuildingPorchLight.Theycredittheirteam’s workethic,pride,andindependentworkstyle,aswellas theirsupportivespouses,whoplayacrucialroleinhelping themstrikeabalancebetweenworkandpersonallife.
UnlockingtheSecrettoSuccess
Dianeadvisesaspiringwomenleaderstofindtheirpassion, recognizetheirtalentsandweaknesses,andsurround themselveswithsupportivepeoplewhocanbalancetheir shortcomings.Sheemphasizestheimportanceofhumility, honesty,andopennesstofeedbackfromtrustedteam members,aswellashardworkandcommitment,askey elementstoachievingsuccess. “Capitalize on your talents to grow your business and lead your department and organization,” addsDiane.
EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESSWOMAN
CYNTHIA L GIBSON POWERHOUSE LAWYER TURNED
Businessleaderstodaymust
navigatecomplexanddynamic situations.Greatleadersare adaptableandadjusttotheneedsof theirteamandthecompany They supportandempathizewiththeirstaff members,andarededicatedtothe company’svisionandmission.
Gibson,aseasoneddirectorand memberoftheC-suite,isan encouraging,motivating,andtrue businesswoman.Cynthiaworksat BushBrothers&Company,oneof thetopmanufacturersofconsumer packagedgoodswithdistributionin retail,foodservice,anddirect-toconsumers,asgeneralcounselanda memberoftheseniorleadershipteam.
ADrivingForceGrowingup
Cynthiagrewup90milessouthinthe littletownofAndrews,NorthCarolina. Fromanearlyage,shestartedviewing
theworldfromabusinessperspective throughherparents’furniturestore. Fromemployeeissuestodelivery scheduling,businessissueswere commontopicsofdiscussionatthe dinnertable.Cynthiaalsogainedfirsthandknowledgeofsacrificialeffort andcommunityservicefromher mother,whowasalwaysconcerned withothers,whetheritwasleading UnitedWaycampaigneffortsor anonymouslydonatingcoldweather clothingtoGibson’sclassmatesevery year
GibsonbeganherlegalpracticeatKatz TellerinCincinnati,Ohio,mid-size lawfirmspecializinginmiddlemarket businessesandhighnetworth individuals.Sheworkeddirectlywith businessownerswhowereinterested inpracticalbusiness-orientedsolutions, notloftylegalmemoranda.AtKatz Teller,shespecializedincommercial
litigationandwasthechairofthelabor andemploymentlawpractice
After20yearsinprivatepractice, GibsonjoinedScrippsNetworks Interactive(NASDAQ:SNI)whereshe ultimatelybecameExecutiveVice PresidentofLegalandBusiness Affairs.Sheledthecompany’slegal, business,andgovernmentaffairsas wellasitscorporatesecretary, regulatory,ethics&compliance, shareholder,andinternalauditing matters.Sheworkedwithaglobal teamcomprisingover120 professionals.AsSNIexpanded abroad,Cynthiasetupthecompany’s globalethicsandcompliance programs.Shealsohandledseveral issuesrelatingtogovernmentaffairs, suchasfightingpotentiallimitationson foreignownershipforasignificant Europeansubsidiary.HerM&A experienceincludesthe$14billionsale ofSNItoDiscovery,the$500million
investmentinajointventurewiththe BBCintheUK,andthe$2billion purchaseofapubliclytradedmedia companyinPoland.
Beforeits$14.6billionsaleto Discoveryin2018,SNIwasaFortune 1000firmwithwell-knownUSbrands likeHGTV,FoodNetwork,andTravel Channelaswellasoverseasnameslike UKTV,TVN,andAsianFoodChannel.
Bush’sBest
FollowingSNI’ssaletoDiscovery, GibsonwasnamedGeneralCounselat BushBrothers&Companyin Knoxville,TN. Bush’swasestablished in1908byA.J.BushinChestnutHill, Tennessee,andwasfoundedonthe ideathatthereisonlyonerightwayto carryoutanytask.InherroleatBush, Gibsonhasresponsibilityforlegal, externalaffairs,sustainabilityand corporatedevelopmentandalso overseesBush’sVisitorCenterin ChestnutHill,Tennessee,which includesamuseumdedicatedtoall thingsbeans.
Bush’s®isThatBeautifulBean Co.—aquality-obsessed,familyownedbusinesssince1908.Webelieve inthegoodnessofthehumblebean,a foodthat’sequallygoodforhumans andtheearth.Whenyouenjoyour beans,youcantrustthatthey’rethe verybest.Becausewewouldn’tserve yourfamilyanythingless.Sincewe gotourstartmorethan110yearsago inChestnutHill,Tenn.,Bush’shas alwaysmaintainedthatqualityisthe bestpolicy Wepursueexcellenceand exceptionaltasteinourbeans,sauces, andeverythingwedo.That’swhy, frommouthwateringBakedBeansto ChiliBeanstoournewestSidekicks, you’recookingupthebestwith Bush’s.Formoreinformation,visit www.bushbeans.com.
BoardService
Cynthiahasalsoleveragedher experiencethroughboardservice.She servesontheboardsofTheTrust CompanyofTennessee,aprivately heldfinancialservicescompanywith morethan$4billioninassetsunder management,andonanadvisoryboard forSmartBank,adivisionof SmartFinancialInc.WhileatSNI,she alsoservedonthesupervisoryboard andchairedtheNominationand Remuneration(Compensation) CommitteeofTVN,S.A.(WIG:TVN), a$2billionpubliclytradedmedia companythatSNIbought.
Shehasalsoheldpositionson numerousnonprofitboards,including theUnitedWayofAmerica,theUnited
WayofGreaterKnoxvilleandthe KnoxvilleAreaUrbanLeague.Sheis particularlyproudofherworkwith WomenUnited,whichshehelped foundinbothCincinnatiandin KnoxvilleandalsoservedasChairof itsnationalboard.“Womenoftenhave untappedpotentialandpassionin traditionalphilanthropiccircles.”She ispleasedtohavehadtheopportunity togatherwomenaroundcausesthat mattertothemandtothecommunity.
ADecoratedCareer
Cynthiahasreceivednumerousawards andaccoladesduringhercareer.She wasnamedamongtheBestLawyersin AmericaninCommercialLitigation, Labor&EmploymentandHealthcare. Shewasnamedamongthebest50
“YOU HAVE TO CHART A COURSE AND HANDLE IT IN A WAY THAT WORKS FOR YOU AND YOUR PERSONALITY AND YOUR SKILL SETS TO BE SUCCESSFUL.”
womenlawyersinOhioandthetop25womenlawyersin Cincinnati.ShewasalsorecognizedbyCABLEFAXasoneof themostpowerfulwomenincabletelevision.Forher communityworkshereceivedtheRobertFKennedyAwardfor PublicService,wasrecognizedbytheGirlScoutsasaWoman ofDistinctionandreceivedtheLizzieCozierFrenchWomen’s LeadershipAward. SheisalsoagraduateofLeadership Tennessee,LeadershipKnoxvilleandLeadershipCincinnati.
BeliefsandBitsofAdvice
Cynthia’slifeandworkphilosophyarestraightforward.She believes,“Youmustapproacheverytaskwithafeelingof excellence.”Sheaddsthatworkinginthecommunityentails notdonatingtoacause“simplytogetyournameonalist,”but ratherspendingyourtimetofullycommittotheorganization’s mission.Cynthiabelievesthategoshavenoplaceinthe workplace.“Youshouldalwaysactinthecompany’sbest interest.Ifyouapproacheverythingyoudowiththecompany’s bestinterestinmind,ratherthanyourown,thatistrue leadership.”
Executive Coach
Hamilt on
"If you want to be a leader in finance, as a female you must manage your career proactively and courageously build relationships at least 2-3 levels above you."
An Inspiring Executive Coach for Women CFOs Disrupting the Finance Industry
Whydomaleexecutivesinfinanceandother
professionsearnmoreandgetgreater recognitionthanmostfemaleleaders?Typically menaremoresupportedbysenior-levelexecutivesandget promotedfaster.Ontheotherhand,womenoftengravitate tomentoring-stylepartnershipsthatprovidethemwith encouragementandadvice.Theyarelesslikelytotakerisks andelevatetheirownprofile.However,thissituationis changingasmorewomenleadersleaninandaskforclear sponsorshipandsupportfromtheircompanyleaders.One resourcemanyfemaleexecutivesturntoisEdithHamilton (ExecutiveCoachforCFOs,NEXTNewGrowth)whois equippingfinanceleaderstodrivechangeintheC-suite. SheequipsChiefFinancialOfficerstodeliverthegrowth, processimprovementsandprofitabilitythatdrivehigh multiples.
“I love the stories that numbers tell,” saysEdith.Financial statementsunfoldinsightsabouttheupsanddownsofthe organization.AsEdithfoundanaffinityfornumbersand lovedsolvingpuzzles,shebecameafinanceanalystinthe earlyyearsofherwork-life.Overthecourseofher corporatecareer,shereportedto8differentCFOs–andfrom someofthem,shelearnedhowtobeaneffectivefinancial leader.Fromothers,shelearnedwhatnottodo,andhow nottobe.
GivenEdith’sskills,experienceinthehealthcaresector,and recommendationsfromothers,anexecutivesearch consultantwhorepresentsalargeprivateequityfirm reachedouttohertoseeifshewouldcoachafemaleCFO ofahealthcarecompanyintheLosAngelesarea.Thisis howEdith’sjourneybeganasaCFOcoach;shelater becameaccreditedbytheInternationalCoachFederation aftera15-monthtraining,coachingandmentoringprocess ofherown.
DuringarecentconversationwithMirrorReview,Edith elaboratedonherprofessionaljourneyandthe establishmentofherorganization–NextNewGrowth Followingaresomesnippetsfromtheconversation:
1.Couldyoupleasesharewithusthemostinteresting storyaboutwhatbroughtyouintothefinancefield?
IactuallystartedasanEnglishmajorincollege!Iloved literature,andIhaveanaffinityforwordsasmuchasfor numbers.Backincollege,Ibeganworkingpart-timeatan investmentbankingfirm,whereIlearnedtousea spreadsheettoenterdataandcreateformulastoadd valuableinsightsandstatistics.Excelhelpedmeto
understand,organize,sort,andfiltermyworld.Suddenly, algebrahadpracticalapplicationsforme,andthedry statisticaltoolsIwasthenlearningincollegebecame meaningfulsourcesofnewinsightsformyboss,my colleaguesandourclients.Thispart-timejobduringmy collegedaysinspiredmetopivotandlooktowardacareer inthefinancefield.
2.Whatdoyouthinkmakesyoustandoutinthe competitivefinancesectorasaCFOCoach?
Foronething,I've“been there, done that”. Thisispartof whatmakesmeuniqueintheworldofCFOcoaching.In therealworld,Ihavewalkedamileintheirshoes. Additionally,IamtheonlyCFOcoachwhousesa technology-basedplatformtosupplementthevalueofour weeklycoachingsessions.Ithelpsfinanceleadersrewrite theirbrainsforpeakperformanceinrelationtotheirCEO, theirBoard,theirpeersanddirectreports.Theycanlearn toidentifyandsilencetheirgreatestinternalcriticsto attainsuccessbeyondwhattheycouldhavewithoutthese specifictools.Thisiswhatgivestopperformersanedge, whilealsoincreasingjobsatisfaction–andincreased abilitytomanagetheoverwhelmthat’scommonto executives.
3. Whataretheexclusiveservices/solutionsofferedfor CFOsbyNEXTNewGrowth?
Ourcompanyoffersexecutivecoachingservicesfor privateequityandpubliccompaniesthatwanttodeliver growth,processimprovements,andcostsavings.Some focusareasforusinclude:
a. CFO Coaching: Wedesigncustomizedplanstogether basedonthediscussionswiththeprivateequityOperating Partner(s),theCEO,andtheCFO.Itincludesintercepting certainpatternsorbehavioralissuesthataretrippingyou up,broadeningyourvision,improvingteamperformance, enhancingleadershippresence,anddrivingKPIs(key performanceindicators).
b. Executive Coaching and Leadership Development: NEXTprovidesleadershipcoachingforCOOs,CXOs, SVPs,andotherseniorexecutives.Thisincludesprecoachingandpost-coaching360assessmentsthathelp identifythegreatestopportunitiesforimprovement, coachingsessionsthatincreaseflexibilityandversatilityas aleader,andevendirectmentoring.
c. Tech-enabled Executive Mind Fitness Program: NEXTusesanappdevelopedbythePositiveIntelligence grouptoextendtheeffectivenessofitsweeklycoaching usingasmartphone.Theappstrengthenscoremuscles
aroundcuriosity,connection,creativity,emotional intelligence,andenablesyoutotakeclear,laser-focused actionbasedonyourvaluescombinedwithdata. d. CFO First 90-Days Coaching:Thisstrategictransition planhelpsyouachievealignmentwiththestrategy, structure,systems,skills,andcultureofyournewfirm.It alsoenablesyoutobuildcooperative,trustingrelationships thataccelerateyourintegrationplansandhelpyoudelivera fewimportant“quickwins”thatareimportanttoyour leadersandthatsolidifyyourimpact.
4.Whatresponsibilitiesdoyoushoulder?Whatareyour notableawardsandachievementsasaCFOCoach?
Mymainfocusistohelpotherfinanceexecutivesfindtheir ownpathasItrainthemtobeversatile,effectiveCFOs.As aleader,Icreatevalueattheintersectionofprivateequity andC-levelleadership.Icombinemybackgroundin finance,operations,processimprovement,andbusiness developmentwithexecutivecoachingandconsultingskills groomedbytopcoachesintheindustry.Inthisway,with toolsIhavegatheredorbuiltoverthecourseof25+years inthecorporatefinanceworld,IhelpCFOsandother leaderswhohaveincreasedexpectations,expanding responsibilities,ornewchallengestobuildadditionalkey skillsthatproducepersonal,team,andorganizational success.Ihavebeenfeaturedin Fortune magazine,the CFO Brew,andoneofmyclients,theCFOofa$2billion companywasrecognizedas CFO of the Year in2021.
5.Whatarethetoughestchallengesthatwomenfacein thefinancesector?
Thetoughestchallengeswomenfaceincludethe expectationthattheyhavetoactlike“oneoftheboys”.A lackoffemalementorsisalimitingfactor,andthetime womenspendoutoftheworkforceduetomotherhood,can impactthemomentumofadvancementforsome.Taking maternityleavehashistoricallyaffectedwomen’searnings, promotionpotential,andultimatelyfuturecareers.Butnot inallcases.Andthatisincreasinglychangingforthebetter
6.Whatisyourtakeon‘feminism’? Whatmeasures cansupportwomen'sempowerment?
Ithinkthat‘feminism’isanoutdatedterm.Ialwaysgained supportfrommaleCFOsIworkedwith.7outof8CFOs weremalesandeveryonehascontributedandengagedin mycareerpath.Asfemaleexecutives,themainthingwe needtodoistobeclearonourvalues,andpickgood bosses.Avoidworkingforajerk.Andifyoufindyourselfin
thatsituation,gogetyourselfanewrolewithabetter mentor.Someonewhowilladmireandappreciateyour skillsandcontributionsandwhoiswillingtobeyourally, andyouradvocateatthenextlevelupthechain.
7.Howisyourlifebeyondthecabin?Howdoyou ensurework-lifebalance?
Ihaveaconsiderablybigfamily,alargecircleoffriends andprofessionalconnections.AsafollowerofChrist,Iam activeasagroupleaderinmycommunityatJourneyof FaithinManhattanBeachCA.Ihavelearnedthatwehave toMAKEtimeforthethingsthatareimportanttous.Inmy case,IcreatedalistofthekeyrelationshipsIwantto nurtureandliterallybookappointmentstomeetwitheach ofthemmonthly,quarterlyinmypersonallife.Iliterally followachecklistthatshowsmeifI’venotconnectedwith someoneinawhile,andmaybeit’stimetocallthemwhile I’mdriving,orwalkingorsuch.Ibelieveyouneedto scheduletheimportantbutnoturgentstuffFIRST,andthen allowthelessimportantdailystuffbelikestreamthatflows aroundthoselargerocksinthemiddleoftheriver
8.Beingapersonofinfluence,whatisyourmessagefor buddingwomenleaderswhowishtomakeamarkinthe financesector?
● Lookforopportunitiesinyourcompanytogetinvolved withoperationsandwithP&LManagementopportunitiesto understandthebusinessandbuildyourcredibility
● Buildrelationshipswithleaderswhocanbeyour advocateswithintheorganization.
● Identifythewaysinwhichyouhaveatendencytoselfsabotageyourownsuccess. Youcanlearnmoreaboutthat here.
● Learnhowtocommunicatethevalueyouaddtothe company,andspeakforyourselfquicklyandconfidently
INCORPORATING PHILANTHROPIC IDEALS INTO BUSINESS FOR PROFOUND IMPACT
Incorporatingphilanthropicapproachesintobusinessyields
severalbenefitsandopportunities.Variousbusinessleaders worldwidearefusingphilanthropyintotheirbusinessidealsto establishapositiveoutlookoftheirbrandimageorcompany.
“I decided I could insert my love for philanthropy into whatever I created,”assertsHollySinger(FounderofMilkJarCandle CompanyInc.).Hollyfirmlybelievesitisherhumandutytouse thecompany'splatform,voice,andrevenuetoupliftthosewhoneed ahelpinghand.Withherinclusiveteamandworkofthepartnered non-profits,shehassuccessfullycreatedapositiveculturethat servesasasourceofinspirationforher.
Fromherearlyeducationbackgroundandcareerworkinginanonprofitandprivatelyforfamilies,Hollyharboredgreatpassionfor supportingpeoplewithdisabilities.Shedreamtofbecomingan OccupationalTherapistandcontinuingonherpathtohelpchildren connect,growandfeelagreatsenseofbelonging.Duetocertain challenges,Hollywasunabletopursueherdream.However,she wasdeterminedtofulfillherlife'spurposeanddecidedshecould incorporateherphilanthropicidealsintoherbusiness.Currently, HollyenvisionsMilkJartobecomeanexampleofabusinessthat employsallpeopleandissuccessfulbecauseeverysingleperson hasvalueandstrengthstooffer.
CreatingImpactswithBusiness
In2016,MilkJarwaslaunchedwiththeideologybasedaround
clean-burningcandlesandamoreorganicandhealthier alternativetomostcandlesonthemarket.Thecompany assertsexclusivitywith
• Materialsforcreatingaffordableluxuryproducts;
• Zero-wastejarreturnprogram;
• Dedicationtoprovidingqualityparaffin-freecoconut soycandles.
Thecompany'sdonationprogramservesasasolutionto themarket.InspiredbyHolly'spreviousgoals,MilkJar hasdonated$1fromeachcandlesaletoCanadiannonprofitorganizationstofundresourcesforthoseinthe communitysincethebeginning.Herdrivetocreatea healthieralternativetothestandardcandlemarket,and offeraidtothecommunityhashelpedbringMilkJarto whereitcurrentlyis.
EnsuringMutualGrowth
ThecurrentexpansionoftheteamhashelpedHollygain moretimetofocusonherpreferredareasaboutMilk Jar—creatingnewscentsandteachingcandlemaking. Thecompanyofferscustomscentsandcandlecreationfor
WORDS OF WORTH
“When you insert a greater purpose into your work, your drive to persevere through the challenges of business will be welcomed and not avoided, and you will garner incredible respect, love and support from the public.”
othercompanies.Hollyisalsofondofteachingothersto connectwiththeircreativesidebyrunningscentblending andcandle-makingworkshopsoutofthecompany's candlefactory AlongwithMilkJar'sgrowth,Holly ensurestheteam'sgrowthtomakesurethatsheisdoing thethingsthatdrewhertostartmakingcandlesinthefirst place.
MilkJarhasearnedseveralaccoladesduetoitsbusiness andphilanthropyapproaches.In2019,itwasawardedthe DEAM Award fordisabilityemploymentawareness month.In2020,Hollywasenlistedasoneof Alberta Avenue Magazine's Top 40 under 40.
PromotingInclusivityandDiversity
MilkJar’steamincludesadiverseanduniquegroupof
people.Withacreativeandmotivatedmarketingteamand highlyskilledproductionteam,itsstaffisequippedto fulfillallneedsofthecompany.In2020,thecompany partneredwithGatewayAlbertatoexploreinclusive hiring.Currently,one-thirdofitsstaffarepeoplewith disabilities—enablingMilkJartopushagainstthestigma ofinclusiveemployment.
Eachteammemberistrainedincommunicationand accountability,allowingthemtoexcelintheirroleand growintootherparts.Tomaintainmotivationand encouragement,MilkJarhostsASLtraining,monthly staffmeetingworkshopswithanOccupationalTherapist, withdailycheck-insandcommunallunchesinitsshared officespace.
HolisticResponsetoIncreasingDemands
Inresponsetotheincreaseinsalesduringthepandemic, theteamofMilkJarexpandedformeetingdemandand manufacturingmoreproducts.Thecompanytransformed itsmarketingstyleanduseddigitalapproachesduetothe closureofretailspacesandmarkets.
Additionally,itaddedamembershipprogram,allowing peoplemonthlydeliveryofcandlesattheirdoorstep.As theteamgrew,thecompanyalsointroducedmoreroles andresponsibilities—toprovidesupporttoMilkJarfor leveragingmoreopportunities.
Holly'sViewsonWomenBusinessLeadership
What are your opinions on women business leadership?
How are you trying to make an impact with your business?
Iseeseveralwomenasbusinessleaders,beingregarded fortheirstrength,tenacityandknowledgeintheirfields.I startedMilkJaroutofmyhomewithnobusinesspartner orfinancialsupport,onlyadrivetoturnmypassionfor candle-makingintoabusinesswithagreaterpurposeof supportingthedisabilitycommunityandinclusive employment.WhatwedoatMilkJarismuchmorethan theproductswesell—itisallabouthowwecanmakea positiveimpactinthelivesofothers.
How do you focus on surpassing the challenges presented to you?
Ileanonmyincredibleteamtoworkthroughthe challengesweface,anddrawtheirthoughtsandexpertise asweareafamilyatMilkJar.Everyonecaresaboutthe commongoalofcreatinginvitingspacesatMilkJar
Is the business sector welcoming for women? According to you, what are the necessary skills to thrive as a business leader?
Inmyexperienceofstartingandgrowingasuccessful businessIfeellikeIhavebeenwelcomedwithopenarms inthecommunity.Betweenspeakingandmentoring opportunitiestonewentrepreneurs,tocollaboratingwith largecompanies,Iamregardedasaleaderforwomen entrepreneurs.Ibelieveitismydecisivenessandtrustin myselfthathasledmetothriveinthebusinessworld.
Astheworldbecomesmore
interconnectedanddiverse, thebusinessworldischanging rapidly Womenaretakingonmore leadershiproles,bringingafresh perspectivetomanagementstyles,and pavingthewayforaneweraof business.Onesuchexemplarywoman leaderisMirellaHansen(Directorof GroupFinanceat ). CoopDanmark
Mirella’suniqueapproachto leadershipisbasedonemotional intelligenceskills,whichfocuson employeeengagementand commitment,creatinginnermotivation forchange,andimproving organizationalemotionalcapabilityand energy.Herleadershipstyleiscentered onprovidingpsychologicalsafety, clarity,anddirection,empoweringall teammemberstoperformtothebestof theirabilities.
PavingtheWayforaNewEraof Leadership
Mirella’sjourneytoleadershipwasnot awalkinthepark.Toreachthe pinnacleofhercareer,shehadto navigatemanyhurdlesandweathera fewstorms.Themostsignificant challengewassecuringherfirst leadershippositionanddemonstrating thatshewastherightfitfortherole. Theenvironmentwaschallenging, requiringquickdecisionsinuncertain times.Mirella,nevertheless,rosetothe occasionandfocusedonmotivating, supporting,andupliftingherteam membersinordertofosteracultureof empowerment.
Reflectingonherexperience,Mirella realizedthatemotionalinvolvement andperspectivearecrucialfactorsina leader’ssuccess. “Do I focus on the right leadership tasks? “Sheconstantly asksherself. “Do I use the right
Director of Group Finance, Coop Danmark
Mirella Hansen
Transforming Business through Emotional Intelligence
emotional leadership style?” “What is my strategy for ensuring highly productive energy in my team?”
FromRevolutiontoFinance
Mirella’sjourneytosuccessisoneof grit,determination,andanunwavering passionforfinance.Shewasfascinated bytheideaofthefreemarketanda freeeconomy.Herchildhoodin Romaniaduringthecommunistperiod didnotallowhertopursueherpassion. However,changecametoRomania.In 1989,Mirellaparticipatedinthe revolutionagainstthecommunist regime,andplentyofnewpossibilities turnedup.Fuelledbythisnewfound freedom,shewasdeterminedtopursue acareerinfinance,andnothingcould stopher.Aftercompletingherdegree in International Business atthe prestigious Academy of Economic Studies inBucharest,shehadhersights setonworkingininternational business.
However,fatehadotherplansfor Mirella.Shegotmarriedandmovedto Denmarkin1994,whereshehadto findanewcareerpath.Undeterredby
thechallenges,Mirellapursueda MasterofSciencein Business and Administration at Copenhagen Business School,allwhileworking full-timeintheauditindustry.She becameaPublicCertifiedAccountant in1997andfinishedhermaster's degreein2003.
DrivingComplexTransformations
“The leadership challenge is the one aspect I could not live without, and I became aware that helping organizations and succeeding with complex transformation projects is my passion,” Mirellasays.
Mirellaisawomanwhoknowshowto turnherpassionsintoathrivingcareer Afterworkingintheauditindustryfor severalyears,Mirellarealizedthather truecallingwasinleadership.She joinedthe Danish Broadcasting Corporation,wheresheservedasthe HeadofGroupFinancialReportingfor fouryears.Duringherfour-yeartenure, shegainedvaluableexperienceand insightsthathavehelpedherbecome thesuccessfulleadersheistoday.
“I try to give back by being a mentor for the younger generation.”
In2018,Mirellatookonhercurrent roleastheDirectorofGroupFinance atCoopDenmark,whereshecontinues tomakeasignificantimpact.Her commitmenttohelpingorganizations succeedwithcomplextransformation projectshasbecomeherpassion.She alsocreditsherexecutiveMBAfrom Henley Business School asasignificant contributortoherdevelopmentasa leader.
CoopDanmarkA/S:Leadingthe WayinSustainableRetail
Mirellaisaproudmemberofa companythatismakinganimpacton thesustainabilityagendainDenmark. TheCoopgrouphasbeenadriving forceintheDanishretailindustryfor overacentury.Establishedin1866, Coopisaconsumercooperativethat prioritizescreatingvalueforits membersandmakingapositiveimpact inthepublicdebate.
AttheheartofCoop’smissionisa commitmenttocontributingtoabetter foodcultureinDenmark,withafocus oncreatingabetterandhealthierretail experienceforconsumers.Ithasa
numberofinitiativesinplacetoteach thenextgenerationabouthealthier foodculture,aswellasacooking conceptthatcanbetaughtinschools. Thegroupalsopostsinspirational videosandrecipesonsocialmediato helppeoplemakehealthierfood choices.
Moreover,Coopisalsoleadingthe waywhenitcomestosustainability Thecompanywasoneofthefirst moversintheareaoforganicproducts inDenmarkandhadasignificant impactonthedevelopmentofamarket fororganicfoodandproducts,aswell asonlegislationagainsttheuseof chemicalsinconsumerproducts.
Coophassetitselfambitious sustainabilitygoals,andinNovember 2021,itsclimateplanwasapprovedby theScienceBasedTargetsinitiative (SBTi)andthenon-profitorganization, CarbonDisclosureProject(CDP).This positivefeedbackonCoop’s sustainabilityplansisatestamentto thecompany’scommitmenttocreating abetterworldforfuturegenerations.
BreakingtheMold
AstheDirectorofGroupFinanceat CoopDanmark,Mirellaisresponsible forfinancialreporting,compliance, riskassessment,andmitigation. However,herleadershipapproach extendsbeyondherjob responsibilities.Shecontinuously pushesherselfandherteamtostayone stepahead,developingnewmethods andwaysofworkingtomeetthe demandsofamodernfinance department.Herleadershipstyleis centeredondeterminingwhat motivateseachindividualandensuring thattheyaregiventasksthatchallenge anddevelopthem.
Furthermore,Mirella’scommitmentto helpingherteamgrowhasbeenapillar
ofherleadershipstyle,andshetakes prideinseeingpeopleadvanceintheir careers.Shebelievesthateveryonehas theabilitytogrowiftheyare passionateabouttheirworkandfocus ontheirstrengths.
“As a leader, I continuously ask myself: What has the greatest impact on the company?” Mirellaadds.
KeenEyeforCustomerSatisfaction
Mirellaagreesthatcustomer satisfactionisatthecoreofthe company’ssuccess.Despiteworkingat thebackoffice,shebelievesinbuilding personalizedrelationshipswithits customersbyimprovingtheiroverall experience.AtCoopDanmark,her teamfocusesonprovidingservicesthat
addvalueandassistthecompany’s shopsandheadoffice.They continuouslystrivetoseethingsfrom thecustomer’sperspectiveandworkto improvethecustomerjourney.
AtCoopDanmark,theyleavenostone unturnedintheirquestforcustomer satisfaction.Mirellaandherteam conductregularcustomersatisfaction surveysfortheirback-officeservices andtakefeedbackseriously.
FosteringInnovationand EmpoweringWomen
ThecultureatCoopDanmarkisoneof innovationandcollaboration,with everyemployeeencouragedtomakea differenceregardlessofpositionwithin thecompany.Mirellaisastaunch
P.C. Ionel Selegean
advocateofwomen’sempowerment andhasimplementedseveralinitiatives toencouragemorewomentotakeon leadershiproles.Onesuchinitiative wasa“womenaway”day,where womenemployeeswereinvitedto brainstormideasonhowCoopcan encouragemorewomentostep forwardandstarttheleadership journey.Theeventwasahugesuccess andgeneratednumeroussuggestions, whichweresharedwiththecompany’s management. Inaddition,Mirella activelyparticipatesinthecompany’s mentoringprogram.
BeyondtheBoardroom
Mirellarecognizesthatbeyondthe cabin,shehasinterestsandhobbies thatbringjoyandfulfillmenttoher
personallife.Shevaluesthe Scandinavianapproachtowork-life balanceandhasalwaysmadeita priorityinherlife.Duringher daughter’searlyyears,shewouldleave workearlytospendqualitytimewith herandmakeupforitbyworkingin theevenings.
Oneofherpassionsistravelingand exploringnewdestinations,often embarkingonbicycletourswithher husbandonatandembike.Mirellais alsoafoodloverandamemberofthe internationalgourmetassociation, Chaîne des Rôtisseurs,whichoffers excitinggourmetexperiences.
RisingAbovetheDoubts
Toinspireandmotivatewomen, MirellaquotesNelsonMandela’s famouswords, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” She encourageswomentotrustin themselvesandtheirabilities, remindingthemthatself-doubtcan hindersuccess.
THE USA LEADERS IS AN ILLUMINATING DIGITAL PLATFORM THAT DRIVES THE CONVERSATION ABOUT THE DISTINGUISHED AMERICAN LEADERS DISRUPTING TECHNOLOGY WITH AN UNPARALLELED APPROACH.