World’s Most Influential Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2022

“My leadership philosophy is to try not to ask others to do things that you're not willing to do yourself."

Overcoming the Barriers of Entrepreneurship

Glassceilingshavebeenbrokenbywomeninmanyspheres oflife,particularlyinbusiness.Accordingtostudies, womencurrentlyownfouroutofeverytenbusinessesin theUnitedStates,andsincedatacollectionbegan20years ago,thenumberofwomen-ownedbusinesseshasincreased by114%.Ofcourse,theyhavenoplanstostop,andmore andmorewomenaregoingtocollege,furtheringtheir education,andassumingthepositionofprimary breadwinnerintheirfamilies.

Despiteallthepositivestridesthatwomenhavemade,they stillstrugglemorethantheirmalecounterpartstomanage theirfinancesand,inparticular,toengageininvesting.

Statisticsshowthatin2020,morewomenthanmenwill starttheirownbusinesses(registrationrequired).These statisticsshowthatwomenaresuccessfullymakinganame forthemselvesinafieldthatisdominatedbymen.

Despitethefactthatfemalebusinessownersareexcellentat managingtheircompaniesandmanagingtheirfinances. Eventhoughinvestingrequirestakingsomerisks,theyfind itdifficulttounderstandwhyitisnecessary Anumberof onlineinvestmentplatformsforwomenhavetakenthe initiativetoeffectchangebyprovidingthesupportand mentorshipneededtoeffectivelymanagethoserisks.

Initscurrentedition, " World's Most Influential Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2022," World'Leaders interviewedwithmanywomenentrepreneurstofindout whatmust-havesyouneedbeforeyoucanconsideryourself cutoutforthejob.Theseleadersclearlyillustratethata leaderiscapableofnotonlybuildingexceptionalfirmsthat competeonaglobalscale,butalsoofbeingattheforefront ofmulti-nationalorganizations.

World’s Most Inuential Women Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2022

ThecoverfeaturesKarenLeslieSimonisalicensedreal estateagentinBenbrook,Texas.Karenhasmorethan30 yearsofbrokerageexpertise,specializinginleasingand salesintheretail,industrial,andlandsectors.Hernameis listedintheMarquisWho'sWhoofTopExecutives.Her passion,accomplishments,andleadershipincommercial realestatearerecognizedinthebiographicaldictionaryof outstandingpersonalities.ShewasalsonamedtoTop100 Magazine'slistoftheTop100PeopleinRealEstateearlier thisyear

KarenLeslieSimonwasgrantedthelicensebyTREC (TexasRealEstateCommission).Tohavealicensetoserve asarealestateagent,TRECrequiresallrealestatebrokers andsalesagentstosatisfyandmaintaincertaineducational requirements.Inalltransactions,agentsmustadheretothe termsoftheTexasRealEstateLicenseActandtheTexas RealEstateCommissionRules,aswellasinteractwiththe publicinacompetentandhonestway

Letussharesimilar,inspiringstoriesandinterviewswith manysuchdevotedleadersinthisspecialissuetoraise awarenessabouttheireffortstomakingtheworldabetter place.

Also,don'tforgettoreadthearticleswrittenbyourinhouseeditorialstaffandindustryexpertsasyouflipthrough thepages.

Happy Reading!

A Renowned Name in Texas Real Estate

Karen Leslie Simon is a licensed real estate agent in Benbrook, Texas. Karen has more than 30 years of brokerage expertise, specializing in leasing and sales in the retail, industrial, and land sectors. Her name is listed in the Marquis Who's Who of Top Executives. Her passion, accomplishments, and leadership in commercial real estate are recognized in the biographical dictionary of outstanding personalities. She was also named to Top 100 Magazine's list of the Top 100 People in Real Estate earlier this year.

Karen Leslie Simon was granted the license by TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission). To have a license to serve as a real estate agent, TREC requires all real estate brokers and sales agents to satisfy and maintain certain educational requirements. In all transactions, agents must adhere to the terms of the Texas Real Estate License Act and the Texas Real Estate Commission Rules, as well as interact with the public in a competent and honest way.

“

leadership philosophy is to try not to ask others to do things

“My

that you're not willing to do yourself."

“

TheJourneytoBecomeaRealEstateProfessional

Karenwenttoworkatacommunitycollegenamed TarrantCountyCommunityCollegewhenshegother master'sdegree.Shetaughtthereforfiveyearsbefore decidingthatshewasn'tmobileenoughtorelocate becauseshehadaspouseandtwolittlechildren.Karen alsonolongerwantedtoteachatacommunitycollege andwasunabletogetworkatafour-yearuniversityin herregionsinceshehadabachelor'sandmaster'sdegree fromtheinstitutions,andtheyweresearchingfor diversity Asaresult,shechosetoenterthecorporate sector,andthefederalgovernmentrewardedindividuals fortheireducationandmanagerialabilities,whether voluntarilyornot.

Karenleftthecommunitycollegetoworkforthe DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopmentasthe executiveassistanttotheRegionalAdministratorfor Region10,afive-stateregion,whereshewasincharge ofthedepartment'sgovernmentrelationsandpublic relations.Shegotnotificationthattherewasan opportunityforpeoplethatqualifiedtositforareal estatebroker'sexamanddidn'tholdasalesman'slicense, thatiftheyqualified,theycouldhaveaoneyearperiod oftimetopasstheexam.Karen'stranscriptswere checked,andsheonlyneedednineclassroomhoursout of900. "I couldn't have a salesman's license because it was a conflict of interest because we were in the real estate industry and couldn't be obligated to anybody else. However, I believed that having a broker's licence would be beneficial, " sheexplains.Karentookatwoweekleaveofabsence,completedtherequirednine hoursoftraining,andpassedthebroker'stest.

KarenwasgivenajobwiththeHenrySMillerCompany sixmonthslater.ItwasTexas'slargestrealestatefirm andthefifthlargestintheUnitedStates.Karenwashired todevelopanindustrialandlanddivisionfortheMiller CompanyintheirTarrantCountyoffice,whereFort Worthisamajorcomponent.Sheacceptedtheiroffer andbeganacareerinrealestateafterleavingthe DepartmentofHousingandUrbanDevelopment.They agreedtosendhertoindustrialrealestatecourses,and shebecamethefirstfemaletoleadacommercialsection insidetheirorganization.Shewasalsothefirstwomanto leadanindustrialrealestatefirmintheDallas-Fort Worthmetroplex.Shediscoveredthatclientsweremore concernedwithwhatyouknewandhowhardyouwere willingtoworkthanwithyourgender."Ineededto attempttobeatmybestandbetterthanothers,"shesays.

Karenattendedrealestateindustrialschoolsandled HenryS.Miller'sdepartmentforsixyears.Millersold thecompany,butatatimewhentherealestatemarket wasgoingintoaslumpandtherewerealotof foreclosuresallacrossthecountry,GrubbandEllisa nationalrealestatefirmpaidmoreforthecompanythan itwasworth.

KarenchosetostartarealestategroupnamedR.E GroupAdvisorInc.,awomenandminority-ownedfirm, afterworkingforHenryS.Millerforsixyearsasthe headofitsindustrialsectioninTarrantCounty.The companyspecialisedinleasing,sales,andproperty management.Asaresultofthehugeforeclosures,the FederalDepositInsuranceCorporation(FDIC)andthe ResolutionTrustCorporation(RTC)havebecomethe

largestownersofcommercialrealestateintheUnited States. "There were various opportunities available for a woman or minority-owned firm to undertake real estate transactions for the government," Karenexplains.

KarenisalsoamemberoftheUrbanLandInstitute,the InternationalCouncilofShoppingCentersConvention, theFortWorthBoardofRealtors,theTexasAssociation ofRealtors,andCommercialRealEstateWomen,among otherorganizations.

Karenservedasexecutivevicepresidentandmanaging partnerofBradfordCommercialRealEstateServices fromearly2003to2014.Sheestablishedthecompany's entityboardandstartedtheTarrantCounty-based headquarters.KarenbeganworkingwithTIG,another industrialandofficebusiness,aspresidentandprincipal ofTIGDFWMetroplexWestinMarchof2014.

JoiningEmerson'sCommercialRealEstate

KarenmettheownersofEmersonsCommercialReal Estatein2016andwasaskedtohelpthemcreatea TarrantCountyoffice.TheywerelocatedinDallasand startedin2004,andKarenwasfascinatedsinceitwas thefirsttimeatarealestatefirm,thatownershipwas genuinelyonthetableasapossibility.Karenbecamea partnerintheEmersons'firmandwasinchargeofthe Emersons'TarrantCountyoffice,whichissituatedin FortWorth.

Becausetheyhadthepotentialtotakeoveralarge portfolioofSafewaystores,MattPrice,aCPA,and RichardWebb,abanker,foundedEmersonsin2004. Emersonshasexpandedrapidly;theynowownorare linkedwithanEmersons'firminOklahomaCity,aswell asofficesinAustinandHouston.However,in2019,they createdabusinessnamed1045withafirmcalledPriority PropertiesoutofSt.LouistohandleallofKroger's managementrealestateworldwide,whichtotaledaround 80millionsquarefeet.Bothcompanieshaddone businesswithKroger,and1045wasgivenpermissionto absorballofKroger'srealestatepersonnelaswellas theirmanagement.Asaresult,Emersonssawan opportunitytolookatadditionalbusinessoptionsbased onwhattheyhadseen.

KarenisthemanagingpartnerandPresidentof EmersonsCommercialRealEstate'sTarrantCounty Division.Hertasksincludeassistingintheproductionof business,ensuringthatthefirmiscorrectlymanaged, andattendingtothedemandsofclientsandstaff.She attemptstomanageagood,efficientfirm,butsheandher staffalsohaveadutytothepeoplewithwhomthey work.

ExclusiveRealEstateServices

EmersonsCommercialRealEstateisaskilledgroupof realestatespecialistsdevotedtogivingyouallofthe advantagesofanin-houserealestatemanagement operationwithouttheoverhead,money,orhasslesthat comewithhiringyourownemployees.Itsexpert propertymanagementservicesareavailabletoowners, developers,and1031—TenantinCommon—investors. Emersonshiresindividualswithawiderangeofreal estateexperience.Theorganizationknowsthewide dynamicsofcontemporarypropertyacquisition, ownership,andmanagementthankstoitscompetencein propertymanagement,constructionmanagement, accounting,banking,andfinance.Itsservicesmaybe customisedtotheclient'spreferences,allowingthemto beashands-onorhands-offastheylike.Emersonsmay developamanagementprogramthatmatchesaclient's business,fromfull-servicemanagementserviceslike propertymanagementandconstructionmanagementto single-solutionsolutionslikeaccountingandfinancial processing.Ithasalsogrown,currentlyproviding brokerageservicesforthepurchaseandsaleofavariety ofproperties.

MoreWomenInclusionintheSector

Inthepreviousthreedecades,theindustrialrealestate sectorhasaltereddramatically.Womenhaveastronger presence,butmenstillholdthemajority.Karen,too,has changedwithtime.Karenspecialisedinindustrialreal estateforthefirstfifteenyearsofhercareer.Shebecame interestedinofficeandretailsales,leasing,and developmentafterthat.

Karenbeganhercareerinamale-dominatedprofession asthefirstfemaleindustrial,realestateagentinTarrant CountyandthefirstinDallasCounty.Sheattendedan

Cindy Watson, the founder and managing partner of Watson Labour Law and a graduate of the renowned Osgoode Hall, is an experienced and recognized aorney who has specialized in social jusce for the past 30 years.

Cindy is a sought-aer corporate trainer and speaker who works to bridge the gap between men and women in order to improve producvity, communicaon, and gender prejudice.

Cindy is commied to breaking down barriers, achieving wage fairness, and pung an end to discriminaon. She has a demonstrated track record of empowering, fighng for, and pushing individuals to be the greatest versions of themselves.

She is a well-known internaonal speaker, author, and consultant who is recognized for her enthusiasm, devoon, and ability to inspire.

BBeloware highlightsof theinterview conducted between World'sLeaders andCindy Watson:

Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideoftheworkplace. I'vealwaysbeenpassionateanddriven aboutissuesIcareabout.Growingup inablue-collarfamily(inalow-rent apartmentcomplexwithafatherwho workedshiftworkinapapermill factory),Ifeltcalledtoprotectthe rightsofworkers.Itwasalways instilledinmefromayoungagethat everyonedeservestobetreatedwith dignityandrespectintheworkplace andbeyond.Thatisalife-long philosophyIhaveembracedand broughttomylawpractice,zealously representingtradeunionsandtherights oftheirmembers.

Describeyourbackgroundandwhat didyoudobeforeyoustarted/joined thecompany?

Comingfromablue-collar background,myparentsdidn'thavethe resourcestoaffordapost-secondary educationforme.So,Iworkedalmost

full-timehourswaitressingthroughout theschoolyearformyhighschool, university,andlawschoolexperiences toearnthemoneytofundmy education.Inthesummers,Isoughtout relevantworkexperience,doingan internshipintheStudentsTrainingin IndustrialRelationsprogram,working atemploymentagencies(bothprivate andpublic),andworkingwithatrade union.

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?

IwenttolawschoolknowingIwanted topracticetradeunionlaborlaw.I articledattheLabourRelationsBoard, andaftermycalltothebar,Itooka positionataboutiquelabourlawfirm.

Iwasofferedapartnershipafteronly3 years,butwhileIlovedthepractice,I knewIdidn'twanttodoitthere.

EveryonethoughtIwashavingan earlymidlifecrisiswhenIturnedit downandoptedtoputoutmyown shingle.Iwantedafirmthatwas mission-drivenandideologically committedtoprotectingandenhancing rightsforworkersandunions.

Withthenaivetéthatcomesfrom youth,Ihadnodoubtthatitwould succeed.Inhindsight,Ihadnoequity,

noassuranceofclients,nobusiness plan,oranyofthetypicalminimum requirementsforabusinessstart-up, butmyunshakableconfidenceinthe powerofmymissionallowedmeto forgeapathtokickstartmyown boutiquelaborlawfirm,whichquickly grew(bothinsizeandreputation).We becameknownforourpassionate advocacyonbehalfofourclients,and I'mproudtosaythatreputation continues.

Whathasmadeyousuccessful?

Whatdoyouvalue?

I'vealwayspridedmyselfandourfirm onourcorevaluesofintegrity,passion, drive,commitment,andexcellence. Thatwinningcombinationdelivers consistent,superiorresults.Webelieve inwhatwedoandtheimportantvalue itbrings,notonlytoourclientsbutthe broadercommunityasweadvocatefor enhancedrightsforworkersona globallevel.

Becausewearemission-driven,we aren'tmotivatedbythemoney.We prideourselvesonourabilitytoeffect superiorsettlements,knowingwhen andhowtoavoidlitigationtosecure creativebestoutcomesandwhento litigate.

Whicharethemajorservicesofthe companyandhowdotheythe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompanyprovide? Weofferthefullrangeofservicesto ourtradeunionclients,including(but notlimitedto):

Representationbeforealllabour tribunalsandatalllevelsofcourt Ÿ Grievance&arbitrationadvocacy Ÿ LabourBoardadvocacy Ÿ Workerscompensationmatters Ÿ Disabilitybenefits Ÿ Equitywork Ÿ HumanRightsadvocacy Ÿ Legislativeandpoliticallobbying Ÿ Training&Educationprogramming Westandoutfromthecompetition givenourpassionatecommitmentto thecausewhichisreflectedinour advocacyandinourabilitytosecure betteroutcomeswithoutlitigation whereappropriate.Wetirelesslyseek thebestpossibleresultsforourclients. WedosoutilizingwhatwecalltheArt ofFeminineNegotiation,wherewe bringrapport-building,empathy, flexibility,intuitionandtrust-building tothetablesoourclientsgetmore creativeoutcomeswithbetter relationships,greaterbuy-inand longer-lastingagreements.

Wethinkoutsidethebox,lookingfor unexaminedoptionsforenhanced solutions.Thiscooperativeversus competitiveapproachconsistently yieldsbetterexperiencesandoutcomes forourclients.Havingsaidthat,where necessaryweareknownforour exceptionaladvocacy,whereweleave nostoneunturned.

Wecareaboutourclientsandtheir issues.Wedon'ttreatthemlike numbers.

Unlikemostlawfirms,wealsothink proactively,seekingtoanticipateissues andredressingthembeforethey becomeconflictsorproblems.Our proactive(vsreactive)approachis uniqueinthepracticeoflawandsaves ourclientsmuchtime,money,angst andrelationships.

Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?

Teamiskeyinlifegenerally,in businessorganizations,andparticularly fortradeunionsandserviceproviders forunions.Unionsarebasedona philosophyofsolidarity—stronger together.Individualheroicsdonot servethegreatergood.Buildingan engaged,dedicated,passionateteamis keytosuccess.Studiesshowthat diversityinthinkingallowsformore creativeoutcomesandbetterresults (nottomentionimprovedproductivity andefficiency).

Teamworkandthebrainstormingit affordswillincreasetheoutputofany organization(bothintermsof quantitativeproductivity,butperhaps moreimportantly,intermsofmore refined,creative,distinctive,move-thedialendresults).

Thisholdstruegenerally,andweseeit asparticularlyimportantforourlaw firm.Unionssecuretheirstrengthin numbers.Unionsthatrelyon individualheroicsdon'tsurvive.The lawfirmsthatservetradeunionsneed tosimilarlyembraceandfosterteam environmentstodeliverthebest possibleservice,advice,andresults.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesasthe Founder/CEOofthecompany? Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?

I'mproudtohavebuiltourthriving practiceoverthelast30years.We've builtareputationforourpassion, integrity,andresults.I'mstillintegrally involvedinthebuildingofourteam andensuringthatourculturecontinues toreflectourcorevalues.Hiringour bestteamisakeypartofthatprocess, asisfosteringrelationshipswithour long-timeclientsandbuildingonclient developmentforthefuture.

I'mluckytostillbepassionateabout representingtradeunions.Ilovethe advocacy,andIparticularlylovethe exceptionaltrainingandeducationwe

offer.Engagingdirectlywithmembers, stewardsandfront-lineunionreps feedsme–theenergyflowsbothways asweinspireeachotherincarrying forwardtheimportantworkthatneeds tobedone.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Listen.Reallylisten.Bringempathyto thetable,trulyseekingtounderstand andmeettheneedsofothers(both withinandoutsideyourorganization). Thebenefitsofthisapproachcannotbe overstated.Neverseektoexert power over others,butrather,alwaysstriveto achieve power with thoseyouengage with.

Success-Oriented Leadership

Thediverse,disciplined organizationsoftodayareeagerto reachthepinnacleoftheirgrowth, butthisisimpossibleifan organizationcannotproperlymanage itsmanagement,operations,and businessdevelopment,aswellasits finances,humanresources,and obligationstoexplorenewareas.If anorganization'smanagementis successfulthankstothecontributions ofeachemployee,thatorganization considersitselfsuccessful.An organizationmustbeabletomanage itsactions,andtheChiefExecutive Officerofacompanyisthe appropriatepersontohandlethis.To ensurethatmanagementcontinuesto functioneffectively,theCEOupdates theboardofdirectorsoncompany status.

ACEOisemployedbyacompany Okay,sinceapercentageisoften stressful,heorsheclarifiedwiththe phrase"decisionmaking."effective proactivemanagementupdatingfor upcomingACEOoverseesnearly 45%ofacompany'sperformance. Differentmodelsandstrategiesare used,includingteamwork,

Torganizationalalignment,pareote analysis,corporatestrategy,and boardengagement.Heorshemust possessagood,strongcharacterand beawareofthestrengthsand abilitiesofeachteammember

SuccessfulCEOstodayconsiderboth theindustrialandenvironmental aspects.Accordingtoastudy,most CEOsarereframingtheirbiggest problemsandputtinganemphasison ecologicalbalancetomaximizethe valueoftheircompanies.Increasing customervalueforthebusiness, competingfornewtalentacquisition, andrecognizingfortheirbest practicesSomearewell-knownfor theirwork;AlanJoyce,theCEOof AmericaAirlinesandQantas,isa pioneerinhisindustryandan advocateforLGBTQrights.In2017, heorganizedacampaigninfavorof same-sexunions.TheTevorProject, whichisforthelesbian,gay, bisexual,andtransgendercommunity tostopthemfromtakingtheirown lives,isrunbyJeffreyGennette,the gayCEOofMacy'sInc.

Manypeopleinpandemichavecome upwithinnovativewaystointeract withtheworkersinordertoensure thatproductivityisnotnegatively

impacted.AmazonCEOJeffBezos expressedhisconcerns,

Hesaid,"Thereisnomanualforhow tofeelatatimelikethis.One recurringthemethatSatyaNadella emphasizesistheimportanceof havingemployeeswhohaveahigh levelofempathy.Companieslike FedEx,Visa,andBankofAmerica didnotrequirelayoffsforthe workersduetoemployeesecurity

SmallbusinessesmayhaveCEOs, andinthesebusinesses,theowner servesasthechairman,managing director,orCEO.However,the CEOsofthewell-knownandhighly successfulcompaniesareimportant totheirupbringing.NumerousCEOs oflarge,well-knowncorporations, includingGoogle,Amazon,Apple, Microsoft,andCoca-Cola,have gainednotorietythroughtheirwork, publicappearances,andpress conferences.Today,theseareknown asCelebrityCEOs.Thisisa contemporaryideainbusiness.Allof theworld'sCEOsarenowwellknownthankstosocialmedia platforms,theirprofessionalwritings, Forbesmagazines,andother business-relatedmedia.

Dayna Spiring

Making Winnipeg a Compelling Choice for Business and Tourism

DDaynaSpiringisthePresidentandChief ExecutiveOfficerofEconomicDevelopment Winnipeg,Inc.Sheoverseesallbusiness developmenteffortsaswellasthoseofYES! WinnipegandTourismWinnipeg.Sheengages withimportantpartners,offersleadershipand strategicdirection,andisinstrumentalinmaking Winnipegadesirablelocationforbothbusiness andtourism.

BelowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedbetweenWorld'sLeadersand DaynaSpiring:

Describewhoyouareasaperson,insideandoutsideoftheworkplace.

Firstandforemost,I'mapassionateWinnipegger Thatpassionseepsinto everythingIdohereatworkandinmydowntime.

MyroleasPresidentandCEOofEconomicDevelopmentWinnipeg(EDW)is tomakesureWinnipegistopofmindforvisitorsandbusinessleaders.Ileada talentedgroupofWinnipeggers,andtogetherwesellourcitytotheworldto boostourlocaleconomy

Winnipeghasbeennamedtheworld'sMostIntelligentCommunitybythe IntelligentCommunityForumandoneofTIMEmagazine'sWorld'sGreatest Places.I'mluckytoliveinacitythatothersrecognizeasspecial,andItake everyopportunitytoenjoyit.

Fromourworld-classmuseums,artgalleries,theatres,parks,anddiverse culinaryscenetotheinnovativeartisans,events,andfestivals,thereisalways somethinginterestingandinspiringtoexploreinthiscityatthecentreofNorth America.Thepeopleyoumeetaregenuine.Theconnectionsyoumakehere matter.It'seasytofeelalotofpassionforWinnipeg.

Describeyourbackgroundandwhatdidyoudobeforeyoustarted/joined thecompany?

Istartedmycareerasalawyerpracticingintheareasofcorporate,commercial, andsecuritieslaw.Afterseveralyearsinprivatepractice,Ienteredthegrain businessandbecametheChiefStrategyOfficerandGeneralCounselofthe CanadianWheatBoard(CWB).In2015,weprivatizedthecompany,andIwas facedwiththedecisionofwhattodonext.Isatonafewcorporateboards,and

in2016,ItookontheroleofPresident andCEOofEDW

InadditiontomyroleatEDW,Iam currentlypastChairoftheWinnipeg FootballClub'sboardofdirectorsand thefirstwomantohavehername engravedonthecovetedGreyCup aftertheWinnipegBlueBombers' historicwinsinboth2019and2021.I alsositontheboardsofdirectorsfor WinpakLtd.,aWinnipeg-based plastic-packagingpioneer,CancerCare ManitobaFoundation;andIamthe 2022CampaignChairforUnitedWay Winnipeg.

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?

EDWisanon-for-profiteconomic developmentagencythathasbeen aroundfordecades.Wearefundedby allthreelevelsofthegovernment,as wellasinvestmentfrombothour

privatesectortourismandbusiness partners.

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Idon'tthinkthereareanyshortcuts'to success.Hardwork,dedication,and accountabilityareallkeycomponents ofsuccess.Ithinkwhenyouareina leadershiprole,it'simportantto understandyourstrengthsandwhat you'regoodat.Butit'sequally importanttoknowwhatyoudon't knowandtosurroundyourselfwith peoplewhohavedifferentskillsets thanyourown.

Whicharethemajorservicesofthe companyandhowdoesthe organizationgetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompanyprovide? EconomicDevelopmentWinnipegInc.

(EDW)encompassesYES!Winnipeg andTourismWinnipeg.Wearethe city'sleadeconomicdevelopment agencyandchampionforlocalgrowth, attractingbusiness,investment,events, andpeopletoourcity

WeareWinnipegexpertsand ambassadors,servingasaconcierge forbusinesses,makingiteasytogrow andinvestinWinnipegthroughasuite ofspecializedservices,market intelligence,andbusinessconnections. EDWisdrivenbyacommunityof localbusinessleadersandresponds directlytotheneedsofindustry

Whatarethemostimportantaspects ofacompany'sculture?What principlesdoyoubelieveinandhow doyoubuildthisculture?

IthinkthatCOVIDreallyputa spotlightoncorporateculture.The

pandemicforcedbusinessestobe flexibleandnimbleonshort notice—andthatincludedlearningto leadandcontinuingtobuildcompany cultureremotely.Ineconomic development,weknowthatremote workisnotanoptionforevery business,especiallyincertainsectors suchasmanufacturing.That'swhy creatingaculturethatwelcomes innovativeanddiversethinkingis criticaltoanyorganization'sgrowth andsuccess,includingEDW's.Iwant tofosterthatbyencouragingregular touchpointsbetweenstaffandtheir immediateteamleaders,executives, andeachother

Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?

Intheeconomicdevelopmentworld, everydaywe'recompetingagainst othercitiesbothinCanadaandtherest ofNorthAmericaand,asweexpand ourFDIefforts,Europe.Weneed innovativeideastocapturepeople's attention,givethemthedatatheyneed attheirfingertips,andmakeiteasyfor peopletosay'yes'toWinnipegfor leisure,businessdevelopment,orto growtheircareers.

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesasthe CEOoftheorganization?Whatis thehappiestpartofyourdaily routine?

IdirectallaspectsofEDW'sactivities. Iprovideleadershipandstrategic direction,collaboratewithkey stakeholdersandIamadrivingforce behindmakingWinnipegacompelling choiceforbusiness,talentandtourism.

Lastyear,Winnipegwasnamedoneof TIME'sWorld'sGreatestPlacesandthe IntelligentCommunityForum'sMost IntelligentCommunities,amongmany othergreataccolades.We'regetting globalattention—andwedeserveit. Wehaveworld-classattractionsand businesses.Winnipegismadeupof authentic,talented,anddiverse Winnipeggerswhocallourcityhome.

I'mhappytobepartofanamazing teamthatmakesadifferenceinthe livesofpeoplenotonlyhereinourcity butbeyond,aswebringinmore businesses,talentandvisitorsto Winnipeg.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Myadviceistounderstandyou'renot alwaysgoingtogetitright.Youdothe bestwiththeinformationyouhaveat thetime.Ifit'sincorrect,youwon't

makethatmistaketwice.That'swhy it'simportanttobeconfidentinwhat youbringtothetablebutalsosurround yourselfwithexpertsinareaswhere youthinkyouhaveweaknessesorsee agapinknowledge.

DR. KATIE LAU

Using Aesthetic Medical Services to Assist People in Living a Beautiful and Healthy Life

FOUNDER DR. KATIE CLINIC

Peopleprioritisetheirhealth aboveanythingelseintheirlife. Whensomeonebecomesillor injured,theirusualwayoflifeis disturbed,andphysicianshave thegreatpotentialtorestorethese people'slivestonormal.Asa result,becomingadoctoris immenselysatisfying.

Dr.KatieLauisanaesthetic doctorwithovertenyearsof expertisetreatingpatientsinthe fieldofaestheticmedicine.In 2017,KatiefoundedDr.Katie Clinicinthefieldofcosmetic medicineasherownprivate enterprise.Katieearnedher bachelor'sdegreefromthe UniversityofHongKongin 2006.Shebeganworkingin aestheticsin2011after completinghersurgicaltraining atQueenMaryHospital.During thistime,sheworkedforavariety offirms,honingherabilitiesand gainingexpertise.

TheMotivationbehindStarting EntrepreneurialJourneydevoteherselfentirelyto aestheticmedicine

Katiehadnointentionofstarting herownbusinesswhenshebegan

hereducationaljourneyasa medicalstudent,nordidshewant toconcentrateinthedisciplines ofcosmeticandaesthetic medicine.Herultimatepurpose wastoassistthosewhowerein need.Followingthreeyearsof basicsurgicaltrainingatQueen MaryHospital—theUniversityof HongKong'steaching hospital—severalunexpected possibilitiesledherintoprivate practisein2011.Shebeganher careerasageneralpractitioner andanaestheticphysician.Aftera fewyears,shechosetodevote herselfentirelytooaesthetic medicinebecauseitentailsmore operationsandallowsforhealing withthehands,asopposedto surgery.

Throughoutherjourney,Katie acquiredastrongfoundationand tactfulapproachtodealingwith peoplefromvariousbackgrounds, whiledevelopingandshapingher missionaryprinciplesand directionovertime,thankstoa varietyofexperiences—including technicalandpersonalaspects gainedfromworkingforseveral centres.Furthermore,the sportsmanshipshedevelopedasa competitiveswimmerthroughout heradolescentyearshelpedto shapeherstrongcharacter,which survivedandremained throughout.

HelpingthosewhoareinNeed

KatieLau'scosmeticclinicisnot onlyaplacewhereindividuals mayhavetheirphysicallooks changed,butit'salsoaplace wherepatientscanhavetheir personalitieschangedbecauseof

hersympatheticcharacter.Katie reflectedontheperiodwhenshe wasinsistentaboutchoosing aesthetictreatmentasherlast choice,admittingitwasthefinest decisionshehadevermade.She soughttousehertalentstohelp others,whichgaveherafeeling offulfilmentandcomfort.Her goalwasnevermerelytogive peoplemedicine,buttomake themhappybytreatingtheir psychologicalstructuresaswell.

Katielearnedafteryearsof workinginthisfieldthatmanyof the'imperfections'identifiedby herpatientsweretheresultofa varietyofsocialorotherexternal influences.Themostprevalent reasonforpeopleknockingonthe doorsofaestheticsphysicianswas peerpressure.Sheisafirm believerinfocusingonvisible qualitieswhilealsoaddressing interiordifficultiesinorderto createone'sidentity.Shequietly counselsherpatientswithsome insightfulchatsandspecific programmestoenhancetheir highsandreducetheirlows,all withthisgreatpurposeinmind.

Furthermore,Katieidentified certainpainproblemswhile aggressivelyworkingatprivate institutionstoacquireexpertise, wheremanyactorswerehighly focusedonpromoting technologicaladvancements ratherthanprovidingappropriate answerstopatients.Manyprivate clinicentrepreneursdidnotcome fromamedicalbackground, demonstratingtheirbusinessorientedmind-set.Katie,onthe otherhand,foundedhercompany ontheprinciplesof

comprehensivepatientcare.She hopestobuildanew-fangled aestheticphilosophywhere patients'totalwell-beingis prioritisedbyopeningthisclinic.

Katie'sintriguingvisionrevolves aroundtreatingahumanbeingas anindividualinneedofthe highestcare,attention,and compassion,ratherthanasabody withstructuralflaws.Withher 'human-centric'approach,the outstandingfemaleentrepreneur takesgreatprideinbeingagamechangerinthefield.Recognizing herroleasasculptorwhocan changesomeone'sexteriorlook whilealsorepairinghisinner disarrayiswhatsheenjoysthe most,andit'salsowhatonecan callherventure'sdistinctive characteristic.

Dr.KatieClinic-their self-esteemfrominsideout

Aestheticmedicineisaunique medicalfieldwithawiderangeof services.It'sbeendescribedas "halfart,halfscience,"with differentdoctorsusingdifferent techniquesandeachpatient's serviceexperienceateachclinic beinguniqueandpersonalised.As aresult,itisusualforpatientsto windowshopandvisitmany locationsatthesametime. Regardless,Katiegivesherall everyday,continuestolearnhow todothingsbetter,andstresses thefundamentalprincipleof"do noharm"ratherthanapurely corporateemphasis.

Aesthetics,accordingtoDr Katie,isabouttreatingpeople holistically.It'snotabouttackling

theproblemsathand;it'sabout gettingtoknowthepatientasa wholeandtreatingallpartsofthe illness,includingthepsychosocial components.Katieclaimsthat onceapatient'sproblemsare understood,theywillseean increaseintheirself-confidence. Patientsarealsomorelikelyto participateintheirsocial, professional,andfamilylifewhen theytakethismethod.Aesthetics aidinthedevelopmentoftheir self-esteemfromtheinsideout.

But,aboveall,asperDr.Katie, themostvitalcharacteristicis supportforbothpatientsandpeer doctorswhomaybediscouraged bypreviousexperiences,whether personalormedical.Patient complaintsarefrequentlymutual misunderstandings, misconceptions,anddiscorded styles,resultingin"mismatches," accordingtoher.Sheavoids "misinterpretations"andfurther exacerbatesthegapsby remainingimpartialand explainingfactsandproviding expertise.

BeingaLeader-andIattempt togivetasks

Katieisn'tafanoftraditional leadershipstylessinceshesees herselfaspartofateam.She says, "I'm not the regular team leader, but I do know my team members well, and I attempted to give tasks to each team member based on their unique features and strengths." Katiebelievesthat gettingtoknowone'sownteam membersfostersbetter cooperationandallowseveryone tooperateasacohesiveone.She

says, "My patients are sometimes fairly intriguing in that they tell my teammates about how they feel in a manner, but then don't say much in front of me, perhaps because of the stereotype that some people, perhaps, are really fearful of physicians. So it's truly good teamwork, as well as smart task distribution and time management. " Katiealsorealises thatherattitude,whichher employeesandpatientslike,is similartothefrontlevers,and thatshe,likethehierarchy,sets directivesandisimpatientto followcertainthings.

AccordingtoKatie,today's societyisindeedadifferentone. Withtheinternetomnipresentand themediabrimmingwith knowledge,patientsarequite informedabouttheircondition andthetherapytheyaregoingto get.Asaresult,treating individualsisnolongeraonewaystreet;ithasevolvedintoa collaborativedialogueinwhich youdrawupplans,examine availablechoices,anddebatewith patientswhatisintheirbest interests.

IIn an effort to change the current business system, which is primarily focused on financial accounting, John Elkington, an author and entrepreneur, developed the triple bottom line (TBL) concept in 1994. The triple bottom line hypothesis broadens the definition of business success indicators to take into account contributions to social, economic, and environmental well-being. The bottom line is comprised of three categories: People, Planet, and Prosperity (Profit). This idea demonstrates how a company cannot account for all of the costs of doing business and will ultimately fail if it is solely focused on profit, ignoring people and the environment. Meet Fanny Picard, the founder and CEO of Alter Equity, who embodies the “3P” philosophy of aggressively pursuing both responsibilities and financial returns.

Fanny Picard

Founder & CEO Alter Equity

Offering an Investment Model in Companies

TheEmergenceofAlterEquity

FannyobtaineddegreesfromtheFrenchbusinessschool ESSEC,theSFAFcertificationprogramme,andthelaw master'sprogramme.Sheistheformerlisteneratthe "CollègedesHautesEtudesdel'Environnementetdu DéveloppementDurable"sessions.Shespecificallytaught businessevaluationandfinancialanalysisatSciencesPo Paris.ShebeganhercareerinParisattheM&Adivisionof Rothschild&Co.ShehasheldthepositionsofDanone DirectorofMergers&AcquisitionsforWesternEuropeand NorthernAmericaaswellasChiefInvestmentOfficerand ManagingDirectoroftheFrenchlistedinvestment company,Wendel.

FannybeganestablishingAlterEquity,anethicalinvesting fund,in2007.Sheinitiallyintendedtoestablishafundto assistyoungpeopleinunderservedareaswithfundingtheir activities.ThenshemetAlainGrandjean,anenergyand climateexpert,whohelpedherrealizetheseriousnessof

environmentaldisruption.Hencetheconceptofestablishing aninvestmentfundthatwouldbenefitbothpeopleandthe environment.TheearlystagesofAlterEquitywere challenging.Responsiblefinancewasnotyetacceptedby thefinancialmarkets.

"There was the 2008 crisis and then I had a child. I managed to complete the closing of Alter Equity's first fund in July 2015; that is nearly nine years of fund raising! "Fannyclaims.

AlterEquity

AlterEquityhasadistinctiveandground-breakingposition intheFrenchprivateequitymarket,constrictingits investmenttoadoublebeneficialimpactonsocietythrough theiractivities:theportfoliofirms'productsandservices musthelptoresolvesocialorenvironmentalconcerns;and throughtheirbusinessoperations,theportfoliocompanies mustcommittocontinualprogressintermsofresponsible businesspractices,throughtheadoptionofan"ESG BusinessPlan"including10to15KPIs.Itsinnovativerole inimpactfinanceandtheconsistencyofitsESGapproach setitapartwhenitcomestogeneratingdealflow, convincingcompanymanagerstoengagewithAlterEquity, andassistingentrepreneursingrowingtheirbusinessesand enhancingtheirfinancialperformanceaswellas maximizingtheirimpactandtheirESGpractices.

Currently,alterequityisoverseeingtwofunds:alter equity3P,afirstvehiclewith€41,5millionthathasbeen fullyinvestedintwelvecompanies,andalterequity3PII,a secondfundwith€110millionthatiscurrentlyinvesting. Thefinalclosingforalterequity3PIItookplacein February2020.

SuccessValues

FannyPicardisastaunchbelieverinambitionand perseverance.AlterEquity'ssuccesscanbeattributedtothis combinationofvalues.Herprimarypersonalvaluesare responsibilityandcourage.Shestruggledtoraisefunding forherfirmfornineyearswhenshefirstlaunchedit. Followingthe2008stockmarketmeltdown,heraddresson corporatesocialresponsibilitywasmetwithskepticism. Shetriedtoconvincethehesitantinvestorsthatgeneral interestandfinancialreturncouldbecompatible.

Fannyandherteammatessubstantiallyexceededtheir €70mtargetwiththesecondfundin2020.Theyevenhadto lowersomeoftheirsubscriptionsinordertoavoidraising €110million.Thiscurrentrounddemonstratesthatthe impactthemeisofrisinginteresttoinvestorsandthattheir

trackrecordinthismarkethashelpedthembuildtrust. Theyareespeciallypleasedwiththeirimpactstatistics, whichshowthatFundIandFundIIportfoliocompanies avoidedtheemissionofmorethan3.1milliontonsofCO2 equivalent,accountingfor0.7%ofFrenchemissionsof420 milliontonsperyear,andthatwomenentrepreneursled one-thirdofFundIportfoliocompanies,arecordforFrench VCfunds.

NotionofImpact

Thenotionofimpactisthemostimportantkey characteristicofcorporateculture.Throughtheselectionof start-upswhosegoodsorservicesaddressthemostpressing environmentalandsocialissuesofthemodernday,Alter Equityseekstoinvestinthecommongoodandfacilitate therequiredtransitions.WithAlterEquity,Fannyseeksto maximizethelong-terminterestsofallpartiesinvolved, includingshareholders,employees,theenvironment, customers,suppliers,andregions,whileminimizing negativeexternalities.

Eachrecruitreceivestrainingonthenewequityinvesting technique,whichincorporatesESGfactorsintoboththe activity'simpactanditsuseofmoreethicalbusiness methods.Furthermore,membersoftheinvestmentteam attendconferencesortrainingonspecificESGcomponents suchasclimatechange,biodiversity,socialinclusion, mobility,andsoonaregularbasis.

Innovation

ThecoreofAlterEquity'sDNAisinnovation.Inorderto pursueadualsocialandenvironmentalresponsibility,Alter EquitywasthefirstFrenchprivateequityinvestortousethe term"impactinvestment"notonlyinFrancebutinEurope. Withitssecondfund,AlterEquitycontinuedtopushthe envelopebystructuringanoptionalsharethatwouldallow investorstocaptheirfinancialreturnsat5%anddonatethe excessreturntothepreservationofbuiltandenvironmental heritage.Additionally,AlterEquityismakingitsinvestment contingentonthecompanycompletingacarbonfootprint assessment.Itisrequiringitsinvestorstoopentheircapital toallofitsemployeesandpledgingtodonate1%oftheir annualrevenuetoinitiativesthatbenefitpeopleorthe environment.

"We are proud to have paved the way and to inspire with renewed innovations towards an inclusive, generous, and sustainable economy." --saysFanny.

PromotesTeamWork

Beingsurroundedandledbytherightpeopleiscrucial

whilerunningacompany.FourpartnersatAlterEquity, MarianneSiméoni,GillesGeoffroy,FélixMounier,and MarionChanéac,areassistingFannywiththeoperational managementofthefundsaswellasthestrategicvisionof themanagementfirm.Additionally,theyhaveastrategy committeethatconsistsofinvestorswithsignificant businessexperience.

Fannyandherteamalsorelyontheircommitteeofexperts, whoprovidethemwithenvironmentaladvice.With9 employees,AlterEquityisstillastartupthatisentirely focusedonsustainablefinancing.

"The satisfaction of the entrepreneurs we support is also essential. They tell us that they are proud that we are their shareholders. This means a lot to our entire team. And the enthusiasm of our subscribers carries us to go always further."-Fannydeclares.

Shealsostates,"All the team as well as all our shareholders are individual pioneers and heroics!”

ProfessionalCommitment

AwomanwithastrongurgetoactisFannyPicard.Shehad theambitiontoimprovetheworldbybecomingthe presidentofFrancewhenshewas20yearsold.Sheis activelyengagedinthestruggleagainstenvironmental instabilityandglobalwarming.Sheiscompelledbya strongsocialconscienceinadditiontobeingasteadfast humanist.Herprimarysourceofmotivationasaleaderis thecontributionthatAlterEquitymakestofundingethical enterprisesandpromotingtheadoptionofecologicallyand sociallyresponsiblesolutions.

ThefinestpieceofadvicefromFannyistoactivelyworkto changethebusinessmodelandmanagementproceduresas yougoforwardtowardmoresocialandenvironmental responsibility Adoptingthismindsetisessentialbecauseit iswhatcustomersandemployeesaredemandingfrom businessesandbecausewe,ashumans,havenoother alternativegiventheeffectsofglobalwarmingandsocietal suffering.

Making Businesses Profitable, Streamlined, and Productive by Using Proven Strategies

JenniferDawnhashadanextraordinaryentrepreneurialjourney.Shecreatedherfirst softwarefirmattheageof23andgrewitfrom$0toover$1millioninrevenue.She wentontobecometheSoftwareDivisionPresidentfora$54millionmanufacturing corporation,wheresheincreasedherdivision'ssalesfrom$300,000to$2.2millionin lessthantwoyears..

Jenniferwaseventuallyselectedtorunanationwidenetworkofentrepreneurs,where shenotonlyincreasedsalesbutalsodiscoveredherrealpassion.

Jennifer'smissionnowistohelpentrepreneurslikeyoudeveloplucrative,healthy,and genuinelyamazingenterprises..

BelowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedbetweenWorld'sLeadersandJennifer Dawn:

Describewhoyouareasaperson,insideandoutsideoftheworkplace. I'magoodperson,ahardworker,andIalwaysstrivetodotherightthing.Ilove providingformyfamily,friends,andclients.I'mfiercelyloyal,unlessyouscrewme over,andthenyouareout.I'mnotperfect,butlookingbackonmylife,Ialwaystried todotherightthingattherighttime.Ilovelife.I'mgettingreadytoturn50andam lookingforwardtothe"secondhalf".

Describeyourbackgroundandwhatdidyoudobeforeyoustarted/joinedthe company?

Iwasborntobeanentrepreneur.Istartedoffyoungbywatchingmygrandparents, whowerechiropractors,workingfromtheirhomeoffice.Ifellinlovewiththeconcept thatyoucouldhaveanidea,takeaction,andturnitintomoney.Istartedmyfirst businessatage8,whichwasanapplestand,becauseIthoughtalemonadestandwas so"yesterday".

Tellusabouttheinceptionofthecompany.Howdiditallstart?

Itbeganbygettingbetrayedbymypartner.IhadacceptedapositionasthePresident ofanationalwomen'sgroup.Iwasofferedequityinthecompanyandasmallwagein

exchangefortakingtheir accountabilityandmasterminding programtothenextlevel.WhileI wasthere,Itripledrevenuesand broughtstructuretotheprogram. Whenaskedforproofofmyequity, mypartneralwayshadanexcuseof whyshecouldn'tproduceit.I eventuallyhadtoresign,butthat causedmetolaunchmyown coachingpractice,andI'vebeen goingstrongeversince.

Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?

Ibelievewhathasmademe successfulisbeinghonorableand truetomyword.Ialwaysgothe extramileformyclientsandIam constantlyimprovingmyskillset.I valuehardworkandhonesty

Whicharethemajorservicesof thecompanyandhowdotheythe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompany provide?

Weofferbusiness,accountability, executive,profitfirst,andhealth coachingservices.Lastyear,wealso startedafull-servicedigital marketingagencyexclusivelyforour coachingclients.Iamalsothe founderofBestPlanEverandthe JenniferDawnCoachingAcademy.I don'treallyworryaboutthe competition—Ibelievethereis plentyofbusinessforusall.Wedo, however,makeahugeefforttoserve ourclientstothebestofourabilities. Businessownerstalktoeachother, andthat'sreallyhowwestayahead, bydoingagoodjob.

Whatarethemostimportant aspectsofacompany'sculture? Whatprinciplesdoyoubelievein andhowdoyoubuildthisculture? Webelieveinworkinghardand beingthebestatwhatwedo,butalso havingfunalongtheway.Weareall driven,loveworkingasateam,and trulycareforourclients.That's probablywhatsetsusapart,our peoplereallycareandourclientsfeel it.

Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany? Wearealwaysopentotryingnew things.

Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?

BOTH.Anindividualcanmakea teamlookamazingorsloppy

Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas theFounder/CEOofthecompany? Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?

Iactivelycoachourclientsandalso handlethemarketingstrategy.My favoritepartofthedayishearing abouthowourclientshavehad success.

Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?

Gethelp.Iwentitaloneformany yearsandnowalwaysworkwitha coach.Itcandrasticallyshortenyour learningcurveandsaveyou thousandsofdollarsincostly mistakes.

KirstyGordon Creating an Incredible Experience

Africansafarisarenolongerabout huntingbiggameorhavingacameratotingtripguidedbySafarirangers. Mostenthusiastictravellersincludean Africansafariontheirbucketlists. Unquestionably,thenationisamecca forallthingswildandishometosome ofthemostincredibleandendangered animalsontheplanet.Thesejungle excursionsprovideonce-in-a-lifetime travelopportunities.Assertinghervast expertiseintravelandtourist management,KirstyGordon,CEOof AnywhereinAfricaSafaris,manages allaspectsoftheclient'strip,inorder toprovideaseamlesstravel experience.

Journeytothedestination

Aftergraduatingfromhighschool, Kirstypursuedacareerintravelafter takingamarketingandtraveland tourismcourse.Shestartedworkingat

Aatravelagencyduringthistimeperiod, handlingcorporateflighttravel,and thenshewasmovedwithintothe company'sincentivebusiness, managingcorporateincentivetripsfor groupsof40to180individuals.She plannedoneofthefirstonlinetravel agencieswhenshewas29yearsold, specialisingindomestictravelwithin Africa.Duringthistime,shetwicea yearsentacampertoBotswana,and ononeoftheseexcursions,shenoticed aneedtogetcustomersfromtheUSA markettojoin"GlamCamping"tours, whichwereupscale,exclusive,and luxurious.

Aftermanagingtheseexcursionsfora while,Kirstysoldbothbusinessesto pursueherOlympicdreamandher desiretorideforSouthAfricain3-Day Eventing.ShewasintheUKfrom 2006untiltheendof2008withan amazingsponsor.Sadly,ahorseback ridingaccidentandslippeddiscsinher backpreventedherfromrealisingher Olympicambition.Kirstymovedback toSouthAfricaattheendof2008and madethedecisiontocreateAnywhere inAfricaSafaris,ahigh-endboutique travelagencythatprimarilytargets AmericanstravellingtoAfrica.

Inspirationtoembarkon "AnywhereinAfricaSafaris” Kirstyhasover30yearsofexperience inthetravelindustry,hasvisitedthe majorityoftheAfricannations,

and—mostimportantly—wantsto workwiththeclientstohelpthemplan theirtrip.Sheadoresthecontinentof Africaforitsunendingbeauty, incredibleanimals,great,genuine people,and"outofthebox"adventures thatcanchangeone'slife.Shebelieves thatsomecustomerspreferredtodeal withabusinessthatwasestablishedin Africa,operatedroutesthere,andwho theycouldpersonallycontactto arrangetheir"onceinalifetime vacationtoAfrica.”

Shedesiredasmallbusinessthatput theneedsofthecustomersfirstrather thansimplymakingbookingswithout considerationorcare.Asaresult,she placedastrongemphasisoncustomer care,first-rateservice,attentionto detail,andexpertiseinAfrica. AnywhereinAfricaSafariswas foundedasaresultofherpassionfor Africaandpersonalexperience.

Kirstyproclaims,"Anywhere in Africa Safaris has been one of the best decisions I have made and created!”

OvercomingChallenges

Service,attentiontodetail,and trustworthinessareveryimportantin thisnewpost-COVIDera.Anditall makesacompanystandoutabovethe competition.AnywhereinAfrica Safarisareavailablearoundtheclock andinrealtimeforAfricantravellers toensurethateverythinggoesas

Women of The Year

Kirsty Gordon CEO Anywhere in Africa Safaris

planned,fromPCRtestingto customerswhoneedtobetakento hospitalsforemergencysurgeriesto makingchangestothevarious lockdownsandtravelrestrictions.

Toensurethatalloftheclients' demandsaremetandthatbudgetsand timelinesareadheredto,itiscrucial forthestaffandforKirstytohavea thoroughunderstandingoftheclients' expectationsandwishlists.Beingan independentbusiness,thecompany takesprideinhand-selectingthe partnersandvendorsacrossAfrica.

HerConcernDefinesSuccess.

ItiscrucialthatAnywhereinAfrica Safariscontinuestodevelopnovel conceptsfortouriststhatarealso workableinordertosimplifyand streamlineclients'travelarrangements. Thecompanyisconcentratingonand observingtrendsintheareasof improvingtravelexperiencesas customersplantheirvacationsfor2022 and2023.Customersarelookingfor undiscoveredtreasures,ideallocations, andchancesforoutdoorpursuitslike walkingsafaris,photography, kayaking,andadventures!

Kirstythinksherconcernforthe clientsshowsinthemeticulous planningshedoesfortheirvisitsto Africaandinthefactthatsheregularly checksinwiththemwhiletheyare theretomakesureeverythingisgoing well.Thetwomainvaluesare communicationanddetailorientedness.AnywhereinAfrica Safarisprovidesitsclientswithmore thanjustawaytogetfrompointAto pointB;fromthemomenttheyfirstget intouchwiththecompanyuntilthey returnfromtheirtrip,thecompany servesasasourceofguidanceand support.

TransparentCommunicationina Team

AsaCEO,Kirstyisassuredthather staffmembersareaccountableand directintheircommunications.Open communicationisessentialinthe workplace.Yourteamwillfeelmore cohesive,successful,andproductiveas aresult,whichismutually advantageous.Shebelievesitiscrucial forateamtoworktogetherand communicatewellinordertomeetthe expectationsofclientswhocontinueto believeinthemandinvestinthem. Makingjudgmentsinatravelagency requiresbothteamworkandindividual effort;certaindecisionsmustbemade individually,whileothersmustbe madeinateamsetting.

Individualdecisionsmightinvolve handlingaclient'sinquiryaboutatrip toAfricaastheconsultant,butonthe otherhand,thismightinvolveateam discussiontocomeupwithsuggestions thatwouldmatchtheclient's requirementsintermsoftheirbrief, budget,timeline,andwishlist.You mustmaintainopenlinesof communicationwhilealsoproviding yourworkerswithanopportunityto

shineindevelopingconceptsor proceduresthatthebusinesscoulduse.

EffectiveRoutine

Kirstyisinchargeoftheday-to-day operationsofthecompany,including respondingtocustomerinquiries, updatingreservations,checking incomingfundsandoutgoingpayments tosuppliers,ensuringthatthesocial mediaandwebsiteteamsareon schedule,ensuringthattheaccountant haseverythingtheyneedtoprocesstax andvatefficiently,andensuringthat theratesfor2022and2023are updatedappropriatelybythesuppliers sothatcompanycanquicklyproduce thecostings.Kirstylooksforwardto goingtoworkeverydayandseeing confirmedreservationsandcontent customers.Shebelievesthatanyissue mustberesolvedimmediatelyand effectively."It isn't the problem, but how quickly we can sort out the problem or situation, so we can move forward effectively and efficiently,"she remindsheremployeesandvendors.

Advicefornewleaders

Becauseit'shardtoachieveteamgoals withoutsettingexpectations,whichin turnleadstoclearindividual contributions,propercommunication, increasedproductivityandoutcomes, andexcellentmanners,Kirstyurges newleaderstomotivatetheirteam members.Inadditiontosuggestingthe optimalassignment,Kirstyadvised takingintoaccounteachteam member'sstrengthsandcapabilities. AccordingtoKirsty,leadersshould devoteefforttoapplyingthe80/20rule inordertoincreasevalueandobtaina financialsuccess.

"Don't try and be a jack of all trades, be a master of one and delegate"-says Kirsty.

AFuturisticVision

High-levelpersonalservice, professionalism,attentiontodetail, trust,care,flexibility,life-changing activities,andcreativityarewhat Kirstyfocusesonandvalues.These activitiescanbeanythingfrom

exhilaratinggamedrivestointimate weddingsonprivateislandstogorilla trekking.ForKirsty,itiscrucialthat AnywhereinAfricaSafarismaintains itspersonalisedserviceandavoids growingtoolargetothepointwhenthe customerssufferorwindupbeing treatedlikeanumberinthesystemto fundthegrowingbusiness.

AnywhereinAfricaSafaris'clientele, whorelyontheexpertiseandethics, willdeterminethecompany'sfuture, thereforeitmustkeepprovidingthem withoutstandingcustomerservice,indepthknowledge,anduniquetravel opportunitiestoencouragethemto returnandrecommendtoothers.

Kirsty'slong-termobjectivefor AnywhereinAfricaSafarisistobethe firstcompanythatcomestomindwhen peoplethinkofAfrica,whotocontact forassistancewithtripplanning,who isreliable,whooffersthebestservice, andwhohasthemostknowledge. Buildingastrongbrandnowwillbe crucialinthefutureahead.

Shaping the TECH WORLD Now Then

C CCouldwepossiblyconcurwithhermore?Women's contributionstotechnologyareessentially invisible.Oneofthereasonsisthattheirstruggles andsuccesseshaven'tbeenwell-documentedin history,letaloneacknowledged.However,modern societyhascomealongwayandisnowproudof itsfemaletechnologists.

AccordingtoDeloitteGlobal,largeglobal technologyfirmswill,onaverage,havenearly 33%ofwomenworkingtherein2022,upslightly morethan2percentagepointsfrom2019.Many organizationsaretryingtopersuadeyounggirlsto choosecareersintechnology

EmployeesandleadersatiLinkDigitalareconstantlyinspiredbywomenworkingin technologyandthosewhoarepavingthewayforothers.Weasaleadingtechcompany havemanagedtomaintainmomentumonthegenderfrontandkeepfemale representationonanupwardtrajectorydespitethepandemic-drivenspikesinglobal unemployment.

Tohighlighttheirimportantworkandrecognizetheiroutstandingaccomplishmentsin science,technology,engineering,andmath,wehaveassembledalistofinspirational women(STEM).

SherylSandberg

SherylSandbergisatrailblazerwhoovercametheoddsandoneofSiliconValley'smost successfulwomen.Sheiswell-knownforholdingexecutivepositionsatYahoo!,Apple, Google,andalsoheldthepositionofChiefOperatingOfficer(COO)atMeta(formerly Facebook).

Sandberghaswrittenwell-knownmanagementbookslikeLeanInWomenandWork andtheWilltoLeadinadditiontoleadingtechcompanies.Shewasranked15thon ForbesAmerica'sSelf-MadeWomenlistand36thonForbesPowerWomenlistin2021.

DebjaniGhosh

TheNationalAssociationofSoftware&ServicesCompanies(NASSCOM),alobbying organizationthatrepresentsIndia's$167billionIT-BPMindustry,haselectedDebjanias itsfifthandfirstfemalepresident.Sheisinchargeofdevelopingnewbusiness opportunitiesforthesectorandisastrongproponentofusingtechnologytoadvance socialprogress.

MeganSmith

UnderPresidentBarackObama,MeganSmithoversawtechnologyinthecountry.She isarecognizedengineer,entrepreneur,techevangelist,andthefirstAmericanwomanto holdthetoppositionintechnology.Shetookadvantageofthechancetoencourage womenandmembersoftheLGBTQcommunitytochoosecareersinthetechnology sector.

JoyBuolamwini

ComputerscientistJoyBuolamwiniisofGhanaiandescentandAmerican.Assheuses

artandresearchtoshedlightonthe socialramificationsofartificial intelligence,sheisfrequentlyreferred toasthepoetofcode.Shefoundthat facialrecognitionalgorithmswere unabletorecognizewomenwith darkerskintones,includingwellknownfigureslikeOprahWinfrey, MichelleObama,andSerenaWilliams. HerMITthesis,GenderShades,which exposedsignificantracialandgender biasinAIservicesprovidedby companieslikeMicrosoft,IBM,and Amazon,wasmotivatedbythis.Then, inordertocombatbiasintechnology andbringaboutamoreequitable technologicalfuture,shedevelopeda programcalledAlgorithmicJustice League.

Diggingfromthepast!

AdaLovelace:TheFirstComputer Programmer.

Consideredtobethefirstcomputer programmer,AdaLovelace.Her aptitudeformathematics,technical know-how,andfascinationwith

machinesledtoacollaborationwith CharlesBabbage.Sheprovidedhim withadditionalworkintheformofa complexsetofnotesthatmanypeople believetobetheearliestversionofthe computerprogramthatwouldbecome theAnalyticalEngine.

GraceHopper:QueenofSoftware.

Apioneerinthefieldofcomputers, RearAdmiralGraceM.Hopperisbest knownforherworkonprogramming languages,softwaredevelopment,and computerprogramming.Herefforts contributedtothecreationofCOBOL, apioneeringprogramminglanguage thatisstillinusetoday.Shecaptured thefirstrealcomputerbugeverin 1947.

MaryAllenWikes:FirstPersonal ComputerUser

Formercomputerprogrammerand logicdesignerMaryWikesisbest knownforherworkontheLINC, widelyregardedasthefirstpersonal computerevermade.Whileamember ofthedevelopmentteamworking

underWesleyA.Clark,sheisalso recognizedforcreatingtheinteractive operatingsystemLAP6fortheLINC.

HedyLamar:MotherofWi-Fi

Theradiocommunicationsdevicethat HedyLamarrinventedservedasthe foundationformodernWiFi,GPS,and Bluetoothcommunicationsystems.She wasanAustrian-Americanactress. TogetherwiththecomposerGeorge Antheil,shewasakeycontributorto thedevelopmentofthespreadspectrumandfrequencyhopping technologiesduringWorldWarII.

KatherineJohnson:TheHumanComputer

KatherineJohnsonwasamathematical prodigywhoseanalysisofthe trajectorywasessentialtothe accomplishmentofthefirstUSspace flight.In1953,shestartedworking withagroupofAfricanAmerican womeninthecomputingdepartmentat theNationalAdvisoryCommitteefor Aeronautics(NACA),wheretheyhad tomanuallycalculatedifficult mathematicalcalculationsforthe engineer'sprogram.

TheFutureofWomeninTech

Incomparisontootherindustries,the numberofwomenworkingin technologyisgrowingslowlybut steadily.Today,therearemorewomen thaneverholdingexecutivepositions inthetechindustry.Butthereisstilla tonofprogresstobemade.

Althoughculturalattitudesareshifting andtheoutlookisimproving,women arelikelytofaceaparticularsetof challengesbecauseofingrained stereotypesandlingeringbias.The worldmustchangeasaresultofan increasingnumberofwomenentering thetechnologyindustry