Thereisalotoffocusandeffortputintochanging somethingrapidlyifafirmisnotoperatingwellinacertain area,suchasnotbeingabletopenetrateagivenmarket. Althougheveryonewouldownandsupportthechange,the leaderscouldbetheonestopushit.Butwhyisn'tthesame intensity,concentration,andapproachusedwhenitcomes toBlackwomenleadersandtheirunderrepresentationinthe businessworld?Itwouldbeanunderstatementtosuggest thatbusinessesareunderperforminginthisarea,andasa result,businessesarelosingout.
Over12millionenterprisesareownedbywomenintheUS. Moreoverathirdofthosecompaniesaremanagedbyblack women.TheCOVID-19epidemicdramaticallyalteredthe corporateenvironment.Theseladiesjumpedatthechance toprovidenewservicesascustomerrequirementschanged.
AccordingtostudypublishedintheHarvardBusiness Review,Blackwomenarethefastest-growingcategoryof entrepreneurs,with17%nowestablishingoroperatingnew enterprises(comparedto10%ofwhitewomenand15%of whitemales).Howcome?Simplysaid,they'rewornout. They'vebeenpoundingtheirheadsagainstawallthatisas consistentlyimpenetrableasconcrete,notaglassceiling, leavingthempsychologicallyandemotionallyspent.
Organizationsmightbeginbyfranklyadmittingwherethey fallshortinadvancingBlackwomen.This acknowledgementmustoriginatefromthetop.Initiatives fordiversitymustshiftfrombeingfuture-focusedtobeing present-focused.
Inthisspecialeditionof “World's Most Successful Black Women to Watch in 2022” ,World'sLeadershasselected someofthemostinfluentialblackwomanbusinessleaders whohavesuccessfullymetthechallengesoftherecentpast, andhaveaskedthemfortheirpredictionsfortheyear2023. Webelieveyouwillfindourleaders'perspectivesonthe futuretobeinformativeandhelpfulongettingindustry's insights.
ThecoverfeaturesJeanDrummond,PresidentandCEOof HealthCareDynamicsInternational(HCDI).Sheensures everyteammemberfeelsempoweredtostrivetoward HCDI'svision:improvingthequalityofhealthforall, especiallyvulnerablepopulations.
Lendingahelpinghandandconnectingwithothersthrough empathyalwayscamenaturallytoJeanDrummond.Her passionforhealthandthegreatergoodforallwas fundamentalinthepursuitofhercareerinhealthcareand publichealth. Beginningherstudiesinrespiratorytherapy, shecontinuedtobecomeadedicatedPhysician'sAssistant, deliveringqualityprimaryhealthcaretothosemost vulnerableinhercommunity. Servingforover15yearsin low-incomeareasthatexperiencedhealthprofessional shortages,sheexperiencedthedevastatingimpactofhealth disparitiesondisadvantagedcommunitiesandsought drastic,systems-widechangetothehealthcaresystemin theUnitedStates.
Whilewecometotheend,pleasedonotforgettoreadthe CXOstandpointswrittenbyindustryexpertsandthe informativearticlespenneddownbyourin-houseeditorial team.
Have a lovely read!
Visionaryleadersareresponsiblefor creatingacaptivatingandcompelling visiontogalvanizetheheartsand mindsofthestaffandmanagersof organizations. Notonlyisthe Presidentresponsibleforcreatingthe vision,butalsoassumestheroleof ensuringthestaffhasthenecessary resourcestoexecuteandassurethe achievementofsuchaudaciousgoals totransformthevisionintoatangible reality.Thissupportisimperativeto helpstaffmembersalignwitha companythathasabig,boldvisionto giveback.Whenstaffmembershavea vestedinterestinthecompany'svision andfeelconnected,theyarenaturally inspiredtoaccomplishtheirbestwork. JeanDrummond,PresidentandCEO ofHealthCareDynamicsInternational (HCDI),ensureseveryteammember feelsempoweredtostrivetoward HCDI'svision:improvingthequality ofhealthforall,especiallyvulnerable populations.
Lendingahelpinghandandconnecting withothersthroughempathyalways camenaturallytoJeanDrummond.Her passionforhealthandthegreatergood forallwasfundamentalinthepursuit ofhercareerinhealthcareandpublic health. Beginningherstudiesin respiratorytherapy,shecontinuedto becomeadedicatedPhysician's Assistant,deliveringqualityprimary healthcaretothosemostvulnerablein
hercommunity. Servingforover15 yearsinlow-incomeareasthat experiencedhealthprofessional shortages,sheexperiencedthe devastatingimpactofhealthdisparities ondisadvantagedcommunitiesand soughtdrastic,systems-widechangeto thehealthcaresystemintheUnited States.
Asaresult,Drummondstudiedpublic administrationandhealthcare managementatBowieState University,graduatingwithamaster's degree.Drummond'sunique educationalbackgroundand professionalexperienceenableherto viewthechallengesacrossthehealth carecontinuum. Sheknewonething forcertain:thosemostvulnerablewere oftenleftoutofeconomicallydriven decisions.
FromaDreamtoReality:Founding HCDI
Twofundamentalbeliefshaveshaped Drummond'srelationshipwiththe worldandhersenseofpurpose.Asa globalcitizen,Drummondembraces ourcommonhumanitywhile celebratingtheuniqueanddifferent cultures,backgrounds,andtraditions weshare.Thisunderstandingguides hervisionforthefutureofhealthcare andanunwaveringbeliefindestiny compelshertobelievethebestisyetto come.
Beyondherbeliefs,bothDrummond's motherandgrandmotherservedasrole modelswhocultivatedher entrepreneurialspirit.Jeanconsiders herselfblessedtocomefromafamily withtwostrongwomenwho demonstratedwhatitmeanstorun successfulbusinesses. Her grandmotherranageneralmerchandise storeinhercommunityandhermother
hadabusinessasaseamstress. Nonetheless,Drummondwatchedthem buildalifedoingthingsforothersand committedtodoingthesame. Later, hermotherinvestedinDrummond's dreambyproviding$400.00tostart HCDI.Ashercompanygrows,Jean cherishesthesupportshereceived fromhermotherduringitsinception. TheconvergenceofJean'sexperiences, unwaveringfaith,andpersistentfamily supportlaunchedthefoundationof HCDIasanaward-winningbusiness.
Thepolicy-to-practicestrategy specializedbyHCDIassistshealth systemsandhealthplanstoraisethe standardofcareprovidedatlower costs.Emphasizingboththesocial determinantsofhealthandusingdata asthefoundationforimpactful interventions,HCDIunderstandsthe contextneededtoreachunderserved populationsimprovingaccessto necessaryhealthservicesand education.Theteamofmorethan200 staffmembershasin-depthknowledge, whichbenefitsthecommunitiesthey serve.
Thepowerofpivotingisevident throughoutJean'sbusiness.She understandsabusinessmust continuallyinnovateifitwantstohave asignificantimpactonpublichealth. Drummondunderstandsapublichealth consultancymustberesponsivetothe moment. Sheacknowledgesthe differencesineveryuniquepopulation andneverforgetsthepeoplebehindthe statistics.Thisphilosophydrivesthe community-based,on-the-ground interventionsofferedbyHCDI.This multifacetedandtargetedapproachis whatmakesHCDI'sstrategyso impactfulwithincommunities.
JeanDrummond'sfaithisherultimate guideinlife.Agoodlifeismeasured bypositiveimpactandasksherselfand herstafftoconsiderhoweveryday actionwillmanifestinabundant, lastingchangeintheworld.
Drummondstriveseverydaytoleave behindameaningfullegacybenefiting herfamily,community,andtheworld.
Toaccomplishthis,sheendeavorsto makethemostofeverymomentinlife -everyminuteofeveryday Drummonddoesnottakeany opportunity,relationship,ormoment forgranted.Sheknowstimeisafinite gift.
Tobeatruechange-maker,onemust takecourageousaction.Whilefaith keepshergrounded,Drummond recognizesthatmakingthemostofher liferequiresbothgritandflexibility. Thisistheblueprintforcourageous action. Drummond'sreceptivemindset unlockshermindtocourse-changing lifelessonsthatleadtoagreater,more equitablefutureforall.
“Yougrowwhenyou're uncomfortable,”Drummondinsists. “Livinglifecourageouslymeansusing changetoinspireandmotivate!”
Jeanproclaims,“Having strong communication between departments, staff members, and the executive team is an important element of the 'teamwork makes the dream work' mentality.”
Partofbuildingagoodteamis developingasystemthatcanbe replicated.Establishingreplicable
systemsempowerstaffmembersto activelyaddressproblems.Insteadofa segregated,lonelyenvironment, fosteringanintegrated,collaborative atmosphereisessential.
Nothingdemonstratedthesignificance ofacross-collaborativeteammore thantheCOVID-19pandemic. Alongsidehealthpartners,HCDIstaff foundthemselvesadministering COVID-19tests,conductingcontact tracinginterviews,andproviding COVID-19informationand immunizationstobotheducateand vaccinatethepopulationduringthis unprecedentedcrisis. HCDIhadto respondwithoutdelay!Giventhedire immediacyoftheCOVID-19crisis, HCDI'sstaffpivotedtheir organizationalcapabilitiesinresponse tounprecedentedandurgenthealth caredemands.Drummondrecognizes thepowerofthisrapidpivot, attributingreplicableprocessesand effectivecommunicationasvital componentsoftheresponseeffort.
“Working with the most passionate, talented staff to turn our innovative and transformational ideas into a reality is an immense gift.”
HCDI's“ServantLeadership” philosophykeepsthegreatervisionin focus.Drummondandstaffaddressthe needsofcommunities.Drummond ensuresthatstaffmembersunderstand therelevanceoftheirdailyworkso theycanlead–andwork–by example.Likeherbeliefindestiny, Drummondrecognizesthepowerof purposeandreinforcesthecompany's visionasamotivatingforce.
AccordingtoJean,aleadershould alwaysconsidertwocrucialpoints: learningneverstopsandatrueleader nevermovestheworldalone.By leadingwithhumility,agoodleader remainsopentolearning,adapting,and growing.Infact,Drummondbelieves everyonegrowswhentheyremain humble,open,andcurious.
The National Relationship Director of Master Private Finance, Alison HoughtonCor ield, has almost 25 years of experience in the inancial industry She spent most of her time at BOS, Halifax, and Lloyds, where she truly grew as a person and gained the transferrable skills and expertise that allowed her to go into specialised lending.
In her words, "it's a terri ic multi-faceted product which can sometimes go unacknowledged but can provide huge value to a business and its clients,"
Alison is passionate about specialist inance and how it can help so many people achieve their goals.
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Alison Houghton-Cor ield:
Alison Houghton Corfield Na onal Rela onship Director Master Private Finance
Describewhoyouareasaperson,insideandoutsideoftheworkplace. I'mahappy,fun,glass-very-fulltypeofperson.Ithriveintimesofadversity I'mloyalandpassionateaboutfairness.Ilovelearningnewthingsandhavea "cando"and"willdo"attitude.I'maloverofpeopleandgettingtoknowthem. I'manall-rounddecenthumanbeing.
Outsideoftheworkplace,mylovedonesaremypriority.Ienjoyourfamily gatheringsandentertaining,beingamother,music,dancing,culture,comedy, shoes,football,beingnearwater,andexploringtheBritishcountryside.
Describeyourbackgroundandwhatdidyoudobeforeyoustarted/joined thecompany?
Irecentlyfoundanoldschoolreportandmyformteacherhadsummarisedthe reportandwritten."Verygood,butAlisonwantstobetheleaderallthetime."
What'swrongwithknowingthatyouwanttolead?Anditappearsnothinghas changed.I'vebeeninfinancialservicesforalmost25years,predominantly withBlueChipcompaniesinasalesrole,fromface-to-facesales,telephone sales,B2Bsales,andregulatedsales,locally,regionally,andnationally.People oftengravitatedtowardsmetounderstandhowIdidwhatIdid,dayinandday
out,anditwasevidentineverything thatIdidthatitwasaboutcultivating arespectful,safeenvironmentfor anyonewhodealtwithmeand gettingtoknowthembetterandwhat theywantedtoachieve.
Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?
MasterPrivateFinancewasstarted justover3yearsagoasafinance brokerageandpackagerformortgage adviserswhoneededspecialist lendingsolutionsforclientsand businesses.Specialistlendingcanbe quitecomplex,andknowledgeand experiencedon'tcomequicklyinthis space.Theshareholdersownan independentmortgagenetwork,JLM MortgageServices,anditwasa naturalprogressiontostarta brokerage,offeringregulatedand unregulatedspecialistfinance solutionstoitsmembers.
Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?
Authenticityhasmademesuccessful, alongwithchallengingthestatus quo.I'vealwaysquestionedthings andhaveareallyinquisitive,curious mind,muchtomyparents'distressat times,asIwasgrowingup.I'mnot afraidtoaskquestionsortolet peopleknowthatIdon'tunderstand somethings.Thisishowwegrow anddevelop,andpersonal developmentishugetome.Ivalue honest,hard-workingpeople,kind, helpfulpeople;andteamplayers. Asleaders,weareinsucha privilegedposition.Wearethereto helpdevelopothers.Peopleare humanbeingsandneedtobetreated assuch,notasanassettobe
Noone | Sales & Opera ons Directorconstantlysweated.Ivaluerelationships,equality,collaboration,integrity, honesty,authenticity,andapositive,inclusiveworkculture.
Whatarethemostimportantaspectsofacompany'sculture?What principlesdoyoubelieveinandhowdoyoubuildthisculture? CulturehasbeenabigpartofourstrategysincejoiningMasterPrivateFinance, andasabluechip,corporatetrained,salesmanager,Ifoundthecohortandtheir needschangingaroundme,andIhadtoadaptquicklytounderstandandmeet thesechanges.Forme,themostimportantaspectsofacompany'scultureare: trustingyourteam,havingapsychologicallysafeworkingenvironmentfor everyone,andpromotingopennessandhonestywithoutfearofany recriminations.Thehierarchydoesn'tneedtobetangibleforalltoseeandoften fear,aseveryoneknowswhowearsthestripes.Youneedopenandhonest conversationstoensureabusinessevolves,evenifittakesyoubysurpriseor hitsyouinthegut,becauseasleaders,wedon'thavethemonopolyonbeing rightallofthetime.TheprinciplesIbelieveinaretreatingpeoplelikepeople, helpingpeopletoprogress,bringingoutthebestandthemostinthem,helping themtoachievewhattheythoughtwasunachievable.
Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?
Innovationhastohappenconstantly oryouruntheriskofstagnating.And becausetheworldissofast-paced today,nobusinesscanruntheriskof gettingleftbehind.Takingyoureye offtheballcouldleaveyououtof yourdepthveryquickly,andit's excitingtolearnnewthingsand waysofdoingbusiness.
Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?
Asyouwillseefrommyprevious answers,formepersonally, teamworkiseverything.However, withinthoseteams,ifyouhavea fantasticindividual,youcandive intowhatmakesthemstandoutand harnessit,teachandreplicateit,and promoteittotherestofthebusiness aswhatgoodlookslike.
Whatareyourresponsibilitiesas theNationalRelationshipDirector ofthecompany?
It'sworkingwithnewbusinessesand ensuringexistingbusinessesare caredforandstillgetthesamelevel ofexceptionalservice.Ialsoreally enjoynetworkingnowandhave
madesomegreatcontactsandfriends thisway.Webelieveinlong-term, sustainablerelationshipswithallof ourpartners.We'renotinitjustfor thequickwins,althoughtheyare nice.It'saboutnurturingtrustand respectwithallpartiesinvolved,safe intheknowledgethat anyclientor partnerwillbeverywelllookedafter
Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?
Thereareafewthingswhichmake mereallyhappyfrommydaily routine:Whenaclientthanksyoufor helpingthem,especiallyifitwasa toughcaseandtheyweresomewhat distressedintheinitialstages,whenI heartheteamlaughingandhaving fun,whenIhaveagreatmeeting withanintroducer,findingsolutions whenothershaven'tbeenableto,and speakingtomyleadershippartner, AaronNoone,SalesandOperations Directoraswegrowolder,it'ssaid thatwedon'tlaughasoften.Aaron andIlaugheverysingledayatsome point.
Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?
Surroundyourselfwithpositive peopleandmentors.Buildastrong networkofpeoplewhoreflectyour cultureandvalues.Don'tbeafraidto askforhelp.Admititwhenyoudon't understandsomethingandaskfor someone-on-onetimetohelpyou understand.Youareonlyasgoodas yourteam.Beakind,understanding, honesthumanbeing.Leadershipisa privilege,notaright.
AshantiLation,aprofessionalhairstylistand residentofNewOrleans,Louisiana,founded VIPLuxuryHair Ashantiwasapioneerinthe virginhairmovementandhadtheideaof offeringhigher-qualityhairextensionsforless money.In2009,Ashanti'sbusiness,V.I.P. Styles,LLC,introducedtheVIPLuxuryHair brandtoawarmreceptionaftermorethana yearoftestingandresearch.VIPhas establisheditselfasoneofthetopvirginhair suppliersintheUSbyfocusingon maintainingagoodproductandofferingtopnotchcustomerservice.
BelowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedbetweenWorld'sLeadersandAshanti Lation:
Describewhoyouareasaperson,insideandoutsideoftheworkplace. Ineveryareaofmylife,Itrytobeagenuineandgenerousperson.Whetherit'sadvising myclientsontheirhairneeds,guidingthecareersofhairstylistsinmysalonandonline, orprovidingexceptionalcustomerservicewithinmybusiness,Itrytobegivingofmy timeandexperienceinwaysthatIhopecanmakeeveryindividual'slifethatIcomeinto contactwithjustalittlebetter.Iwanttoberememberedassomeonewhobroughtvalue toeverysituation,encounterorbusinessventure.
Describeyourbackgroundandwhatdidyoudobeforeyoustartedthecompany? I'vehadafewdifferentjobs,butmytwopassionshavealwaysbeenhairand entrepreneurship.BeingaprofessionalhairstylisthasallowedmetodosomethingIlove whilealsoenjoyingthebenefitsofbeingmyownboss.ButitallcamefullcirclewhenI launchedmyfirstcompanybackin2009andbecameatrueentrepreneur
Tellusabouttheinceptionofthecompany.Howdiditallstart?
Well,myfirstbrandwasactuallyalineofvirginhairextensionscalledVIPLuxuryHair WewerethefirstcompanyinNewOrleanstosellthesehighendhairextensionsand quicklymadeanameforourselvesintheareaaswellasonline.ButasIstartednoticing thesaturationofthespaceandthebarrierofentrygettinglower,Ibegantoresearchhair careproductformulasandwhatitwouldtaketolaunchmyownhaircareproductline. Andin2014,VIPLuxuryHairCarewasborn.Anditisprovingtobetheperfectpivot forus.
Whathasmadeyousuccessful?Whatdoyouvalue?
Iwouldsaywhathascontributedthemosttomysuccessis mybackgroundandknowledge.Icomefromveryhumble means,whichhasallowedmetostaygroundedbutalso knowIneverwanttogobacktogoingwithout.Orformy childrentoexperiencethatkindoflife.Andtheknowledge thatI'veobtainedovermycareerhasallowedmetoeducate ourcustomersanddevelopproductsthatIknowwillbe beneficialtothepeoplewe'retargeting.Ofcourse,noneof thiswouldbepossiblewithoutmyfamilyconstantlybeing thereandsupportingmydreams.
Whicharethemajorservicesofthecompanyandhow dotheyhelpthecompanytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-addedservicesdoesthe companyprovide?
Weselectedthename"VIP"verydeliberately Withourfirst brand,itwasmeanttoconveywhythequalityofourhair extensionswassomuchbetterthanwhatcustomerswere usedtoandwhythepricingreflectedthat.Whenwe launchedVIPLuxuryHairCare,itstillmadesensebecause wewantedtocontinuetochanneltheideaofluxurythrough thequalityofouringredients,thepackaging,andthe overallcustomerexperience.
Whatarethemostimportantaspectsofacompany's culture?Whatprinciplesdoyoubelieveinandhowdo youbuildthisculture?
We'restillanindependentcompany,butIdobelieveculture isimportanttoestablishearly.Onethingwehavetriedto doistoalwaysrefertoourstaffasourteam.Idon'tlikethe useoftheword"family"inbusiness.Ithinkit'salittle
disingenuousandputstoomuchpressureonpeople. Instead,weencourageourteamtobehaveastheywouldif theywereonabasketballteam.Youhavearoleonthis teamandyourprimaryconcernshouldbeplayingyour positiontothebestofyourability,butifyouseeotherareas whereyoucanhelptheteam,byallmeans,goforit. Becausethegoalforeveryoneontheteamshouldalways betoWIN!
Whatisthesignificanceofinnovativeideasinthe company?
Ibelieveinnovationisthemostunderratedformof marketing.Inthesedaysofshorteningattentionspans, innovationhelpstokeepyourcompanyinthemindofthe customer Weareconstantlylookingforwaystoadd somethingnewtothemix,beitnewformulas,new packaging,oradditionstoourtechstackthatmakethe buyingexperienceeasierormorepleasurable.
Giveusyouropinionon;doorganizationsrelyheavily onindividualheroicsorteamprocesses?
Ibelievethereisaplaceforindividualheroicsaslongas theyaredoneinanefforttoinspireandmotivatetheteam asawhole.Ihavenoproblemcelebratingindividualswho goaboveandbeyondforthecompany,butteamprocesses arethebreadandbutterofanyorganizationandthekeyto longtermsuccess.
WhatareyourresponsibilitiesastheFounder/CEOof thecompany?Whatisthehappiestpartofyourdaily routine?
Atthisstage,IamblessedtohaveanamazingCOOand teamthatcanhandleday-to-dayoperations.Thisallowsme moretimetothinkcreativelyaboutwhatdirectiontotake thecompanywhilealsocreatingcontentandbeingtheface ofthebrand.Thehappiestpartofmydailyroutinecomesat night,whenIcanlookbackonthedayIhadandsay"Yes,I contributedsomethingofvaluetoday."Ialwayssleepbetter whenthathappens.
Whatadvicewouldyougivesomeonegoingintoa leadershippositionforthefirsttime?
Iknowtheoldadagethatpeopleliketothrowaroundis "Neverstoplearning."ButIliketosay"Learnfirst."The biggestchangeIseeinentrepreneurshiprecentlyisthelack ofpatience.Iknow,entrepreneursarenotoriousforbeing impulsiveandfiguringtherestout,butIfeelyouput yourselfinabetterpositionforlongtermsuccesswhenyou bringagoodbitofknowledgeandexperiencetothetable earlyon.
CEO/Founder The Executive Sweet
TTheExecutiveSweet,ahigh-performancepremiumlineofhemp-basedskin andbodycareproductswithcarefullychosenclean-craftedandvegan ingredients,isthebrainchildofKeviaJones,thecreatorofthenewageof skincareandwellness.
Aftergoingthroughherownchallengeswithanxiety,insomnia,andmental healthissues,Keviafeltforcedtochangeherlife.Jonesmadethedecisionto takechargeofherownrecovery.Herwell-beingandhealthtookprecedence. Herlifewassavedbymindfulness,deliberateliving,bodyawareness,and alternativemedicine,anditthenbecameclearthatherrolewastohelpothers dothesame.puttingherworkandeffortintoawell-knownbrand.
TheExecutiveSweetraisesawarenessoftheadvantagesofadoptingadifferent strategyforbothyourmentalhealthandgeneralwellness.Theseproductsare madefromcarefullyprocessedhempthatarevegan,cruelty-free,andcleanin composition.
Belowarehighlightsoftheinterviewconductedbetween World'sLeadersandKeviaJones:
Describewhoyouareasaperson,insideandoutsideof theworkplace.
Insidetheworkplace,Iwoulddescribemyselfasanuber ambitious,driven,tunnelvision,goal-orientedpersonwith alltheconfidenceintheworldwholovestoworkwith othersandhasthiscontagiousreassuringenergythat remindsothersthatwecandowhateverwedecidetodo.
Outsideoftheworkplace,Iamverydowntoearth,stilla ballofenergybutdedicatedtonewexperiences,traveling,
spendingtimewithlovedones,andprioritizingmyselfcare.Ilivebyknowingwheretodrawthelineandcreating healthyboundariestomaintainthebalanceofitall.
Describeyourbackgroundandwhatdidyoudobefore youjoinedthecompany?
BeforecreatingTheExecutiveSweet,Iattendedcollege, themilitaryandeventuallyworkedincorporateAmerica (accounting/finance)forover10years.Ibeganidentifying mypurposein2016andstartedusingmyplatformsto inspireotherstoovercomeadversityandimprovetheir overallwellness.Doingthisledtoteachingbodyawareness andbreathworktowomenandchildren.
Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart?
TheExecutiveSweetstartedwhenI foundmyselfstrugglingwithmy mentalhealthwhiletryingtobalance work,life,personaldevelopment,and theweightofsocietyandthemany expectationsofme(us).Myabilityto workeffectivelywasbeingaffectedby thesideeffectsofprescription medicationprescribedtomanagea verycommonissue,anxiety.Beingas ambitiousasIam,Iwasnotevergoing tobesatisfiedwithdoingthebare minimum.
Whathasmadeyousuccessful?
Whatdoyouvalue?
Successformeistheabilityto continuelearning,growing,evolving, andgivingmyselfpermissiontodoand beallthatIdesirewithoutregrets.I'm doingthatandmore.Executingthis hasmademeextremelysuccessful.I valuetimeandfreedomineverysense. Ivaluehavingthecouragetostandfor whatyoubelievewhilewelcoming newanddifferentperspectives.
Whicharethemajor services/productsofthecompany andhowdothecompanytoget aheadinthecompetition?What value-addedservices/productsdoes thecompanyprovide?
ThemajorproductsofTheExecutive Sweetarethevarietyofbodybutters (moisturizingcreams),theinstantrelief oil(RollUP),andourfacialskincare kit.Weplantogetaheadbystaying truetoourmission,havingintegrity, showingaccountabilitywhilebeing inclusive,andallowingourclientsand customerstohaveanactivevoicein howwegrowandevolveasa company.Oursignatureevents,which wecall"safespaces,"arecustom experiencesthatwecultivatewithour clientsinmind.Theseservicescan rangefromoutreachinthecommunity,
skincareeducationalservices,yogaand meditation,orwinetastingwhilebeing educatedonalternativeapproachesto healthandwellnesswiththeuseof cannabis.
Whatarethemostimportantaspects ofacompanyculture?What principlesdoyoubelieveinandhow doyoubuildthisculture?
ThemostimportantaspectofThe ExecutiveSweet'scultureisthatwe workhard,butself-careharder.I believethatyoucannotgivewhatyou donothavementally,personallyor professionally.Ialsobelievethatyou cannotteachwhatyoudonotknow andyoucannotleadwhereyoudonot go.Wehavebuiltthiscultureby applyingthethingsthatweknowand haveallowedustobeanexampleof whatwespeakaboutwheneducating onwellnessandfulfillment.
Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?
It'simperativethatwebeinnovativeas thebeautyandwellnessindustry continuestogrowandevolve.Italso benefitsourclients'understandingand overallexperiencewhenwerollout innovativeideas.
Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?
Ibelievethatanimpactfuland successfulorganizationiscarriedbya
teamconsistingoflike-minded individualsbutisinitiatedbyan individualwhohadthecouragetodoit despitethechallenges.
Whatareyourresponsibilitiesasthe CEO/Founderofthecompany?
Whatisthehappiestpartofyour dailyroutine?
MyresponsibilityastheCEO/Founder istocommunicateeffectivelywhatthe goalsandintentionsofthecompany are,aswellasprovidemyteamand partnerswiththenecessarytoolsto execute.BecauseIamstillveryhandsoninthescalingphaseofthecompany, itisalsomyresponsibilitytocreatea positiveworkspaceformyteamandto bereachablebyourclientswithin reasontoassurethattheyare comfortablewithus.Thehappiestpart ofmydailyroutineisattheendofthe daywhenIreflectorjournalandcount myblessings.Igettocountour communitytwice.Wewouldn'tbe wherewearewithouteachand everyoneofthem.
Whatadvicewouldyougive someonegoingintoaleadership positionforthefirsttime?
Iwouldshare,embracebeingastudent justasmuch,ifnotmore,thanbeinga teacher.Haveanopenmindbutnever losesightofthemissionandpurpose. Leadbyexampleandwalkbesideyour teambecauseifthere'snoone following,whatareyouleading exactly?
Kimberlee Shelley is a seasoned branch manager with a track record of accomplishments in the staffing and recruitment sector. She possesses strong company growth and customer service abilities, as well as a love for the community and encouraging others. She is proficient in executive search, HR policies, management, leadership, and interviewing.
Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview conductedbetweenWorld'sLeaders andKimberleeShelley:
Describewhoyouareasaperson, insideandoutsideoftheworkplace. I'manauthor,communityandpolitical activist,speaker,andHRprofessional. Basedonmyprofessional accomplishmentsandcommunity work,I'vehadthehonourofreceiving severalawards,includingSheisthe recipientofseveralawards,including:
RelationswiththeOfficeofGraham McGregor–MemberofProvincial Parliament(MPP)BramptonNorth.
Ithinkwhathasmademesuccessfulis workinghard,maintainingfocus, payingitforward,settinggoalsand havingsomethingthatgroundsme,and forme,that'smyfaith.
Whatarethemostimportantaspects ofacompany'sculture?What principlesdoyoubelieveinandhow doyoubuildthisculture?
Companyculturemaybethemost complexaspectofrunningabusiness. Thereareanalmostendlessnumberof variablestoconsiderwhentryingtoget agroupofpeopletoworktogetherina waythathasapositiveimpacton people'slivesandconsistently producesgreatresults.
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*MississaugaBoardofTrade (MBOT)BusinessPersonofThe Year Ÿ
*RBCTop25CanadianImmigrant Award Ÿ
*CIBWETOP100BLACK WOMENTOWATCH Ÿ
*BRAMPTONTOP40UNDER 40 Ÿ
Iwasalsohonouredwithabench locatedatHumberCollege(North Campus)in2021.
Whicharethemajorservicesofthe companyandhowdotheythe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompanyprovide?
Forover20yearsUniversalStaffing hasbeengivingpeopletheopportunity tofindtheircalling.
Inordertomakethebiggest,positive impactoncompanycultureintheleast amountoftime,itisessentialfor leaderstoidentifyandfocusonthe mostimportantelementofthe organization'sculture.
Atthemostbasiclevel,aneffective companycultureisoneinwhich peopleworkwelltogethertoachievea commongoal.
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Beyondthat,I'mapeople person andveryoutgoingandadventurous. Ivaluemyfamily Ÿ I'mpassionateaboutmyfaithand mycommunity
Describeyourbackgroundandwhat didyoudobeforeyoustarted/joined thecompany?
PriortobranchmanagingUniversal Staffing,Ididschoolinginparalegal education,didsomepro-bonowork, andIworkedintwoseparatestaffing companies,thefirstasHR administrator,thesecondasstaffing consultant,andlaterassenior consultantandaccountmanager Assis fromthat,Ididlotsofcommunity work,servedonseveralboards, workedwithgrass-rootorganisations anddifferentlevelsofgovernmentto championissuessurroundingracism, equity,women'sempowermentand religiousfreedoms.
Inadditiontobeingbranchmanagerat UniversalStaffing,Irecentlyacquired anewroleasAdvisor,Stakeholder
Specializinginconnectingcandidates withopportunitieswheretheycan excel,whethertemporary,contractor permanent,UniversalStaffingprovides effectivestaffingsolutionsacrossa broadrangeofindustries. Thishas resultedintheutmostsatisfactionfor bothemployeesandcustomers.We haveachievedtheseresultsby understandingourcustomers'core businessandtheirreasonsforusinga staffingagency Thishasallowedusto caterourservicestoeachandevery customer,satisfyingtheirstaffingneeds andrequirements.Wehavealso assistedeachapplicantinfindingwork thatisbothfinanciallyandpersonally rewardingtothem.
UniversalStaffingthriveson challenges.Whateveryour requirements,we'llworkwithyouto customizeasolutionthatfitsperfectly withyourneeds.
Whetheryou'reajob-seekerlookingto joinaclose-knitteamthat'spassionate aboutprovidinggreatserviceoran employerinneedofexperiencedand motivatedhelpwithoutdelay,we're readytoexceedyourexpectationsof whatastaffingservicecandoforyou.
Thereisnoquestionthatcompany cultureisjustasimportantasstrategy, ifnotmoreimportant.Thesearethe principlestoadhereto.
Whatisthesignificanceof innovativeideasinthecompany?
Innovativeideasaresignificantina companybecauseit'showyou implementnewbusinessideas successfully.Innovatingallowsusto improveourexistingproducts, processes,andmethodologies,aswell ascreatenewonesfromscratch.
We'veusedanumberofapproachesto introducesomethingnew.Eachmodel involvesinnovatingadifferentaspect oftheorganization.The3most commononesare: Ÿ Revenue-modelinnovation Ÿ Business-modelinnovation Ÿ Industry-modelinnovation
Giveusyouropinionon;do organizationsrelyheavilyon individualheroicsorteam processes?
Everyorganizationisdifferentandbothare usedacrossindustries.However,whileI've experiencedthebenefitofsomeindividual heroics,Iprefertofocusonprocessesand systemsasthisbuildsatrulyscalable business.
Whatareyourresponsibilitiesasthe BranchManagerofthecompany?Whatis thehappiestpartofyourdailyroutine?
Asbranchmanager,thereareanumberof thingsI'mresponsiblefor,butinanutshell,I maintaintheoveralloperationsoftheoffice, doday-to-daymanagementofinternal,train andorientallnewstaffasneeded,and implementpoliciesandproceduresforallstaff accordingly Additionally,maintainan effectivebalanceoftimespentonpeopleand businessdevelopment,maintainingpositive employeemoraleandrelationshipswith clients.
Thehappiestpartofmyroutinewouldhaveto bebeingabletomakeanimpacton individuals'livesbyprovidingthemwitha shopsotheycansupporttheirfamiliesand sustainthemselves.It'sevenmorerewarding toseethemprogressandevolveintodifferent roles.
Whatadvicewouldyougivesomeonegoing intoaleadershippositionforthefirsttime?
Letmestartbysayingthatsteppingintoa leadershiproleisoneofthemostcourageous decisionsinone'scareer
Thatsaid,Iwouldsayremainhumble,beopen tolearning,andrememberthatagoodleader isagoodlistener.Additionally,theyfollow:
1.Adoptagrowthmindset 2.Buildrapportwitheveryoneyoucan 3.Startoneononeswithyourteamrightaway 4.Mastertheartofmanagingup 5.Gettoknowyourpeers
6.Lookforsomequickwins
Finally,knowthatnooneisimmunetofacing newchallengesNewleadersmustunderstand theproblems,identifywhatneedstobedone now,andhowtheycanimpactthe organization.
LeahK.isknownasaself-
starterwiththedemonstrated abilitytoprioritizeandmanage projectsinafast-pacedandchanging environment.Shehasmorethan15 yearsofexpertisepromotingHuman PerformanceImprovementacross diversecorporatesectors, communities,andorganizations.
SheistheFounderofAWoman's WorthChapters,adirectoratLeahK,a finalistfortheWomenInTechAlly awards,awinnerofthe2020MEA AfricaMarketsBestMediaand Graphicsannualawards,andatwotimefinalistfortheStrategicAfrican WomeninLeadership(SAWIL) awards.Leaheffectivelycombinesher 4CsCoachingJourneywithhercurrent practiseasaninfraredsauna practitioner(Celebrate.Connect. Collaborate.Create).
Leahhascreatedanddevelopedanew tool,The4Csforindividualand organisationalchange,asalearning anddevelopmentpractitionerby trainingandexperience.The4Csare designedtofosterorganisationaland individualgrowthwhilealsogiving peopleafoundationforfuture-proofing abilities.
Leahhasanimpressiveresume spanningthewholecontinentofAfrica, whichhasallowedhertocultivateand createastrongdrivetosucceedinthe learningandperformanceprofession acrossmultiplebusinesssectors.Sheis
commendedforusinghervigour, dexterity,fastreflexes,andattentionto developandupholdtheexceptional meetingofherclients'demands.
Leah'sdevelopmentmindset,broad experience,andexceptional professionalqualitiesallcontributeto theadvancementofHPIontheAfrican Continentandproduceaquantifiably favourablereturnontalentthat influencesROI.Leahisthecreatorof LeahKPtyLtd,apartnerofTheArt KartelMedia,andaWoman'sWorth. Hergoalistoworkwiththought leaderstodevelopskillsthatarefutureproofacrossAfricainorderto positivelycontributetoleavinga lastinglegacyforfuturegenerations. Herfundamentalprinciplesreflectthe deliveryofthehighestcalibreof serviceatalltimesbyactively
participatinginherclients'effortsto establishacultureofcontinuous learning.
Leah'smaingoalistoworkwith renownedthoughtleaderstodevelop programmesthatwillhelpusandthose whocomeafterusdevelopskillsthat willmakeusfuture-proof.
Leahiscommendedforhavinga future-focusedperspectiveaswellas forherzeal,agility,andattention.Her growth-orientedperspectiveand extensiveexpertiseinAfricaallowfor creativeapproachestoprojectsfor humanperformanceenhancement insideanyorganisation.Leah'smajor focusisfindinginnovativeandlonglastingstrategiestomaintainagood returnontalentandinvestmentfor organisationsandindividuals.
“I a ended one of LeahK's purpose talks. Without realising it, I le with a whole me purpose. I thought I had a purpose before and there was one for each role in my life, but that a ernoon or all came together into one as much as I am one. Leah's approach to purpose, the connec on with the audience and alignment with the audience's organisa on is amazing, is consistent throughout and reflec ve in the delivery of her four Cs. Point of correc on, the four Cs because I le with my own Cs. And then she is also an amazing and inspira onal person!” -
Advocate Dirontsho Mohale Cprac“Having worked with Leah these last number of years, I con nue to be inspired and touched by her ability to promote people she believes in. Never giving a thought to her own needs, Leah will find ways to grow and enable individuals and companies to be be er versions of themselves. Leah is a strong, focused facilitator who expertly reads the room, and challenges her delegates to stretch themselves with renewed and innova ve thinking. It is always a pleasure to work with Leah and I highly recommend her and value our collabora ons.” -
Judy Ditchfield
“Leah is a genuine & wise human soul. Leah's events are second to none you need to a end one to experience the magic she creates and the energy she brings facilita ng her events. Leah loves what she does and does an excellent job at it (I've a ended a lot of online/in-person events). Leah incorporates her cultural wisdom along with her knowledge on a broad array of topics which make her unique.” -
Nosh Darbari
TThePresident/CEOoftheExecutive Women'sSuccessInstitute(EXWSI), MadelineAnnLewisisa22-yearArmy veteran,TEDxspeaker,best-selling author,creatoroftheonlinecourse "CrackTheCareerCode:UnlockThe AmazingPowerWithinToLeadWith Confidence,Charisma,and Credibility,"hostoftheSuccess4 Womenradio/TVshow,career strategist,trainer,andbusiness consultant.Shethinksit'simportantto taketimeforyourself(i.e.,keepingher mind,body,andsoulfit).Thisenables hertomaintainconcentrationand reducesheranxietyaboutunforeseen happenings.Shetakessureto appreciatewhatshehasbeenabletodo inherlifeandinbusinessandto expressgratitudeforit.
Belowarehighlightsoftheinterview betweenWorld'sLeadersandMadeline AnnLewis:
Describeyourbackgroundandwhat didyoudobeforeyoustarted/joined thecompany?
Ihaveover20+yearsofprofessional experienceincitygovernment,the federalgovernment,andtheU.S. military(retiringafterreachingthe rankofSergeantMajor). Iholda Bachelor'sdegree,aMaster'sdegree, andaDoctoratedegree.Ihave certificationsinseveralareasto enhancemyskillsandcredentials. Beforestartingmybusiness,Iwaslike mostwomenwhowantedtomoveup thecareerladder.Ihadasuccessful career—inthechallenging,male-
dominatedfieldsofgovernmentand themilitary.Icanalsotellyou,there werenoroadmapsbackinthe80sand 90stohelpwomenexcel.Andtrustme whenItellyou,Istruggledforawhile. Iknowwhatit'sliketogetgood performancereviews,takeclassafter class,worklonghours,beateam player,andstillnotgetrecognizedfor mytalentsandabilities.
Tellusabouttheinceptionofthe company.Howdiditallstart? Ihavealwayshadapassionforhelping othersinanywayIcould,especially women.Thedefiningmomentbehind mestartingtheEXWSIwasseeing howharditwasforwomentoadvance intheircareers.Ibegantorealizethat womenwerecomingtomeforadvice onmanythings,suchasreviewing theirresumes,adviceonwhatthey shoulddonexttomovetheircareers along,helpingthemgetthroughan interview,andmentoring.Ialso noticedthattherewerenotalotof womenhelpingeachothertomoveup thecareerladder.Startingmyown companytoprovidementoring, coaching,andpersonaland professionaldevelopmenttowomen whoneededanddesiredtoadvancein theircareersorstarttheirown businessesgavemetheopportunityto helpmorewomenandtobeableto reachoutthroughalargermedium.My mottoisto,"HelpWomenAccelerate ThePathToSuccess.”
Whathasmadeyousuccessful? Whatdoyouvalue?
Irealizesuccessmeansdifferentthingstodifferentpeople. Forme,successiswhateverIbelieveittakesformetobe successful.Inotherwords,Imustbeabletoarticulate,I musthaveacompellingmessage,andImustbeableto shareitwiththepeopleIserveorspeakto,andImustmake surethatIcaninvokechangeinthelivesofthepeoplethat Imeetandserve.Iwillneverforgetsomethingoneofmy coachessaidtomewhichwas,"Beaproblemsolver.Asa problemsolver,youbecomeakeycontributorandsomeone thatwillbeviewedbyothersasasuccessfulpartofthe overallmachinery Andyouwillgetnoticed!"Butinallthe success,theonethingIvalueoverallisintegrity.Nomatter whatishappening,nomatterhowmuchmoneymaybe involved,Iwillnotcompromisemyintegrity.Becauseat theendoftheday,that'stherulingfactorinhowIrunmy business.
Whicharethemajorservicesofthecompanyandhow dothecompanygetaheadinthecompetition?What value-addedservicesdoesthecompanyprovide?
Themajorservicesarecoaching,training,andmentoring (primarilywomenandfemaleveterans)intheircareer progressionorbusinessentrepreneurship.Wegetaheadof thecompetitionbystayingabreastoftheindustryand studyingourcompetition,makingsurewehaveathorough knowledgeofwhattheclientistryingtoaccomplish, followingupwithourclientsonaregularbasis,knowing howtopivotwhennecessary,andstayingfocusedonour long-termgoals.Thevalue-addedserviceshelpourclients navigatearoundtheusualobstaclesandchallengesthey mayencounteraswomenintheworkplaceorinbusiness.
Whatarethemostimportantaspectsofacompany's culture?Whatprinciplesdoyoubelieveinandhowdo youbuildthisculture?
Themostimportantaspectofthecompany'scultureis makingsureeveryoneunderstandsandiscommittedtothe valuessetinplace.AstheCEOofEXWSI,Iamcommitted toprovidingmyclientswithexcellence.Thecorevaluesof EXWSIareIntegrity,Perseverance,Professionalism,and Commitment.EveryoneIbringonboardmustunderstand ourcorevaluesandbecommittedtofollowingeachone,no exceptions.Iwillbuildthisculturebymakingsureevery employeeorcontractorknowstheyareappreciated,and theirvoiceswillbeheard.WhenIsayIhaveanopen-door policy,Ipracticejustthat.
Whatisthesignificanceofinnovativeideasinthe company?
Thesignificanceofinnovativeideasinthecompanyisto keepeveryoneontheirtoes.Itisalsotokeepthecompany relevant,abletoadaptandpivotthroughunforeseen circumstances.Andfinally,itcangiveyouanadvantage overyourcompetitionbycomingupwithuniqueproducts andservices.
Giveusyouropinionon;doorganizationsrelyheavily onindividualheroicsorteamprocesses?
Ibelievethatleadersshouldteachotherstolookfor opportunityinadversity.Inmyorganization,Idonotrely onindividualheroicsbecauseIprefereveryonetofunction asateam.EveryonethatIbringonboardmustlearnhow weoperate,understandandbeinlinewiththemissionof EXWSI.
WhatareyourresponsibilitiesasthefounderandCEO ofthecompany?Whatisthehappiestpartofyourdaily routine?
AstheFounder/CEOofthecompany,myresponsibilities aremany.Forone,asfounder,Istartedandlaunchedthe companyin2013.Iamthenameandfaceofthecompany.I overseebutdonotmicromanagetheday-to-dayoperations ofthecompany.Andmyvisioniswhatkeepsthecompany movingforwardtoreachamillionpluswomentohelpthem succeedandbecometheleaderstheyaremeanttobe.The happiestpartofmydailyroutineismeetingwithmy assistantsandleaderstogoovertheagendaforthedayand togetanyinput,ideas,orplanstheymayhaveforthe company.
Whatadvicewouldyougivesomeonegoingintoa leadershippositionforthefirsttime?
First,Iwouldtellthemtowakeupearlytohavetimefor themselvesbeforetheystartthebusinessday.Exercise, meditate,readaffirmations,readspiritualmaterials,allof whichwillgetyourmindclearandreadyforthedayahead. Second,neverblamesomeoneelseforyourmistakeor decisionthatmaynothavegoneasplanned."Successis," asWinstonChurchillsoaptlystated,"goingfromfailureto failurewithoutlosingyourenthusiasm."Allleadersmake mistakes,andalldecisionshavedownsides.So,never second-guessyourselfandalwaysadmityourerror
