Deepracialinequalitiesstillexistateverylevelofthe nation'slargestandmosthighlyvaluedcompanies, accordingtoaUSATodayanalysis,morethanayearafter GeorgeFloyd'smurdersparkedcorporatecommitmentsto change,sharplydivergentoutcomesforpeopleofcolor, especiallywomen,result.
Only64%ofWhitewomenshare84%ofBlackwomen's beliefthatdiscriminationagainstwomenexists.Whatdoes itmeantobeatthenexusofraceandgenderwhilealso frequentlybeingrenderedinvisiblebybothidentities?
Blackwomenhaveluminous,nuancedtalestoshare.But onoccasion,individualsputtheirlife-changingexperiences asidetopresentthemselvesinmoreraciallyneutralsettings.
Intheworkplace,Blackwomenfeelunderpaid,underappreciated,under-supported,undervalued,andalone, especiallyincorporatesetting.Additionally,Blackwomen developthe“quitandstaymentality.”Quitandstayisthe phenomenonofemployeesbecomingdisengagedandless productivewhilewaitingforotherrolestobecome available.Quitandstayisanunfortunatebutavoidable phenomenonintheworkplace.
Inthisedition“World'sMostSuccessfulBlackWomento Watchin2022”,World'sLeadersfeaturesblackwoman leadersfromvarietyofsectorwhoarethrivinginleadership and leadingwithbestpracticesandstrategiestotaketheir ideaintoaction.
ThecoverfeaturesCorporateDiversity,Equity,and Inclusionleader(DEI)Ky'aJacksonhasaproventrack recordofexecutingDEIstrategy,establishing,and
managingemployeeresourcegroups(ERGs),and developinginternshipprogramsinthefieldsofhealthcare, telecommunications,andtechnology.Sheisanexpertinthe strategicintegrationofDEIpartnerships,programs,and initiatives.Sheisresults-oriented,hasexperiencedefining visionanddesigningprocedurestosupportdiversityand inclusioninitiatives,andisanauthenticleaderwhoguides employeesatalllevelsthroughtheorganization'sDEI journey.Shehasconsistentlybeenrecognizedfor extraordinaryeffortsthatadvanceDEIstrategyandelevate DEIasapriority.
Also,whileyouflipthroughthepages,don'tforgettoread thearticlescreatedbyourin-houseeditorialstaffand industryexperts. Have a lovely read!
Senior Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion AmerisourceBergen
Corporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader (DEI) Ky'a Jackson has a proven track record of executing DEI strategy, establishing, and managing employee resource groups (ERGs), and developing internship programs in the fields of healthcare, telecommunications, and technology. She is an expert in the strategic integration of DEI partnerships, programs, and initiatives. She is results-oriented, has experience defining vision and designing procedures to support diversity and inclusion initiatives, and is an authentic leader who guides employees at all levels through the organization's DEI journey. She has consistently been recognized for extraordinary efforts that advance DEI strategy and elevate DEI as a priority.
TheexperiencesKy'ahadbefore joiningAmerisourceBergenenabled hertodevelopinitiatives,programs, trainings,andcommunity collaborationsthatintegrateddiversity, equality,andinclusionateach organizationsheworkedintoeachof herorganization'soperations.Ky'a oftenreferstothecombinationofher experienceinDEI,community investment,andcommunicationsasher "specialsetofskills"thatcontributeto hersuccess.
Ky'abeganherprofessionalcareerin thehealthcareindustryat IndependenceBlueCrossin Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,whereshe beganhercareerinclaimsandthen transitionedtocommunications.Onthe surface,theserolesmighthave appearedtobecompletelydifferent, butinreality,theybothrequiredahigh levelofteamworkandattentionto detail.Shehasalwaysbeengrateful thatherprofessionalexperiencebegan atIndependenceBlueCrossbecause, asanearlyprofessional.Sherecalls, “I was able to build my personal board of directors by watching, learning from, and listening to professionals who, to this day, still offer me guidance. I was able to hone in on my communication skills, and as a Provider Communications Specialist, learned how invaluable it is to listen and truly hear people in order to effectively communicate with them." Shegoeson tosaythattheselessonswerecrucial forherfutureDEIworkasithas helpedherengagewithpeoplein demographicsthataredifferentfrom herown.WithpositionslikeAccount CoordinatoratPRNewswireand CommunicationsSpecialistatCDI Corporation,Ky'awasabletocontinue hercareerincommunicationsoutside
I was able to build my personal board of directors by watching, learning from, and listening to professionals who, to this day, still offer me guidance.
ofthehealthcareindustry.However, shewaslookingforagreaterchallenge andhowshecouldgivebacktothe communityinamoreimpactfulway
Atthetime,Ky'adidn'tthinkshecould landajobatacompanythesizeof Comcast,butmentorsandhermother pushedhertogiveitatry.Sherecalls, "I will always remember receiving my job offer at Comcast as both the most exciting and the saddest time of my life because I was offered the job at Comcast the same week my mother passed away. Sometimes things happen in life that you think will break you, but they end up being the things that give you the most clarity. It was not an easy time for me personally, but as I reflect on that time in my life, I realize that experience provided me with tools I knew could help young people in similar situations. I knew there were young people out there who did not have access , to supportive parents mentors, and a village to encourage them. I decided that from then on, I would do my best to invest in diverse communities and support to young people.”
BecauseKy’agrewupinCamden, NewJerseywheretherewerelimited resourcesforstudentsofcolor,her workasaSeniorProgramCoordinator and,eventually,asManagerof NationalProgramsandPartnerships allowedhertobuildandmanage programsthatwouldhelplevelthe playingfieldforyoungpeoplein similarsituations.Afterspendinga littleovertenyearsatComcast,she returnedtothehealthcareindustryas theWorkforceInitiativesProgram ManageratAmeriHealthCaritas.Ky'a hasalwaysbeenacutelyawareofher life'sfullcirclemoments,andthis actionappearedtobeoneofthem.
AmeriHealthCaritasprovideshealth insurancetothosewhoaremostin need—thoseonMedicaidand
Medicare.InKy'a'smind,itwasthe perfectrolebecauseshecouldhelp changethetrajectoryofpeople'slives byhelpingthemgainemploymentwith thecompany.ItalsobroughtKy'ajoy torunthesummerinternshipprogram. Sheasserts, "I could help families of all backgrounds by providing employment to the parents and, at the same time, provide internships to their children. I left AmeriHealth Caritas as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion and continued the work of DEI at Money Mart as their Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion." Ky'a'sdesire toembedDEIineverything organizationsdobecameherattraction toAmerisourceBergen,andsheisnow theircurrentSeniorDirectorof Diversity,Equity,andInclusion.
DEIintoengagementbothinternally andinthecommunitieswherewelive andwork.Sheworkscrossfunctionallyandwithbusinessleaders tointegrateDEIintoallaspectsofthe businessandculture. Ky'aalsoserves asadvisorandleadsgovernanceforthe eightEmployeeResourceGroupsthat createcommunitywiththe organizationandinfluenceculture evolutiontoalignwithDEIpriorities.
Ky'a'sleadershipstyleisacombination ofcoachingandservantleadership methodologies.Sheasserts, "I have to say my philosophy of leadership and life in general is similar to the Ubuntu philosophy—the idea of connectedness—when you succeed, I succeed. That has been my way of working and living, and it has certainly supported my work of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.”
AmerisourceBergenfostersapositive impactonthehealthofpeopleand communitiesaroundtheworldby advancingthedevelopmentand deliveryofpharmaceuticalsand healthcareproducts.Asaleading globalhealthcarecompany,witha foundationinpharmaceutical distributionandsolutionsfor manufacturers,pharmacies,and providers,theycreateunparalleled access,efficiency,andreliabilityfor humanandanimalhealth.41,000 globalteammemberspowertheir purpose,tocreatehealthierfutures. AmerisourceBergenisranked#10on theFortune500withmorethan$200 billioninannualrevenue.
Ky'aisamemberoftheglobalDEI teamthatservesasacenterof excellencetodriveDEIstrategic initiativesandculturepriorities globally. Ky'ainteractswithleaders andstakeholdersatalllevelstoimbed
ThehappiestpartofKy'a'sdaily routineisbeingabletoengagewithan employeethathastakenthestepsto learnmoreaboutDEIandcomestoher toeithersharewhattheyhavelearned oraskmorequestions.Shetellspeople allthetimethatDEIworkkeepsone “inaconstantstateoflearning”.She states, "Helping employees expand their cultural lenses is so fulfilling to me." WhendescribingwhatKy'adoes topeopleunfamiliarwithDEI,shetells themthatshehelpspeople see and hear eachother.Ky'aisaselfproclaimednerd,sowhenever someonewantstolearnmoreabout othersdifferentfromthemselves,she lovesit!Sheadds, "It happens at least once a day and I welcome the exchanges.”
AccordingtoKy'a,mostofthetime, herworkandpersonallifeinspireeach
As I reflect on that time in my life, I realize that experience provided me with tools I knew could help young people in similar situations. I knew there were young people out there who did not have access to supportive parents, mentors, and a village to encourage them.
other.Forexample,herideaofhaving anHBCUpanelatherjobwith representativesfromCheyney University,UNCFandan AmerisourceBergentalentacquisition colleaguecametoherwhileshewas attendinghomecomingeventsat CheyneyUniversityofPennsylvania, heralmamater.Sheshares, "I continued to enjoy Homecoming but not without quickly jotting down the outline of my idea on my cell phone.”
As a current doctoral candidate at Drexel University, Ky'a often finds she can use what she learns from academic research in her daily DEI work. Since her concentration is in higher education, she finds her academic research allows for her to be a much better collaborator to the talent acquisition team whose job it is to find early, diverse talent." Soone cansee,thelinescangetveryblurred, butKy'awelcomestheinspiration.
OneofKy'a'sfavoritequotesfromDr CornelWestis, "You can't lead the people if you don't love the people. You can't save the people if you don't serve the people." Shebelievesleaders leadwiththeirheartandmind.They areauthenticandunderstandthatit isn'tjustimportanttosharpentheir ownskillsbuttomakesurethatthey areleadingaregrowing,developing, andbeingchallenged.Ky'athinksone ofthebestskillsagoodleadercan haveisalsotheabilitytolisten. Sometimes,shefeelslikelisteningisa lostart.Sheasserts, "If you are a leader that truly listens, you can hear not only what is said, but also what is not said. Sometimes people are not exactly sure how to express what they want and/or need. If you are listening deeply to them, you can build a level of trust in them that will help both you and them develop.”
Heradviceis, "No matter how high you grow in your career and in your life, always remember that you did not get there alone. It is your responsibility to work hard, develop and master your skills, and always remember to reach back."
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.
Womenarestartingbusinessesin greaternumbersasaresultof widespreadlayoffsatworkand changesinthelabormarket.Ona nationallevel,theyarealteringthe perceptionofentrepreneurship.
Blackwomen'sbusinessownership hasexplodedinpopularity.Black women-ownedbusinessesexpanded by67%from2007to2012and50% from2014to2019.
Comparedto10%ofwhitewomen, 17%ofBlackwomenintheUnited Statesstartorruntheirown businesses,accordingtoresearch fromtheHarvardBusinessReview Weexaminethefactorsthatledto therapidexpansionofthisgroup, theirresilienceinthefaceofthe epidemic,andthetoolsavailableto supportotherwomeninstartingtheir ownenterprises.
Over12millionenterprisesare ownedbywomenintheUS.More overathirdofthosearerunbyblack women.Thecorporatelandscape radicallyshiftedwiththeCOVID-19 epidemic.Theseladiesjumpedatthe chancetooffernewservicesas consumerrequirementschanged.
JennaMorrowputherloveof interiordesigntouseafterbeing
forcedtotakealeaveofabsence duringthepandemic.Sheestablished TheMorrowHomeandservesasits chiefarchitect.ForDawnCarr,the epidemicexposedthedemandsof blackcustomersthatweren'tbeing served.Foundedbyher,Mahogany Insights.
Morethan20%ofU.S.small companyownersclaimedthe epidemicimpactedtheirbusinesses, despitethefactthatforsomepeople itpresentedopportunities.Leneille Moonwasatfirstincludedinthat figure.Butshemadethedecisionto shifttheemphasisoftheservicesshe offered.Shethrivedastheownerand creativedirectorofSpecialEvent oncetherebrandingwassuccessful. Otherfemale-ownedbusinesseshave thriveddespitethepandemic's effects.Morethan10millionpeople areemployedbycompaniesrunby women.Theeconomybenefits greatlyfromtheworkoffemale businessowners.Byfusingtheir areasofpassionandexpertise, individualsestablishsuccessfulfirms thatofferreliablerevenuesources.
DuringtheCOVID-19outbreak, millionsofemployeeslosttheirjobs. Whenthejobmarketsuffered,black individualsweredisproportionately affected,sufferingmorejoblosses andslowerratesofemployment recovery.Thelossesledtoinventive solutions,withmorethanfour millionnewcompanyapplications submittedin2020alone–an increaseofmorethan20%from 2019.
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.
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?
JoeBidenmadealegendary revelationearlierthisyearduring aDemocraticdebate.He promisedthathisrunningmatewillbe afemaletotheAmericanpeople.Last week,Bidenmadehistoryby announcingSenatorKamalaHarrisas hisrunningmate.HarrisisthefirstBlack andSouthAsianwomantorunforvice presidentonamajorpartyticketinUS history.Theannouncementcametoa nationwearyfromfightingtwodeadly pandemics—thecoronavirusand systemicracism.
Blackwomenhaveconsistentlybeenat theforefrontofthestruggleforcivil rightsinAmericaforgenerations.Black womenorganizedfreedomriders, oversawtheUndergroundRailroad, weretheunsungsuffragemovement leaders,pavedthewayfor constitutionalprotectionsagainstsex discrimination,andcontinuetobethe mostreliablevotingblocintheUSto defendtherightsofmarginalized people.
Blackwomenarebynomeansa homogeneousgroup,butbecausethey frequentlyfindthemselvesatthe intersectionsoftargetedoppression, theycollectivelypossessaprofound graspoftherelationalnatureof liberation.ThismeansthatforBlack women,aconversationaboutmaternal andchildhealthmustalsoaddress accesstocareandunconsciousbias;a conversationaboutparentingmust alsoaddressimplicitdehumanization andpolicebrutality;aconversation abouteducationmustalsoaddress adultificationbiasandtheschool-to-
prisonpipeline;andaconversation aboutgendermustalsoaddressequal payandothergender-relatedissues.
Blackwomen'sleadershipismorethan justtheirfortitudeandtenacity.It dependsonhowfrequentlytheyappear andengageinbattleforthecommon good.WhenBlackwomenlead,weall win,whethertheyareworkingtoclose thewealthgap,promotingfreeandfair elections,orpreparingtoholdoneof thehighestofficesintheland. Blackwomenareideallysituatedto drivethecountryforwardatthistime. Blackwomenhavebravely campaignedforgreateraccessto justiceandcivilrightsforallpeoplefor generations.Wehaveactedasthe moralrebuttaltoanon-democratic systemdesignedtogivewhitementhe upperhandovereveryoneelse.The centuries-oldwrongsinthisnation cannotbeeasilyrectified.Werequire morethanjustalliesinpositionsof authority.Instead,weneedsupporters torelinquishcontroltous,givingBlack womenandourcommunitiesthe opportunitytolead.Thephrase"trust Blackwomen"hasbecomeafreshand powerfulcalltoactionforsome.Let's seehowquicklythatcallwasanswered. Tobringournationoutofthemesswe arein,blackwomenmustexercise executiveleadership,haveaccessto extensiveresources,andgetvociferous supportfrompeopleofeveryraceand gender.Blackwomenhavethe experience,intellect,talent,andheartto fightforeconomicandracialjustice.
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:
Ÿ
*MississaugaBoardofTrade (MBOT)BusinessPersonofThe Year
RelationswiththeOfficeofGraham McGregor–MemberofProvincial Parliament(MPP)BramptonNorth.
Ithinkwhathasmademesuccessfulis workinghard,maintainingfocus, payingitforward,settinggoalsand havingsomethingthatgroundsme,and forme,that'smyfaith.
Whicharethemajorservicesofthe companyandhowdotheythe companytogetaheadinthe competition?Whatvalue-added servicesdoesthecompanyprovide?
Whatarethemostimportantaspects ofacompany'sculture?What principlesdoyoubelieveinandhow doyoubuildthisculture?
Companyculturemaybethemost complexaspectofrunningabusiness. Thereareanalmostendlessnumberof variablestoconsiderwhentryingtoget agroupofpeopletoworktogetherina waythathasapositiveimpacton people'slivesandconsistently producesgreatresults.
Ÿ
*RBCTop25CanadianImmigrant Award Ÿ
Ÿ
*CIBWETOP100BLACK WOMENTOWATCH
*BRAMPTONTOP40UNDER 40
Forover20yearsUniversalStaffing hasbeengivingpeopletheopportunity tofindtheircalling.
Inordertomakethebiggest,positive impactoncompanycultureintheleast amountoftime,itisessentialfor leaderstoidentifyandfocusonthe mostimportantelementofthe organization'sculture.
Ÿ
Iwasalsohonouredwithabench locatedatHumberCollege(North Campus)in2021.
£ Beyondthat,I'mapeople personandveryoutgoingand adventurous.Ivaluemyfamily £ 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.
Atthemostbasiclevel,aneffective companycultureisoneinwhich peopleworkwelltogethertoachievea commongoal.
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.
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
