Alice Chang, the founder & CEO of Perfect Corp., is a dreamer, an innovator, and a do-er. She is always thinking ten steps ahead of anyone else and identifying opportunities and industry shifts that make her a true trailblazer. Her ability to quickly pivot and seamlessly adapt to the ever-changing consumer beauty landscape is something that has kept her ahead of the pack. She isn’t afraid to try the never-been-done-before; it’s this mindset that motivates and challenges her team to ‘always be innovating.’ As a female powerhouse founder, Alice motivates by example. She leads with grace and continues to challenge and motivate her team. Her advice for aspiring women entrepreneurs: “Dream big, embrace change, and never give up!”

“Perfect Corp.’s innovative beauty tech solutions combine AR + AI technologies to re-imagine the consumer beauty shopping journey through experiential virtual try-ons that drive conversion.”

Perfect Corp. was born in July 2015 when Alice identified a need and application for augmented reality and artificial intelligence in the beauty space to improve the consumer shopping and product trial experience. She recognized how AR and AI technology could help curb consumer pain points that existed along the beauty shopping journey—like eliminating messy and unhygienic product trials and replacing them with hyper-realistic virtual try-on experiences. Her goal was to develop and provide digital-first solutions to enhance the beauty shopping experience for beauty brands, retailers, and consumers alike. With over 320 brand partners worldwide and 900 million app downloads, it is safe to say that proved to be a game-changing and trailblazing vision.

The company’s YouCam Makeup advanced AI and AR beauty technologies are at the heart of its unparalleled true-to-life virtual try-on. The patented technologies recognize over 200 facial landmark tracking points in less than .02 seconds, taking into account skin tone, color matching, and lighting conditions to ensure the most accurate and instantaneous virtual try on imaginable. Recent advancements in AgileFace Tracking technology boast an improved 3D mesh with 200% improvement in tracking stability and 20% improvement in tracking accuracy to provide the most true-to-life and most inclusive AR virtual makeup experience.

Advanced AI and AR-powered virtual try-on technology invite a heightened experimentation and discovery level that allows the user to navigate, test easily, and play with beauty more easily and conveniently than ever before. The true-to-life try-ons certainly make for a fun consumer discovery experience and the accuracy also provides a utility to shoppers, allowing them to rely on virtual try to make more confident purchase decisions.

The impact of Perfect Corp.’s beauty tech solutions is equally as impressive. Brands have seen an average of 30~60% increase in conversions when using YouCam-powered AI/AR virtual try-ons across their e-commerce channels. In some best practice scenarios, brands have achieved 2.5X higher conversion versus normal website listing without virtual try-on capabilities and 4 times longer time spent on-site. Additionally, some brand partners have reported up to 300% increase in digital engagement and 300% increase in add-to-carts from the integration of Perfect Corp. beauty tech solutions proving its impressive impact on the consumer shopping journey.

Their plans for the future of Perfect Crop. are to continue adapting and creating unique, innovative solutions that build on a more memorable consumer shopping experience. They are also rolling out interactive AR and AI-powered livestream experiences to engage consumers on the brand’s websites and prepare to return to in-store with reimagined experiential digital try-on and safe, convenient touchless mechanisms that enhance the in-store experience. “We believe AI will continue to drive the next big upgrade to the consumer digital journey, and deliver personalized product and shade matching technologies like AI Skin Tech and AI ShadeFinder, to speak to that demand,” adds Alice. IE

Perfect Corp

Management

Alice Chang
Founder and CEO

Description

Perfect Corp. is the world’s leading beauty tech solutions provider transforming the industry by marrying the highest level of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technology for a re-imagined consumer shopping experience.

Barbara Yolles , CEO, LUDWIG+, has an uncanny ability to unearth the soul of a brand and business to ignite entire organizations for accelerated business growth. “It’s a mindset that permeates companywide. From the day we get started, you’re expected to roll up your sleeves, dig in and truly understand the business and what moves people,” says Yolles, an inspiring and active leader. She’s always believed that the people inside a company are a key ingredient to unlocking a a brand’s full potential.

“Barbara has made it a mission to empower women by both the example she sets as a powerful and successful female leader, and with the experience, she has gathered mentoring and elevating women.”

Yolles has made it her mission to lead by the example she sets as a powerful and successful female leader, and with the experience she has gathered mentoring and elevating many . As a mom of eight, Yolles has been especially focused on mentoring women throughout her career. She proudly speaks of the women she has mentored who have risen the ranks at top companies, including one of her interns with whom she led and mentored who became CMO of a leading mortgage company in 13 years. For Yolles, it’s about showing the way and choosing how you show up. A big believer in being active in the game, Yolles she embodies the natural qualities of a leader, challenging the status quo and relentlessly striving to make a mark.

In 2019 Yolles launched LUDWIG+ to bring a new formula to building brands and business – brand transformation and business acceleration. Todays agencies offer top talent and creative ideas, but not the level of business smarts and through-the-line activation that can drive exponential growth. On the flipside, many companies build out marketing departments, but are not able to attract top creative talent. “At LUDWIG+, we wanted to pave way for a new marketing concept,” says Yolles. “One-part ad agency + one-part in-house gives brands access to top-of-their-class, strategic-minded marketing, creative teams coupled with the insights and understanding that can only be gleaned from an in-house partner fully immersed in the business. We call it InsideOut Transformation.”

LUDWIG+’s fundamental focus is on revealing the culture and soul of a brand. “If you truly want to unearth a brand’s soul, you must look to its people, process and behaviors. Every business is a collection of people, and your people are the strongest representation of your brand,” she says. “We help brands achieve their highest level of possible, not just through business strategies, but by igniting and creating a rally cry for the people who work there.” Hence, InsideOut Transformation. L+ does this through an immersive process where they interview all key stakeholders to uncover their DNA of the brand and then study those findings in the context of the larger marketplace to identify a white space that is authentic to the business. When done right, the results aren’t just about creating an effective advertisement; they’re about developing products that align with the brand and creating processes to accelerate the business—and do it at an accelerated pace to avoid “leaving money on the table.”

In one instance, for TMS, it took 97 days to completely reimagine and rewrite the language of the category for this little-known, multi-billion-dollar mortgage company. In a highly commoditized industry focused on rates and FICO scores, LUDWIG+ leveraged insights to dial up the joy of homeownership and dial down the angst via the launch of the “Grow Happiness” campaign. “Grow Happiness” has become more than a marketing campaign; it’s a pink-unicorn rallying cry, driver of the company’s mission to help 1MM American dreams come true and filter for everything from call scripts to new product development to technology. For the days to come, Yolles sees short- and long-term growth for LUDWIG+ as playing an infinite game in the pursuit of happiness – for their clients, their people, and the team. We want to work with clients with whom we know we can make a huge impact, people we respect, and have a little fun along the way. IE

LUDWIG+

Management

Barbara Yolles
CEO

Description

THINK+ LIVE+ BE+ + Rewrite the script + Reimagine possible + Find your North Star + Transform your brand from the inside out + Accelerate your business + Be a hero

New York is home to many successful entrepreneurs. New York native Bonnie Laiderman achieved entrepreneurial success in the Midwest then scaled her business to serve seniors in New York and eventually from coast-to-coast.

“Bonnie Laiderman started Veterans Home Care in 2003 as a solo operation after her experience as a caregiver to her elderly mother. As CEO and owner, Bonnie has led the company to become one of the largest women-owned businesses in the St. Louis metro area and the largest provider of its kind.”

Her life as a budding entrepreneur actually began with tragedy.

Laiderman’s mother and stepfather were living in California. Her stepfather passed away at age 64 suffering from leukemia brought about, in all likelihood, by chemical exposure during his wartime military service.

Many years later in 2003, her mother, Edith Sperling, passed away from breast cancer. Just prior to her mother’s passing, Laiderman learned about a special pension offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs called “aid and attendance”.

The pension assists veterans and their spouses who served during World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam War and the Gulf War. It provides an additional payment to those who need the aid and attendance of another person to meet the demands of daily living.

“I was very frustrated because by the time I found out about the pension it was a challenge getting all the documents together, and the next day I found out my mother was terminal. We finally found something to help her and she was going to die. I was furious and brought her to our home in St. Louis. She died 11 days later,” Laiderman said.

From this tragedy and frustration Laiderman started Veterans Home Care in St. Louis in 2003. She began with 7 clients, and by the end of the first year was up to 23. As the business grew Laiderman’s husband, Howard Laiderman left their closeout /surplus firm to join the company.

Today, as CEO, Laiderman runs a business that now serves veterans in 48 states with a network of 4,000+ home care providers through its VetAssist® Program.

“Accessing the aid and attendance pension is complicated. Who knew this little girl from Brooklyn would come along and figure it out?”

Laiderman invented Veterans Home Care’s unique business model.

The company now generates over $40 million per year. “It is not about the money, it is all about helping those who served our country”, says Mr. Laiderman. Our team is committed to our mission, and currently helping thousands of families. Veterans Home Care has helped more than 19,000 veterans and their surviving spouses access VA benefits for the care they need.

VHC has a team of over 114 employees and has won multiple awards for both business and personal service helping others lead better lives.

The awards range from a multiple winner of the Inc. 5000 for fastest growing companies to the Torch Award from the Better Business Bureau for outstanding ethics in business practices. In addition Laiderman has served on various committees with different organizations such as Lydia’s House, the American Red Cross and the Jewish Federation.

Bonnie offers advice for upcoming entrepreneurs.

Many young business owners see Laiderman as a role model. For those Laiderman offers this advice, “First of all, learn as much about your business and your prospective clients as you can. I discovered an unmet need in the marketplace, but that’s not enough. Find out how much money you need before you start.”

Laiderman said you will need a passion for your business. “Your passion not only keeps you going, it’s contagious. It helps you build a team of people who will help you succeed with your mission.”

And she said do not be afraid of taking a risk that could result in a mistake. “Don’t take a business setback personally. You have to make course corrections along the way. Mistakes are lessons learned and if you don’t make them, you will never grow.”

Laiderman said continually positioning the company for strong growth is at the root of its success. “We are positioned to meet any unmet need in the senior healthcare market and continue to innovate.”

Innovation includes offering devices that provide seniors with assistance in life-threatening emergencies and entertainment. VHC’s SmartCompanion/VetAssist Companion service provides the latest in voice-activated medical alert technology with the fun, functionality and intelligence of an Amazon Echo Alexa device including video chats.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic VHC has also pivoted to more efficient use of electronic documents and signatures making it more convenient for those who can’t wait to get care started for their loved one.

She also reveals her method for outstanding customer service at the foundation of VHC’s success.

“I’ve told every employee, treat each client like you would your own mother or father, grandmother or grandfather. Put a picture of your loved one next to you. That way you will talk to a client the same way you talk to a member of your family.” That edict from Laiderman augmented her company’s transformation from a small startup to a national leader in its field.

“Many clients are so appreciative, they’re actually crying as I tell them they will get the help they need,” Laiderman added. “More important, they have their dignity, especially knowing they are paying for their own home care through a benefit they earned through military service. They’re able to stay in a home they cherish and age in place.” IE

Angela Holowaychuk, CMO, TAAL Distributed Information Technologies hails from a diverse background that includes B2C product design and development and customer service operations, experience in Remittance/Fintech and money services business/crypto exchanges. The plethora of experience allows Angela to support the development of TAAL’s line of solutions that include TAAL console, robust activity monitoring, and API/Key management platform.

Angela has always been considered an inspirational leader who has been empowering women entrepreneurs across industries into becoming great leaders of tomorrow. She makes it a point to mentor, promote and advocate for a woman to speak out and share opinions. She motivates and coaches peers to build their confidence, dedicating time to delivering knowledge to inspire more confidence. To be bold! Angela champions the women innovating through technology, including the incredible women on the TAAL team leading the global blockchain movement.

TAAL is the first publicly listed and regulated company that facilitates businesses building applications and contributing data onto a public and scalable blockchain. As such, they enable developers and large enterprises to connect to the BSV blockchain to build their businesses, utilizing the technology’s efficient attributes such as low-cost transactions and scalability. Significant, multi-billion-dollar blockchain ecosystem demand exists in the market today, with exponential growth opportunities ahead. “Our products and services are designed to allow enterprises to complete very large numbers of transactions autonomously, safely and at low-cost,” says Angela. “We are strong believers that only BitcoinSV has the massive scalability and ultra low-cost advantage to be the global public blockchain for enterprise.”

With TAAL infrastructure hosted in Canada, they can meet the stringent compliance and regulatory requirements of enterprise clients, and Canada also allows them to benefit from low-cost energy available around strong sustainability standards. Through their offices in Zug, Switzerland, the company has access to the region excellent blockchain ecosystem and to the world’s leading talent, especially in R&D. “We recently announced the purchase of 3,000 blockchain computers, further expanding our capacity to enable enterprise transaction processing, and we have approaching 450 PH in processing power coming online, well ahead of our 2021 projections,” adds Angela. “We continue to lead blockchain innovation, achieving important milestones, including a world record 638MB block processed on the BSV blockchain network.”

This is an incredibly exciting time for TAAL and BSV as they see all types of businesses emerge, from companies putting accounting invoices on-chain to those doing work around all aspects of tokenization, among others. Unisot, a TAAL client partner, has chosen to build on BSV, enabling them to provide secure, scalable, and cost-efficient services to companies active in global supply chains, from the smallest farmer to the largest multinationals. Using BSV, Unisot can boost the end-to-end efficiency of global supply chains, which will boost the global economy. Simply, TAAL is building the transaction processing and infrastructure for the data-driven economy.

TAAL is a global advocate for the transformative potential of Blockchain and BitcoinSV, the original protocol. In a short period, they have assembled a highly experienced global team across every area of their business, and one that is incredibly passionate about the BSV potential, and the future of a transactional economy that will replace the focus on block reward mining, the industry is so used to today. They continue to lead blockchain innovation, achieving important milestones, including a world record 638MB block processed on the BSV blockchain network.

The company has a suite of new products set to launch in the coming weeks and months. With these innovations, they anticipate seeing accelerated development on BSV and many new applications that will transform how business is conducted – from the supply chain to healthcare, media, gaming, finance, and much more. “As the easing of pandemic related restrictions allows us to travel, our people are participating in events in North America and Europe,” elucidates Angela. “Blockchain technology is still in its infancy and so these events are important in furthering blockchain understanding and innovation, and for us, articulating why TAAL is all in on BSV.” IEWL

Dawn Taylor started PTA-Pinnacle Talent Acquisition and PTA-HR with a vision of helping people, often with consulting firms, because the bottom line is the most important. For the President and CEO, putting people to work and giving sound human resources advice and strategy should be the most important. “The company’s philosophy is simple, ‘you cannot run an exceptional company without exceptional talent’. You cannot sustain a company without retention, proper infrastructure, and best practices,” she says.

“With over twenty years of combined experience in the areas of contract, contract to hire, direct hire placements and human resources consulting and project management, Pinnacle – Talent Acquisition has proven to be an experienced employment solutions provider serving the Washington Metro area.”

One of the challenges that PTA tackles daily with clients is bringing more diversity and inclusion to the workplace. They rolled out a special Diversity Audit which helps their clients understand the dynamics of diversity and what they need to do to reach their diversity goals. They also try to meet clients regarding their unique budgets; PTA wants to assist companies with any budget, large are small, the complex challenges are the same.

Starting this business came about by changing the way Human Resources Consulting Firms look at their success. “I wanted to look at success by how many people benefited from our services, whether it be on the talent acquisition side with putting people to work or from the HR consulting side by how many companies we were able to assist to ensure their sustainability,” adds Dawn. “I always believed that if you do what’s right, the money will come. I came up with the name Pinnacle Talent Acquisition due to what the word “pinnacle” means the highest point or peak it is the culminating of the peak that resonated with me.” She had been working for HR consulting firms and had been the face for most of them, and when she decided to open PTA, her clients followed.

The culture of PTA is one of trust, inclusivity, and humility. Dawn acknowledges that people are not robots and have lives outside of the workplace. “I try to instill in my team that being human is more than ok. To me, it is especially important that we have a passion and a soul tie to the mission,” she says. “Being a leader to me, is a huge responsibility. We must teach, coach and mentor those that will come after us. We must give space for those to shine. I am thankful to have the opportunity to use my platform to uplift, teach and build those who need it.” “It is my belief that sharing with other entrepreneurs the ebbs and flows of starting a new business is a responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly and a responsibility that I proudly try to live up to.”

Being a fearless leader, Dawn believes that she is here on this planet to do great things. “I do believe that some things have a shelf life. I let go when needed and will go into another chapter with boldness. I really would not do anything differently. I honestly believe that my path has led me to right now.” Dawn’s late mother, Grace Taylor, is her role model who has guided her to become the steadfast leader today. “She is why I am who I am. She instilled the best parts of me. I would love to see her now, have one of her favorite throw-together soups and say thank you.” Dawn is working towards changing the world, one step at a time. “Racism, Poverty and Gun violence. What’s next? I am producing a documentary about the perils of loving a dangerous person. This is a passion project for me. My Nephew was killed a few years ago, and it was due to a relationship that a woman had with a convicted murderer that brought him to our little, tiny town only to kill again. If this documentary helps just one person.” On the work front, PTA will continue to grow, augment, and expand with the client partners’ needs and, for the days to come, reinvent themselves to be the best in the industry. IEWL

Colleen Biggs, Founder, Lead Up for Women, is a fierce leader who believes everyone must show up authentically exactly who they are to succeed in any business. She possesses the ability to influence others by her no-nonsense approach to believing you can do anything you put your mind to. She teaches on the ability to “Pull money out of thin air” by creating the life you desire. She believes that if you are solving a problem, you have a business, and she empowers thousands of women to build businesses and monetize their messages with their unique God-given talents. Colleen’s approach to her women’s organization is different than most. Instead of offering only the typical collaboration, networking, masterminds, training, etc., she takes it to another level by measuring everything in her organization to ensure she promotes the individual female, her brand, and her message. She does this through the various platforms she has built, including the magazine, podcast, Member Monday spotlights, Thrive Thursday spotlights, Teaching Tuesday workshops, etc. All of these platforms and many more are built for the members of Lead Up to stand on and bask in the spotlight while sharing about their services and skills!

“Our organization, Lead Up For Women, was born through the concept that if you step out of the shadows and into the light, you will shine! Women are most powerful when they unleash their uniqueness and SHOW UP as them in every situation — every day, everywhere! And we can’t take this journey alone. That is why we believe that as a community, we are at our strongest when we believe in, encourage, and lift all other women so we can all rise together.”

Colleen leads by example. She shows up everywhere, all the time to ensure her brand is expanding, her influence is expanding, and she is seen, heard, and being visible. She explains that the momentum begins building from the very first appearance on a podcast, speaking on stage, or showing up to a networking event. She further mentions that people begin speaking about you when you aren’t in the room as you continue showing up. This is the level at which you are looking to achieve. “When others are referring customers to your company without you having to be there, you have created the expansion of influence for your brand that is recognizable by others,” she says. “To become a leader of tomorrow, you must continue learning, because if learning is beneath you then leadership is beyond you.”

Lead Up for Women was born from the sheer thought of one woman, Colleen Biggs. She created this organization to provide women the necessary platforms, tools, and spotlights to promote themselves and their brands. She realizes that today’s world is so oversaturated with social media and “noise” that so many female entrepreneurs struggle to stand out amongst that chaos. “How do they do that you ask? Through leaving a lasting impression on others and stepping into the spotlight as often as they possibly can!” Colleen doesn’t believe in competition, only collaborations. She wants all women to believe highly in their gift’s talents and their abilities to make a lot of money.

Lead Up for Women has assisted thousands of female entrepreneurs in increasing their influence, and in return, it has led to increased income in their businesses. For example, Mel became a member of Lead up in 2020. She was slowly growing her business and brand and had just launched the concept of her Virtual Assistant Business in February of that year. That’s right, one month before the pandemic. After joining Lead Up and showing up at the events, stepping into the spotlights provided, networking opportunities, receiving referrals from other women and me within the organization, her business increased by over 500% within just three months. One year later, she has six employees and serves over 100 hours per week of service to her clients.

Lead Up for Women is expanding rapidly. They recently expanded chapters in Phoenix, AZ, and Chicago, IL, with the plan to expand even further, creating several more chapters before the end of the year in 2021. These chapters allow women to bond with each other locally, support each other, and collaborate on a local level. As the years welcome a new opportunity, Lead Up plans to have a firm pulse on the community to be serving them in the ways that they demand optimal success of all female entrepreneurs. IEWL

Lead Up for Women

Management

Colleen Biggs,
Founder of Lead Up for Women

Description

Lead Up is an organization that empowers and encourages women to lead. We do this through summits, workshops, and retreats that foster intimate conversations and networking opportunities for personal and career growth.

Valentina Sammut is developing two areas of business: a translation agency and consulting services for private investors, who will obtain Maltese citizenship through investments. Both of these projects are under her authorship. She was guided by two factors when creating them: the need of future clients and strict adherence to the rules and procedures. “This kind of approach allows me to compete successfully in both areas.”

“BIZ Consult Limited was established after the Maltese Government launched the Individual Investor program in 2014. Valentina decided to become an agent because she was sure that this project would be in demand for citizens of the former Soviet republics.”

In the investment industry, many intermediary companies are not interested in the result – to help a client receive citizenship. “While we accompany our client through all the procedures, from the first steps to getting a passport. Thanks to our care people feel protected at every stage,” says the founder and Managing Director of BIZ Consult Limited. “Usually, we even help our clients with the tasks that are not mentioned in a contract.” For example, they can help with the rental of apartments or adaptation on the island, introducing clients to the Russian-speaking community, helping them find new friends, “I am sure that such kind of support is no less important than proper paperwork,” she adds. “On the other hand, to check the client’s history, my employees and I have to improve our skills constantly. For instance, we keep up to date on money laundering and terrorist financing, as well as on compliance. Thanks to this approach – care, support, and proper paperwork – our clients receive Maltese citizenship, and, I hope, fall in love with this island.”

BIZ Consult Limited was established after the Maltese Government launched the Individual Investor program in 2014. Valentina decided to become an agent because she was sure that this project would be in demand for citizens of the former Soviet republics. It may seem that this kind of business is boring: complex bureaucratic procedures that allow a person to get new documents for new procedures. “But if you see the real meaning of this work, it becomes valuable and inspiring. The second citizenship gives to my clients new opportunities and freedom. Thanks to the European passport, a person can travel freely around the world, work and study in the countries of his choice,” she explains. “The second citizenship is not just a set of papers; it is stability and a variety of new opportunities that my clients dream of.”

In the context of a pandemic, it is not easy to speak about any plans, but Valentina hopes that soon they will return to traveling to different countries where people are interested in investment programs. “During the pandemic, I was invited to participate in another project. This is an online platform “Signdome,” which will help us to gather the Russian-speaking business community on one resource. The goal of the project is to communicate, share experiences and help each other in developing business on the island,” she says. IE

When asked to explain more about how she inspires others, Isabel Peeters is a little reticent, at first, particularly as she has never been one to draw attention to herself and away from her team. Recruited by Christian Van Thillo about 18 months ago to lead the advertising agency Flexus, that DPG Media had recently acquired, she has quietly reshaped and refocused the company into a strong strategic and creative force on the market. She explains further how she has been able to galvanize the agency in so short a space of time.

“I’m convinced that whatever the media touch point is, we want to have people talk about a brand ‘at the table’. It could be on a Saturday evening in a café, or a Monday lunchtime when workers are drinking their coffee and having a sandwich.”

“I built on the talent that was already present in the organisation, and my own creative commercial reputation. I also had a few strong players that wanted to come and join me on this project, which, it’s true, was a bit special, as being part of a media group, it’s a hybrid agency. And yet, at at-thetable — more on this name change in a moment — we don’t start with the media, instead we start from the brands and the opportunities the brand and the strategy dictate. From there, we see where we can plug and play into DPG Media or any other media, as required.”

A name change

Flexus was an independent agency before DPG Media bought it. Its original name perhaps was an indication of what it felt was most important, namely, being flexible towards its clients. But that’s not at all Isabel Peeters ambition. Her flexibility and working closely with the client are, as she says, ‘the Olympic minimum.

But why did it become at-thetable? Isabel gives us the lowdown. I’m convinced that whatever the media touchpoint is, we want to have people talk about a brand ‘at the table’. It could be on a Saturday evening in a café or a Monday lunchtime when workers drink their coffee and have a sandwich. The only objective is to have people talk about a brand at the table!

With Google and Facebook omnipotent in the digital space, DPG Media felt it was necessary to find a way of keeping more money in Belgium. “At-thetable has become a kind of marketing tool for DPG Media,” Isabel clarifies. “We are showing that the group is more than just clicks, millimetres and GRPs, and that we are a real business partner to clients and customers. Ultimately at-thetable exists to help brands to grow their business, which goes further than just selling them space on television. You really need to help them think of modern digital media formulas. To do this, we think with them to help them sell more. It helps being surrounded by smart strategic brand and creative people who really want to understand the business.”

Sadly, it’s a man’s world

When asked what advice she had that might inspire other women and entrepreneurs into becoming better leaders, she says, “Having worked in advertising for 30 years, I always knew I had to be better than my fellow men colleagues. As a woman, you’re very well structured and organised, so they push you into a corner, until that is you come up with out of the box ideas.”

Its clear at-thetable is an organization that recognizes good ideas and good skills from wherever they come from. It’s a company focussed on an opportunity and not on politics. Isabel is, however, quick to remind us that women need to show their added value again and again. “I think,” she says, “that this is the most difficult thing for girls of today. Ultimately, it’s always easier to be a clever guy and come up with big helicopter ideas. As women, we never do that … we always start from having everything aligned and in place at the beginning, and then we start thinking. This is, I think, the main reason why it’s difficult, because men don’t understand that way of working. They don’t understand it or are afraid of it. It’s the reason why I chose to work with Christian Van Thillo at at-thetable; he’s always been an entrepreneur who embraces good ideas no matter who they come from.” .IE

at-thetable

Management

Isabel Peeters
Managing Director

Description

We touch people with branded content, entertainment and experiences. Relevant. Different. True to the core of your brand. We bring creative ideas and interesting stories together – on and off the DPG Media platform.

Dr. Cheryl Richards became president of JWU Charlotte in June 2020 amidst the global COVID pandemic. She becomes the 4th president and the 1st female president of the campus. Dr. Richards was recruited and selected for this role based on her demonstrated record of leadership in higher education and her expertise in developing partnerships with corporate and community leaders. Her collaborative and inclusive leadership style has already renewed the institution’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion while simultaneously forging deep partnerships with civic and corporate leaders across the region. Dr. Richards outlined five bold priorities for JWU Charlotte in 2020. These included a deliberate use of data to drive institutional decision-making; re-establishing the institutions prominence within the community; innovating and launching new academic programs to meet the changing demands of industry; creating exceptional student experiences to attract and retain students; and structuring the university’s resources for future growth and success.

One of the hallmarks and differentiators of JWU is the commitment to experiential learning and a focus on career outcomes. JWU has a long history of providing students with career preparation for various industries, including culinary and pastry, hospitality, business, health and wellness, psychology, and more. Most students must complete a minimum number of hours working in internships or directed experiences with employers throughout their academic studies. This has earned JWU Charlotte a ranking of #6 globally for hospitality management and resulted in 98% of its students employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation.

Dr. Richards is committed to addressing the needs of industry and employers seeking talent. One of these early needs came from celebrity Chef David Burke, who described the challenges of identifying, training, and retaining a skilled workforce throughout his restaurants on the East Coast. JWU Charlotte, in partnership with Burke Hospitality Group, has since created and launched the David Burke Fellows Program to address this need. A select group of JWU Charlotte students was identified and interviewed to participate in a summer fellows program that includes paid work experience, on-the-job training in the Burke restaurants under the supervision of executive chefs and skilled managers. Students will have future opportunities to participate in management rotation programs and return to complete advanced degrees (bachelors or masters) upon completing the fellows’ program.

JWU hires a combination of scholarly faculty and industry practitioners who have both academic expertise and real-world business experience. JWU students benefit from faculty who can teach their craft from a theoretical perspective while also infusing professional work experiences into the curriculum, so students are aware of the opportunities and challenges each career profession presents. Because of their deep connections with the community, faculty also work closely with industry partners and executives to bring their perspectives into classrooms and labs. This is invaluable as students gain insight from executives who share their experience and knowledge and leadership journeys that have led them to prominent careers.

Dr. Richards has a long-standing commitment to developing women in leadership positions. She is an engaged member and former president of Women Executives of Charlotte, a 300+ membership organization dedicated to women leaders’ personal and professional enrichment. Women Executives (WE) is committed to a singular philanthropic cause – Women Executives for Community Service (WECS) and their signature WINGS Scholar program (Women Inspiring and Nurturing Growth of Scholars) has empowered women scholars for decades. A hallmark of the WINGS program is providing tuition and financial support for adult women to return to school and complete an associates, bachelors, or masters degree while also providing social capital through the mentorship of an executive woman. She has also mentored dozens of women in their pursuit of advanced degrees and career opportunities and is currently a member of the International Women’s Forum, a global organization dedicated to empowering and supporting women.

JWU Charlotte intends to remain a premier, private, non-profit, urban, residential university that graduates industry-ready leaders and life-long learners who positively impact the world. They will achieve this by focusing on three principles: Academic Excellence, Student Engagement, and Community Prominence. IE

J&W University

Management

Dr Cheryl Richards
Campus President

Description

Founded in 1914, Johnson & Wales University is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with approximately 17,000 graduate and undergraduate students at its four campuses in Providence, R.I.; North Miami, Fla.; Denver, Colo.; and Charlotte, N.C. An innovative educational leader, the university offers degree programs in arts and sciences, business, culinary arts, education, nutrition, hospitality and technology.

A sense of curiosity, passion for learning, and collaboration have helped Cynthia (Cindy) Heismeyer, VP, Director of Marketing, Selective Insurance Company of America, drive change throughout her career. According to Cindy, few transformational shifts can happen without the insights of many people around the table. Each must be willing to challenge each other, have a sense of curiosity, and work together to drive meaningful change.

While Selective has continued to change and evolve through the years, the company’s focus on the personal touch has remained constant. Selective Insurance traces its roots to 1926 when D.L.B. Smith founded Selected Risks Insurance Company on the belief that the community would be better served by a local insurance company that understood its needs. Cindy said, “His core concept still helps lead our organization today – “So valuable is the human element that I will not let this company lose the human touch which has been largely responsible for its success.”

The Selective team has diverse perspectives and experiences but shares a commitment to customers, distribution partners, and a passion for making an impact on society. Cindy believes having employees who are genuinely engaged, passionate, and committed to excellence is what helps make Selective one of the most successful super-regional carriers in the marketplace.

To help create engagement at Selective and beyond, Cindy has been a pioneer in inspiring and empowering women entrepreneurs to become great leaders. Involved in several women’s leadership networks and mentoring relationships, she takes action to help lean in and lift other women. Based on her own experiences, Cindy is passionate about creating, nurturing, and leveraging networks to help one another through the leadership journey.

Whether abroad or close to home, Cindy feels it is critical to consider the perspectives of others. “Each of us has a unique story, a unique path in life. Seeing things from another’s view enables us to make changes that resonate with the people around us. A single point of focus is a limited view of life!”

This unique ideology was instilled in Cindy by her parents, who as her role models, influenced her life immensely. With a strong commitment to community and giving back, they showed her the importance of focusing on the greater good. “They taught me an important lesson: inspiring leaders are led by a purpose greater than their own. I use this mindset in both my personal and professional life and believe it helps drive greater success.”

Selective is reaching new heights by leveraging a data-driven approach and nurturing a superior customer experience for all of its clients. “The entire team is committed to improving our understanding of each of our unique customers and delivering the products and services they need and value,” says Cindy. “Working together, our best-in-class employees and agents uphold our brand promise and keep the customer at the head of the table.” This strategy has helped Selective achieve superior financial performance and be consistently ranked among the highest service-oriented carriers in the industry.

But even for companies like Selective with a robust strategic plan, today’s challenges can test the resiliency of leaders. “Recently, the world has changed in ways we never anticipated. The most successful leaders are ones who have stayed connected with their key stakeholders through transparent communications and developed enhanced agility,” adds Cindy. “Displaying an open and iterative approach to change during uncertain times is the leadership style that instills trust and helps people and organizations to continue to thrive.” IE