+ BAY KIrSTEN EThere’sNowheretogobutUp HaveyouwatchedMulan,a1998Americananimatedmoviewhereagirlfightsforheridentityandendedupsaving
wholechina?Thismovieperfectlyexemplifieshowstrong,determinant,courageous,andsmart,womenare,and thereisnoanysuchfeatthatcan’tbeachievedbythem.Wellifyouaresayingitwasjustamovieandanythingis possibleinamoviethanwhatwouldyousayaboutthewomenwhohelpedAmericatowinspacerace.KatherineJohnson, DorothyVaughan,andMaryJackson;thesearethenameswhowerepartofNASA’steamofhumancomputersand calculatedbyhandsthecomplexequationsthatallowedmanyspaceheroestotravelsafelytospace.
Secondly,wecanalsoconsiderthestatementofMargaretThatcher,aBritishpoliticianwhoservedasPrimeMinisterofthe UnitedKingdom,“If you want anything said, ask a man. If you want something done, ask a woman”.Thissayingisproven truewiththeriseofinfluentialbusinesswomen,whoareplayingpivotalroleinvarietysegmentofbusinesssuchasfoodand beverage,technology,fashion,broadcasting,automotiveandbeauty.FewothernamesinthelistareIndraNooyi,CEOof pepcico,MaryBarra,CEOofGeneralMotors,GinniRomettyCEOofIBM,andYangLanaChinesemediamogul,and Co-founderofSunMediaGroup.ThesearethefewC-suitbusinesswomenwhoareleadingtheirrespectivefieldand provingthatwithrightamountofhardwork,dedicationandpassion,anyonecanachieveanything.
Beitaworkofleadingateamoracountryornameanydesignationwomenareknockinghardateverydoor.Inorderto celebratethesuccessoftheothersuchbusinesswomenandtheirinspiringapproaches,InsightsSuccesshascuratedalistof “The10MostSuccessfulBusinesswomentoWatch2019”,whoarebringinginnovationwiththeirexceptionalideasand havebecameaninspirationforothers.
With passion and resilience every feat is achievable. “ “ Rohit Chaturvedi OverCoverstoryfeaturesKirstenBay,CEOandCo-FounderofCysurance,whoistransformingtheCybersecurity industryandexemplifyingleadershipwithherinnovativeideas.Shehasmorethan25yearsofexperienceinriskintelligence, informationmanagement,andpolicyexpertiseacrossavarietyofsectors.Sheleveragedherexperienceinfinancialservices andcybersecurityinordertonegotiateabest-in-classpolicyinpartnershipwithChubb.Chubbisoneoftheleading insurancecarriersintheworldwhichcreatesavolumedrivenriskmodelthatiscompletelynewtothemarket.
InherschooltimeKirstendevelopedaRenaissanceFaireasafundraiserforherShakespeareClub,whichwasherfirst entrepreneurialventure.TheideaoriginatedfromtheneedtohelpfundraiseforanannualtriptotheAshlandShakespeare Festival,andshealsowantedtodosomethingdifferentthantheusualwayhighschoolstudentsraisedmoneyforprojects. Theinitiativebecamesuccessfulandfromthatpointonshestartedtofindinnovativeandinclusivewaysofsolvingproblems.
Delveintomoresuchinspiringstoriesandlessonsfrommanysuchsignificantbusinessleadersinthisissueandreapthe fruitsofmotivation.Also,makesuretoscrollthroughthearticleswrittenbyourin-houseeditorialteamandCXO standpointsofsomeoftheleadingindustryexpertstohaveabrieftasteofthesector
HappyReading
Cover Story Kirsten Bay Small Businesses through Comprehensive Risk Management
UNBIASED FUTURE: ESTABLISHING GENDER EQUILIBRIUM
Kendall Stafford : A Compassionate Leader with Exceptional Management Traits
Lindsey Myers: Personifying the TrueEssence of Passion
Rose Bentley: Combining Excellence with Proficiency to Achieve Success
KirstenBay CEO&Co-Founder
Kirsten Bay SafeguardingSmallBusinessesthrough ComprehensiveRiskManagement
Oneneedsaspiration, vision,grit,andhardworkto attainfullpotential
Thecurrentbusinessworldisdefinedbycomplexity, disruption,andchangeanddesperatelyneeds leaderswithholisticapproachesanddiverseskill sets,perspectivesandexperiences.Womenaretaking chargetochangetheworldtobeabetterplaceforhuman kindandthecorporateworld.Onesuchfemaleleaderis KirstenBay,CEOandCo-FounderofCysurance,whois transformingtheCybersecurityindustryandexemplifying leadershipwithherinnovativeideas.
ShecreatedCysurancewiththeconcepttochangehow smallbusinessesthinkaboutandmitigateagainstcyber threats.Sincetheinceptionofhercompany,Kirstenandher teamtookitsconceptfrompitchdecktolaunchin7 months,andsigneddistributionpartnerswhowillbegin co-marketingtoover200kcustomers.
Kirstenbringsmorethan25yearsofexperienceinrisk intelligence,informationmanagement,andpolicyexpertise acrossavarietyofsectors.Sheleveragedherexperiencein financialservicesandcybersecurityinordertonegotiatea best-in-classpolicyinpartnershipwithChubb.Chubbis oneoftheleadinginsurancecarriersintheworldwhich createsavolumedrivenriskmodelthatiscompletelynew tothemarket.
Inhercareer,Kirstenhasbeenappointedtocongressional committeesdevelopingcyberpolicies,initiativesand recommendationsfortheintelligencecommunity.Shehas developedrecommendationsinpartnershipwiththeCenter forNorthAmericanStudies(CNAS)andCenterfor StrategicandInternationalStudies(CSIS)forTheWhite Houseenergypolicy,andcollaboratedoninformation studiesforMIT-Harvardandseveralfederalagencies.She hasalsospokenonappliedeconomicsanditsrelationship tobothcyberandnationalsecurityaroundtheworld.
FirstInitiative KirstendevelopedaRenaissanceFaireasafundraiserfor herShakespeareClubinhighschool,whichwasherfirst entrepreneurialventure.Theideaoriginatedfromtheneed tohelpfundraiseforanannualtriptotheAshland ShakespeareFestival,andshealsowantedtodosomething differentthantheusualwayhighschoolstudentsraised moneyforprojects.Itwasalsoanopportunitytoinclude thestudentcommunityintheendeavorinamoreengaging waywhileshowingthemthattheShakespearianeracould beinterestingandfun.Theinitiativebecamesuccessfuland fromthatpointonshestartedtofindinnovativeand inclusivewaysofsolvingproblems.
SelfConfidenceisRequisitefor
Success Kirsten’sbiggestchallengeasabusinesswomancamewhen shefirsttransitionedtobeingaCEOin2012,asshehadto findherfootingwiththeboardofdirectorsinestablishing herselfasthecompanyvisionaryandleader.Thistransition wasnotwithoutconflict,assheoftenexperienced unconsciousbias.Sheworkedtoovercometheseissuesby beingconfidentinherexpertise,whichwasthereasonfor beinginthisleadershiprole.Additionally,Kirstenledwith properknowledgeofthemarketplace,operational proficiency,andvisionforthefuturewhichhelpedherto actwiththeauthoritythatsheneededtobesuccessful.
AttainingBalance Thekeytobeinganentrepreneurandfindingabalanceis acceptingthatonecan’tdoeverything,andthattherewill betimeswhenaspecificworkorlifeeventmusttake precedence.Thatsaid,understandinghowtoprioritizeisan essentialfactor,especiallywhenitcomestoachievingsome semblanceofequilibrium,whichincludestheabilitytosay no.Entrepreneursoftenbelievetheyneedtobeeverywhere atalltimesevangelizingfortheircompany,butthefactis noteveryeventormeetingisequallyimportanttothe successofabusiness.AccordingtoKirsten “Taking time to engage in life also helps me be better in my role, as it gives me time to reflect on the work I am doing. My passion for my work and vision is what gets me up every morning to do more despite the inevitable obstacles.”
Creating aBalancebetweenVision,Execution,and Leadership
Kirstenbelievesherbiggestlearningexperienceis understandingtheintersectionbetweenvision,execution, andleadership.Itisabouthavingtheabilitytoclearly definedirectionandideastoateamsothattheydevelop ownershipandpassionforthejourney.Kirsten’sroleasan entrepreneuristocreateabalanceofthesethreepointsso thattheteamunderstandstheirroleincreatingsuccess. Kirsten’sexperiencewithmanyentrepreneursisthatthey believevisionalonewillcarrythem,anddonotprovide theirteamwiththeprocessandtoolstoexecuteonthe businessplan.
ABreakisNeeded AccordingtoKirsten, “My life is as busy outside of work as it is during the week with family and other endeavors, but I
do try to make a concerted effort to decompress and focus on other things in order to clear my mind.”Shethinks takingtimeoutisveryimportanttoperformatherbest. Oneofherhobbiesisgolf,whichchallengeshertoworkon constantimprovementbygivingheraplacewhereshecan quiethermind.Beyondthat,sheenjoystravelingand reading.
ContinuingtoImproveInnovations Inthischallengingtechnologicalera,oneofthebenefitsof rapidtechnologicalchangeistheopportunitytoimproveon whathasbeencreated.Theuseoftechnologyis incorporatedintoproductsandservicessoquicklythatthe userexperienceandbenefitisoftenlessthanoptimal,which presentstheopeningfornewcompaniestoimprovethese innovations.Kirstenopines, “Naturally, however, as an entrepreneur it means that I must be constantly engaged in
understanding how the world around us is changing both inside and outside my industry so that I can continue to learn about the intersections of products and technology.”
BeingOpenMinded Kirstenbelievesthatbeingcalmandflexibleinhearing feedbackandideaswhileremainingfocusedonthevisionis thecoretoabusinessconcept.Sheundertakesthisexercise everydayintermsoftemperament.Theseconceptscanbe quitechallengingwheninterfacingwithinvestors, customers,andcolleagues,butremainingopen-mindedis thekeygiventhatrunningastart-upcompanyisafluid process.
ACultureofClearCommunicationandCollaboration Kirsten’sprimarystrategyinkeepingemployees resourcefuliscreatingacultureofclearcommunicationand collaboration.Shebelieves “It is not my role to have all of the answers but, rather, to know the right questions and to have the right people to answer them.”Shehasfoundthat peoplemostoftenwillgotheextramileiftheyclearly understandhowtheirrolecreatessuccessforacompany,as wellasunderstandinghowtheircollaborationwiththeir teamcanbenefittheirowngrowth.Inshort,theteamisthe greatestresourceiftheybelievethattheycantrusteach otherinsupportingthegrowthofthebusiness.Remaining consistentandclearincommunicatingthegoalsandpathof anorganizationiscriticaltomaintainingcohesion,asshe hasseenteambondsbegintofailwhenthereisambiguity ofroleorexpectation.Asteamsgrow,itisessentialthat seniormanagementisinsyncwiththatphilosophysothat newhirescanbenefitfromconsistencyinculture.
PatienceisVital For Kirsten “Patience is the most vital attribute – patience with oneself, patience with the process, patience when people don’t understand your vision.” Patience is what enables the calmness that helps one remain focused on the most important tasks that will move a company forward.
Rishika Lulla Singh Bringing Shift in Digital Entertainment Media In2012,ayoungbuddingentrepreneuridentifiedtheneedofadigitalplatformwhichwouldcombine entertainmentwithmodernconsumer’sinterest.ThisyoungtalentwasRishikaLullaSingh,whofounded ErosNow,adigitalplatformwhereconsumerscanonlinewatch12,000plusMovietitles,originalseries, MusicVideos,TelevisionProgrammingandothersinHindiand9otherIndianregionallanguages.
Rishikahasalwaysbeenquiteafreespirit.Havinganinquisitivenature,shealwaysenjoyedtakingup challenges.Assherealizedtheevolvingdynamicsofentertainmentconsumption,itwasachallengeforthe companytoalsoevolveandserveitscustomerswiththeirevolvingneeds.Asthe Chairman &CEOofEros Digital,whichisoneofthefirstOTTplatformsinIndia,Rishikacouldforeseeasteeplearningcurvehereand thatmotivatedhertolaunchthisplatform.Asanindividual,shehasneverbelievedindoingthings half-heartedlyandwantedherplatformtobesmoothinitsuserinterfaceanditsofferings.Withalltheupsand downsfaced,todaysheisproudtosaythat,ErosNowsuccessfullysetupthebusinessgroundupandachieved thefirstmilestoneof10kpaidsubscribers.Allofthiswouldn’thavebeenpossiblewithoutherteam,whohave contributedtobuildthisplatform.Shebelievesincelebratingpeople’sdynamicityandshepersonallyfeelsthat itletseveryonethinkoutofthebox,presentuniquesuggestionsandhelpsinstrivingforthebest.
AnOn-DemandDigitalPlatform Muchaheadofitstime,ErosNowbeganitsexhilaratingjourneyin2012tocreateauniquemarkintheIndian film&digitalentertainmentIndustry.IthasbeenapioneerintheentertainmentspaceinIndiaandthecompany realizedthechangingdynamicsoftheentertainmentconsumption,leadingittoproudlylaunchIndia’sfirstondemanddigitalplatformErosNow.Therelationsbuiltovertheyearswithleadingtalent,production companies,exhibitorsandotherkeyparticipantsplayedanimportantroleinthegrowthofthecompany.
ErosNowuserswatchcontentontheplatformformorethan21hoursinaweek-highestamongstallmajor OTTplatformsinIndia.TheplatformhasthehighestpercentageofusersconsumingcontentonSmartTVs.A totalof27%ofErosNowuserswatchcontentonSmartTVs.ThiscanbeattributedtoitsapplicationsUIand in-appcontentdiscoveryexperience.Today,thecompanycaterstomorethan154.7millionregisteredusers and18.8millionpayingsubscribersworldwide,offeringthem12,000plusMovietitles,MusicVideos, OriginalsandShortformatcontentlikeQuickietochoosefrom.
Rishika Lulla Singh Chairman & CEO
Eros Digital
EmbracingChallenges Businesswoman of the month
OneofthebiggestchallengesthatRishikafacedwascreatingawarenessandeducatingthecustomerstomanoeuvre theirwaybetweenscreensandstillmaintainthesameROIwiththechangeinconsumptionhabits.However,with thehelpofthetalentedskilledteamofErosandbackedbyknowledgeableleaderships,thecompanyhasembraced thechallengetogether,asanorganizationcitingitasanopportunitytogrowandcatertoaglobalaudiencethat lovesconsumingIndiancontent.
GettingAheadwithPassion Rishikaisafirmbelieverofmaintainingapersonallifeafterwork.Asakidshehadlaiddownastrongfoundation intermsofdiscipline,outlookandapproachandthishelpsherinmaintainingwork-lifebalance.Also,shewas intriguedwithtechnologyandalwaysknewsheneedsfastpacedevolutionaryenvironment.Rishika’spassionfor techandentertainmenthelpsherinpassingonthesamezealandenthusiasmtotheentireteamtoalwaysaimfor thebest.Sharingknowledgeandpassionhelpsherinboostingconfidenceandsheensuresacombinedeffortleads thecompanytogreaterheightsofsuccess.
TheIndianentertainmenteco-systemisatthecuspofevolutionandeveryoneislearning,innovating,educatingand spreadingawarenessamongsteachotheronadailybasis.Itisthereforeextremelyimportanttobepatientinorder toachievevisionsandgoals,beittechnologyadvancementorreach.Rishikabelievesinlearningfromeachother andfromthosearoundherandcreatesanenvironmentofgrowthonbothpersonalandprofessionalfronts.
ALeader‘Must’ Rishikabelieveseveryleadermustembodyafewcharacteristicslikeself-belief,discipline,dedication,hardwork, confidenceandwillingnesstoinspireothers.Ithelpsinbuildingconfidenceamongsttheteamtoactnowandnot later,thinkcreatively,haveconfidence,andnevergiveup.Sheasserts “Inspiring your team and colleagues with your actions is the best possible way to create a positive environment to overcome any current or future challenges.”
AThoughtfulAdvice AccordingtoRishika,manysuccessfulIndianwomenhaveinspiredotherswiththeirphenomenalachievementin variedbusinessdomainsandhaveemergedsuccessfulnotonlyindomesticbutalsooninternationalsphere.So,she advisesthemtosetaveryhighgoal,beunafraidofroadblocks,andbepersistenttowardsachievingsuccess.
If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. “
Legendsneverneedanintroduction.Theytendtobe victoriousdespiteoftheiruneventfulhistories.They sticktocaptivatingtraitssuchasDiscipline, determinationandself-beliefwhichhelpthemaccomplish wondersinthelongrun.OnesuchexampleofanextraordinarypersonisElonMusk,aSouthAfricanBusiness Magnate,Investorandanengineer.
Muskisthefounder,CEO,andchiefarchitectofSpaceX; Co-founder,CEO,andproductdesignerofTeslaInc.;and Co-founderandCEOofNeuralink.AsofFebruary2018,he isthe53rd-richestpersonintheworldandhasanetworth of$20.8billion,whichisfarmorethanthenetGDPof Greecetakenintoconsideration.
Whileeachentrepreneurpossessesauniquesetoftraitsthat makeshim/hersuccessful,thisTechfounderhasafewtraits muchdifferentfromanyotherordinaryCEO,whichhas allowedhimtobuildsomeoftheworld’smostrespected andinnovativeorganizations.Muskoncequoted,“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.”
Let’shavealookonthesepersonalityattributesand characteristicsthatmakehimacontenderforthemost innovativeintellectualentrepreneurofthecenturyalive.
Hard-workandCharacteristicWorkEthics ElonMuskisahard-workinginnovator,workingforabout 100hoursaweek,andhasbeenproductivesincemany years.Hemayevenbeconsideredasthehardestworking
employeeofthecompany,settingstandardsforhis colleaguestofollowandimplement.Sincethefieldofwork liesinsidehisradiusofinterests,heenjoysittoevery momentandbitwhenitcomestolearningandexecution.
StrongRiskTolerance Foundingastart-upinvolvesagreatdealofuncertaintyand risk.Astudyfoundthatafter10yearsofbeinginbusiness, 96percentofthestart-upsfail.Goingbythestatistics, Muskmusthavefacedthesameoddsagainsthim,whenhe haddecidedtoleaveanotherwisecomfortablelifetostarta riskyanduncertainbusinessventure.
Forinstance,MusklefthisPhDprogramatStanford UniversitytofindacompanycalledZip2withhisbrotherin theyear1995.Later,thecompanywassoldtoCompaq computers,profitingMuskabitover$20million. Followingthis,Muskonceagaintookagreatriskby investingmillionsofdollarstofoundacompanycalled X.com,oneoftheworld’sfirstonlinebanks.
‘AlwaysBeLearning’Attitude Anastoundingandless-knownfactaboutElonMuskisthat heisself-taughtinprogrammingandinmanyadvanced levelsubjects.Hereadandunderstoodavarietyofbooks, whichhelpedhimgainendlessandpersistentknowledge andunderstanddiverseconcepts.
Thebestpieceofadviceonlearningandimplementationis toconstantlythinkabouthowthingscouldbedoneina bettermannerandquestionselftoseektheanswers.
FeedbackLoop Itisofprimeimportancetorecognizethepresentsymbolor otherwise‘statusquo’inthemarketasanorganizationand re-positionaccordingly.Musksolicitsconstantfeedbackof thecompaniesandexecutes‘self-analysis.’ Heinduces effortsanddivergentstrategiestoimprovecustomer feedbacksandstrivestowardsperfectionism.
Forexample,heseeksouthiscriticsandtriestoconverse withthem.Thishabitofself-reflectionatregularand considerableperiodsispivotalforanyentrepreneuror organizationtosucceedinthelongrun.
TendencyforVerticalIntegration Verticalintegrationisastrategywhereanorganizationora firmacquiresbusinessoperationswithinthesameproduct vertical.BothTeslaandSpaceXembracethisconcept.For example,Teslanotonlyproduceselectriccars;theyalso generatepublicawarenessabouttheircarsviaTesla showroomsacrossvariouscountries.AndSpaceXdoesnot onlyhavetheprimarygoalofrocketpropulsions;they developtheirownrocketarchitectureaswell.
FaithinSelfandtheFoundingTeam Muskundoubtedlypossessesaprofoundbeliefinhisown capabilitiesaswellasthepotential-seekingfactorofits foundingteam.Hedoesnothesitatetogambleonlarge scaleunlessheisgenuinelyawareoftheexpectedendresults.
Itisequallyessentialtomaintainclarityofdoubtinany
largescaleorganization.Underhissupervision,Musk encouragesincreatingapositiveandcomprehensive environmentacrosshisfirms.
PreferringtoStandOutFromtheCrowd
Muskelectstobringupinnovationateverylevelofhis understanding.Hetendstoimparttheoreticalknowledgeat thebaselevel,applyingchangesandexecutingthesameon thepracticallevel.Hereliesmoreontransitionalaspects suchasresearchanddevelopment,therebyincreasingthe probabilityofground-breakinginventions.
TeslaMotors,afarheadedfirmheadedbyElonMusk,is anti-ordinary.Itscompellingmarketplacehasbecomea one-stopdestinationforpotentialbuyerswheretheycan interactaboutproductspecifications.Theyalsohavevideo testimonialsthatfaroutperforminthesales-dominated industry.
ThereisnoambiguitythatMusk,byfar,hasbeenapillarof inspirationforbuddingentrepreneursandinvestorsbecause ofhisprolificandoptimisticapproachtowardslife
AllthesetraitspossessedbyMusk,insomemannerorthe other,coincidewithmostofyourhabits.Theonlythingthat standsasapotentialbarrierbetweenthesetwois identifyingyourstrengthsandworkingonthemona continualbasis.Goon,applythesetraitsintoyourdaily life,andyoumaybecomethenextbigCEOtheworldisin needoftoday!
A Compassionate Leader with Exceptional Management Traits Kendall Stafford KendallStafford, ManagingPartnerat BenchmarkInternational
isoneofthebusinesswomenwhois shepherdingbusinesswithher visionaryideasandcrucialleadership traits.Kendallwasbornandraisedin NorthCarolina,whereherfamily ownedandoperatedamanufacturing company.Shegrewupinabusinessdrivenenvironment.Inhighschool, shespentherfreetimehelpingthe familybusiness.Kendallisa managingpartnerforBenchmark Internationalandheadsoperationsin thecompany’sSouthwestRegion. Shebeganasadirectorat BenchmarkInternational’sUS headquartersinTampa,Florida.
AsadirectoratBenchmark International,Kendallmanageda portfolioofclientcompanieswhile leadingateamofanalystsanddeal negotiators.ThestaffatTampagrew threefoldunderhermanagementand hasevolvedintothepresent-day transactionteam.Afterasuccessful termasadirector,shewaspromoted tomanagingdirector,responsiblefor overseeingthreeteamsofanalysts, negotiators,andsupportstaff.Along withmanagingeachteamandtheir portfolios,shecontinuedmentoring futureanalystsanddealmakers.
AsaLeader
In2016,Kendallwaschosento partnerwithBenchmarkInternational
toleaditsUSexpansionplanand developtheSouthwestregion. Kendall’sofficeischargedwith leadingmergerandacquisition activityinthelower-middle-market inthestatesofTexas,Louisiana, Arkansas,Oklahoma,andNew Mexico.Sheandherfamilymadethe movefromTampatoAustinwhere shebegantheexcitingjourneyof establishingtheoperationsforthe regionandbuildingthebusiness. Thisincludedfindingalocationin AustinsuitabletoBenchmark International’sstandards,buildinga bookofbusiness,andhiring,aswell asmentoring,ateamofmarketing, sales,andfinancialprofessionals.
Kendall’scurrentroleistolead BenchmarkInternational’sSouthwest operations.Sheisresponsiblefor motivatingandmentoringtheteamin Austin,ensuringcustomerservice standardsareconsistentlymet,and effectivelytransactingdutiesthe teamwashiredtoperform. Shesays “If I do these three things successfully, everything else falls inline. My effective communication, organization and negotiation skills serve me well in this role.”
BalancingWorkwithLife ThebiggestchallengeKendallfaces asabusinesswomanisthesame challengethatmanyparents face-findingthebalancebetween workandhomelife.Shesaid, “I am
fortunate to have a career that I love as well as young children, so I have to be conscious to balance the two, so both are well nourished and healthy.”Whilethisisachallenge forwomenandmoms,Kendallsees menandfathersfacethissame challengeaswell.Sheconsiders herselffortunatetohaveagreatteam bothathomeandatworkthat supportsworkingfamilies.
Kendallenjoysthesatisfactionofa jobbeingdonewellandtheabilityto helpothersachievetheirgoals whetheritbeherteammembersor clients.Also,theabilitytoprovidea betterfutureforherfamilyandher team’sfamilies.Bothofthesekeep herhighlymotivated.
LeadingwithCompassion, Empathy, andTransparency
Kendallcontinuestolearndaily.She hasdiscoveredthattreatingpeople withcompassion,empathy,and transparencyhelpsleaderstobuilda strongteam.Shewantsherteam memberstobehappyattheoffice andthus,trieseverydaytocreatea welcomingenvironment.Shecares aboutherteammembers’ professionalandpersonallives.She notes “We are in the people business and without our team members, we will not be able to service our clients. If I take care of the team, they will take care of our clients. And it’s a win-win.”
“ “ With a positive attitude, anything is possible. PatienceandPerseverance AcriticalpartofKendall’sjobisthe abilitytobringbuyersandsellers togetherandconsummatethedeal. ForKendall,listening,finding commonground,maintainingalevel head,andkeepingbothsidessatisfied arecrucialtoherbusiness’success. Thebestresultoccurswhenboth sidesbelievetheirgoalshavebeen metequally.Sellingabusinesscan bealengthyprocess,sopatienceand perseverancearenecessary,sincea dealcandieathousandtimesbefore itcloses.
AnEfficientEmployee
Kendall’sworkethic,understanding oftheBenchmarkmodeland unwaveringsupportofthe company’svisionforgrowth,has placedherintheperfectpositionfor
leadership.Shehasledsomeofthe largestdealsBenchmark Internationalhasundertaken,andshe isavaluedmemberoftheMajor TransactionTeam.Thesedealsare typicallyover$100millionin transactionvalue.Toclosedealslike theserequirecomplextransaction knowledge,creativestructures,and strongrelationshipmanagement skills;Kendallisnaturallycurious andalwayswillingtolookfornew ideasandnovelwaysofgetting thingsdone.Shealwaysencourages herteamtousewhateverresourceis availabletothemtoachieveagoal, evenifitissomethingthathasnot beendonebefore.
TodayistheDay Forthebuddingwomenleaders, Kendalladvises “young women who would like to start their own business should just go for it! There’s no time like the present and you must believe in yourself. Don’t listen to anyone that says you can’t do something and never let fear stop you from trying. You will learn a lot about yourself and your business during the journey and, ultimately, you will be surprised at what you accomplished along the way.”
Kendall Stafford Managing Partner Benchmark International
Atthetop
“It’sallaboutfindingsomeone’sstrengths.Womendon’t outperformmenandviceversa.ButIwon’tdenythatit takesalotofdisciplinetostayatthetopasawoman,” Inekeexpresses.Justlikemen,womenhavealotof qualitiesthatmatchperfectlywithaleadershiprole.It’s importantthatleadershipcomesfromtheheart.Andyou needtohavetheintentiontohelpothersgrowandmake thembetterthroughyourrole.Icallit Servant Leadership Ifyouwanttomakeyourcompanyasuccess,youneedto beofservicetothecompanyanditspeople.Thishas nothingtodowithgenderorbackground.
That’swhyaquotaforwomenatthetopiscompletely nonsense,accordingtome.Allwomenwhoreallywantto reachthetop,willfindawaytobreakthroughthatglass ceiling.Nobiasintheworldwillstopawomanona missiontoreachthattopposition.Butit’swrongtothink thatanyonewiththerightcapabilities–manorwoman–canworkanywheretheywant.Thereshouldbeamatch betweenyourpersonality,thecompany’svaluesandits culture.Andsometimesit’sjustacaseofpureluck.Being attherightplaceattherighttime.Ifthismatchdoesn’t comenaturally,it’sjustnotmeanttobe.
Butifthereisaperfectmatchbetweenyouasaleaderanda company,it’sthefirstpositivestep,inmyopinion.It’sstill alotofwork.Havingallthatresponsibilitytakesalotout ofyou.Youshouldn’tbeafraidtomakechoices,andthat alsomeanssayingnotocertainactivitiesinyourpersonal life.
Iamamotheroftwoandamnothomeeveryday.My husbandandIhavebeenabletomakeitwork.Inoticethat alotofwomenstillfinditdifficult.Butyoucan’truna companyparttime.Youneedtodaretogofullin.Those doubtsoftenappearduringtheinitialjobinterview.Women
say“Iwanttobeadirector,butIstillhavechildrenthatI needtobringtoschool.Isthatpossible?”Asifthereareno maleCEOsthatbringtheirkidstoschool.Thebig differenceisthatmendon’taskthesekindsofquestions. Theyjustdoit!
Balance It’sallaboutbalance.Recently,Iattendedaforumon femaleleadership,whereItalkedaboutmyroleasaCEO. Intheaudience,werefemalestudentswhowerejustabout tograduate.Whenthemoderatoraskedwhichofthem wantedthesamejobasme,onlythreeofthefourhundred studentsraisedtheirhands.Themoderatorwasshocked, andaskedtheaudiencewhatwasgoingon.“Sheworkstoo much”,wastheanswer.“Andwealsowanttobeabletogo toparties,exerciseandhaveasociallife.”Thatshockedme alittle.It’snotthatIdon’tdoanythingelsebesideswork. Mydowntime,sociallifeandworkactivitiesarejustone bigmix.It’struethatI’mconstantlythinkingaboutwork. ButIalsoallowmyselftogoforaruninthemorningorsee myhairdresserduringtheweek.Tome,it’sjustonefull weekinwhichIcandoalot.
DidIhavethisgo-gettermentalityasachild,sinceI alreadyknewIwantedtoonedayreachthetop?Ithinkso. But,atthesametime,allthethingsIhopedforasachild didn’tcometrue.WhatIgotisalotbetter.Idefinitelydon’t regretthechoicesthatI’vemade.Istartedafamily,got married,andamtheCEOofayoungandambitious company.Ishouldthereforebethelastpersontodecide whetherornotoneshouldhavealeadershippositionbased ona‘homesituation’.Howyoucombinethetwoisupto you.Andyes,thattakesalotofdiscipline.Butifyouhave naturalleadershipqualities,Ibelieveeverythingisgoingto bealright.
Thekeytoachievingthis?Asafemale–ormale–leader, youneedtolearntoletgoandprioritise.Justdoyourbest andfocusonmakingthingsbetterforotherpeople.
Personifying the True Essence of Passion Lindsey Myers Itiscertainlyapassionthatfuels anindividualtomakethings happen.Infact,passiondefines thetrueessenceofentrepreneurship. Anavidleader,LindseyMyersis exemplifyinghowapassionfor somethingcanleadtoasuccessful venture.LindseyfoundedConcrete BlondeConsultinginNovember 2016topursueherpassionfor buildingreputationsandrevenues throughbusinessdevelopment marketingstrategies.Thecompany hassincebeennamedoneofthe "Top15PRAgenciesinNewYork" byTheManifestandoneofthe"Top 10BestPRAgencies"byWebSurf Media.Thisaptlydescribeshow passioncanhelpeveryonetoclimb theladderofsuccess.
ExemplifyingStrategicLeadership Lindseyprovidesprofitandgrowth solutionsandthrivesasaconsultant. Acommunicationsexpertand entrepreneur,shehasovertwelveyearsofexperienceservingvarious industriesincludingconsumer productsandservices,tech,lifestyle, hospitalityandnon-profitcompanies inNYCandtheHamptonsluxury market.ShegraduatedfromBoston UniversitywithaBSin
Communicationsandconcentration inPR.ShebeganhercareeratWord HamptonPublicRelations,afirm headquarteredinEastHampton,NY andrankedbyJackO’Dwyer’sas oneofthecountry’s"Top100 IndependentPRfirms".In2013,she wasmadepartnerandwaschosento launchthecompany’sNYCdivision. Then,in2016,shewentoutonher ownandfoundedConcreteBlonde Consulting.
Beingrecognizedastrategicleader, shehasearnedatrackrecordfor counselingclients,includingFortune 500companiessuchasNAPCO Security,Inc.,toincreaseprofits, managebrandreputationsandgain marketshare.Sheiscontinually drivenbyherenterprisingspiritand innateunderstandingofconsumer influence.
Inaddition,shehasalsobeenaguest lectureratseveraluniversities includingHofstraUniversityand SaintJoseph’sUniversity.Her influentialleadershipandexpertise haveearnedhernumerousaccolades throughouthercareerincluding; PRSABigAppleaward,PRSA BronzeAnvilaward,eightMarCom
awards,nineFairMediaCouncil Folioawards,Communicatoraward, SABREawardandanExcellencein Communicationsaward.
CalmnessistheKey
Havingpatienceduringnegotiations wasalwaysthebiggestchallengefor Lindsey.Itdoesn’tmattertoherhow muchrevenuethecompanyis bringinginorhowmanyleadsshe hascomingin;sheisalwaysanxious andeagertoclosethesale.Shefinds thatrunningreallyhelpsherget centeredandshehasalsostarteda meditationpracticetopromotecalm.
Lindseybelievesthatasound temperamentisextremelyimportant tosuccessinbusiness.Shestruggled withthisalot.Sheisofopinionthat ifyouwanttohavemore,firstyou havetobecomemore.Shehighly recommendsleadersinvestinginany toolstohelpthemreachtheirgoals. Even,inordertomakeher employeesresourceful,shegives themtherelevanttoolstheyneedto findtheanswersthemselvesandlet themknowthatshevaluesthisskill.
WordsofWisdom
Lindseyadvisesentrepreneursto
I’m striving to bring a little more compassion and humanity back into the business world. “ “ knowwhattheywantandexpect theycanhaveit.Shementions, “In terms of leadership, remember you might be in charge, but make logic the boss and make sure the talent knows you hired them for their strategic thinking skills and not to “yes” people.”
Accordingtoher,therearethree essentialattributeseveryleadermust possess.Thefirstishavingaclear vision.Ifyouaregoingtolead people,thenyouneedtoknowwhere youaregoing.Thesecondis effectivecommunicationskills,so
youcaneffectivelycommunicate withyourteam,becauseyouaren’t goingtogettherealone.And,otheris empathy,sothatyoucanconnect withyouteamandnurturetheir talent.
EnlighteningUpcoming Entrepreneurs Inheradvicetoenlightenupcoming entrepreneurs,sheasserts, “Do it!! The most important thing you need to start a business is a belief you can succeed. If you know that in your heart then all you have to do is keep talking to people about your vision.
Will a lot of people say no? Absolutely. Will some laugh at you? Possibly. Will there be those who warn you that you are going to fail? Make a list of those people and remember that anyone who thinks this is more than you can handle is less than the kind of person you need in your life.”
“Just keep putting one foot in front of the other everyday. A lot of people will say no, but sometimes all you need is one person to say yes,” sheadds.
Lindsey Myers, Founder Concrete Blonde Consulting
Women Empower Gonearethedayswhenwomenwerestereotypedto acertainsetofskillsandprofessions,restricting themfromexploringtheworldofendless opportunities.Today,womenhaveannouncedtheirarrival inmanyfieldsofthebusinessworld.Therefore,itseems moreimportantthaneverbeforetorecognizefemale contributionsineveryprofession.
Fightingthroughbiasedworkcultureinfavourofmale dominance,womenhaveconqueredtheunconqueredonthe accountoftheirdistinctcalibreandpredilections.Inthe timeswhentheworldfemaleparticipationrateistothe dispiritinglevelsofaround67%andpay-offrateofabout 63%,achievementsbywomengo-gettersarepraiseworthy.
Listeningcapabilitiesisoneofthe distinguishingaspectsoffemininespeciesascomparedto theirmalecounterparts.Instillingandpursuingones thoughtsisundoubtedlyimportantforeffectiveworking. Butbeingabetterlistenerissomethingthatcanmakea differenceasstudiesshowthatthecustomervaluesand truststhefirmsiftheyperceivethattheyarebeinglistened tobythefirms.Withinherentcaringandaffectionatetraits, womenoutclassmenwhenitcomestounderstanding criticaldemandsofthecustomers.
EmotionalIntelligence(EI)-theabilitytoidentifyand manageone’sownemotionsaswellastheemotionsof others-isanessentialskillwhenitcomestodealingwitha diverseclassofconsumers.Womenarenaturallygifted withhigherEImakingthembettersuitedforpressure situationsandavoidingcounter-productivedecisionswhile keepingemotionsincheck.
EmotionalIntelligenceencompassestwomajordimensions –awarenessofone’sselfandawarenessofothers.Boththe attributesareverymuchsignificantforthesurvivaland successofanyorganisation.Self-awarenessinvolvesbeing familiarwithtriggerpointsandbehaviouraltraitswhenput tothetest.This,inturn,helpstomodulateimpulses avoidingconclusionswhichareharmfulforthewelfareof business.Inadditiontoself-awareness,anawarenessof othersisequallycriticalinbusiness.Analysingand decodingnon-verbalcommunication–thatamountsto93% ofthemessage–eventuallybenefitsinconvincingand convertingaleadintoaclient.
Collaboration,andnotthecutthroatcompetition,isthe modernera’sprinciplevirtuetoachievesuccess.Many endeavourswhichseemtobebeyondtheboundsof
possibilitycanbeattainedbycombiningeffortsfrom differentresources,channelsanddepartments.Further, collaboratingproductswithconsumerexperienceare enormouslyimportant.Itleadstocraftingthebestsolutions forcustomer’spainpointsandcompellingvalue propositionsthatreflecttheiroverallbusinessobjectives.
Multiplestudieshavefoundthatwomenprefertoworkin teams,whilemenprefertoworkalone.Anunfaltering affinitytowardscollaborationprimeswomentogarner successindifferentfieldsofbusinesswhichgivestheman edgeoverothers.
Increasedprofitabilitycanbeamotivatingfactorformany firmstohiremorepooloffemaletalentsasmanystudies supportthefact.StatisticalresearchshowsthatFortune500 companieswiththehighestrepresentationofwomenon boardsfinanciallyoutperformcompanieswiththelowest representationofwomenonboards.Moreover,genderdiverseteamshavehighersalesandprofitscomparedto male-dominatedteams,andarecentGallupstudyfound thatgender-diversebusinessunitshavehigheraverage revenuethanlessdiversebusinessunits.
Trustoverfemaleleadersisanattributewhichneedstobe reciprocatedwhilemakingthechoice.MoreAmerican workersperceivefemaleexecutivesashonestandethical thanmaleexecutives.Pew’s“WomenandLeadership” surveyedAmericansin2015andfoundthat34%say womenarebetteratthis,whileonly3%saymenarebetter atit(64%saythere’snodifference).
Whileit’sunclearwhetherthismeanswomenareactually morehonest,it’sasubtlereminderofhowtangledsome businessdecisionscanbe.Leadersareoftentaskedwith choosingbetweenoptionsthataren’tblackandwhite, ethicallyspeaking,andthecapacitytoleadhonestlyis importanttotheentirecompany’ssuccessandjob satisfaction.
Nottomention,increasedjobsatisfactionand organizationaldedicationtocitepositiveandmeaningful businessculturearetheaddedadvantagesfeminine employeescarrytotheorganisation. However,thejourneyisnotallmerrygoroundeverytime. Hindrances–seen,unseen–aretheretocheckthe unrelentingzealofwomenaspirantstothriveinthe industry.Theseobstructionsneedtobepointedoutand rectifiedtocreateanenvironmentthatfuelswomen empowerment.
Lackofconfidence,accordingtomanyexperts,isone primereasonwomentendtoquestionthemselvesanddoubt theirworthiness.Inordertoadvance,theymustcoachtheir innercritics.
Out-speakanddefinewhatwomenwantprofessionallyif theywanttogetsucceeded.Toooftentheydon’tknowor relyuponotherstodefineitforthem.
“Buildingrelationshipswiththoseinpositionsof leadershipiscritical,”SusanBrady,executivevice presidentofLinkageInc.says.“Putdowntheto-dolistlong enoughtoconnectwithdecisionmakersacrossthe organization,andhelpthemunderstandwhoyouareand whatyoubringtothetable.”
Womenaregenerallyuneasyaboutaskingforwhatthey want.Theymuststopthinkingaboutwhattheyneedasa self-servingrequest.Theymustdevelopthecourageand fortitudetostandupandaskforwhattheywant.
Whileprovingvalue,womentendtoovercompensatein ordertodemonstratethattheyareaddingvalue.Instead ofdoingitallalone,changetheparadigmandtrackto encourageotherstotakeonmoreresponsibility,thus enablingthemtoscaleandmultiplytheirownimpact.
Nottoforget,biasedworkcultureandregional barriersarethecrucialobstaclesintheroadofwomen workparticipation.But,todaywomenarebreakingthese shacklesandcomingoutboldlytobeapartofeconomic processesshoulderingtheirmalecounterparts. Therehasbeenobviousprogressinachievinggender equalityaroundtheworldoverthepasttwodecades: moregirlsareattendingschool,morewomenare workingandarebeingelectedtopublicoffices,more womenholdmanagementpositions,andthesituation involvingwomen’slegalaswellassocialrightshave alsoimproved.
However,agreatdealstillremainstobedonetoachieve equaloutcomesforwomenandmen.Recognizing women’sabilities,thevaluestheybringtothe organisation,thetransformationtheyachieveasfaras workenvironmentisconcerned,andconsidering monetarybenefitsassociatedwiththefemalework participation,corporatesectorneedtowelcometheir emergencewithopenarms.Nofutureisfarwheremaledominatedworkplaceswillbeataleofextinct,we believe.
Rose Bentley Combining Excellence with Proficiency to Achieve Success Womenaremakingtheir marksineverybusiness sector.Theircommitment anddedicationhavehelpedthemto overcomegreatoddsandmakebeacon forallthosetofollow.Theirsuccess storiesareexemplifyingvarying degreesofhardshipandsuccess.One suchexampleofleadershipis presentedbyRoseBentley,Chiefof StaffatTeradataCorporation.Rose leveragesherfieldandcrossfunctional experiencetohelpdrivestrategic planning,superiorcustomer experience,organizationalgrowth,and salesoptimization.Inaninterviewwith InsightsSuccess,Roseunveilsthekeys insightsofherinspiringentrepreneurial journey.
Below are the highlights of the interview:
Giveabriefoverviewofyour backgroundandyourrolein Teradata.
Throughoutmycareer,Ihavebeen turnedtobycompaniesandnon-profits toinitiatebestpracticesandprocesses thatstrengthenoperational performance,solvecomplex organizationalchallenges,catapult salesgrowth,andimprovecustomer success.
CurrentlywithinTeradata,as America’sChiefofStaffIleveragemy fieldandcrossfunctionalexperienceto helpdrivestrategicplanning,superior customerexperience,organizational growth,andsalesoptimization.
PriortoTeradata,Iprovidedstrategic leadershipforCloudCherry,aglobal SaaScompany’s,NorthAmericabrand whereIspearheadedoperations,sales
andgo-to-marketstrategy,driving3X companygrowthwithin18months positioningCloudCherrytobe acquiredbyCisco.
Beforethat,Iledthedirectglobalsales teamandcreatedacustomersuccess organizationatSatmetrix,increasing revenuegrowthandcustomer commitmentforasuccessfulexit withNICE.
DescribeTeradata’scutting-edge serviceswhichaddressalltheneeds ofitscustomers. Withalltheinvestmentsmadein analytics,it’stimetostopbuyinginto partialsolutionsthatoverpromiseand underdeliver.It’stimetoinvestin answers.OnlyTeradataleveragesallof thedata,allofthetime,soyoucan analyzeanything,deployanywhere, anddeliveranalyticsthatmattermost toyourbusiness.Andwedoit on-premises,inthecloud,oranywhere inbetween.Wecallthispervasivedata intelligence.It’stheanswertothe complexity,costandinadequacyof today’sanalytics.
Whatwasyourlifechangingevent/ incidentthatchangedyourlife?
MovingtoSiliconValleyputmeona newandrewardingcourse.Notonly didIgettoworkwithandmeetthe manofmydreams,Isuddenlyfound myselfinaplacethattookno prisoners.
GrowingupinMontanaandthrough schoolinUtahIwasalwaysseeking thebestandbrightestmindstolearn fromandwhenIlandedinSan FranciscoIrealizedIwasasmallfish inabigpond–anditthrilledme!
NeverdidIthinkmychildhoodof playingincreeks,floatingrivers, watchingbreakfastcluboverandover onsnowdaysandarguing withmy adoringbrotherregardingwhat campinggamesweweregoingtoplay overtheSummer–wouldeverleave mewiththedesiretoliveinabigcity andswingforthefencesbutitdidand Iamabetterpersonbecauseofit.
Hownecessaryisittoalignbusiness withtechnologyandwhatareits outcomes?
Businessandtechnologyalignmentare vitalformarketimpactandgrowth. Aligningthetwomeansasbusiness goalspivot,technologycanmore readilyrespondwithnecessary solutionstosupportandmaintain enterprisemomentum.Inturn, technologicaladvancesand improvementsarehardwiredinto existingandfuturestrategies andinitiatives.
Iwillsaythough “Technology is designed to accelerate a business outcome. Don’t expect technology to fix a business problem – expect technology to help you drive the process forward and enable best practices you need within your business to be successful.”
Whatstrategiesdoyouundertaketo makeyouremployeesresourceful? Theysayeverythingyouneedtoknow aboutlifeyoulearnbyage5–well, withamotherasboldandbeautifulas minesheinstilledinmethecuriosity,I neededtoalwaysfindawayforward, sheusetosay “where there is a will there is a way.”
Teradata transforms how businesses work and people live through the power of data. “ “ WhenIrecentlyranintoanissueof howtohelpanemployeebecome resourcefulIleanedonafewofthe truthsIwastaught–First,ifyouwant someonetobelievetheycandoityou havetogivethemthetoolstobe successful,whetherthatisstructureto workwithin,aplaybook,orevenbasic training.Fromthereyouneedto empowerthepersontoberesourceful. Letthemknowitisoktofail,andthat youexpectitandcan’twaittohear aboutit!
Andlastyouneedtocreatethe environmentforthemtoberesourceful –guidethemintothequestionsthat helpthemsolvetheproblemwithout you.Whensomeonepresentsyouwith aproblemaskthem “what have you done so far to solve for this?”
“Or what would you recommend we do?”Thengivethemthespaceto bounceideasoffyoubuthelpthem realizetheyareonthehookforfinding asolution.
Whataresomeofthevital attributes,inyouropinion,that everyleadershouldpossess?
Everybodydefinesleadership differently,butIreallyliketheway JohnCMaxwelldefinesleadership, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”
Regardlessofhowyoudefinealeader, heorshecanprovetobeadifference makerbetweensuccessandfailure.A goodleaderhasafuturisticvisionand knowshowtoturnherideasinto real-worldsuccessstories.
Tobecomeagoodleader,youwill havetosetagoodexampleforothers tofollow.Thatiswhereyour commitmenttothebusiness,passion forlearning,andempathycomeinto play.Ialsobelievegood
communicationskillsanddecisionmakingcapabilitiesplayavitalrolein thesuccessandfailureofaleader.You needtobeablecommunicated effectivelyandcallthejumpballs.If youdon’tlikecarryingtheweightof theharddecisionsitcanbeveryhard tolead.Everyleaderneedstofeel comfortablemakingdecisionswith whatdatatheyhaveinfrontofthem, becauseyoudon’talwayshavethe completepicture.
Lastly,leadersneedtobeabletoknow whentosetasidetimeforinnovation andcreativethinking,aswellasthe futuristicvision–havingaNorthStar givesyoutheabilitytosettheright roadmapforsuccessandthensupport yourteamstogetthere.
Rose Bentley Chief of Staff
Asof2017,6%oftheventurecapitalistswere womenandonly2.7%womenownedbusinesses receivedventurecapitalfunding.BeingaVCin thisstartupeconomy,where90%ofstartupsfail,isatough job.However,ithasnotingtodowithgender.
“Hi.IamNinDesai.Iheadacrowdfundedtechnology venturecapitalfirm,NINVentures(orNIN.VC).Weinvest inSeriesA&Broundsofdisruptivetechnology companies.”
Whiletherearenumberoffactorsresponsibleforsuccessin theventurecapitalindustryincludingtimingandluck,top ofthatlistisadisruptivetechnology.Adisruptive technologyisaninnovationthatchangesthewayan existingindustryfunctionsandalsohelpscreateanew marketandvaluenetwork,displacinganearliertechnology orawayofdoingbusiness.
E.g.3Dprintinghasbeenusedforrapidprototypingandis beingappliedinanumberofindustriestoday,including
manufacturing,automotive,consumer,aerospace,defense, andespeciallyhealthcare.Astheaccuracyandmaterials markethaveimproved,themedicalspaceshowsgreat potentialforthistechnology.Thereareabout114,000 peoplecurrentlyontheorganrecipientlistinUnitedStates; andonly34,770transplantswereperformedin2017.Every 10minutesanewpersonisaddedtothewaitinglistand20 peopledieeverydaybecausetheycannotfindarightorgan. Whatif3Dprintingtissuescanhelpsavesomeofthose lives?
Everysectoratsomepointisupfordisruption.E.g.Ad Tech.Overtimeasconsumerbehaviorpatternschanged, DigitalhasnowreplacedTraditionalTelevision.Peopleare nowspendingmoretimeontheirpersonaldeviceslike phone,tablets,&PCs.AnaverageAmericanspendsabout3 hourseverydayontheirpersonaldevices,andthisisthe firsttime,thetimespendonpersonaldeviceshave surpassedtimespentwatchingTelevision,whichisabig changeandopportunityfortheAdTechIndustry.
th E.g.4 IndustrialRevolution.Westandonthebrinkofa technologicalrevolutionthatwillfundamentallyalterthe waywelive,work,andrelatetooneanother.Initsscale, scope,andcomplexity,thetransformationwillbeunlike anythinghumankindhasexperiencedbefore.TheFirst IndustrialRevolutionusedwaterandsteampowerto mechanizeproduction.TheSecondusedelectricpowerto createmassproduction.TheThirdusedelectronicsand informationtechnologytoautomateproduction.Nowa FourthIndustrialRevolutionisbuildingontheThird,the digitalrevolutionthathasbeenoccurringsincethemiddle ofthelastcentury.Itischaracterizedbyafusionof technologiesthatisblurringthelinesbetweenthe3D,4D, digital,othersmartandbiologicalspheres.
However,greatideasandtechnologyneedstobebackedby asolidrevenuemodelinordertoattractcustomersaswell asattainprofitabilityforthecompanytobeanattractive investmentopportunityforaVC.E.g.ournewinitiative, TotalCapitalism.Astartupneedsanecosystemtothrive upon,thusitisveryimportantforacompanytounderstand themarketdynamics,itsimpactontheirindustry,product, andalsohaveagoodunderstandingofthecompetitive landscapeinordertoachievelongtermsuccess.A disruptivetechnologyneedstoscaleandathroughanalysis helpsgagethoseriskandrewards.
ACEOisthecaptainoftheship;andatNIN.VCwestart withanentrepreneurbecauseentrepreneursbuild companiesandnottheotherwayaround.Someofthe qualitiesVCslookforinanentrepreneurareabilityto dreambigwithideasthatscale,certainpersonalitytraits andworkethicslikebeingfocused,disciplined,andhard working.It’simportanttohaveindustryexpertiseand knowledgeorsurroundyourselfwithpeoplethat
compliment.However,flexibilityandchoicesan entrepreneur/theteammakesdeterminesthefutureofthe company.Anamazingentrepreneurwithadisruptive technology,asolidrevenuemodel,andgoodunderstanding ofthecompetitivelandscapegoestovain,ifthecompany doesnotcommunicateeffectivelyorhasagoodexecution strategy.
VentureCapitalistsareknowntoinvestinunicornsthat provetobehomerunfortheirLPsandwhilethereisno secretrecipeforsuccess,hopethishelpsinunderstanding theartandsciencebehindeachofthatinvestment.
