The Most Inspirational Women in Business to look out for 2023

Kristen Weardon Life Enrichment Coach, Business Consultant

Weardon

A Journey Towards Triumph

Ambition'profoundlyindicatesadesireto

incorporatetheobjectivesthatonehas substantiallyplannedwithavisiontoachievegreat outcomes.Thisistotheyoungpeopleintheir20sand30s whoholdanimmortalambitionspringingfromwithin. Thesecoherentpersonasarereadytoaccomplishitby questioningthetraditionaloperationalmethodswithan approachtoenablinginnovationsinthemodernbusiness arena.

Theseleadershaveaquestandadesiretodevelopnew methodstotransformtheoperationalstructureofthe businessesalongwithpersonaldevelopmentand painstakinglyfollowthroughonthem,nomatterhowlong andarduous.

Ambitiouspeoplearegoal-orientedandarealwaysstriving towardsthenextaccomplishment.Thisistothosewho understandtheenormouseffortthatisrequiredtobuilda successfulandpeacefullifeandarewillingtosupplythe effort.Foritisverynarrowandhard,theroadtoanoble future.Ambitionisthetraitthatallowspeopletoapprehend thewaystosucceedandturnitintoagamewherewinning isnotaboutjustachievingwhichresultsingreatoutcomes inthededicatedworkingprinciples.

Leaderswhoexhibittruthfulnessintheirdailylivesgainthe trustofthosearoundthem.Theirtransparencyabouttheir strengthsandweaknessmakespeoplewanttofollowthem. Thesementorsprovetheirhonestybyhowtheylive.They admittheirmistakesandapologizewhenthey'rewrong. Instead,theyacknowledgeandlearnfromtheirfailures.

Passionisanabsolutelyindispensabletraitwhenitcomes toleadership.Leadersareabouttheircauses,the organization,anditsespousedandenactedbeliefs.Infact,it isapassionthatdrivesambition.

Whenyou'repassionateaboutaproject,aboutacause, aboutanorganization,itmotivatesyoutobeapartofitand tomakeadifference.Manyofushaveseentheflipsideof thisscenarioandtheresultsareadecreaseinself-efficacy ofteams,employeemotivationandorganizationalcohesion.

Employeescan'teffectivelycarryoutandachievegoalsthat theydon'tcareabout.Manytimes,passionateleadershipis neededtodrivedetermination,motivation,and achievement.Whenemployeesfeelemotionallyconnected totheirorganization,theyaremorecommitted,engaged, andeffectiveandthisisarecipeforsuccessandlong-term sustainability.

Embracingthejourneyofsuchcoherentstarlets,Insights Successfeaturesenchantingstoriesoftheseproficient leadersinitslatestedition,"TheMostInspirationalWomen inBusinesstolookoutfor2023."Flipthroughthepages anddelveintothejourneythatblendsambitionwith passiontowardsasparktoinnovate.

Have a Delightful Read!

NoteEditor’s

08

Kristen C O N T

Weardon Symbolizing

Resolute Leadership

Editor-in-Chief

Deputy Editor

Abhishek Joshi Revati

Visualizer David King

Senior Sales Manager

Sihanee M., Rouniyar A.

Marketing

John Matthew

Prachi Mokashi

SME-SMO Executive

Ankita Pandharpure

Sales Executives David, Martin

Business Development Executives

Dominique T.

Sagar Lahigade Frank Adams

Circulation Manager

Robert Brown Stella

GraceKustaNasralla DirectorofOperations

GraceStaten VicePresidentof Marketing

Inspirational W m

CompanyName

e-presenceConsultants e-presence.ca

Brief

Grace

mycoastalwealth.com

KristenWeardon LifeEnrichmentCoach BusinessConsultant Rachel

RachelGomez Co-owner

TraceeComstock ExecutivePeople Leader

KristenWeardon kristenweardon.com

Kristen

Weardon

Symbolizing Resolute Leadership

Kristen’s naturally uplifting personality develops exceptional opportunities producing fantastic relationships with her network for her clients.

Weardon Life Enrichment Coach, Business Consultant

O V E R S T O R Y

Somequalitiesofstaunchbusinessleadersare communicationskillsallowingyoutoconveya visionandstrategyeffectively;emotional intelligence,allowingyoutomanageyourownemotions andunderstandthefeelingsofothers;andcontinuous improvementallowingyoutoembraceyourownleadership byseekingimprovementinyourownperformance.

MostpeopleadmiretheexceptionalattributesofKristen Weardon,includinghonesty,integrityandconfidence.She exhibitstheseattributesinhereverydayapproachthrough herlifecoachingprogram,WisdomwithKristen,which helpsindividualsinstillthesevalues.

KristenWeardonisacertifiedLifeCoachandMotivational Speakerspecializinginhelpingherclients,whoarewilling toputinthehardwork,transitioninmonths(ratherthan years)tolivepurposeful,joy-filledliveswhilesculpting careergoals.Kristenhadtoovercomelife-alteringbusiness andpersonaldecisionsofherown,andbeingcertifiedasa lifecoachhasgivenherthetoolstohelpothersdothe same.

Today,Kristenoffersindividualservices,groupprograms, andseminars.Herfocusisonhelpingclientsconnectthe dotswithcopingskillsandregroupingsteps.Whenshewas workingwiththeWINFoundation,shebroughtinnovative productsandbusinessmodelstohelpcreatesustainableand scalablesocialimpact.

Inthisdayandage,whenlifechangessoquickly,havinga well-thought-outperspectivewithawell-mapped-outplan cansetrealisticgoals.Kristen'sproactivemethodsassist othersinsortingoutthenonentitiesandembarkingonthe horizonsofsuccess.

Kristen'sdynamicpersonalityandwide-rangingcontacts translateintouniqueandoftenunexpectedopportunitiesfor clientsandthoseseekingfocusinlife.Sheisahigh-energy super-connectorratherthanamerenetworker.

Kristenexcelsatconnectingpeoplewiththebestoptions available,whetherit'sbuyinganewhome,startinga business,ormakingproactive,personaldecisions.Itisn’t justajobtoher; it’sapassion.KnownasNaples’ ‘rainmaker’whocreatesenergy,connections,andsuccess storieswherevershegoes,Kristen’sworkinmotivational healing,businessdevelopment,realestatetransactionsand philanthropyareallguidedbyoneoverarchingapproach.

AnEpitomeofResoluteLeadership

Kristenworkswitha‘wholelife’approachtohelpher clientsvisualizeandachievetheirgoalsinwhateverareaof lifethosemaybe.

Kristenusesherexperienceasamarketingandtraining executiveinrealestateandherexpertiseinlifeexperiences asaphilanthropistandhumanitariantoteachothersthe importanceofmotivation.

Inbusinesssituations,shedirectsthecompany’svision towardsdevelopingacollaborativeculture. Inpersonal situations,shecanassisttonavigatethroughandconnect thedotstotheirfuture&goals.Throughoutthepastthirty years,Kristenhasdedicatedherlifetoservingothers workingwithcharitieslikePACECollierandtheWIN Foundation,shealsochairedandhostednumerousevents forcountlessothercharitiesfromTheCenterforMissing andExploitedChildrenwithnowFloridaSenatorKathleen Passidomo,toCancerAllianceNapleswhichwasfounded byfamilyfriendJerryConti.

Kristenpridesherselfonaidingtopromoteemotional health,personalself-esteemandempowermentby providingrecoveryprograms,conferences,training programsandfundraisers.

SurmountingtheAdversities

OnechallengethatKristenhadtoovercomewasthe disastrouslossofherhousefromHurricaneIan.The malleabilityofemotions(fromfeartosadness)made Kristenovercomeandprepareforthelongroadtorecovery. WithKristen’sresilience,determinationandpositive mindset,sherelatesthisexperiencetohereveryday coachingofclientswhohaveencounteredtragediesor enduredlosses.

Duringthemortgagecrisisin2008,Kristendecidedtotake astepbackfromrealestatewhentheopportunityaroseto becomeaspokespersonfortheWINFoundationandhelp educatethosewhohavebeenthroughabuseandaidthemin recovery Thiscreatedherpassionforhelpingothers throughmanyobstaclesandovercomingtheirlife challenges.

ThisledKristentoherphilanthropicnature,andsheeven wentastepfurther,becomingacertifiedteacherforThe Winfoundation.Kristennowhasseveralcertificationsand

Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Kristen prides herself on aiding to promote emotional health, personal self-esteem and empowerment by providing recovery programs, conferences, training programs and fundraisers.

EmbarkingUpontheHorizons

Kristenenvisionsherselfenhancinghercapabilitiesinthe longrunbycontinuouslylearningandadaptingto contributepositivelytosocietywithherleadershipand determination.

Byengaginginmorepublicspeaking,andprivateevents throughmonthlymasterminds,liveengagements,andinpersoncoachingsessions,Kristenplanstoapproacheach individualtohelpthemprosper,grow,andlearntolivetheir joytothefullest.“Together,wewilldevelopanactionmap ofreal,attainablestepstomoveyouclosertoyourbigger vision.One-on-onemeetingscanbesetuptobeface-tofaceorbyFacetime,tofitintoyourschedule.Myjobisto makesureyouareontrackinhittingyourgoalsandtooffer toolsandresourcesthatyoucanusetomovetothenext stepinyourplan,”saysKristen.

licensinginthelifeandbusinesscoachingarena,including LifeCoachUniverse™,theLefkomethod™,TonyRobbins TM Strategicintervention EaglesImpactCoachingandisa GrantCardonebusinesstraininglicensee.

Throughhervastexperienceinspeakingtovariousgroups, fromfivehundredpeopletosmalllunch-ins,shelearnshow theycanbecomeunstuckandfindjoyintheirlivesdoing whattheylove.Kristen’sgenuinepassionforhelping peoplethroughlifecoachingandbusinessstrategy consultingoffersnewtechniques.Ithelpsmakethose transitionsasuccessstoryratherthanheartbreak.

ManifestingSignificantImpact

Kristenhasbeenimpactingthenichethroughherabilityto provideclarityandpurposethroughherdiverse background.Withherexperiencesthroughtravelingthe world,Kristencomprehendsavastvarietyofcultures.She relatesinavarietyofwaysbyunderstandingthedifferent culturesandcreatingapurposeinthecommunitieswith helpfulinsights.

Settingcleargoalsandobjectivescanhelpdirectyouand giveyouanunderstandingofthegoalsthatarecrucialin achievingdesiredoutcomeswithKristen’ssupport.Italigns everyone’sfocusandefforttohelpyouimplementasystem todrivebetterments.

Onthehorizon,Kristenwillbelaunchingapodcast, WisdomWarriorswithKristen,andtheTVshowcoming thisSummer,TheKristenWeardonTVShow–America’s #1ExpertforHealth,WealthandRelationshipswillbe streamingontheSUTVAppweeklyandherYouTube Channel.

IndulginginthePearlsofWisdom

Kristen’snaturallyupliftingpersonalitydevelops exceptionalopportunitiesproducingfantasticrelationships withhernetworkforherclients.

Asapieceofadviceforbuddingentrepreneurs,Kristen says,“Developasolidbusinessplanthatoutlinesyour goals,objectivesandstrategies.Bepassionateaboutyour chosenpath.Themorepassionateyouare,themoresuccess youwillachieve.Knowyourpurposeandmission statementtodevelopabusinessplan.”

Asacoach,Kristen’sguidanceisbasedonherexperience andtrainingtocreategoalsandoffertechniquesthatarethe mosteffectiveinchangingoldlimitingpatternsof thepast.

Intoday'srapidlyevolvingbusinesslandscape,effective

leadershipextendsfarbeyondtechnicalprowessand strategicacumen.Theabilitytounderstand,manage, andharnessemotions—bothone'sownandthoseof others—isacriticalfactorinachievingsuccessful leadershipoutcomes.Thisqualityisknownasemotional intelligence(EI)oremotionalquotient(EQ).Leaderswho possessahighlevelofemotionalintelligencehavethe powertoinspire,influence,andleadtheirteamstoachieve remarkableresults.Thisarticledelvesintothesignificance ofemotionalintelligenceinleadership,itscore components,andtheimpactithasonorganizational success.

UnderstandingEmotionalIntelligence

Emotionalintelligencereferstothecapacitytorecognize, understand,manage,andutilizeemotionseffectivelyin oneselfandothers.Itencompassesarangeofskillsthat enableleaderstonavigateinterpersonalrelationships, empathizewiththeirteammembers,andmakesound decisionsbasedonemotionalandsocialawareness.

CoreComponentsofEmotionalIntelligence

Self-Awareness:Effectiveleaderswithhighemotional intelligencepossessadeepunderstandingoftheirown emotions,strengths,weaknesses,values,andtriggers.This self-awarenessenablesthemtomanagetheirreactionsand responses,promotingbetterdecision-makingandfostering apositiveworkenvironment.

Self-Regulation:Leadersadeptatself-regulationcan managetheirimpulsesandemotionalstates.Bymaintaining composureduringchallengingsituations,theysetan examplefortheirteams,promoteacultureofresilience, andminimizeconflict.

Empathy:Empatheticleaderscantuneintotheemotions andperspectivesoftheirteammembers.Thisskill cultivatesstrongrelationships,trust,andcollaboration, ultimatelyenhancingteamcohesionandperformance.

SocialSkills:Exceptionalinterpersonalskillsarea hallmarkofemotionallyintelligentleaders.Theyexcelin communication,conflictresolution,andnetworking, creatinganenvironmentwhereopendialogueand productiveinteractionsthrive.

Motivation:Leaderswithhighemotionalintelligenceare intrinsicallymotivatedandhavetheabilitytoinspireand

motivatetheirteams.Theydemonstrateapassionfortheir work,setambitiousgoals,andencouragetheirteam memberstostriveforexcellence.

ImpactonLeadership

EnhancedCommunication:Emotionallyintelligentleaders communicatewithclarityandempathy.Theyunderstand theimportanceofactivelisteningandareattunedto nonverbalcues,fosteringamoreopenandtransparent exchangeofideas.

ConflictResolution:Byleveragingtheirempathyandsocial skills,emotionallyintelligentleadersnavigateconflictswith finesse.Theyaddressissuespromptly,seekcommon ground,andtransformdisagreementsintoopportunitiesfor growth.

EmployeeEngagement:Leaderswhovalueemotional intelligencecreateasupportiveandinclusiveatmosphere. Teammembersfeelunderstood,appreciated,andvalued, leadingtohigherjobsatisfactionandincreased engagement.

Decision-Making:Emotionalintelligenceguidesleadersin makingwell-balanceddecisions.Theyconsiderboth rationalandemotionalfactors,leadingtochoicesthatalign withtheorganization'svaluesandlong-termgoals.

Adaptability:Emotionallyintelligentleadersthrivein dynamicenvironments.Theirself-awarenessandflexibility enablethemtoadapttochange,inspiringtheirteamsto embraceinnovationandnavigateuncertainty.

TrustandCredibility:Emotionallyintelligentleaders consistentlydemonstrateauthenticityandintegrity Their abilitytoconnectonanemotionallevelfosterstrustamong teammembers,creatingafoundationofcredibilitythat enhancestheirinfluenceandleadershipimpact.

StressManagement:Leaderswithhighemotional intelligenceexcelinmanagingstressandpressure.They remaincomposedduringchallengingsituations,servingas rolemodelsforhandlingstressinahealthyandconstructive manner

FeedbackandGrowth:Theseleadersprovideconstructive feedbackinawaythatpromotespersonalandprofessional growth.Theybalancetheirfeedbackwithempathy, encouragingteammemberstoembracecontinuouslearning andimprovement.

InclusivityandDiversity:Emotionalintelligenceenables leaderstovalueandleveragethediverseperspectivesand backgroundsoftheirteammembers.Theycreatean inclusiveenvironmentwhereeveryonefeelsheard, respected,andvalued,whichleadstoenhancedcreativity andinnovation.

ResilienceandChangeManagement:Leaderswithhigh emotionalintelligencenavigatechangewithresilience. Theyhelptheirteamsembracechangebyacknowledging andaddressingemotionalconcernswhileguidingthem throughtransitionseffectively

ConflictTransformation:Emotionallyintelligentleaders transformconflictsintoopportunitiesforgrowth.They encourageopendiscussions,promoteunderstanding,and mediateconflictstoensurethattheteamremainscohesive andfocusedonsharedgoals.

Empowerment:Theseleadersempowertheirteammembers byrecognizingandtappingintotheirstrengths.They provideopportunitiesforskilldevelopmentanddelegate responsibilities,fosteringasenseofownershipand accountability.

Thepowerofemotionalintelligenceinleadershipcannotbe overstated.Emotionallyintelligentleadershavetheability tofosterpositiverelationships,drivemotivation,andcreate acultureofcollaborationwithintheirorganizations.By honingtheirself-awareness,self-regulation,empathy,social skills,andmotivation,leaderscanelevatetheir effectivenessandleadtheirteamstoachieveremarkable success.Inanincreasinglyinterconnectedanddiverse world,emotionalintelligencestandsasacornerstoneof impactfulandtransformativeleadership.

Transformationalleadershipisamanagementstyle

thatinspirespeopleanddrivespositivechangein novelandsometimesprofoundways.

Transformationalleadersaretypicallyoptimistic,lively,and passionate.Notonlyaretheseleadersworriedandengaged intheprocess,buttheyarealsocommittedtoensuringthat everymemberofthegroupsucceeds.

Transformationalleadersconquerfearsandanalyzerisks regardingchallenges,abilities,andorganizationalvision. Theyalsoinculcatetoughdecisionsinthefaceofthese possiblerisks.

Atransformationalleaderiswillingtocontemplatesomeof theserisksandwhatelsetheymightimplyforthe organization’soverallfuture.Exhibitingthesetraitswhile embarkinguponthezenithsofexcellenceisGraceStaten, VicePresidentofMarketingatCoastalWealth.

AsVicePresidentofMarketing,Gracehasaunique positiontobuildastrongconnectionwithprospects,clients andrecruitsintheworkshedoes.

InthisinterviewwithInsightsSuccess,Graceshares valuablefactsthathighlightherprofessionaltenureandthe journeysofarinthedynamicindustry

Below are the excerpts from the interview:

Grace,briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasa businessleaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatCoastal Wealth.Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometo reachwhereyouaretoday?

Istartedmycareerinthefinancialservicesindustryasan

advisor’sassistant.Thisadvisorwasalsoamentorthrough mycollegeandhadanopeninginherfirm.Throughher encouragement,Ifullyembracedthepositionandthe industrybygettinglicensedinsecuritiesandvolunteering inexternalindustryorganizations.Ipromisedmymentor thatI,too,wouldmentorotherfemaleswhenIwentfurther inmycareerwhichIhavecontinuedtodo.

Iknowfindingmentorsintheworkplaceischallenging,and itispowerfultohavesomeonetohelpsetgoalsandhold youaccountable.ChallengesIstillgothroughtodayarethe inequitieswomenfaceintheworkplace,suchas unconsciousbias,unequalpayandlimitedcareer advancement.

Mymentorshipshaveallowedmetobeasoundingboard forothersandhelpedputthingsintoperspective.Ihave recentlybeenaskedtohelpbuildtheWomenofCoastal Wealthprogramtoempowerwomentocreatetheirown pathwayswiththesupportoftheirfellowfemale colleagues.

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

CoastalWealth’smissionistonavigateopportunitiesand redefinewhatispossible.Ourvisionistobeoneofthe nation'smostinnovative,collaborativeandtrustedfinancial solutionsfirms.

Our14guidingprinciplesrangefromhonoringour commitmentstoourclients,teammembersandourselvesto celebratinginclusionanddiversityaskeystooursuccess. Thesearerepeatedatthebeginningofanyall-firmmeeting; webelieveintheseaswelive,workandplaywithinour communities.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavebeenimpactingthe marketingnichethroughyourexpertiseinfinancial services.

Ihavebeenintheindustryforover25yearsandhavebeen withmyfirmforover15.Ihaveobtainedlicensesand certificationspertainingtomyroleandhavetakenon leadershiprolesoutsideofworktoenhancemyskills.

Icreatewell-definedmarketingstrategieseachquarterfor myrole,whichhashelpedincreasethefirm’srecruitingand production.Oneofthestrategicobjectivesistoimpactour targetmarketsandrecruits.

Themorepeoplewereach,themoreopportunitieswehave. Iknowthatwemustdiversifythewaysweimpactvarious customersindifferentways,suchasthroughsocialmedia, podcasts,websitesornewsletters.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

CoastalWealth’svaluesareintegrity,diversity,innovation, collaborationandresponsibility.Astrongindicatorofhappy employeesisourlowturnoverrate.CoastalWealthhas manylong-termemployeesthatarehighlyengagedandare offeredcontinuedopportunitiesforgrowthinour“Pathway toLeadership”program.

Itrulybelievewearenotjustcolleaguesbuthavebecome friendsoutsideofwork.Ouratmosphereisapositive, supportiveculture.

Weoffer$2,000ayearforeducationforeachemployeeto furtherthemselveswithadegree,credentialordesignation. Wehaveaveryclearmissionstatementandvisionthatis

brandedintoourinternalcommunicationsandannounced beforeeveryall-firmmeeting.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Technologyhasreallyrevolutionizedmarketingandhow contentiscreatedandproduced.Ithasalsochangedthe waywecommunicateandthewaytheworldseesus.The powerofautomationhasbeenagamechangerwiththe amountofworkitrelievesmyteamfromdoing.

Forexample,wedevelopedaninternalfirmstorewith CoastalWealthitemsthroughmarketingautomationwhich allowstheusertogodirectlythroughthesite.Weareable tocreateregistrationpages,landingpages,formsand chatbotsusingautomation.

Socialmediaande-newslettershaveeasilyallowedusto reachourtargetaudiencesquickly,increasingourbrand loyalty

SearchEngineOptimizationhashelpedusimproveour website'sranking,generatingleadsandmaximizingtraffic. Changingtechnologyismakingadirectimpactonhow efficientlyandeffectivelyweoperate.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeinthemarketingsector?Howisyourcompany preparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Ibelievethenextsignificantchangeinmarketingis ArtificialIntelligence(AI).CoastalWealthisalready embracingAImarketingtoolsthatallowtailoredmessaging specifictoouraudiences.

Ifweneedanextraboostforcontent,AI’scontent generationcanbeusedformarketingstrategies,video captions,emailsubjectlines,andwebcopy.Thiscanhelp withreal-timepersonalizationinourmessagingtoreach certaintargetmarketstoengageorreengagewithourfirm. MachineLearningprogramscanhelpincreaseproductivity, ROI,andefficiency

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforCoastalWealth?

Iseemyselfcontinuingtodevelopmyexpertisein marketingandcontributingtothegrowthandsuccessof CoastalWealth.Withover25yearsinthefinancialservices industry,Ihaveimmersedmyselfinaleadership roleand continuedlookingforopportunitiestomakethedepartment

asinnovativeandefficientas possible.

Thisincludesembracingallnew marketingideastokeepinlineor aheadofourcompetition.Future goalsincludemakingourfirm brandbeknownnationwideaswe arecurrentlythepremierefinancial servicesfirminthesoutheast.Still, Iwouldliketocontinuethat developmentaswebuild,growand providenewopportunitiesforour financialprofessionals.

Whatwouldbeyouradviceto buddingentrepreneurswho aspiretoventureintothe marketingindustry?

Myadvicewouldbeforthosewho wanttogointothemarketing industry,andIwouldtellthemto beaswell-roundedaspossible.I wouldrecommendthiscareerto someonewhoisanabove-average writerorcangainaccesstogood copywritingskills,whoiscreative andforwardthinking.

Therearesomanyaspectsto marketingthattheyincludea varietyoffields,suchascontent creation,advertising,public relations,websitedesign,graphic design,andmanymore.Most companiesneedmarketerstomake theirproductsandpeopleknown, anditisadesirableoccupation.

Evenifyouchoosetogointosales, youstillneedtounderstandsome marketing.Forthosethatarestill inschool,Iwouldrecommend gettingaminorwithinthe marketinggenretomakeyourself morecompetitive.Italsowould nothurttoseekoutamarketing internship.Creativityand communicationskillsarecrucialto engaginganaudience.

Inrecentdecades,therehasbeenanotableshiftinthe landscapeofleadershipacrossvarioussectors,withan increasingnumberofwomenbreakingthroughthe glassceilingandassumingprominentrolesinbusiness, politics,academia,andbeyond.Whileleadershiphas traditionallybeenassociatedwithcertainmasculinetraits, theemergenceofwomeninleadershippositionshasshed lightontheuniquequalitiesandattributestheybringtothe table.Thisarticleexploresthedistinctqualitiesthatwomen oftenexhibitinleadershiproles,highlightingtheirpositive impactonorganizationaldynamicsandoutcomes.

EmpathyandEmotionalIntelligence

Oneofthestandoutqualitiesthatwomenoftenbringto leadershiprolesisaheightenedsenseofempathyand emotionalintelligence.Womentendtoexcelin understandingandnavigatingcomplexhumanemotions, fosteringamoreinclusiveandcompassionateleadership style.Thisabilitytoconnectonapersonallevelwithteam membersenhancestrust,communication,andoverallteam cohesion.Studieshaveshownthatleaderswithhigher emotionalintelligencecontributetoincreasedemployee satisfactionandproductivity.

CollaborativeApproach

Womenleadersfrequentlydemonstrateacollaborativeand cooperativeapproachtodecision-making.Theirinclination towardconsensus-buildingandactivelisteningensuresthat adiverserangeofperspectivesareconsidered,leadingto well-roundedandinnovativesolutions.Thisapproachcan promoteamoreinclusiveworkenvironmentwhereeach teammember'sinputisvalued,ultimatelydrivingcreativity andproblem-solving.

ResilienceandPerseverance

Inthefaceofchallengesandsetbacks,womenleadersoften displayremarkableresilienceandperseverance.These qualitiescaninspireandmotivatetheirteamstonavigate adversitywithdeterminationandapositiveoutlook. Women'sexperiencesofovercominggender-related obstaclescancontributetoauniqueabilitytohandle difficultsituationsandprovidementorshiptoothersfacing similarchallenges.

AdaptiveCommunication

Effectivecommunicationisacornerstoneofsuccessful leadership,andwomentendtoexcelinthisarea.Women

leadersoftenemployanuancedcommunicationstylethatis inclusive,approachable,andtailoredtotheneedsoftheir audience.Thisadaptabilityenablesthemtoconvey complexideasclearly,resolveconflicts,andfosterasense ofbelongingamongteammembers.

MultitaskingandTimeManagement

Balancingmultipleresponsibilitiesisaskillthatmany womenhavehoned,bothintheirpersonallivesandintheir careers.Thisproficiencyinmultitaskingandtime managementcantranslateintoeffectiveleadership.Women leadersoftendemonstratetheabilitytoprioritizetasks, delegateefficiently,andmaintainawell-organizedwork environment.

TransformationalLeadership

Womeninleadershiprolesaremorelikelytoadopt transformationalleadershipstyles,focusingoninspiring andempoweringtheirteamstoachievetheirfullpotential. Thisleadershipapproachemphasizesmentorship,skill development,andfosteringasenseofpurpose,leadingto increasedjobsatisfactionandcommitmentamong employees.

Inclusive Decision-Making:Womenleadersoftenexhibita commitmenttoinclusivityindecision-making.Their opennesstodiverseperspectivesensuresthatthe contributionsofallteammembersareacknowledgedand considered,resultinginmorewell-roundedandequitable outcomes.

Conflict Resolution and Mediation:Womenleaderstendto excelinconflictresolutionandmediationduetotheir abilitytoempathize,activelylisten,andfindcommon ground.Thisskillpromotesaharmoniouswork environmentandfostersasenseofunitywithintheteam.

Long-term Vision and Sustainability:Manywomenleaders emphasizelong-termvisionandsustainability.They considerthebroaderimpactofdecisionsonthe organization,community,andenvironment,leadingtomore responsibleandsociallyconsciousleadership.

Crisis Management and Adaptability:Womenleadersoften demonstrateagilityandadaptabilityduringtimesofcrisis. Theirabilitytoremaincalmunderpressure,makeswift decisions,andpivotwhennecessary,contributestoeffective crisismanagementandorganizationalresilience.

Networking and Relationship Building:Women'snatural inclinationtowardsbuildingrelationshipsandnetworks playsacrucialroleinleadership.Theyleveragetheir interpersonalskillstoconnectwithstakeholders,mentors, andpeers,therebyexpandingopportunitiesfor collaborationandgrowth.

Authenticity and Vulnerability:Womenleaderswho embraceauthenticityandvulnerabilitycreateanatmosphere oftrustandauthenticitywithintheirteams.Bysharingtheir ownchallengesandexperiences,theyinspireotherstodo thesame,fosteringacultureofopennessandlearning.

Theascentofwomentoleadershippositionshasenriched theleadershiplandscapewithadiverserangeofqualities andattributesthatcontributetomoreeffectiveand innovativeorganizations.Theuniquequalitiesofempathy, collaboration,resilience,adaptivecommunication, multitasking,andtransformationalleadershipempower womenleaderstocreateinclusive,high-performingteams thatdrivepositivechange.Associetycontinuestoevolve, recognizingandcelebratingthesedistinctqualitieswill undoubtedlycontributetoamoreequitableandprosperous futureforall.

STOCK COMSTOCK

Anaccomplishedexecutiveleaderinthefieldof humanresources,TraceeComstockisExecutive PeopleLeaderatNature’sSunshineProducts Withapassionforbuildingbettercompanies,Traceehasa proventrackrecordofimplementingsuccessfulpeople strategiesthatimproveemployeeengagement,createbetter workplacecultures,developstrongleaders,andultimately driveresults.Herexpertisehasevenearnedhermultiple "EmployeroftheYear"and"BestCompanytoWorkFor" awards.

Tracee'stalentforrecruitingtoptalentandleadingteamsto becomebillion-dollarorganizationsisatestamenttoher abilitytocreatepositiveandproductiveworkenvironments. WhatsetsherapartisheruniqueapproachtoHR-she'snot astuffypolicymaker,butratherafunandengagingperson whovaluesinputfromthefrontlines.Tracee'sultimate passionispeople,andsheworkstirelesslytoensurethat everyemployeefeelsvaluedandsupported.Traceealso servedasPresidentoftheSaltLakeSocietyofHuman Resources(SLSHRM)andwasontheBoardofDirectors fortenyears.ShehasalsoworkedwithUtahVally UniversityontheUVUAdvisoryBoardmentoringstudents goingintoHR.

The interview with Tracee Comstock provided valuable insights into her approach to building better companies with engaged, happy, and motivated employees. The interview showcases Tracee's strategies for creating positive workplace environments that drive results.

Briefouraudienceaboutyourjourneyasabusiness leaderuntilyourcurrentpositionatNature’sSunshine. Whatchallengeshaveyouhadtoovercometoreach whereyouaretoday?

IjoinedNature’sSunshineoverfiveyearsago.OurCEO andExecutiveTeamhavebeenworkingforthepastfive yearsontransformingthebusiness,throughfocusingon keystrategiesandaligningourprioritiesglobally.We achievedthehighestrevenueinCompanyHistoryin2020 and2021duringthemiddleofapandemic.

AsfarasHRStrategies,IworkedwithourHRTeamto create“bestcompanytoworkfor”strategies,bycreatinga betterculture,betteremployeeexperienceandtotalrewards portfoliotoattractandretaintoptalent. WhenIfirst arrived,wehadonethree-foldbrochureaboutthebenefits thecompanyprovided,therewasnoorientationor onboardingmaterialtoreallyengageemployeesandhelp themtolearnmoreaboutourhistory,ourmission,vision,

values,andproductsetc.Wesetouttocreatebetterbranded collateraltoimproveengagementandencourageour employeestoparticipateinournewWellnessRewards program,whichisfocusedonlivinganactiveandhealthy lifestyle,utilizingourproducts,learningmoreaboutour productsandsharingourproductswithothers. Wearea healthandwellnesscompany,andouremployees’wellbeingisatoppriority.Wewantouremployeestobe productive,happyandloveworkingforNature’sSunshine. Inaddition,wehavefocusedondevelopingourleadersto helpthemtomultiplythetalentsontheirteamsandtohelp themtoleadtheirteamsmoreeffectively

Tellussomethingmoreaboutyourcompanyandits missionandvision.

Ourmissionistosharethehealingpowerofnaturewiththe world,withavisiontobecomethenutritionalsupplement companyofthefuture.Astruepioneersinthemodern herbalmovement,wearepassionateaboutthehealing powerofnature.Weworkeachdaytocreateandsharethe finestherbalandplant-basedsolutionsfortoday’shealth andwellnessneeds.Wealsomanufactureourownvitamins andothernutritionalsupplementsfollowingrigorous qualitystandards.Wetestallourrawmaterialsforheavy metals,pathogens,pesticidesandherbicides,dirt,andother impuritiestoensuretheymeetthestrictesthealthandsafety standards.

Enlightenusonhowyouhavebeenimpactingthe herbalhealthsupplementnichethroughyourexpertise inthemarket.

Asthefirstcompanytoencapsulateherbsover50years ago,Nature’sSunshineisreallyinauniquepositioninour industry Wemanufactureover600productsanddistribute themgloballyaroundtheworld.Nooneelsehasthe knowledge,experience,orexpertisethatwehave,particularlywhenyouconsiderthatmanyofourpeoplehave workedherefor20,30and40years,andtheaveragetenure is10.5years.Wetranslatethatknowledgeintocraftingthe world’spurestandmostpotentnaturalsupplements available.Andweseethatintheresultsourcustomers experience.

Describeindetailthevaluesandtheworkculturethat drivesyourorganization.

Forover50years,Nature’sSunshinehasbeensharingthe healingpowerofnaturewiththeworld.Andasoneofthe firstcompaniestoencapsulateherbs,Nature’sSunshinehas

atremendouslegacythathasbeenbuiltbyourincredible people.

WearecommittedtothesuccessofourPeople.Ourpeople matter,theycontributetoandmakeadifferenceinour futuresuccess.Thatiswhywearefocusedoncreatinga greatplacetowork,whereemployeesfeeltheybelong;feel heard;feelwellandbalanced;andcangrowprofessionally andpersonally.

Ourcommunitywelcomesdiversetalentandbelievesthat ourdiversitymakesusbetter,stronger,andhappierinboth workandlife.Weintentionallybuildaworkforceofpeople withviewpointsandbackgroundsasdiverseasthe customersweservearoundtheworld.

For over 50 years, Nature’s Sunshine has been sharing the healing power of nature with the world.

Undeniably,technologyisplayingasignificantrolein almosteverysector.Howareyouleveraging technologicaladvancementstomakeyoursolutions resourceful?

Technologyismovingtotheforefrontofourefforts globally,particularlyasweexpandonouromni-channel effortstoreachcustomersthroughmultiplechannels.

Forover50years,wehavesupportedournetworkof thousandsofindependentdistributors—manyofwhomare herbalexperts,whichoperatespecialtyretailshopsor conductpersonalhealthconsultationstobuildpersonal relationshipswiththeirclients.

Intoday’sworldofAmazonshopping,manyconsumers havetransitionedtoonlinee-commercepurchases. However,theystillwantapersonalexperience,andweare leveragingtechnologytohelpmaketheirshopping experiencebetter,whetheritisinaphysicalstore,onour website,throughsocialchannels,orthroughanemailor textontheirphone.Weareusingdatamorethaneverto betterunderstandbothexistingandpotentialcustomersand learnhowtoconnectotherswithnature.

What,accordingtoyou,couldbethenextsignificant changeintheherbalhealthsupplementsector?Howis yourcompanypreparingtobeapartofthatchange?

Sustainabilityandtransparencyareamongthebiggest opportunitiesaheadofusinthenaturalhealthsector As herbalexperts,wehavealreadytakensignificantstridesin thisareathroughourextensivecommitmenttoquality, purity,andpotencyinallofouringredientsandfinished supplements.Withthepushforsustainabilityinthebroader market,however,wearenowformalizingmuchofwhatwe havebeendoingandexploringnewdirectionsinwhichwe cantaketheleadintheseareas.

Lastyearwetookahugesteptowardsthisbypublishing ourfirst-everenvironmental,socialandgovernancereport. Inpreparingthis,wehavebeenabletoprioritizeourefforts

insourcing,manufacturing,emissions,packaging,energy usage,etc.andestablishgoalstodriveourefforts.

Amongthosegoalswasthedesiretopowerour manufacturingplantusing100%renewableenergy,which weaccomplishedinJuneoflastyear.NoweveryNature’s Sunshineproductmadeinourfacilityisproducedusing onlythesustaining,life-givingpowerofthesun.

Wehavealsosignificantlyreducedourgreenhousegas emissions,reducedplasticusagebyupdatingourpackaging andconvertingtopost-consumerrecycledplastics.Andwe haveinvestedinandexpandedourrecyclingeffortsto reducewaste.

Weunderstandthattosharethehealingpowerofnature withtheworld,wemustprotectandpreservethatpower, andweareexcitedtocontinuebuildingoutourESG strategiesandbecomealeaderinthisarea.

Wheredoyouenvisionyourselftobeinthelongrun, andwhatareyourfuturegoalsforNature’sSunshine?

Nature’sSunshinehasaverypromisingfuture.Wehavethe best,mostpotentnaturalsupplementsintheworld,andas wegrowourglobalfootprintandbrand,wewillcontinueto manufacturesuperiorproductsandprovidenaturalsolutions toourcustomers—customizedtotheirindividual needs—aroundtheworld.

Whatwouldbeyouradvicetobuddingentrepreneurs whoaspiretoventureintotheherbalhealthsupplement industry?

Becuriousandlearnallyoucanaboutnaturalherbsand howtheycanbenefitthebody.Secondly,getagood education.Andlearnaboutbusiness,studycompetitors, learnmoreaboutcostaccounting,financeandthenyour areaofexpertise.Third,learnfromagreatmentor;learn fromthem,theywillhelpyoutobecomebetterandtobe moresuccessful.Lastly,surroundyourselfwithgreat leaders,andagreatteam.Ittakesteamworktotransformas businessandtoachieveresults.