Stop . Start Hunting for Your Audience Building Your Corner of the Internet Pg.26
Stop Marrying Your First Idea: How Strategic Detachment Creates Breakthrough Wins Pg.40
The That Builds Unpolished Story Your Influence Pg.52
Global VP, Growth & Omni
Commercial Insights at Mondelez International
DDearReaders,
Leadershiptodayisnolongeraboutmaintainingthestatusquo;itisaboutrewritingtherules entirely Wearelivinginanerawheretheboundarybetweenthedigitalworldandthephysicalstore hasdissolved,andthespeedofbusinessdemandsanewkindofagility Themodernexecutivemust bepartdatascientist,partcreativevisionary,andfullyempathetictothehumanexperience.Ittakes ararecombinationofgritandgracetonavigatethesewaters,yettheleadersfeaturedinthisedition dosowithremarkableskill.Itiswithgreatpridethatwepresent“TheTopBusinessWomen Leaders2026,”acollectionofstoriesaboutwomenwhoarenotjustparticipatingintheirindustries butareactivelyredesigningthemforthebetter.
Onourcover,wefeatureCristinaMarinucci,theVPofGlobalGrowth&OmniCommercial InsightsatMondelezInternational.Inamarketplacewhereshoppinghappenseverywhereatonce, Cristinadistinguishesherselfbybridgingthegapbetweencolddataandhumancreativity Aselfdescribed“ShakerUpper,”shehasbuiltacareeratgiantslikePepsiCo,J&J,andMarsbyaskingone simplequestion:“Whatdrivespeople’schoices?”HerapproachcombinesadvancedAIandanalytics withadeeprespectforhumanemotion,ensuringthatbusinessstrategyresultsina“triplewin”for thebrand,theretailer,andtheshopper.Fromco-foundingasuccessfulventuretoleadingglobal teams,Cristina’sjourneyprovesthatthefuturebelongstothosewhocanseetheconnectedtruth behindconsumerbehavior
Beyondourcoverstory,thisissueshinesaspotlightonfourothertrailblazerswhoaresettingnew benchmarks.WeexplorethecreativevisionofMaryT.MacDonald,theFoundingPrincipalof MACCIDesignInternational.WedelveintotheworldofwellnesswithNutthaGoutier,CofounderandCEOofSabaiThaiSpa.WeuncoverthestrategicinsightsofValérieMadej,Founder ofValérieMadejConsulting.Finally,welookathowstoriesarebroughttolifewithAndrea Albright,Founder,CEO,andPublisherofBeverlyHillsPublishing™.
Theseleadersremindusthatambitionrequiresaction.Theydidnotwaitfortheperfectmoment; theycreatedit.Wehopetheirjourneysinspireyoutotrustyourownvoice,takethatnextboldstep, andleadwiththeconfidencethatyou,too,canshapethefuture.
Sincerely,
Simran Khan Project Editor
Andrea Albright 20. Mary T. MacDonald 30. Nuttha Goutier 44. Valérie Madej 56. ARTICLES Stop Hunting for Your Audience. Start Building Your Corner of the Internet 26. 40. Stop Marrying Your First Idea: How Strategic Detachment Creates Breakthrough Wins 52. The Unpolished Story That Builds Your Influence
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Don’t wait to be ready. Raise your hand for the role, the stretch, the messy brief, and then do the work to earn your seat.
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Thebusinessworldkeepsshiftingasshoppersmove betweenscreens,stores,andplatformswithouta secondthought.Companiesthatoncereliedon traditionalresearchnowfaceaudienceswhoexpectspeed, relevance,andrealunderstanding.Inthislandscape,some leadersfocusondata,somefocusoncreativity,andarare fewlearnhowtobridgeboth.ThisiswhereCristina Marinuccistandsout.Herworksitsatthepointwhere consumerbehavior,brandclarity,andcommercecome together,andhercareerhasbeenshapedbyasimple questionsheneverstoppedasking: What drives people’s choices?
Cristina’scuriositystartedearlyandgrewintoaguiding forcethroughoutherprofessionallife.Sheoftensays, “I have always been fascinated by why people choose what they choose, on shelf, online, and in life.” Thatsingleinterest pushedherintorolesthatplacedherbetweenmarketing, sales,andtheshopperatcompanieslikePepsiCo,Reckitt, Mars,andJohnson&Johnson.Shelearnedhoweach functionseesgrowthdifferentlyandhowrealmomentum happenswhenthoseviewscometogether
Herpathtookasharpturnwhensheco-foundedBetterLife Ventures,aCBDandplantextractwholesalebusiness.The companywentontobecomeatop-threeglobalwholesaleron Alibaba.Buildingthatoperationrequiredhertounderstand algorithms,content,andconversionataglobalscale.Italso gaveherafront-rowseattohowfastmarketplacebehavior canchangeandhowbrandsneedtoadaptinrealtime.
Thesecombinedexperiencesshapedherbeliefthatthefuture belongstoleaderswholistentoconsumer,shopper,and customersignalsasoneconnectedtruth.Sheexplainsthat thisunifiedviewiswhatallowsteamstoturninsightsinto clear,confidentaction.Itisthespaceshechosewith intention,anditcontinuestodefinethekindofimpactshe aimstomake.
Cristina’syearsinsidemajorglobalcompaniesshapedher approachinwaysthatstillguideherworktoday.Sheoften describeseachorganizationasstrengtheningadifferent muscleofhowshethinks.AtPepsiCo,shedevelopeda strongsenseofcommercialdisciplineandlearnedthevalue offlawlessexecutionatthefrontline.ReckittandMars pushedhertoworkwithspeedandclaritywhilekeepingthe categoryatthecenter.Shenotesthat “if you grow the category, everyone wins,” alessonthatstayedwithherlong afterthoseroles.
HertimeatJohnsonandJohnsonmarkedaturningpoint. Itfullyimmersedherinecommerceanddigitalanalytics, whereclassicideasaroundproduct,price,promotion,and placementneededtobereimaginedforanalwayson worldthatneverswitchesoff.Thisshiftchangedhowshe viewedbrandbuilding.Shefoundthatrealimpactcomes whenbrandpurpose,retailereconomics,andshopper realitysitwithinoneconnectedsystemthatcreatesawin foreveryoneinvolved.
InherroleatMondelezInternational,Cristinaleadsa globalteamresponsibleforturningsignalsfromthe marketintoclearpathsforgrowth.Shefocuseson connectingforesight,consumerandshopperinsights,and commercialanalyticssotheyworkasonesystem.Her teambuildsintegratedstrategiesthatstretchfrommedia planningallthewaytotheshelf,givingthebusinessa unifiedviewofhowpeoplediscover,consider,andbuy
Cristinaexplainsthatakeypartofthisworkinvolves shapingmultiyearcategoryvisionsandidentifyingthe growthdriversthatmattermost.Herteamalsocreates practicaltools,includingthecompany’scommercial growthplanningtoolanditsdigitalshelfFlywheel diagnostics,whichhelpmarketsandcustomers understandwheretheycanwin.Sheseesherremitas broaderthanjustinsightsorstrategy.Itincludes capabilitybuildingandchangeleadership,ensuringthat insightsdomorethaninformreports.Inherwords,they mustbecome “an engine that guides where we invest, how we innovate, and how we show up with retailers and consumers.”
Cristinabelievesthataneffectivestrategybeginswith clarity,notcharts.Shestartswiththeoutcomethat mattersandthedecisionthatneedstobemade.From there,sheidentifieswhatsuccessshouldlooklikeforthe consumerorshopper,thecustomer,andthebrand.She oftendescribesthisasa “triple win,” becausegrowth onlystickswhenallthreesidesbenefit.
Herteamlookswellbeyondstandardbrandandcategory metrics.Theystudythefunctionalandemotionalneeds behindrealchoicesandtrackhowthoseneedsshift acrossoccasions,channels,andcontexts.
Thisunderstandingbecomesthebase forintegratingdemandspaces, culturalandcategorytrends,retail mediasignals,revenuegrowthlevers, andexecutionconstraints.Thegoalis tolandasmallnumberofclear “where to play” and “how to win” choicesthatteamscanacton.
Cristinaplacesequalweighton experimentation.Sheworksclosely withcustomerstotestideas,measure incrementality,andturnproven approachesintoplaybooksthatscale ratherthanisolatedsuccessstories.
Cristinaapproachesconsumer behaviorwithequalrespectfor numbersandhumanstories.Sheoften saysthatsciencerevealsthepattern whiletheartexplainswhyitmatters. Herteamreliesonadvancedanalytics, includingbothbehavioraland purchasedata,AItoolsandretail mediasignalstounderstandwhat peoplearedoingandwhichfactors driveperformance.Thesesignalsgive astrongfoundation,butshebelieves theyareonlyhalfofthepicture.
Tobringmeaningtothedata, Cristinalayersinqualitativework thatcapturescontextand emotion.Thisincludes real-worldobservation, co-creationsessions,and culturaltrendstudiesthat showhowpeoplethink,feel, andchooseineverydaylife. Thesemethodshelpher teamsseetheperson behindthepatternand understandwhattruly motivatesbehavior.
Cristinaoftenreminds herteamsthatinsightis averb,notadashboard.
Forher,thevalueliesinthedecisionthat followsandtheclearactiontakeninthe marketplace.Insightmustleadtomovement, notjustmeasurement.
Cristinadescribesherselfasa “Shaker Upper” becausesheisnothiredtokeepthings astheyare.Shelookspastthebriefinfrontof herandpushesteamstouncoverthereal problembeneaththesurface.Sheleansinto thehealthytensionthatexistsbetweenglobal andlocalteamsandacrossbrand,category, shopper,media,andcommerce.Forher,this tensionhelpsbreaksilosandreshapehow workgetsdone.
Herapproachcomesfromsittinginmany differentrolesthroughouthercareer,including insights,marketing,sales,andcategory strategy.Shealsobuiltabusinessasan entrepreneur Thisrangegiveshera360view ofhowdecisionslandincustomermeetings, onaP&L,andinashopper’smission.She leadswithempathyanddesignssolutions peoplecanacton.
AtMondelez,thismindsethashelpedunify categoryandshopperstrategies,reframetheir GrowthPhilosophyandstrengthenShopper Excellenceasaglobalcommunity.
Cristinaseesartificialintelligenceasaforce thatisshorteningthedistancebetweenasignal inthemarketandtheactionabrandtakes.Her teamsalreadyuseAItoimprovedigitalshelf content,personalizepromotions,and understandretailmediaimpactinwaysthatgo farbeyondlast-clickresults.Shebelievesthe nextphasewillbetrue closed-loopsystemswheremedia,loyalty,and in-storedataconnecttopredictmissions, baskets,andnextbestactionsacrosschannels.
ShealsoexpectsAIagentstoplayalargerrole ineverydayshopping.Theseagentswill anticipateneeds,curateoptions,andeven handleroutinepurchasesinthebackground.
Brandswillneedtodesignforaworldwheretheyappealto bothpeopleandtheintelligentsystemsthatfilterchoicesfor them.
AsanAIadvocate,sheoftenspeaksaboutAIasacopilotthat strengthenshumanjudgment.HercorebeliefisthatAIshould makeexperiencesmorehuman,morerelevant,andless wastefulwhilerespectingconsent,context,andvalue exchange.
Cristinameasuresimpactbyhowstrategy,systems,and outcomescometogether.Oneofherproudestcontributionsis co-leadingthecreationoftheGrowthWheel,aunified frameworkthatbringscategory,brand,shopper,and commercialstrategiesintooneview.Thisframework, combinedwithglobalsnackinggrowthdrivers,enables marketstoimplementaconsistent6Papproach(Proposition, Product,Package,Price,Promotion,Place)andcollaborate withretailersinawaythatfostersoverallcategorygrowth.
ShealsoledamajorshiftinhowMondelezthinksabout innovation.Hermulti-marketresearchuncovereddeep emotionalandfunctionalneedsbehindsnacking,whichshe translatedintosevenconsumptiondesigntargetswithGlobal NorthStarsthatarticulatehowtowininthesekeysnacking momentsacross6P Thesenowguideprioritiesacrossbrands, categories,andR&Dandhaveinspiredmorethan100new conceptsforiconslikeCadburyandOreo.
EarlieratJohnsonandJohnson,shebuiltaCRMstrategythat evolvedintoalivinginsightsandloyaltyengine.Sheisequally proudofherentrepreneurialchapterwithBetterLifeVentures, whichprovedshecouldwininafast,data-drivenmarketplace.
As you climb, remember that it is not just about what you achieve, it is about how you get there and the legacy you leave behind. “ “
Hercontributionshavebeenrecognizedacross theindustry,includingaccoladessuchasthe WomenofExcellenceAwardfromthePathto PurchaseInstituteforIndustryImpact,aswellas beinglistedonTheLead–Direct60listof digitallydrivenexecutives.Additionally,the BrandonHallGroupawardedherSilverAwards forRGMCertificationandCapabilities, highlightingthatherworkbringsaboutreal changeratherthanjustcompellingideas.
Cristina’snextchapterisshapedbyaclear ambition.Shewantstohelpdesigntheoperating systemforunifiedcommerce,whereinsights, media,retailmedianetworks,andcommercial planningsitinsideoneconnectedframework. Hervisiondependsonbettermeasurement transparencyandstrongerdatasharingbetween retailersandbrands.Shebelievesprogresswill comewhenbothsidesworkfromacommon truthratherthancompetingframeworks.Atthe centerofthisgoalishercommitmenttotriple winoutcomesthatcreaterealvalueforshoppers, retailers,andbrands.
Shealsoplanstokeepusingplatformslikeher SHeCOMMERCEpodcast,industryforums,and leadershiprolestopushtheseconversations forwardandopenopportunitiesforothers.She hopesherimpactreachesbeyondgrowthcharts. Shewantstoinspirefuturetalenttoaskhard questions,trusttheirworth,andbuildproducts andservicesthatgenuinelyimprovedailylife. ForCristina,legacyisaboutthewaytheworkis done:withtransparency,sharedvalue,andsteady courage.
Cristinaisquicktosayherwork–lifebalanceis notperfect.Instead,shethinksinseasons.Some phasesoftheyeardemandmorefromherat work,whileotherscenteronherdaughtersand theircheer,dance,andeverydaymilestones. Whatsheprotectsmostisboundariesand presence.Whensheisworking,sheisfully committed.Whensheiswithherfamily,they haveherfullattention.
Shetriestoexperiencelifewithintentionratherthan movingthroughitonautopilot.Athome,thatmeans creatingmomentsthatherfamilywillremember Theycelebratehalfbirthdays,takepartinscavenger huntsshemeticulouslydesigns,andoftenfallinto spontaneousdancepartieswithherdaughters.She enjoysdatenightswithherhusbandandalways makestimeforsimpleroutineslikehugs,snuggles andnotesofencouragementforher“girlsquad”.
Shealsorechargesthroughtravel,mentoringwomen, andco-hostingSHeCOMMERCEwithJacqui Dynowski.Timespentinsunshine,aroundgood food,andincuriousconversationsremindsherwhy theworkmatters.
Cristinaoftensaysthatambitionmeanslittlewithout opportunity,andsometimestheopportunityhastobe created,notgiven.Heradviceissimple: do not wait to feel ready. Step into the stretch role, take on the messy brief, raise your hand, and then put in the work to earn your seat.Shebelievesleadershipis definednotonlybywhatsomeoneachievesbutalso byhowtheygetthereandthelegacytheyleave behind.
Forher,thatlegacybeginsathome.Shewantsher daughterstorememberherassomeonewhoshowed up,askedhardquestions,andneversettled.She hopestheylookbackandfeelencouragedtousetheir voice,trusttheirambition,andexpectnothingless thanwhattheydeserve.
Hermessagetoreadersechoesthesamespirit.She believeseverypersoniscapableandworthyofthe dreamstheycarry Thepathforwardstartswith backingyourself,doingthework,andleadingina waythathelpsthenextpersonbelievetheycanrise too.
TolearnmoreaboutCristinaMarinucci,youcan visit:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/cristinamarinucci/
Website:www.cristinamarinucci.com
Podcast:www.shecommercepodcast.com
Beforethedigitalagefullytransformedhowwe tellstories,avisionaryleaderwasalready reshapingmedia.Inaworldincreasingly seekingauthenticvoices, , AndréaAlbright,Founder CEO Publisher BeverlyHillsPublishing™ ,and of , steppedforwardtoredefinetheindustry.Hercareerblends scientificprecisionwithcreativepassion.Fromearly academicachievementsinbiologyandlanguages,shebuilt auniqueapproachtopublishing.
Andréatransformedchallengesintoopportunities, elevatingauthorsandchanginghowstoriesconnect creatorsandreaders.EveryprojectatBeverlyHills Publishing™reflectshercommitmenttoauthenticityand innovation.“Youneedscientificformulasand measurablesystemsbutalsocreativestorytellingand emotionalengagement,”Andréastates,highlightingher balancedapproach.Hervisioncontinuestodrivemedia evolution,empoweringnewvoicesglobally.Thisisthe storyofaleadernotjustinpublishing,butattheforefront ofmoderncommunicationitself.
Andréa'sacademicpathwasuniquelydiverse.Shebegan inscience,earningabiologydegree.Thishonedher logicalthinkingandeyefordetail.“Myphotographic memoryhelpedmeexcelinmathandscience,”she recalls.Yet,herpassionextendedtolanguages,leadingto aseconddegreeinSpanish.Thiscombinationrevealeda “‘wholebrainperson’-equallystronginanalytical thinkingandcreativity,”Andréaexplains.
Inclassroomsandlabs,shelearnedtomergedatawith imagination.Herstudiesshowedherthatprecisionand passioncouldpowerfullycombinetocreateimpactful stories.Thisblendofscienceandartbecamethebedrock forherinnovativecareerinmediaandpublishing.Asshe notes,“Myacademicjourneybeganaspre-medwitha biologydegree...Simultaneously,Ipursuedapassion forlanguages,earningaseconddegreeinSpanish.” Thisdiversefoundationcontinuestofuelherunique perspective.
Afterpublishingherfirstbookin2006,Andréarecognized acrucialgapintheindustry.Experiencingtheauthor’s journeyfirsthand,fromwritingtomarketing,sparkeda boldvision.Shefounded to BeverlyHillsPublishing™ bea“full360-degreemediapartner.”
“Unliketraditionalpublishers,weletauthorsmaintain creativecontrolandIPownership,”Andréaemphasizes. Hercompanyprovidescomprehensivesupportacross digitalmedia,print,podcasts,TV,andradio.Thisintegrated approachbuildswhatsheterms“‘authorityequity’—a lastingfoundationoftrustandrecognition.”Beverly HillsPublishing™wasbuiltontheseprinciples, revolutionizingpublishingbyempoweringauthorstothrive creativelyandcommercially.
Andréa’svisionbrokeindustrynorms,fosteringinnovation andauthorempowerment.Sheexplains,“We’redisrupting thepublishingindustrybycombiningpublishing, marketing,PR,andbrandingtohelpauthorsbuild lastingauthorityequity.”
MarketingasConnection:BooksasBridges,NotJust Products
Andréaredefinedbookmarketing.AtBeverlyHills Publishing™,it’snotjustaboutsales;it’saboutmessage amplificationandbuildingconnections.Sheimplemented innovativestrategiesthattransformedaudience engagement.
Onestandoutsuccessinvolvedanauthorwhousedhisbook inplaceofbusinesscards.Insteadofbusinesscards,he shareshisbookatevents,andreadersbecomeinvestors. “Thisworksbecauseinvestorswantmorethanapitch deck-theywanttounderstandthefounder'sstoryand vision,”Andréaexplains.
Thisapproachhelpedhimraise“over$150millionin assetsundermanagementdirectlythroughhisbook.”
Andréa’smethodsdemonstratethatabookcanbea powerfultoolforbuildingtrustandfacilitatingreal-world businessresults.Herinnovativemarketingtransforms booksintobridgesconnectingauthorsandaudiencesin meaningfulways,drivingbothconnectionandgrowth.
DigitalEraChallengesandOpportunities:Authenticity isKey
Thedigitalerapresentsbothopportunitiesandchallenges forpublishing.AndréaAlbrightobservesagrowingtrend: readersdistrustimpersonalmediaandseekauthenticvoices. “Mediaischangingdramaticallyaspeoplegrow distrustfuloflargeoutletsandseekdirectconnections withthoughtleaders,”shenotes.
Inthisclimate,astrongpersonalbrandisessential.Digital platformsofferglobalreachbutdemandgenuine engagement.Andréawarnsthat“businesspeoplewho aren’tusingtheirvoiceandpersonalbrandaremissing out.Infact,ifyoudon’thaveanauthoritybrandtoday, peoplemaynotwanttodobusinesswithyouatall.”She believestransparencyanddirectconnectionarevitalfor authorstoremainrelevant.
Whileself-publishinghasincreasedcontentvolume,quality andcredibilityremainparamount.“Bewareofmarketing gimmickslike‘Amazonbestseller’status-thesecan actuallydamageyourcredibility,”sheadvises.
Andréachampionsbalancingdigitalinnovationwith authenticstorytellingtomaintainimpactandintegrityin publishing’sevolvingfuture.“Everyonewantstoknow who'sreallysteeringtheship-thosehidingbehind corporatewallsriskbecomingirrelevant,”she emphasizestheimportanceofpersonalbrand.
AccoladesandAuthority:RecognitiononaGlobalStage
Andréa’sgroundbreakingworkhasgarneredsignificant mediarecognition.Acareerhighlightwaslandingthecover of Women’s Health and Fitness magazine’s21st-anniversary edition.“LandingthecoverofWomen’sHealthand Fitnessmagazine’s21st-anniversaryeditionwasamajor milestone,”shestates.This“unprecedentedspecialfoldoutcover”reached“17millionpeople,”establishingher asaninternationalauthorityonwomen’shealth.Featuresin Forbes andregularcontributionsto Entrepreneur magazine furtheramplifiedherauthorityandreach.
Throughtheseprestigiousplatforms,Andréahasbuilta legacyoftrustandexpertise,continuouslyshapingthe mediaandpublishingindustry “MyForbesmagazine featureaddedanotherlevelofbusinesscredibility,andI becamearegularcontributortoEntrepreneur magazine,”Andréaadds.
A personal brand is your promise - to yourself and your audience. It should be aspirational, pulling you forward like a North Star “
BalanceandWell-being:TheFoundationofSustainable Success
Despiteleadingathrivingpublishingbusiness,Andréa Albrightprioritizespersonalwell-being.Herdailyself-care routineisessential. “Iprioritizeself-careeverymorning withyogaorworkingout,meditation,andanutrientrichshake-allbeforecheckingemailsorstarting work,”shedescribes.Thisritualof“yogaorworkingout, meditation,andanutrient-richshake”energizesherand sparkscreativeinsights.Andréabelievesthattrue leadershipisbuiltonbalance—integratingworkand personallifeseamlessly.
“WhenpeopleaskhowImaintainenergywhilerunning mybusiness,it’sthesehealthritualscombinedwith goodsleepandregularreadingthatkeepmefocused andpreventburnout,”sheelaboratesonherself-care practices.
RedefiningSuccess:Joy,Curiosity,andLastingImpact
Andréa’sdefinitionofsuccessgoesbeyondfinancial metrics. “IdefinesuccessbythejoyandcuriosityIfeel eachmorning,”sheexplains.Recallingcorporateroles withfinancialrewardsbutlackingpurpose,sherealized “successisn’tjustaboutfinances.”
ForAndréa,successiswakingupeachdayinspired, drivenby“thejoyandcuriosityIfeeleachmorning.” Asalifelonglearner,shevaluesexploringnewideasand learningfromexceptionalindividuals.Shefindssuccess intheachievementsofBeverlyHillsPublishing™’s diverseauthors,including“Grammywinners, Parliamentmembers,andfundmanagershandling nine-figureportfolios.”
TheFormulaforPublishingMastery:Audience-First Approach
Andréahasdevelopedaformulaforpublishingsuccess: understandingthemarketfirst.“Thebiggestmistake authorsmakeiswritingfromtheirownperspective ratherthanconsideringtheirmarketfirst,”she asserts.
Andréaemphasizesthat“Successcomesfromlooking throughyourreaders’eyesandcreatingcontentthey genuinelywantandneed.”Hermethodbeginswith deeplyunderstandingtheaudience’sneedsand challenges.Byaligningcreativeexpressionwithmarket research,authorscreateresonantstories.Thisapproach balancespassionwithpracticality,resultinginimpactful, market-relevantbooks.
“Eventhemostaggressivemarketingcan’tsella bookifthere’snomarketdemandforit,”Andréa cautions,highlightingmarketrelevance.
Promise:
Andréaviewsapersonalbrandasaprofound commitment. “Apersonalbrandisyourpromise-to yourselfandyouraudience.Itshouldbeaspirational, pullingyouforwardlikeaNorthStar,”shestates.
Itmustreflect“yourcorevalues,story,vision,and howyou’veovercomeobstacles.”Authenticity, resilience,andtransparencyarekeypillars.Astrong personalbrandbuildsdeeptrustandlastingconnections, becomingmorevaluableovertime. “Whilebusinesses maycomeandgo,astrongpersonalbrandgrowsin valueovertimeandstayswithyouforlife,”Andréa emphasizes.
Intoday’snoisyworld,authenticityisthestrongestsignal. Andréa’sphilosophy:“Liveyourtruthandletyour brandspeakforitself,”creatingapowerfulandenduring promisetotheworld.
Andréa’svisionextendsbeyondbusinesssuccess;sheis buildingalegacyoffemaleleadership.Shechampions “intellectualcuriosityandlifelonglearning,particularly forwomenleaders.”Havingbuiltherownpath,she understandsthepowerofknowledge. “Beingentirelyselfmade,Iknowfirsthandhowbooksandknowledge createpathwaystoindependence,”Andréashares.
Sheencourageswomentoembraceallaspectsofbusiness, fromfinancetostrategy,highlightingwomen’sunique leadershipstrengths.“Ouruniqueabilitytosynthesize multipleperspectiveswithempathyandinsightbrings essentialqualitiestoleadership,”Andréabelieves.
Lookingtothefuture,Andréastates,“Iwanttoinspire womentoembraceeveryfacetofbusinessmastery,from financetostrategy.Wepossessanextraordinary capacityformultidimensionalleadershipthatcan transformindustriesthroughwisdom,innovation,and vision.”
Your brand must reveal your core values, story, vision, and how you’ve overcome obstacles. This builds deep trust with your audience “
The chefs loved the challenge…or didn't –but they always came through.
Inthe world of hospitality design, where trends come and go, Mary T. MacDonald operates on a different plane. Known as the “Hospitality Design & Branding Sorceress,” she brings a magic touch to her work. She is not merely an interior designer; she is a self-described “Culinary Creative,” a Storyteller who builds immersive experiences, one meticulously crafted detail at a time. For some clients, she is something more: the essential, often unseen, connection between a grand vision and a profitable reality
ThestoryofMaryT.MacDonald,thefounding principalofMACCIDesignInternational,cannotbe toldthroughfloorplansandfurnishingsalone. Tounderstandherworkistounderstandherworldview,a perspectivesteepedinaplayfulcuriosityandaprofound appreciationforthetheateroflife.Consider,fora moment,herappearanceatatapingof “The Chew” on Halloween.Shedidnotarriveasacatoraghost.She cameas “A Modern & Most Fashionable Witch who excels in the Culinary Arts of Potion Mixology, Steaming, Brewing & Precision Injections for the Most Discerning Victims.” Shecarriedablackcatspatulaandsyringes filledwithcolorfulserums,offeringto“inject” unsuspectingvictimswithherconcoctions.“ComeFly withMe,”washerpunchline.
Thisisnotjustananecdote;itisawindowintothemind ofadesignerwhoseestheworldnotjustasitis,butasit couldbe—moreinteresting,moreengaging,andcertainly morefun.Fordecades,Maryhasappliedthissame imaginativespirittotheworldofhospitality,designing morethan250hotels,resorts,restaurants,andclubs aroundtheglobe.Herwork,forwhichshehasreceived over20InternationalDesignAwards,isatestamentto theideathatatrulysuccessfulspaceisnotjustbeautifully decorated;itisanexperience,astorythatbeginsthe momentaguestwalksthroughthedoor.
Mary’sjourneyintotheworldofdesignandhospitality seemsalmostpredestined.Fromayoungage,witha custom-designedfashionwardrobe,shehadaninnate senseofstyleandpresentation.Sheformalizedthis intuitionwithdegreesinbothInternationalHotel ManagementandInteriorDesign,givingherararedual perspectiveonboththeoperationalandaestheticdemands oftheHospitalityindustry
Herdeepconnectiontotheculinaryworldwasfurther solidifiedduringhernine-yeartenureontheAdvisory BoardoftheprestigiousCulinaryInstituteofAmerica (CIA) Thiswasnotapassiverole.Shewasinvolvedin planningtheschool’s Napa Valley Campus,aprojectatthe historic Christian Brothers Winery Thisroleplacedherat theverycenteroftheAmericanculinaryscene,surrounded bythetopchefs,vintners,andinnovatorsinthefield.This foundation—ablendofformaleducation,industry leadership,andaninsatiablepersonalcuriosity,iswhat allowsMarytoapproachherdesignworkwithsucha uniqueandholisticperspective.
At MACCI Design International,unlikeconventional designfirms,thedesignprocessdoesnotbeginwitha discussionofspaceplanningnorcolorandmaterial boards.Itbeginswiththediscoveryofastory.Maryand herteamimmersethemselvesinstudyingtheanticipated guestmixandtheirlifestylesandhowthiswillinfluence design.Itisalwaysimportanttodesigntoinfluencea guest'spositiveemotions.Often,thehistoryofalocation, thelocalculture,andtheclient’svisioncometogetherto formauniquenarrative.Sometimesthishistoryisdeeply rooted,aswhenapropertyisbuiltonsacredNative Americanland.Thisholisticresearchprocess,whichMary calls ‘MacCSquared,’ servesastheblueprintfortheentire project.
Aprimeexampleofthisphilosophyinactionwasher workonCaneelBay,theiconicresortinSt.Johnfounded byLauranceRockefellerin1956.Whenherteammade theirinitialpresentationtotheresort’sownership,theydid notuseonlymoodboards;theypresentedanexperience. MACCI’sconferencetablewasadornedwithtraysoflocal materials—teak,coconutshells,sand,andpalmleaves.A designer/chef,dressedinisland-stylewhites,served custom-madecocktailsfeaturinglocalrum,coconut,and cinnamon,stirredwithacinnamonstick.Inthecornerof theroomweresuitcasespackedwithclothingandsports equipment,representingthelifestyleofafutureguest.
Duringthepresentation,Maryrevealedapieceofhistory shehaduncoveredinherresearch:thename “Caneel” wastheFinnishwordfor “cinnamon,” areferenceto carvingsfoundintheisland’scavesfromatimewhen Finlandhadownedtheislandacenturybefore.Theisland was,andstillis,filledwithcinnamontrees.Thissingle historicaldetailbecameoneofthenarrativethreadsforthe entiredesign.
Thestorywastranslatedintosubtle,elegantdetails throughouttheresort:customdesignedbronze furniturehardwareshapedlikecinnamonsticks; bathroomfaucetssubtlyshapedlikethewingsofthe propellerplanesthatRockefellerhimselfpioneered. IntheguestroomArtPackage,MACCIdesigneda corkLost&FoundBoardthathadmanyitemsfrom thosefoundingdays:theatertickets,Zebra-framed sunglasses,andother1950sitemssealedina plexiglassbox.
Thedesignwasnotaheavy-handedtheme,buta seriesofquietdiscoveriesthatallowedgueststofeel adeeperconnectiontotheplace. “The answer is that we observe, study, and create for the guest’s delight and for our client’s success,” Marysays.
Itwasalong-timeclient,oneforwhomshehaddesignedseveralindependentproperties,whofirstgave herfirmaparticularlyfittingmoniker: “The Missing Link.” Thenamestuckbecauseitperfectly articulatedtheunique,oftenunfilled,roleMACCIplaysintheindustry,especiallyforprivatelyowned propertiesthatoperatewithoutthevastcorporateinfrastructureofamajorhospitalitymanagement company.
“He recognized and used our Operational and Marketing knowledge to produce successful projects,” Maryexplains.Thisisthecoreofthe“MissingLink”philosophy.MACCIprovidesmorethanjust design;itdeliversacomprehensivestrategicframework.Thefirm’sknowledgeextendstodesigningfora “select”market,anticipatingfuturetrends,andpossessingagranularunderstandingoftheoperational responsibilitiesofeverysinglehoteldepartment.ThisincludeseverythingfromtheFrontDesktoFood& BeveragetoSpaandWellnessServices,aswellasthecomplexsafetyprotocolsneededforpoolsideand oceanfrontservice.Thisdeepoperationalinsightallowsforaseamlessdesignprocesswhereaesthetics andfunctionalityareinperfectharmony.Thegoalistodiscover‘EXOPS’–ExperienceOpportunities thatelevatethegueststayandtheclient’sbottomline.
Furthermore,MACCIpartnerswithin-house registeredarchitects,anadvantagethatsaves smallerrenovationclientssignificanttimeand moneybyhavingdesignandarchitectural servicesunderasinglecontract.Thisintegrated approachensuresthatthecreativevisionisviable fromtheoutset.Theclientwhocoinedthe phrase,sheadds,alsoemphasizedthatMACCI’s presentationsweresuperiorintheirabilityto bringoperationalpartnersandfinancing consultantsonboard.Thefirm’sillustrated researchintoguestlifestylesandmotivations makesacompellingbusinesscasethatextends farbeyonddecor
Perhapstheultimateexpressionofthis philosophywasaprojectforthatsameclientin PanamaCity,Panama.Thepropertywasanew constructionhotelwithalargecasinobeing planned.Recognizingalucrativeopportunity, Mary’steamproposedthattheentirepenthouse floorbetransformedintoaveryspecial PresidentialSuite,amoney-makingamenity designedtocatertothecasino’shighrollers. Marynamedit“TheArtoftheManCavefor theModernGentleman.”
Theexperiencewasdesignedtobeexclusive fromtheveryfirstmoment.Guestsreceivea custom-madePanamahatasagiftupon registration.Aspecialelevatorbutton,labeled “FORMEMBERSONLY,”wouldtakeguests directlytothesuite,whereaBabyGrandPiano greetedthemattheentrance.Thesuiteitselfwas amasterclassinunderstandingthetargetguest. ItcontainedaClub-TypeBar,aBilliardTable, aprivateOffice,multipleFireplaces,aSauna, aSteamroom,andaGym.Thesuitealsoopened ontoaspectacularExteriorTerracethathelda privatePoolandFirePit.Inaclassictouchof Mary’splayfulwitandadaptability,iteven includedafeaturethatcouldbea “stripper’s pole disguised as construction, depending on the Guests!” Itwasaspacethatwasbothaluxurious sanctuaryandaprivateentertainmenthub, perfectlycalibratedtothelifestyleofitsintended user.Thisprojectwasnotjustinteriordesign; itwasastrategicbusinessdecision, arevenue-generatingconceptbornfrom MACCI’sabilitytoseethemissinglinkbetween anewcasinoandanemptypenthousefloor
Mary’sportfolioisatestamenttoher“Mantraof Originality.”Sheisfluentinawiderangeofaesthetic languages,creatingauthenticinterpretationsofMinimal, Contemporary,Traditional,ArtDeco,andevenZen.But hervisionoftenextendsbeyondthephysicalspacetothe verywayaguestinteractswithit.Foronehotelproject, shedevelopedaforward-thinkingconceptcalled“The Brain&ItsBrainCells.”Thiswasnotjustadesignbut anentireoperatingphilosophyforafictional solar-powered,glass-boxhotel.
Theconceptwasabrilliantfusionofhigh-tech personalizationandhigh-touchhospitality.Eachguest, uponcheck-in,wouldreceivea “Brain Cell” awearabledevice,perhapslikeasleekwristbandora discreetband-aid.Thiscellwouldholdalltheirpersonal informationandpreferences.Itwouldunlocktheir guestroomdoor Astheyentered,theirfavoritemusic wouldbegintoplay,andaprojectionoftheirpreferred styleofartwouldappearonthewindowshade.Eventhe scentoftheroomwouldbefamiliarandcomforting.
Thebellman,ahumantouchsheinsistsisessential, wouldarrivewiththeluggageandamini-fridge pre-stockedwiththeguest’sfavoritesnacks,drinks, andanynecessaryrefrigeratedmedications.
TheBrainCellwouldcontinuetopersonalizethestay, controllingthelightingandwatertemperatureinthe bathroom,providingdirectionstothegym,and unlockingapersonallocker.Itwouldofferway-finding tomeetingareasandpresentpersonalizedmenusand entertainmentoptions.Thetechnologywasdesignednot justtoenhancetheguestexperiencebutalsotoassist thehotelinupsellingitsamenities.Behindthescenes, thesystemwouldhelpthehotelsaveonenergycosts andupholdits “Green” standardsbytrackingguest habits.Thebranding,Marynotes,isobvious: “The hotel holds a Brain and shares its Brain Cells with their guests!”
Mary’sflairfortheatricaldiningextendstoherevent workaswell. AtChristie’s,shecreatedaformaldining tablefroma$10,000claw-footedbathtub
Foranother,shedesignedawhimsicalbanquetfora fictionalfelineguestofhonornamedAloysius,featuringa menuofpreservedwhitemiceunderglass,alive fishbowlforappetizers,andablackbirdpiefordessert. Theseprojects,whilewhimsical,showcaseherabilityto deconstructourexpectationsandfinddelightinthe unexpected.
WhileMary’sprofessionallifeisinhospitalitydesign,her personallifeisacontinuousexplorationofallthings culinary.Thisisnotahobby;itisanintegratedpartofwho sheis.Sheisknowntotakefriendstofive-starrestaurants inMiami,LosAngeles,orLondonandplayfullychallenge thechefs.Longbeforeitbecameagourmetstaple,she wouldrequestmacaroniandcheeseinthemiddleofabusy nightoffinedining. “The chefs loved the challenge,” Mary says, “or didn’t—but they always came through.” Shehas donethesamewithlycheemartinis,herb-infusedcocktails, andmorerecently,agaveinfusedwithMexicanvolcano lava,constantlypushingtheboundariesoftheexpected.
Thisplayfulspiritonceledtoamemorable momentattheacclaimedRaceTrackrestaurantin Mumbai.Whenherfood,andthatofhervery properclient,Mr.SurendraHiranandani,didnot arriveontime,shetookmattersintoherown hands.Withaflairforthedramatic,sheserved herclientthefloralcenterpiece,whichthey humorouslyreferredtoas “Poison.” Itwasanact ofimpromptucreativitybornfromnecessity.
Mary’spassionforthedetailsofdiningextendsto thetoolsthemselves.Sheisanavidcollectorof unusualnewandantiqueculinaryimplements. Sheonceengineeredacustompopoverforkwith acorporatechefforarestaurantshedesignedin NewHampshire,asmallbuttellingexampleof hercommitmenttoenhancingeveryfacetofthe guestexperience.
Thislovefortheaterandfoodcoalescedinher side-gig,aneventplanningcompanycalled “ObsessedwithGilt.”Marycreatedafictional personaforherself—aformerBaronesswho,after atorridloveaffair,nearlylostherpalazzo. Tosaveit,shequips, “I turned it into a Brothel, oh, excuse me, a ‘Boutique Hotel’.” Shethen meltedthefamilyjewelsandbecame“Obsessed withGilt."Thisfantasticalstorybecamethebasis forreal-worldevents,includingfurnishinga “gilted”propertyattheFENDIshowroomin Miami,wheresheserveda15th-centuryrisotto recipeinfusedwithrealgoldleafflakes,an ingredientoncebelievedtohealheartaches.The ventureledtoaninstallationatArtBaselcalled “GiltyThoughts”andarestaurantinNashville called“GiltandLak.”
Mary’scommitmenttotheculinarycommunityis alsodeeplypersonal.Forfouryears,sheserved astheChairmanofthe “Chefs and Champagne” fundraiserfortheJamesBeardFoundationinthe Hamptons.Shebroughthersignaturecreative flairtotheevent,invitingfamousfashion designerstocreateoriginal “Costumes for Cooking” andrenownedinteriordesignersto createuniquetabletopsettings,allofwhichwere auctionedtosupportthefoundation.InherEast Hamptonhome,sheevenhosted“ForMen Only”cookingclasses,whereshefoundhermale studentstobefabulous—precise,disciplined,and decisive.
Maryunderstandsthatcreatingtheseimmersive worldsisnotasolitaryendeavor.Collaborationis acornerstoneofherprocess.Shehasa long-standingcomradeshipwithCini-Little, oneofthenation'slargestfoodservice consultants,collaboratingonprojectslikea 1.3million-interior-square-footconference center outsideWashington,D.C.,wherethey designeddisplaykitchens,buffets,outdoor diningspaces,andFirePits.
Hercollaborationwiththeinternational landscapingarchitecturalfirmEDSAhasbeen particularlyfruitful.Together,theyplanneda 30-acrewaterfrontresortdevelopmentinthe Hamptons.Theirjointvisionforthepropertywas exhaustive,includingthehotel,spa,garden guestroomsandcottages,aconservatory,ayoga chapel,tenniscourts,apoolwithcabanas,apet dayspa,abeachandbathinghouse,andevena customprivatetraincarwithspaservices designedtoappealtotheirtargetclientele fromWallStreet.
Thedeepdiveintolifestyle-baseddesign,crystallized inprojectslikethePanama“ManCave,”solidified Mary’sinterestincreatingholisticbrandsthatextend beyondasingleproperty.Thisledtothecreationof MacMenSquared,apersonal,one-on-oneservice offeringfashionablyacquiredfurnishingsand accessoriestailoredtothemoderngentleman’s lifestyle.Itwasanaturalevolution,takingthe principlesofalarge-scaleprojectandtranslatingthem intoabespokeretailexperience.
However,herbrandevolutioncontinuesintoeven morepersonalandprescientterritory.Maryis currentlychannelinghercreativeenergiesintoher latestandmostambitiousventure:creatingand branding“TheGeorgeBentley.”Thisnewbrandis beingbuiltaroundthepersonalityofhermost handsomeandproudBritishExoticCat,amagnificent creatureshehasappropriatelynamed“George BentleyPumpkin-EaterIII,PrinceofArt,Fashion &Mischief.”
Thebrand’sflagshipprojectisthedevelopmentanddesign of“TheGeorgeBentley,aBoutiqueResidence Hotel–fromCatnapstoLive-InResidences.”
Theproperty,currentlyunderdesign,willbeaworldunto itself.ItwillhouseaBritishPub,cheekilynamed “TheThreeBlindMice,”wherespecialtycocktailswill include“TheBacardiBentley”(inbothalcoholicand non-alcoholicversions)and“Pride&Passion.”
A“LibraryofCongress”willprovideaspaceforgueststo cometogether,holddiscussions,orstudy—and,ofcourse,a placeforCatnaps.
Thehotelwillalsofeature“TheBentleyBathand WellnessCenter,”aconceptwovenintoherMACCI HealthCircusbrand,offeringthelatestSpa&bathing techniquesforaguest’streasureddogorcat.Thispointsto alargerbusinessstrategy.Maryisdesigningalineof customfurnishingsforguestroomsandpublicspaces.These furnishings,shenotes,willbedesignednotonlyforher hotelbutwillbeavailableforanyhotelwhosegueststravel withtheirpets,tappingintoagrowingandpassionate market.
TheworldofGeorgeBentleyextendsfarbeyondthehotel walls.ThebrandisalreadyintheprocessofwritingFilms andBooks.Itisdevelopingalineofsmallerluxuryitems, includingBentleyHoodOrnamentsandtravelaccessories. Andinafinal,astutetouch,GeorgeBentleyhimself currentlyservesastheCEOofEmbellish,afashion accessorycompanywithanonlinepresenceat www.Embellish.nyc.
Thisnewventureisamasterclassinbrand-building, showcasingMary’suniqueabilitytospinacharming, personalstoryintoamulti-facetedandcommerciallysavvy enterprise.Itisatestamenttoherbeliefthatapowerful narraivecanbethefoundationforalmostanything.
Eating rituals tell mountains about one’s personality.
Letmetellyouatruththat’smade—and saved—millionsforCEOswhoplaythelong game:Youcan’tmarryyourfirstidea.
Ilearnedthatthehardway.
TheOfferThatWentNowhere
Ihadwhatfeltlikeabrilliantidea.Myapartmentin Porto,Portugal,sitsemptywhenItravel.Manyofmy friendsfantasizeaboutworkingremotely,tastingthe “digitalnomad”lifestyle.SoIthought—perfect.I’doffer themthechancetostayinmyplace,free.
They’dgetatasteoflocationfreedom.I’dgetthe satisfactionofhelpingthemtakeasteptowardabigger life.Win-win,right?
Ireachedouttosevenpeoplewhoseemedlikeperfect fits.
Result?
Nothing.Notasingle“yes.”
Sure,Igotpolitereplies.Afew“That’samazing!”and “I’dloveto,but…”Butnoaction.
Iwasstunned.Inmyhead,I’dpicturedatleasttwo peoplesayingyesbeforeIfinishedmakingtheoffer. Instead,Iwasleftstaringatalistofpeoplewhoseemed interested—butweren’tmoving.
Here'swhereIwentwrong:Ididn’tfollowmyownrules.
Iteachentrepreneursthatastrongofferneeds:
1. Aclearproblem—andprooftheaudiencefeelsit now,notlater
2. Asolutionthatconnectsdirectlytothatproblem.
3. Awhythatmattersemotionally,notjustlogically.
4. Messagingthatjoinstheconversationalreadyin theirheads.
5. Acompellinghookthatmakessaying"no" feelexpensive.
6. Therightaudiencesizewithskininthe game.
Ididnoneofthat.
IassumedmyfriendswantedwhatIwantedfor them.Ioffereditwithzerourgency,zerocost, andzerocommitment.Which,ironically,is exactlywhatItellmyclientsnottodo.
So,whatdidIget?
Politeenthusiasm.Andnothingelse.
RealProblemWasn’tThem
Iwasn’tjustattachedtotheidea—Iwasweddedtoit.Inmyhead,I’d alreadydecidedthey’dloveit.IskippedthepartwhereIactually confirmedwhethertheyneededit,wantedit,andwerereadyforitnow.
Worse,my“samplesize”wassevenpeople.That’snotevenatest—it’s adinnerparty
Andhere’sthebigbusinesstruthIhadtoswallow: Justbecausesomeonesaystheyloveanideadoesn’tmeanthey’llacton it.
It’snotmalice.I’stiming.Peoplehavelives.Prioritiesshift.Meaning welldoesn’tcreatemomentum.
OnceIgotovermybruisedego,IaskedthetwoquestionsI should’vestartedwith:
· What’sthereallessonhere?
· HowcanIpivotwithoutclingingtomyoriginalpictureof success?
That’swhenIflippedtheoffer
Iturnedthe“freestayinmyapartment”intoaVIPStrategy WeekendinPorto—apaidexperiencewherebusiness ownersworkwithmeontheirbiggestbusinesschallenges, face-to-face,inanenvironmentthatfuelsstrategicthinking.
Thistime,itlanded.
Why?Becausenowithadtheelementsthatactuallydrive action:
· Clearproblem:Entrepreneursneededfocusedtimeto workontheirbusiness,notjustinit.
· Logicalandemotionalpayoff:They’dleavewithclarity, strategy,andexecutionsteps—resultstheycouldfeeland measure.
· Skininthegame:Payingmeantthey’dprioritize showingupandimplementing.
· Rightaudience,rightmoment:Iputitinfrontofpeople activelysearchingforabreakthroughnow,not “someday.”
Yourfirstideaisn’tsacred.Thefasteryoureleaseit,the fasteryoufindtheversionthatworks.
Icould’vewastedmonthstryingtoconvincemyoriginal grouptotakemeuponthefreestay.Icould’vedoubled downonsellingsomethingtheydidn’tseeasurgent.But detachingfromtheoutcomefreedmetospotthebetter opportunity
Thesameprincipleapplieswhetheryou’repitching investors,launchingabiotechproduct,orsellingconsulting. CEOswhoscalefastdon’tjustinnovate—theydiscard quicklywhenaconceptdoesn’tconvert.
HowtoSpotWhenYou’reWeddedtoanIdea
Askyourself:
· AmIignoringrealfeedbackinfavorofwhatI imaginedwouldhappen?
· DoIkeeppushingthesameofferwithoutrevisiting theproblemitsolves?
· AmImoreinvestedintheideaitselfthaninsolving thecustomer’sactualneedrightnow?
Ifyouanswer“yes”toanyofthese,you’renot testing—you’redefending.Anddefensedoesn’tscale.
Here’stheprocessInowfollow—andcoachothersto use—whenanofferstalls:
1. StepBack.Removeyouremotionalinvestment. Thinklikeanexternalstrategist,notthecreator
2. CheckYourAudience.Areyouspeakingtothe rightpeopleattherighttimeintheirdecision cycle?
3. RefinetheProblem.Isthepainurgentenoughfor themtoactnow?
4. RebuildtheOffer.Increaseclarity,urgency,and commitment.Givethemareasontoprioritizeit.
5. RetestFast.Smallaudience?Smalllaunch.Don’t waitsixmonthstofindoutifthepivotworks.
Ifyourofferisn’tlanding,stopforcingit.Release yourattachmenttowhatshouldwork.Thefasteryou moveonfromthedeadweightofyourfirstidea,the fasteryoufindtheonethatcreatesrealtraction.
TheCEOswhowinbigaren’ttheoneswiththebest firstideas.They’retheoneswhoadjustfasterthan themarketshifts.
So,askyourselftoday—not“HowdoImakethisidea work?”but— “What’sthenextbestversionIcantestnow?”
Honor where you have been, stay grounded in what you are doing now, and keep your heart open to what lies ahead.
Co-Founder & CEO
the world of wellness, Nuttha Goutier is building a franchise, Sabai Thai Spa, on principles learned not in a boardroom, but in the quiet, demanding partnership of a family farm in northern Thailand. Her business is a testament to grit, cultural respect, and the profound power of feeling cared for
Longbeforethecuratedcalmofherspas,beforethe gentlescentoflemongrassandthesoftglowof candles, understoodtherhythmof NutthaGoutier purposefulwork.Shegrewupinasmallvillagein northernThailand,wherelifewastiedtothelandand theseasons.Duringharvesttime,sheandherfather wouldventureintothefieldstoruntheirseasonal tapiocabusiness.Theworkwasdemanding.Eachday, theycarriedtwotonsofrootvegetablesfromthe earth—justthetwoofthem,asturdybamboobasket, andasilent,synchronizedunderstandingthatdevelops betweenpeoplewhoshareadifficulttask.
Herfatherdidnottreatherlikeachild;hetreatedher likeapartner.Theydecidedtogether,sharedthe physicalburden,andwhentheday wasdone,hesplit theprofitswithher.Inthoselong,sun-drencheddays, shelearnedthe valueofgrit,theimportanceoftrust, andthepowerofasharedpurpose.Thesewerenot abstractlessons;theyweretruthsearnedthroughsweat andeffortthatbecamethefoundationalpillarsofthe mindsetthatwouldleadhertoanewcountryand inspirehertocreateanempire.
Eventhen,theworldofbeautyandwellnessattracted her.SheopenedsmallsalonsinThailand,always appreciatinghowthesesmallspacesofferedbusy peopleamomentofrespitefromtheoutsideworld, givingthemafeelingofbeingseenandcaredfor WhenshearrivedinCanada,herjourneytookher throughawiderangeofexperiences—fromworkingon aranchtocontributingineleganthotelspas.Each chapterbroughtvaluablelessons,butsheoftensensed thatsomethingwasmissing.Whiletheenvironments wereprofessionalandpolished,shefoundherself longingforadeepersenseofconnectionandmeaning. Theseearlyroleshelpedherclarifythekindof wellnessspaceshetrulywantedtobuild—one groundedinwarmth,culturalrespect,andasincere commitmenttocare.Thatvision,bornfrompersonal reflectionandalongingfordeeperalignment,became SabaiThaiSpa.
SabaiThaiSpabeganin withasingle 2005 locationandamissionthatwas,atthetime,quietly revolutionary.Ms.Goutierbelievedself-care shouldbeanaccessiblepartofabalancedlifestyle, notaluxuryreservedforspecialoccasions.This corebeliefshapedeverydecision.Shedidnot designthespatobeintimidatingorexclusive; insteadchoosingtofocusoncreatingasanctuary. Aplacewherepeoplecouldcometodiscoverthe ritualandwarmthofThaiinspiredwellness.
Fromthebeginning,theexperiencewascentered aroundthefivesenses.ThisbecameSabaiThai Spa skeydifferentiator.Everydetailwas ’ considered:thecalming,ambientmusic;the signaturearomasofThaiherbsandessentialoils thatgreetyouatthedoor;thewarm, complimentaryherbalteas;theserene,uncluttered surroundings.Thegoalwastocreateamultisensoryimmersionthatengagedsight,sound, smell,taste,andtouch.
Thecuratedmenuofservicesdrewdirectlyfrom herheritage,offeringtraditionalThaimassage, aromatherapy,naturalfacials,bodytherapies,and reflexology.Butwhattrulysetthespaapartwas notjust theydid,but theymadepeople what how feel.“Weprioritizetheemotionaltoneofthe entireexperience,”Ms.Goutierexplains. “Ourguestsreturnbecausetheyfeelcalm,seen, andrenewed.It’snotjustatreatment,it’sa wholemindandbodyreset.”
Thisapproachresonateddeeply Asthespagained traction,clientsreturnedagainandagain. Word-of-mouthbecametheirmostpowerful marketingtool.Theconsistentdemandwasnot justforthehigh-qualitymassages,butforthe peaceful,groundingatmosphereshehadso intentionallycultivated.Itwasthenthatsheknew shehadcreatedsomethingscalable,somethingthat couldexistbeyondthewallsofherfirstlocation.
ThedecisiontogrowpresentedMs.Goutierwith hermostsignificantleadershipchallenge.Turning hersuccessful,deeplypersonalspaintoa franchise-readybusinesswasaformidabletask.
You can’t change the past, but you can do good in the present— and by doing so, you shape your future.
“Runningasinglelocationisverydifferentfrom buildingasystemthatotherscanreplicatewith consistencyandconfidence,”shereflects.Thesuccess ofthefirstspareliedheavilyonherpersonalpresence, herintuitiveunderstandingoftheguestexperience,and herhands-onmanagement.Tofranchise,shehadto translatethatinstinctintoastructured,repeatable process.
Thisrequiredafundamentalshiftinherthinking.She hadtodeconstructeveryelementofher business—whatworkedandwhatdidn’t—andrebuild itasaclear,teachablesystemthatcouldguideanew ownerfromtheveryfirstday.Itmeantcreating comprehensivetrainingmanuals,refiningoperational procedures,anddesigningsupportstructuresthatcould delivernotjustconsistentperformance,butalsothe intangiblefeelingof“soul”thatmadeherspaunique.
“Itwasn’teasybutIleanedonthe mindset—stayfocused,bepatient,andtrustthe process,”sheadmits.Thelessonsfromthetapioca harvestreturnedtoher: the value of a clear, shared purpose and the discipline required to see a difficult task through.Sheunderstoodthatclarity andconsistencyarethebackboneofanysuccessful franchise.Thatmindsetallowedhertotransform herhands-onbusinessmethodicallyintoascalable brand,readyforexpansion.
Today,the Sabai Thai Spa franchisemodelisthe resultofthatdisciplinedwork.Theturnkeysystem providesfranchiseeswithcomprehensivesupport fromthemomenttheyjointhenetwork.Thevalue propositionisbuiltonthisuniquecombinationof structureandsoulwherefranchiseesreceiveclear, logicalsystemsforeveryaspectofthebusiness fromoperationsandmarketingtotraining,and thesignaturecustomerexperience,alldesigned tomakeiteasierforthemtostartstrongandgrow withconfidence.
Thesupportbeginswithcomprehensivetraining thatcoverseverythinganewownerneedstoknow toopenandoperatetheirspasuccessfully.Butit doesnotendafterthelaunch.Ms.Goutierhasbuilt acollaborativenetworkdesignedtofostermutual supportandcontinuousimprovement.Sheholds regularmeetings,providesongoingbusiness coaching,andmaintainsopenchannelsof communicationtoensureeveryonefeelsaligned andsupported.Thesetouchpointsallowthe networktosharebestpracticesandaddressany challengeslongbeforetheybecomesignificant roadblocks.
“Whatreallybringsthenetworktogetherisa sharedmindsetthatvaluesclarity,consistency, andcommunity,”shesays.“Ourfranchisees knowthey’repartofsomethingbigger,andthat we’reallworkingtowardthesamegoal.To createmeaningfulwellnessspacesinevery communityweserve.”Thissenseofshared purposemakesthenetworkresilientandpoisedfor growth.ItalsogivesSabaiThaiSpaadistinct advantageinamarketincreasinglyhungryfor culturallyrich,emotionallygroundingwellness experiencesthatgobeyondfleetingtrends.
Astheleaderofagrowingfranchise,Ms.Goutier srole ’ nowinvolvesadelicatebalancebetweenhigh-level strategicvisionandstayingconnectedtothereal-world needsofherfranchisees.Tomanagethesedemands, shereliesonadisciplineddailyroutinethatbeginswith centeringherself.Eachdaystartswithaphysical activitythatgroundsherfromahikeinnaturetoayoga session,aswim,oraworkout. “Those moments help me reset and start the day with clarity and intention,” she explains.
Muchofhertimeisnowdedicatedtovision-building: exploringnewmarkets,refiningthebrand spositioning, ’ andensuringthebusinessmodelremainsagileand alignedwithlong-termgoals.Shestaysconnectedto thefranchiseexperiencebylisteningcloselyto feedback,remainingcuriousaboutwhatisworkingon theground,andmakingspaceforinnovationsthat reflecttherealneedsofherpartnersandtheirclients.
Shemeasuressuccessintwoways.Therearethe operationalperformancemetrics:spautilizationrates, clientretention,andrevenuegrowth.Theseindicators trackthehealthofthebusiness,andwithmany thrivingcorporatelocations,shehasseenfirsthand whatafullybookedcalendarandaloyalclientbase looklikewhentherightsystemsareinplace.Butshe alsopayscloseattentiontoadeepermetric:the long-termimpactthebrandishavingonthewaypeople viewself-care.
“What excites me most is the growing shift in lifestyle,” shesays,“seeingmassageandwellness becomeanormalized,accessiblepartofdailylife, notjustanoccasionalindulgence.Whenpeople prioritizetheirwell-being,itchangeshowtheyshow upintheirwork,relationships,andcommunities.”
Thoughstillintheearlystagesofitsfranchising journey,SabaiThaiSpahasalreadyachieved significantmilestones.Theevolutionfromasingle locationintoaproven,scalablesystemwithbrand consistencyandstrongguestloyaltyacrossmultiple corporatelocationsisanachievementMs.Goutieris deeplyproudof.Theteamhasdevelopedandrefined everyaspectofthefranchisemodel,creatingalasting foundationforthevisionahead.
Thatvisionisambitious.Professionally,theprimaryfocusis onexpansion.InCanada,havingbuiltastrongandscalable foundation,thegoalistoreach100locationsnationwide IntheUnitedStates,thecompanyispreparingfora thoughtfulandstrategiclaunchwithinthenextyear,building therightpartnershipsandsystemstoensurelong-term success.
Onapersonallevel,Ms.Goutier smissionofempowerment ’ isalsoexpanding.Asinterestinherstoryhasgrown,shehas beenpolishingherpublicspeakingandstorytellingskillsby writingabookaboutherjourney;tracingherpathfroma smallvillageinThailandtobuildingawellnessbrandwith globalpotential.
Herinspirationforthisrelentlessdrivecomesfromsimple, groundingexperiences.Spendingtimeoutdoorswithher familyandfriendsiswhatkeepsherreconnectedand inspired.Thesemomentsofpresenceandconnectionto natureandlovedonesrechargeher
Onebeliefservesasherguidingprinciple,asimplemindset thathascarriedherthrougheverychapterofherjourney “Youcan’tchangethepast,butyoucandogoodinthe present—andbydoingso,youshapeyourfuture,”she says.
“I velearnednottodwellonwhatIcan tcontrol. ’ ’ Instead,Ifocusonshowingupfullyeveryday. Idomy best,staytruetomyvalues,andmakedecisionsthatalign withwhereIwanttobeinthefuture.”
Itisaphilosophythatechoestherhythmoftheharvestfrom herchildhood:afocusonthetaskathand,atrustinthe process,andaquietconfidencethatdedicated,purposeful worktodaywillyieldafruitfulfuture.Foranyonebuilding somethingmeaningful,hermessageissimple: Honor where you have been, stay grounded in what you are doing now, and keep your heart open to what lies ahead.
Foundersspendmillionstryingto craft“theperfectstory.”They hireagencies,shootcinematic videos,polisheverylineuntilitshines.
Thentheywonderwhyitdoesn’tconnect.
Here’sthetruthmostPRdeckswon’ttell you:thestorythatearnsinfluenceisrarely theoneyou’vepolished.It’stheone you’velived.
Afewweeksago,Isatinaroomwith fifteenhigh-performingfounders.We werethereforstrategy,nottherapy.Yet oneperson—withoutaslidedeck,without the“approved”brandnarrative—tolda raw,unscriptedaccountofthemomenther businessalmostfolded.
Shedidn’t“present.”Shetalked.She describedtheweekshehadtochoose betweenmakingpayrollandpayingher mortgage.Sheexplainedexactlyhowshe calledhersupplierandnegotiatedtermsto buyherself48hours.
Itwasn’tpretty.Butthetablewentsilent.
That’swhenithitme:yourinfluence startswhereyourpolishends.
Mostleadersknowtheirrésuméversionoftheirstory—the LinkedIn-approvedbulletpoints:
· Grewrevenueby300%.
· Expandedtothreecontinents.
· FeaturedinForbes.
Buttheycutthesentencesthatmatter:
· Spentsixweekssleepingonafriend'scouchtosavethe business.
· Spentfouryearssellingaservicenoonewantedbefore findingproduct-marketfit.
· Nearlyquitthenightbeforethebigbreak.
Wecutthembecausethey’remessy.Wecutthembecause they’renot“on-brand.”
Theirony?Thosearetheexactlinesthatmakeyoubelievable.
Here’sthecostofstaying“safe”withyourstory:
1.Yousoundlikeeveryoneelse.Polishedfounderbiosare interchangeable.
2.Youcreatedistance.Peoplecanadmireperfection,butthey rarelytrustit.
3.Youloseleverage.Investors,clients,andpartnersleanin whentheybelieveyou’vebeentestedandsurvived.
EveryCEOIrespectusesstoryasatool—notasa highlightreel.
Forget“crafting”foraminute.Gostraighttothe eventsthatfeltriskytosayoutloudatthetime. Askyourself:
· WhathappenedthatchangedthewayIrunmy business?
· WhendidIhavetomakeadecisionthatcost memorethanmoney?
· Whatmistaketaughtmesomethingno spreadsheetcould?
Thosearethepointsofconnection.That’sthe materialpeoplerepeatwhentheytalkaboutyou inroomsyou’renotin.
Wemisusetheword“vulnerability”inbusiness.
It’snotaboutoversharingoremotionalcatharsis.It’sabout strategictransparency—sharingenoughofthetruthto makethelessonundeniable.
Here’sthefilter:Ifthepersonacrossthetablecanapply whatyoulearnedtoavoidamistake,ortakeacalculated riskfaster,it’sworthtelling.
Ifit’sjustforshockvalue,saveitforthememoir
Onefounderinthatroomsaidsomethingthatstayedwith me:
“Ididn’tcomeheretobeinspired.Icamehereto rememberI’mnottheonlyoneinthefight.”
That’swhypeercommunitiesmatter.Notbecauseyou “feelseen,”butbecauseyougetoperatingintelfrom peoplewho’vesurvivedwhatyou’reinrightnow.
Whenyoutellthetrueversionofyourstory insideatrustedcircle,twothingshappen:
1.Yougetthestrategiesthataren’tinbooks.
2.Youbuildalliancesthatturnintodealflow, partnerships,andbackchannelintroductions.
ThisiswhyeveryseriousfounderIknow investsingettingintherightrooms—notjust forvisibility,butforsurvival.
I’vewatchedleaderstripletheirspeakingfees, closeseven-figurecontracts,andlandmedia features—notbyaddingmoresuccessstats,but byrevealingtheturningpointsbehindthem.
Themechanicsaresimple:
· Rawdetailmakesitmemorable.“Iwas downtomylast$412”stickslongerthan“we werestrugglingfinancially.”
· Specificitysignalstruth.Peopleinstinctively truststorieswithdates,numbers,andreal stakes.
· Strugglesignalscredibility.Ifyou’vebeen throughit,youcanhelpothersnavigateit.
YourstoryisnotPRfluff.It’sanassetwitha measurableROI.
Considerthisyourpushtostopsandingofftheedges.You don’tneedadramaticoverhaul.Youneedtoreintroducethe humanstakesintoyourorigin,yourturningpoints,andyour currentplay
Trythis:
· Identifyonestoryyou’vebeenavoidingbecauseitfeelstoo raw.
· Writeitinbulletpoints—justthefacts,noadjectives.
· Decidewhichpartsconnecttothevalueyoudelivernow
· Shareitinaroomwherethereturncouldbereal—whether that’sasalesmeeting,investorpitch,orstrategicpeergroup.
Yourpolishedstorymaygetpolitenods.Yourrealonewillget remembered,repeated,andrelayedtodecision-makersyou’ll nevermeet.
Inbusiness,beingknownisn’tabouttellingpeoplewhat you’veachieved—it’saboutshowingthemwhatyou've survived,andhowthatshapesthewayyoulead.
Don’twaitforpermission.Don’twaitforthe“right”moment. Therightmomentistheoneyoudecidetostophidingthepart thatmakesyoucredible.
Liftthefilter Tellthetruth.That’showinfluencestarts.
Manybusinessestodayexperienceafrustrating paradox.Theyinvesttheirheart,soul,and resourcesintocreatingexcellentproductsor services,onlytoseetheirsalesstagnate.Despitethe abundanceofadvice,tactics,andplatformsinthedigital landscape,establishingameaningfulconnectionwith customersthatleadstoconversionsremainschallenging. Whyisthisthecase?Often,theanswerishiddeninplain sight,overlookedamidtherushtosell.
ValérieMadej founder ValérieMadejConsulting , of , bringsauniquecombinationofanalyticalrigorandcreative flairtothecomplexworldofmarketing,backedby35years ofexperience.Shedoesn’tmerelyadjustcampaigns;she rebuildsfoundationstoensurebusinessescommunicate directlywiththerightaudienceusingtherightmessage.For companieslostinacompetitivesea,sheoffersnotjustalife raft,butalsoacompass.
ALifelongPassionforWords:TheGenesisofa MarketingMentor
Valérie’sjourneyintotheworldofmarketingand copywritingbeganearlyinherlife.“Ihavebeenwriting sinceIwasveryyoung,andwritinghasalwaysbeena passionforme,”sheshares.Althoughherinitialacademic pursuitsledhertostudymedicine,familyreasonscaused hertopausethosestudies.Thisunexpectedturnofevents ledhertoapositionasapromotionassistantatanevent managementcompany.ItwastherethattheCEO recognizedherpotentialandtookherunderhiswing, trainingherintheprinciplesofdirectmarketing.“I immediatelylovedit,”Valérierecalls.
Thisearlyexposureignitedapassionthathasfueledher decades-longcareer.Shediscoveredanaturalaffinityfor boththecreativeandanalyticalaspectsofthefield.“Iam fortunatetobebothanalyticalandcreative.While copywritingfulfillsmycreativeneeds,marketing satisfiesmyanalyticalside,”sheexplains.
TheCatalyst:ForgingPurposefromAdversity
However,thepathwasnotwithoutitstrials.Thecorporate world,withitsrelentlessdemands,tookaheavytollon Valérie’swell-being.“WhenIwasanemployee,I experiencedburnoutduetopsychologicalharassment frommydirectsupervisor,”shestatescandidly.During thistime,shealsofacedabattlewithcancer,fromwhich shehasthankfullymadeafullrecovery.Thisexperience becameaprofoundturningpointforher “Thatwasthe
triggerthatmademerealizeitwastimetobuilda businessthatreflectedmyvaluesandvision,”Valérie explains,“andtostopworkingforcompaniesthat prioritizeproductivityandprofitabilityoverthewellbeingoftheiremployees.”
Thus,ValérieMadejConsultingwasfoundedwitha clearmission:toprovidepersonalizedsupportto entrepreneursfacingcommercialslowdown,whoseoffers, despitetheirquality,failtogaintraction.“Iworkwith entrepreneurswhohaveanofferbutseetheirsales stagnatingordeclining,”sheclarifies.
Additionally,Valérieislaunchinga3-dayliveandonline bootcampdesignedtoequipentrepreneurswiththe methodsshehasdevelopedoverher35yearsof experiencetoboosttheirsales.
So,wheredosomanybusinessesgowrong?Valériepoints directlytoafundamentalflaw “Mostoften,ifnot always,it’samatterofpositioning,”sheasserts.The criticalworkofunderstandingthecustomerisfrequently mishandled.“WhatInoticeisthattheworkonthe buyerpersonaisdoneverysuperficially, after the creationoftheproductandoffer,whereasitshouldbe done first.”
Furthermore,thiscrucialresearchisrarelyupdated regularly,despitetheincreasinglycompetitiveandrapidly evolvingnatureofmarkets.“Asaresult,ifyouhave createdaproductandofferwithoutdoingthisresearch orwithoutupdatingitregularly,yourpositioning becomesobsolete,andyouendupbeingjustanother coachorbusinessofferingthesamethingaseveryone else,”Valérieexplains.
Toaddressthiscriticalaspectofpositioning,Valérie developedtheStrategicAlignmentFilter(SAF) This proprietarymethodallowsentrepreneurstodefinetheir idealtargetaudiencewithremarkableprecision.
“TheStrategicAlignmentFilterallowsyoutodefine, withalmostsurgicalprecision,whoyoushouldbe targeting—notbystartingfromyourproductoroffer, butfromyourexpertiseandthetransformationor experienceyoubringtoyourclients,”sheelaborates.
The perfect marketing strategy is the one that feels perfectly aligned with you
Inessence,SAFencouragesbusinessesto focusonthevaluetheyprovideandthe specificneedstheymeetfortheir customers,ratherthansimplypushing theirproduct.“Andasyoucansee,Iam doingexactlytheoppositeofwhatall themarketersIknowrecommend,” Valériepointsout,highlightingtheunique andeffectivenatureofherapproach.
MarketingTriangulation(MTT): CraftingUniqueMarketingAngles
Buildingontheinsightsgainedthrough SAF,Valériedevelopedanother proprietarymethodcalledMarketing Triangulation(MTT).
MTTinvolvesconductingathorough marketanalysisthatcarefullyassessesthe strengthsandweaknessesofkey competitorswhileidentifyingcrucial factorsfordifferentiation.Thisapproach enablesthedevelopmentofarefined marketingstrategy,evenifitrequiresa significantdeparturefromcompetitors’ offerings.Thegoalistocreateunique marketinganglesthatalignperfectlywith thegenuineexpectationsofconsumers.
ActionableTransformation:The IMPACTMAXIMUMBootcamp
Valérie’s“MAXIMUMIMPACT” Bootcamppromisesasignificant transformationforparticipating entrepreneurs.Sheoutlinesthecore learningoutcomes,emphasizingthe practicalandcomprehensivenatureofthe program.Bytheendofthebootcamp, participantswillhavea:
●Acompletebuyerpersonastudy:A comprehensivedocument,approximately 90pages,providingdeepinsightsintothe idealcustomer’spsychology,desires, frustrations,painpoints,andaspirations.
●Adetailedcompetitoranalysis:A thoroughexaminationofcompetitors' strengthsandweaknesses,identifying differentiationfactors.
●Toolstobuildanirresistibleoffer: Techniquestoincreasetheperceivedvalue oftheirofferandalignmessageswith audienceawareness.
●AIprompts:Ready-to-usepromptsto assistwithmarketingstrategyandcreative processes.
●Hands-onpracticalexercises: Completedinsmallgroupsfor collaboration,feedback,andrapid application.
Thisbootcamppromisesacomprehensive, immersiveexperience,equipping entrepreneurstocrafthigh-valueoffersthat dominatetheirmarket.
ADayintheLife:Strategy,Mentoring, andContinuousLearning
Valériedescribeshertypicaldayasa marketingmentorandcopywriteras“busy andverydiverse.”Hermorningsusually startwithcreatingcontentforher educationalmaterials,newsletters,or LinkedInposts,aswellasdevelopingnew methods,tools,andtrainingprograms.After that,shereviewsongoingprojectssuchas launchcampaigns,emailsequences,and salespages,analyzingtheirperformance andmakingadjustmentsasneeded.“Ilove thisquietmomentwhereIcanfocuson purestrategytocontinuouslyimprovethe supportIoffer,”sheshares.
Intheafternoons,sheprimarilyfocuseson mentoringsessions,duringwhichshehelps entrepreneursenhancetheirpositioning, optimizetheiroffers,andstrengthentheir onlinepresence.Shesharesherproprietary methods,suchasSAFandMTT.“Ilove seeingmyclientsprogress,find marketinganglesthatperfectlymatch theiraudience,andaboveall,achieve concreteresults,”Madejexpresses.
Herdaytypicallyconcludeswithreading, learning,andthinkingaboutinnovative strategies,assheconsiderscontinuous learningessentialtostayingattheforefront oftheindustry
“WhatIlovemostaboutmyroleisthecombinationof copywritingcreativityandstrategicmarketinganalysis. Seeingmyclientstransformtheirbusinesses,findtheir uniquepositioning,andsucceedthroughthemethodsI havedevelopediswhatmotivatesmethemost.Andof course,thefreedomtocreateandinnovateeveryday accordingtomyvision,withoutcompromise.”
Valérietalksaboutthechallengesshefacedinher career,especiallyduringtheCOVID-19lockdown, whichwasdifficultformanypeople.Shehadplanned anin-personentrepreneurialretreatinSpainand startedpromotingitonthefirstdayofthelockdown. Whenthingschanged,shequicklyadapted.She realizedthatmanyin-personcoacheswerestruggling aswell.Tohelpthem,shesent1,000directmessages onLinkedIn,offeringtohelpthemmovetheirtraining online.“Itwasahugesuccessandprovidedmewith twoyearsofwork!”sherecounts.
And above all: clearly define your ‘why’! Why are you doing what you are doing...?
Amonghernotableachievements,Valériehighlights achievingaremarkable240%revenuegrowthfora companyunderlegalrecovery,ultimatelysaving approximatelytenjobs.Additionally,shesharesthe successofoneofherclientswhoachieved impressiveresultsof+83%and+124%ontheir firsttwolaunchesafterapplyinghermethods.
Whenaskedaboutwork-lifebalance,Valérieoffers arefreshinglyhonestperspective.“Tobe completelyhonest,IamnotsureItrulymaintain aperfectbalancebetweenmyprofessionaland personallife...Itoftendependsonmyclients’ needs!Iftheyareinthemiddleofalaunch,I tendtoprioritizemyprofessionallife.”However, sheactivelystrivesforbalance,utilizingdeepwork blockstomanagehertimeeffectivelyandboosther productivity.
Outsideofherprofessionalendeavors,Valérie’spassions revolvearoundanimals.Sheis“multi-potential”andalso worksasanenergytherapistandanimalcommunicator. Deeplycommittedtoanimalwelfare,shefoundedan animalprotectionassociationinSpain,LEMONDEDE HANOA,towhichshedonates15%ofherincome.Her householdisatestamenttoherloveforanimals,asshe currentlycaresfor13catsand2dogs,manyofwhom requiresignificantsocializationandemotionalrebuilding. Shealsoenjoysreading,walkinginnature,meetingnew people,andspendingtimewithfriends.
aBootcamp,and ContinuedAdvocacy
Lookingahead,Valérieisexcitedaboutseveralupcoming projects.Sheiscurrentlywritingabooksetforreleasethis summerandiseagerlyanticipatingthelaunchofher IMPACTMAXIMUMBootcamp.Additionally,sheis deeplycommittedtothegrowthanddevelopmentofher
animalprotectionassociation, , LEMONDEDEHANOA whichaimstoprotectevenmoreanimalsfromcruelty.“This causeisparticularlyclosetomyheart,”sheemphasizes.
Forentrepreneursfeelinglostinthemarketingmaze,heradvice ischaracteristicallydirect. “What a great question!” Valérie respondsenthusiastically.“Iwouldtellthemthatthereisno one-size-fits-allstrategy...Marketingislikeatoolbox...The perfectmarketingstrategyistheonethatfeelsperfectly alignedwithyou.”
Herfinal,emphaticpointcirclesbacktohercorephilosophy: “Andaboveall:clearlydefineyour‘why’!Whyareyou doingwhatyouaredoing...?”
“Finally,workonyourbuyerpersonabeforedoing anythingelse!Thismustbeyourabsolutepriority,”Madej concludes.
