Global Publicist 24 Leadership Excellence Edition Women Leaders of 2024_..

1. 24 PUBLICIST Excece EDITION SETTING THE TREND OF INNOVATION AND FITNESS 2 1 VOL 12 | ISSUE 03 | 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com LEADERSHIP WOM LEADERS 2 1 ALICE VEGLIO EMILY BERGH FOSTERING PASSION & PURPOSE IN MODERN-DAY BUSINESS 3 DR. TAMARA FLETCHER FOSTERING DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION TO SHAPE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE OF 2024 3

5. Contts 10 Ace Vego Setting the Trend of Innovation and Fitness 16 Dr. Tama Ft Fostering Diversity, Equity & Inclusion to Shape Business Landscape Arc 22 The Art of Work-Life Bance Tips from Successful Global Women Leaders 28 Emily Bgh Fostering Passion & Purpose in Modern-day Business

6. GL BAL PUBLICIST 24 sales@globalpublicist24.com Global Publicist 24 www.globalpublicist24.com EDITOR IN CHIEF JOHNSON T. MANAGING EDITOR PEREZ GONZALEZ FOLLOW US ART AND DESIGN HEAD SAGAR J. www.facebook.com/GlobalPublicist24 www.twitter.com/GlobalPublicist BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER KEVIN BERNARD www.linkedin.com/company/globalpublicist24/ BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE MARTIN MOORE www.instagram.com/globalpublicist24/ DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER UTTEJ T. RESEARCH ANALYST EARL LEWIS Copyright © 2024 Global Publicist 24. All rights reserved. The materials and visuals contained within this magazine are protected and should not be reproduced or transmitted in any manner, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior permission from Global Publicist 24. Reprint rights are exclusively retained by Global Publicist 24. CIRCULATION MANAGER SCOOT TAYLOR

8. Dear Readers, W elcome to the Global Publicist 24 Leadership Excellence Edition: Women Leaders of 2024. In this special edition, we shine a spotlight on three extraordinary women who are making waves in their respective fields and leading with unmatched vision and passion. self-care, their wisdom provides actionable strategies for thriving both personally and professionally. As we explore the journeys and successes of these inspiring women, we hope you find motivation, guidance, and empowerment to lead with confidence and grace in all areas of your life. This edition celebrates not only their achievements but also the potential within all women to lead with purpose and impact. Our featured leaders—Alice Veglio, founder of Bright & Fit Fitness Program; Emily Bergh, founder of R Public Relations Firm, LLC; and Dr. Tamara Fletcher, Director of Global DEI Advancement—each exemplify the power of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering commitment to excellence. These women are not just shaping industries; they are paving the way for future generations of female leaders. Happy Reading! In this issue, we also dive deep into a subject that resonates with many professionals today: The Art of Work-Life Balance: Tips from Successful Global Women Leaders. Balancing the demands of career and personal life is a challenge for many, but the insights shared by these accomplished women offer invaluable lessons. From setting clear boundaries to prioritizing Warmest regards, Johnson T. Johnson T. Editor-in-Chief Editor's Desk Editor's Desk

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10. Alice Veglio Founder Bright & Fit Fitness Program 10 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

11. Alice Veglio SETTING THE TREND OF INNOVATION AND FITNESS F become to keep yourself fit. Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the focus of the masses towards their health even more. itness has evolved a lot from the conventional times. Moving from field works to gyms and now in your mobile phones, how convenient it has Soon Alice found herself immobilized with a cast on her back but fortunately had avoided a serious operation. Realizing her helpless state, soon after recovery she made her life's mission to regain her freedom and help others become fit. After studying at some of the best institutes with a wide range of academic accolades from economics and marketing to holistic sciences and NLP practitioners, Alice basically mastered all the things that were related to healthcare. But who are these people who work tirelessly to keep others fit and what are the things they usually are involved in? Trust us our journey of 10 Most Empowering Women in Business 2023 has introduced us to some of the women business leaders who are leading the segment from the front and have some of the most amazing stories. Her academic success got her the role of Sustainability Journalist at the WEGO office at the United Nations, she was having the world at her feet by the age of 23. But she wanted more and that's how the Bright & Fit Fitness Program started. One such personality is Alice Veglio, founder of Bright & Fit Fitness Program. Her journey showed us that she is not only a personal trainer but also a women empowerment activist. To add more, the wide range of positions and roles that she has handled has taken us to some of the most prestigious fashion shows and weeks such as Paris, Dubai, Rome, Maldives, and Qatar. Vision and Mission 'My greatest ambition in my everyday life is to be able to make a concrete difference and make my effective contribution to the life of women regardless of their physical, geographical, and social condition. My main goal is to allow people to live better, reconsider their potential, and become aware that anything is possible in life. This vision characterizes every innovation and initiative in the company. It's for that reason that in June 2021 we started an important charity project called Bright &Fit Cares through which we offer concrete help to women with physical or social difficulties. Our first initiative was to support ANDOS, one of the most important breast cancer prevention and treatment organizations in Italy.' Catherine notes. But her story from a studious child to an inspiration to many women is just as interesting as working on one's fitness. So, without further ado, let's deep dive into Alice Veglio's journey. The Genesis Alice launched her Bright & Fit Fitness Program in 2018, but its genesis story started back when she was 13 years old. After being diagnosed with a vertebral rotation she would have been forced to give up all her physical activities. Being a profound ballet dancer since the age of three, it was what she had to give up for a free and happy future. The Dream Alice started her first start-up dedicated to holistic fitness 11 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

12. and female empowerment in UAE in January 2019. More than 45,000 women registered under the program and in just 2 years it had already crossed the 1 Million dollars mark in turnover. overcoming limiting beliefs and fears. Brighter Me Academy is the first life coaching online program for women empowerment in Italy. ‘ 'Bright & Fit since September 2022 is also a coaching academy and learning company in which healthcare professionals and personal trainers can receive a full learning experience and improve their knowledge with Alice's Holistic approach and from December 2023 Alice will launch her innovative life coach academy for women empowerment. Alice is also leading a group of Health Professionals that provides a high-quality and customized Bright & Fit Program experience to all members. Bright & Fit is a company created by a woman for women with the deep desire to allow even those who have little time available, those who cannot train in the gym, and those who do not have fitness equipment available, to be able to train with the best results in 15- 30 minutes a day without the need for equipment and just by using their smartphone,' she further explains. Talking about the Bright & Fit program, Alice says, 'Bright & Fit is the first online Holistic Fitness program with medical certification in Italy. Today Bright & Fit has its modern and technological native app available in Apple and Google store that allows women from all over the world to have everything they need to stay fit and happy within one click. Bright & Fit is not just a fitness program, it is a personal transformation tool that aims to help women redesign their perception of their limits and help them through home fitness, mindset exercises, and nutritional advice to regain self-esteem and a better quality of life. In December 2023 Alice launched also a life coaching academy “Brighter Me Academy” to help women achieve the best life coaching tools and the best version of themselves in any area of their lives by 12 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

13. Turning Dreams into Reality Talking about her achievements with Bright & Fit, Alice further says, 'Today Bright & Fit has more than 25 members in its team entirely dedicated to the project and the incredible results achieved by the users of the program have led numerous magazines and television channels to talk about Alice, including Forbes Italia, Forbes India, RAI 3, La print, Thrive Global, Yahoo finance, California Herald, London Daily Post. Alice in November 2021 was called on the stage of WomenXImpact, one of the most important events of entrepreneurship and female empowerment at an international level, as a successful case study for the world of female empowerment.’ Message for the Future When asked about the message she wants to put out for the world, Alice emphasizes, 'I believe that the only limit for a woman as a leader is the limits imposed by the environment around us. Since we were children, we have been asked what we want to do when we grow up, thus suggesting that we can be only one thing (just a wife just an entrepreneur, or just an athlete). However, what many do not consider is that we can be everything! A woman can be a caring mother, a loving wife, a successful entrepreneur, and a performing athlete all at the same time! Stereotypes are the real obstacle to the success of many women. It is for this reason that my company and my daily mission is to demonstrate that we must not give up on our dreams and that every woman can be anything she wants to be in this life.’ 13 | December 2024 obalpublicist24.com www.gl

16. Dr. Tamara Fletcher Director Global DEI Advancement 16 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

17. Dr. Tamara Fletcher FOSTERING DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION TO SHAPE BUSINESS LANDSCAPE T Gandhi inspired the world? Well, the answer to this might be the essence it projects to take control of our actions and plant the seeds of change starting from ourselves. consultant and Business Partner on all things DEI for their organizations, I also have oversight of our regulatory and compliance strategy and am responsible for our Global DEI strategy as well.’ he above thought has been heard in conversations, college guest lectures, and even in political speeches. But why has this saying by An Unique Visionary Journey Tamara explains that her journey into DEI started with her participation in the Business Resource Groups (BRGs). Further elaborating on her journey, she says, 'I wanted to find a path towards authenticity as a Black Lesbian. The BRGs became my safe haven to be proud of who I am, recognize my unique value, and help create a culture where others can do the same. When a position opened up in DEI, I was seen for my work with the BRGs and selected to join the DEI team. I always joke by saying that my background was in chemistry. DEI fell into my lap, but when that happened, my purpose in life and career fell into my lap as well.’ This was something that we were looking for in women leaders we went out on the search for this edition. After scanning the internet, excel sheets, and numbers inside out, we found that the business landscape is still lacking the quality of lifestyles we live. And we came across one such leader in CDW, who has been a woman with digital, passion and a mission to change the world. However, the most interesting thing about her is her dedication to start the change from within. A Born Leader On this note, let's deep dive into the inspiring story of Dr. Tamara Fletcher, Director, Global DEI Advancement. Over the years, Tamara has achieved several milestones in her career. However, revisiting the milestone that changed her journey she explains, 'I am truly a believer that everything happens for a reason. As a proud and unapologetic Black Lesbian, I can champion authenticity in the workplace…today, but that was not always the case. I actually am a product of quite a bit of trauma as it relates to who I am, and as a result, I have been judged, ostracized, and made to feel less than. These experiences in my quest for authenticity have really fueled my desire to have a foundation of openness and support in every interaction with people. Being engaging and welcoming has not only helped people in the workplace feel more valued and appreciated, but it has also become a part of my brand. That brand has given me credibility as a DEI leader to not only talk to of DEI but to live in every interaction no matter how big or small.’ A Challenging New-Age Role Talking about her unique role as Director of Global DEI Advancement, Tamara says, 'I am responsible for the development and execution of our broader DEI Strategy. Our strategy encompasses three major factors. The first is taking care to create an inclusive culture. The second is to attract and empower diverse talent while strategizing to create a more equitable and inclusive experience for coworkers across the span of the talent life cycle. Lastly, we work to embed DEI into our business model. Additionally, I also have the privilege of working side by side with our functional leaders, as a 17 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

18. enough how instrumental our BRGs have been in enhancing belonging at CDW. Within our BRGs, coworkers gain a network, exposure, and community, which all contribute to generating a diverse talent pipeline for CDW. As a result of our efforts, we have seen continued growth in BRG membership and increased active engagement in our DEI programming and initiatives. These impacts not only benefit CDW but have made the impossible seem possible for coworkers and what they envision for their future and their success,' she adds. Revisiting her innovative approach to execution to promote diversity and inclusion at the workplace, she further adds, 'The last few years have been met with quite a bit of social unrest and divergence. CDW's proactive response to these sorts of events catapulted our coworkers into action. We started by providing our coworkers with contextual knowledge and understanding. In addition to global town halls, we created an enterprise-wide DEI education and awareness platform that provides training and tools on how individual coworkers can foster inclusion at CDW. We also provide our coworkers with a framework to enable action through a quarterly campaign we call ducate/Participate/Advocate. We give tools and resources to jump-start our coworkers into how to educate themselves, get involved, and become an active ally for others. Additionally, our Business Resource Groups continue to support our coworkers, give them a voice and are a key opportunity to get involved. Lastly, we empowered functions to cascade our DEI Efforts. As a result, we have had several functional DEI coalitions emerge to bolster action throughout the organization.’ A Flagbearer of Diversity Equity & Inclusion Tamara's career has all been about diversity and empowering others by making sure they become a part of the process in the modern-day business landscape. As a DEI leader explaining her strategic approach Tamara says, 'Our strategy is about cultivating a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion to drive better collaboration, innovation, and business results. We're taking steps to nurture belonging in ways that are meaningful and sustainable. As a part of our commitment to DEI, we are focused on creating spaces where coworkers can share what they're feeling and needing. As coworkers share their stories, it allows us all to see CDW through different lenses – which create cultural humility, empathy, and authentic relationships across the organization.’ 'We also continue to implement training programs to support our coworkers along their DEI journeys and promote our Business Resource Groups (BRGs), which are open to all coworkers to participate in. I can't say 18 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

19. Don't be the Problem, be the Solutions! During the interview, Tamara shared many experiences explaining how she tries to be the solution. Sharing her approach to solving problems at workplaces, she explains, 'I would never want to oversimplify the strategy, but in essence, it is about staying the course and meeting people where they are. Staying the course does not mean that we shouldn't be agile, in fact, it is necessary, especially if we need to meet people where they are on the journey. What it does mean is that we have a mission at CDW to cultivate a culture of Belonging and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to drive better collaboration, innovation, and business results. Our purpose is clear, our strategy must pivot as needed to ensure we can bring others along with us, no matter the point they are on within that journey.’ A Change Bringer's Advice Advising the young leaders entering the business landscape, Tamara shares a piece of advice saying, 'The distinction between a sprint and a marathon is paramount in DEI work – especially because there is rarely immediate gratification. In fact, I work under the expectation as a DEI leader, that I am likely planting seeds from which I may not see the manifestation – but that will never stop me from staying the course. Organizations or DEI leaders that are looking for the quick fix or the easy wins are not likely to yield sustainable impact. Those that are prepared to persevere through change, opposition, and obstacles and strategize based on facts and data, on the other hand, are positioning themselves to make a difference for years and years to come.’ ‘Despite the odds and the challenges, it is because of the next generation that I persevere. There have been very few Black women for me to look up to, which sometimes made it hard for me to think I could reach certain milestones in my career. But for each milestone I reach, that milestone becomes tangible for a younger Black woman to also reach. I am motivated to continue to be an example of what it means to shatter glass ceilings and conquer insurmountable goals, so that the next generation will find it all attainable.’ 'It is my hope and vision that leaders from any population of historically underrepresented talent recognize the responsibility they have to carry as they climb and be the proof that if someone can see it, they can be it,' she concludes. Roadmap for the Future Envisioning the future for the role of women in the modern-day business landscape, Tamara shares, 'My vision for the role of women leaders is quite simply to manifest the art of the possible. What I mean by that is, it is impossible to look at my life and my career and not recognize how blessed I am. I have had such a strong support system; I've had several mentors, and sponsors and friends to cheer me on. Of course, that does not mean that I have not faced adversity… trust me I have had my fair share of it – especially as a woman of color.’ 19 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

22. THE ART OF WORK-LIFE BALANCE TIPS FROM SUCCESSFUL GLOBAL WOMEN LEADERS I positions, the struggle to juggle professional responsibilities with personal aspirations can feel overwhelming. However, there is a growing community of successful global women leaders who have mastered the art of work-life balance. By making intentional choices and adopting effective strategies, they not only thrive in their careers but also maintain meaningful personal lives. n today's fast-paced world, achieving work-life balance has become more challenging than ever. For many women, particularly those in leadership perform well at work or in life if you're not feeling well physically and mentally. Make time for yourself, and remember that you are your greatest asset.” 2. Set Clear Boundaries and Stick to Them Clear boundaries between work and personal life are crucial for preventing burnout. Setting limits on work hours, avoiding overcommitment, and knowing when to switch off from work are some of the strategies employed by top global women leaders. These boundaries help protect personal time and allow for more focus and productivity when at work. Here, we share valuable insights from these trailblazing women, offering tips on how to manage work and life in harmony while achieving success on a global scale. Tip from Sheryl Sandberg, Former COO of Facebook: “Work hard, but remember to set boundaries. It's important to be fully present in both your professional and personal life. The balance comes from learning to say no and not overloading yourself with too many commitments.” 1. Embrace Self-Care as a Priority At the core of work-life balance is prioritizing self-care. Many successful women leaders emphasize that taking care of their mental and physical health is non- negotiable. Whether it's through regular exercise, mindfulness, or ensuring enough sleep, these leaders understand that maintaining personal well-being fuels their ability to perform at their best. 3. Master the Art of Delegation No successful leader can do it all alone. Delegation is a critical skill for women in leadership positions. Whether at work or home, empowering others to take on tasks frees up valuable time and energy, allowing leaders to focus on what matters most. Tip from Indra Nooyi, Former CEO of PepsiCo: “Taking care of your health is essential. You cannot 22 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

23. streamlining tasks and keeping life organized. From productivity apps and calendar reminders to virtual meetings and cloud storage, successful women leaders use tech tools to efficiently manage their time and responsibilities. Tip from Jacinda Ardern, Former Prime Minister of New Zealand: “Delegation is not just about giving tasks to others; it's about creating a supportive and empowered team that shares the load. You can't do everything by yourself, and accepting help is a sign of strength, not weakness.” Tip from Ginni Rometty, Former CEO of IBM: “Technology has been a game changer for balancing work and life. It allows me to stay connected to my team and manage my schedule 4. Leverage Technology to Stay Organized In today's digital age, technology plays a vital role in 23 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

24. in real-time, no matter where I am. Embrace tech tools that increase efficiency and reduce time spent on administrative tasks.” Tip from Oprah Winfrey, Media Mogul and Philanthropist: “Your network is your net worth. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. A strong network helps you manage challenges in both your career and personal life.” 5. Cultivate a Supportive Network A robust support system, whether it's through mentors, family, or colleagues, is invaluable for maintaining work-life balance. Successful women leaders understand the importance of building a network that provides emotional, professional, and practical support. 6. Be Adaptable and Flexible While it's important to have a plan, flexibility is key in balancing work and life. The ability to adapt to changing 24 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

25. circumstances—whether in the workplace or at home—is a trait shared by many successful women leaders. Embracing change and adjusting expectations as needed can prevent stress and burnout. hours, parental leave, and inclusive work environments. By speaking out, they not only create better opportunities for themselves but also pave the way for others. Tip from Melinda Gates, Co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: “Advocating for policies that support work-life balance, like paid family leave and flexible work options, is crucial. When we create these opportunities for everyone, we collectively raise the bar for work-life balance.” Tip from Ursula Burns, Former CEO of Xerox: “Flexibility is one of the most important skills to have. Life is unpredictable, and being able to pivot and adjust to new situations makes it easier to balance work and personal commitments.” 7. Make Time for What Truly Matters 10. Celebrate Your Wins, Big and Small With so many demands on their time, successful global women leaders know that it's important to identify and focus on the things that matter most. Whether it's spending time with family, engaging in a passion project, or practicing self-care, making time for meaningful activities outside of work ensures a more fulfilling life. Celebrating accomplishments—both personal and professional—helps reinforce the importance of work- life balance. Successful women leaders take time to acknowledge their achievements, celebrate milestones, and reflect on their progress. This practice helps maintain motivation and fosters a positive mindset. Tip from Michelle Obama, Former First Lady of the United States: “Don't let work consume all your time. Carve out space for your personal passions and relationships. When you nurture the things that bring you joy, you perform better in all aspects of your life.” Tip from Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx: “Celebrate your wins! Whether it's landing a big client or simply making time for a personal activity, acknowledge the steps you've taken. It's important to honor your achievements, no matter how big or small.” 8. Set Realistic Expectations and Let Go of Perfectionism Conclusion The journey toward work-life balance is unique for every woman, but the stories of these global leaders demonstrate that with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to achieve harmony in both professional and personal life. By prioritizing health, setting boundaries, leveraging technology, building supportive networks, and embracing flexibility, women leaders are proving that balance is not only attainable—it is essential for long-term success and well-being. Whether you're leading a multinational corporation or running your own business, these tips can help you navigate the challenges of modern life while thriving in all areas. Perfectionism is often a barrier to achieving balance. Many global women leaders have learned to set realistic expectations for themselves and others. They understand that mistakes are part of growth and that achieving balance doesn't mean being perfect in every area of life. Tip from Angela Merkel, Former Chancellor of Germany: “Perfectionism is overrated. It's more important to focus on progress than perfection. Set achievable goals, and allow yourself room for error. Balance comes from accepting that you can't do everything perfectly.” 9. Use Your Voice to Create Positive Change Many successful women leaders recognize that work-life balance is not only an individual pursuit but also a systemic issue. They actively advocate for policies and practices that promote balance, such as flexible working 25 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

28. FOSTERING PASSION & PURPOSE IN MODERN-DAY BUSINESS Emily Bergh T As the new generation steps up to take on modern-day business, drastic changes have been observed in management. From formal uniforms to flexible timings, everything about work in general seems to have changed, and the new workforce demands flexibility. boutique lifestyle agency operating out of five national hub cities. Every day, my work is enhanced by the distinct perspective my advanced degrees in psychology, philosophy, and social work bring to my team's campaigns. I remain motivated by my intention to better the world around me with outreach efforts and am so proud to share that vision with my carefully curated list of clients who are equally committed to making an impactful mark on their local communities. hose who find their passion will eventually find their purposes." While others struggled with managing the change, some of the newer generation groomed in the old books found a mid-way out to address and foster talent, business, and efficiency in a creative way. Emily Bergh has done this by fostering passion and purpose. I am a marketing and public relations professional with more than 15 years of experience delivering personalized, top-caliber PR services to diverse clients. I possess a deep knowledge and expansive application of best practices in the PR industry that produce remarkable results and exceptional outcomes for my client base, particularly in the hospitality, business, and technology spaces. For each client I represent, I aim to empower the attainment of their highest professional goals and drive their brands to flourish. At the helm of R Public Relations Firm, LLC, she overcame stereotypes in a way that a modern-day entrepreneur would. So, without further ado, here are some highlights from Emily Bergh's brief interview. 1. Give us a throwback on your journey and a brief insight. 2. What are your core values around which the company's vision is built, and how would you position yourself as a leader? The path to my current role at the helm of R Public Relations Firm, LLC started by co-authoring a book in grad school that taught me the power of the written word and the value of storytelling. Having found my passion and purpose, I then dove headfirst into freelance promotional writing, most notably an ongoing gig for Taste magazine, and then I progressed through a series of pivotal PR positions at Jason Dady Restaurant Group in San Antonio, Bread & Butter in Austin, and Bay Bird in San Diego — all the while amassing specialty expertise that would allow me to branch out on my own. My company abides by a handful of core values. First, we believe that storytelling is king. Our whole job as PR professionals, after all, is to help brands and people tell their unique stories in creative and eye-catching ways. We take time to get to know our clients and select the best opportunities for them. Second, we are uncommonly customer-focused. The health of my client relationships is of the utmost importance to me, and I take great care to nurture long-term relationships in which we can grow together. Third, we avoid "cookie cutter" at all costs. Launched in Texas in 2016, my company, R Public Relations Firm, is an uncommonly customer-focused 28 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

29. Emily Bergh Founder R Public Relations Firm, LLC 29 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

30. social work, which is likely why I thrive in managing client relations and find it easy to understand target audiences. I'm so grateful for my unique education because I still use what I learned daily — just not how I planned. In graduate school, I was lucky enough to co-author a book. This experience opened my eyes to the world of storytelling and its power. I learned that words can and do make a big difference, and being able to control a narrative can significantly impact people and the planet. When other writing opportunities came up after the book was published, accepting them was an easy yes. My freelance writing career led to PR roles at noteworthy restaurant groups and a food and beverage-focused agency. Everything I learned in those roles empowered me to open my firm in 2016, and I never looked back. 4. What were some of the most important decisions that made a big difference in your business? Over the years, a couple of decisions have significantly impacted my business. My decision to specialize in PR and media relations, in particular, was huge. It allowed me to trim the fat and release clients who took up too much time and energy from my team. We refocused our energy on the services we were best at providing, finessed our processes, and hired accordingly. Since that shift, I've added higher- quality clients to our roster, and client and employee retention has improved. Second, learning how to make a great hire made a significant impact on my business. I added a few full-time team members, including a personal assistant, and then stacked my team with specialized contractors. With roles clearly defined, the business has thrived with little oversight from me. Every PR plan is uniquely designed to fit the needs of that specific client and their current initiatives. We are always nimble and happy to adjust plans as needed at any point in the campaign process. Rather than micromanaging, I trust my team to do their best work in the manner and timeframe that works for them, so I am typically hands-off. My strengths lie in big-picture thinking, business development, and client relations, so while I focus on those aspects of the business, I allow my organized and dedicated team to thrive in managing the day-to-day deliverables. I've surrounded myself with detail-oriented people who complement my leadership style. 5. Can you share a significant challenge you encountered as a female entrepreneur and how you overcame it? 3. What inspired you to pursue a career in public relations, and how did your early experiences shape your journey? Even though it's 2024, I still meet more male small business owners than female ones. It's easy to let imposter syndrome take the wheel, but I try to remind myself that I'm qualified for this role and that I'm not I did not set out to work in public relations; I like to think that the PR industry found me! I went to school for psychology, philosophy, and 30 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com

31. alone — I have my team and my family always behind me. As a female entrepreneur, the biggest challenge for me has been finding the balance between raising my five children and nurturing the business. Both require lots of time and attention to thrive, which sometimes makes me feel overwhelmed or out of my depth. But a couple of deep breaths and a bit of perspective always help me to refocus my energy. My best strategy is to do the next most important thing at any given moment. 6. Any suggestions for the young women entrepreneurs out there? I work with quite a few other female business owners, so this question hits close to home! I advise them not to hold back. Scaling a business can be scary, but don't let your insecurities get in the way of building a business — and a life — that you love. Business ownership is not for everyone, but the right people are called to it. Believe in your instincts and surround yourself with a trustworthy team, and everything will turn out fine. 7. What is your view on growing your company's service portfolio and operational scope after 2024? professional life. To be recognized as a leader shaping the landscape would affirm that all the hard work and energy was worth it. My company has focused mainly on clients in the hospitality industry up until this point, but lately, we have been branching out into the service and health and wellness industries. Taking on projects in these new spaces has been invigorating and inspiring for the team, and I hope to attract more clients in those industries after 2024 while keeping our core roster of hospitality clients alive and well. 8. What does being recognized as one of the "Women Leaders Shaping the Business Landscape in 2024" mean to you? It means a lot! I've poured my blood, sweat, and tears into my firm. There have been many early mornings and late nights. I've watched the business grow alongside my children and my clients' organizations, and it has been the most fulfilling project of my 31 | December 2024 www.globalpublicist24.com