The Female Insight Zone

By The Female Insight Zone & C-Suite RadioBusiness Careers

The Female Insight Zone episodes

March 31, 2016 Margaret Heffernan: 3 TED Talks, Research & Books-Making A New Case for Business Diversity
In this episode, speaker, author and international business leader, Margaret Heffernan, talks about her book, “Woman on Top”. She gives a few reasons why some women were able to start a business and achieve more with less.
Then, she gives her opinion about gender equality in the corporate world. She explains why past diversity campaigns failed and what can be done to change the mindset of leaders about this issue. She shares her experience meeting Ted Childs, a diversity champion who is working with IBM and a few other companies.
Next, Margaret gives us a quick glimpse of her TEDx book, “Beyond Measure” – where she teaches how companies can make little steps to create big changes in their culture.
Lastly, she explains how her mindset was changed when networking with different kinds of people. She shares how treating others well eventually led to many of her successes. Plus, Margaret talks about her book, “Willful Blindness” and explains why we turn our heads away from the facts that may hurt ourselves or the ones we love.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• Why do women start their own businesses.
• The things corporations can do to change their culture and make it more gender neutral.
• The value of building alliances when you have very little to begin with.
Tweetables:
• I’m not sure anybody can be gender neutral. I think we are all biased in favor of people like ourselves.
• The less you have, the more you do for others.
• If you don’t have access to institutional power, then you become very good at having access to social power.
• Many of the changes in the workplace that women want and had worked for hugely benefit men.
Big Takeaways:
• Diversity programs will continue to fail unless we realize that this is a business case; it’s not about social justice, fairness or discrimination.
• Building allegiance with other minorities will help diversity initiatives move forward and reach their respective objectives.
• For people to collaborate, organization need to encourage a high level of trust, generosity and reciprocity – behaviors which sociologists describe as having high levels of social capital.
Margaret’s TED Talks:
•http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_the_dangers_of_willful_blindness
•http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_why_it_s_time_to_forget_the_pecking_order_at_work
•http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_dare_to_disagree
Related Links & References:
• Margaret Heffernan official website: www.mheffernan.com
• Women on the Top official link: Women on the Top: How Women Entrepreneurs Are Rewriting the Rules of Business Success
• Margaret’s Twitter handle: twitter.com/m_heffernan
• Ted Childs official website: www.tedchilds.com
• Beyond Measure official link: Beyond Measure: The Big Impact of Small Changes
• Willful Blindness official link: Willful Blindness: Why We Ignore the Obvious at our Peril

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31 min
March 25, 2016 Emilia DiMenco: Certifying Women-Owned Businesses and Dramatically Accelerating Growth
How can you fast track your career and perceived as a valuable asset in your organization?
Let Emilia Dimenco answer those questions for you.
As the President and CEO of Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), Emilia talks about the various support they offer to several types of businesses.
Having a successful 30-year career in the financial services, Emilia shares her experience in investment banking and the value of sponsorship in accelerating her career – from being an intern into becoming a leader in various financial organizations.
She explains why having a sponsor is key if someone is aiming for the executive level and how working with clients accelerated her career growth. Plus, she shares 2 key factors that jumpstarted her career and led her to become a senior vice-president, and later, an executive vice-president.
Lastly, Emilia explains the importance of being respectful towards the knowledge and experiences of those around you. And, how working with leaders could potentially increase your chances of getting ahead in your career.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The various types of support business owners can expect from Women’s Business Development Center.
• The difference between mentorship and sponsorship.
Tweetables:
• If I could teach a business owner only one thing, I would teach them what creates value in a company and what destorys value in a company.
• The people that are closest to their clients are the people that will get the greatest attention.
Big Takeaways:
• Having a good personal relationship with a sponsor isn’t enough. You have to turn sponsors into advocates by showcasing your abilities to them.
• It’s not enough that you have a great idea. You have to let others jump in and let them become involved in bringing your idea into life.
• Working with leaders starts with understanding their decision-making process and discovering their agendas.
Related Links & References:
• Women’s Business Development Center official website: www.wbdc.org
• Mindy’s LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/emilia-dimenco

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29 min
March 18, 2016 Debra Ruh: Inclusion for People with Disabilities is Not a Charity
Debra explains how accommodating to specific needs of employees can increase the productivity and culture of an organization – just like what happened to Cisco and Cannon.
As a global disability inclusion strategist, Debra discusses how global corporations and governments are taking measures to integrate people with disability into the workforce.
Being a longtime entrepreneur, Debra shares her adventures and misadventures in creating her businesses. Things like building a for-profit organization, learning business principles on the fly and dealing with cash flow problems.
And learn about her daughter, Sara, and how amazing she is and her story of inclusion as a 28-year-old with Down’s syndrome.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The contributions people with disabilities bring to our society.
• What must a company do to effectively include people with disabilities in the business?
• A successful case study about the French government imposing quotas, training and programs to help companies infuse their workforce with people with disabilities.
• When we’re proud, we’re more productive.
Tweetables:
• We can’t have diversity in the workforce if we don’t figure out the inclusion issue.
• Employers should hire people that are qualified to do their job.
• We accommodate employees every day because we want those employees to be productive.
Big Takeaways:
• Just because a person has a disability it doesn’t mean he or she cannot add value to the society.
• It’s proven throughout history that people with disability have contributed greatly to our society. A great example would be English physicist and author Stephen Hawking.
• The government holds the key to making sure companies adhere to the policy of giving employment opportunities to people with disabilities. Some measures are imposing quotas, providing training and offering support to employers.
• Instead of giving labels to employees’ disabilities, gender or race, businesses have got to focus more on the potential of these groups and accommodate their needs.
Related Links & References:
• Ruh Global Communications official website: www.ruhglobal.com
• Debra’s LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/debraruh
• Debra’s Twitter handle: twitter.com/debraruh
• Debra’s Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/debraruh
• AXSChat official website: www.axschat.com
• Huffington Blogpost: Uncovering Human Capital: How Leading Corporations Leverage Multiple Abilities in Their Workforce

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40 min
March 17, 2016 Nancy Wright: Not Your Grandma’s Girl Scouts
In this episode, Nancy Wright, CEO for Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, invites us to remember and re-learn the real-world skills that the Girl Scouts offer. Things like leadership, confidence and love for the community. Plus, she’ll discuss different programs available for Girl Scouts –from STEM to business communication.
She’ll also share a story about her father, and how their conversation inspired Nancy to find a way to serve the community.
As someone who has led several organizations, Nancy talks about understanding the culture of the workplace as well as making sure that everyone has a voice that is heard. Then she’ll discuss diversity issues in an organization; especially around career advancement and compensation.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The best thing about being a Girl Scout.
• New, extensive programs available within the Girl Scouts.
• The issue of “camouflaging” among young women and how to address this matter.
• How you can’t be what you can’t see.
• The 3 things you can do to help young women.
Tweetables:
• We are not your grandmother’s girl scouts.
• It’s not about success at the end of the day; it’s about significance.
• You can’t be what you can’t see.
Big Takeaways:
• The best things in our life happen when we strive for significance; when we decide to give back and make the world a better place.
• There are so many ways that we can do together – both men and women – to elevate our lives and thrive in the same environment; especially in the workplace.
Related Links & References:
• Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana: www.girlscoutsgcnwi.org
• Leaning Out: Teen Girls & Leadership Biases: mcc.gse.harvard.edu/leaningout
• Nancy’s LinkedIn account: www.linkedin.com/in/nancy-wright

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29 min
March 10, 2016 Kate Bensen: Connecting Top Female Executives and Making Meaningful Change
In this episode, President and CEO of the Chicago Network, Kate Bensen talks about the 4 main purposes of her organization and what needs to be done to increase diversity amongst corporate organizations.
Then, she gives her views on the flexibility issues associated with being a female executive. How does a woman leader handle this challenge and what needs to be done to fulfill the balance between work and life?
MBA programs have been a catalyst for growth both professionally and economically. However, as male executives grow their income over time, the opposite is true among their female counterpart. Kate explains this trend and gives her insight on why this disparity is happening.
Finally, Kate shares the organizations women should be involved with if they’re planning to move up the corporate ladder.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• What is The Chicago Network all about?
• The current status of women in Chicago in terms of advancing their careers.
• The 2 drivers for change that will give a huge boost to the number of women CEOs in corporate organizations.
• The initiatives companies have to do to promote diversity and inclusion among their ranks.
• How to get involved in cultivating the next generation of women leaders.
Tweetables:
• If these firms are going to thrive, they have to win the war on talent.
Big Takeaways:
• Several studies suggest that profits go up amongst businesses that appoint women to the board and executive positions.
• True leadership means getting out of your comfort zone and discovering the unknown.
Related Links & References:
• The Chicago Network official website: www.thechicagonetwork.org
• Kate’s LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/katebensen
• Professional Women Lose Confidence, Ambition As they Reach mid-career, new Bain & Company study finds: www.bain.com/about/press/press-releases/professional-women-lose-confidence-ambition-as-they-reach-mid-career
• The Crisis of Confidence Infographic: www.bain.com/infographics/parity

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25 min
March 10, 2016 Annette Bau: Discover Your Worth Barometer
As the creator of MillionaireSeries.com and PMA360.com, Annette shares the ideas behind her programs. Along the way, she realized that everything has a set of formula – getting rich, becoming healthier or getting successful. And in this episode, she’ll talk about the 3 components which make up the success formula.
She then talks about the belief system and the inner game that’s happening in all of us. Then, she explains the importance of reaching the Alpha stage – a certain mental level high-performers can easily tap into.
Lastly, she will lay out the necessary steps to fulfill any gameplan – all of which comes from understanding your worth barometer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The idea behind your worth barometer.
• The 3 components of a success formula.
• The 5 different states of consciousness and how they relate to productivity and peak performance.
• The 3 levels of WHY.
• How to create your gameplan.
Tweetables:
• Lack of action is really an inner game issue.
• When you go into something – even if you don’t have experience – and you’re giving a 110%, the outcome is always better.
Big Takeaways:
• Even though you need to give people a process and help them with their formula, there also has to be some sort of accountability to keep them engaged.
• Your beliefs will dictate what you can or cannot do. You have to focus on those that will support and serve you. Because that’s the key in getting what you’re aiming for.
• We’ve got so many beliefs that aren’t serving us well – we have to let them go.
• Getting want you want starts with identifying it; followed by figuring out the reason why you need it; and finally, it’s being clear at your goal.
• The key for an effective execution is consistent, massive and right action.
Related Links & References:
• Millionaire Series official website: millionaireseries.com
• PMA 360 official website: pma360.com
• Annette’s Facebook account: www.facebook.com/AnnetteBau.MillionaireSeries
• Annette Bau’s blog: www.annettebau.com
• The 7 Principles of Becoming a Millionaire for Life: millionaireseries.com/7pebook

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31 min
March 03, 2016 Elaine Bedel: Fast Growing Firm Powered by Loyal Employees and a Competitive, Courageous and Giving Spirit
Being competitive is a healthy trait.
As CEO and Owner of Bedel Financial Consulting, Elaine shares her insights on how to build a successful career in the financial services – especially for women. She gives her list of things someone must possess before they go out and build their own business. Among other things, she’ll talk about the ways on how to earn your team’s loyalty and respect.
Next, Elaine explains why you should be courageous enough to speak your mind — whether you’re with a client or in a board meeting. Plus, she gives a few tips on how to handle a discussion using simple phrases. And as a media personality, she’ll also walk us through the process of preparing for a TV guesting and keynotes on how to bring out the best of each production.
Lastly, as chair of Women’s Fund of Central Indiana, Elaine talks about her group’s efforts to provide financial security to the women in her community through a fellowship called “The NEXTInitative”.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to manage your time between your family, your career and your community.
• The reasons why there’s not a lot of women in the financial services industry.
• The traits you’ve got to have in order to build your own business.
• Tips on how to speak your mind, stand out and be heard.
• How to earn the respect and loyalty of your employees.
Tweetables:
• If women in your community are doing well, families do better, communities do better.
Big Takeaways:
• Always give your team an opportunity to excel. Position them to showcase their skills and talents. By doing so, you earn their respect, loyalty and commitment.
• When building your business, put an emphasis to build a strong team around you. Surround yourself with people skilled enough to perform well even at your absence. This will ensure continuity of your services and automation of your system.
Related Links & References:
• Bedel Financial Consulting official website: www.bedelfinancial.com
• Elaine’s LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/elaine-bedel
• Your Money with Elaine Bedel: www.wthr.com/your-money-with-elaine-bedel
• Women’s Fund of Central Indiana official website: www.womensfund.org
• WomensFund NEXTInitiative YouTube channel: youtube.com/WomensFundCentralIN

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30 min
March 03, 2016 Chris Tieri: Achieving Your Goals thru Grit and Relationships
If there are two words that clearly define Chris Tieri, that’ll be grittiness and tenacity. But it’s the relationships she forges with clients that truly have brought her success.
In this week’s episode, Chris brings us back in time when she had to brave the rain to make anappointment with a creative director she’s been following for so long. She’ll show us why sometimes, talent and skills can only do so much. That it also takes some grit and tenacity to get the job done.
As the only certified brand strategist in New England, Chris walks us through the process of getting that certification and show us the responsibilities it requires. She will explain the importance of crafting a unique message if you want to stand out among the competition.
Then, she’ll explain why your presentation may not be the most important aspect of business communication. Instead, she’ll point us to a deeper source – something that doesn’t involve technology at all! Relationships.
Lastly, Chris shares her experience around managing her agency by herself and the realization that hiring qualified people to work on things she’s not good at is always a smart business decision.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to search for and connect with clients without appearing as if you’re stalking them.
• The role of a brand strategist and the process you have to go through to earn such role.
• The key to making a good pitch.
Tweetables:
• If you’re not standing out, you just don’t really exist these days.
• You don’t have to be anything to everyone; nor should you be.
• You do business with people that you like.
Big Takeaways:
• Grit and persistence bring results which talent, IQ and skills cannot.
• The mistake that people make in marketing is that they don’t message themselves properly. And if you don’t have the right messaging, it doesn’t matter how many places that you’re advertising – nobody will pay attention to you.
• Having a successful business starts with identifying your customer’s key pain points and addressing them on a personal level.
Related Links & References:
• Idea Agency official website: www.ideaagency.biz
• Chris’ LinkedIn profile: www.linkedin.com/in/christieri
• Chris’ Facebook account: www.facebook.com/christieri
• Chris’ Twitter handle: twitter.com/christieri

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33 min
February 25, 2016 Kathleen Caldwell: “I Got This” – From #1 Salesperson to Blackhawks and More
“I got this.”
When was the last time you’ve said those words?
And if things aren’t working out so well, our special guest, Kathleen Caldwell will walk you through the steps to get you on track.
As a keynote speaker, business strategist and hypnotherapist, Kathleen knows a thing or two about high performers. She gives us practical lessons on how to overcome failures – the same strategies professional athletes are doing to bring back their A-game.
Plus, learn her quick, simple pointer on how to wow your audience, bring a stunning presentation or take care of your work – the same strategy Broadway actors are following.
Lastly, Kathleen shares a valuable lesson in taking risk as she talks about her experience winning an award as a computer salesperson back in the day when men dominated that profession.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The mindset that you’ve got to have should things didn’t happen the way their supposed to be.
• How can hypnotherapy guide us to what she calls the “success zone”.
• The 2 practical laws professional athletes are following to consistently bring their A-game.
• The first thing you have to do before speaking to a large crowd, talking with your family or taking care of your work that guarantees a perfect performance.
Tweetables:
• I think we’re better if we’re confident and we’re going into it with both feet underneath us saying, “Hey, I got this!”
Big Takeaways:
• Failure happens to all of us. But holding on with what’s right will help us get through the toughest moments in our life.
• The difference between people who succeed in life and those who don’t is how they deal with failure. Successful people are so driven to excellence, they know how to get back to the “zone” after a temporary setback.
Related Links & References:
• Caldwell Consulting Group, LLC official website : www.caldwellconsulting.biz
• Kathleen’s LinkedIn profile:linkedin.com/in/kathleen-caldwell
• Kathleen’s Twitter handle: twitter.com/k_caldwell
• Ellevate Network: https://www.ellevatenetwork.com

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29 min
February 18, 2016 Joanna Bloor: Using Your Curiosity to Achieve Important Things
Quick question: What are you curious about?
If you’re going to ask our guest, Joanna Bloor, you’ll be surprised at what she’s bringing to the table.
As someone who was compared to or associated with Bette Midler, Tony Robbins and Steve Wozniak, Joanna opens up our episode with a list of topics she’s curious about: the impact of millennials, the next phase of the Internet and 3D printing.
She explains why being curious is a fundamental trait if you want to network with other people – whether they’re prospective clients or potential business partners.
Through her podcast 3D LILA, Joanna reveals her thoughts on weight loss and fitness and how she combines technology, data and humanity to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Lastly, Joanna tackles about turning your workplace into an environment that exhibits more empathy towards your team and your customers.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• The reason why curiosity is an important trait to have if you want to fulfill something important in your life.
• The potential of 3D printing – from health and fitness to space exploration.
• Why the concept of job descriptions and resumes is unimportant anymore.
• How can a workplace exhibit more empathy.
Tweetables:
• Being curious is truly the thing that starts to manifest the things you know you’re supposed to do.
• We cannot possibly be curious about something that we don’t care about.
• You hire somebody because you need a problem solved.
Big Takeaways:
• People really want to matter. And if you want to build a strong relationship with your customers, colleagues, boss or even your family, you have to show interest — or curiosity — about who they are or what they do.
• If you want to advance your goals – whether professionally or personally – you have to learn how to ask. Toiling in silence isn’t a smart thing to do.
• Empathy in the workplace begins with putting yourself into other person’s shoes. Understand where they’re coming from and make an effort to see the situation through their eyes.
Related Links & References:
• Joanna’s official website : www.joannabloor.com
• Joanna’s LinkedIn profile: linkedin.com/in/joannabloor
• Joanna’s Twitter handle: twitter.com/joannabloor
• Amplify Lab official website: www.theamplifylab.com
• 3D L.I.L.A. – the Late in Life Athlete official website: www.3dlila.com
• Leading Women In Technology profile: www.leadingwomenintechnology.org/about/board/joanna-bloor
• Joanna’s HiPower.org profile: www.hipower.org/members/joanna-bloor

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31 min

About The Female Insight Zone

From the publisher's feed

The Female Insight Zone is a 30-minute podcast sharing insights from women who have made an indelible mark in business and the path they took to soar. In each episode, host Maribeth Kuzmeski…