WE: MINDSET FOR SUCCESS -- Dr. Leslie Knutson

Vicki Dallas, after a successful 35 year-long career as a corporate lawyer and the first female partner in her firm, founded Dallas Innovation Law to advise early-stage work for emerging growth companies. Moments of self-doubt are overcome by her strong drive to be independent and to learn all that she can about whatever she faces. Growing up with social parents who leaned on their deep roots within the Greek immigrant provided Vicki with a sense of belonging and self-confidence. When told that she can’t do something, Vicki reacts by finding the grit to face the challenge to do it; long walks or visits with those closest to her decreases the risk of taking things personally.

website: www.dallasinnovationlaw.com 

Harper Miller left a successful career as an executive assistant at a full-service agency to open her own business, Bound. For as long as she can remember Harper wanted to be a leader and her own boss. This knowledge along with her ability to focus and execute the “end goal” gave Harper the confidence to take a risk. Harper prioritizes self-awareness and mental health. On the days where she may experience that she is not good enough, Harper leans on why she is doing what she is doing. Saying no, putting down boundaries, or even allowing yourself to let it go today and to try again tomorrow are ways that Harper takes care of herself. 

website: bounddelivery.com

FB: Instagram - @bounddelivery and @harpermiller 

Kim Manna was raised by bicultural parents and thrives in diverse settings and cultures. Kim’s love of learning and a long history of being athletic helps her forge ahead during immense challenges and stress. Kim’s preference for global concepts rather than details, minimizes getting stuck in emotions. Her confidence is a function of both knowing what she does well and what her mistakes are. When Kim finds herself in a work difficult day, she overcomes this by extensive preparation, a routine, and a walk or long drive. 

website: weglobalstudios.com 

“Life is Meant to be Lived” Mika Leah had a successful career in advertising at the Washington Post. After a life-threatening medical condition, she yearned for a better quality of life for herself; she wanted to make a difference in the world and manifest that “life is meant to be lived.” While Mika did not fit in easily with her younger peers, she values today the diversity that comes from knowing that everybody is different from you. When self-doubt creeps in, Mika advocates for herself through learning and practice. To be a support to her staff and run her company, she can overextend and become anxious. To re-balance Mika reminds herself that before you take care of others first, you must take care of yourself. 

website: www.goomigroup.com 

FB: https://www.facebook.com/mikaleahp 

Eliza VanCort is the best-selling author of A Woman's Guide to Claiming Space, and an in-demand speaker and consultant on women’s issues and DEI. The founder of The Actor's Workshop of Ithaca, she is also a Cook House Fellow at Cornell University, an advisory board member of the Performing Arts for Social Change, a Diversity Crew partner and a member of Govern For America's League of Innovator. 

Website: elizavancort.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/eliza.vancort

Jaleh Bisharat is co-founder and CEO of NakedPoppy, a clean beauty company. She previously served as CMO/VP marketing at Amazon, OpenTable, Upwork, and Eventbrite. Jaleh speaks and writes frequently, primarily on topics of concern to women. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, Jaleh also serves on the boards of Novi, Skillshare and Wealthfront.

Website: www.nakedpoppy.com

Jennifer has over 20 years global management consulting experience, much of it focused on the life sciences & healthcare industries. She is a results-oriented consultant with a proven track record for partnering with leaders to define vision and business outcomes. She specializes in leadership alignment, executive coaching, organizational development, and change management, and has recently launched her own podcast.

Website: Concinnity (concinnityus.com)

FB: (20+) Jennifer Cahill | Facebook

Linda and her husband, Bill, started Identity Creative in 1993. They help businesses build strong brands–equipping them with excellent design and branding services to improve their competitive edge. It’s accomplished through brand strategy, creative design, and messaging, so companies can connect with their ideal customers. They have four married children and eight precious grandchildren. 

Website: IdentityCreative.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lindakleist/

: Lucia Morkes, a trained veterinarian, is a successful Life Science Consultant. Recovering from a serious bike accident Lucia realized that her “scrappy” resourceful confident childhood attitude guaranteed that she would survive financially even without a corporate job. As the Chief Medical Officer of the startup EpiBiome, Inc. Lucia saw how her experience added real value to a small company. It also gave her job satisfaction, independence, and control over her livelihood. Though her self-confidence is never in question, Lucia faces the fear of failure. To undo this, she flips through index cards she has made with inspirational phrases and real-life examples of how she has overcome difficult times.

Willow Hill grew up with a single working mom who put herself thru college. Her mother’s hard-working example gave Willow the drive to become a solution driven employee in a number of young companies including Red Bull, Nike and Airbnb. While as a child Willow didn’t always feel like she fit in, as an adult Willow has created a supportive community to lean on during challenging times. Instead of setting herself up to feel overwhelmed by details, which she doesn’t do well, she accepts this her “Achiles heel” and find others to do the details.