The first step that comes to mind is taking the first step. An example of this was when I went to my first high ticket priced event. Even though the price made me feel totally unsure of myself, I still signed up. I didn’t let my fear stop me from taking action. Lots of times we can let our fear stop us, and we can never get through impostor syndrome, or anything else, so exciting! without taking the steps needed to conquer it.
As a part of our series about how very accomplished leaders were able to succeed despite experiencing Imposter Syndrome, I had the pleasure of interviewing Angela Bradford.
Angela is a Senior Marketing Director with World Financial Group. Within just over six years of transitioning from the blue collar world of trucking and training horses, to the white collar world of finances and training people, she has opened multiple offices and started expansion into two countries. She has an amazing team working with her and has the goal of having a licensed agent in every state and province in North America in the next 5 years.
Thank you so much for joining us! Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?
Thank you for having me! I came from a great family who homeschooled me and for that I am very grateful. We were also a very strict family. I grew up with lots of rules which I didn’t like. I left home as soon therefore as I turned 18 and ventured out on my own.
Horses and driving became my passion quickly and took me to different continents, states and provinces, over the course of the next 14–15 years. From there I was introduced to the financial industry and felt led to follow that change in career path. I have been running my own brokerage for about 6 years now.
Can you share with us the most interesting story from your career? Can you tell us what lessons or ‘take aways’ you learned from that?
I am sure there are lots of interesting stories but the one that I am thinking of right now was when I would get the same person’s number while out prospecting again and again. I wouldn’t remember that I had met them the week or month or whenever before and would say the same thing and get the number again. I always wondered when they didn’t remember me either if I needed to make a bigger impact!
My memory is something I am working on, but the positive part about it is that I also don’t recall “rejection” like many do, because I forget what happened!
What do you think makes your company stand out? Can you share a story?
I believe our company stands out because we are a brokerage. What that means is we aren’t restricted to one company or product, but instead can shop the market for the best option for our client. I’ve had clients come in that have been declined proper protection for their families from various other institutions, and I’ve been able to get them covered because I can find companies that will work with them.
It’s a fulfilling feeling to find the best option for people when they think they have no options.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
There are so many people who have helped shape my life. The couple that introduced me to my business stand out right now. Adam and Savannah Dawe are two of the most genuine and hardworking people I know. They care immensely for their agency and their family.
They took me in as a truck driver who didn’t show a lot of promise and were definitely instrumental in transforming me into the person I am today. Not everyone would have the patience or understanding to work with someone like me when I started in the financial industry.
I am very grateful for their leadership and also for so many others who have helped me along the journey.
Ok thank you for all that. Now let’s shift to the main focus of this interview. We would like to explore and flesh out the experience of Impostor Syndrome. How would you define Impostor Syndrome? What do people with Imposter Syndrome feel?
I would define impostor syndrome as a feeling of not belonging in a certain group of people. It’s a feeling of not being good enough. It’s a feeling of not fitting in. An easy way to describe it would be wanting to be in an exclusive club but not being able to get in because of how you think about the club.
What are the downsides of Impostor Syndrome? How can it limit people?
I believe impostor syndrome can limit people from reaching their full potential. One of the biggest tips of growth is to be around associations that help us grow, but if we feel inadequate, we will not put ourselves in those uncomfortable situations, yet this is exactly where we can expand and grow into our full potential.
How can the experience of Impostor Syndrome impact how one treats others?
I will speak from personal experience: when I feel impostor syndrome, I am not my usual friendly self. I go “into” myself and become very self-conscious. When you’re self-conscious you can’t be other-conscious. In other words, I am not as free to help others as I would be when I am not experiencing impostor syndrome.
We would love to hear your story about your experience with Impostor Syndrome. Would you be able to share that with us?
I would be happy to share my experience! I signed up for an event called The Exchange with John Maxwell. It’s a higher end event, and going into it I didn’t feel that I was worthy to be there. I remember the first day signing up for my name tag and then sitting down by myself, feeling very nervous.
Then someone came and sat beside me and started talking to me. Her name was Debbie Bolton, and she’s one of the nicest ladies I have met. She didn’t make me feel less than anyone there. That three day event was like that the whole time. After that experience, I have been able to walk into rooms with people very much more successful than me, on lots of different levels, and not feel like I don’t belong.
Did you ever shake the feeling off? If yes, what have you done to mitigate it or eliminate it?
For the most part I have been able to shake the feeling. There are times I still feel impostor syndrome, and I take a step back and realize it’s because I’m looking at myself instead of caring about others. The more I care about others, the less I think about myself.
A couple things that I have done to mitigate imposter syndrome is to continue to push myself into environments where I might feel it. The more I feel this syndrome and work through the feeling, the less it impacts me. The other thing I do is as I said above is think about others instead of myself. “Others” focus has helped me immensely.
In your opinion, what are 5 steps that someone who is experiencing Impostor Syndrome can take to move forward despite feeling like an “Impostor”? Please share a story or an example for each.
The first step that comes to mind is taking the first step. An example of this was when I went to my first high ticket priced event. Even though the price made me feel totally unsure of myself, I still signed up. I didn’t let my fear stop me from taking action. Lots of times we can let our fear stop us, and we can never get through impostor syndrome, or anything else, so exciting! without taking the steps needed to conquer it.
The second thing that comes to mind, is being honest about how you feel. It’s easy to say you aren’t experiencing imposter syndrome, but if you can’t admit it even to yourself you will never conquer it. I told people that I felt like an impostor going to these events with people that were making 10 times plus my income. The more I talked about it the less power it held over me.
The third step that comes to mind is to continue to put yourself in places where you feel imposter syndrome. In other words, keep stretching yourself and allowing yourself to be uncomfortable. In discomfort is where one can find comfort. After I went to the first event, I kept registering for other events that were similar. After a while they started to feel familiar, and then not only was I able to “level up” my thoughts, but actually my whole life started to level-up to the new circle that surrounded me.
Fourth thing that comes to mind, would be helping others when you feel this way. When we start to help others, we take our mind off of ourselves. I would make calls and tell people how amazing they were and how they deserve to be at these events, and would help them register, and that would make me feel like I deserved to be there also.
The fifth and final step in my mind would be to enjoy the feeling of “leveling up.” As you move forward, things that made you feel like an impostor no longer will. Then you have to find new things that cause you to level up. For me I signed up to go skydiving, and I’m running a podcast. I am doing little things that make me feel uncomfortable and discovering comfort in the uncomfortable. Life seems to just get better this way!
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the greatest amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
The movement I am working toward is empowering women to become their amazing selves and help change the world. I want to encourage and inspire women to rise up and use their voices to make the impact in the world for good that I know we can make together
We are blessed that some very prominent leaders read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them 🙂
I would love to have lunch with Oprah Winfrey. I feel she is genuine and real and is making a difference in lives of women and men everywhere. I would love to learn from her and see where I can also help more people.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
The easiest place to find me is Instagram at @realangelabradford as well as I also have a podcast called “One Starfish with Angela Bradford”. I look forward to connecting!
This was very inspiring. Thank you so much for joining us!
Women Of The C-Suite: Dianne Whitfield of Tarsus Pharmaceuticals On The Five Things You Need To Succeed As A Senior Executive
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
You don’t need to know the answer, you just need to ask the right questions. A mentor recently shared this with me, and it rings true in so many ways, especially in my current role when you oversee a broad set of responsibilities. Having curiosity to ensure your team is thinking about things in the right way, and sometimes challenging convention, is critical at this stage.
As a part of our interview series called “Women Of The C-Suite”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Dianne Whitfield.
Dianne boasts 20+ years of experience in human resources, including over a decade in life sciences industry management and leadership. She joined Tarsus in early 2021 as Chief Human Resources Officer, where she has been instrumental in designing and executing a talent strategy that drives the business during a period of critical growth. Prior to Tarsus, Dianne was Vice President and Head of Human Resources at Evolus, where she was instrumental in helping the company launch their first product and built a culture that drove employee engagement and retention.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
My career in human resources (HR) was an early pivot that occurred when I was in the process of pursuing a master’s degree in social work. I always had a desire to help people and be a part of shaping and promoting positive change in individuals, teams, and communities. The education and experience I derived from social work translated nicely to the business environment — particularly as an HR professional — as it allowed me to positively impact employees and leadership to create an environment where both employees and organizations can thrive.
I’ve spent more than 20 years across several roles in the HR function, with the last 15 years assuming various leadership roles in the biotech industry. Working in life sciences has been particularly meaningful because the core of our work as an organization is focused on bringing new and important therapies and treatments to patients in need. Being a part of this industry is especially rewarding because it not only allows me to help build, develop, and grow organizations, but it also provides the opportunity to have a greater impact.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?
During my very first conversation with the Tarsus CEO, Bobby Azamian, we discussed the critical role that culture plays in shaping and defining an organization. We quickly aligned on our belief that innovative science and novel products were not enough for the success we hope to achieve — the best organizations that stand out and attract and retain talent also require strong leadership and an exceptional team of talented individuals that are fueled by a differentiated culture. We envisioned an environment where employees could do their best work by being empowered to voice diverse perspectives, foster teamwork, and bring their whole selves to work. Today, after nearly 2 years serving on the leadership team at Tarsus, the company has grown by 400%, and we have received numerous recognitions and accolades honoring our culture, company, and leadership team. I think this is a result of all the hard work we’ve collectively done as a team to create an optimal environment for employees and I’m proud of how far we’ve come to further our mission of helping patients in need.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I’ve made numerous mistakes throughout my career, but they’ve all been tremendous learning experiences. And sometimes I’ve learned that those “mistakes” are really just misconceptions.
In the early days of my career, I worked with global teams across multiple time zones, and spent many hours on early morning calls. One morning, my (then) two-year-old son threw a tantrum, which was all captured on my video call. While this was embarrassing in the moment for me (although age appropriate for him), the compassion and understanding my colleagues showed built a connection that strengthened our relationship. This experience taught me that sometimes we need self-compassion.
One of the things we all learned from the pandemic is that everyone is a human first, and an employee second. Leading HR during this time was an opportunity to lead by example and normalize the challenges and sometimes unexpected activities happening at home. Even though a large majority of us are now spending more time back in the office, I still approach employee relationships with this same mindset.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I’m grateful to have had many former managers and HR leaders who’ve served as mentors and helped me learn and grow throughout my career. One former HR leader and colleague provided me with a tremendous amount of encouragement and support, challenging me to think differently and to be confident in my leadership capabilities. She was a significant role model in demonstrating the value that HR can play in helping to set and drive a business strategy and showed me how important it is for HR to have a seat at the decision-making table. I still consider her a mentor and friend, and regularly connect with her for thought partnership. These are the relationships that become most valuable over time and serve as a good reminder of the importance of fostering others in their career growth.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
A significant part of my role as an HR leader is to make hard decisions that impact the organization and its people. A recent key learning for me was surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. At the peak of the shut-down, we were tasked with trying to run a successful business while also prioritizing the health and safety of our employees. We often have to make decisions that we believe will most effectively meet everyone’s needs, even when we know that the decision may not fit all individual preferences. In this example — we were able to strike a balance and allow employees more flexibility to work remote. Today, we’ve continued this approach and have a flexible hybrid model, which we feel strikes a nice balance for employees.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a CEO or executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what an executive does that is different from the responsibilities of the other leaders?
Executives must look beyond their own areas of expertise and the specific role or function they were hired to do and think about the goals and objectives of the broader organization. In my role today, I serve as an enterprise leader, rather than just the head of my HR function. The role of an executive, first and foremost, is about leadership. Leadership is critical to setting an organization’s communication strategy and helping set up teams and the broader organization for long-term success.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women executives that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?
While an increasing number of women are starting to have a seat at the executive table, we still have a long way to go — the fact remains that less than half of executive teams are comprised of females, even though organizations deliver 34% greater returns to investors with more women in senior management positions. As a female executive, it’s important to acknowledge that you may often be the minority in a room, but that your voice and contributions are valuable to the organization’s success. We know that organizations that are more diverse have greater financial and revenue success, so it’s important that we recognize the value we can create and serve as role models to emerging women leaders to encourage their growth and advancement.
What is the most striking difference between your actual job and how you thought the job would be?
I’m so passionate about my role, and that I continue to learn and grow even at my level. The biggest difference about my job today and the job on paper is how much fun it is! As an executive, you earn the role through a strong track record and history of demonstrating experience, capabilities, and skillset. Since joining Tarsus, I’ve not only had the opportunity to leverage my experience and integrate into a team of extremely diverse, qualified, and dynamic individuals, but I’ve also been able to lead the organization by role modelling what it means to bring your “whole self to work.” This authenticity is part of the diversity that I bring to my role as a female in leadership, and it also allows me to show up in a way that fosters greater well-being, and therefore, energy and greater impact!
Is everyone cut out to be an executive? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful executive and what type of person should avoid aspiring to be an executive? Can you explain what you mean?
A successful executive has the right mindset, motivation, and passion to get the job done — not just for your own achievement, but more importantly, for the organization and employees you lead. To do this successfully, executive leadership requires emotional intelligence and the ability to communicate with all levels and across the enterprise effectively to build relationships and connect with employees. It’s not simply a matter of mastering your craft — it requires skills beyond your technical area to best serve the organization’s goals.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
You don’t need to know the answer, you just need to ask the right questions. A mentor recently shared this with me, and it rings true in so many ways, especially in my current role when you oversee a broad set of responsibilities. Having curiosity to ensure your team is thinking about things in the right way, and sometimes challenging convention, is critical at this stage.
Always say yes to opportunities. This is something I was told earlier in my career, and I’ve had some great career pivots and advancements — sometimes for a role or assignment I didn’t think I wanted but turned out to be an amazing experience and always led to growth.
If you don’t prioritize your time, someone else will. This holds true every day. It’s ok to say no to things to ensure you are focused on the most important tasks that need to be completed.
If you are not nervous or afraid, you are not being challenged. The best growth experiences for me have been in situations that have probably caused the most anxiety. I’ve learned to embrace the fear as an opportunity to be challenged and to grow. And it’s paid off! Those risks have yielded the greatest rewards both personally and professionally.
Make sure you always stay true to your “why.” I’ve also turned down opportunities and left roles where it ultimately conflicted with my purpose. Sometimes this was a job that didn’t allow the work/life balance to prioritize my family, and that’s ok.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I’m so fortunate that my current role at Tarsus allows me to do this — to create a culture of dynamic Tarsans who are passionate about our mission to revolutionize treatment for patients. A culture based on teamwork, diversity, and empowerment. I’m truly focused on making Tarsus a “dream job” for employees.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them
If I had my pick across the world — it would be my husband, Oscar. We both lead successful careers while raising our family. If there’s one thing my career has taught me, is that prioritizing the most important things is what matters. Being able to spend quality time with my husband and family is honestly the best time well spent, and I choose to put that first, every time.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
It starts with the basics: a clean slate with great lighting. Deep clean and start with the space’s bare bones, then decide on light. Whether it is a beautiful lamp, a moody candle, or natural sunlight, lighting is essential for a joyful space.
As part of my series on the “5 Things You Can Do To Help Your Living Space Spark More Joy”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Paola Zamudio.
Founded in 2014, npz studio+ began as a New York-based interior design firm and evolved into an award-winning creative agency, engaging in branding, art direction, graphic design, social media, and event planning with clients across the United States. Owned by Paola Zamudio, npz studio+ is well-known for the creative direction and interior design work behind the world-renowned project, Bell Works. Paola is a leader and rule-breaker in the historically hierarchical design industry, where she is on a mission to coach like-minded creatives.
Thank you so much for joining us in this series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit more about you. Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I’m Paola Zamudio, a designer and entrepreneur. I own a creative agency, npz studio+. From a young age, I was surrounded by creative processes. Growing up with my mom in Colombia, I spent a lot of time watching her design, create, and educate other people in her design studio. It was my first source of inspiration and what drove my interest in entrepreneurship!
From that point on, I had a curious mind and artistic soul that has brought me to travel the world and try different mediums to express my creativity. I have called NYC my home now for over 10 years, and here I surround myself with art, design, and culture. I have always loved the simple, but luxurious things in life. This has all helped shape my persona and business. I have always been inclined to create beautiful spaces that bring people together. That is what npz studio+ is about now.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
Since the beginning of my career, I put myself into situations that would immerse myself into the design world. I would attend special events, award ceremonies, and industry happenings just to observe. Even though I was admiring from the outside, I would just go to places with design involvement to see what exactly it was that these successful leaders in design are doing, and how they are doing it, because I wanted to do it one day. As I sat at these events curious and excited to learn, I always thought to myself, ‘If I got paid, that would be a plus.’ My passion was so strong, but I would do it for free. Looking retrospectively, I started manifesting something that was a dream into my reality.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Thinking I had to know it all! You’re always told, “fake it until you make it.” But for me, I learned that the best thing to do is learn along the way! I make mistakes, laugh, and move on. It is all a part of the process! With this mentality, I ended up taking each experience as a lesson, and they ended up being the most beautiful “mistakes” because they shaped who I am today.
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now? How do you think that might help people?
Bell Works has been my milestone project as a designer and as a person. I helped bring a vision to life, what better result than that?! The project is ever-developing, and has proven the importance of human-centric design. More than just the design, I have created a community where people make serendipitous connections daily. Whether those connections are minute or life-changing for the person, I feel empowered knowing that my craft was a catalyst for these interactions. The inclusivity and diversity is beautiful to see.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
A quote that I live by is: “ego is not your amigo.” When you have ego, you lose the sense of reality and start thinking with a different mentality. You have to always remember where you started and be grateful for the journey. If you want to continue growing, creating, and thriving you have to be open to various ideas and perspectives to learn from and flourish. Every moment, project, team member, and experience I have had helps me stay grounded. Despite the awards and features I receive; I am still that same dreamer (Paola) at the end of the day.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
My mom. From when I was young, she pushed me to be my best, educate myself, stay curious, and always encouraged creativity. It put me on the path to success, kept me highly motivated and never satisfied. She continues to push me to be the best version of myself professionally, personally, and mentally.
Thank you for that. Here is the main question of our discussion. What are your “5 Things You Can Do To Help Your Living Space Spark More Joy” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
It starts with the basics: a clean slate with great lighting. Deep clean and start with the space’s bare bones, then decide on light. Whether it is a beautiful lamp, a moody candle, or natural sunlight, lighting is essential for a joyful space.
Color! Bringing colors that speak to you. For me, I love warm colors — perhaps it’s my Latin roots! Everything in your space should give you a feeling. Start with your core colors to settle on a palette, and layer from there. Trust your gut!
Think of the materials that you like to surround yourself with and establish them throughout your spaces. I love contrasting materials. For example, my go-to solid is concrete, then adding a cozy element like tweed and a warm wood to bring an organic feel.
Next up are plants for both health and aesthetic reasons. They bring freshness and good energy to any space. Their air-cleaning and mood-boosting properties are just the start! My tried and true are Bird of Paradise and Fiddle Leaf Fig!
The final touches should be meaningful objects! Think about the pieces that you collect from travels, books that interest you and images that inspire you. Only you can curate your space to reflect what you like.
If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
As a commercial designer, I do my best to only create spaces with the goal of making people feel good. If I could start a movement, it would be to design for mental health and inclusivity. We spend so much time at work, why not make it comfortable for our bodies and minds? I believe that today’s transparent generation entering the workforce will be a movement alone, so as a Trend Forecaster myself, I believe that the design industry should understand the importance of mental health and inclusivity and shift their design perspectives to reflect this. Your health is your wealth!
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this, especially if we tag them 🙂
This year has been an awakening for me on many levels, one of them is spirituality. It has become very important for me to focus on my life, in addition to my career. Someone who has helped me from afar is Deepak Chopra. His podcasts and talks have helped me shift my perspective and attitude towards all aspects of my life, as well as adding meditation as a daily routine in my household (yes, my two dogs join me every morning). I would love to have breakfast with him to talk about synchrodestiny and share how he has helped align my mind, body, and soul.
Female Founders: Vanessa Gordon of East End Taste On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman Founder
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
Set boundaries right away. As a business owner and founder, you have full control over your working experience; therefore, boundaries must be in place first and foremost. Always ensure your channels of communication are in writing. Contracts should always be reviewed by a legal team in advance and each contract must be thorough. Expectations, budgets, rates, services offered, and more should always be clearly layed out and written. I have invested in hiring a team to help create these contracts and terms. I strongly recommend any founder and business owner do the same. Lastly, I make sure these contracts and terms are updated annually.
As a part of our series about “Why We Need More Women Founders”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Vanessa Gordon.
Vanessa Gordon is the CEO and Publisher of East End Taste, a digital sustainable travel and food publication based in the Hamptons and in the UK. She is also the Founder of the annual summer event, the Hamptons Interactive Brunch. She lives in the Hamptons with her family.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
I began my company initially as a passion project, or quite simply out of a sincere love for writing. East End Taste grew from humble beginnings as a personal blog documenting my experiences as I became reacquainted with where I grew up on the eastern end of Long Island (the Hamptons). At the time it had been two years since I graduated from NYU Steinhardt School of Education and I was raising my infant daughter. I had stopped teaching English as a Second Language full-time to dedicate my time to being a new mom. It was then that I started East End Taste to keep my mind active and to help me stay on track with writing without having to juggle time sensitive articles or deadlines.
I eventually became self-taught with the skills needed to eventually transition my blog into a business. East End Taste has now expanded to what is now a digital media and marketing company with an ever-growing international presence.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?
Most recently, my web team and I are heavily focused on creating more video content, with a goal for 2023 to increase our video content by 75%. Much of the video content will be for social media, targeting LinkedIn and Instagram. I am also focused on continuing to build my personal brand as a leading Hamptons lifestyle expert; therefore, much of the video content we will be producing will also include b-roll for my personal website and my event’s website (the Hamptons Interactive Brunch) that I am in the process of updating and will unveil in the spring of 2023. As someone who is most comfortable working behind the scenes as a writer, this change has me leaping full force out of my comfort zone. I am very excited about this new venture!
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
During the summer months in the Hamptons, I attend on average between 3–4 events per day on the weekends and between 15–20 events per month. With running about and getting ready in between each function, there is always a considerable probability for a fashion mishap. After everything from my children hugging me with tomato sauce on their fingers and rubbing it on my white trousers to forgetting to bring my flats to ease my aching feet, I have finally created a checklist for what to always have on hand during event season.
I now keep a selection of the following in my vehicle at all times during event season in the Hamptons: comb, hairspray, ballet flats, trousers, an extra blouse, little black dress, and eyeglasses in case a contact lense falls out or gets damaged.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am grateful to so many individuals that are a part of my life. In addition to members of my immediate family and longtime friends, one person who comes to mind is my friend and mentor, Patrice. We met through our mutual friend, Jonathan in early 2020 and Patrice has been a significant proponent on helping to propel me and my ideas into fruition. We speak on the phone biweekly and she always takes the time to guide me in the right direction and help to organize the constant flow of ideas that are always brewing in my mind. If it were not for Patrice, I probably would not have taken the leap to create a significant overall expansion within my business in 2021 as well as focus on my own PR plan.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this EY report, only about 20 percent of funded companies have women founders. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women to create companies. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from founding companies?
I instantly think back to my recent trip to Egypt where I relearned the history of female pharoahs and roles of women in ancient Egypt. In ancient Egypt, women were equal amongst men. Even in typical male-dominated roles, women in upper class societies received equal pay, were able to buy and sell land, and receive an education.
In today’s times, still there is much to be done when it comes to paving the way for women to have not only equal rights but equal opportunities. The roles of women in the work force have only started to shift signifcantly in the past 50 years. Remember, it has only been 102 years since women in America were guaranteed the right to vote! We as a society need to continue down this strong and steady pathway in support of women. It is essential as we continue to work to empower women and encourage more opportunities for leadership roles.
Can you help articulate a few things that can be done as individuals, as a society, or by the government, to help overcome those obstacles?
Provide more accessible resources for female founders. Some examples may include more local support/networking groups, social circles, and the like. Giving more women an opportunity to voice their ideas and concerns is so critical to creating this path for success.
This might be intuitive to you as a woman founder but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become founders?
As a founder, CEO and owner of my business, I have not only the freedom but capability of coordinating my own work schedule from home while balancing home and family life. Sometimes, family life brings greater and much more responsibilities, and I am able to choose to focus on my children and their needs. For instance, the summer months are my busiest for local events and happenings, and the fall and winter months are busiest for international travel.
I feel so empowered knowing that I have full control over my schedule and the workload I choose to take on. Starting my own business was one of if not the best decisions I ever made for myself.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a founder? Can you explain what you mean?
The biggest myth that comes to mind right away is that we have it easier than anyone else. As a founder, as opposed to other positions I have held in my life thus far (fitness trainer and English as a second language instructor), my job is tremendously more challenging. Not only do I have to maintain my expertise within my specific field as a Publisher, I also have to have a basic to intermediate understanding and skill in all other departments within my media company. IT/tech, marketing, accounting, web development, etc. I need to understand these jobs and also have to manage each department, respectively. With this being said, I enjoy every aspect of what I do, and relay that notion on a regular basis. What it all comes down to is loving what you do, and that ultimately molds how successful you are as a founder.
Is everyone cut out to be a founder? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful founder and what type of person should perhaps seek a “regular job” as an employee? Can you explain what you mean?
Everyone is certainly capable or has the potential to be a founder. Will everyone be a successful founder? Not necessarily. Success is determined by resilience, determination, dedication, and passion, among many other factors. Support from those around you is also crucial but it is up to you and you alone how successful you are. Remember, success has so many layers and can be very personal.
Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
1. Set boundaries right away. As a business owner and founder, you have full control over your working experience; therefore, boundaries must be in place first and foremost. Always ensure your channels of communication are in writing. Contracts should always be reviewed by a legal team in advance and each contract must be thorough. Expectations, budgets, rates, services offered, and more should always be clearly layed out and written. I have invested in hiring a team to help create these contracts and terms. I strongly recommend any founder and business owner do the same. Lastly, I make sure these contracts and terms are updated annually.
2. Your business is not always a reflection of you, and vice versa. As I am also in the process of building my personal brand, I have created a clear separation between myself and my business in terms of branding and messaging. A clear example is I have built my own website highlighting my personal brand and services I offer that are separate of East End Taste. This may not be a goal for everyone, but as I prefer to not be the ‘face’ of my business, I am choosing to take more of a backseat role as my business continues to expand.
3. It is always acceptable to ask questions. I am still learning new skills and new methods on a daily basis. At first, I was always concerned about asking questions. As I have now overcome that fear, I now enjoy learning about everything from new apps and platforms to creative initiatives and research tactics. Techonology always continues to evolve and as a digital platform, we must continue to evolve with it.
4. Stay humble. Simple. Always be grateful, always be open to listening, and remember that there is always room for growth. Humility gives us that opportunity and desire to learn and it will keep you grounded.
5. There is always room for improvement and perfecting new skills. This also goes hand in hand with asking questions. Bettering our lives and continuing to learn and maintain curiousity is always a positive movement in the right direction. No matter how great things are around us, we can always make the world around us even better.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
The work my team and I do through East End Taste and my media company’s event series, the Hamptons Interactive Brunch, have made signifcant strides to making the world a better place. We have and continue to support several local nonprofit groups and initiatives including The Retreat, a local women’s shelter, as well as the Children’s Museum of the East End that has done so much to support moms and families on the East End of Long Island. Any way my business and I can help, we are always welcome to extend that support.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
What I love most about being a CEO and (female) founder is that I continue to inspire others around me to be their best selves and strive for greater independence and self-worth. I always love hearing from our East End Taste readers and those close around me, especially when they express that we have inspired them to pursue a specific passion project, travel or simply pursue an enterprise that means a great deal to them.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Dolly Parton. I have been seeing her name in the news often in these recent months and have always admired her outstanding efforts outside her music career. I love how she created her charity, Imagination Library, which encourages literacy and mails free books to children. For instance, I am a tremendous advocate for the Little Free Library and many other initiatives to encourage people to read more. I would love to discuss this and more with Ms. Parton.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Dena Prastos of Indigo River On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
Develop Thick Skin. Don’t take “it” personally. Remember, how people treat you reflects them, not you.
I’ve been inappropriately spoken to, even yelled at, in professional work settings multiple times in my career. The first time it happened was in a field trailer on a construction site. I was so shaken that I didn’t want to return to work. It took me time to understand that I hadn’t done anything to warrant the treatment I received. Some professionals, often in management, don’t know the best way to express themselves. You cannot take it personally.
In the United States in 2022, fields such as Aircraft piloting, Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, Finance, and Information technology, are still male-dominated industries. For a woman who is working in a male-dominated environment, what exactly does it take to thrive and succeed? In this interview series we are talking to successful women who work in a Male-Dominated Industry who can share their stories and experiences about navigating work and life as a strong woman in a male-dominated industry.
As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dena Prastos, AIA
As Founder and CEO of Indigo River, Dena Prastos, AIA, is the first “waterfront architect,” trailblazing a new category in the industry. Indigo River is a women-owned transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries — guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations.
Waterfront architect, civil engineer, futurist, climate adaptation expert, entrepreneur, and creative original Dena is driven to transform the built world at the water’s edge. With transdisciplinary and progressive views, she is fueled by the overlapping of design, technology, and nature.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
I grew up in the Great state of Alaska, which naturally gave way to my adventurous and exploratory spirit. Yes, the winters are long, dark, and cold. However, the Northern Lights are magical, and the summers are unparalleled in beauty. As kids, it was common knowledge of how to escape a bear, roll out of quicksand, and duck and cover during earthquakes. My favorite place to be on Summer Solstice, June 21st, is in Alaska. I remember canoeing down the Yukon River with my dad for two weeks the summer I turned 14, and it was so hard to keep track of time because there was no traditional sunrise or sunset. Instead, in an otherworldly fashion, the sun circled the horizon over and over.
My early education had a particular uniqueness to it. My parents, who valued education above all else, enrolled me in an Optional Elementary School where students were encouraged to develop critical thinking and self-directed learning skills. Building on this approach, my middle school, Atheneum, taught the Socratic Seminar method. For example, I didn’t have a traditional geometry book; I learned geometry by way of Euclid through postulates and theorems. It was an environment where we were encouraged to connect the content to our own experiences and incorporate the joy of learning, reasoning, and original thinking everywhere in our lives. Next, I attended East Anchorage High School, the most diverse school in the U.S., where I was enrolled in a “School Within a School,” a cohesive learning community. Throughout my adolescent education, I was consistently empowered toward independent thinking, community involvement, and lifelong learning.
I have two brothers (Ari and Thanos), and I remember my dad reminding me throughout my childhood that there was nothing they could do mentally that I couldn’t do. So, when he would teach us things, whether tying a fishing knot or changing a flat tire, he would teach and test all of us. I also grew up with three boys next door (Trenton, Tyler, and Tanner), so our neighborhood crew consisted of five boys and me. It was a lot like the movie, “Little Giants”… I guess you could say I became comfortable being in male-dominated environments from a young age.
I was incredibly active; my parents left very little time for me to get into trouble. Before and after school on any given day, I might be at practice or rehearsal for any combination of soccer, tennis, violin, orchestra, symphony, theater, and tai chi. I was an All-State athlete in both soccer and tennis. I was also immersed in a rich Greek culture through music, food, religion, folk dance, and travel. And in the summers, the only television in our home was intentionally disconnected by my parents, forcing my brothers and me outside, often to the stream in our backyard. As a result, we learned to appreciate nature, the bounty it provides, and its absolute authority over everything. These experiences created an appreciation for nature, health, and wellness, as well as for art and culture that I continue to carry with me today.
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
When I finished my five-year undergraduate degree in architecture, I was intimidated by engineering and construction at large. However, I have always had a knack for seeing challenges as opportunities, and I enjoy pushing myself out of my comfort zone — that mentality has served me well in my career. I faced my lack of confidence head-on by getting a master’s degree in civil engineering. I intentionally began my career with a heavy, civil, self-perform contractor working on a design-build project. When I think back on that time, what I was experiencing was a fear of the unknown. I have learned you cannot reach your full potential by staying in your comfort zone. When I push myself to the edge of my limits, that is when I grow the most.
I have great admiration for nature, specifically for water bodies. I believe it is by nature that we can learn, advance, replicate, and scale our actions to address goals. It is by nature that we can prepare ourselves most responsibly for the future.
Being born and raised in Alaska, I deeply appreciate nature and humankind’s ability to design, build, and create infrastructure in some of the world’s harshest conditions.
I have developed a deep respect for the Alaskan Native cultures — and the people who have lived on and from this land for centuries, particularly the coastal communities.
Growing up with a stream in my backyard, I remember observing wildlife with endless curiosity.
I live on the Hudson River now and still find myself pacing the shoreline at low tide, observing critters and nature’s forces on built infrastructure. To experience the coastline as a living, breathing being before and after storms is humbling.
Living and working in the New York Metro area, it can be easy to miss “nature,” but anywhere there is water, sure enough, there is nature.
The waterfront is a dynamic zone. As a result, coastal regions have inherent vulnerabilities, repeatedly and constantly exposed to raw, often unpredictable natural forces while serving as nature’s infrastructure and humanity’s most natural infrastructure. So, it’s deserving of our specialized attention. And I have thoroughly enjoyed focusing my career on this typology.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
My career allowed me to live and work abroad in the Middle East. An experience I would highly recommend for young professionals, especially architects, both personally and professionally. Being open to learning about new cultures expands and exercises creative muscles.
I left the industry entirely for a year to launch and operate a cooking school with my husband. To be in a completely different industry but experience firsthand how basic business principles transcend industry was a valuable experience.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
First, I genuinely believe everyone writes their own recipe for success. Each of us comes to the table with a different approach, skillset, and manner of execution. These are three that have helped me:
Intuition. My intuitive personality energizes my imagination, helping me develop creative strategies and motivating me to explore things deeply — whether it’s an intellectual pursuit, challenges at the office, or even a crazy scheme or thought experiment. I am driven to understand and create. I enjoy switching between speculative musing and tactical problem-solving. I am imaginative and open-minded and enjoy focusing on distant possibilities and what it takes to achieve them.
Initiative. Being a leader is hard if you’re waiting to be told what to do. Taking initiative is a form of self-empowerment — a skill and lifestyle I have been encouraged to explore since primary school. Before I launched Indigo River, I spent a lot of time reflecting on what was important to me and what was holding me back. In the same way that it is rare to meet a truly interesting person who has had an easy life, I have learned that no one gets handed a meaningful career — I had to take the initiative, work for it, and create it.
Integrity. What I do when no one is looking or asking. It’s the standard I hold myself to. It’s not something I show people necessarily; it’s how I behave behind the scenes. For example, when in doubt about something, I usually ask myself, “will this action reflect my values?” The answer becomes clear to me with this approach.
In one of my previous roles, I had given notice and was wrapping up and handing off responsibilities. On my last day, my manager called me into his office at noon and asked what I could possibly still be working on. I listed peripheral projects and initiatives I had been championing outside my normal billable responsibilities. Everything needed to be transitioned and not lost because of a ball I dropped. He finally sent me home several hours later. Several years later, that manager became my business partner — integrity matters.
OK, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you help articulate a few of the biggest obstacles or challenges you’ve had to overcome being in a male-dominated industry?
Not being heard. Being talked over. I cannot count the number of times I voice something, only to be spoken over or simply ignored and not heard. As if the frequency of my natural voice is not resonating. It is eye-opening how many times what I say is later repeated by a man and then met with a positive response — even celebrated. I’ve been met with wide eyes by fellow women in the room when this happens as if we’re in the Twilight Zone; ladies, we need to speak up and help each other overcome these offensive obstacles! We need to ask ourselves: “If not now, when? If not me, who?” My ability to adapt to these settings and quite literally change my voice by lowering its pitch has helped, but it shouldn’t be necessary.
When I worked in the Middle East, early in the project, I had a local team member, a subordinate, tell me he “wouldn’t take orders from a woman,” and specifically, that it was against his religion. It took me a moment to think about how to respond; while I wasn’t there to contest his religion or change a culture, I was there to get a job done. Thankfully, I had a supportive team from the U.S. that reinforced the chain of command, and we came to a resolution. I am an American, and I am proud to be an American Woman. But I am also a global citizen and respect that different cultures have different norms, which sometimes conflict. What transcends culture is developing a sense of TEAM and camaraderie while working together, aligned, toward a specific goal.
Not having access to female role models early in my career was an obstacle. It is one of the reasons publications like this and like Madame Architect are so valuable to diversity in the workforce. The media plays a role here, too; I am grateful for the movies I watched as a kid, like Father of the Bride, Mrs. Doubtfire, and One Fine Day, that depicted [fictional] women Architects. However, while I was fortunate to have identified various role models, I did not have direct access to women architects in leadership for most of my early career. For this reason, I always engage when I am approached by young women in the industry today who can relate and want to have a conversation.
Can you share a few of the things you have done to gain acceptance among your male peers and the general work community? What did your female co-workers do? Can you share some stories or examples?
Focus on the work itself and not who is doing the work.
I had a coach tell me early in my soccer career that he wasn’t coaching girls; he was coaching athletes. I’ve carried this mentality into my work: I’m an architect, an engineer, and a contractor. The English language categorizes these nouns as common gender; why shouldn’t we?
I didn’t seek acceptance. Instead, I aimed for the quality of my work to stand on merit alone.
We all get a dopamine hit through external praise; however, I prefer to be successful in my work rather than being constantly validated.
Cultivate Confidence. The quickest way to acquire self-confidence is to do exactly what scares you. And often, it’s what others are afraid to do as well.
Much of my career has been focused on doing things outside my comfort zone. The funny thing is the more you do outside your comfort zone, the more comfortable it becomes.
What do you think male-oriented organizations can do to enhance their recruiting efforts to attract more women?
Encourage parents (especially fathers) to take parental leave. Demonstrate and recognize responsibilities outside of work and encourage both parents to be active. Partners must share equal responsibility in the workplace and the home to effect meaningful systemic change.
Promote deserving women into leadership positions and transparently acknowledge and recognize the value they contribute to the organization.
OK thank you for all of that. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry?” (Please share a story or example for each.)
Develop Thick Skin. Don’t take “it” personally. Remember, how people treat you reflects them, not you.
I’ve been inappropriately spoken to, even yelled at, in professional work settings multiple times in my career. The first time it happened was in a field trailer on a construction site. I was so shaken that I didn’t want to return to work. It took me time to understand that I hadn’t done anything to warrant the treatment I received. Some professionals, often in management, don’t know the best way to express themselves. You cannot take it personally.
2. Good Company. No one thrives alone. Allies, mentors, and friends, sooner or later, you reflect the company you keep. Surround yourself with people who lift you higher. Make a concerted effort to support other women.
I have seen a direct correlation between the company I keep and the quality of my work. When I feel challenged and inspired, I become driven and motivated; that chemistry is contagious. You may have felt depleted if you have ever been on a team with a toxic source.
3. Find and use your voice. Know and say exactly what you want.
I once voiced my ambition to be at the executive level within five years, and the response was less than encouraging (to put it lightly). I realized that for every goal, there is a path; we must fervently advocate for ourselves to find and walk that path. In this case, I advocated for myself and did not hear a reasonable response, which told me enough to know my energy would be better invested elsewhere. Nobody will care more about your career than you.
4. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
While our work may be serious, we must give ourselves the grace to learn to fail — and to be okay with it. When we fail, we learn, and we grow. By taking this approach, I have permitted myself to be aimlessly curious and explore what that means to my career.
When my business partner, Shea Thorvaldsen, and I first got together to brainstorm ideas for Indigo River (and our sister company TMS Waterfront), we asked ourselves, “why are we doing this?” and “what do we want out of this?” A recurring theme was that we both wanted to have fun, enjoy our work, and enjoy the company of those with whom we work. There is no rule that good work comes from misery; quite the opposite, actually — many studies validate that happy people who care about their work perform better and are more productive. We have embraced this concept, and it has served us well.
Invest in yourself and invest in those around you. Seek to be worth knowing rather than be well known. Similarly, care about being respected more than being liked. Why would you expect your employer to invest in you if you are not investing in yourself?
When I was starting down the road toward becoming a licensed architect, I had no support from my manager. I had been studying during non-work hours, procured all study materials and exams at my own expense, and used personal time off (vacation) days to sit for over 20 hours of examinations. It was clear early in the process that licensure would not help my career at THAT firm. However, it was part of my plan and reflected my ambition. Following licensure, continuing education remains a core value of mine. I participate in several industry committees in areas that I am passionate about. I am an avid reader, listen to relevant podcasts, and watch pertinent documentaries. If we are not actively growing and evolving, we are doing a disservice to ourselves and our future by stunting our growth potential.
One of my driving motivations is to give others a better circumstance than I had. Of course, this manifests itself in different ways, but one example is how my firm approaches continuing education and licensure. We are generous, far beyond industry standards. We see our team members as extensions of our team and assets to our company. By encouraging and incentivizing continuing education and licensure, we reflect our stance that team members are valued, and as their value increases, so does ours as a firm.
If you had a close woman friend who came to you with a choice of entering a field that is male-dominated or female-dominated, what would you advise her? Would you advise a woman friend to start a career in a field or industry that’s traditionally been mostly men? Can you explain what you mean?
Absolutely! We have a societal duty to develop representation in these fields. It is essential to have diverse representation across industries and at all levels, particularly in the industries that shape the built environment. Diversity and representation matter because outstanding leadership requires empathy. Empathy requires the ability to perceive, understand, and feel the emotional states of others, and how can we do that if an industry is only represented by 50% of the population?
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, V.C. funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the U.S. with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Neri Oxman
Oxman’s work is revolutionary, and it inspires me. She focuses on material ecology, specifically “biologically inspired and engineered design”.
The world’s climate is the bedrock of our civilization. Meeting the needs of society without breaching the earth’s ecological boundaries demands a paradigm shift. Architects must design buildings, cities, and infrastructure systems as indivisible components of a larger, constantly regenerating, self-sustaining system in balance with broader society and, most importantly, the natural world. Change in engineering, design, and planning is required in cities with their complex infrastructure of buildings, roads, waste, and energy systems.
My vision for our future conforms to democratic civic values; nothing is more important. A successful future will have designed solutions that respond to local conditions yet retain universal and civic values. One must think civically to exercise a set of values and a responsibility to culture, society, and ecology. A thorough recalibration of the architect’s craft will be required to warrant our involvement in more meaningful aspects of future-making beyond buildings. And I believe Oxman’s approach leads us in the right direction to navigate our path forward by actively listening to the living world around us, ultimately creating positive change through nature-inspired solutions.
Women Of The C-Suite: Kathy Roberts of Switch Reward Card On The Five Things You Need To Succeed As A Senior Executive
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
The first thing I wish someone had told me before I started is to never assume that other people will have the same ground rules or morals as you. During my time in the consumer credit industry, I witnessed the people around me making decisions or conducting business in a way I thought was inappropriate or unnecessary. I had to step back and remind myself that they were not me. So, I can’t expect them to hold themselves to my personal or professional standards.
As a part of our interview series called “Women Of The C-Suite”, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kathy Roberts.
The CEO of Switch Reward Card, Kathy Roberts is a pioneer in the consumer credit card industry with Discover Card and served as President and Chief Operations Officer of Discover Bank from 2000 to 2006. Ms. Roberts now applies those same skills and work ethic to the emerging digital currency market.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
After working in the consumer credit industry for over 20 years, I realized how much the world of banking had changed. I recall being fascinated the first time someone sent me a cryptocurrency, and it was immediately deposited in my account. Just witnessing that made me wonder what this new method could do for others who are unable or unwilling to use the traditional banking methods commonly seen in the mainstream.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company?
Yes, I recall Scott Touchton, our VP of Sales and Marketing, sending me a video of him purchasing a burrito with the Switch Reward Card, which is currently in beta testing. It was mind-boggling to me because I got to see this project we had spent so much time and effort working on in real time.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I try hard not to make mistakes, but they have happened in the past. For example, I recall a time when my team and I chose the incorrect vendor for a project. My intuition had told me not to pick them from the beginning, but they were considered the best in our industry. Unfortunately, that vendor did not materialize, and we fared better with the second-best vendor. The most important lesson I took away from that experience was to trust myself and my intuition when it tells me something is wrong or right. That lesson is something I have used in many aspects of my professional life, from hiring new employees to developing a new strategy.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
There are so many people I am grateful for, from family to friends to co-workers, both past and present. But it is my father who, I believe, helped set me on this track. When I was younger, he asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I distinctly remember stating that I wanted to be the President of the United States. He didn’t laugh or tell me I couldn’t, but instead, he sincerely responded, “Okay, we’ll work that.” And I am incredibly grateful for the genuine encouragement I received from him then and continue to receive from those around me.
Leadership often entails making difficult decisions or hard choices between two apparently good paths. Can you share a story with us about a hard decision or choice you had to make as a leader?
Yes, when I was deciding on my next steps for my career, I received a job offer from a previous employer to be a C-Suite executive in their Human Resources department. While I was flattered, I promptly declined the position. I remember getting a call from the employer saying, “You know this is a C-Suite level position, right?” But I couldn’t accept it because I knew that was not what I wanted to do and not where I wanted to be.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Most of our readers — in fact, most people — think they have a pretty good idea of what a CEO or executive does. But in just a few words can you explain what an executive does that is different from the responsibilities of the other leaders?
To me, an executive, especially a CEO, is not only a leader but also a visionary and protector. An executive must be able to see years into the future for their company and strategize accordingly. But, in the same vein, they must also be able to protect the people they work with and ensure they have everything they need to succeed.
What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about being a CEO or executive? Can you explain what you mean?
The biggest myth about being a CEO is the belief that it’s this glamorous position where all you do is sit back and oversee the business. And for me, that couldn’t be further from the truth. As a CEO, I am consistently involved in everything that goes on for Switch Reward Card. Being an executive is hard work and requires a level of sacrifice that is anything but glamorous.
In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges faced by women executives that aren’t typically faced by their male counterparts?
In my opinion, the biggest challenge for female executives is that we are frequently underestimated. However, I believe that this challenge can also be turned into a female executives’ source of strength. I think that realizing that you will be underestimated, particularly when in comparison to your male counterparts, allows you to surprise people when you are fully prepared for a situation and knowledgeable about your business.
What is the most striking difference between your actual job and how you thought the job would be?
For me, the most noticeable difference is the absence of the human element in the post-COVID workplace. When I first started as CEO, I imagined myself attending business lunches and engaging in face-to-face conversations with clients and coworkers alike. But now, everything is done via Zoom or email.
Is everyone cut out to be an executive? In your opinion, which specific traits increase the likelihood that a person will be a successful executive and what type of person should avoid aspiring to be an executive? Can you explain what you mean?
I’ve never been one to cut anyone’s aspirations short, so I believe everyone has the potential to be an executive. However, it is important to state that becoming an executive does require a certain level of commitment and drive that not everyone is willing to make. While being intelligent and self-confident are important traits to have, for me, you need that true passion for your work to succeed as an executive.
What are your “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Started” and why? (Please share a story or example for each.)
The first thing I wish someone had told me before I started is to never assume that other people will have the same ground rules or morals as you. During my time in the consumer credit industry, I witnessed the people around me making decisions or conducting business in a way I thought was inappropriate or unnecessary. I had to step back and remind myself that they were not me. So, I can’t expect them to hold themselves to my personal or professional standards.
Second, do not let your nerves get the best of you, and do not focus too much on every little worry you have. I know this can be especially hard not to do because, as an executive, you are responsible for so much. But it is essential to be kind to yourself and remember you’re not always going to be perfect or have the correct answer.
Third, put your health and well-being first. I think it is easy for executives to become workaholics and neglect themselves for the sake of the job. But the greatest way to ensure you’re doing the best job you can is to ensure you are in the best place you can be physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Fourth, have faith in yourself no matter what. In the executive position, it becomes second nature to doubt yourself and your work, but self-doubt will not help you improve, but believing in your skillset will. So, I think remaining as your biggest supporter even when you make mistakes.
The fifth and final thing I wish someone would have told me is that you don’t have to sacrifice everything to be successful in the C-Suite. I feel like many executives, especially women executives, must place everything else in their life on the back burner in order to climb the corporate ladder. Nevertheless, I think it’s crucial for executives to understand the value of a healthy work-life balance.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
I would want to inspire people to be kind. No matter what a person looks like, where they come from, or their beliefs, be kind because you never know what someone is battling, and your kindness can make a difference in their life. I remember one time when I was out with my son, and I saw this man with a giant rainbow mohawk, and I said, “I love your hair!” And the way his face broke out into a big smile just from that small comment is something I’ll never forget.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them
Andrea Merkel is someone I would love to sit down and talk with. The way she conducts herself and does her job with such determination and grace is something I find exceptionally admirable.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Alexandra Kathryn Mosca & Doris Amen of The Morte Girls On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
Be gender neutral. By that we mean, don’t blame your lack of immediate success on your gender. It’s easy to fall back on that, but that’s likely not the reason. Such self-limiting excuses as “I didn’t get hired because I’m a woman,” no longer cuts it.
In the United States in 2022, fields such as Aircraft piloting, Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, Finance, and Information technology, are still male-dominated industries. For a woman who is working in a male-dominated environment, what exactly does it take to thrive and succeed? In this interview series, we are talking to successful women who work in a Male-Dominated Industry who can share their stories and experiences about navigating work and life as strong women in a male-dominated industry. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Alexandra Kathryn Mosca and Doris V. Amen, known as “The Morte Girls” are two high-profile New York City funeral directors. Alexandra is the author of three books and writes regularly about funeral service. Doris has been the subject of numerous documentaries, and in 2015 she self-published a compendium of some of her lighter moments spent in funeral service.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
We were each raised in a suburb of New York City. A well-rounded education was important to both our sets of parents. In addition to the required curriculum, Doris studied music and art, and discovered she had an aptitude for both. My days were filled with ballet, French, Greek, and creative writing lessons. Looking back, we were clearly being prepared for careers in the arts, or at least more traditional (read: female) careers. Interestingly, for Doris, the art lessons came in handy later in her work as a funeral director. “I’m a frustrated artist. In that respect I use my aptitude for art to embellish and personalize funerals.”
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
We’d like to tell you that, as little girls, we buried our Barbie dolls in shoeboxes (laughs) but that’s not the case. Funeral director, as a career choice, was definitely not on our radar.
Still, we both vividly remember the first funerals we attended. For me, it was my grandmother’s, when I was nine. The image of her lying in a gleaming metal casket, dressed in her favorite blue dress, remains indelible.
Doris recalls, at the age of 11, attending the wake of her teacher’s six-year-old daughter who died from meningitis. “The whole school attended, “ she recalls. “I’ll never forget the small white casket holding a child younger than me. It was a little surreal.”
Years later, those first experiences came to mind when, tangentially at first, funeral service entered our lives. Doris got engaged to a mortuary student; helping him with his studies sparked her own interest in becoming a funeral director. In my case, it was an after-school job as a receptionist in a funeral home that put me on the path to becoming a funeral director.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I turned my early negative experiences into a book. My 2003 memoir, Grave Undertakings was cathartic and now serves as a reminder of how far women have come.
Doris bought a funeral home and became one of the few female funeral home owners in New York City, and the only one in her immediate area. All these years later, the business she is still going strong.
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
Resilience. No matter how many times we got knocked down — and we often were — we didn’t let that stop us.
Empathy. In our line of work, empathy is paramount.
Sincerity. If you’re not sincere, people will see right through you.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you help articulate a few of the biggest obstacles or challenges you’ve had to overcome while working in a male-dominated industry?
If ever there was a male-dominated industry, surely it would be funeral service. When we began our careers as funeral directors, it was rare to see other female faces, and we were left to our own devices –and instincts — to find our place within the industry.The perception alone that women could not be funeral directors was a huge obstacle. In the early years of our employment, families would come into the funeral home and ask to speak with a funeral director. Upon explaining to them that we were in fact funeral directors, they were not convinced. It was not only our gender that worked against us, but our age as well. In funeral service, youth is not the asset it may be in other fields.
Merely getting hired was an exercise in frustration. Funeral home owners were primarily male, and the reasons they gave not to hire us ranged from: you won’t be able to do the required physical work, you would be a distraction to the male employees, and my wife would not like it if I hired you.
Additionally, there were a dearth of female images and role models. The ad campaign “If you can see her, you can be her” was years away. Female funeral directors were not generally depicted on television or in movies.
In those days, our choice of career was challenging, and we were discouraged at every turn. Still, it was a challenge we were determined to meet
Can you share a few of the things you have done to gain acceptance among your male peers and the general work community? What did your female co-workers do? Can you share some stories or examples?
Above all, we worked with our male colleagues, not against them. Ours was never an adversarial relationship; something we can’t emphasize enough. Early on, we realized that we were entering their territory, and if we wanted to earn their respect and show that we were up to the tasks at hand, we’d have to get down in the trenches with them. In funeral service that translated to embalming bodies side by side, traveling to morgues in dangerous neighborhoods late at night, and navigating roads in storms to make a removal at a deceased’s family residence. We were not looking for –and never asked for — special treatment or accommodations. If you say you are there to do a job, you can’t fall back on your gender when things get tough.
As for female co-workers, we had none. What’s more, there was an unfortunate lack of camaraderie and support from the few other female funeral director’s we encountered. We hope that is no longer the case.
What do you think male-oriented organizations can do to enhance their recruiting efforts to attract more women?
In funeral service, it’s not so much a question of recruiting more women -–it’s about recruiting the right women. There’s a holy host of young –and not so young — women on social media who seem to think working in funeral service is one big Halloween party, and they want to join the party. It most certainly is not, and that perception does a great injustice to the families we serve, and the industry at large. It is obvious that these women, making light of a very serious subject, have no sincere interest in funeral service.
We need to attract serious-minded women who want to be of service to others, and who have the necessary selflessness. This is a 24/7 lifestyle, and not an easy one to adapt to. You don’t just walk into a funeral home and declare your career intention without getting a true picture of what the business is about, and what it requires of a person.
To that end, we believe it’s vital that those contemplating a career observe a day (or more) in the life of a funeral director to get a true picture. Some who express an interest turn out to be ill-equipped to deal with the reality of a career in funeral service.
“There’s a perception that funeral home owners sit around and make phone calls, delegating the most difficult parts of our work to others,” Doris has said. Of course, that’s simply not so. It takes tremendous dedication, sacrifice, and commitment.
Ok thank you for all of that. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry?” (Please share a story or example for each.)
Be gender neutral. By that we mean, don’t blame your lack of immediate success on your gender. It’s easy to fall back on that, but that’s likely not the reason. Such self-limiting excuses as “I didn’t get hired because I’m a woman,” no longer cuts it.
Believe in yourself and your abilities. Don’t let anyone tell you can’t do something.
Respect your colleagues. Do not disparage or backstab others in your field.
Follow the Golden Rule. There’s a lot to be said for treating others with the same kindness and concern you’d like to be treated with.
Have a thick skin. Don’t take things personally; they usually aren’t meant that way.
If you had a close woman friend who came to you with a choice of entering a field that is male-dominated or female-dominated, what would you advise her? Would you advise a woman friend to start a career in a field or industry that’s traditionally been mostly men? Can you explain what you mean?
We’d tell her to go for it as she was doing it for the right reasons. By that we mean: because it’s a field that truly interests her. It’s doubtful that embarking on a career just to prove something would result in much job satisfaction. Choose a career that is rewarding and feeds your soul. If it also breaks ground and paves the way for other women (as our careers have ) then that’s a bonus.
Have you seen things change for women working in male-dominated industries, over the past ten years? How do you anticipate that it might improve in the future? Can you please explain what you mean?
We have seen drastic changes in funeral service. Women now outnumber men in mortuary schools across the country. Curiously, however, some women new to funeral service continue to see themselves as novelties. It’s unclear if that’s an excuse for not moving ahead, or a bid for attention. Whatever the reason, we believe that such a mindset holds one back. Unfortunately, the Press is often complicit in this misconception. Newspaper articles abound in which women are covered as if their employment status is unusual and astonishing. Such articles frankly strike us as ignorant and anachronistic. What’s more, they do all professional women a disservice.
These days, Being female is non-traditional industries is no longer the impediment it once was. It’s rare, if at all, for a woman to be held back by gender, at least in our industry.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Hands down, we choose Judge Jeanine Pirro. She’s a formidable and highly accomplished woman who had held her head high during personal and professional crises. A straight shooter, she holds her own with her male colleagues and clearly has the respect of her peers.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
Thriving As A Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry: Kristen Shirley of La Patiala On The Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry
An Interview With Candice Georgiadis
Be social and friendly. Being a woman in a male-dominated business can be intimidating, but I’ve never been shy about walking up to people, introducing myself, and finding a way to connect with them. Once you make a connection, it’s easier to get to know more people, find allies, and build your relationships and reputation.
In the United States in 2022, fields such as Aircraft piloting, Agriculture, Architecture, Construction, Finance, and Information technology, are still male-dominated industries. For a woman who is working in a male-dominated environment, what exactly does it take to thrive and succeed? In this interview series, we are talking to successful women who work in a Male-Dominated Industry who can share their stories and experiences about navigating work and life as strong women in a male-dominated industry. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Kristen Shirley.
Kristen Shirley is an expert on luxury goods and travel. Her comprehensive writings have appeared in many of the world’s top print and digital publications, including Forbes.com, Bloomberg Businessweek, Travel + Leisure, Departures, Robb Report, Nobleman, Iconic Life, The World of Fine Wine, BusinessInsider.com, Watchonista.com, and Editorialist.com. Now as the founder of La Patiala, Kristen shares the knowledge she has accumulated through years of experience in an easy-to-understand way, so that luxury is accessible to everyone.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your childhood “backstory”?
My family moved around quite a bit when I was growing up, which was a wonderful experience. I was exposed to so many different places and cultures at a young age, which instilled a sense of curiosity about the world. I went to high school outside of London, and it was the first time I was really immersed in fashion and luxury. It was then that I knew I wanted to work in the luxury world.
Can you tell us the story about what led you to this particular career path?
I started my career as a fashion assistant at ELLE magazine in New York, which I loved. I worked there as an editor for several years, then moved to Elite Traveler, a luxury lifestyle publication. There, I began to cover different markets, including travel, wine, spirits, watches, and jewelry. I quickly became fascinated with the craftsmanship and stories behind these experiences and products. Now, I’m most passionate about luxury goods, which is why I launched La Patiala, the luxury encyclopedia. I love educating people about luxury, helping them find more beauty in the world, and giving them the confidence to enjoy luxury experiences and products.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I’ve had the opportunity to travel all over the world, which has been amazing. One of my most unique experiences was catching a lobster with a lasso while scuba diving in Nevis. I also went skiing with Bode Miller!
You are a successful business leader. Which three character traits do you think were most instrumental to your success? Can you please share a story or example for each?
I’m passionate, detail-oriented, and curious.
I am extremely passionate about what I do and always strive to put out the best product possible. Being so passionate about my work elevates everything I do to the highest level. I will do whatever it takes to become an expert in my field and create the best product I can. While I strive to have a good work-life balance, at times, I know that’s just not possible, and I’ll be working early in the morning or late at night to get things done. If you want to be successful, you need to do whatever it takes (within reason, of course).
In the luxury world, details matter. I’m extremely organized, a bit of a perfectionist, and I notice the little things. If an image is not sized or positioned correctly, it can ruin an entire feature. It might seem like a little thing, but all of the little things add up. Creating a luxury environment is all about the details.
I have always been a curious person. I ask tons of questions, and I’m known for asking questions that stump people. As a journalist, I need to thoroughly understand the topic I’m writing about to provide a valuable service to the reader. I find that asking questions opens the door to even more questions, and finding the answers to all of those questions has helped me become an expert in my field.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. Can you help articulate a few of the biggest obstacles or challenges you’ve had to overcome while working in a male-dominated industry?
In some male-dominated fields, it can be difficult to get men to take you seriously or to believe in your knowledge and capabilities. In the early days of my career, I was interviewing a watch executive who felt the need to explain the basics of watch movements to me. As a watch journalist, it was insulting. He would never have said that to a man. But things have thankfully changed for the better since then. There are far more women writing and in executive roles, which has made a big difference. Today, I let the quality of my work speak for itself.
Can you share a few of the things you have done to gain acceptance among your male peers and the general work community? What did your female co-workers do? Can you share some stories or examples?
Once they understood I was passionate about the industry and knowledgeable about it, they were very welcoming. At first, I really had to advocate for myself. But it’s a small industry, and there aren’t a huge amount of journalists working in luxury watches. After you break into it, it’s really welcoming.
What do you think male-oriented organizations can do to enhance their recruiting efforts to attract more women?
I was shocked to learn that some major watch companies have terrible or non-existent maternity leave policies, so you can imagine what that means for paternity leave too. I find it disappointing that these international brands don’t offer the same benefits to European and American staff. Offering equal pay, flexible schedules, and good benefits are the best ways to recruit more women.
Ok thank you for all of that. Here is the main question of our interview. Based on your opinion and experience, what are the “Five Things You Need To Thrive and Succeed as a Woman In a Male-Dominated Industry?” (Please share a story or example for each.)
1. The talent and knowledge to succeed in the industry. I wouldn’t be taken seriously if I didn’t have a deep knowledge of the industry. Remember, no matter the industry, no one is born knowing everything about it. Everyone has to learn. So put in the time, learn your craft, and work hard.
2. You need to be confident in your talent and abilities and advocate for yourself. If you aren’t invited to a meeting or event you think you should have been at, reach out to the company and nicely request an invitation to the next similar event explaining your credentials and why you think you should be there. But remember, no one owes you an invitation. Be polite and use good judgment in your requests. If it’s a celebrity-filled event, the only guests are executives, and you’re a junior reporter, you probably aren’t at that level yet.
3. Be social and friendly. Being a woman in a male-dominated business can be intimidating, but I’ve never been shy about walking up to people, introducing myself, and finding a way to connect with them. Once you make a connection, it’s easier to get to know more people, find allies, and build your relationships and reputation.
4. Find what makes you unique. I speak French fluently, which has definitely given me a leg up because I can interview Swiss watchmakers and executives who don’t speak English, and many of my colleagues find it impressive. Who knew my college major would be so important to my career?
5. Make female friendships within the industry. I have a lot of amazing female friends in the industry who have supported me since I started. They can advocate for you to their executives, take you under their wing, and help show you the ropes. These relationships are truly invaluable, and have turned into wonderful friendships outside of work as well.
If you had a close woman friend who came to you with a choice of entering a field that is male-dominated or female-dominated, what would you advise her? Would you advise a woman friend to start a career in a field or industry that’s traditionally been mostly men? Can you explain what you mean?
I started my career in the fashion industry, which was mostly women, so it was a shock when I started to work in a male-dominated industry and experienced sexism in the workplace. It definitely upset me. But I had a lot of work experience and was confident in my abilities, so I didn’t let it stop me. It actually inspired me to break in and become successful. I also have a very supportive family, including my dad, who was a business executive before he retired. He helped me navigate tricky situations and gave me confidence when I needed it.
If I had started in a male-dominated industry and was put down or wasn’t given equal opportunities to succeed, I don’t think I would be where I am today. For these reasons, I would be cautious about starting your career at a young age in a male-dominated industry unless it’s known to be very supportive and offer women advancement opportunities or if it’s your dream. Don’t let anyone stop you from pursuing your dreams.
However, if you’re just looking for a job and your options are a male-dominated field that’s known to be toxic or a female-dominated industry, I would pick the latter. Starting your career is scary, and there are so many unknowns. Working with women can be a more supportive environment. Of course, these are just generalizations. I’ve also worked with terrible women who didn’t want to help anyone succeed and wonderful men who have mentored, supported, and championed me.
Have you seen things change for women working in male-dominated industries, over the past ten years? How do you anticipate that it might improve in the future? Can you please explain what you mean?
Even in the past five years, I’ve seen a big change. There are more women working in male-dominated industries, and I see that trend continuing. As these industries become more gender-balanced, I think the work environment will improve for everyone.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
Amy Griffin from G9 Ventures. I really admire her approach to business and the companies she has invested in. Starting a new business is challenging, and I would love to have lunch with her and pick her brain about La Patiala.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
