In today’s dynamic and ever-evolving business landscape, women leaders are not just participating; they are striding their way to the top and in the frontlines, pioneering change and setting new standards of excellence. Their contributions span across industries, and their leadership styles are redefining traditional business norms. Women in Business Statistics: The Ultimate List of 2024 Trends sums up that 42% of all U.S. based businesses are owned by women; Women owned businesses have increased in 114 percentage over the last two decades; About half of all startups in the U.S. are founded by women; and One-third of businesses worldwide are owned by women.
This feature celebrates the breakthroughs and historical moves women are making in the world of business. Know these Founder 1on1 leaders who are breaking barriers, innovating with passion, and inspiring the next generations of Female leaders.
Sabrina Didado Founder of Cosmic Harvest
The rapid growth of the CBD industry over recent years has brought both opportunities and challenges. Among the thriving businesses in this green rush, many face the critical issue of transparency concerning their products. However, Sabrina Didado, the CEO of Cosmic Harvest, is addressing this head-on by committing to educate consumers and actively engage with the community. Her journey from a curious child in Akron, Ohio, to a pioneering leader in the CBD industry is a testament to her passion for nature, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to consumer trust.
Growing up in Akron, Sabrina was a curious and adventurous child, fascinated by the world around her. Her days were filled with outdoor adventures, riding 4-wheelers, hiking, and most importantly, studying the plants that piqued her curiosity. These early experiences cultivated a deep appreciation for nature and laid the foundation for her future endeavors in the CBD industry.
How do you practice showing respect to others as a leader?
It doesn’t matter what role you have or how much money you make, we’re all humans in this universe. We all wake up and go to bed every day. Even if you’re a director, janitor, tech, or lead, we’re all in this together. That’s one thing I want to stress when I build my team: we’re all equal here. We all need to help each other so we can succeed.
GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Sabrina Didado
Sabrina Didado’s journey with Cosmic Harvest is more than just a business success story; it’s a model of responsible leadership and community-centric values. Her dedication to transparency and consumer education sets a new standard in the CBD industry, inspiring others to follow suit.
By blending her passion for nature, business savvy, and commitment to community, Sabrina continues to lead Cosmic Harvest toward a future where trust and transparency are paramount, and where positive change is cultivated through knowledge and engagement. Learn how she is setting new standards in consumer education and ethical practices: How This CEO Is Bringing Much Needed Transparency To The CBD Industry
Jane Owen Founder of Jane Owen Public Relations (JOPR)
With a career spanning multiple continents and a wealth of experience, Jane has become a trailblazer in her career in field of Public Relations, demonstrating the power of confidence, resilience, and vision.
Born in the USA and educated in Greece and England, Jane’s diverse background has profoundly shaped her approach to Public Relations. With a degree from Brunel University in London, she embarked on her career working for prestigious names such as Joan Rolls and Van Cleef & Arpels. In 2002, Jane moved to the US, where she continued to build her impressive portfolio. By 2011, she had founded Jane Owen PR, a firm that has since won multiple awards for its excellence in PR, Social Media, Charitable Engagements, and Entrepreneurship.
What was your biggest challenge when starting your business?
My biggest challenge was my age. I had the experience but it was hard to convince people of that since I was still quite young. I often ignored questions about my age and just focused their attention on my work.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
You will never be younger or have more energy than you do now. Don’t waste it feeling bad thinking about what you don’t have yet. The rest will come. Looks and energy fade.
GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Jane Owen
Jane’s journey into PR began humbly. As she started as a bar back in a London pub cleaning dirty glasses and ashtrays. It was a hard and humbling experience teaching her that she could do anything even if it was a really crappy job. It has instilled a sense of determination and a strong work ethic, which would later become cornerstones of her own success. Her ability to overcome the challenges of her youth, particularly the skepticism surrounding her, underscores her tenacity and focus on proving her value through her dedication to work.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jane is a role model for aspiring female leaders. Her journey highlights the importance of self-belief, hard work, and the courage to pursue one’s passion despite obstacles. To learn more about Jane Owen’s inspiring journey and her impactful work in Public Relations, read our full interview here: Founder Of An Award-Winning Public Relations Agency Ready To Make A Difference
Melanie Igwe Co-Founder of ViuHealth
Melanie Igwe stands out as a dynamic leader and entrepreneur whose work is profoundly impacting patient care. As the driving force behind ViuHealth’s business operations and partnerships, Melanie combines her extensive experience in healthcare and technology to advance innovative solutions for autoimmune diseases. Her journey from digital health startup founder to her current influential role exemplifies her commitment to improving patient outcomes and revolutionizing the healthcare landscape.
Melanie’s career is characterized by a diverse background that seamlessly blends healthcare expertise with technological acumen. She has accumulated over 7 years of invaluable experience across esteemed institutions such as the Texas Medical Center and Harris Health, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the industry.
Being a woman of color in the healthcare and tech space can come with its unique challenges. Can you share your experiences and how they have influenced your leadership style?
Diversity in any industry is essential as it broadens perspectives and leads to better decision-making processes for companies of all sizes. It makes my team more aware of how important it is to have representation from different backgrounds as well as genders across every project or organization we are involved with. Embracing diversity is one of the biggest keys in my leadership style, because it is not only necessary from a moral standpoint but it is also essential for success: greater representation on teams leads to new ideas that can give companies an edge against more homogenous competitors.
GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Intevriew with Melanie Igwe
As a leader and passionate advocate for diversity, Melanie Igwe firmly believes that diversity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage in the business world. Melanie understands that a diverse team brings a wealth of unique experiences and viewpoints, which are crucial for fostering innovation and resilience in today’s competitive market.
Her leadership style is deeply rooted in this belief, advocating for representation from different backgrounds and genders across every project and organization she is involved with. From founding a digital health startup to leading business operations and partnerships at ViuHealth, find out more how she leads with passion and inspiration: From Hospital Data Analyst To Co-Founding ViuHealth: A Journey Revolutionizing Autoimmune Disease Management
Slavica Tudzarova Co-Founder of Metanoia Bio
Slavica’s story is one of blending scientific research with entrepreneurial spirit, reflecting her profound impact as a woman leader in the field of biotechnology. From a young age, Slavica was deeply influenced by her father, a successful entrepreneur in the Macedonian pharmaceutical industry. Growing up, she accompanied him on business trips, where she played a crucial role in translating for him, despite being a small, shy girl. These experiences were formative, instilling in her the values of resilience, discipline, and a passion for innovation.
Her academic and professional pursuits led her through prestigious institutions, where she honed her expertise in cell biology and pharmacology. However, her path took a significant turn as she found herself increasingly drawn to the entrepreneurial aspects of her field. This evolution, a personal enantiodromia, transformed her from a dedicated researcher into a visionary entrepreneur, co-founding Metanoia Bio Inc.
Balancing roles at the University of California-Los Angeles and your co-founding responsibilities at Metanoia Bio Inc must be challenging. How do you manage your time and maintain productivity in both areas?
Building a family while relocating to different countries and continuously learning and advancing my skills taught me the discipline and resilience to get through trying moments. Discipline made the co-existence of my family and continuous education bearable and even pleasant despite the various obstacles. That same discipline makes the dual responsibilities of my academic research and Metanoia Bio both possible and fruitful.
Is there a piece of advice you would give to your younger self at the start of your journey?
I would tell my younger self not to be anxious and frightened of failures and unexpected turns. I would tell myself that I should try to keep a forward momentum without discerning the future while concentrating on every single step.
GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Slavica Tudzarova
At Metanoia Bio Inc., Slavica leverages her dual expertise to solve complex biological problems, advancing the field of biotechnology while also fostering a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration. Her work exemplifies the seamless integration of scientific excellence and business acumen, demonstrating that the two realms can complement and enhance one another.
Innovating at the Intersection of Science and Entrepreneurship, indeed a role model and mentor for aspiring female scientists and entrepreneurs. Explore her story in her Founder 1on1 feature only here: Bridging Biology And Business: Slavica Tudzarova’s Journey From Cell Biology To Biotech Entrepreneurship
Tina Metzger Braxton Founder of Phoenix Raiin
Meet the visionary behind Phoenix Raiin, Tina Metzger Braxton’s life journey is marked by profound adversity, a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of self-healing. Born into a challenging environment in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Tina’s early years were overshadowed by addiction, low self-esteem, childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, chronic pain, and mental health challenges. As a single mother of four, she felt the relentless pressure of these struggles, often feeling that she fell short in her roles as a mother, daughter, wife, and friend.
Six years ago, Tina embarked on a profound journey of self-healing. Despite anticipating more darkness upon returning to Minnesota, she instead found an unexpected light, confronting her severe depression, suicidal thoughts, and significant weight issues with unprecedented courage guiding her towards the beginning of a new, enlightened chapter in her life.
Can you discuss a particularly moving success story from your work with Silent Cry 4 Help?
I want to say that Silent Cry 4 Help will always be my baby, as I was a child, a teenager, a woman, wife, mother, and daughter who truly cried in silence. I would beg for help to get out of what seemed like a lifetime of horror, pain, and despair. I have lived 52 years in survival mode. I always felt as if I had to fight for everything, felt as if I was trapped in a life that I didn’t want anymore.
Phoenix Raiin is Tina Rising out of those ashes, the pain, and the trauma to see that she is the definition of beauty, grace, and love. Silent Cry 4 Help was me understanding my pain so that I could begin healing the pain so I could begin walking on purpose… I am she.
GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Tina Metzger Braxton
Today, Tina stands not only as a survivor but as a beacon of hope for others lost in the shadows of their pasts. As Phoenix Raiin, she has dedicated herself to helping others transcend their traumas and embrace their full potential. Her work involves teaching men and women how to rise above their struggles, reflecting her own journey from Tina Metzger to the empowered leader she is today.
Rising from the Ashes! Learn how her transformative experiences can inspire and guide you towards your own path of healing and empowerment: Healing Beyond Boundaries: Tina Metzger Braxton’s Visionary Approach To Overcoming Trauma
Diane Magers CEO of Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA) and Founder of Experience Catalysts
In the realm of Experience Management, Diane has transformed the way organizations approach customer and employee experiences for over 25 years. Her journey, deeply rooted in psychology, has seen her excel in various influential roles, making her an industry leader and a beacon of inspiration for women in business.
Currently, as the founder of Experience Catalysts, Diane continues to drive the evolution of XM. Her work emphasizes the integration of psychological insights into business practices, fostering environments where customer satisfaction and employee engagement are at the forefront.
Managing a successful career while being a devoted mother and spouse can be challenging. How do you strike a balance between your professional and personal life?
Overall, my approach to balance involves a combination of intentional impact management with others, leveraging technology, building a support system, self-care, continuous learning, mentorship, and flexibility.
Building a support system that includes family, friends, colleagues, and mentors has played a vital role. Honest feedback from this network provides perspectives I might not see in my busy life. I’m the first to admit that I am challenged by self-care and well-being as priorities for me. I am learning to build in mindfulness and meditation into my life. And I am focusing hard on learning to say no. And at the end, as women we continue to strive for these personal capabilities, but it is extremely difficult.
GREY Journal’s Founder 1on1 Interview with Diane Magers
This foundation has not only guided Diane’s professional success but also enabled her to balance the demands of leadership with her responsibilities outside work. By prioritizing continuous learning and improvement, she stays adaptable in her role while remaining deeply connected to her family. Diane’s emphasis on building strong networks helps her to navigate challenges effectively, both in the workplace and personal space. Her genuine care for people, a principle she learned early on, is reflected in her leadership style and her approach to family life, ensuring that she maintains a supportive and nurturing environment for her loved ones.
Her story is not just about professional achievements but also about her ability to integrate her values into all aspects of her life, making her an exemplary role model for aspiring female leaders. Discover more inspiring insights and transformative advice from her story exclusively here: From Psychology To CX: Diane Magers’ Journey Of Shaping Exceptional Experiences
A Vision for the Future…
As we look to the future, it is clear that the presence of women in leadership roles will continue to grow. The business world is evolving, and the inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential for innovation, growth, and sustainability. Women leaders are not only contributing to this evolution but are also driving it forward.
The impact of women extends beyond their leadership and business achievements. It comes in many ways and roles that they serve, from the table, at home, and even in the corporate world. The ongoing success of women in leadership roles illustrates a promising shift towards a more equitable and inclusive environment. As we celebrate women in all aspects, we put hopes to the next wave of female pioneers who will continue to reshape the business world for many generations to come.
