Boardsi Reviews the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala: An Unforgettable Experience
“As I reflect on the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, this is my Boardsi Review article which captures the essence of an unforgettable experience.”
Martin Rowinski, Boardsi CEO
There are conferences in business, and then there are conferences that you will never forget. The Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala is definitely in the second group. I had the honor of going to this amazing event with my coworker, Daniel Henry, who is the COO of Boardsi. Boardsi is a company that connects great talent with companies that want to improve their boards.
Inc. 5000 Golf Tournament: A Swing and a Chill
Let me set the scene with a personal note before I get into the main part of the meeting. I love golf, so when I got the chance to play in the Inc. 5000 Golf Tournament at the TPC San Antonio Golf Course, I couldn’t say no. Many people know the TPC San Antonio as the site of the Valero Texas Open, and I was excited to play on this well-known course. There was a twist in the story, though: the day before the competition, a cold front hit San Antonio and made the event very cold. They say that trouble only makes the journey more exciting, though. After a while, I warmed up and really liked the last five holes. Not only did they play golf, but they also got to meet other Inc. 5000 winners and hear their great stories.
Extravaganza for networking: welcome reception and more
It was time for the Kick-Off Welcome reception and the Capital One business customer reception after the golf event. The first meetings set the tone for what was to come: a great chance to meet other businesses, share experiences, and make connections that will be useful.
Day 2: An Insightful Journey
After a hearty breakfast on Day 2, Editor-in-Chief of Inc. Business Media Scott Omelianuk sent a warm welcome note. The best part of the meeting was then: an interesting talk with Deepak Chopra, who started The Chopra Foundation. “The Future of Mental and Physical Health for Entrepreneurs: Preserving Your Long-Term Well-Being” was the subject of the talk that everyone there really connected with. Deepak Chopra gave his formula for good leadership, which is an easy-to-remember word cloud: LEADERS.
L: Look and pay attention.
E: Being emotionally smart.
A: Being aware.
D: Have dreams and act on them.
E: Giving power.
R: Being responsible.
S: Being in sync.
Hearing his thoughts on leadership was not only interesting but also motivating. It was a real pleasure to meet Deepak Chopra in person later.
Alli Webb’s Journey is a story of resilience.
The next big event was Alli Webb’s talk, “THE MESSY AND BEAUTIFUL FUTURE: HOW I SOLD MY BUSINESS FOR MILLIONS BUT ALIKELY ALMOST LOST MYSELF.” Alli Webb, founder of Drybar and author of several best-selling books in the New York Times, talked about her amazing journey and how she learned that being a real leader sometimes means being open and letting go.
Daniel Lubetzky’s Thoughts on Kind Leadership
The talk by Daniel Lubetzky, founder of Kind Snacks and Camino Partners, on “THE FUTURE OF KIND (NOT NICE) LEADERSHIP” was another important moment. Lubetzky talked about why a company’s social purpose can be a good thing, but it can’t be everything. It was a reminder that success isn’t just about making money; it’s also about having a cause and making the world a better place.
Lots and lots of connections
The conference pressed on with its lineup of outstanding speakers and invaluable lessons. However, one of the true highlights lay in the opportunity to form new connections. With so many passionate business owners in attendance, it almost felt preordained that meaningful encounters would take place.
Meeting fellow entrepreneurs was an absolute delight, and it often felt like fate had brought us all together. What made these interactions even more special was the chance to reunite with some of our esteemed Boardsi clients. Among them were companies that we’ve had the privilege of working with, contributing to their success and aiding them in achieving the prestigious Inc. 5000 status. These encounters were a testament to the impact of our services and the role we played in helping them recruit executives who played pivotal roles in their journey to success.
Additionally, we had the pleasure of connecting with executives who are part of our exclusive Elite Executive Boardsi network. While some had already secured coveted board seats, others remained patient, awaiting the perfect opportunity. Their feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the exceptional service they receive and their understanding of the time and patience required to secure the right board position.
These face-to-face meetings allowed us to put real faces to the names in our extensive database, creating lasting memories and reinforcing the importance of the connections we foster. It was an experience that will forever remain etched in my memory.
As we reflect on our participation in the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, these interactions serve as a reminder of the relationships, partnerships, and successes that Boardsi continues to facilitate. We remain committed to our mission of connecting outstanding talent with organizations, thereby elevating boardrooms, stimulating innovation, and propelling success.
Day 3: A Strong End
Jennifer Garner, co-founder and chief brand officer of Once Upon a Farm, and John Foraker, co-founder and CEO of Once Upon a Farm, spoke at “YOUR NEXT MOVE: DISRUPTION FOR A HEALTHIER FUTURE – IMPROVING AND EXPANDING NUTRITIOUS OPTIONS FOR ALL AGES” on the last day of the conference. Their conversation, which was led by Beatrice Dixon, co-founder and CEO of The Honey Pot Company, focused on how important it is to be an entrepreneur with a purpose. I really related to Jennifer Garner’s ideas about how hard it is to grow a business while staying true to its goal. Her message made me think more about something I talk about a lot: how important it is to have a clear and good goal.
Gala and red carpet for a night to remember
The Inc. 5000 Conference brought another round of festivities, including Inc. interviews on the vibrant red carpet and a visit to the Inc. Masters booth. Reuniting with the individuals I had collaborated with for months felt like a heartwarming gathering of old friends. The grand finale, the dinner and Gala, offered a splendid opportunity to don a tuxedo and revel in our achievements. Strolling down the red carpet amidst a sea of fellow Inc. 5000 winners evoked a deep sense of pride and camaraderie.
A Meeting to Remember
We went to a lot of conferences, which is pretty cool for someone like me who lives in Las Vegas. But I really believe the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala was one of the best. Not only was it well-organized, but it also had a purpose. The Gala had everything: chances to meet new people and form partnerships; fun things to do; and useful information to learn.
Those of you who made the Inc. 5000 list but didn’t make it to the event should definitely do so next year. As we celebrate Boardsi’s spot at #640 on the Inc. 5000 list and share this Boardsi review of the event from our point of view, I raise a glass to the Inc. 5000 Conference & Gala, a five-star event. May 2024 be a year of great success at work for all of us. Let’s go on our trips and make the future together.
Speaking at Princeton University
Exciting news! Off to the Big Apple today for some important meetings, followed by an incredible speaking engagement at none other than Princeton University! Feeling grateful for this amazing opportunity to share my insights and connect with new people. Stay tuned for updates and behind-the-scenes peeks! #NewYork #PrincetonUniversity #speakerlife #grateful #opportunities #networking
Leadership Talks: Women in Venture Capital – Insights from Leading Women Veterans
I’m excited to share with you all about the fantastic webinar event that I hosted on April 19th. As the moderator, I had the pleasure of leading a panel of four leading women veterans of the C-suite leadership ecosystem, where we discussed a range of governance topics with a focus on enhancing balance, expertise, and composition in the critical board environment of private and public companies.
During the webinar, we covered three insightful segments that focused on the historical perspective of women in the VC industry, building diverse teams, and nurturing the next generation of female founders and board members. One of the highlights of the event was hearing from the panelists about the people they admire in the VC industry and the valuable lessons they have learned from them.
A Short Preview of the Webinar: https://boardsi.com/short-preview-leadership-talks-women-in-venture-capital-webinar/
Full Webinar: https://boardsi.com/leadership-talks-women-in-venture-capital-webinar/
At Boardsi, we’re committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the VC industry, and we believe that nurturing the next generation of female founders and board members is essential for driving real impact. We’re grateful to all our panelists and attendees who joined us for this fantastic event.
If you missed out on the webinar, you can catch a short preview of it on our website, and the full webinar is available for viewing as well. This webinar marks the beginning of an exciting journey for us at Boardsi as we enter the VC community and launch a new initiative to promote diversity within the board sector and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates on our upcoming events, and thank you for your time!
8 Strategies for Developing a Strong Personal Brand
Creating a strong personal brand can help you stand out, establish credibility and advance your career.
As an entrepreneur, you can use your personal brand to your advantage in several ways. It’s an expression of your values, personality and unique selling proposition (USP) that can help you stand out from the competition. In the digital age we live in now, it’s important to have a strong personal brand if you want to be successful in business and stay relevant in a crowded market.
According to studies, a person’s personal brand can significantly impact both the reputation of their employer and their career success. For example:
- A study by LinkedIn found that professionals with a strong personal brand are more likely to be hired and promoted. The study found that “50% of professionals with a strong personal brand received interest from new employers compared to only 14% of those with a weak personal brand.”
- A survey conducted by CareerBuilder found that “57% of employers are less likely to interview a candidate they can’t find online.” This highlights the importance of having a strong online presence and personal brand.
- A study by Weber Shandwick found that “49% of executives believe a strong CEO personal brand is critical to their company’s overall reputation.” This highlights the importance of personal branding not only for individuals but also for the companies they represent.
- A study by HubSpot found that “companies with a strong CEO personal brand generate 11% more shareholder return than their competitors.”
These studies show how personal branding can affect professional success and a company’s reputation. By building a strong personal brand, entrepreneurs can set themselves apart from their competitors, gain credibility and help their businesses succeed.
Strategies for developing your personal brand
To build a strong personal brand, you should spend time and energy building your brand identity, establishing your online presence, creating compelling content, networking and collaborating, being genuine and consistent, developing your leadership skills, embracing your unique point of view and asking for feedback.
1. Define your brand identity
The basis of your personal brand is your brand identity. Your unique selling proposition (USP), personality and values are all included. Asking yourself questions like, “What do I stand for?” will help you define your brand identity. What values do I hold? What distinguishes me from my rivals?
2. Establish your online presence
In today’s digital age, building your brand online is crucial. Convey your expertise and add value to your readers’ lives by creating a website or blog. You can reach your target audience and spread your message by using social media like Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
3. Create compelling content
With the help of content marketing, you can establish your brand and yourself as a leader in your field. Make blog posts, videos or podcasts that are interesting to your audience and showcase your expertise.
4. Network and collaborate
Networking and working with other people can help you build your reputation and connect with other leaders in your field. By attending conferences, joining professional groups, or participating in online communities, you can meet other business owners and grow your network.
5. Be authentic and consistent
Being honest and reliable is crucial to winning over your audience. Don’t stray too far from your brand’s identity and values in your content and messaging. Your listeners will value your sincerity and credibility highly.
6. Develop your leadership skills
Leadership skills are highly correlated with the reputation you’ve built for yourself as an entrepreneur. You can become an industry leader by inspiring and motivating your team, sharing your vision with them and making strategic decisions. Finding a mentor or coach, participating in a leadership development program, or reading material on the topic can all help you grow as a leader. Focus on improving your emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and communication skills to become a better leader and build your personal brand.
7. Embrace your unique perspective
Your original perspective sets you apart from other professionals in your field. Recognize the value of your unique perspective and employ it to set yourself apart. Communicate your point of view through your messages and articles.
8. Seek feedback
If you want to fix any flaws in your message, you need to hear what people think. Your target audience, coworkers and mentors can give you feedback that can help you build and keep your personal brand.
If they want to succeed in business, entrepreneurs must build a solid personal brand. The time and effort you put into developing your brand identity, online presence, content creation, networking and collaboration skills, authenticity and consistency, leadership skills, a unique perspective and feedback will pay off in the form of a strong personal brand that sets you apart in your industry.
Building a name for yourself in the business world can only help you in the long run. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it in the end. Building a solid personal brand can lead to increased professional credibility, trust and success. Using the aforementioned methods, you can establish a solid personal brand that will set you apart in your field and aid you in reaching your objectives.
Read on Entrepreneur: https://www.entrepreneur.com/starting-a-business/why-personal-branding-matters-for-entrepreneurs/449028
Don’t Let Your Organization Become Stagnant — Learn How to Innovate with These 5 Tips
Reinvent or risk stagnation — why leaders need to keep their people innovating, and how.
What do you think of when you hear the word “stagnation?” I always imagine stagnant water, not moving or flowing, but simply sitting there, rotting and attracting bacteria and flies. Stagnation is a dangerous state for water because water is meant to keep moving for life to flourish.
The same could be said for any individual or organization. What happens to a person when they stop moving, growing to their full potential and innovating for the betterment of themselves and society? The same thing happens when a company stops growing and innovating — they become vulnerable to being left behind while others keep moving. Competitors step in to do better, while stagnant companies struggle to remain relevant and successful. For a company to flourish, leaders need to keep their people innovating.
The dangers of stagnation
The business world is constantly evolving and growing increasingly competitive. In today’s business climate, stagnation has serious consequences for companies and the people responsible for keeping them running. Stop innovating, and we risk falling behind our competitors. In their search to gain more of the market, they are constantly trying to figure out how to offer better products or services or find more efficient or cost-effective ways of doing business. Constant innovation is how we stay ahead and remain a leader in the field. If our competitors provide what we do but better, we lose customer satisfaction and loyalty.
Stagnation can also lead to a lack of excitement and motivation among employees. Without new challenges or opportunities for growth, employees may become disengaged. Stop innovating, and they may look for opportunities elsewhere to develop their talents and advance their career.
Without innovation, we risk becoming obsolete. Our products or services no longer meet the needs of our customers, or new technologies render them outdated. Only by constantly innovating can we stay relevant and ensure our products or services continue to meet the needs of our customers.
How to inspire creativity in yourself and your team
Innovation is also how companies stay competitive, meet the needs and expectations of customers, engage and motivate employees, and remain relevant in an ever-changing world. Leaders can avoid the dangers of stagnation by encouraging creative thinking among themselves and their people. Here are five ways to start:
1. Set aside dedicated time for disruption. This can be a specific time of day or a set number of hours per week, but make sure to schedule this time specifically for coming up with new ideas
2. Encourage a growth mindset. When we believe our intelligence, abilities, talents and even interests to be learnable, and ourselves capable of learning through effort and improvement, we are more likely to succeed. With a growth mindset, we see every challenge as a learning opportunity. We become more adaptable, resilient and constantly looking for ways to improve. Embrace and encourage ongoing learning and growth to help stay open to new ideas and approaches.
3. Seek out new experiences and perspectives. Travel. Try new hobbies. Engage with people from different backgrounds and cultures. By exposing ourselves and our teams to new experiences and perspectives, we expand our ways of understanding the world, which will spark new ideas and approaches.
4. Set specific, achievable goals. Setting clear, achievable goals helps us stay focused and motivated, giving us a sense of purpose and accomplishment as we progress. We can also set goals to help meet targets for creativity and innovation efforts.
5. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Not to say everyone should be the same, and diversity plays a critical role in innovation, but we should aim to surround ourselves with people genuinely interested in creativity and innovation. Their inspiration and motivation will echo between us both and those around us. Join or start a creative group or look to network with like-minded individuals.
Diversity sustains innovation
A well-rounded, diverse team with a broad range of perspectives, experiences and backgrounds breaks up patterns of stagnation before they start, resulting in more innovative and creative solutions and sustaining a more innovative and dynamic team. Greater diversity of thought brings a greater variety of ideas and approaches to problem-solving. Teams of employees with a wide range of backgrounds and expertise have solved a wider range of problems, which translates to new approaches to tackle opportunities from multiple angles, identify new opportunities and craft more effective solutions.
Their range of life experiences, cultural backgrounds and personal interests can all contribute to a more creative and innovative team. Even their communication styles and approaches may be different, which can foster more open and inclusive communication. A 2021 study found that effectively learning to communicate and manage culturally diverse environments positively impacts an employee’s sustainable innovation behavior and performance. This higher cultural intelligence also fosters better collaboration and teamwork, helping to break down any barriers that might stand in the way of creative thought.
In today’s competitive world, the ability to stay adaptable is critical. Pivoting can save a business — especially when it’s stale. Leaders should strive to inspire themselves and others to remain creative and innovative, encouraging new ideas and approaches with a well-rounded team of diverse perspectives, expertise, communication styles, and life experiences for more creative and effective solutions. Eliminating stagnation and fostering sustained innovation keeps an organization stay dynamic, forward-thinking, and thriving.
Read on Entrepreneur: https://www.entrepreneur.com/leadership/5-ways-to-invigorate-innovation-in-a-stagnant-organization/447998
WEBINAR – Mastering Executive Branding: Building Your Professional Image
Join me on April 11th, 2023 at 10 AM PST for an exclusive webinar with Martin Rowinski: “Mastering Executive Branding: Building Your Professional Image”! Discover the power of personal branding to enhance your leadership presence and career growth. Limited space is available, so register today to secure your spot! ???? [REGISTER] #ExecutiveBranding #Leadership #CareerGrowth
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j4pRoxrSSBaUa2inHhEGdQ
The Power of Co-Authoring: Boosting Your Image, Thought Leadership, and Executive Branding
How Becoming a Co-Author Can Elevate Your Professional Status and Expand Your Influence
When you’re asked to co-write a book, it’s a great chance to show off your skills, improve your professional image, and become known as a thought leader in your field. The fact that co-authoring is a group effort not only makes learning more interesting, but it could also have a big effect on your executive brand. In this article, we explore the benefits of being a co-author and how it can elevate your professional standing.
The Benefits of Co-Authoring a Book
Enhancing Your Professional Image
Co-authoring a book is a testament to your knowledge, experience, and capabilities. By having your name on the cover of a published work, you demonstrate your commitment to your field and your ability to contribute valuable insights. This can help you gain credibility, respect, and recognition from your peers and other industry professionals.
Establishing Thought Leadership
As a co-author, you have the opportunity to share your unique perspectives, ideas, and solutions with a broader audience. By showcasing your innovative thinking and subject-matter expertise, you position yourself as a thought leader in your industry. This can make you more known, get you asked to speak at conferences or other events, or give you the chance to write for other publications.
Expanding Your Network
Collaborating with a co-author allows you to tap into their professional network, which can lead to new connections, partnerships, and opportunities. Your published work can also get the attention of other leaders in your field, which can lead to future collaborations and help you grow professionally.
Strengthening Your Executive Branding
To move up in your career and become known as a leader in your field, you need a strong executive brand. Co-authoring a book can be a powerful addition to your executive branding toolkit because it shows off your expertise and solidifies your position as an expert in your field.
Developing New Skills and Knowledge
The process of co-authoring a book can be a transformative learning experience. Working closely with another expert allows you to gain new perspectives, hone your writing skills, and deepen your understanding of your subject matter. This personal and professional growth can have a lasting impact on your career.
How to Make the Most of Your Co-Authoring Opportunity
Choose the Right Co-Author and Topic
To get the most out of co-writing, it’s important to work with someone who shares your values, work ethic, and interest in the topic. Also, pick a topic that fits with your area of expertise and your professional goals to make sure the book is a good addition to your portfolio.
Create a Structured Plan
Develop a clear plan for the book, including an outline, deadlines, and division of responsibilities. This will help ensure smooth collaboration and the timely completion of the project.
Promote the Book
Use your professional networks and social media to promote the book and share the most important things you learned from working together. By interacting with your audience, you can show that you are a leader in your field and grow your influence.
Being asked to co-write a book is a unique chance that can help your professional image, thought leadership, and executive branding in a big way. By working with others and making the most of the experience, you can move up in your career and become a leader in your field.
If You Want to Be a Good Leader, Understand The Link Between Business Values and Leadership
Let’s look at two different lessons about leadership and corporate values:
In 1982, Johnson and Johnson (J&J) discovered that someone had contaminated their Tylenol Extra Strength capsules in at least half a dozen Chicago pharmacies and grocery stores. Because of their corporate values committed to public safety, J&J leadership responded immediately: warned customers to stop consuming it, halted advertising and removed all Tylenol from store shelves until they could determine the extent of the tampering.
In 2010, the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig platform exploded, and its owner, British Petroleum (BP), realized it had a leak. Company officials first reported the leak volume was low, but when the rig sunk days later and eleven workers died, investigations into BP’s practices found they took shortcuts, cut corners and ignored early warning signs. Its leadership was dishonest from the get-go, and to recover, the company had to revisit and update its corporate values.
Business values are the guiding principles that shape an organization’s culture and inform its decisions and actions. Good leadership, in turn, is essential for aligning an organization’s actions with its values and creating a positive and productive culture.
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5 Ways to Start Your Week Off on the Right Foot: Tips for a Productive and Positive Monday Morning
The first day of the week may be challenging for many people, particularly if they are still exhausted from the previous weekend or are dreading the length of the week to come. Yet getting off to a good start at the beginning of the week can help set the tone for the rest of the days of the week, providing you with the energy and enthusiasm to attack your to-do list and accomplish your objectives. Here are five suggestions for making Monday mornings more fruitful and uplifting:
Spend some time in advance planning out your week, either before you leave the office on Friday or before the conclusion of your workweek on Sunday. Create a list of the things that are most important to you, set up any necessary appointments or deadlines, and clean up your inbox of any pressing messages. Having a strategy in place for the week will help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control of the situation.
It is quite difficult to feel inspired on a Monday morning if you are sleepy or sleep-deprived, so make sure you have a decent night’s sleep. Try to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night, and create a routine that you follow every night before bed so that your body learns when it is time to start winding down.
Executive branding: LinkedIn Profile, how is yours?
LinkedIn is a great way for professionals to show potential employers, clients, and peers their skills, experience, and accomplishments.
When companies are looking to fill a Board of Directors or Board of Advisors position, they often turn to LinkedIn as a research tool to identify potential candidates. Because of this, it’s important for professionals to have a polished, up-to-date LinkedIn profile that shows off their skills and accomplishments.
One of the first things that companies may look for when researching a candidate is their profile picture. A professional headshot can help you make a good first impression and show that you are professional and pay attention to details. It’s also important to make sure that your profile is complete, with a detailed work history and a summary that shows off your skills and experience.
In addition to having a well-crafted profile, it’s important to use LinkedIn as a platform to brand yourself as an expert in your industry. This could include sharing thought leadership content, participating in industry discussions, and engaging with others in your network. By showing off your skills and knowledge, you can make yourself more visible and more credible as a possible candidate for a board position.
When companies are researching candidates for board positions, they may also look for evidence of a candidate’s ability to work collaboratively and constructively with others. This could involve looking at endorsements or recommendations from other people in the industry or looking at the candidate’s activity on the platform to see how they interact with people in their network.
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