Industry leaders give us their thoughts on the issues, trends and headlines in our cover story.
This month is the debut of our new digital exclusive feature, Top of Mind, where we will give executives a platform to share their insights on the topics raised in each issue’s cover story. They’re sharing their “top of mind” thoughts in short, impactful nuggets, allowing our readers to get even more information (and inspiration). Top of Mind is only available online.
This month, we shared the importance of female mentorship within direct selling—particularly in the home office. Don’t miss this month’s cover story to take an even deeper dive.
Who are your most inspiring female mentors?
“I would have given up on my dreams and thus thousands of women’s dreams, had it not been for a few key mentors. Leadership is hard. Business is hard. Having a friend and mentor who stands by you can make all the difference. I can remember having a meal on more than one occasion with Joni Rogers Kante, CEO of SeneGence, where she gave me the gift of her wisdom and perspective, dusted me off and sent me back to my company with fresh new hope under my wings.” —Nancy Bogart, Founder & CEO, Jordan Essentials
“I’m super inspired by Donna Johnson from Arbonne. I started my career in this industry as a consultant with Arbonne 18 years before I moved on to corporate roles and became a Founder and CEO. Watching Donna lead BIG, while still living her faith out loud and being a wife and mother all while giving and serving—that’s what it’s all about. I am so inspired by examples of women like Donna who embody so many things that I value in my own life. She is a difference maker and world changer.” —Aspen Emery, Founder & CEO, Bravenly Global
“I have a handful of women who have mentored me in my rise to leadership, but the most consistent mentor has been my mom, Tana. Every step of the way she has reminded me to remain true to myself, my feelings, my intuition and my gifts. She’s taught me how to stay grounded, even when the journey gets chaotic and to never underestimate the power that resides within myself. Having someone who believed so deeply in my capabilities allowed me to eventually believe just as deeply in myself.” —Ashlee Headlee, Co-Founder & Chief Program Officer, Awakend
“Mindy Lin, Founder and CEO of Damsel in Defense, is an incredible friend. As a Founder and CEO, it’s important to have people you trust and respect, whom you can call at any time. Mindy has been that inspiring woman, fellow CEO and friend. Mindy is kind, driven and selfless. She’s been generous with her time, talent, energy and knowledge. It’s so special to be able to pick up the phone and gain amazing insight or advice. As female founders in the direct selling space, we’re a small group. The more we can connect and pave positive paths, the better.” —Jesse McKinney, Co-Founder & CEO, Red Aspen
“I hadn’t had a female mentor before Red Aspen. I use that as inspiration to be the leader and mentor I would want to have. I want to be challenged to look within and think things through strategically and thoughtfully. I want and need to be held to a high standard, to trust in myself and to give myself grace. As Co-Founders, Genie, Jesse and I have always relied on and mentored each other. We respect each other and our skills, experiences and expertise. We’re not afraid to rely on one another and ask for help when needed.” —Amanda Moore, Co-Founder & COO, Red Aspen
“My mom has been a major inspiration to both Jesse (McKinney) and me. As a trained nurse, she worked her way up to become the CEO of not just one hospital, but an entire hospital system. She attended graduate school while working full-time and raising two daughters. Doing all of this simultaneously is pretty impressive, and it showed us by example what hard work, dedication and passion looks like. My mom taught me how to genuinely listen, how to lead and effectively communicate and that no matter what your goals or aspirations are, you can make it happen.” —Genie Reese, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Red Aspen
What Women Bring to the Table
What unique qualities do women bring to the table?
“As women in a male dominated business world, we often shut down our feminine strengths because we’ve been conditioned to believe there is no place for them. However, our unique qualities are desperately needed in today’s fast-paced, aggressive workspace. Female mentorships and relationships in the workplace create a supportive space for us to tap into these unique strengths, harness their power and celebrate the outcomes.” —Ashlee Headlee, Co-Founder & Chief Program Officer, Awakend
“Having a female mentor unlocks a lot of different things than a male mentor. It will unlock different emotions. It will unlock different creativity. There’s also a different understanding. There’s a different relationship that can occur because a woman understands another woman—what they’re going through on a daily basis and what other tasks they may have when it comes to children and marriage.” —Sarah Spencer, Co-Owner, Q Sciences