Mirjana Perkovic
Entrepreneur, Founder, CEO, LookStyler
Brussels, New York
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
As a global citizen, I’ve explored 107 countries across six continents already, embodying a pluralistic worldview.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Corporate leaders need to explore social impact to ensure equal access to finance and opportunities for all, fostering diversity in leadership and addressing systemic inequalities, thus creating more inclusive and sustainable organizations that benefit society as a whole.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
As an entrepreneur, I give back to society by creating jobs, serving as a female role model, and mentoring other female leaders, thus contributing to positive social impact and empowerment.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is that “When you think you have been buried, you have actually been planted,” inspiring resilience in overcoming adversities and embracing change as opportunities for growth and renewal.
“When you think you have been buried, you have actually been planted.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Workplaces must prioritize becoming more equitable and inclusive for women, achieved through inspiring women to pursue leadership roles, implementing systemic changes to support their advancement, and emphasizing the promotion and elevation of feminine female leaders who exemplify qualities of grace and empathy.
We must ensure immediate access to substantial financing for all female entrepreneurs who embody the true qualities of inspired leadership.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
This year, I’m eagerly anticipating scaling my business and publishing my debut book, while also prioritizing investments in both personal and professional growth.
My aim is to inspire fellow female leaders to take decisive action for positive change, fostering a supportive and empowering community for women’s advancement.
Vicky Zachareli
VP of Marketing, rready
Zurich, CH / Athens, GR
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Fair. I may not always succeed, but I always aim for fairness. Since the world can be an unfair place, I believe we should all do our part to make it as fair as possible within our own reach.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
rready continuously supports any opportunities to give that arise. We have supported several different communities’ initiatives from students in Switzerland to entrepreneurs in Namibia.
Me personally I am a volunteer mentor for women who want to evolve professionally or change career paths.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
How you start things off matters.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
It’s not going to be easy, what matters is to get up after every fall and keep going. And don’t forget to take care of yourself on the way.
“Don’t forget to take care of yourself on the way.”
Daniella Rhodes Lorenzo
Technical Strategy Director, Toqio Fintech SL
Madrid, Spain
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
If I could describe myself in one word, it would be “trailblazer.” I’ve always been driven by a relentless passion for pushing boundaries and paving new paths in the world of technology. Whether it’s architecting innovative solutions or leading teams to exceed expectations, I thrive on challenging the status quo and charting a course toward excellence. Being a trailblazer means embracing change, seizing opportunities, and inspiring others to join me in the best way I can.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Absolutely, businesses play a significant role in shaping society and influencing positive change. By prioritizing social impact, corporate leaders not only contribute to the greater good but also foster a culture of responsibility and sustainability within their organizations.
By proactively addressing social impact issues, businesses can help create a more stable and equitable society, which benefits everyone in the long run, also it can can increase employee engagement, morale, and loyalty, ultimately leading to higher retention rates and a more motivated workforce which nowadays is very difficult to create.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Giving back to the community is a fundamental aspect of both my personal values and the culture we cultivate within our teams and work environment. I am personally part of two organizations that contribute to help children in need, provide them with access to education, and healthcare delivery.
When it comes to business, we work as a team to start initiatives such as running or walking to donate to children in need, we do several activities that involve the whole company to contribute to schooling and rare disease investigations.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Don’t think everyone thinks like you do, be patient, listen to what others have to say and don’t give the solution to a problem straight away, let others work on their knowledge and skills to reach an answer. If needed to help them reaching an answer, help them work to it and they will finally learn to work out issues without your help.
“Don’t think everyone thinks like you do, be patient, listen to what others have to say and don’t give the solution to a problem straight away, let others work on their knowledge and skills to reach an answer.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Creating more equitable and inclusive workplaces for women requires intentional and proactive efforts across various aspects of organizational culture and structure so the most important thing is to foster this culture across the whole business and make sure everyone is aware of this.
Two ideas would be:
1. Fostering a culture of flexibility and work/life balance, recognizing that women often bear a disproportionate amount of caregiving responsibilities, organizations can promote flexibility and work/life balance initiatives that accommodate diverse needs and lifestyles. This can include offering remote work options, flexible scheduling, and paid parental leave policies that support both men and women in balancing their professional and personal responsibilities.
2. Investing in leadership development and training. To cultivate a pipeline of female leaders, organizations can invest in leadership development and training programs specifically tailored to women’s needs and aspirations. This may include things such as executive coaching to help women overcome barriers to advancement and build confidence in their leadership abilities. Every time the number of women in leadership positions grow but it’s still difficult to find mentors who a women and that can help you have that confidence or have a “look up to” person.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
The most exciting thing about this year is that I am going to be a mother for the second time and I am scared but thrilled at the same time. We live in a city where we have no family at all and my partner works in a different country so needs to fly a lot so this is going to be very interesting to fight for.
On a professional level we’re in a very powerful moment where we’re transitioning to a new architectural design and it’s a difficult transition because it requires a lot of changes and improvements not only in a technical level but also in the way of working; but at the same time it’s very exciting to envision what our platform is going to look like and the strength and work that’s behind it.
Maddja Nazari
CEO, Leadfront AB
Stockholm, Sweden
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Determined; I believe that there is nothing in world that can not be achieved if one is willing to work hard, stay focused, and persevere relentlessly towards their goals.
Twelve years ago, I moved to Sweden without any relatives in the country, in order pursue my master’s education. At that time, not knowing the language, and countries regulation made starting a company seem like a difficult goal to achieve. However, I was determined to start my first company before turning 30, and everything I did was a step towards this objective. Four years later, just a month before my 30th birthday, I founded Leadfront.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
In today’s world, consumers are becoming more conscious. They’re not just looking for great products or services; they’re also interested in supporting companies that are making a positive impact on society. Corporate leaders who prioritize social impact are not only meeting this growing consumer demand but also differentiating their brand in a crowded marketplace. By aligning the business goals with initiatives that benefit society, leaders can generate goodwill, build trust with customers, and foster long-term loyalty.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Over a year ago, we introduced Streamstone, a new company focused on supporting NGOs and member organizations in their digitalization endeavors. By improving these organizations’ communication with their members, we ensure they become more efficient and effective in accomplishing their objectives. Additionally, we allocate 1% of Leadfront’s resources to delivering pro bono projects for NGOs.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be the change you wish to see in the world.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
Leaders should start by implementing policies and practices that promote gender equality at all levels of the organization. This includes actively recruiting and promoting women into leadership positions, ensuring pay equity, providing mentorship and development opportunities and fostering a culture of respect and support.
There are other things such as offering flexible work arrangements, parental leave policies, and childcare support which can help address the unique challenges faced by women in balancing work and family responsibilities.
At Leadfront, we actively strive to create an equal and inclusive work environment, and this is reflected in our recruitment strategies to attract more women to our team. Recruiting women in a technical and traditionally male-dominated industry has its challenges, but we have actively worked to overcome these obstacles. By offering a work environment where equality and inclusion are a high priority, we have created a place where women feel welcome.
Our experience has shown that prejudices that women would not be interested in or fit into technical roles are incorrect and outdated. We are proud to have shattered these preconceived notions and instead to have built a diversified workforce where everyone feels represented and where every individual, regardless of gender, is given equal opportunities to flourish and contribute to our common goals.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
- Select a company whose values align with yours.
- Value a company with culture of respect and support that provides same opportunities regardless of gender.
- Embrace every opportunity for personal and professional development.
- Be confident in voicing your opinions and advocating for yourself.
- Have faith in your abilities to achieve success, recognizing the importance of persistence and determination.
“Stay resilient and focused on your long-term goals”
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am excited about assisting NGOs in optimizing their operations through digitalization, which will not only streamline processes and improve communication with members but also enable them to fulfill their mission more efficiently.
Additionally, I eagerly anticipate witnessing how leaders harness cutting-edge technologies like AI to create people-centric organizations that meet the evolving needs of their communities.
Brittany Turner
Founder, Countless LLC
Philly, US
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Resilient. I’ve faced a number of difficulties in my life, from a very young age, and I’ve never given up, lost hope, or become hardened. I have a mindset that truly believes life gets better each day and the best is yet to come.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Absolutely. Businesses make up a large percentage of our global population and if businesses are not prioritizing social impact in the same way that individuals are, we’ll always fall short.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Yes. Even before taking the pledge with Pledge 1%, I’ve donated at least 1% of our gross proceeds to charity since starting Countless in 2016. That approach was rooted in my personal life where I’ve been an advocate for giving back to the community since my early college days.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Probably from my father – he really drilled it into my head from a young age that I could do anything, be anything, and that it was so important for me to be entirely self-sufficient. I never felt like anything was out of reach for me. He helped make me fearless in my career.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
You can do anything and be anything. And don’t wait to opt-in to your company’s 401k. Compound interest is no joke!
If you’re at a company that doesn’t offer a 401k, encourage them to offer something or look for another position. It doesn’t require much for a company to offer this to their team and if they don’t, they might not prioritize your whole being.
“You can do anything and be anything.”
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Yes! Personally, I am going on a 6-day hike in the Andes mountains this summer that I’m very much looking forward to!
Professionally I am excited about working with more clients in a financial planning capacity. I received my CFP® license in December of 2023.
Jen Bayford
Co-founder, Growth Animals Marketing | B Corp Certified
West Sussex, UK
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Best-friend (or is that two words?!) – we are often described by our clients as their best friends, allies and confidents, for example, at one client, the marketing manager, said “Working with Jen is invaluable and an absolute pleasure. Jen works with you to agree a solid strategy and provides unwavering support. She genuinely feels like a member of the team!”
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
100% as environmental and social impact are becoming hygiene factors as customers are becoming more and more discerning as to the brands they align with
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Yes we do – our main ‘giving back’ activity is we volunteer regularly. For example, instead of throwing a birthday party for Growth Animals last year, the team spent the day volunteering for Together Co., a loneliness charity based in Sussex, spending quality time with the people in the community they support. And we frequently take on pro-bono projects for causes, where an organization would benefit from our marketing strategy workshop – a fun, time efficient way of adding real value to charities and not-for-profits and a chance for our team to all be involved and get the creativity flowing.
Last year we ran a pro-bono workshop and a short, follow-up brand project for a charity called The Sweater Project, that generates income for families in Afghanistan and helps the poorest children to survive.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
In her book The Source, Dr Tara Swart quoted Henry Ford “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” which has stuck with me.
I’m careful what I tell myself, as my brain is listening!
“Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
OMG don’t get me started. The cost of childcare is beyond ridiculous, and although the responsibility of childcare more commonly falls onto women, we know this isn’t exclusively a gender specific issue, so organizations must be flexible with their working practices for all – it grates on me when those ‘at the top’ with nannies or no parental responsibility make the calls as to the WFH or flexible working policies and it’s so archaic. There are millions of bloody talented people out there who would be adding so much value to organizations if only they were treated as grown ups and given flexibility to work and parent, not choose between the two.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
My personal experience of my early career, that unfortunately shaped me until only the last few years, was that I was a ‘Stepford brand manager’. I tried to fit into a mold, to please, to follow the line, to do as I was told and I took on, what in retrospect was, subjective feedback. I wasn’t aware of my strengths to dial up, I just bent myself out of shape, dulling down my creativity, my confidence to ‘fit’ and do things as they’d always been done.
At Growth Animals, we want our team, at all levels, to challenge us and each other in order to bring fresh perspectives and to grow, learn and improve together. This ability, together with resourcefulness, is how we hire!
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Having proudly achieved B Corp certification last year, we are excited to continue to grow our environmental and social impact through our business and the work we do with clients. We will continue to underpin the plans we craft, the brands we build and the growth we deliver for our customers with our responsible and sustainable marketing values.
A personal development goal for me for 2024 include studying Sustainable Marketing through the Chartered Institute of Marketing. And in my plans this year is to share our bread and butter experience of marketing and brand strategy with more client side marketers. So I will releasing bite-sized marketing strategy content to inspire in-house marketers to think strategically about their marketing efforts, and Chris and I are taking Growth Animals on tour, attending events around the country to pass on our knowledge and experience to the marketing industry.
Liz Beggs
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Payments Consulting Network
Melbourne, Australia
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Personable, because I work with many people within my ecosystem and always try to foster good relationships.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Absolutely, I believe corporate leaders are in a unique position to influence those around them and create a culture for future generations.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
We support many NFP’s through pro-bono work, regular attend and contribute to fundraising charity events. In addition, as a part of our Giving Program, we also provide a free Pricing Comparison service for small businesses that presents information on cost effective service provider options to consider.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be true to yourself.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Learn as much as you can, follow your passions and be adaptable to change and opportunities.
“Learn as much as you can.”
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
I am looking forward to assisting our clients in providing them with more efficient, streamlined, fit-for-purpose and cost-effective solutions.
Aylin Albayrak
Marketing Executive, Zumzum
Stockport, UK
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
If I were to describe myself in one word, it would be “organized.” I like planning and methodically following the steps in everything I undertake. Preferring not to leave anything to chance, I maintain regular notes to ensure I never miss important dates or updates.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
It is important for business leaders to prioritize social impact because they inspire many people. Their successes and reputation inspire both individuals and other organizations. A leader’s success in embracing social impact not only influences those currently following them but also serves as an inspiration for others to align themselves in a similar direction.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Zumzum takes pride in its dedication to social impact and supporting the community. Through our membership in the Pledge 1%, Zumzum is committed to making a positive difference through corporate philanthropy.
At Zumzum, we donate our time, products, and unique skills in cloud computing to empower nonprofits, enhancing their collaboration and productivity. As an example of our commitment to the Pledge 1% movement; Zumzum has donated time and services to a special nurturing school based in Stockport, UK. With the help of Zumzum, the school has saved £30,000 by avoiding the hassle of spending money on expensive systems. We are delighted to see the impact Zumzum has on communities, contributing to their goals and success.
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
To foster equality in workplaces, organizations must believe in the strength of diversity and inclusion.
To do this, companies may try to educate their team about the significance of equality and its value. Implementing specific activities, campaigns, or initiatives geared towards empowering women professionals can also be a good step. I believe that nurturing diversity and equality will create positive outcomes for both individuals and organisations.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
My advice is to believe in yourself and in the value you bring to your work. Take challenges as a learning experience, continuously refine your skills, and build a strong professional network. Believe in equality and do your best to empower women.
“My advice is to believe in yourself and in the value you bring to your work.”
Ikram Najid
Founder, IN BEAUTY
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
If I could describe myself in one word, it would be “generosity.” This word reflects my compassionate, relatable, and understanding nature, creating a comforting space for everyone who walks through our doors at IN Beauty. For instance, each a time a client is going through a tough period, I offer them not just beauty services, but also a listening ear and words of encouragement, embodying the spirit of generosity in my approach to their well-being.
Pledge 1% provides a framework for businesses to do good. Do you think it’s important for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact? If so, why?
Yes, it’s crucial for today’s corporate leaders to prioritize social impact. In a world facing numerous challenges, from environmental issues to social inequality, businesses wield significant influence and resources. By prioritizing social impact, corporate leaders can contribute positively to communities, address pressing issues, and help create a more equitable and sustainable future. Embracing social responsibility not only benefits society but also enhances corporate reputation, employee engagement, and long-term business success.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Yes, at IN Beauty, we are committed to giving back to the community. One of our initiatives involves partnering with schools like YouthBuild Charter to offer internship opportunities for students. By housing these students as interns, we provide mentorship and guidance while they earn high school credits. This program not only supports the students in their educational journey but also helps shape our future by empowering and guiding the next generation.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to treat each day as a new beginning and to prioritize understanding my emotions. This guidance has encouraged me to establish a daily routine, structure, and sanctuary, setting the foundation for personal growth and success.
“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to treat each day as a new beginning and to prioritize understanding my emotions.”
This year’s International Women’s Day themes are focused on investing in women and inspiring inclusion. What can we do to make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women?
To make today’s workplaces more equitable and inclusive for women, we can implement initiatives such as offering free workshops and certifications specifically tailored to women-owned businesses. By providing accessible resources without financial barriers, we empower women entrepreneurs to thrive professionally.
Additionally, fostering mentorship programs, promoting diversity in leadership roles, and actively addressing gender biases can further cultivate an environment of inclusion and support for women in the workplace.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
For women just starting their careers, my advice is to set clear intentions and goals, create a supportive environment, and embrace self-discovery. Go confidently towards your aspirations, understanding and appreciating your support system along the way.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
This year, I’m excited about expanding our team and fostering a more diverse and inclusive environment by adding more female members. I look forward to creating a bustling workspace where I can balance working on the business strategically while still remaining hands-on in day-to-day operations.
