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.
Bijal Shah
CEO, Guild
Denver, CO USA
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Kind. I deeply believe that treating people with respect, empathy, directness, and generosity of intent is kind, even when you have to make tough decisions as a leader.
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, and always has been, for companies to be intentional about building businesses that deliver value for their shareholders and their communities alike. In the U.S. in particular, corporate leaders hold a lot of power, influence, and funds to make the communities and societies we live in better, more resilient, and future-focused.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Individually, I am a champion for Girls as part of Girls Inc of Metro Denver, which inspires girls to be “strong, smart, and bold” and an avid supporter (along with my husband) of Judi’s House, a non-profit that focuses on grief and bereavement.
Our teams at Guild receive up to 5 days of paid “VTO” (Volunteer Time Off) for volunteer/civic activism, helping them earmark time to give back to the communities where they live and work. I’m proud of the long list of organizations that our Guilders support on the local and national level.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Satya Nadella said, “Don’t wait until your next job to do your best job.”
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?
You can’t talk about an equitable and inclusive workplace without talking about the need for increased access to reliable and affordable childcare in this country. This is the number one reason that women leave or change jobs.
In fact, a 2022 report by Motherly showed that a total of 46% of mothers who remain unemployed left the workforce due to childcare issues. Earlier this year, I shared a photo on LinkedIn of my son watching me practice for a keynote at Guild’s Opportunity Summit. I’m grateful that we set a standard at Guild that makes it possible, five months postpartum, for my son to travel with me as I attend a flagship event for Guild. That’s not the case everywhere- and we collectively must do better.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Don’t worry so much about the title and pay of the role you take starting out. Instead, focus on working somewhere that will provide you with great training, mentorship, and access to learning and stretching yourself.
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 looking forward to continuing to grow and learn as both a leader and a mom of 2. We are working on some really exciting projects at Guild that I can’t share quite yet, but that are high on my list of things I’m looking forward to, especially as employers continue to need to transform their workforces.
Feel free to follow me over on LinkedIn and I promise you’ll know what I’m talking about in the coming months!
“Don’t wait until your next job to do your best job.”
Marcia A. Daniel
Chief Client Officer, Ferrilli
Haddonfield, New Jersey, USA
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Experienced; I had the opportunity to work as a college / higher ed executive for 31 years prior to retiring and joining the world of educational technology. There is seldom a day I am not interacting with a client, or perspective client, and my ability to understand their stories, issues and sagas define who I am. My past experiences clearly allow Ferrilli to gain many opportunities to further our clients missions.
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?
Servant Leadership has to be represented on many levels. Pledge 1% provides the opportunity for a business/ company to meaningfully support their charity by giving a part of the company. In Ferrilli’s case our clients, higher education, are our chosen charity. We never miss an opportunity to proudly state we are members of Pledge 1%.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Because our clients are throughout the United States and Canada, we wanted our Pledge 1% to have an equal opportunity to represent all of them. We chose to provide 100 hours of certified cybersecurity counseling to any college or university that has a reported incident, at no cost.
In addition, in 2024 we are adding incidence plan review, monitoring, and testing to our no cost Pledge 1% framework.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Never forget where you came from.” It was given by my fraternal grandmother and it was her way of telling me to never be better then anyone else, never talk down to or look down upon anyone.
“Never forget where you came from.”
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?
Early in my career I made Dean at twenty -six years old. I quickly realized I was not only the youngest dean in that position in our 58 college system, but I was one of the few women in that role across the state. Too often, there were opportunities to defend, both women and minorities by standing up for the knowledge they possessed and to argue for them to be given a chance. Not a handout, not a title, but a real chance to prove they could do the job.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
It’s solid advice, and it’s still applicable- if you want to be a leader, be prepared to work as hard or harder than anyone in the organization, admit your mistakes, and maintain your own confidences.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
Both a company, and a personal, goal for me is to oversee the redesign our NPS and CSAT data gathering that will provide tracking for each aspect of our consulting and delivery, contracting and invoicing and helpdesk responsiveness monitoring. This is the ultimate way to listen to and support our clients.
Mosopefoluwa Fayeun
Principal Partner, Albert and Abraham LLP
Lagos, Nigeria
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Strong. Up till the nearest past I doubted myself, delayed gratification and I let impostor’s syndrome set in because I thought there was a ‘right time or age’ to do things. I had to be old and look a certain way to be taken seriously in the rungs of the corporate ladder however that has changed. Nowadays, I take the bull by the horns and seize my corporate star moments.
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. As Howard Zinn said small acts when multiplied by millions of people can transform the world so pay it forward. Social impact is not limited to the advantages of corporate social responsibility but extends to how we help vulnerable social classes climb the corporate career ladder.
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
Yes. Since 2016 I have been running Jael, Nasibah and Moremi where I help abused women get justice, integrate them back into the society and build a career for themselves through quality mentorship.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Law is a craft, your craft, so hone it”. I have in turn taken it to mean that life is a craft, my craft so I hone it!
“I have in turn taken it to mean that life is a craft, my craft so I hone it!”
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?
Its funny because in my current role, I have a special bias for helping women owned businesses scale and the most important factor to scale is investment. Sometimes all a business needs is that first check to fly so to further diversify the pool, invest in more women.
Workplaces need standard operating procedures on diversity targeting employees from the recruitment stage, everyone has to hang their biases at home.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Break outside the boxes; do away with stereotypes and just be yourself. Every other person will adjust. To you of course.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
The Firm is expanding so definitely training more hands to manage our booming clientele. Personally, It is always at the top of my list to get more degrees and certifications where it relates to businesses and the law.
Miranda Elliott
Digital Marketing Manager, Ostendio
Herndon, USA
If you could describe yourself in one word, what would that be and why?
Optimistic – Staying optimistic and open-minded is my go-to strategy for tackling whatever comes my way, whether at work or in my personal life. It’s all about believing in the goodness of people and finding unique ways to lend a helping hand through volunteering and giving back.
Looking ahead, I’m hopeful for a future where women leaders shine bright and get the recognition they truly deserve!
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 the post-pandemic era, employees of all backgrounds and ages prioritize work-life balance. For many, working for a company with a strong social impact philosophy is crucial when choosing an employer.
Studies show that younger generations, in particular, value employers who prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with social responsibility. Ostendio joined Pledge 1% in 2017 and, despite being a small organization, Ostendio’s founders have prioritized giving back since day one. Not only is this the right thing to do but we’ve found that this approach attracts employees who value the impact of their work on the community, enhancing retention and satisfaction.
As one employee shared in our recent company culture survey, “It makes me happy to go to work again… it’s focused on being good in the world.”
Do you give back to the community with your team and work? If so, what does this look like?
At Ostendio, with our team spread across the US and India, volunteering together in person isn’t always feasible. But that doesn’t hold us back! One way we overcame this challenge was to partner with organizations, like Goodera, to create opportunities for us to volunteer together virtually, bridging the challenges faced with distance and time zones. We coordinate volunteer days and share ideas and stories on Slack to keep each other motivated and engaged.
Additionally, Ostendio generously matches employee donations up to $1000 per employee, amplifying our impact on causes ranging from animal rescues to environmental conservation and beyond.
Ostendio also offers our security and compliance platform on a pro bono basis to non-profit organizations. This means that all employees are involved in supporting these organizations daily as part of their regular jobs. Together, no matter where we are, we’re making a meaningful difference in our communities.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Be kind. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that everyone’s fighting their own battles. My former boss taught me that nobody wakes up wanting to do a bad job. If someone’s struggling, maybe they’re just in the wrong role or lacking support.
A little kindness can go a long way in making someone’s day brighter. Showing kindness can make a difference, not just in the moment but in the long run too. It’s amazing how far a little bit of kindness can take you!
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 a welcoming workplace for everyone is a priority at Ostendio, and our Culture Club plays a big role in that effort. I would encourage other organizations to establish employee groups to discuss the issues of inclusion and find ways that work for the culture of their organization.
At Ostendio, we focus on social responsibility and provide DEI training to all employees annually. This helps ensure everyone starts on the same page when it comes to understanding DEI. By raising awareness and embracing our unique differences, we foster an environment where everyone feels valued. Our flexible work policies support work-life balance, and we actively track gender demographics in an effort to ensure equality across all levels of management.
Measurement of any initiative is essential so that you can see over time if you are making progress or need to make some adjustments to meet your goals. Additionally, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals may take career breaks for various reasons, and those breaks should not negatively impact their careers upon their return to teh workplace. It is also important to understand how different people work and share their perspectives. For example, not everyone speaks up in group settings, so we need to train supervisors to understand and appreciate different work styles. When everyone feels heard and valued, that’s when organizations truly thrive.
What advice do you have for women who are just starting their career?
Don’t underestimate yourself. I’ve noticed that I tend to downplay my achievements, something I’m actively trying to improve. Research indicates that men are more likely to apply for jobs even if they don’t meet all the qualifications, while women often hold back unless they meet every criterion. So, it’s important to acknowledge your accomplishments, understand your worth in your field, and confidently highlight your successes. Having a supportive network of mentors can also be incredibly impactful.
“Don’t underestimate yourself.”
Early in my career, I was lucky to have a supervisor who championed my promotion and helped me realize my true value, especially when I wasn’t being properly valued.
What are you looking forward to this year? Are there any goals (personal or professional), activities, or experiences you are excited about?
On a personal note, I’m excited to travel to reconnect with family and friends scattered across the globe.
On the professional side, we have new leadership at Ostendio and I’m looking forward to introducing the Culture Club and its achievements to a new audience.
I’m also eager to dive deeper into my role in the Ostendio Culture Club. We’re always brainstorming fresh ways to inspire team members to give back and volunteer. With our generous 6 days of paid time off for volunteering, I’m excited to explore new avenues of community impact and encourage others to join in!