Ben Walter’s Post

It’s INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY (MARCH 8) tomorrow and in the leadup to this very special day I’ve been chatting to a host of inspiring women. Question: "In your business life and as a business woman what are you most proud of?" Rachel Mallows MBE DL: “I’m old enough to remember times when getting women to start running their own business was a priority. Now female founders are proudly asserting their difference and it is good to see.” Rachel McGrath: "The charitable sector is at the heart of supporting inclusion and has the highest level of women in its workforce across all the sectors at 68%. As a Charity CEO I am privileged to preside over a workforce where eight out of nine employees are women." Hilary Chipping: “It’s important to demonstrate that you can achieve a lot by being caring and compassionate. Women are able to juggle the pressures of bringing up a family whilst still being successful in business. It is important to have women managers who can demonstrate that a flexible approach that takes account of the many demands on people caring for young children or elderly relatives brings out the best in a team.” Sara Homer: “Women have a unique way of multi-tasking and I am proud to be a woman in business.” Morcea Walker MBE: "My inspiring father and mother helped me to develop a feeling of pride about myself. My father instilled in us a desire to always do our best. I have faced challenges around race and womanhood. On race, my father suggested that the best advice to the offender was that it was their "problem not mine" and sometimes to add "but happy to give advice to help solve the issue". I have mostly not allowed the negative behaviour of others to take over my life. Instead, by rising above it in various ways, positive results have been achieved. Add being a woman to the equation and you could have race+ woman=volatile challenges. Act? Ignore? A bit of both? Depends on the case!" Amanda Nicols-Polinska: “I love the fact my job has a positive impact on our community. Delapré Abbey has a history of strong women – being saved from destruction first by the nuns, later by Mary Bouverie and then Joan Wake and then through to its restoration (at the time an entirely female led organisation).” Charlotte Patrick: “I love being able to support other people and businesses and create results and partnerships to bring about good.” Marie Cox (nee Baker): “I bring my ethics and skills into this industry – something I pride myself on in this often male-dominated industry. “ Chloe Finch: “Typically, you’re underestimated if you are younger and in business. I rather like being underestimated… and then proving people wrong!" Mandy Colby: “I am proud of what I have achieved, and proud to be a woman in business. We are a strong gender in the workplace." Georgia Naylor: “As a young woman in business, I take pride in breaking barriers as it opens up many opportunities where my voice can be heard.”

As a proud women-owned business (both MWBE and WOSB certified), we're celebrating the power of small businesses on Long Island and beyond. This #SmallBusinessWeek, we honor the contributions of women entrepreneurs and the importance of supporting diverse businesses. Did you know that small businesses drive innovation and strengthen our communities? Give a shout-out to your favorite local businesses in the comments – let's spread the love! #SmallBusinessWeek #womenownedbusiness #supportlocalbusiness #longisland #fratellolaw #NYLawFirm

If you're looking to build the confidence needed to bring innovative ideas to your family business, board or governance structure, you'd be hard-pressed to find better role models than our Transformational Women in Family Business honorees. Here, they share some of their success strategies. https://ow.ly/HYVt50RRA7H #familybusiness #womenleaders

Women supporting women is a phrase we hear often, but what does it actually look like in practice? It can be as simple as listening to a woman who’s going through something and just being there. It can mean holding a woman accountable when her actions don’t align with who you know she truly is. It’s cheering for another woman in your industry, even when she’s doing the same thing as you because you genuinely want her to succeed too. Support can also be practical, like getting up during a business meeting to help a mother with small children, opening the door for her as she struggles with a buggy and a crying child. It can be checking in on a neighbour who seems down or picking up the phone to call a friend just to see how she’s doing. It’s about giving without expecting anything in return. At the event I attended, I saw firsthand what it means to truly support other women. Watching women cheer, create space for, and uplift one another was powerful. One of the most moving moments was seeing Lucienne Shakir (MEd) stand on stage with these incredible women, then step back, turn around, and clap for them. If you are looking for this for you then learn more here https://lnkd.in/eTHUm5y7 That simple act was a profound demonstration of women supporting women. Some might wonder how to do this when life is so busy, or they may feel unsure about how to start. But I believe it comes down to intention. When you decide to be intentional about supporting other women, you naturally start looking for opportunities to do so. If we want to see real change, we need to be that support for each other. And as you’ll see in the video, it wasn’t just women who were part of this movement. There were men too, cheering and supporting the women around them. It was wonderful to see the support of Louis Devayya in a sea of women at this event. His presence reminded us that supporting women is a collective effort.

Let’s challenge the narrative, shall we? 👩🔧👩💼 When we envision family businesses, it’s often through a lens tinted with tradition—a father passing the torch to his son. But let’s pause for a moment and celebrate the formidable women who are not just part of family businesses, but are leading them with grace, innovation, and resilience. Names that are not just synonymous with quality products or services but with the vision and leadership of remarkable women such as: Jenny Dinnen and Katie Rucker of MacKenzie and Next Gen Collaborative, Abigail P. Johnson of Fidelity Investments, and Mayumi Allison of Hosa Technology, Inc. In fact, did you know that 18-20% of family businesses are helmed by women? While this number is promising, we still have strides to make. Yet, let’s not overlook the fact that within non-family businesses, this percentage dwindles significantly, ranging from 5-12%. Even in the illustrious Fortune 500, women at the helm account for only around 10%. So, what sets family businesses apart? Some attribute their success to a robust emphasis on values and culture. Others point to their dedication to inclusivity, fostering a familial atmosphere where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. In a compelling article by Dana M. Reid, she eloquently captures the essence of this shift, stating, “Family businesses have an opportunity, and many would say a responsibility, to change the narrative. It may be more than mere fairness and equity that drive the decision to involve women in the business to the same extent as men—it may be a fundamental element of preserving the family business as an intergenerational success.” Indeed, it’s not just about equality; it’s about ensuring the longevity and prosperity of these businesses for generations to come. So here’s to the women who are not just breaking glass ceilings but reshaping entire industries with their tenacity and vision. Let’s continue to champion diversity, inclusivity, and the invaluable contributions of women in family businesses. Together, we’re rewriting history, one empowered leader at a time. 💼🌟 #WomenInBusiness #FamilyBusiness #Empowerment

#womenhistorymonth This month of March, “is an honorary observance to recognize and celebrate women for their contributions throughout history and today.” And every March 8th, we observe #internationalwomensday, an annual UN campaign to promote efforts for and on behalf of women. This year’s theme is “Inspire Inclusion”. As a woman CEO, working in a highly competitive Fintech industry, I could relate and share my own decades-long perspective about the role of women, the challenges, opportunities, especially about women empowerment that remains critical in all aspects of our society. I will, however, deviate a little bit from this month’s campaign theme, and share a more personal perspective, one closer to home. Indeed, we have so many women in our history who were game changers. They carried the torch in paving the way, despite and in overcoming difficulties and opposition. I would like to cite one such woman. She is totally unassuming, simple, funny, kind of an introvert, sort of an entrepreneur who tried to ran a small retail store twice, instead focused on being a homemaker, eventually a “stay home”mom up to this day. She married when she was barely nineteen, eloping with a man she has been totally devoted for more than 60 years and still counting. This woman raised four children, with no nannies or full time help. She has 8 grandchildren and still looks far younger than her age. During the past three years, her quiet and simple life has taken an unexpected turn…. Her husband who took care of everything, finances and otherwise, who took charge the past 60 years, who made all major decisions throughout their lives together… slowly and painfully started forgetting things. In three years that he had the onset of #alzheimers, this woman evolved and transformed dramatically. With sublety and tenacity, she started taking in the reins. She started managing the finances, the household, but more importantly, she became his primary caregiver. She is at his side, almost 24/7. This woman’s commitment and devotion to her husband, manifest beyond what love is. In fact, it proves that when faced with challenges and obstacles, a woman’s #strength is most evident. It becomes inherent and a defining moment during times of such adversity. #Aging is inevitable and sometimes it is cruel and unkind. There are so many families with parents affected with this situation. It is a reality that we have to accept and in the long term, manage as best any family could. I’m fortunate to have this incredible woman in our lives. This woman is my mother who is at the helm now, looking after my dad. She is our strength, our rock. She is an inspiration for me, for my daughters, for other women, young and old whose quiet strength is tested in many ways. When her #leadership translates to taking action especially when it matters. She is making it work beyond her 80 years. #gratefuleveryday

In October, National Women's Small Business Month celebrates the contributions women make to communities through their small businesses. With over 11 million women owning small businesses in the United States—and the number continuing to grow—there are many opportunities to get involved. VEL Institute supports small business owners and entrepreneurs, one great way to do that on your own is to be a mentor for a female business owner in your life and patronize their business. What else can you do this October to support women's small businesses this month? #WomensSmallBusinessMonth #WomenEntrepreneurs #SupportSmallBusiness #WomenInBusiness

Current Landscape (from the The NORTH by Female Founder Collective) 42% of all U.S. businesses are owned by women. Female-owned businesses have grown by 114% over the last two decades. Globally, 1/3 of businesses are owned by women. Women start around 849 new businesses every single day. Female-owned businesses employ over 10.1 million workers. On average, over 50% of female investors choose values-based investing, compared to only 23% of men. One leader who has fiercely advocated for women-owned businesses - ensuring they are well funded and provided with the resources they need to succeed - is Elizabeth Davis, Partner at The Female Innovators Lab Fund, Anthemis Group. Here’s a clip from her visit to See & Free Studio, sharing how positivity has fueled her over the years. #trailblazer #womenownedbiz #femalefounders #anthemis #seeandfree

Heads up to our women realtors. 👸 Did you know that working together with other women in your industry can help you all get ahead! 👯 Read about how below! ⬇️ #GlobalAmerica #RealEstate #realtors #womenintitle

I am very excited about this discussion; especially during Black History Month. Truthfully, my journey doesn't look like most, and at times it gets a bit lonely. However, I am reminded to share the difficulties and battles as much if not more than the perceived victories. Your story belongs to you; share if fearlessly and freely. Someone may need to hear something familiar. Join the Discussion: Please register for the webinar using the following link:  https://lnkd.in/eRsjQ_ew.