NOVA’s Post

A vulnerable and exciting update for my network: A little over a year ago, when I joined The Admin Effect as their Chief Marketing Officer, I stepped out of my comfort zone and really put my imposter syndrome to the test. I could confidently tell an office how many seminars they would need to hold to meet their growth goals for the year. I could identify gaps in branding and deliverables for a company, create and execute a social media calendar, and organize a client events schedule. However, I had no idea what Firelight was. I didn't know what a replacement application entailed. I didn't fully grasp the difference between a carrier and a custodian. The only thing I knew about a Roth IRA was simply that I had one. And don't even ask me to explain the difference between qualified and non-qualified funds. The list goes on... I share this because, in a matter of months, with the guidance and support of our incredible team, I learned what Firelight was (spoiler: it's not the song by Owl City). I learned the significance of IRA types in applications, and the difference between qualified and non-qualified funds. This knowledge allowed me to develop effective case management training, forecast how many applications our team can complete in a day, and streamline money movement timeframes and strategies. Let my experience during the past year be a testament to the true power of The Admin Effect. Our service offering, and ESPECIALLY our training program, was created with the framework that I followed to get to this point, and that our team has followed as well. A special shoutout to our Leadership Team for pushing me toward this opportunity and giving me the grace and confidence to take on this new role. I love what I do, and I feel lucky to be able to do it every day. Cheers to an exciting year ahead! 🥂

THIS IS IT. CLAP DE FIN My two year contract with Business France in New York has come to an end. What a journey it has been! Arriving in this incredible city, and diving into a business culture completely new to me—I am forever grateful for this experience.   I loved my job—how could I not? Supporting many French producers as they developed market entry strategies in the U.S. has been incredibly rewarding. I had the privilege of building a robust network of importers, distributors, and retailers, all of whom taught me invaluable lessons about the U.S. retail and foodservice industries. A special thanks to everyone who played a part (end even helped me in my job search!). 🙌   Throughout this journey, I've learned a great deal. Some of the key insights include: - 🤝Doing business in the US is not the same as in France. The rules are different, and successful partnerships are built on reactivity, trust, and strong relationships. - 🥖French products have huge potential due to their well-known quality and savoir-faire. However, it's not enough to rely on this alone to drive sales. Products from Italy, Spain, Greece, and beyond are also incredibly appealing. Standing out from the crowd is essential. - 📊There is a market for everyone, as long as you choose the right strategy in terms of channels, geography, and positioning.   Lastly, this experience has shown me the immense potential of the U.S. food market for French products, as well as how relatively small and vibrant the French food sector in the U.S. is, making it incredibly stimulating to be a part of it.   A big thank you to Jacques and the entire Business France North America team for these past 24 months.   Guess what? I’m not leaving the food and beverage world, and I’m certainly not leaving New York🍎   Stay tuned for the next chapter, et bonne rentrée! (I’ll definitely miss my colleagues and this beautiful sunset view.)

2024 Wrapped. MOST IMPACTFUL CLIENT Working with the Shoprite Checkers S A group has been a highlight of the past 3 years. We've evolved classic and fresh methodologies to build insight and shed light on various strategic challenges, fuelling a human-grounded approach to: Future-fit brand strategy Dynamic audience segmentation & opportunity Media strategy & Digital communications Innovation Customer feedback Grounded 'purpose' - relevant, life-impacting, brand growing tactical ideas. Applauding all the people that boldly took the insights forward into crafting cunning strategies, bright communications and innovations. Many brands have experimented with "Purpose marketing". Locating a relevant 'North Star' is the essential starting point. Earthing that star is the difference between dreaming big and doing big. 'Impact marketing' takes it all to the next level. It's about shifting a gear, embracing performance goals, but then engaging the courage to "listen to our customer, and take their voice into the boardroom" - striving to build brands and organisations that flourish through understanding people. We have all been personally impacted through this work, and learned to embrace the opportunities of the Big Shifts that have challenged us. #discovertruthsparksolutions #insightfuel #impactmarketing

Suntory Oceania field team members, UCB Stores (United Convenience Buyers) Business Managers (BMMs) and #UCB Members through #October24, partnered on a UCB #Exclusive Activity driving creativity and in-store impact. Supported by both field teams executing eye catching and easy to shop displays, UCB Stores (United Convenience Buyers) Members have given shoppers plenty of reasons to select and enjoy, their favourite Suntory Oceania beverage. Of those shoppers who notice a UCB Stores (United Convenience Buyers) Promotion (and there's a lot) over 50% buy into a UCB Promotion. There's few better sights than in-store theatre which interrupts shoppers, and persuades them to satisfy their thirst. Well done Suntory Oceania field team members & UCB Stores (United Convenience Buyers) Members and Business Managers - on an energetic and refreshing collaboration. #improvingstores #members #convenience #Suntory #collaboration #asezyasUCB #growingforgood

🌊 Wonder what it's like to work in our Destin market? Our Senior Area Manager Cori Wheaton shares insights into her daily life as a member of our local team, how she helped launch our extraordinary 30A market, and more. Explore her spotlight feature on our blog below! #EmployeeSpotlight #AreaManager #EmployeeAppreciation #Destin #30A

Talk about plenty of horsepower in the stables! The diversity might be hard to see, but then, who judges a book by the cover? The important factor with diversity is using it. Can't do that without open and honest conversations, which this team knows how to do.

Azzurri Group, the ASK Italian, Zizzi, Coco di Mama and Boojum operator has reported growth in both its sales and profit as it transitions from pure-play restaurant operator into hospitality investment platform. The circa 230-strong company, which opened the UK debut site for Dave's Hot Chicken earlier this month, said it saw a "significant step change in profitability alongside an enormous level of positive change, resilience and innovation across its portfolio" in the year to 30 June 2024, as it reported an 18% increase in revenue to £303.1m. 👉 For the full version of this story and to read it first sign up to the Propel email newsletter for free: https://lnkd.in/eyy_THzR

It is great to connect with your channel partners. They are the best mirror to your strength and weakness. Distributor meets are an effective strategy for FMCG brands to strengthen their distribution network and drive growth. Here are the key benefits: 1. Strengthened Relationships 2. Better Communication 3. Distributor Motivation. 4. Knowledge Sharing 5. Market Insights 6. Showcase New Products 7. Strengthening Sales Strategies 8. Networking Opportunities 9. Problem Resolution. 10. Increased Brand Loyalty Distributor meets are not just a gathering but a strategic tool to energize the distribution network, boost sales, and create a win-win situation for both the brand and its partners. Share your story if you got more benefits. #Distribution #FMCG #Chukdespices #Channelpartner #Learning #Distributormeet #Brand

Join the Property Cigar Club and unlock a new trajectory in your real estate career. Here's how membership in our exclusive club can redefine your professional path: 1. Authentic Connections: Our cigar evenings provide a relaxed setting that fosters genuine interactions with fellow real estate professionals. Through these valuable exchanges, you'll gain fresh insights and perspectives that could revolutionise your approach to the industry. 2. Mentorship and Guidance: Connect with experienced leaders who can offer personal mentorship and share the wisdom that has shaped their careers. This guidance is pivotal in refining your decision-making and enhancing your professional development. 3. New Opportunities: Each gathering opens doors to exciting collaborations and partnerships within the real estate sector. Expand your professional network and explore new ventures that could broaden your career horizons. 4. Building Trust and Credibility: Forge lasting relationships that help establish trust and credibility in the real estate community. These connections are fundamental to building a solid reputation and can be instrumental in your success. 5. Gaining Perspective: Engage in enriching conversations that widen your view of the real estate market. Discover innovative approaches and fresh possibilities that you can integrate into your own strategies. Reflecting on a pivotal cigar evening, the power of networking is evident - it can unexpectedly influence our careers and open doors to valuable opportunities. Do not miss out on the potential to enhance your professional journey. Join today and start building meaningful connections that propel your career forward. #RealEstateJourney #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingOpportunities #CareerGrowth #CigarEvening

Say hello 👋 to Caspar MacRae, CEO & President at The Glenmorangie Company, and this week’s incredible #IndustryInspiration! Caspar’s career has been driven by curiosity and passion, starting out as a Whisky Brand Ambassador, ultimately leading to his current role as the CEO at The Glenmorangie Company. Caspar shares, “Glenmorangie was my Dad’s favourite single malt and Dr. Bill Lumsden was one of my first industry heroes – so I feel very privileged and fortunate to have this role.” Offering insight into his role as CEO, Caspar explains, “When I first started as an Ambassador, I saw the CEO as the person who gets to do what they want with a brand and company. Now that I find myself in that position, I realise that it’s my job to be in service of the 300+ talented people who work here. The effort they put in, the passion they have, and the creativity they bring – it’s my role to ensure what they do is directed in a way that makes the brands successful, and means the team have the growth and personal development opportunities they deserve.” Speaking on his love for the brand, Caspar shares, “People – behind every single bottle of Glenmorangie and Ardbeg stands a community of craftspeople, creatives and team members united behind a purpose of creating and sharing great whisky experiences. In many cases their families have been doing this for generations. “The way that they take care of each other, strive to get better and celebrate each other’s success – it’s infectious.” The future looks bright for Caspar as he shares his short and long-term goals, “We have ambitious goals! We want Glenmorangie to be the most delicious and inventive whisky in the world. We want Ardbeg to be recognised as the best smoky whisky in the world. We would like our company to be the best place to work in Scotland. “It’s a competitive world, so those goal posts will keep moving, but that’s the exciting challenge and we need to continue to stretch ourselves to get there.” To conclude, Caspar shares some advice to fellow hospitality professionals, “I think that customer-facing roles are the best possible ‘training ground’ for future industry leaders. You understand the realities of how consumers learn, choose and enjoy our brands. You understand the challenges of our hospitality trade partners. “When I took myself to business school I was so much better equipped to match theory with real world experience thanks to my time as an ambassador. So realise that wherever you are in your career, there is a lot to learn, but don’t discount the unique value of what you already understand!” We congratulate Caspar on his incredible achievements in the industry and wish him continues success in the future!