Browsing Tag

Women Of Influence

Networking With Janet Kestin And Nancy Vonk

Nancy Vonk

The Dove Campaign for Real Beauty was discussed repeatedly in high school and university, so when I learned that Ogilvy’s former co-chief creative officers who were responsible for the work were speaking at a Women of Influence event, I couldn’t resist. On Wednesday night, Nancy Vonk and Janet Kestin shared how women can get ahead by speaking up and networking at a Women of Influence event.

In the age of personal branding, I was surprised when they said that women are taught it’s wrong to talk about themselves. Whether it’s at a networking event or an interview, it’s beneficial to have an elevator pitch ready and be a good storyteller when you have the opportunity to talk about your life and career.

December 17, 2015 by Sarah Prince

Career Lessons From Mia Pearson

On Tuesday night, professional women gathered at One King West to hear Mia Pearson, co-founder of communications agency North Strategic, speak at a Women of Influence event. From cocktails at the beginning to the keynote speech to the networking session, the two-hour-long event was run very efficiently. After working in leadership positions at a few of the country’s most reputable agencies, Mia had a lot of advice on entrepreneurship to dispense, which she eloquently shared with the group.

1) Find a niche where you can excel, ensure that you have something valuable to offer and then become the best in your field.

One of Mia’s first managers discouraged her from specializing in tech PR, but she disagreed with his advice because she recognized that specializing could lead to huge career opportunities. In the end, she co-founded High Road Communications, an agency that specializes in tech PR and Omnicom eventually acquired it. Whether you’re an entrepreneur or an intrapreneur, Mia said you should always look for growth opportunities. She emphasized that big ideas can come from any level, reminding the audience that you don’t need to be the co-founder to think big. If you work hard within your niche, then you can become famous for your work.

September 16, 2015 by Sarah Prince

Dress For Success With Lisa Tant

Photo Source: Girls Of TO

It’s always important to dress for the job you want. Yet no matter how many magazine spreads are dedicated to work-appropriate attire, women repeatedly seek more advice about what to wear.

Women of Influence sought to answer our questions on Tuesday evening by hosting Lisa Tant at One King West. Throughout her speech, Lisa emphasized the importance of being present and shared three main pieces of advice: find your passion, be social and be honest.

Find your passion

Lisa discovered her entrepreneurial drive as a teenager when she realized she could make beautiful things that people want to buy, such as embroidery. The “Type A creative crazy person” was eager to tag along on buying trips to LA and San Francisco during high school. Her parents demanded that she maintain good grades while pursuing a career in fashion and Lisa refused to let them down.

September 25, 2014 by Sarah Prince