Positively Powerful Women

Christine Breeze studied at the Faculty of Arts at the Westfälische Wilhelms Universität in Münster/Germany and at Cambridge University, Sheffield/UK and now she’s in Scottsdale, AZ and loving it. I, for one, am really glad she decided to come to AZ.

Breeze started her career as a public relations manager for MTV Networks in 1995 in Hamburg. She positioning MTV and VH-1 Networks as new TV-brands in the European market, and received an outstanding achievement award for spearheading the successful launch of MTV and VH-1 in Europe.

After one year of working as a screenwriter for Pro 7, one of the most popular TV stations in Europe, Christine Breeze parlayed her successes by launching a global public relations & marketing firm ‘pressforward’ with the corporate office in Hamburg, German. In 2005 she founded Breeze Public Relations in Scottsdale, Arizona and in 2006 aligned her firm with Vibrant Consulting Group. Christine Breeze has been developing long term public relations & Marketing strategies for new products and industries, and public figures, rebuilding or maintaining brands, rolling out new brands and establishing special interest networks in the media scene: organising roundtables, lectures and get-togethers (Clients: i.e. Greenpeace, Unilever, n.a.s.a.2.0, Douglas Holding, Hart Interior Design, Lillian Coury, Triad West, Twistique, MTV Networks, BP/Kidstation) Continue reading

At the Positively Powerful Breakfast with international business leaders Betty Pinchon and Rodrick Miller, Greater Phoenix Economic Council (the post on his speech will be online soon), we were treated to Betty Pinchon’s Excellent International Quiz and strategies.

If you are interested in taking your business global, it is important to be aware of the proper protocol and customs of the nation you visiting and want to do business with. Test your knowledge with this sample of the questions she asked us.

While there are always “exceptions to the rule”, the answers that apply most of the time are at the bottom of this post. See how you do. If you want to know why a particular answer is correct, you might send an email to Betty for her response. If you are interested in a consultant for your business development Betty and Rodrick are great resources.

1. You’re giving a presentation to a Japanese business. As you look around the room, many of the attendees have their eyes closed. Why?
   1. You are a poor presenter and need training
   2. Japanese love parties and are sleepy
   3. This is how Japanese show concentration and attentiveness
   4. They are giving you a signal to stop
2. In Mexico when sending a gift of appreciation, the one appreciated the most is
   1. A bouquet of Yellow Daffodils
   2. An expensive box of chocolates
   3. Anything silver
   4. Small items with a logo
3. Bringing a gift of food to a dinner party in Singapore is considered
   1. Appropriate only if it is rare and expensive
   2. Rude
   3. The food must be a food of Singapore
   4. Welcome no matter what it is
4. What is the Capital City of Australia?
   1. Sydney
   2. Melbourne
   3. Perth
   4. Canberra
5. The currency in Columbia is the
   1. Dinar
   2. Peso
   3. Dollar

Betty Pichon is founder and president of The Pichon Group, a firm that offers comprehensive training and consulting available in contemporary business. She directs her international expertise to corporate executives, management and sales and marketing personnel who desire a greater knowledge and awareness of organizational and cultural behavior. Betty’s objective is to promote greater self-confidence and better strategies in today’s competitive global economy by enhancing personal a3-2, nd professional skills that place firms in control of any business or social transaction.

Betty is a certified consultant in Business Etiquette and International Protocol. Her client base includes many For5tune 500 companies in telecommunications, microprocessors, energy and various service and retail organizations throughout the country. Her email address us pichongroup@cox.net

ANSWERS

1 – 3

2- 4

3- 2

4 – 4

5- 2

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

There was a time when sport teams were seen as the ultimate models for how managers should see their businesses. Some CEOs would make reference to football teams in describing their management style. For example, calling all plays from the sidelines. Others would use basketball, with themselves as the head coach, and another coach who was their eyes and ears on the court being a point guard.  This provided flexibility for the players/employees until a time out was called.

Today, the popular analogy is the family – a different structure, smaller and requiring a different set of sensibilities from the managerial leaders. For example, the football model is to play at any cost to yourself, just don’t hurt your team. It meant being a warrior, like Ben Roethlisberger, having fractured ribs while competing in this year’s Super-Bowl. While we might admire Mr. Roethlsberger heroics, in our businesses this would be seen as reckless. How this might be similar in the workplace is saying one believes in work life balance but asking your teams to work 60 hours a week…”give it your all.”

Many women (men too – the paradigm is shifting) have a different take on business and understand fully the concept of family. Here are just some of the attributes that support the business concept of families.

1. Understanding that emotions mean something.
2. Understanding that change is constant
3. That caring is not a bad word.
4. Risk for risk sake is not taking risk but being silly.
5. That everything matters.

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Series Intro: In this series I’ll be highlighting some of the most interesting and inspiring women that I’ve been meeting, learned about, or working with. Here’s what I know…they are so busy working, filming, teaching, campaigning, leading, etc. that they don’t have time to promote themselves. I get to do that. If there is a positively powerful woman you’d like me to feature, let me know.

Meet Brigitte Wangberg, M.S.:

Brigitte’s company is My Life Instruction. She is a relationship, life, and business coach. She may be excellent but that’s not why I chose to feature her.  It’s the life she led before going into coaching that I found remarkable. As you look at the attractive woman below, know that she’s worked in prisons, an advocate for the mentally ill (managing a caseload of 50, severely mentally ill clients), and with people who need the kind of compassion she’s filled with…she’s been an elementary school teacher.

Brigitte earned a Master of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, Post Bachelorette Elementary Education Certificate, and Bachelors in Psychology. And she’s earned the admiration of many as a positively powerful woman and single mom.

Learn more about Brigitte by going to her website, clicking here.

Series Intro: In this series I’ll be highlighting some of the most interesting and inspiring women that I’ve been meeting, learned about, or working with. Here’s what I know…they are so busy working, filming, teaching, campaigning, leading, etc. that they don’t have time to promote themselves. I get to do that. If there is a positively powerful woman you’d like me to feature, let me know.

Meet Cybel Martin, Director of Photography/Cinematographer:

Singled out for her expressive and stylized work, Cybel Martin is the first and only African American woman to receive an MFA in Cinematography from New York University. Perhaps because she was named after 1962 Oscar winning film, “Sundays and Cybele”, this native New Yorker has set her sights on her own golden statue. Recently she was filming a feature in DC during the Inauguration of President Obama.

It was interesting to learn that the cameras that she must wield are heavy, so staying in peak condition physically (as well as mentally, emotionally, and spiritually) is important. All seem to be taken in stride by this PPW (Positively Powerful Woman). Other traits that I learned are key for those who want to be cinematographers like her – in a male dominated industry – are the abilities to facilitate diverse people, be able to “travel well”, spot great professional talents, be the boss of her crew on the set, and juggle many balls. Cybel is both a Bollywood and Nollywood DP (Director of Photography). Another skill is to be exceptionally entrepreneurial. Cybel Martin is a business entity that creates art and brings stories to life with mathematical excellence. (Try figuring out what lights, filters, camera lenses…to use. That’s a discipline that I can only begin to imagine!) The results of her work bring tears, laughter, and yes Oscars.

Cybel is also an author and speaker: Inspired to share her knowledge and career experiences, Cybel has participated in several film panels and lecture series. Her favorites include guest lecturer at the Psychiatry Department at Columbia University, Cinematography instructor for the Film Academy in Nigeria, guest teacher for The Ghetto Film School and panelist at the Arizona Black Film Fest.  She documents some of her experiences in Nigeria in a recently published photography book, “Picture in Nigeria” which is available for purchase through Blurb. Her website: Click here.

Here’s a blog of good info for small, entrepreneurial and home based business written by Alexandria Brown. I really liked this artilce about ways to be productive. It’s positively powerful good news for the beginning of 2009.   Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown publishes the  ‘Highlights on Marketing & Success’ weekly ezine. She’s an award winner with over 36,000+ subscribers so if you’re ready and really want to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, you can get free tips at www.AlexandriaBrown.com.

Look for more good news like this in the future at this site for women entrepreneurs and corporate contributors too.

“Run Your Business From Home? Here’s 10 Ways to Be More Productive”
by Ali Brown

Ah, working at home sweet home… Visions of leisurely days, conference calls in comfy sweatpants, increased productivity with fewer interruptions. But the distinctions between work life and home life soon blur. You really should throw some laundry in the wash before you write that proposal. You have an hour before a meeting: Should you balance your books or clean the kitchen? And remember to call that client back right after you empty the cat box.

Welcome to the real world of the home office: unforeseen distractions, a lack of structured time, and sometimes a perceived loss of identity. But don’t give up the dream just yet! By putting into place a few simple ideas, you can reap more of the rewards of staying home-bound. Based on my experiences and those of my clients, here are 10 simple ways to help you stay on track.

1. Separate Your Space.

Keep a separate, distinct work area in your home. Very important. (This is especially difficult if you’re living and working in a shoebox apartment, like I was when I started my business in New York City!) If you don’t have a separate room, at least define an area, and know that when you’re in it, you’re in “work mode.”

2. Structure Your Time.

As your business and personal time mesh, it’s more important than ever to structure your day. For example, if you regularly take a walk or go to the gym, try to do it every day at the same time. Value that personal appointment with yourself — even when you’re very busy. It will actually help you keep your business on track! I like to get up early and work until 1 pm, then I take a few hours off to enjoy lunch and go to the gym or jog on the beach. Then I’m back at my desk at 5:00 until who knows when!

3. Outsource All You Can.

When I began my business, I made the mistake of doing all my own administrative work. Whenever you start thinking, “Well I can just do that myself,” STOP. Streamline your business, making everything as automatic as possible. Use outside services to stay focused on your *real work*. Get accounts with an overnight delivery service, virtual assistant, messenger service, errand service, bookkeeper, etc. Save your time and energy for your brilliant ideas!

4. Use Technology to Your Advantage.

In-person meetings are very valuable when appropriate, but schedule them sparingly. Try to do most of your business via phone, fax, and e-mail using the best equipment you can afford. For most of us, when we’re out of the office, we’re not bringing in the bacon! So it’s important that you can communicate flawlessly from where you are. PLEASE do us all a favor and get separate lines/services for your phone, fax, and Internet! No one likes getting a busy signal or having to call first before faxing.

Get separate lines for home and business, or ask your phone company about getting “distinctive ring”. Also, voicemail is better than an answering machine, because if you’re on an important call and don’t want to be disturbed, other callers can still leave you a message.

5. Group Your Errands.

Try to group your meetings and errands together to minimize your out-of-office time. Make a list in the morning of all the outside tasks you need done for the day, and attempt to complete them in one fell swoop. Even better, do what I used to do and designate just one day a week as your “blitz” day for errands and meetings. Plus, then you only need to get dressed up one day a week! : ) (Nowadays I use an errand service to run around for me.)

6. Stay Focused.

Make your workspace off-limits to other roommates or family members when you’re working. For you animal lovers, this may go for pets as well. (My dear old cat Francine would get extremely jealous when I wasn’t giving her complete attention!) Keep all personal paperwork such as bills, magazines, and to-do lists out of sight, so they won’t distract you from your work projects.

7. Beware of Yappers.

Many of your friends and family will be immediately delighted when they learn that you’re now home-officing. They picture you lounging on the couch, eating potato chips, and waiting for their calls. When they call you simply to chat, politely remind them that you’re working, and ask them if you can call them back after your day is over. It may take them a while, but they’ll eventually get the idea.

8. Work With Your Moods.

Keep track of your moods and productivity compared with the time of day. For example, if you find you’re more alert in the morning, use this time to make important calls and do your creative work. Take advantage of your natural cycles. If you feel better after an afternoon nap, go for it! (I’m a BIG proponent of the catnap. In fact, I may start a support group.)

9. Suit Yourself.

To bring out your best work, make your environment perfect for YOU. How do you work best? With plenty of breaks, or with no interruptions? In silence, or with some light music in the background? On a cushy couch and coffee table, or at a business desk in an ergonomic chair? (My friends thought I was nuts when I spent $750 on my Herman Miller Aeron chair, but they quickly understood why I did once they sat in it! It will last forever and my spine thanks me every day.)

Also, find some places you can do work when you need a change of scenery. How about the library, the park, or your neighborhood coffee shop? When I need to do serious reading, thinking, or editing, I take my work outside to the beach. The sea air, sunshine, and soothing waves help me think much more clearly.

10. Break for People.

Feeling sluggish, lonely, or moody? Arrange for at least one social break during the week. Schedule breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even just coffee with a client, vendor, or friend. Join a business networking group, or sign-up for social activities such as dance class or recreational sports league. Don’t go into hermit mode — it can be self-destructive!

© 1999-2009 Alexandria Brown International Inc.

No matter how you interpret the headline, it all rings true when it’s Lorrinda Gray-Davis that’s being referred to. Ms. Gray-Davis is the Director of Diversity Development for Perini Building Co. Inc., a company that is a leader in the high-dollar relationship-based commercial contracting and construction industry. The Las Vegas skyline and Phoenix Airpot are two of the many sites shaped by their corporation.

I met Lorrinda when she held a similar position with Austin Industries and since those early days, I have seen the consistency with which she has exceeded the $$ diversity commitments of these firms. She’s been pivotal in the awarding of millions of dollars to minority companies. She’s received millions of accolades and awards most recently the Champion of Diversity Award from Diversity Plus. She has assisted significant numbers if not millions of business owners in growing their businesses through mentoring, championing, educational forums, etc. because as she says, “If our subcontractors fail, we fail.” She is also supportive of community events serving as the Chairperson of the Grand Canyon Minority Supplier Development Council, Ron Williams President and sponsor of The Positively Powerful Women Celebrate! events among others.

Perini serves as a benchmark for other prime contractors. however, the firm’s diversity success did not come overnight– nor has it been coincidental. It actually started growing roots in 2005 when the firm hired its Director of Diversity Development Lorrinda Gray-Davis. when Gray-Davis took on the challenge, she was charged with establishing a full-time diversity department, policies and procedures. Fortunately, Gray-Davis and Perini alike have seen substantial results. (MBNUSA September 15 – October 15, 2008)

Transformational leaders enroll in their vision: She’s done this at Perini, for entrepreneurs, and in the community. They are vulnerable and she is in her “upfront” style of communication and commitment to get things done. They cause a possibility to occur that would not have happened otherwise as she does being a minority business advocate who is not only a gate keeper for millions but creating gates where there were none before.

Recently I had the privilege of being coached by Betty Pichon. I learned from her that it was to my advantage to prepare an introductory paragraph or two to provide those who introduce me with the words I want my audience to hear, to create a “tickle file” to remind and prompt me about activities for new business, how best to project my message to an international audience, and much much more.

Betty is an award-winning speaker and consultant. She is well-connected and well-liked. What she says is always bankable. Given the importance of making a good first impression especially for those of us who want to do international business, when Betty speaks we listen. She’ll be speaking at the Positively Powerful Breakfast Feb. 6th, Chaparral Suites, Scottsdale.The event will focus on global success.

People also listen to Rodrick Miller. He’ll also be speaking that morning. Rodrick is the Vice President of International Economic Development, Greater Phoenix Economic Council. He is a results-oriented leader with 7 years of progressively responsible experience who has worked extensively in the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Betty Pichon is founder and president of The Pichon Group, a firm that offers the most comprehensive training and consulting available in contemporary business. She directs her international expertise to corporate executives, management and sales and marketing personnel who desire a greater knowledge and awareness of organizational and cultural behavior.

Betty¹s objective is to promote greater self-confidence and better strategies in today¹s competitive global economy by enhancing personal and professional skills that place firms in control of any business or social transaction. Betty is a certified consultant in Business Etiquette and International Protocol. Her client base includes many Fortune 500 companies in telecommunications, microprocessors, energy and various service and retail organizations throughout the country.

Only a decade or so ago, Women and Business were the exception rather than the rule. Women working was not a new idea, but it was one that was almost completely replaced during the 1950s. In that time, the new American post-war prosperity led to this ideology that women’s work was in the home and not in the office. Jobs for women dwindled to a few services such as secretary and teacher. Outside of those industries, there were few opportunities for women and business.

It really is nice to see how things have changed in the last few years. Don’t get me wrong, there is still a long way to go, but even so things are looking up for women and business in the 21st century. More women are going to college and completing it then men, and women are working in high-tech fields in greater numbers than ever before. Salaries are up, dropout rates are down,and it seems that women and business have a bright future.

Almost all the females I know are women in small business. The interesting thing is that they tend to be actually more successful than many of the men I know. Most of them are in pretty cutting-edge industries and making excellent career salaries.

They do not have to deal with workplace harassment, they get paid fairly well, and in general are making good lives for themselves because of a greater degree of equality than our society has ever had before.Nonetheless, there are still things that need to be changed. women and business still get less money for the work than men do. Many women are discouraged early on from pursuing high-tech careers because of entrenched cultural stereotypes that say that women aren’t as good at math or science. Although the stereotypes are not true, they still hold some power over many young women and girls, keeping them away from scientific careers that might be better for them. Even so, there is reason for hope. When you look at how far things have changed in the past 50 years, it really is like we live in a completely different world. It might take another generation or two for things to even out completely, but I have full confidence they will. Now that they have a taste for equality, they will continue to fight for it until it is theirs completely. I say more power to them! The day of the working woman is at hand.