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Sophia Kudjordji, listed by Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine under World's Women of Distinction in PR and Communication, 2023
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Vol. 09 | Issue 05 | September 2023 www.worldsleaders.com World’s Women of Distinction in & Communication, 2023 Senior Public Relations & Communications Expert Jospong Group of Companies A Communications Leader Guiding Success
World's Women of Distinction in PR and Communication, 2023 Connecting Businesses to Their True Audience It believes that effective communication calls for more than just conveying a message. It involves creating enduring connections with one's audience and fostering relationships with them. Specialized PR leaders provides the required knowledge and experience to successfully navigate the always shifting communication landscape, whether the target is an individual looking to establish their reputation or a company attempting to carve out a niche in a brutally competitive industry. The cover has Sophia Kudjordji, a highly accomplished public relations expert and a seasoned communications leader in Ghana. With an impressive background in building strong PR functions and teams, she currently serves as the Chief Corporate Communication Officer at the esteemed Jospong Group of Companies. With over 25 years of experience in media and communications, Sophia has made her mark in both public relations and journalism. PR firms are specialized businesses that only work to improve the perception of brands and products. To raise a brand's value, these agencies develop various marketing strategies and techniques. Customers benefit greatly from these agencies as well since they are given access to the greatest products available. The most crucial elements of hiring a PR firm are connecting with the target audience, identifying the ideal market for the company, developing a brand image, and boosting brand value that endures throughout the brand's operations. Sophia's journey began as a journalist, fulfilling her lifelong dream of working with the Ghana News Agency in the Volta Region in 1996. Prior to this role, she provided her expertise as a consultant for the DANIDA-sponsored Community Water Sanitation Agency. Additionally, she had the opportunity to host various radio programs dedicated to empowering youth and women at the local community radio station, Volta Star, in the Volta Region of Ghana. World's Leaders latest edition “World's Women of Distinction in PR and Communication, 2023” is featuring renowned womenbusiness leaders who has changed the perception that males are more skilled in PR and has been weaved through appointments to executive positions in PR firms. Also, while you flip through the pages, don't forget to read the articles created by our in-house editorial staff and industry experts. Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker SEPTEMBER 2023 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2023 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
Cov Sry 10 Sophia Sophia Sophia Kudjordji A Communications Leader Guiding Success
Alexandra Michelle Gonzalez 18 Carly Benewith and Rachel Gomez 22 Heather Ripley 28 32 Joanna Allen 36 Marie Alexander Nuria E. Angelocci 40 46 Shanaz Ramzi 50 Tabitha Sukhai Taylor Elizabeth 54
Sophia Kudjordji Senior Public Relations & Communications Expert Jospong Group of Companies A Communications Leader Guiding Success 10 | SEPTEMBER 2023
A 12 | SEPTEMBER 2023
remarkable leader who embodies the value of continuous learning, Sophia Kudjordji is a highly accomplished public relations expert and a seasoned communications leader in Ghana. With an impressive background in building strong PR functions and teams, she currently serves as the Chief Corporate Communication Officer at the esteemed Jospong Group of Companies. With over 25 years of experience in media and communications, Sophia has made her mark in both public relations and journalism. Sophia's journey began as a journalist, fulfilling her lifelong dream of working with the Ghana News Agency in the Volta Region in 1996. Prior to this role, she provided her expertise as a consultant for the DANIDA-sponsored Community Water Sanitation Agency. Additionally, she had the opportunity to host various radio programs dedicated to empowering youth and women at the local community radio station, Volta Star, in the Volta Region of Ghana. resulting in the establishment of UT Bank (now defunct). Within just two years of operating as a universal bank, UT Bank proudly received the prestigious Best Bank award at the Ghana Banking Awards in 2012. Over time, the institution diversified its offerings to include Property Management, Private Security, Logistics, and Life Insurance, among other ventures. against these companies due to lack of understanding of their operations, both the Jospong Group and UT Brand, along with their executives, have received numerous awards and recognition, solidifying their positions as highly esteemed companies within and outside the country. Taking a different path, Sophia joined the British High Commission as a website editor. Her role expanded to include acting as a liaison between the High Commission and the Ghana Police Service. Her exceptional dedication and performance earned her a commendation letter from 10 Downing Street in the United Kingdom. The company JOSPONG GROUP OF COMPANIES is a wholly Ghanaian owned holding company with interest in over 60 subsidiaries operating Africa, Asia and America. It is one of Ghana's most diversified companies and one of the biggest players in the private sector. Established in 1995 by the visionary Leader and founder Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, with a core business of printing and publishing, the company After six years with the High Commission, Sophia embarked on a new adventure, joining Unique Trust Financial Services. This Ghanaian- owned private finance house gained recognition for its renowned 48-hour stop-gap loan service. Rebranded as UT Financial Services and listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, the company later merged with another bank, After nearly a decade of contributing to the integrated marketing communication field within the UT Group, Sophia made a transition to the Jospong Group in 2016. Taking on the role of Group Head for Communication, she proudly associates herself with two of Ghana's most renowned private sector enterprises. Despite vilifications worldsleaders.com | 13
has in the last couple of years grown into conglomerate with operations in 14 sectors of the economy and a core staff strength of over 6,000 people and created close to 200,000 jobs directly and indirectly along the value chain. The vision of the Group is to become the most successful African Holding company leading in every sector we operate in, with a simple mission of improving the lives of people. Jospong Group's core business is to identify gaps, churn out innovative businesses and build capacities to provide value and nurture them to become market leaders; fit to play on both the local and international markets. corporate affairs, and online communication. Alongside these responsibilities, she undertakes various other tasks, some of which are listed below: Directing communication strategies that contribute to the profitable growth and operation of the Group. Developing policies, messaging, and a strategic approach to communication that instills trust, confidence, excellence, and a commitment to serving local and international stakeholders. Creating strategic communication plans aligned with the Group's long-term objectives and priorities. Acting as the spokesperson for the Group and representing the Group, when required. Ensuring that communication objectives and performance standards are not only understood but also embraced by management and employees. Serving as a liaison to major stakeholders, including the media, government, and the general public. Establishing and maintaining an effective communication system and a competent team. Developing and implementing crisis communication Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Strategic Communication Leadership Ÿ As the Chief Corporate Communication Officer (CCCO), Sophia assumes the vital role of providing strategic direction for communication across the Jospong Group. Her responsibilities encompass a wide range of areas, including internal communication, stakeholder engagement, corporate social responsibility, community relations, media relations, Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ Ÿ 14 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Beyond Qualifications In today's era where skills are abundant, Sophia has learned the importance of considering not only qualifications but also attitude when hiring team members. While skills can be taught, she values attitude as a fundamental attribute that is challenging to change once acquired. Particularly for non- technical positions, Sophia seeks individuals who possess a clear sense of purpose, independence of thought, humility, respect, and a willingness to learn. Diligence, intelligence, and a readiness to both learn from and share knowledge with others are also essential qualities she looks for. A touch of humor is an added bonus, creating a positive and enjoyable work environment. strategies to effectively handle challenging situations. Supporting the development of strategic corporate social responsibility programs. and encourages her mentees to adopt the same attitude. She also gains inspiration and knowledge from role models such as her mother, Mrs. Elizabeth Mensah Kudjordji, her siblings, the late Dr Sule Gariba, Captain Prince Kofi Amoabeng of UT, and Madam Esther Cobbah, Chief Executive Officer of Stratcom Africa and other senior practitioners. Ÿ One of the most fulfilling aspects of Sophia's role is waking up each day and engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, leaving them with a smile. This demonstrates her commitment to fostering positive connections and making a difference through effective communication and engagement. One significant observation Sophia has made about emerging leaders today is the lack of humility and patience among them. While she acknowledges the importance of speed, Sophia has matured to understand that life operates within its own time and processes. Impatience can lead to rushing, often resulting in avoidable accidents. She advocates for emerging leaders to embrace humility, acknowledging their weaknesses and seeking help when needed. Furthermore, she emphasizes the significance of recognizing that there is a suitable time and season for everything. Many emerging leaders prioritize cost over value, which can negatively impact their relationships. Insights on Humility, Patience, and Value-Centric Leadership Sophia has embraced a continuous learning mindset, drawing lessons from people, situations, events, and any source that offers valuable insights. She actively challenges herself to learn, not only from others but also through formal education. Currently, she is pursuing an MPhil in Strategic Public Relations Management at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) in Accra, Ghana. Sophia firmly believes that learning has no endpoint worldsleaders.com | 15
men, is committed to using their communication efforts to shift the narrative surrounding the Jospong Group and its founder from a local tale to a global phenomenon. She aspires for it to become a compelling case study at prestigious institutions like Ivy League universities, challenging the conventional approach to doing business and promoting the distinctive "Jospong Way." This approach encompasses tenacity, resilience, fearlessness in taking risks, and, above all, a genuine desire to enhance lives. The Jospong Group has already begun expanding its horizons by actively participating in international exhibitions and business fora. Their aim is not only to showcase their endeavors but also to assume speaking roles, positioning themselves as thought leaders in their respective industries. Notably, there is currently a Joseph Siaw Agyepong Distinguished Lecture on Public Health at the Harvard University Center for African Studies in the United States, reflecting the group's commitment to making significant contributions beyond national borders. Furthermore, Sophia highlights the effective utilization of social media and other digital tools to amplify the brand's presence and impact. Sophia hopes that they will discern and appreciate the distinction. engaging in small-scale farming. This transition reflects her desire to share her expertise, guide others in their professional journeys, and explore new ventures outside of the traditional corporate environment. Through her own journey of continuous learning and personal growth, Sophia offers valuable insights and guidance to the emerging leaders she mentors. Building a Global Phenomenon A Valuable Lesson in Trust With utmost gratitude to God, Sophia expresses her admiration for the Jospong Group, a conglomerate of companies boasting award-winning subsidiaries and individuals. She considers the Jospong story to be truly remarkable, accompanied by a strong brand and a highly dynamic workforce led by the exceptional and visionary founder, Dr. Joseph Siaw Agyepong, who serves as the Executive Chairman. Envisioning a future of remarkable expansion through international partnerships, Sophia aims to build resilience within the company, striving to create a transgenerational entity. One of the most significant risks Sophia encountered during her early days in the private sector was placing her trust in an event organizer who turned out to be fraudulent. She had convinced her company to sponsor him, only to discover his true intentions. However, she was fortunate to have a supportive boss who reassured her that it was a valuable learning experience and advised her not to dwell on it. This encouragement empowered Sophia to become more vigilant in her professional endeavors. Looking ahead, Sophia envisions a shift away from the corporate world in the next five years. Her aspirations include fully immersing herself in mentoring, consultancy work, and The clear vision of the Jospong Group is to lead the sectors in which it operates across Africa. Sophia, along with her team of vibrant, intelligent and exceptional young women and 16 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Carly Benewith Rachel Gomez& o p e r a t e d . w o m e n Two Mompreneurs Join Forces to Create a Booming Marketing Agency A strong partnership is critical to the success of a business. With shared responsibility, diversified decision-making, and access to a larger pool of resources, a partnership can achieve more significant growth and profitability. It is essential to find the right partners and to establish clear communication and mutual trust to ensure the success of the business. Rachel Gomez and Carly Benewith have formed a remarkable alliance as the proprietors of Mountain Air Marketing (MAM), a thriving marketing agency in Colorado Springs that is both owned and operated by women. This boutique agency has been experiencing rapid growth and has become a shining example of successful female entrepreneurship. w o m e n o w n e d . . Rachel and Carly divide most of the responsibilities in their company between them. Rachel focuses more on the operational aspects of the business, while Carly works closely with their team members. As business owners, they both understand the challenges of juggling multiple roles, but they work together seamlessly to ensure that everything gets done. Collaboration and teamwork are crucial to their success, and they strive to foster these values every day. Whether it's brainstorming ideas, managing busy schedules, or completing projects together, they believe that working as a team can achieve amazing results. Their team members would probably agree that their favorite part of the day is enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and working with a group of supportive and empowering women. 22 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Before Mountain Air Marketing Upon meeting each other, Rachel and Carly discovered a shared aspiration of aiding small businesses in achieving their full potential. With their respective backgrounds in digital marketing for corporate agencies and experience in navigating various industry cultures and growing companies, these impressive women possessed the necessary knowledge. The only thing left to do was to collaborate! What Made This Duo Successful? Rachel and Carly's achievements were built upon countless late nights, hard work, and a shared devotion to their company from the outset. Even with only two people at the helm during the infancy stage, Mountain Air Marketing managed to soar due to both partners' equal commitment, which only grew stronger over time. holistic approach to their clients' needs, they can offer innovative ideas that provide fresh perspectives and help their clients achieve new heights of success. Their experienced and creative team is devoted to assisting business owners in thinking outside the box and exploring new processes to achieve positive results. They specialize in delivering creative solutions that move the needle in the right direction, and their dedication to their clients' growth is evident in every aspect of their work. With Mountain Air Marketing, clients can expect a partnership that goes beyond simply meeting expectations to one that exceeds them. However, it was only after expanding the team and bringing in industry experts that real success began to take shape. With the company's portfolio of skills now bolstered by the expertise of its talented team members, they can confidently provide services of unparalleled quality. This expansion has propelled them even further, kind of like scaling a mountain. Carly, who has expertise in SEO gained from her corporate agency work, continues to refine her skills as the industry evolves. Meanwhile, Rachel excels in operations and enjoys expressing her creative talents by creating visually appealing websites that help businesses thrive. Their combined broad skillset and passion for supporting small business owners are what have made Mountain Air Marketing a thriving enterprise today! Significance of Workplace Culture Rachel and Carly understand the importance of company culture in ensuring the overall success of a business, and they believe that it is one of the most crucial aspects of Mountain Air Marketing. When they started bringing on employees, they made it a priority to prioritize the culture, and this has remained a central focus over the past five years. Premium Marketing Offerings Mountain Air Marketing provides a comprehensive range of services, including web design, SEO, paid advertising on social channels and Google, social media management, email marketing, and content creation. What sets them apart from others is their innovative approach and unwavering commitment to building meaningful relationships. By taking a Inception of the Company Rachel and Carly had been acquainted for approximately a year before they decided to combine their skills and create a female-owned marketing agency. Their goal was to establish an agency in Colorado Springs that provided transparent and ethical digital marketing solutions to local businesses. Their team members share a strong bond, both inside and outside of work, Through their unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and unyielding determination, this dynamic duo has progressed from solely depending on word-of-mouth recommendations to building a thriving team of seven female professionals with an expanding global presence. Six years and four children later, they have achieved their objective: offering businesses an affordable pathway to digital triumph while also enjoying the best of both worlds—a family life that is flexible and optimal working conditions. 24 | SEPTEMBER 2023
The team at Mountain Air Marketing relies on data analysis to understand what has worked in the past and what hasn't, before collaboratively brainstorming new ideas that can help their clients progress. The team is always learning and educating themselves on emerging platforms in the digital space, keeping abreast of trends discussed by other digital marketers, and focusing on understanding different audiences and human behaviors. By staying ahead of the curve in terms of trends and emerging technologies, Mountain Air Marketing is able to provide innovative solutions to their clients and ensure that they remain competitive in the digital space. True Success is Making Things Better Rachel Gomez and Carly Benewith have an authentic and transparent approach that extends beyond their professional lives. They both possess distinct personalities, but share a common trait of being compassionate and committed. Their families, team members, and clients are all of great importance to them, and they make a concerted effort to prioritize them. Rachel is drawn to tranquil environments, such as the forest, where she can relax with her husband and children. Meanwhile, Carly loves discovering new places with her family, but also takes pleasure in being at home. Nevertheless, their thoughts are often occupied with Mountain Air Marketing and devising new strategies to enhance its success. Both women are driven by their objectives and have a structured approach to achieving them. which not only enhances the company culture but also contributes to their collaborative approach to client work. The team holds weekly collective meetings and brainstorming sessions, and on a monthly basis, they work together to share educational training on industry-related topics. Guidance for Emerging Leaders According to Carly and Rachel, as a new leader, it is crucial to prioritize listening, communication, collaboration, and setting a positive example for your team. To establish trust in the workplace, make sure that you create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and opinions. Be open to learning from your superiors and peers, as you may encounter challenges that require collaborative problem- solving. Remember that you set the tone for your team's work environment, so it's important to model the behaviors and attitudes you want them to adopt. Practice what you preach! Ultimately, your leadership and influence will be instrumental in fostering a high-performing team, so be mindful of how your actions and words impact those around you. The company's team members enjoy spending time together outside of work, engaging in activities such as hiking, snowboarding, and lunch meetings. When team members enjoy each other's company, they are more likely to enjoy working together and supporting each other's efforts, which is the foundation of a successful team. The strong company culture at Mountain Air Marketing has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in their continued success. Aligning Idea and Innovation The team at Mountain Air Marketing is not only highly creative but also innovative in their approach to generating new ideas that help their clients succeed in the ever-changing digital landscape. With the digital marketing industry evolving at a rapid pace, Rachel and Carly place great emphasis on staying up-to-date with the latest trends and adopting forward-thinking strategies to remain ahead of the curve. worldsleaders.com | 25
A Renowned Name in marketing and advertising M Working for Fortune 500 companies and renowned brands, Marie Alexander has directed 13,000 shoots and creatives, 150 events, 100+ advertising & PR campaigns, and some 100 lifestyle shows for high- profile clients in New York, Singapore, London, Milan, Paris, Japan, Brazil, Switzerland, and Monte Carlo. arie Alexander specializes in B2C, B2B, ATL, and BTL advertising and marketing. She is also an international entertainment broker who works with renowned international stars in the US, Singapore, and other countries. 36 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Could you please explain the connection between Pisces and ENFJ-A types? Yes, I am a proud Piscean. Fewer than 5% of people in the world come under the Pisces horoscope. According to Myers-Briggs, I am an ENFJ-A, one of the 16 personality types. Only about 2- 3% of the population is ENFJ-A, making it one of the rarest types. My warmth, engaging personality, charisma, and talkativeness are typical of ENFJs. The A stands for Assertive Protagonist. ENFJ-A, states Google, is the most powerful personality type. Since they are the strongest people persons, they naturally excel at social media leadership, too. Below are highlights of the interview between World's Leaders and Marie: Magazines. As its top decor magazine's designer and in-house stylist, I became a key member of the team. In the following two years, I hosted events for luxury women's magazines, launched global movies, and worked as a stylist for Simply Her and FHM (For Him). In both the workplace and outside it, how would you describe yourself? It is my nature to be loyal, kind, committed, and empathic, at work and personally. I am trusted, loved, and respected by clients for my vision for their companies' growth. How did Alexander PR Group get started? I realized I could do more than just work for other creatives. My friends recommended I go into PR and marketing because I knew many of the editors running the different B2B and B2C sectors in the press, and I had a nose for innovative ideas. Due to my meticulous nature and the fact that I am a perfectionist, I exude excellence when it comes to handling their brand's communication, global public relations, and creatives. Additionally, I get along with all kinds of people. After working with more than 10,000 people, understanding human behavior has become second nature to me. Essentially, I serve as their behavior analysis expert. Occasionally, people even refer to me as an astrologer or industrial psychologist. After speaking with someone for 15 minutes, I can usually tell their birthday. What was your background before starting Alexander PR Group? Temasek Polytechnic is a TOP art school, where I scored distinctions most of the time in my art and visual studies. For 25 years, my dad was an art director at The Straits Times, which is part of Singapore Press Holdings. I inherited his knowledge and love for art and design. What is the significance of innovative ideas in the company? It is very important because it makes the brand authentic. Alpha leaders like myself come up with the most interesting and catching ideas. Others follow. Is either you lead or you copy. What are the most important aspects of a company's culture? What principles do you believe in and how do you build this culture? A company's culture is always exuded / portrayed by the director of the company. He/ she represents the most important aspects of the environment, causing all the partners and workers and team players to follow. The most important thing in a company is to value their staff, think of a sustainable long-term goal to make them happy and safe. Gender equality, LGBTQ rights. What global eco footprints or acts in a company they can do together to obtain our save the earth goals. Getting their teams to do charity. Treating everyone with love and respect. Traveling and learning about different cultures and nationalities are my favorite things to do. Both for leisure and for work, I have traveled to many countries. Our world-class services are a result of my experiences and work ethics. Plus, I have been a triathlete champion in sports since the age of 6, as well as a prefect, class leader and monitor, Singapore's East Zone swimming champion, and running champion. My teachers and friends adored me; I was always the most popular kid in school. You believe in astrology. How has this contributed to your success? Because I was born under the final sign of the zodiac, Pisces, I possess traits from all 12 signs of the zodiac that have helped make me an expert at establishing business relationships and dealing with people. Using empathy, kindness, logic, precision, and meticulousness, I've guided numerous brands to success. Workwise, after many interviews, I received offers from four top companies who wanted me as an art director. The first job I had was at Runway Productions. Designing creatives for Singapore Fashion Week was particularly enjoyable for me. By the time I had put together a sizeable design portfolio, I was in the running for a position at SPH worldsleaders.com | 37
I exude a very positive and high energy when I am out, I and have often been told I am the MVP and the best. “ “ 38 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Give us your opinion on; do organizations rely heavily on individual heroics or team processes? Both. They need both to go hand in hand. What are the company's major services that are unmatched by others? In any game, I am the most valuable player. My friends, family, best friends, and working partners have all told me numerous times that they enjoy working with me. They usually like to be around me all the time. What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? Everything. I'm happy when I am healthy and when I make my breakfast with eating two soft boil eggs and bread. Reading emails with top offers & worldwide brands. How have your values contributed to your success? It is essential to be able to adapt to different kinds of teams that work for different kinds of industries. Having the opportunity to work with teams of people I respect and admire is a gift. As much as they learn from me, I also learn from them. I value honesty, kindness, empathy, and people with high EQ, who treat others with respect. I bring these values to the table and they are largely responsible for my success. What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? To listen to everyone and based on your instinct and knowledge, make the best decision that suits everyone needs. When I am out and about at social gatherings and in business settings, I have often been told I exude a very positive and high energy when I am out, I and have often been told I am the MVP and the best. Receiving such compliments is humbling. I am very grateful for everything I have. worldsleaders.com | 39
Nuria E. Angelocci Showcasing Outstanding Success Planning and Leading Comprehensive Management Strategies Nuria E. Angelocci is a highly respected and customer-focused chief operating officer of a property management company who is fluent in multiple languages. Her exceptional skills in planning and leading comprehensive marketing and property management strategies have been instrumental in achieving business goals and objectives. Nuria is known for her ability to closely monitor and adapt marketing initiatives to maximize traffic in accordance with the strategic plan. In addition, Nuria is highly regarded for her role in directing and coordinating all operational activities, leasing, and marketing efforts to protect, preserve, and enhance the value of properties. As an out-of-the-box thinker, she approaches problem-solving with an analytical mindset and is committed to maximizing asset value, customer satisfaction, and revenue. Nuria is also known for her innovative recommendations on new opportunities that can drive revenue and increase brand recognition. 40 | SEPTEMBER 2023
Nuria Angelocci | CMO | Hunters Run worldsleaders.com | 41
Below are highlights of the interview conducted between World's Leaders and Nuria E. Angelocci: Describe who you are as a person, inside and outside of the workplace. I was born and raised in a small town called Les Borges Blanques, two hours away from the city of Barcelona, Spain. I grew up in a modest family as the youngest of three sisters. Seeing my parents struggle financially made me a stronger person. I have always been a determined and focused person. My two older sisters are also excellent role models for me. They are both career-oriented and have achieved amazing successes in the steel manufacturing and banking industries. Describe your background and what did you do before you started/joined the company? I studied advertising and public relations for two years at the University of Barcelona. I came to the USA as an au pair to "improve" my English. When I arrived in the USA, I quickly realized that I did not come to "improve" my English if not to learn the language. Although I could say common phrases like "Hello, how are you?" and individual words like colors, animals, days of the week, objects, etc., I could not maintain a conversation. Because children have a simple vocabulary, learning English as 42 | SEPTEMBER 2023
an au pair was effective. I lived with a family in Summit, NJ, for a year. Afterwards, I extended my visa for an additional nine months and moved to Wellington, FL, with another family. CMO was formed in 1991. It is a unique property management company because it was formed and is managed by the homeowners residing within Hunters Run. The president of each association elects the CMO Board of Directors. The CMO Board of Directors hires the COO/General Manager, sets policies and the CMO budget, and serves as the liaison between the association board and its members. CMO is a not-for-profit company. This distinctive structure allows CMO to focus on providing additional services and resources to the associations and homeowners while also working to improve the existing services provided. Another interesting feature of CMO's structure is that the General Manager's "bosses" can change yearly. Because of this, it is extremely important that the general manager has a clear picture of the company to create continuity and purpose during the possible changes in the board of directors. Many property managers in the industry experience burnout and stress. CMO provides a positive work environment and support to help our employees succeed. Although the industry is known for having a high turnover rate, CMO has been successful in retaining employees and promoting from within. Being an au pair was an amazing experience. I was 19 years old, I did not speak the language, and I had no family in the USA. I met fellow au pairs from all over the world, and it changed me. I made tremendous growth during that experience and it opened my eyes to the world. After the au pair experience ended, I applied for a student visa and attended Palm Beach State College, where I obtained a bachelor's degree in supervision and management. I also met, married my husband, and had my first son during that time. I earned an MBA in Entrepreneurial Management from Lynn University in one year (I was taking double the classes) while I was working full time, I was pregnant with my second boy, and I had a 2-year-old son at home. Getting the right people on the bus is a concept developed in the book Good to Great by Jim Collins. CMO is defined by the people who ride the bus. CMO's most valuable asset is its employees, not because people are the most valuable asset of a company, but because they are the right people. As a COO, it is imperative to bounce ideas off the team and have an open- door policy. It is essential for employees to have a voice, a purpose, and to feel that they are an intricate part of the company. The success of an employee reflects and affects the whole company. Creating a culture where employees feel they can work together as a team instead of feeling like they are competing with their teammates helps the overall organization. What are your responsibilities as the Founder/CEO of the company? What is the happiest part of your daily routine? As the COO, I oversee the operations of the company and all 23 associations and manage annual budgets totaling more than $19 million. I have had the pleasure to meet and work alongside amazing individuals during my 11 years at CMO. I have been married for 12 years to my wonderful husband, Chad Angelocci, and I am the proud mom of Andreu (6) and Kai (4). What advice would you give someone going into a leadership position for the first time? I believe that to be a successful leader, one needs to know the strengths and, more importantly, the weaknesses. Being willing to learn and evolve is a must. Tell us about the inception of the company. How did it all start? In January 2012, while I was in college, I started my career at CMO of Hunters Run. CMO manages all 23 associations within Hunters Run, a country club community in Boynton Beach, FL. There are 21 condominium associations and 2 homeowner's associations with a total of 1649 homes. CMO handles the many facets of property management, from the physical supervision of property maintenance to administrative and financial matters. We are a team of 16 (property managers, accounting staff, maintenance technicians, a general contractor, and administrative staff). Property management is a stressful industry. Although CMO works daily with the individual associations to maintain and enhance their property, the majority of the interactions with the individual homeowners are to report/resolve issues. From roof leaks to pest problems or landscape deficiencies, our office receives numerous phone calls/emails daily from homeowners requesting help with a specific issue. To succeed in this industry, you must be a problem solver with excellent customer service skills. The balancing act between a personal and professional life is not an easy one, but somehow, with the support of my husband, family, friends, and work team, we make it work! worldsleaders.com | 43
A n award-winning digital media professional, focusing on content and social media strategy, Tabitha Sukhai's journey began at Time Inc., the world's leading magazine publisher at the time, with iconic titles such as TIME, People, Fortune, and Real Simple. Here, she earned a reputation as an "intrapreneur" and strategic innovator, creating digital content marketing strategies that continue to be relevant in her consulting work today. Despite the decline of legacy print magazines as primary content distribution vehicles, Tabitha's work at Time Inc. offered valuable lessons in digital transformation, including how to be agile enough to create high-impact campaigns with “lean” budgets. Still, with the in-house resources available to her at Time Inc., Tabitha was able to build a remarkable skill set that she now shares with targeted audiences on the brand level. Tabitha Sukhai Data-Driven and Empathy-Driven Digital Marketing Strategist in NYC 50 | SEPTEMBER 2023
