Entrepreneuring Women: An AWL Panel Discussion Held at Proskauer Rose
On Thursday, March 11, members of the YWCA-NYC Academy of Women Leaders and supporters of the YW gathered to discuss woman entrepreneurship with an esteemed panel of insightful, accomplished women who’ve been there. Proskauer Rose LLP generously hosted the event, which featured a cocktail reception, networking opportunities and a lively and enlightening discussion.
The conversation covered all parts of the giant leap that many women consider taking, particularly in challenging economic times. Topics included finding partners, maintaining physical and emotional health, managing work and family priorities, hiring people and much more.
Our Panelists: Women Who’ve Been There (Left to Right)
Tory Johnson, AWL 2002
Founder and CEO
Women for Hire
Tory Johnson is an award-winning workplace guru, national network television contributor, popular speaker and New York Times bestselling author. She is the CEO of Women For Hire, now celebrating its 11th year producing high caliber recruiting events attended by more than 25,000 women annually. Tory is the workplace contributor on ABC’s Good Morning America and she hosts Job Hunt, a weekly series on NYC TV/Ch 25. Dubbed the “workplace fairy godmother” by Glamour magazine, Tory speaks frequently about career advancement nationwide. Her new book, Fired to Hired, follows her New York Times bestseller, Will Work From Home.
Shenan Reed
Managing Director/Co-Founder
Morpheus
Having started her career in consumer packaged goods at Bristol Myers-Squibb and Spectra Marketing, Shenan Reed brings a wealth of traditional marketing experience to Morpheus. She leads complex branding, registration, acquisition and conversion-based online media campaigns on behalf of her clients. Shenan’s rich experience in consumer packaged goods client service, deep understanding of analytics and online media management has helped Morpheus Media attract and secure a diverse and impressive roster of clients that include Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Hennessy, and The New York Times.
Claire P. Gutekunst, AWL 1997
(Moderator and Chair of the AWL Advisory Council)
Partner
Proskauer Rose LLP
Claire Gutekunst is a Partner in Proskauer’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department. Since 1983, Claire has been an advocate for corporate and law firm clients in resolving complex commercial disputes in state and federal courts and in AAA and FINRA arbitrations. For example, she has represented purchasers of businesses against sellers that breached their contractual representations and warranties, defended companies against claims of breach of contract and fraud brought by former employees, defended clients in consumer class actions, and represented clients in matters involving claims of securities fraud, accountants’ liability, unfair competition, fraudulent conveyances and breach of fiduciary duty. Claire is a Vice President of the New York State Bar Association and serves on the Executive Committee of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution.
Cheryl Gentry, AWL 2009
Founder, President/CEO
Glow Media
Founded by Cheryl Gentry in 1998, Glow Media has an outstanding record of accomplishment in organization and project management. Prior to founding Glow Media, Cheryl was Director of Publicity and Promotions for I.C. Isaacs, a designer and marketer of branded Jeanswear and sportswear. Cheryl has been featured twice in O, the Oprah Magazine and in the New York Times. She is a member of the International Special Events Society (ISES), Meeting Planners International (MPI), the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). She holds CSEP and CMP designations.
Ellen Zimiles, AWL 2002
Co-founder and CEO
Daylight Forensic & Advisory LLC
Ellen Zimiles, Daylight’s co-founder and CEO, has more than 25 years of litigation and investigation experience, including 10 years as a federal prosecutor. She is a leading authority on anti-money laundering programs, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, fraud control and public corruption matters. Before her Big Four experience, Ellen was an assistant United States attorney in the Southern District of New York for more than 10 years. In recognition for her contributions as a federal prosecutor, Ellen received the United States Department of Justice’s John Marshall Award for Outstanding Service and the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Integrity Award.
View Photos from the Event---------------------
…And We’re Live. (on Twitter.)
Kristen Kentner, Manager of Special Events and Corporate Relations, live-tweeted from Proskauer throughout the evening. For more YW tweets, check out the YW twitter feed.
LIVE tweeting Entrepreneuring Women Academy of Women Leaders event at 6:30
Cheryl Gentry Glow Media, Tory Johnson AWL 2002 Women for Hire, Shenan Reed from Morpheus, Ellen Zimiles AWL 2002 from Daylight Forensic
What made you start a business? Tory – “I got fired and I was going to prevent that from ever happening again”
Why did you start? Cheryl Gentry “people came to me and said leave and start your own business”
Why did you start? Ellen Zimiles “I could not be in a place where I did not control my reputation”
Why did you start? Shenan Reed “I was out of a job and it was time to start something new”
What makes an entrepreneuring women you have to have faith in yourself. Know your own value.
Imagine the biggest possibility then take a risk.
“You have to like operations and business generation” Ellen Zimiles
Ask, if I left would you follow me?
We are live at Proskauer Rose http://yfrog.com/1nmcwej
Confidence confidence confidence
Inside your organization create your own money generating idea. Challenge yourself.
Let people know about what you do and create the right team who is also taking a risk with you.
Be careful about who you bring in as a partner or employee
Protect your culture. It is important.
Every friend I hired was a disaster
In a service business your people are your business. Hire the right people.
Be honest about what you want.
Work life balance “a really good partner plus when you are the boss I have more control over my schedule”
Making sure I’m easily found and easily connected to my team makes the difference. I work 24/7 and I’m a mom 24/7.
Starting a business should not be done because you have nothing else
The dreaming part is easy then comes the building part – be ready for it.
Do a lot of research and take care of yourself.
Know yourself before you start a business
Be passionate!
7:30 time to network! Thanks for being a part of this event.
March 12, 2010