As International Women’s Day approaches, it’s time to celebrate the women changing the game in the staffing and marketing world. These trailblazers have shattered barriers and created new paths forward for the next generation of women leaders. From fierce advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion to marketing masterminds who know how to captivate a global audience, these women are the true definition of excellence in action.
So, let’s take a moment to recognize and honor the women who are making waves and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.
Women Forerunners in Staffing and Marketing
All the women being celebrated here have contributed to the innovation of their workplaces and worked on progressing diversity in the Staffing and Marketing industries. Let’s take a look at their efforts;
1. Bozoma Saint John
“As marketers and as CMOs, our entire jobs are to create narratives. We probably have the most power in creating the kinds of messaging that mass audiences hear, even more so than Hollywood or the studios do. We’re creating messages that people are seeing constantly, and we feel the responsibility of that, the weight of that.”
When it comes to marketing, Bozoma Saint John is the real deal. You know, the kind of deal that makes competitors shake in their boots. With a portfolio that includes heavy hitters like Netflix, Uber, Apple Music, and Endeavor, she’s got the skills to make these companies household names grow faster than you can say “binge-watch.” Just ask Netflix, whose hit shows The Walking Dead and Stranger Things owe a big thank you to Bozoma’s marketing magic.1
But she’s not just about making companies bank. Bozoma’s also a trailblazer for black women, paving the way for more representation and recognition. Take #sharethemicnow, the 2020 Instagram campaign she co-led during the pandemic. With the help of 50 white women who lent their accounts for a day, Bozoma amplified the voices of black women and brought them closer to audiences who might not have heard them otherwise. Now that’s what we call using your powers for good.
2. Anju Abel
Anju Abel is a force to be reckoned with. As the Executive VP of Global Expansions for Lancesoft, she’s taken the company to new heights on multiple continents, from North America to Asia. In fact, under her guidance, Lancesoft has opened a whopping 22 offices worldwide. That’s right, 22. Can your company even imagine keeping up with that kind of global domination?
But Anju’s not content to rest on her laurels. She’s also a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the founder of Tadah, a cutting-edge database platform, she’s helping clients reach, hire, and upskill diverse candidates. Because let’s face it, the world is a diverse place, and Anju knows that the only way to stay ahead of the curve is to embrace it. So, are you ready to join her on the front lines of the global business revolution? 3
3. Maryam Banikarim
“I’ve often found that being an ‘outsider’ new to a business has been immensely valuable here since I was able to serve as an objective, unbiased, and empathetic listener.” 4
Maryam Banikarim isn’t just any old marketing guru. Nope, this Iran-born powerhouse has a family history of political upheaval and knows what it means to prioritize awareness and purpose. She’s not here to mess around, folks. After fleeing Iran with her family in 1979 and making her way to California via Paris, Maryam earned an MBA from Columbia University and went on to dominate executive positions for Hyatt Hotels, NBC Universal, Columbia University, and more.
But here’s the real secret to Maryam’s success: she’s all about seeing things from the community’s perspective.5 It’s the key to delivering value and driving engagement and growth, and she’s got the proof to back it up, with the brands she’s overseen thriving under her leadership. When it comes to marketing, Maryam knows that purpose and authentic human connection are the name of the game.
So don’t even bother trying to keep up with her unless you’re ready to play the long game with heart and soul.
4. Hoa Ngo
“Freeing yourself from history and convention makes anything possible…It’s our passion for collaboration, inventiveness, and agile thinking that delivers the best possible workforce management solutions.” 6
Let’s talk about Hoa Ngo, the UK Managing Director who’s taken Comensura, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) in the UK and Australia, to new heights. Thanks to her direction, Comensura has grown their statement-of-work offering, snagged 125 international clients, and raked in a recruitment spend of 950 million euros 7 No big deal, right? But here’s the thing, Hoa’s not content to stop there.
She’s also a fierce advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. How fierce, you ask? Well, let’s just say that under her leadership, Comensura now boasts a whopping 50 percent women department heads. That’s right, 50 percent. So if you’re still playing catch-up in the DEI game, it might be time to take some notes from Hoa. Because when it comes to dominating in business and lifting up your team, she’s the real MVP.
5. Hetal Parikh
When it comes to blazing a trail in the tech world, Hetal Parikh is a true visionary. As the co-founder of Rangam, she’s on a mission to create a better future for diverse talent by building a culture of empathy that uplifts everyone around her. With a focus on staff augmentation for tech talent-hungry companies, Rangam is even getting in on the action with the technological development of K-12 schools.
But Hetal’s not just about making money. Nope, she’s also a force for good in the world, collaborating with organizations to help job-seekers with autism find the perfect fit. From Spectrum Careers to Microsoft’s Autism at Work program, Rangam is paving the way for diverse talents to shine, from warehousing to technology and beyond. So if you’re looking for a leader who knows how to make an impact on the world and in business, look no further than Hetal Parikh. 8
Women Are Your Co-Builders of the Future
Whether you are looking for inspiration to step up or are already in a position to lead others, always know that even the littlest of your actions help draw a brighter future closer. Continue on your path like the many leaders before you. Never fear, for a community of strong women is behind you, cheering you on.
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References
- Marty Swant. “Bozoma Saint John Departs As Netflix Chief Marketing Officer”. https://www.forbes.com/sites/martyswant/2022/03/03/bozoma-saint-john-departs-as-netflix-chief-marketing-officer/?sh=58ce5c845a43 . Published last March 3, 2022. Accessed last February 19, 2023.
- Marty Swant. “How Bozoma Saint John Is Amplifying Black Voices Through White Celebrities’ Instagram Accounts”. https://www.forbes.com/sites/martyswant/2020/06/09/how-bozoma-saint-john-is-amplifying-black-voices-through-white-celebrities-instagram-accounts/?sh=74431eeb216a . Published last June 9, 2020. Accessed last February 19, 2023.
- “Behind the 2022 Global Power 150 Women in Staffing”. https://si100women.staffingindustry.com/anju-abel-2022/. Accessed last February 19, 2023.
- Maryam Banikarim. “You don’t have to be the top boss to be a purpose champion”. https://www.fastcompany.com/90287959/you-dont-have-to-be-the-top-boss-to-be-a-purpose-champion . Published last January 12, 2019. Accessed last February 19, 2023.
- Billee Howard. “Nextdoor’s Maryam Banikarim on Purpose 2.0: Community And An Impending Groundswell Of Kindness”. https://www.forbes.com/sites/billeehoward/2022/02/20/nextdoors-maryam-banikarim-on-purpose-20-community–an-impending-groundswell-of-kindness/?sh=6d66857d34cb . Published last February 20, 2022. Accessed last February 20, 2023.
- “Hoa Ngo recognised on the SIA Global power 150 list”. https://www.comensura.com/insights/blog/sia-150-announcement . Accessed last February 20, 2023.
- “Behind the 2022 Global Power 150 Women in Staffing”. https://si100women.staffingindustry.com/hoa-ngo-2022/ . Published last January 12, 2019. Accessed last February 19, 2023.
- Geri Stengel. “This Entrepreneur Drives Innovation With A Culture Of Empathy”. https://www.forbes.com/sites/geristengel/2018/12/12/how-doing-good-can-differentiate-and-grow-a-business/?sh=2d7c5ee94af5 . Published last December 12, 2018. Accessed last February 20, 2023.
