How to Make Dialogue Constructive

It’s getting hard to remember a time before polarization, self-censorship, and social-media shouting matches. But there are proven ways to make dialogue constructive, and Stanford faculty are teaching them.

Check it out from Stanford Magazine.  And don't disagree with me :-).

WPO's Women2Watch 2025 List

Congrats to all the WPO members who earned a spot on this list.  A special shout out to WPO Chicago I member, AJ Goehle, President of Luci Creative with her #33 position. We are so proud of you! Congratulations!

Good Leaders Blaze Their Own Path

Roadmaps are great for getting from Point A to Point B, but building a business isn’t a predictable journey.

Key takeaways from this article are:

• The Lewis and Clark expedition serves as an example of embracing the unknown, where their preparedness and adaptability led to monumental discoveries beyond their initial mission.
• Business leaders should approach the unknown with care and curiosity, without being constrained by rigid roadmaps that can limit innovation and response to change.
• Entrepreneurial success demands a balance of deep preparation and the flexibility to pivot when unexpected opportunities or challenges arise, much like the historic expedition.

As the author says, "If your goal is to chart new territory and build something truly useful, preparation matters – but so do curiosity and adaptability. Equip yourself for the journey, then let go of the roadmap. The most valuable opportunities will reveal themselves along the way."

Beautiful Feature and Interview With New WPO Chicago I Member Roni Jackson!

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

We love this interview with new WPO Chicago I member Roni Jackson, Co-Founder, Red Flag Media and conducted by the Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®'s wegg Showcase™ team:  Investigation Is a Learning Tool in the Classroom and In Business.  wegg® is a partner to the WPO.

Read the entire interview here.

Run a Cyberstore? Here's How to Win Cyber Monday Sales

Try these insider tips from years of Amazon and online retail experience to help you prepare, boost conversions and turn Cyber Monday traffic into long-term customers.

Key takeaways

• Success on Cyber Monday requires early preparation, with strategies focusing on improving consumer experience and leveraging data from previous years.
• With the right approach to preparation and promotion, sellers can navigate the Cyber Monday frenzy and turn one-time buyers into loyal customers.

Leverage Economies of Scale to Grow Your Platform Business

The marketplace has experienced a remarkable shift with the rise of digital platforms—business models that use online infrastructure to facilitate interactions between groups. Data from Persistence Market Research estimates the digital platform market to grow from $9 billion in 2023 to $19 billion by the end of 2030.

Yet, after transitioning to a platform business model comes a crucial step: scaling.

If you’re struggling to build your platform business, here's an overview of how to use economies of scale to achieve long-term growth.

Is Productivity Hurting Your Creativity?

Is productivity hurting your creativity at your business?  Just Look at Taylor Swift.  The internet thinks some tracks on Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ sound unoriginal.

Is creativity dead? Can it be saved?  Find out here. 

Rewire Your Decision-Making

CEO and Presidents are used to making tough decisions under fire. That’s why they’re CEOs or Presidents.

But the unprecedented pressures facing today’s executives—specifically, climate change, novel tech such as AI, and social and economic disruption—are presenting leaders with stark choices about how their company makes money and creates value.

Unfortunately, that reinvention pressure can quickly expose subpar decision-making habits. When CEOs were asked about the extent to which they’ve adopted a series of proven decision-making best practices, the results showed that there’s considerable progress to be made.

Find out why here with this in-depth analysis.  Being a better decider can help leaders forge a path to the kinds of breakthrough ideas that can set in motion meaningful reinvention.

Let's Talk Fitness!

Whether you're a power walker, a lifter, a Pilates queen, or all of the above, we've got you.  As a woman president, you must stay in shape to keep up with the demands of running a successful business.  Here are a plethora of options – guides – to make that happen. 

Reasons to Celebrate Successes

Indeed, landing a big contract with a client marks the beginning of a new process rather than the pure culmination of work. Plus, even when there is an unambiguous success, there are often 12 other projects going on that need attention. 

Nonetheless, there are some good reasons to celebrate successes. Here are a few things you can do.

Small celebrations help you recognize how all the little things you do daily add up to something more significant.

More Delightful Pictures From the 22nd Annual WPO Chicago Summit 9/11/25

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

More information about the 22nd Annual WPO Chicago Summit – topic, speakers, moderators and host – can be found here.

22 Years Strong: WPO Chicago Annual Summit 2025 a Grand Success!

©2025 Women Presidents Organization Chicago.  All rights reserved.

This is "us" – Women Presidents Organization Chicago strong.  A grand success at our 22nd Annual WPO Chicago Summit 9/11/25.

The Summit took a clear-eyed look at the forces shaping business today and tomorrow. From the broader state of the economy to the evolving role of tariffs, interest rates, inflation, and the Federal Reserve, we’ll examine the questions that matter most to business leaders. Are current policies pushing us toward recession—or resilience?  How might rate decisions in 2025 and beyond affect growth? And what happens if politics enters the Fed’s decision-making? Join us for an engaging discussion on what lies ahead and how you can prepare for it.

Panelists discussed:

• A macro view of the state of the economy.
• Where we stand with tariff changes and policies and the impact on business owners.
• Where interest rates will settle in 2025.
• What happens if the Federal Reserve becomes politicized.
• Whether the U.S. dollar strengthens or weakens in 2025.
• What impact the firing of the BLS Administrator has on economic data.
• What if the next equity drawdown is inflation-led, not growth-led?
• How a business owner can survive or even thrive during economic turmoil.

It was a thought-provoking, engaging and informative program. 

Thank you to Foley & Lardner LLP for hosting us.  Shout out to Ellen Wheeler and Lauren Loew – WPO Chicago members and each respective partners at Foley. 

Big thank you to Lisa A. Byrne, MBA, Senior Vice President | Financial Advisor, Portfolio Director Group, RBC Wealth Management and Rachel D. Irons, CFP®, ChFC®, Senior Vice President – Wealth Management, Financial Advisor, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, UBS for moderating our panel discussion on "Navigating the Unknown: Economic Strategies for Women CEOs."

And to the panelists – Kristin Roesch, Vice President Blackstone Investment Strategy; Charlotte Noels, Vice President Blackstone Private Wealth; Scott Becker, CFA, Calamos, Senior Vice President, Head of Portfolio Specialists; and Katrina Schmaltz, CFA®, CPA, Managing Director, Portfolio Strategist, Nuveen – thank you for sharing your expertise with us.

See you at our 23rd Annual Summit in 2026!

wegg® Showcase™ Featuring Nida Khan, Founder and President, Arya Consulting Partners

©Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All rights reserved.

Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® is a partner to the Women Presidents Organization and Nida Khan (as shown) is a WPO Chicago I chapter member and Founder and President of Arya Consulting Partners.  wegg's focus is educating women entrepreneurs and women business owners on how to take a business global.

Read Nida's inspiring story – why and how she started her business, what challenges she has encountered, what makes Arya Consulting a great place to work, and what tips she has for fellow women business owners who want to start selling services globally – Redefining Consulting:  From Grit to Global.

The CEOs Guide to Delivering Despite Uncertainty

By reining in costs, harnessing new technologies, and strengthening your organization’s culture, you as a CEO can achieve your strategic objectives in 2025 and beyond.

Learn how you can execute on your priorities during uncertain times.

The 22nd Annual WPO Chicago Summit 2025 – Navigating the Unknown: Economic Strategies for Women CEOs

Bring the Intention Back to Buying Black

“What we’re seeing right now isn’t just a political shift – it’s a deliberate turning away from communities that have always been pushed to the margins,” Nikki Porcher, the Atlanta-based founder of nonprofit Buy From a Black Woman, told The Story Exchange. “The reduction in DEI commitments, cuts to inclusive funding programs, and the silencing of conversations about equity all have very real economic consequences, especially for Black-owned businesses.”

Which is why Porcher wants to bring the intention back to buying Black – and she’s got just the directory to make it happen. This past Juneteenth, Porcher debuted Buy From a Black Business.

Three Tips to Foster a Thriving Business Culture

The longer days with summer and renewed momentum offer a great opportunity to reflect on what keeps your team strong and resilient. One of the most effective, yet often underestimated tools is recognition.

Like any good habit, recognition thrives with consistency. 

Here are a few thoughtful ways to reignite the power of recognition in your workplace – this month and beyond. 

ChatGPT Prompts To Help Grow Your Business

ChatGPT has quickly become a household name, with businesses of all sizes leveraging the AI-powered tool to automate tasks and advance their workflows. While its adoption has been rapid, understanding the best practices to maximize its benefits takes time.

Here are 13 useful prompts for ChatGPT, along with methods for fine-tuning them to get high-quality results that help grow your business. 

Real Growth Comes From Intentional Focus, Adaptability and Human Connection

Forget the startup myths. A co-founder of Thnks and a Salesforce EVP share how real growth comes from intentional focus, adaptability, and human connection.

As WPO members will tell you, the founder’s journey is often oversimplified, the path from a scrappy startup to a profitable business frequently boiled down to a few moments of inspiration that make founders look like magicians. As this article says, the narrative glosses over the frequent moments of uncertainty that founders go through.

Learn more and remember to focus on what matters.

Surviving and Thriving In Uncertain Times

The challenges facing organizations have intensified, driven not only by the rapid rise of AI but also by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding new policies that emerge with each election cycle and changes brought on by younger generations.

Many businesses today are grappling with declining revenues, stagnant pipelines and reduced conversion rates, making the need for transformation even more urgent.

As this power shift accelerates, businesses must rethink their branding, marketing and customer engagement strategies to remain relevant today.

Here are six key strategies that Ali Payani believes can help businesses navigate today's uncertainties and emerge stronger. 

Confront Market Realities Head-On and In Real-Time

The continuing rollout of tariffs by President Donald Trump has prompted a spectrum of strategic responses from U.S. CEOs, offering a window into how top executives lead through economic and political disruption. For aspiring leaders, these responses provide timely lessons in navigating volatility with both foresight and finesse. 

Women President Organization (WPO) members are also demonstrating a range of leadership strategies under pressure. Their responses along with the U.S. CEOs, reflect not only the complexity of executive leadership but also the deep interconnection between business strategy and geopolitics.

We Mourn the Passing of Pamela Prince-Eason

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Pamela Prince-Eason (pictured), a visionary leader, tireless advocate, and transformative force in the advancement of women’s business development in USA.

As President and CEO of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) for more than a decade, Pamela dedicated her life to lifting women business owners up to unimaginable heights and building bridges through every connection she made.

Our condolences and love go out to Pamela's family at this sorrowful time. 

Rest in Power (RIP) dear Pamela.  May the lord receive you in the same fashion you received us – with energy, enthusiasm and care.

I Don’t See the Point of Going Around in Circles Once I Know the Answer!

Anyone else feel this way? I know I have at times.  Let's put it into context:

Maria was the CEO of a rapidly growing tech startup in the genomics space. She was curious, confident, open to new ideas, and comfortable being challenged by her team—all qualities that had helped her build the company from nothing into a 30-person organization with millions of dollars in venture capital funding and a consumer-facing product about to be released. And yet, even as things seemed to be going exceptionally well, key leaders were starting to leave—and the board brought in a clinical psychologist to figure out what was going on.

When Maria received feedback, she said, "“My ability to make decisions is a strength. And they’re good decisions! I don’t see the point of going around in circles once I know the answer!”

Well not everyone is perfect.  Learn more of how Maria's strengths turned into weaknesses.  Every gift has a curse.

Women Have Been at the Forefront of Innovation and Business Success Throughout History

From trailblazers like Estée Lauder and Coco Chanel, to modern-day leaders like Indra Nooyi and Sophia Amoruso, women have been at the forefront of innovation and business success throughout history.

Despite facing systemic barriers and discrimination, women, like many WPO members, have continued to break through glass ceilings and pave the way for future generations. 

Explore and celebrate these women entrepreneurs who have left a lasting impact in our business world.

WPO Chicago I Member Ellen Wheeler Is Nationally Ranked in Chambers USA 2025 for Derivatives Enforcement

We are thrilled to announce that WPO Chicago I member Ellen Wheeler, Partner, Foley & Lardner has been nationally ranked in Chambers USA 2025 for Derivatives Enforcement.  "Grateful to my clients for their trust and support and proud to celebrate this alongside my many other colleagues who were recognized," says Ellen.

We are proud of longstanding WPO Chicago member Ellen Wheeler and wish her many more accolades in the future for her important work.

Learn more on Foley’s 2025 Chambers rankings - https://lnkd.in/g9G5ExdS

WPO Chicago's Host Foley & Lardner Opens New Nashville, TN Office

WPO Chicago host Foley & Lardner LLP recently announced the opening of its newest office in Nashville, Tenn., with the addition of three corporate partners to support the firm’s growing Health Care & Life Sciences and Manufacturing Sectors. The location is Foley’s 27th office worldwide and 24th within the United States. 

New partners Jesse Neil, Brent Bowman, and Jon Gaston join the firm from Holland & Knight LLP. The group advises clients on a variety of regulatory, transactional, and tax issues. Additionally, two Foley litigation partners, Kevin Hyde and Lauren Loew [WPO Chicago II chapter member, pictured], will work from Nashville to help establish and grow the office. 

Read the news release here.  Our congratulations to Lauren!  We are so proud of you.

WPO: The 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies

©2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"The 50 Fastest Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies list honors the remarkable accomplishments of women who are not only driving impressive revenue growth but also redefining the future of business,” said Camille Burns (second from left), CEO of the Women Presidents Organization. 

“Their leadership demonstrates the profound economic and societal impact of women at the helm. With a strong commitment to innovation, purpose, and people, these companies exemplify the essential role women-owned and led businesses play in building a more sustainable and inclusive economy. This recognition is more than a milestone—it’s a powerful affirmation of the transformative influence women have in shaping modern business.”

Read more here.  Full list of winners can be found here.

Presidents Turn to Music to Calm a Nation

On Memorial Day, between the flags and parades, we have an opportunity—to remember those we've lost and to reflect on what brings us together.

In times of national grief or uncertainty, music has often been the thread that stitches people back into community.

Some of our greatest American leaders knew this. Long before neuroscience could explain it, presidents were turning to music to steady a nation, calm collective nerves, and kindle hope.

Today, on Memorial Day, I invite you to use music to connect across generations and reflect with purpose.

The Only Certainty Is That Executives Should Focus on Creating More Resilient Organizations

As noteworthy as the magnitude of the tariffs, is the unprecedented uncertainty introduced by their scale and ever-changing nature. The only certainty is that executives should focus on creating more resilient organizations to navigate this historically volatile environment.

As the new tariff regime reshapes the global business landscape, resilience should be at the top of every executive’s and business owner's agenda.

Learn more here by reading the full report.

This is WPO Chicago (Home of Pope Leo): WPO Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum (EEF) 2025

A glimpse of WPO Chicago members in action at the Women Presidents Organization Entrepreneurial Excellence Forum (EEF) 2025. More can be found here.

If you are not a WPO member yet, you need to be.  Ping me and I'll introduce you to the right person to start the ball rolling.

Photo credit:  2025 Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

How to Tell a Great Story

Storytelling is a key business skill.  Telling a good story can help you connect with your audience on an emotional level. It can make complex data easier to digest, and make your arguments more persuasive.

So how do you tell great stories, particularly great business stories? Here’s how to make your narratives more persuasive.

See You in Antonio, TX at the WPO EEF 2025!

If you haven't signed up, here's what you are missing.  The 2025 forum (28th annual) agenda can be found here. 

Oh, and you might still be able to attend if you move on it now.  We have 16 Chicago members attending and I can't wait to connect and learn together. 

The program takes place from May 7-9, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa.

See you in San Antonio!

From Side Hustle to Shower Curtain Empire

Lisa Schulner-Fine (along with photographer husband Michael Fine) had been frustrated with the lack of shower curtain options on the market for a while. She and Michael both had an eye for design — she worked as a director of styling at Madewell and he as a freelance fashion photographer — and the couple struggled to find aesthetically pleasing bathroom accessories on retail shelves. To make matters worse, most of the items available were far from sustainable.

And so a side business becomes a multimillion-dollar business.  It's called Quiet Town.

For: Thinkers. Makers. Leaders. Learners.

UK-based Creative Review (CR) has been bringing the creative community together since 1980, first as a print magazine and now across more platforms than ever. They deliver the sharpest opinion, analysis and advice on life in the commercial creative industries.

CR is for everyone involved in commercial creativity, anywhere in the world. They share insight and inspiration across disciplines and borders, connecting brilliant minds to make brilliant things happen.

Learn more how creative thinking and design make businesses and brands more successful, dynamic and engaging for audiences.

How to Build a Multimillion-Dollar Business That Is Like Lightening in a Bottle

Rebecca Grinnals and Kathryn Arce, wedding industry veterans of more than 20 years, met in the early '90s while working at The Walt Disney World Resort, where they grew Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings to a $100 million per year operation. "It was a little bit like lightning in a bottle the first time that we had the chance to work together," Grinnals tells Entrepreneur. "We had the chance to collaborate on some really cool projects, and it was a really formative time."

What they discovered along the way was there wasn't an event that brought together different buyers, suppliers and vendors focused on luxury weddings.

So Grinnals and Arce established a conference to do just that: Engage! Summits, now a multimillion-dollar brand.

Find out more here.

Smart, Driven Women Support Other Smart, Driven Women

Three smart, driven women share advice on mentorship, growth and career success.  Here are a few highlights.

Smart, driven women, like WPO members, always support other smart, driven women.

Building Your Own AI Assistant

Gen AI can save you time, but once you’re using it frequently, the process of repeatedly uploading the same background files and re-entering prompts for common tasks can really eat into your efficiency gains.

That’s why many generative AI platforms allow you to create custom AI assistants: what ChatGPT calls a “custom GPT,” Claude calls a “Project,” and Google Gemini calls a “Gem.” These assistants store elements of a prompt that you might want to use over and over so you don’t have to include them every time you ask the platform to help you with your recurring tasks and challenges. 

Listen and learn more here.

Creating Helpful AI Agents

OpenAI released two new solutions aimed at helping developers create AI-powered agents capable of going beyond just answering questions and actually taking actions, like approving refunds or buying plane tickets. Executives from OpenAI and cloud storage platform Box say these new development tools will make it much easier for businesses to take advantage of the cutting-edge tech. 

A word of caution, though: Don’t overwhelm agents with an excess of information. With too much context, your agent may be a jack of all trades, but a master of none.

The One and Only Camille Burns, CEO, Women Presidents Organization

©2025 Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global®.  All right reserved.

Read the inspiring wegg® Showcase interview published by Women Entrepreneurs Grow Global® (a partner to WPO) with Camille Burns, CEO, Women Presidents Organization.

Jump in, Like and say a few words here in a LinkedIn post.  Many of you have met Camille and know she is a caring and fearless leader.

Women of Influence 2025 from Success

Women have always demonstrated a remarkable capacity for resilience—whether balancing careers and families, navigating systemic barriers or overcoming personal hardships, they find ways to move forward. Despite the obstacles they face, especially now with so much change economically, women continue to lead with empathy and vision. 

At SUCCESS® magazine, they celebrate women through their annual Women of Influence awards campaign, recognizing trailblazing women who are not only shaping the present but are also laying the groundwork for future difference-makers to thrive.

Discover who these women are here.

How to Reduce Your Dependency on Social Media With a New Marketing Strategy

TikTok’s future in the United States remains uncertain as President Trump’s extension of ByteDance’s deadline to sell looms. Will there be a deal in time? Will the Chinese social giant hold firm? The app’s American future is unclear. But this isn’t TikTok’s only problem—Australia recently raised its minimum age for using social media to 16.

These changes have raised alarm bells for businesses relying solely on social media to drive sales. If a social platform goes down, so does any business heavily reliant on that platform. With the shifting reality of social media, developing a marketing strategy that doesn’t rely on social media is the safe option.

Try your hand at reducing your dependency on social media with a new marketing strategy.  Here are some ideas.

Female Founders On What Helped Them Level Up

The best advice on building to last, breaking through the noise, what helped them level up and more from Inc.'s inaugural Female Founders board of advisers.

These celebrated founders know all too well the challenges business owners need to overcome to grow flourishing companies--and the role persistence plays in success. These seven Inc. board members analyzed Inc.'s Female Founders list and highlighted stand-out honorees who they believe exemplify the key principles of entrepreneurship.