Political Style: business

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A Look Back at 2015

31.12.15

It's pretty much been a whirlwind of a year! As I sit here with a cup of tea and look back through the archive, it's hard to believe how much I've done and the great people I've worked with!

Let's take a look back at 2015...

Travel

By now, you all know that I like to travel! I'm fortunate to have many opportunities to visit new cities as part of my job, and this year saw me head to Dallas for the first time. It's a city full of life and filled with history- I really enjoyed my first visit, and look forward to heading back again!

I also took a mammoth trip back to DC and NYC. Packed with lots of business meetings, I did make time for fun and catch-ups with friends and colleagues!

Milestones

I'm over a year into running my own communications business. It's lots of fun, rewarding and enriching, and I'm really glad I took the plunge in 2014! This year I was honored to be named as one of the 35 Under 35 Entrepreneurs to Watch in Wales. I was listed amongst awesome company, including many individuals I collaborate with. I was also a finalist at the inaugural Wales Entrepreneur Awards in two categories- Micro Business and Expat.

Blog

Political Style has gone from strength to strength, and that's thanks to you, the lovely reader! New content streams have developed, including the really popular Royal Style. I've also worked with lots of new, exciting global brands and I'm looking forward to developing these partnerships in 2016. Watch this space!

Wow Moments

This year has had quite a few WOW moments, but my favorite has been interviewing Julia Gillard, the former Prime Minister of Australia. Gillard was the first female to hold the role as Australia's Prime Minister, and it was amazing to interview one of my role models when she was in Wales. A moment I'll never forget!

Fun

Plenty of fun has been had! From visiting the Harry Potter set to those everyday hilarious moments, I feel lucky to have had such a great, empowering year. I count my blessings everyday!

Thanks as always to you for your support. Wishing you and yours an amazing 2016! - L xo

US Women's Chamber of Commerce supports Hillary

29.12.15

USWCC

The US Women's Chamber of Commerce, the leading advocate for women on economic and leadership issues recently announced its endorsement of Hillary Clinton for President of the United States. This is the organization's first ever presidential endorsement, and I spoke to Margot Dorfman, CEO of the organization to find out why they're supporting Clinton and how they're helping women across America start their own businesses.

What difference will Hillary Clinton make for small businesses if she becomes President?

If Hillary Clinton is elected President, small businesses will have a real champion in the White House who has committed to making small business growth a key objective of her presidency. Her experience serving as the head of an important U.S. government agency (U.S. Department of State), Senator and First Lady has given her a real insider’s view of how government works and can be focused toward achieving goals that advance our country.

She has already committed to several important actions that will unleash small business growth including: raise middle-class incomes which will in turn drive greater consumer spending with small businesses, launch a nationwide effort to cut red tape at every level of government, provide tax relief, assist American small businesses to tap new international markets, leverage a variety of tools to improve access to capital and open the doors much wider for small business access to federal contracts.

The assessment made by the leadership of the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce, confirmed that Hillary Clinton’s policy and action commitments are right on target for small business new opportunities and growth.

What in Clinton’s record persuaded you to support her candidacy?

Hillary Clinton has consistently been a fighter for the revitalization of the American middle class. This is very important to small businesses many of which provide goods and services in their community. Main street businesses rely upon strong consumer spending for the success of their businesses. She has received the endorsements of key leaders from both the House and Senate small business committees.

As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton worked to open up new markets for American business and recently she supported the funding of the Ex-Im bank which provides loans to small businesses as they take part in international trade.

The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce leadership examined the organization’s priorities along with the history, capability, commitments and electability of current presidential candidates - Hillary Clinton stands out because of her markedly unique governmental experience, deep and broad policy and leadership expertise, an undeniable commitment to women’s economic priorities and a campaign infrastructure that lays the foundation for a clear pathway to the White House.

What are the main problems facing small business owners, and specifically women?

American small businesses need higher middle-class incomes to drive increased consumer spending with their firms, greater access to capital to drive and manage growth and lower taxes so that they can reinvest in their employees, expansion and new markets.

One of the biggest barrier facing small businesses, especially women-owned firms is a level playing field. For too long, big businesses have been rigging government policies and getting taxpayer handouts while small businesses have been left out in the cold when trying to achieve growth, support their communities, employees and families. Hillary Clinton’s objectives to level the playing field will dramatically improve the economic output of small businesses.

Women left Corporate America in droves between 1997 – 2007 to start their own businesses because of the lack of fair pay, family-friendly work environments and the ability to break through the glass ceiling. Unfortunately what they found on the outside was more discrimination.

Already at a competitive disadvantage because women-owned firms seek to pay fairly and provide family friendly work environments, they also found an inability to access business loans which stunts their growth. Women currently only receive $1 out of every $23 dollars of conventional small business loans. And women continue to be asked for their husband’s signatures even though the husband has nothing to do with the business. Banks continue to cherry-pick, lending millions of dollars to larger businesses while complaining about the cost of smaller SBA-backed loans, which impacts small businesses as a whole.

In their quest to access federal contracts, women-owned firms have been virtually locked out of the marketplace. While there is a Woman Owned Small Business set aside program, it is wrought with fraud – the Government Accountability Office reported that, for 2012 and 2013, 40% of the contracts awarded under the program went to ineligible firms; the issue continues today. Additionally the federal agencies are reluctant to use the program. And when they do use the program, the contracts are smaller and do not provide real opportunities.

Until these issues are resolved, women-owned firms will continue at a disadvantage which is not just bad for the owner, but also for her family, her employees and their families and ultimately the community that relies on consumer spending and tax revenues for its growth and stability.

What advice can you offer women who are thinking of starting their own business?

My number one piece of advice is, because of the challenge of accessing capital, women looking to start their own businesses should take time to build the foundation before they quit their day jobs. They need to make sure they have a sound business and marketing plan and follow it, making adjustments as market demands shift.

What are the USWCC’s priorities and objectives for the year ahead?

The U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce report on the Women's Economic Priorities highlights the contributions women have made to America, outlines our current economic condition and states clearly the types of federal budget and policies that are vital to support Women’s Economic Priorities. From this report, we narrowed down the U.S. Women’s Chamber of Commerce 2016 Top 5 Priorities to support strong economic growth which are:

1. End minimized access to capital, composition and high capital cost which holds women-owned businesses back from realizing their full economic potential
2. Increase access to federal contracts for women-owned small businesses
3. Improve workplace issues impacting women workers and business owners
4. Raise American incomes
5. Curb and stabilize healthcare costs for small businesses and individuals

Find out more about the USWCC by visiting their website.

Happy Weekend!

13.12.15

We've made it to the weekend! Like me, you're probably up to your eyes in Christmas preparations and parties, particularly as the big day approaches even faster.

In between holiday fun and lots of work deadlines, here's some of the great things I've read.

The ultimate global Chanel price guide: start saving your pennies now!

How to turn your failure into success: I've also believed that failure is a part of learning. This article backs up my thoughts!

Meg Cabot and situational depression: Princess Diaries author Meg Cabot shares her experiences of situational depression- this a must read.

A letter to every young girl: This is perhaps the best thing I've read all year. Whether you're in a relationship or have just come out of one, take five minutes to read this piece that will change your life.

White House Week

22.8.15

Official White House Photo

Want to jam along to the President's playlist? If you head over to Spotify then you can! A mix of Nina Simone, Justin Timberlake and Joni Mitchell will keep you going through the rest of the summer! Find out the whole mix here.

Earlier this week, President Obama hosted the first Demo Day, part of his agenda to support and encourage entrepreneurship and the growth of start-ups. Find out more about the event and listen to the President's remarks below.

35 Under 35

27.7.15

I don't often post about personal things on the blog, but when super exciting things happen, I just have to shout about them!

Many of you know that last year I started my own business. It has been something that I wanted to do for quite a while, and taking the big step to do it was a milestone in itself. I specialize in content creation, copywriting, social media and bespoke PR and have lots of fun working with clients in both the US and the UK. My clients operate in the lifestyle, retail, technology and B2B sectors, and in the short time I've been working them, I've learned LOADS.

Last week I found out that I had been selected as one of the 35 Under 35 businesswomen/entrepreneurs to watch in my home country of Wales. This is a huge honour, and I feel so privileged to be among the company of many amazing women! It's also really great to share the honour with a few friends!

You can read more about the list here. Thanks to all of you who have already sent many lovely congratulatory messages!

Links of the Week

26.7.15

This week I've been reading...

A look behind the scenes at Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

10 inspirational quotes from female business leaders

A chat with DvF

How to Instagram like a pro

Links of the Week

23.11.14

This week I've been reading...

The road not taken

How getting fired boosted my career

Women in Business: Cornelia Guest

Decisions

In Conversation with... Ari Yakobson, Blo Blow Dry Bar CEO

14.8.14

Blow drying is big business. Check out my exclusive conversation with Ari Yakobson, CEO of Blo Blow Dry Bar where he discusses the brand's partnership with Gwyneth Paltrow and how mentorship has made a difference to his professional life.

How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

To be a leader today, you need strong ethics and the respect of not only your peers but those around you. This, I believe stems from what your parents teach you at a young age. I was very fortunate to have a wonderful mother and father that provided me with strong family values that included integrity, honesty, helping and treating others with respect.

They also stressed the importance of a great education, working hard and how to build on a dream. And, this is this foundation that I built all my businesses. If people wish to call me a leader, I am honored but I truly look at myself as a man who has a passion for seeing things thrive.

How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Blo Blow Dry Bars?

During my career, entrepreneurship has always been a passion of mine. I enjoy seeing my visions and dreams come to fruition and helping others to build their own success stories.

Also, my education, law degree and MBA provided me with the knowledge and background to fulfill my entrepreneurial goals to open various businesses. It is through all these various experiences that I learned what works and what doesn’t.

What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Blo Blow Dry Bars?

I have always felt that every business that I have opened has taught me something which in turn, helped me to create a better environment whether it is for my employees, franchise partners or a new business I wish to start. One evolves from these experiences only to create a better and stronger foundation. Another component is having a passion for what you do as this is key to help others achieve their own success stories.

Tell us about your partnerships with individuals like Gwyneth Paltrow and David Babaii.

This has been such a great and important business opportunity for Blo! Gwyneth is an incredibly talented Academy Award winning actress who also has a keen business instinct for the latest and hottest trends as well as an emphasis on high quality customer experience that makes this an ideal collaboration. David Babaii on the other hand, is a global renowned hairstylist; he is the expert when it comes to hair and the beauty industry as a whole not to mention his business experience. Together, we make a unique team that will be able to provide our franchise partners with many new and exciting changes.

Why do you think 95% of women are Blo franchise partners?

This is something I am truly very proud of to say. It is time that women emerge as leaders in the business world and we provide them a platform to be a partner. After all, for decades they have run their households, taken care of their families and wore many hats. They have the knowledge, experience and a passion for this type of business as many have enjoyed services at our other locations. In fact, many of our female franchise partners not only own one of our franchises but also contribute to their communities volunteer for charities plus family life. They are amazing women! In fact, 50% of all graduates from law school and business school are females.

How do you maintain a work/life balance?

My life and work make me a very busy man BUT, my family comes first. I am a proud husband and father of three and they are my whole world. My average day consists of getting up early before everyone is up to catch up on emails and then my wife and I each share in their care before I am off to the office. If one of my children needs me to attend something at school or an activity they are involved in, if it is important to them that I am there, I will be there.

I can say this as my wife, children and I have a very open and honest relationship and they know that I need to work but, more importantly they know that I am accessible to them at any time they need me.

How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?

My family has been my mentors teaching me priorities, what life is all about and how to balance it all. I also look up to everyone who has a business because in their own right, they have worked hard and want to succeed. I feel I share a common bond and respect with them.

Which leaders do you admire and why?

I admire those who have created successful business that have helped the world be a better place to live, provide jobs and offer opportunities for others. This is the meaning of true success as it is not about me but what we can do for others.

What do you want Blo Blow Dry Bars to accomplish in the next year?

My goal is to see us grow even bigger and provide even greater services that are affordable. Another wish is to establish additional strategic partnerships which in turn will create more jobs and help our partnerships flourish. We will never stop creating and building the best dry bar franchise partnership around the world!