Kim Crawford Goodman’s Post

First: Good apology from Palo Alto Networks and Nikesh Arora. Correctly hits the Regret, Reiteration, Responsibility, Repentance, Repair, and Request (for Forgiveness). If you wanted to quibble, you could assert that in Reiteration, harm acknowledgement is implied and not asserted, and in Request, Forgiveness is assumed and not requested; but as corporate apologies go, this is above and beyond what you generally see. Second: This is not isolated, I think. We eliminated booth babes at RSA Conference years ago (thank you to everyone involved in that). This was my first in-person BlackHat conference, and while I didn't see any booth babes, I did observe floorwalkers (before/after their shift, so I did not call it out without direct evidence, and stalking the attractive women in scanty outfits until I could do so seemed ... unseemly). I think it's time that we, as an industry, cut this out. So here is your easy standard, CMOs: if you are hiring external staff as part of a conference, whether it is to woman* your booth, glam up your party, or anything where they represent your company: you should apply the same gender diversity approach you want HR to apply to new hires. If you're hiring all women, that's just as much of a problem as if your company was only hiring men. Since this staff is going to represent your company, they should probably have the same demographics as your employees -- if your company is currently 80% male, then your outside event staff ... should be 80% male. *Yes, technically, we should switch the usual "man your booth" to "staff your booth," but let's be honest, you're all hiring women to glam up your booth. #inclusion #diversity

Dr. Maryam Malek guided Fortune 500 companies around the world. But serving as an executive coach to midsize business leaders is her most fulfilling chapter yet. Learn how becoming a Vistage Chair can help you impact the lives of CEOs and business owners: https://bit.ly/4eJMTx0

Lately, I've been feeling like the world is caught in a cycle of transactions—requests, emails, favors. Everything feels like a deal. But as I've gotten older, I've come to deeply appreciate the power of being in private groups with people who share my values, my orientation in life, and a willingness to be real and vulnerable. Six months ago, I got certified as a Vistage Speaker. At the time, I had no idea how impactful it would be, and I quickly realized I wanted a group of my own. There's something special about the space created when you bring together intense vulnerability and success. We all have friends to talk to about insecurities, but their advice might lack the sophistication we need for our businesses. We also have clients and peers who expect us to always have it together, so they're not always the best people to reveal our limitations to. Finding a "paid" peer group solves both issues. The people in these groups are committed—they invest their time and money, so they take it seriously. They're also dedicated to each other's growth, because vulnerability is what builds real trust. My group leader, Maryam Malek, is an influential Vistage chair. She creates a space that’s both safe and challenging—a no-nonsense environment where you can either take the advice or leave it, no justification required. But if you trust your group and their intentions, you will keep breaking through your ceilings instead of getting stuck in your own stories. If you're at a point where having a safe space to explore your business, personal, or emotional limitations is what you need to get to the next level, I highly recommend finding your tribe of leaders. There are many types of groups besides CEO's —whether you’re a small business owner, a second-in-command, a trusted advisor or an advancing leader. BUT, If you're a female leader looking to be led by someone who's broken through ceilings and deeply cares about her members, meet Maryam. She has the capacity to change your life, but only if you're ready for it. #vistage #vistagechair #vistagespeaker

🌟 We are excited to announce a webinar with Impact Boards EM where you will be able to learn more about our mission and how we can help you on your path to a successful Board career 🌟 📅 Date: Thursday, 16th January 2025 (tomorrow) ⏰ Time: 3:00 PM UK Time 📍 Location: Online 💻 About the Event: Curious about how Impact Boards EM can help you achieve your boardroom ambitions? Join us for an exclusive introduction call with our founders Gregorio Saichin, Olga Pascault and Reema Desai to explore our mission and learn how we empower professionals to secure their next board position. What You'll Learn: ✅ The mission and vision of Impact Boards EM. ✅ How we connect professionals to board opportunities. ✅ Resources and strategies for growing your board career. 🗣️ Who Should Attend: Aspiring and seasoned board directors, corporate leaders, and governance professionals looking to expand their impact and network. 🔗 Register Now by filling out a quick form in the comment section.

UDIASA YOUNG BUSINESS LEADERS Hearing from emerging leaders in South Australia’s urban development sector as they shared their journeys to defining and achieving success. The panel, featuring three influential figures in the local development scene, Joel Wilkinson Citify , Matthew King URPS and TAARNBY™️ director Tayla Taarnby discussed the inspirations that guided their paths, the motivations that drove their growth, and their unique perspectives on career fulfilment. Another fantastic event for young professionals facilitated by the UDIA SA, supported by Burke Urban and Renewal SA.

How often do you think about your personal board of directors? Just as companies rely on boards for strategic guidance, having a personal board can be invaluable for navigating big decisions in life and career. A personal board isn’t formal—it’s the trusted friends, family, colleagues, and mentors whose insights you value most. And as life evolves, so does this board, adapting to new challenges and opportunities. For me, my board includes: - My brother, Kenny King. Although he may not know it, his advice has been pivotal. (Just don’t tell him I admire him!) - Remarkable leaders I’ve had the privilege to work with, like Jennifer Strybel & Stacey Alioto whose perspectives continue to shape my professional path. - Craig Cuffie who’s encouraging me to get on a corporate board, and elevate my experience from non profit boards. - Trusted friends, Stephen Dietsch, Stephanie Johnson & Courtney Repoli who offer the support and candor only close friends can provide. Building a network of trusted advisors can make all the difference in advancing our careers and personal growth. Who’s on your board?

🎉Congratulations! Tides Medical and brandRUSSO were among companies honored for its growth as part of the 2024 Spotlight Louisiana event. Tides Medical was given the Louisiana Growth Leader Legend award, which is the LED Growth Network’s top honor, recognizing one past Louisiana Growth Leader who has exhibited sustained success and excellence. BrandRusso was among the 10 state companies named a Louisiana Growth Leader, which are selected by a statewide panel of economic development professionals who evaluate companies in the LED Growth Network on business success and community contributions. Criteria consists of growth, strategy, innovation, philanthropy and leadership. 👀 Read more: https://loom.ly/JUyVBOA

This week British International Investment published its Annual Review. Over the course of 2023, we made £1.3 billion of gross commitments, investing in sustainable economies that support people and protect the planet.  Highlights include:   * Investing £449 million in climate finance, ranging from investing in solar-powered irrigation systems for smallholder farmers to Sierra Leone's first large-scale independent power producer.  * Establishing a new platform, entirely financed by BII, to offer local currency, and flexible financing options to SMEs in Ghana, ensuring the access to finance they need to grow and create jobs.  * Boosting women’s economic empowerment by committing £297 million to gender finance Find out more by reading the full report: https://lnkd.in/eWzwsdgt

🪑 Did you know that advisory positions can be a stepping stone to paid board roles? If you’re already serving on an advisory board—or looking to get started—you’re closer than you think to securing your first board seat. Boards value professionals who can turn insight into actionable strategy. Want to learn how to monetize your expertise and land a coveted board position? Register for our masterclass—link in the comments!

Our CEO, Valarie De La Garza, shared a powerful reminder about the journey to achievement. Success often starts with a bold step into the unknown. At Fenton, we believe in transforming big goals into real impact—embracing challenges, learning from setbacks, and celebrating every win. Here’s to fearless leadership and making a difference together.