These 54 women have it all and more, and their passion for their work has led them to top positions in a variety of fields, from technology to law, art conservation to accounting. Many have taken the entrepreneurial leap, pushing out of their comfort zones to create something of their own.

Lingering effects of Covid-19, inflation at a 40-year high and staffing challenges were formidable obstacles. but these women persevered, and some even managed to grow — or help grow — their businesses in the last year.

After reviewing a stellar group of nominees, Integrated Media Publishing is proud to honor these women — 50 Women in Business winners and four Women to Watch, who are just beginning to make their mark. Their stories offer lessons and motivation as we all consider what’s next.

 

1. Lety Arnold

Director of marketing

National Land Realty

Arnold has worked as director of marketing for National Land Realty since 2021, and her career has also included work in advertising and journalism.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Always hold yourself accountable. Whether it's at work or in your personal life, taking ownership of all the decisions, actions, and even mistakes you make will benefit you in the long run. It starts with taking accountability for the small things and after some time, it will become a part of who you are, and others will start to notice.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

Personal and professional growth takes time. It's not something that happens overnight after reading a personal development book or facing a difficult situation at work. It doesn't happen in a week or a month, sometimes not even a year. To grow, you have to keep pushing yourself each and every day, even when you don't feel like it. You have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and make sure to celebrate your successes (whether big or small) along the way!

 

2. Jessica Baker

Chief operating officer

Spero Financial Federal Credit Union

Baker has been with the credit union for about 13 years, working her way up from branch manager. She is a board member of the Upstate Chapter of Credit Unions.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

“You Do You.” This is our president/CEO Brian McKay's mantra, and there is such freedom that comes with that advice. It means showing up as the best version of you in that moment. It's the opposite of "faking it until you make it" because it breeds a culture of learning and growth, and best of all, it makes work fun.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

On work/life balance; I've learned that I can structure both by setting priorities so I can be present at home and present at work for the things that matter. I've learned to accept that I’ll miss some things and I have to say "no" to some things because I can’t be in two places at once. The key to joy and success is in choosing your “things.” Talk to your family and talk to your team to help prioritize these so you can be present and intentional no matter where you are.

 

3. Sarah Beasley

Chief marketing officer

Sealevel Systems Inc.

Beasley has worked for Sealevel Systems for more than 21 years, a career that has included stints as marketing director and vice president of brand strategy.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

I am most proud when working on something to benefit our entire organization. Carefully crafted marketing content that can influence business opportunities or inform companywide presentations inspires me. Creating plans that educate and entertain goes beyond my work at Sealevel Systems to marketing for my husband’s law practice, teaching Sunday school, and co-creating character brands with my children. From serving on the board of Artisphere and Westminster Presbyterian Church session to volunteering at Christ Church Episcopal School, I learn lessons that I can apply for the good of Sealevel, and hopefully my career experience benefits the organizations I’m passionate about.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

You can be a strong, capable leader without having all the answers. Sincerity goes a long way so an honest answer is acceptable and can also demonstrate openness. In daily operations, I try to bring out the best in others by appreciating their perspectives and expertise. We know collaboration leads us to success. The phrase, “It takes a village,” is frequently applied to parenting, but it is also invaluable in business, philanthropic service, and being involved members of our communities.

 

4. Dee Bell-Williams

CEO and Chief Educational Consultant

Dr. Dee Unlimited Education Consulting and Co.

Bell-Williams is a former associate professor of communications at Benedict College. She founded Dr. Dee Unlimited Education Consulting, which teaches leadership skills and culture-focused coaching, in 2018.

How do you define leadership? 

I define leadership as the ability to edify the most effective qualities in other people while providing opportunities for them to improve in areas where there are blind spots. In other words, I believe wholeheartedly in transformational leadership. This leadership style, in my research-based opinion, is the most effective as it relates to growing an organization and building people. I always tell my clients that managers manage things and leaders build people. When I say build people, I mean that leaders help to highlight those strengths in a person that reveal their "golden circle" of expertise; meanwhile, a great leader also provides opportunities for others to grow in areas that need improvement, without judgement or shame. Transformational leadership is designed to transform people, places, and ideas. Leading in a transformative way improves results for our companies, organizations, and businesses in ways that outlast our lives and become our legacies.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

One thing that has served me well over the years is remaining authentic. Showing up as myself has been the greatest asset to my business and community. I have learned over the years that authenticity is the true guarantor of consistent currency. Being the very best version of yourself allows others to experience you, not just your business. When clients have this experience, it builds trust, community, and consistency. When serving others, people want to feel seen not just a means to an end of another transaction. As they learn about you and the purpose of your business, it allows them the opportunity to make informed decisions as a client and provides the knowledge that they need to share the quality of your services with other potential clients.

 

5. Charlotte Berger

Founder 

CharlotteBergerPR

Berger has worked in public relations, social media, and influencer marketing for more than a decade. She founded the company that bears her name in 2020.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

Throughout my PR career I have worked under several managers with a variety of different management styles. The managers who had the biggest impact on me were the ones who were honest (even when the truth wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies), positive, selfless, and worked diligently. I’m thankful for everyone who invested in bettering my work and skill set, and for the knowledge I gained. It all developed the style of manager I wanted to be (and not to be) one day.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

I think all leaders and business owners struggle at some point with the fear of not being good enough. Despite growing from a team of one to a team of 10, with over 25 clients in a two-year span, I still often find myself searching for ways to be better, do better. I’m thankful to a degree for that fire inside me that refuses to be comfortable with where I’m at, because it pushes our work to a new level of excellence for our deserving clients. At the same time, I am learning to celebrate the wins, live in the present, and be grateful with how far our team has come.

 

6. Lillian Boatwright 

Sales operations manager

BoomTown ROI

Boatwright has worked in the information technology and services industry, software solutions, and sales and operations management sectors.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

I find strength in my ability to pause before acting or reacting. By giving myself time to think and process emotion, I can better serve those I work with and the people I serve in my communities. If I continue to work on choosing my words carefully, I can focus my energy where I know it needs to be sent in order to avoid the possibility of misinterpreting. 

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

I have learned: Everybody believes they are doing the right thing. By remembering that the person I disagree with believes they are correct and I am wrong, I can be a more empathetic communicator. By seeing the intent in another person's actions, I can understand their end goal and respond more appropriately. This has been a great lesson to learn as our world communicates so much more, and has helped me realize I may not always be in the right. Being able to listen and attempt to understand another's point of view changed how I interact with people.

 

7. Laura Boccanfuso

Chief executive officer

Van Robotics

Boccanfuso has been with Van Robotics, which uses AI-enabled classroom tutors to help students learn, since 2016. She previously worked as an associate research scientist at Yale University.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

I think my greatest strength as a leader is my commitment to inclusivity and excellence. I strongly believe that each individual brings a unique set of traits and perspectives that can strengthen our company and product. That is truly the backbone of our company culture and where product-market fit and innovation thrive together.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Never take criticism from someone you wouldn't go to for advice!

 

8. Tally Parham Casey

Chair and CEO

Wyche, P.A.

A former F-16 fighter pilot, Casey practices commercial and securities litigation, health care and product liability, insurance, and aerospace law. 

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

"The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom," by Don Miguel Ruiz. With ancient and simple wisdom, it transformed my approach to professional and personal challenges. Be impeccable with your word; don’t take anything personally; don’t make assumptions; always do your best. The exegesis of these instructions, requiring application of courage, personal power, positivity, communication, patience and understanding, unfolds beautifully in a short read that calls me to pull it off the shelf again and again.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My worst decisions have been made from a place of fear. I manage it through maintaining awareness, mindfulness, and the willingness to transform fear into opportunity for growth. Failure and suffering can be the greatest teachers of insight and compassion. Ask yourself: What would I do if I were not afraid? Then go and do it.

 

9. Sam DeWees

President/broker-in-charge

DeWees Real Estate Group

DeWees has more than eight years of experience in the real estate business, starting her career as a research analyst. She’s been in her current position since 2018.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

My mom has always been my greatest role model and mentor. She is the strongest, smartest, and most caring woman I have ever known and raised me to be the independent woman I am today.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

The greatest accomplishment in my career has been starting my own real estate firm. Like with any business, there have been challenges along the way, but I am incredibly proud of my team and what we have accomplished since opening our doors in 2018.

 

10. Dr. Mary Frances Duncan

Simply Southern Chiropractic Center

Duncan, a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic, founded Simply Southern Chiropractic Center in 2015.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

My mother is my greatest mentor. She has always been a great example to me of what strong, educated women can achieve, and she remains a trusted adviser. We work together now at my practice, and she has continued to be a valuable sounding board and resource for me now that I own my own businesses.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

I've learned that every decision you make, no matter how big or small, affects other people around you. Being a leader necessarily involves thinking about others before thinking about yourself, and that guiding principle has helped make me a more effective leader as a result.

 

11. Delisa English

President and CEO

The Blood Connection

English has worked in the blood banking field for more than 25 years. Prior to joining The Blood Connection, she worked for the American Red Cross Biomedical Services, and she worked on a NATO assignment in Portugal.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

One of the things that I am most proud of is that I have had the great honor of leading The Blood Connection team toward consistent and significant growth over the past few years. The importance of this growth is that now, The Blood Connection has tripled its community impact, partnering with well over 100 hospitals to provide blood and blood products to patients in need. It gives me a great sense of pride knowing that our organization is playing a such critical role in the health and well-being of the communities of which we are part. Equally as important to me is how impactful it has been to mentor others and watch them grow and succeed in their own right. It makes me incredibly pleased to share in their accomplishments knowing that I played some small role in it!

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

There is one thing that I wish I had learned much earlier in my career that serves me well currently, and that is – no one dies if the dishes don't get done. As busy career women, we all struggle with juggling work, home, and family. I came to learn several years into my career that sometimes you just have to let things go. And guess what? My family managed to survive, and a few dirty dishes didn't derail our lives. Translating that to the business world, I learned that is OK to stop sweating the small stuff, and as long as you keep your focus on those important goals, things will still get accomplished.

 

12. Belinda Fernandez-Rubio

Vice president 

Gabriel Builders

Fernandez-Rubio co-founded Gabriel Builders in 1984 with her husband, Gus. The company specializes in high-end, custom-built homes. 

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

The best advice is the action and attitude I've seen in my husband, Gus, as he has led our business for almost 40 years. He seeks excellence in our homes and doesn't accept anything less. He always makes things right, no matter how it affects the bottom line. Quality and lifelong relationships with our team and customers are his drivers and what Gabriel Builders is known for. When you incorporate his attitude and ideas along with trusting God for direction, it makes a solid foundation. Integrity and excellence are two of Gabriel's seven core values that we live by personally and professionally.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

The greatest accomplishment to date is being awarded the National Custom Home Builder of the Year. We were selected from over 200,000 builders across the US. It one of the highest achievements in our industry, and we felt honored to receive it. The equally greatest accomplishment is that our children chose to work with us, and I get hugs every day!

 

13. Kiwan Fitch

President

Journey Towards Purpose Global Institute 

Fitch, who is the CEO of EmPOWERment Corp. LLC, founded Journey Towards Purpose Global Institute in 2018. The institute offers leadership, coaching, and personal development courses.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Get your business foundation solid. Make sure that you have your legal paperwork in order. But the bottom line is, it is your business to do what is right for you. Do what is best for you. You can be an innovator and do it your way. When you look down the bread aisle in the grocery store, there are many different kinds of bread – all different sizes, styles, textures, colors. Make sure that your business stands out like the bread that only a certain few are going to want but are going to be loyal to you forever.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

My greatest professional accomplishment, I would have to say, is actually making a profit. We all get into business for many different reasons. My background is nonprofit and social services, so my desire to make money was way down the list; my desire to make an impact was always top. That is still my priority to make an impact through the work that I do. Professionally, as far as business is concerned, I need to make an income in order to sustain my business. Marrying the two worlds of making an impact and making an income has been a consistent challenge, but it is my greatest accomplishment to finally be in a place where I know who I am and know what I need to do in order to continue to produce income.

 

14. Janice Gibbs

Owner 

L’Optique

Gibbs is the owner of L’Optique, an eyewear boutique with locations in Greenville and Asheville.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

I did not go to business school. In fact, I have no college degree and have three successful businesses. When I began the process to open my own business, I did it on my own with two little girls. Those (now) not-so-little girls are my legacy. We now run the shops together. Being proud mother of three stores and two daughters that are going to take over the business is my professional and personal accomplishment.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

Leading by example with open, honest, and light-hearted communication. Years of experience is my greatest strength; however, I continue to learn and choose to never be complacent. Customer service and making sure I am providing 100 percent customer satisfaction is something I am always working on. After 20 years of being a business owner, that has never changed.

 

15. Margaret Gifford

Co-founder and Chief Impact Investment Officer

Abundance Capital

Gifford has long been interested in the venture philanthropy that Abundance Capital practices. Her previous endeavors include stints with Impact Fairfield County and Watervine Impact.

How do you define leadership? 

Leadership is servanthood. It is service and submission. Leadership is doing what needs to be done, but in a way that uplifts others. Good leaders are known for their integrity.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

My mother is my biggest mentor. She has overcome incredible obstacles, raising two kids for a time as a single mom with physical disabilities, and going back to school to get an advanced degree in special education. In her senior years now, she continues to tutor underprivileged children. I’ve had other mentors, including one of my toughest, who held me to the most exacting professional standards. Her name is Allison Johnson, and she’s the former CMO of PayPal and HP, now at Enphase Energy. As for books, it’s the Bible. Faith is a huge part of who I am.

 

16. Amber Glidewell

Managing partner

Roe Cassidy

Glidewell represents developers in acquisitions and financing of commercial real estate, and banks and lending institutions in matters involving loans and foreclosures. Previously, she spent two years as a judicial law clerk for 13th Circuit Judge D. Garrison Hill.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

The best opportunities rarely present in a perfect way. Opportunities are often borne out of failure and are messy and challenging. Embrace the challenge. There are secret opportunities in every failure.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

Hard work will always outweigh talent when talent fails to work hard. Anything worth having is hard to get. Talent does not prepare you for the grind. Skills do not prepare you for the inevitable plateaus you will endure.

 

17. Kelly Glynn

Owner/operator

Village Idiot Pizza

Glynn and her husband Bryan began working at Village Idiot Pizza in Columbia in the early 1990s, later buying the restaurant, which now has three locations.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

Col. Jack Van Loan is by far the person that has most influenced me in my career. His passion for a strong work ethic and to be credible in everything you do has always stuck with me.

How do you define leadership? 

I define leadership as the ability to listen and understand the needs of those you work with and around and to be able to perform the tasks you are asking of others. A leader is not afraid to work alongside those they lead when needed. Leading by influence and not authority

 

18. Staci Gouveia

Senior director of corporate communications and public relations

Afaxys Inc.

Gouveia has been with Afaxys, a progressive health care company, since January 2021, but has worked in public relations and communications for more than 25 years.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Be present. Don't be afraid to ask questions, lots of them. Odds are you if you're thinking it, someone else is too, or you're the first to ask and you will look brilliant!

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

As a storyteller, I have learned to "practice" and "read the room." Whether you’re in a room with one person or hundreds, pay attention to the people you're communicating with, make eye contact, watch for signals, and change gears if you find you're not connecting.

 

19. Niesha Ham-McMillian

Founder/CEO

Marnie Enterprises LLC

Ham-McMillian is an educator, project coordinator, and motivational speaker, and the owner of Marnie Enterprises, an online blog and journalism website, and Celestial Healing Gardens, which sells essential oils, bath products, and more.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

I have no fear of anyone nor anything. My faith is so strong that I know I can do and accomplish whatever I put my mind to.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Document everything. Every move you make, every step you take … write it down. Not only can you refer back to it, but you can share your journey with someone else who may be interested in traveling down the same road as you. Doing this can save years of hard work for someone else and will make you a lighthouse. Being a lighthouse also means constant maintenance. Practicing self-care everyday will equip you with the necessary energy to keep shining.

 

20. Catherine “Cathy” Hendrix

Vice president, senior HR manager Metro Mid-South and New York

TD Bank

As senior HR manager, Hendrix supports senior leadership strategy within various business lines of TD Bank. 

How do you define leadership? 

The definition of leadership is the action of leading a group of people or an organization. I recall a quote from Seth Godin: "Leadership is the art of giving people a platform for spreading ideas that work." It's not based on time in role, or job title but creating an environment that allows people to share ideas openly. If the team has a vision of what can be accomplished and their ideas count toward creating the end result, it's not only good for the team but also the organization.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

Building working relationships is very important in this role (as senior HR manager); being open to sharing ideas and having open dialogue is critical. It's very important to see all sides of a conversation and listen to the details. Being a trusted adviser is an important part of my role. There are always opportunities to build our leadership skills, and patience is one skill that I continue to develop.

 

21. Annmarie Higgins

Chief human resources officer

Lima One Capital

Higgins has worked in human resources for the majority of her career, with stints at BMW Manufacturing, Mitsubishi Polyester Film, and SCANA Corporation before joining Lima One Capital.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

Find a mentor. It doesn’t have to be a formal mentorship program. You can start by simply asking someone for advice. You will be able to tell from that conversation whether that person is willing to take you under their wing. Think about who you admire and trust, and who will challenge your thinking.  Find someone who sees things differently and helps you to see other perspectives. Most importantly, find a mentor who cares enough and is brave enough to give you the tough feedback. When you get it, always start by saying, “thank you” and although your first instinct might be to resist it, try to embrace it, learn from it, and make some changes. I’ve been very fortunate to have had several mentors in my life, and now I try to be that person for others. 

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

I would say my greatest accomplishment to date is achieving happiness. Earlier in my career, it was all about the climb. I worked hard in school to get into a good college (UVA), then worked hard in college to get a good degree (chemical engineering) so I could get a good job. I met the man of my dreams along the way, got married, started a family, bought a house, had a nice car. But when is enough, enough? We worked harder to buy a bigger house, and drive nicer cars (I was working for BMW, so of course we were driving nice cars!) But I was working so hard to get somewhere that I didn’t stop to enjoy where I was. And when I opened the curtains one morning, I looked out on this city that was not my own. I was in a hotel room, as I had been, week after week, far from home, and far from the people I love the most. And I realized that enough was enough. I reflected on what was really important and spent some quality time with my family. I’m now working 3½ miles from my house and no longer feel the need to climb. As long as I know I am contributing and making a difference, I am happy. 

 

22. Lucy Hoffman

President

Red Iron Brand Solutions LLC

Hoffman founded Red Iron Brand Solutions, a company that creates marketing displays, in 2017. She previously worked as an adjunct professor of history at Greenville Tech.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

My greatest strength is my listening skill for both customers and employees. I listen with the desire to learn and to help each person reach their highest potential.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Never give up. I've used this both in business and in writing. True wisdom doesn't mean knowing all the answers, but it does mean knowing where to go for the answer.

 

23. Sheratta Irby

Owner/founder

Astonishing Angels Home Care and Be That Chick 

Irby is the founder of the in-home health care service Astonishing Angels, as well as Be That Chick, an organization dedicated to helping women realize their potential.

How do you define leadership? 

Leadership is caring about the individuals that God has allowed you to lead. Leadership is giving your all to help others walk into the purpose that God has for them. Leadership is encouraging others to be the best they can be and giving them the tools needed to accomplish it.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear is leaving this world without releasing all that God has put inside of me to the world. The way that I deal with it is to just by continuing to seek God for guidance and to continue to follow the plan that he has for my life and pray that I am able to fulfill it before I leave this world. Dr Myles Munroe said it best: "Don't die old, die empty. That’s the goal of life. Go to the cemetery and disappoint the graveyard."

 

24. Jordan Johnson

Realtor

Servus Realty Group

Johnson got into real estate in 2019 after a 25-year career in the service industry. She is an accredited Real Estate Negotiations Expert (RENE).

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

My greatest strength as a leader is that I am not willing to accept no as an answer. I decided a long time ago that failure is no longer an option. I can hear the word "no" and eventually turn it into a "yes." When you continue to work towards a goal, you will eventually receive the results you desire.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

The best advice I have received in business is to never give up. There has been so many times that I thought I couldn't "do it." I thought I didn't have the heart or energy to pull myself through the dark, but I didn't allow myself to give up, and remained persistent. I kept going and I kept looking ahead. Yes, there will be bad days, but they are always followed by good ones.

 

25. Dr. Nina Kennedy

Doctor of chiropractic/owner

Enhanced Living Chiropractic

Kennedy owns Enhanced Living Chiropractic, founded in 2008, which has four locations in the Upstate. 

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Planning is important for all aspects of your business. I think most people don't realize how much planning goes into business. It can be day planning, weekly, monthly, quarterly, yearly and five-year planning. There is budget planning, staffing planning, maintenance planning, and re-investment growth planning. I am careful to make sure those plans are in line with our business goals and ethics. My plan is something I look at daily.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

Give it your best. Sometimes I have had the self-talk that I am not good enough or that there are others out there that are better than I am. Maybe it's the feeling that I don't deserve what God has given me, but I know if I keep giving my best, then the work is something I am proud of in the end. So I try to measure myself by my own standards rather than what I think others think of me. In the end you might surprise yourself when you really exceeded expectations of yourself and others.

 

26. Shea Kim

Owner/instructor

Definite Defense LLC

Kim, a U.S. Navy veteran, formed Definite Defense, which trains individuals in the use and safe storage of firearms, in 2010.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

I was the first female military police officer at the San Diego Naval Station 32nd St., the second-largest Naval base in the United States. I also worked undercover with NCIS and the San Diego Police Department. Being a female in a male-dominated industry of firearms training was a challenge. From the military training I received, to the NRA and SLED courses that I was required to take, were all taught by men. So, when I decided to pursue this career, I wanted to serve and teach others (especially women) from a woman’s perspective. Teaching with patience, kindness, and empathy. These are my greatest accomplishments.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

I have firsthand knowledge how frightening and intimidating it can be for people to be around firearms or to learn how to use them confidently and safely. I believe having compassion towards others and giving them the ability to feel comfortable while training has been the cornerstone of my continued success. I have found that identifying your own personal “why” is the foundation for personal success and growth. During the long nights and hot range days, remembering my “why” has been my driving force to keep going.

 

27. Sharron Koch

Owner 

ProcureSmart LLC

Koch founded ProcureSmart, a business that helps companies with the purchase, design, and logistics of renovation and remodeling, in 2013. She previously worked with Auro Hotels and Concord Hospitality Enterprises.

How do you define leadership? 

I see leadership as motivating others to work toward common goals. I was always told that great leaders do not manage people but manage people’s emotions. I understand that idea and believe if you motivate people with a sense of purpose and positive vibes, more will be accomplished. I love to work with people who not only see your vision but also bring their own vision to the table.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

So many people will have opinions on how you should walk your journey. From a small age, people will try to push you to do, say, or act the way they perceive is the right way. Be bold and brave and find your own voice and path. Life takes courage and sometimes a leap of faith, and even though there will be spectacular failures, keep taking the risks. It is worth it.

 

28. Catherine LaCour

Chief marketing officer

Blackbaud

In addition to her work with Blackbaud, LaCour serves on the board of directors of the Coastal Community Foundation and the Women’s Refugee Commission, and was named a Liberty Fellow in 2017.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

I subscribe to the Shine Theory, which means, “I shine when you shine.” I think good leaders help lift others up, and that’s the type of atmosphere I try to cultivate for my team. I’m really proud of my ability to identify talent and bring people together to build a high-functioning team. I still work every day on modeling the culture and approach I want to see in my team — showing true empathy, engaging in open, transparent communication, and navigating productive conflict.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear is not leaving this world better than I found it. There is so much need out there and especially with all we’ve faced over the last few years — the pandemic, racial and social inequality, the conflict in Ukraine — it can feel very overwhelming at times. I think the best way to manage any fear is to focus on what you can control, and what you can contribute. I’m so blessed that I’m able to give back and focus on philanthropy in both my personal life and through my job. Blackbaud makes technology that helps good take over, and our entire employee base is actively involved in our communities. Being able to show up to work every day to do what I love, with an incredible team, while also giving back to the greater good, is all I can ask for.

 

29. Natasha Lee

Co-founder and chief executive officer

Floyd Lee Locums

Lee co-founded Floyd Lee Locums, a physician referral service, in 2017. Previously, she served as COO for Trinity Healthcare Staffing Group and as national director for Weatherby Healthcare.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

I used to fear financial matters the most, as I was someone who grew up with meager resources in that area. Somewhere along the way I chose not to fear anything and to just trust God in his plan for me at work and at home. Having faith in your path gives you comfort beyond what you can imagine.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Staffing through a pandemic in some of the worst Covid conditions was humbling and inspiring, to say the least. Having a chance to support the Afghanistan resettlement efforts and sending over 100 doctors to tent hospitals caring for refugees was once in a lifetime and absolutely grounding to all who were involved. By far the most incredible achievement is the people I have hired and mentored into a career in staffing. I have had the pleasure to hire and promote and rehire so many incredible people I have lost count over the years. That’s the legacy I’m most proud of.

 

30. Kathy Ligon

Founder and CEO

HINGE Early Education Advisors

Ligon studied to be an accountant, but has worked in educational operations for more than 30 years. She founded HINGE, which focuses on growing and selling private early education businesses, in 2003.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

Letting my team down and not being resourceful enough to support the people that believed in me and took a chance on working with me. This fear lessens over time as experiences prove that opportunities always come. 

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

Always encourage your team to put their personal life and family before work. We believe in bringing your A game to work and your A+ game home.

 

31. Anne Marchant

Owner, vice president, and chief business officer

Marchant Real Estate Inc.

Marchant spent 34 years as litigation coordinator for the Wyche Law Firm in Greenville before changing careers and going into real estate. She  joined Marchant Real Estate in 2008 and works on a team with her son, Brian.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Find a career that challenges and excites you so you will look forward to going to work every day. If you are unhappy and know you want to work somewhere else or start a business on your own, go for it. If you have a career that meets your financial needs while also providing emotional benefits, you will reach successes beyond your greatest dreams.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

If you work hard and put in the hours, you will be successful as long as you treat everyone with dignity and respect.

 

32. Jen McConnell

Owner/broker-in-charge

McConnell Real Estate

McConnell has worked in real estate since her junior year in college. In addition to McConnell Real Estate, she also co-founded IOPHasIt, a vacation guide to Isle of Palms; King Tide Investment Group; and Blue Ocean Investments. 

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

Adam Roach -- I started using Adam for business coaching about two years ago, and he has changed my life. He really challenges me in my business to take risks, to become a better leader, and to lead with a servant's heart (his company is called I Heart Coaching!). We firmly believe our business would not be where it is today without him.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

I have had a lot of challenging times in my adult life, but I wake up every day and I am so grateful for all I have and all I am able to do for others. I'm really good at not getting in my head about the curveballs life throws at me. I know I am strong and I can get through any obstacles thrown my way today and in the future, just as I have in the past.

 

33. Leslie McKenzie

Owner

Team Therapy SC

McKenzie founded Team Therapy, a family-centered pediatric clinic, in 2009. She holds a master’s degree in speech-language pathology.

How do you define leadership? 

Many people say to lead by example, and this is true, but I also like to lead by following the examples of others. I learn so much from my co-workers, and it is beneficial to me as their leader to meet their goals in order to serve them well. Listening to what others need and to what others think about certain topics helps me provide an environment in which they want to work and thrive. A positive work environment not only inspires success and creativity among the children we serve, but it also has a multiplying effect on everyone.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

My husband has told me for years that "If it was easy, everyone would be doing it!." I remind myself of that each time I face challenges and feel stressed. Furthermore, my wise daddy has always said that "It will all work out." Truly, these quote are just self-explanatory.

 

34. Merritt McNeely

Executive vice president

Flock and Rally

McNeely joined Flock and Rally in 2018 after several years in marketing, communications, and corporate leadership. She was executive director of the Five Points Association from 2005 to 2013.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear is the failure of what drives me the most to act — and that is making an impact. When I leave a project or an organization, I want to look back at it and see the difference that I made. I want to be a change-maker, someone who acts and creates and builds and leaves things better than when I found them. The fear that motivates me to act is the deep rooted fear that what I am doing will not move the needle. As my mentor and former boss Willie Calloway always told me, "The best way to conquer fear is to walk straight through it." It's taken me many years to learn this valuable advice but now, when my stomach churns with anxiety, I typically know that my body is telling me to act and that the only thing to do is face the fear head-on and move through it. After many years of practice, I will admit that it works every time. The worst thing you can do is let fear cause inaction, and I am a woman of action.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

I am an effective leader because of my directness and decisiveness. I get it right because I am willing to be wrong. I make hard decisions knowing that some will not be right, but I know that progress comes from action, and failing to act due to the fear of being wrong will prevent you from real success.

 

35. Kaity Miller

Program director 

Build Carolina

Miller has been with Build Carolina, a company that provides education and support for South Carolina’s tech community, since 2021. She also works with S.C. Codes and is a board member of Charleston Women in Tech.

How do you define leadership? 

I define leadership as running ahead to clear a path so those behind you can more easily succeed.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

My passion and empathy. As women in leadership, we often are taught to hide our emotions as if they get in the way of our ability to lead. I believe the exact opposite is true. When we lead from a place of compassion and acceptance – meeting people wherever they are – our effectiveness grows. Building trust and allowing our teams to bring their whole selves to work is vital to effective leadership.

 

36. Jenny Powers

Founder and CEO

Blue Avenue Music Group

Powers founded Blue Avenue Music Group, an artist management and marketing company, in 2019, and she also works as a community specialist for Artisthub.io, a platform for music marketing.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

Not everyone has big-picture visions. Leaders are responsible for the vision, the plan to reach the vision, and the team to execute the plan. Some people are very good at what they do within a team setting because they know how to do their job. They do well at their job and they know they fit into the big picture without having to know all the details of the big picture. My greatest strength is making sure the people I work with feel valued and heard.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

Fear can talk you out of the things that are meant for you. Those thoughts of insecurity, the imposter syndrome, and the unknown outcome of your decisions can all weigh heavy on you. I find that prayer, meditation, or just taking a deep breath in a peaceful quiet moment to remind myself that I am enough is all I need to dispel fear and move forward.

 

37. LaShay Price 

Owner and photographer

LaShay Price Studio + Co.

Price owns LaShay Price Studio + Co., a photography studio and boutique branding agency, and with her husband, Jabari, she co-owns The Creative Studio of Columbia, an event space.

How do you define leadership? 

I define leadership as someone who has the courage and boldness to fully own who they are as an individual and use it to be an activator of change within their community, their careers, and throughout the lives of others.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

What has made me an effective leader is being aware of what, who, and how I have been called to influence. Learning to embrace my own race and journey has made me an effective leader. I am still working on fully using my voice as a leader through public speaking.

 

38. Deanna Rogers

Owner 

Classy Kids Child Development Center Inc.

Rogers is owner and president of Classy Kids, as well as Mrs. Greater Greenville, a position that she uses to advocate for quality child care.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Take the leap. Running a business is not for the faint of heart, but if you pour your heart and mind into equipping yourself to create and sustain a successful business, no matter the industry, it will happen. Surround yourself with people who you trust and know your industry, then treat them the way you would want to be treated.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

Invest in your people. Hire employees who have skills you don’t. Will it cost more upfront? Probably. But it pays back tenfold, both financially and emotionally. I have always led with the intention of training, then empowering a team member so I'm able to trust that they'll make the most advantageous decisions for the business. Remember, if they know they are loved and taken care of, they'll naturally want to give their very best to your business. And at the end of the day, the heart of any business is the people!

 

39. Dorothy Self 

Founder/principal

DFS Creative

Self has worked in marketing, advertising, and brand building for more than 13 years, including a stint with Gannett, parent company of The Greenville News. She founded DFS Creative in 2013.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

My father is my inspiration and my mentor. He is the hardest-working, most dedicated person I know. As far back as I can remember, he would use his work anecdotes as teachable moments. Everything about his esteemed career was translated into an engaging story, and I loved every word. He painted scenes of corporate life and the banking industry with his words, peppering in humor and topping them all off with a life lesson. Hearing about him and his management style from former employees and colleagues has provided a different glimpse, and I have found from these stories that we are quite similar in our leadership thumbprint.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

I have learned that you don't need everyone around you - you only need the right people. Four quarters are better than a hundred pennies. More isn't always better – it's just more.

 

40. Jenne Sevilla

Founder and CEO

Money Moods

Sevilla is a longtime financial planner with a history in hospitality and sales. She is also the president of Outrigger Financial, an investment management company in Charleston.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

With a rollercoaster motion of his hand, a mentor told me to expect a wild fluctuation of income and emotion each day, week, month, and year. Early in my career, I found it challenging to manage these swings. They scared me, and I questioned whether or not I could handle it. Managing expectations is a skill that requires diligent attention and practice. As business fluctuates both fiscally and emotionally, the benefits of a morning walk or meditation practice are critical to balancing what you can control and what you can’t. As the experts often tell us, you can find the secret to your future in your daily routine.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Securing the Certified Financial Planner professional designation was a huge accomplishment for me, mainly because I did it while working full-time in a support role and raising a toddler. I would wake up at 4:30 a.m. to study as my husband would leave for work, completing coursework before my energetic child jumped out of bed. I spent my lunch breaks in a testing center. I was determined to do the extra work to be capable of establishing my own business. That determination was a driving force unlike any other I have ever experienced professionally.

 

41. Jenna Spencer

Visionary and founder

AssistPro

Spencer founded AssistPro in 2014 after working as an assistant for Entrepreneurial Operating Systems (EOS). AssistPro provides operational and administrative support to business coaches and entrepreneurs. 

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

"It was 10 miles in, it's going to be 10 miles out." As a high-visionary entrepreneur, sometimes I just want a quick fix. Adopting this phrase has helped me slow down, play the long game, and see things through. When we have an issue in business, we need to remember it was 10 miles in, it's going to be 10 miles out. This has been so great for me.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Learning how to hire people who are way smarter than I am! In my beginning days, this terrified me. I didn't understand the concept of hiring talented people, training them on the vision I had, and then letting them take that vision, along with their expertise, and do the thing that they are really great at, in a really great way for my company. I am proud of myself for overcoming this fear, because now I have surrounded myself and my company with amazing leaders and amazing employees who are all so talented in their specific areas.

 

42. Tiffany Taylor

Owner

SoLaces Boutique

Taylor worked as a shoe store manager before founding SoLaces Boutique, which sells shoes, handbags, and accessories, in 2018.

How do you define leadership? 

The ability to lead others in a manner where love, compassion, dedication, and hard work all play an equal role for the growth of those under your leadership. I have learned over the years in my retail management career that you can lead people and not be a "leader." A true leader will help make the people under their lead become a better version of themself for themselves, meaning they are willing and ready to do all that it takes to teach them; you just give them guidance and motivation along the way as they reach for their dreams and goals themselves. Being able to pull that potential out of individuals and mentoring along the way to strengthen skills etc. is a great skill in leadership; however, you must have a full circle of skills to be a true leader, such as effective constructive feedback, positive feedback, accountability, and determination to ensure you have given your all within yourself as a leader. With all of these attributes and many more, I believe a true leader continues to grow themselves as they continue to lead along the way.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

The best business advice I have received was that "I couldn't do it"! Yes, that’s right; in 2018 I had a great friend who didn't see my dreams and visions I had with SoLaces Boutique. After working in corporate retail for over 15 years, they didn't think that I could open my brand alongside the same companies that help me get to this exact place in my career at this moment. I didn't understand how someone who knew how hard of a worker I was, didn't think I could open a successful small business. Yet that was exactly what I needed to have a fuel to the fire to make my dreams come true. The fact that someone didn't think I could make it happen, made me want it more. I promised myself then that I would prove (them) and everyone else who didn't believe in me wrong. So the advice I would pass down is DO IT FOR YOU! No matter what someone else sees or doesn't see, if you feel it inside of you, let the world see it on the outside. Never dull yourself nor your dreams because someone else can't see it. It’s your dream, not theirs; GO FOR IT!

 

 

43. Katherine Thompson

Assistant vice president, product and market development 

Unum

Thompson joined Unum in 2020; she previously worked as director of claims strategy and compliance and director of underwriting at Colonial Life,

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Embrace uncomfortableness. Several years ago I found myself ready to take on a new challenge in my career, expanding on my actuarial beginnings. When weighing options of what my next role could be, I was given the following advice from someone whose career I'd greatly admired: "When I look back at the most influential and pivotal moments of my career, they've centered around roles or projects that were least comfortable – those that forced me out of my comfort zone and stretched me beyond my expectations." I continue to come back to that advice each time I'm faced with a new challenge.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Without a doubt, parenthood. No, I'm not financially compensated for my time, nor is it flashed on my resume or LinkedIn profile, but it is a job that never stops and reaped with endless reward. On even the most challenging day at work, I know I'll be greeted with a running hug and unconditional love from our amazing 3-year-old son, Leo.

 

44. Theresa Thompson

Deputy director 

Upstate Warrior Solution

Thompson has been with Upstate Warrior Solution for more than seven years. She previously worked as senior operations manager at Alorica, and was a Greenville Police Department officer for 16 years. 

How do you define leadership? 

Leadership has little to do with titles, status, or formal education, and everything to do with integrity, accountability, dedication, and humility. Anyone can be a leader, but if you intend to lead, you should do so in the service of others, always keeping the overall mission and the team in mind.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

If you believe strongly in something, you should stand up for what you believe in, even if your voice shakes and you are the only one standing. Strength and passion are contagious! Positive leadership is contagious and is needed now more than ever.

 

45. Nicole Valentine

Owner

Spectrum ABA

Valentine has been with Spectrum ABA, which works with individuals on the autism spectrum, since 2021. Her previous work includes stints with Behaviors A Go Go and ChanceLight Behavioral Health.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

The best advice I have received is to be passionate about what you are doing, and you will remain motivated.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

I have learned that it is okay to say "no" without the need to apologize or provide an excuse. It is important to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

 

46. Elyse Welch

Partner 

Carolina Retail Experts

Welch specializes in retail commercial real estate brokerage, focusing on tenant representation.

How do you define leadership? 

Leadership to me is creating an environment in which each team member will happily and voluntarily go the extra mile for each other and for our clients so we can accomplish more together than we ever would have on our own. Not only does it require defining the wildly important goal, but getting buy-in from the team on that goal, and if you strike that right balance, it inspires everyone on the team to seek opportunities to lead.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

I approach fear differently. I believe that fear is the feeling you must feel to grow. Fear is what I felt before championship volleyball matches. Fear is what I felt when picking up a new client account. Fear is what I felt when launching a new company. Fear is what I felt before having each of my children. As soon as I get that feeling, that is when my biggest mental growth moments happen. It pushes me to step outside of my comfort zone, and for me, when I feel that pressure, when I feel that fear, that is when I perform my best. Fear is my fuel.

 

47. Sherian Wells

Holistic health practitioner 

Spartanburg Salt Cave and Holistic Health of the Carolinas

Wells, who has been with Holistic Health of the Carolinas since 2020, is a certified life coach, reflexologist, aromatherapist, and practitioner of reiki.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

A mentor that has meant a lot to me is a person I never actually met but I admire so much. Madam CJ Walker's life has always been so inspirational to me. I know the challenges and adversity she had to endure to become the first self-made female millionaire in the US. This is a huge accomplishment. Her tenacity and endurance have served as inspiration to me.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

My grandmother, Mildred, told me something that I hold dear to my heart. She told me, "Treat every customer as if they are your best customer." I used this to create our mission and vision statements.

 

48. Chris Wolfe

Vice President of Power Supply and Planning

Central Electric Power Cooperative Inc.

Wolfe has been with Central Electric Power Cooperative Inc. for two years. She also serves on the boards of directors of Wolfe Solutions and Southeastern Federal Power Customers Inc.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Instead of answering the question, "What do you want to do (professionally)?" which can be a paralyzing question, ask "What do you want to learn next?" It is entirely less overwhelming and focuses on growth and the process versus the end result.

What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?

Qualifying for the LPGA tour on the first attempt. I look at what is required to qualify now and the competition is incredible, so I'm thankful for that achievement!

 

49. Alexandra Woodlief

Owner and president

Alexandra Madison Weddings

Woodlief has worked in wedding planning, catering, venue management, and client relations. She founded Alexandra Madison Weddings in 2016.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

Vision and delegation are two traits I have always believed pushed me to be a better leader. To take a concept or an idea and have a vision for the path this project will lead allows the people working alongside you to follow with direction and confidence. As a leader, my goals cannot be met without a team or community standing behind me.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Someone once told me that honesty brings the best results, and it has stuck with me and proven to be true. There will always be difficult situations or clients with questions, and when it comes down to it, sharing honesty is the most forgiving truth.

 

50. Nickisha Woodward

Shareholder attorney

Turner Padget

Woodward began her career as an accountant for a Fortune 500 company. At Turner Padget, she specializes in personal injury, construction, product liability, and more.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

I think my greatest strength is my desire to see and help others create goals and achieve personal successes whatever they define those personal successes to be. I am still working on not wanting to jump in and do it myself, and allow those for whom I am an example to make their own mistakes.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My greatest fear is not meeting the expectations of those who look to me and count on me. I manage fear through my relationship with God. I use scripture and faith to help me set aside my fears and to do what I have been called to do.

WOMEN TO WATCH

 

1. Mattison Heatherly

Founder

City Social

Heatherly was working as a marketing analyst when she got the idea to start a side hustle specializing in public relations and social media for hospitality companies. City Social was founded in 2019.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

I believe that there is a time for work and a time for life, and you should be able to do both well.

What one thing have you learned that has served you well over the years?

Kindness and hard work will take you further than you can ever imagine

 

2. Sharon Gordon

Founder and CEO

SLG Investment Holdings LLC

Gordon, the author of “Female Entrepreneurship is Not a Myth – Women Building Businesses for Greater Wealth,” founded SLG Investment Holdings in 2019, and she is also the vice president of FlackTek Inc.

Is there a mentor who has meant a lot to you in your career? A book?

Early in my professional life, I had an employer named Tina Monie. She was a driven woman leading a surveying company in a male-dominated industry. When Tina entered a room, she owned the room. She understood her business, her industry, and all of the strengths and weaknesses of her team. She was a force. She would not let me slink into the background and taught me to take control of my career, and life and only accept the best from my team by praising their strengths and helping them overcome their weaknesses. The collective team was the solution to success.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

To believe in yourself and in what you are doing. Measure the risk, manage it, and move forward, always.

 

3. Lindsey Karlson

CEO and founder

HomeWorkPros

Karlson began her career in sales, marketing and sales management before founding HomeWorkPros, an online platform that allows students to get help with homework from educators.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

I believe I am an effective leader because I listen to my team. We all bring different skills to the table and I try to utilize others expertise. It is important to provide support and guidance as needed but also to empower employees to make decisions on their own. What am I still working on? Lots of things, but looking at situations from a positive place and continuing to motivating others including myself to grow professionally and personally.

What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?

Surround yourself with capable, amazing, and talented employees.

 

4. Tekela Simmons

Founder

Kingdom Kids Outreach Program

Simmons, who is pastor of A Disciples Praise Ministries, is the founder of Kingdom Kids Outreach Program, a child care ministry.

What makes you an effective leader? (Your greatest strength). What are you still working on?

The most effective leader is one can see a little piece of themselves in the ones they lead. It’s impossible to give up on yourself.

What is your greatest fear, and how do you manage fear?

My only fear is failing or missing the opportunity to make someone else see how great they are. To overcome the fear, I make sure I encourage everyone I get the chance to speak to.