Month: July 2024

PNC | Insights

Passion, collaboration and community are key to running a successful business. That’s according to a recent survey of women business leaders as part of PNC’s bi-annual Economic Outlook Survey.

Passion and personal satisfaction for their business or industry is a top factor women business leaders cited for starting and staying in business, with 43% of respondents choosing that over financial success (35%) – the next highest. The passion for work factor was one key differentiator between women and men business leaders, with only 28% of men reporting personal satisfaction as a primary driver of staying in business. Fewer women leaders (6%) also reported staying with their business out of obligation to family or co-workers than did men (12%).

“For many women business owners, starting and running a business is born out of a personal interest or an opportunity to make a difference in the community,” said Shana Peterson-Sheptak, head of Business Banking at PNC. “That’s not at the expense of profitability, but it shows the power of being passionate or satisfied with what you do.”

Positive Outlook for the Future

Respondents noted more than just passion for their businesses, though; they also reported optimism both for the economy and the success of their ventures over the next six months. Women leaders were more likely than men to expect increases in demand (51% to 49%), sales (51% to 49%), prices to customers (49% to 40%), and profits (52% to 43%) in the coming months. They also were more likely than male business leaders to expect that their own compensation and savings for retirement would increase – which is a significant change since PNC’s Fall 2022 survey when women leaders were less likely than men to expect increases in those two metrics.

While both women and men were highly optimistic about the prospects for their business in the coming months, women leaders were significantly more likely to express confidence in the national and local economies than were men, 64% to 51% and 72% to 60% respectively. For those who expressed greater optimism for their business prospects than the national economy as a whole, nearly 80% of women leaders attributed their optimism to the confidence they have in their ability to run their own businesses.

“Better than expected economic performance in the first part of 2024 is creating optimism for many business leaders, both men and women,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “But women leaders are especially confident that, both, their businesses will be successful in the coming months and their abilities as leaders will help make them so.”

Providing Support

Still, there are significant differences between men and women respondents in terms of what they feel they need to succeed and how they prefer to receive support for their business, according to the latest survey results. Peers in the field are the most popular form of support for both women and men business leaders (64% to 69%, respectively.) But women indicate they are more likely to consider support from community, friends and family vital to their business success than men do (62% to 41%).

That support extends to banking relationships where PNC survey feedback has shown that women financial decision makers seek out relationships that extend beyond banking products and services to include financial education and community connections.

PNC cultivates relationships with women financial decision makers in many ways, including through the local cross line of business market teams led by PNC’s more than 50 regional presidents coast to coast. Central to this year-round engagement are the company’s network of more than 5,000 PNC-certified Women’s Business Advocates (WBAs) who share a passion for helping women financial decision makers achieve their financial goals.

“Women entrepreneurs are leading with passion for their business, confidence, and optimism for the future,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “We need to make sure we have the resources and people to support their success.”

To learn more about PNC and how we support women financial decision makers visit Resources for Women Financial Decision-Makers.

PNC | Insights

Passion, collaboration and community are key to running a successful business. That’s according to a recent survey of women business leaders as part of PNC’s bi-annual Economic Outlook Survey.

Passion and personal satisfaction for their business or industry is a top factor women business leaders cited for starting and staying in business, with 43% of respondents choosing that over financial success (35%) – the next highest. The passion for work factor was one key differentiator between women and men business leaders, with only 28% of men reporting personal satisfaction as a primary driver of staying in business. Fewer women leaders (6%) also reported staying with their business out of obligation to family or co-workers than did men (12%).

“For many women business owners, starting and running a business is born out of a personal interest or an opportunity to make a difference in the community,” said Shana Peterson-Sheptak, head of Business Banking at PNC. “That’s not at the expense of profitability, but it shows the power of being passionate or satisfied with what you do.”

Positive Outlook for the Future

Respondents noted more than just passion for their businesses, though; they also reported optimism both for the economy and the success of their ventures over the next six months. Women leaders were more likely than men to expect increases in demand (51% to 49%), sales (51% to 49%), prices to customers (49% to 40%), and profits (52% to 43%) in the coming months. They also were more likely than male business leaders to expect that their own compensation and savings for retirement would increase – which is a significant change since PNC’s Fall 2022 survey when women leaders were less likely than men to expect increases in those two metrics.

While both women and men were highly optimistic about the prospects for their business in the coming months, women leaders were significantly more likely to express confidence in the national and local economies than were men, 64% to 51% and 72% to 60% respectively. For those who expressed greater optimism for their business prospects than the national economy as a whole, nearly 80% of women leaders attributed their optimism to the confidence they have in their ability to run their own businesses.

“Better than expected economic performance in the first part of 2024 is creating optimism for many business leaders, both men and women,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “But women leaders are especially confident that, both, their businesses will be successful in the coming months and their abilities as leaders will help make them so.”

Providing Support

Still, there are significant differences between men and women respondents in terms of what they feel they need to succeed and how they prefer to receive support for their business, according to the latest survey results. Peers in the field are the most popular form of support for both women and men business leaders (64% to 69%, respectively.) But women indicate they are more likely to consider support from community, friends and family vital to their business success than men do (62% to 41%).

That support extends to banking relationships where PNC survey feedback has shown that women financial decision makers seek out relationships that extend beyond banking products and services to include financial education and community connections.

PNC cultivates relationships with women financial decision makers in many ways, including through the local cross line of business market teams led by PNC’s more than 50 regional presidents coast to coast. Central to this year-round engagement are the company’s network of more than 5,000 PNC-certified Women’s Business Advocates (WBAs) who share a passion for helping women financial decision makers achieve their financial goals.

“Women entrepreneurs are leading with passion for their business, confidence, and optimism for the future,” Peterson-Sheptak said. “We need to make sure we have the resources and people to support their success.”

To learn more about PNC and how we support women financial decision makers visit Resources for Women Financial Decision-Makers.

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, here at GoDaddy.

I moved to the city of Nottingham (United Kingdom) in 2020. When I moved here, the city was very new to me. I started looking for a job immediately. It was important for me to gain employment in a place that valued its employees, diversity and progression. I officially began working at GoDaddy in September of 2020 as a Care Sales Guide in the Inbound department. In 2023, I became an Elevate Lead as a way to progress. This role really helped me upskill and gave me the needed mentorship and training to be able to cover for Supervisors when necessary. Earlier this year, I was promoted to Supervisor within the Inbound department!

What does it take to succeed on your team?

To succeed on my team, it’s important to have clear communication, set goals, and celebrate wins. I highly encourage others to push themselves and step out of their comfort zone. You never know what you’re capable of until you try something new.

What has been one of your proudest moments at GoDaddy?

My promotion to Supervisor at GoDaddy was the most rewarding moment of my career. I earned global recognition for challenging the status quo and championing the AmplifAI coaching effectiveness initiative. This initiative measures how well my coaching impacts the Guides I mentor. I have consistently ranked high since I started as a Supervisor, which shows that I am driving the performance and change we need to see.

How do you feel that the organization supports you to do things that are important to you?

GoDaddy has pushed me out of my comfort zone, believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. My leadership has helped me gain confidence in myself and find my own voice. I was able to learn about many facets of tech and gain true experience which has helped me tremendously throughout my career here.

What advice would you give to an individual who is starting their career within Care?

Here’s a few key takeaways that I have for someone who is interested in starting a career in Care:

Always prepare and plan your career goals with an action plan in mind.Seek additional opportunities to uncover new learnings and experiences.Do things outside of your comfort zone – this is where you will have your biggest learnings!Lean on mentors and Supervisor for support and guidance. We’re here to support you and your progression.Ask lots of questions along the way!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy day trips with friends and family and I love to paint!

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokCareer Page

Originally published on GoDaddy Resource Library

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey, here at GoDaddy.

I moved to the city of Nottingham (United Kingdom) in 2020. When I moved here, the city was very new to me. I started looking for a job immediately. It was important for me to gain employment in a place that valued its employees, diversity and progression. I officially began working at GoDaddy in September of 2020 as a Care Sales Guide in the Inbound department. In 2023, I became an Elevate Lead as a way to progress. This role really helped me upskill and gave me the needed mentorship and training to be able to cover for Supervisors when necessary. Earlier this year, I was promoted to Supervisor within the Inbound department!

What does it take to succeed on your team?

To succeed on my team, it’s important to have clear communication, set goals, and celebrate wins. I highly encourage others to push themselves and step out of their comfort zone. You never know what you’re capable of until you try something new.

What has been one of your proudest moments at GoDaddy?

My promotion to Supervisor at GoDaddy was the most rewarding moment of my career. I earned global recognition for challenging the status quo and championing the AmplifAI coaching effectiveness initiative. This initiative measures how well my coaching impacts the Guides I mentor. I have consistently ranked high since I started as a Supervisor, which shows that I am driving the performance and change we need to see.

How do you feel that the organization supports you to do things that are important to you?

GoDaddy has pushed me out of my comfort zone, believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. My leadership has helped me gain confidence in myself and find my own voice. I was able to learn about many facets of tech and gain true experience which has helped me tremendously throughout my career here.

What advice would you give to an individual who is starting their career within Care?

Here’s a few key takeaways that I have for someone who is interested in starting a career in Care:

Always prepare and plan your career goals with an action plan in mind.Seek additional opportunities to uncover new learnings and experiences.Do things outside of your comfort zone – this is where you will have your biggest learnings!Lean on mentors and Supervisor for support and guidance. We’re here to support you and your progression.Ask lots of questions along the way!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy day trips with friends and family and I love to paint!

Are you enjoying this series and want to know more about life at GoDaddy? Check out our GoDaddy Life social pages! Follow us to meet our team, learn more about our culture (Teams, ERGs, Locations), careers, and so much more. You’re more than just your day job, so come propel your career with us.

FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokCareer Page

Ever notice how often you’ve referred to “Mother Nature,” likely meaning the natural world, or certain weather conditions, or the guiding force of natural things, or even the mythical creator of our home, “Mother Earth.” This familiar term goes back centuries; Native Americans legends such as those of the Algonquin People, explains Wikipedia, say that “beneath the clouds lives the Earth-Mother from whom is derived the Water of Life, who at her bosom feeds plants, animals and human.”

On a more practical basis in the 21st Century, business interests are increasingly addressing the growing “Mother Earth” concerns of investors and stakeholders. Companies are now disclosing more information and data about climate risk and opportunity, especially the firm’s sustainability impacts related to nature and biodiversity. There are now numerous disclosure frameworks, standards, and regulations in place that help companies organize and fully structure nature-related disclosures.

We are sharing two important reports on the evolving standards, frameworks, and guidance for nature-related reporting as our Top Stories. Here are some of the highlights:

European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) E4 Biodiversity and Ecosystems Reporting Standard — provides disclosure guidance on actions, results, plans, capacity, risks and opportunities and financial effects on the undertaking due to nature related impacts and dependencies. Reporting on these topics is mandated by the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) issued by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) for both EU companies and many non-EU companies (including U.S.) that have operations in the EU.

Task Force on Nature-Related Disclosures (TNFD) — created to build on the TCFD disclosure recommendations to encourage businesses to assess, report on, and act on nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities. The goal: to help “shift global financial flows away from nature-negative outcomes and toward nature-positive outcomes.” The TNFD guidance for disclosure was provided in Fall 2023 and more than 400 organizations have agreed to use the disclosures to date.

EFRAG and TNFD have made a mapping resource available to help companies with the common “nature-related” disclosure requirements of the ESRS and the TNFD.

The “LEAP” guidance of TNFD helps organizations in identifying and assessing nature-related issues for the TNFD recommendations, based on these steps: Locate, Evaluate, Assess, and Prepare. The goal of the LEAP process is to help companies conduct a thorough due diligence assessment as a foundational step to report in alignment with TNFD.

Stressing the importance of “Mother Nature” reporting, investors are picking up on the theme of “nature-related” risk, opportunities, corporate impacts, and systemic risk. A group of 200 investors managing assets totaling US$15 trillion organized by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is urging companies to align global biodiversity targets with corporate policies, operations and practices. Sixty companies were engaged to begin the initiative.

G&A Institute has developed comprehensive processes to assist corporate clients in responding to stakeholder demand for nature-related disclosure by utilizing a variety of frameworks and standards, complying with regulations, and embracing the TNFD LEAP approach. For more information, connect with G&A here.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

Ever notice how often you’ve referred to “Mother Nature,” likely meaning the natural world, or certain weather conditions, or the guiding force of natural things, or even the mythical creator of our home, “Mother Earth.” This familiar term goes back centuries; Native Americans legends such as those of the Algonquin People, explains Wikipedia, say that “beneath the clouds lives the Earth-Mother from whom is derived the Water of Life, who at her bosom feeds plants, animals and human.”

On a more practical basis in the 21st Century, business interests are increasingly addressing the growing “Mother Earth” concerns of investors and stakeholders. Companies are now disclosing more information and data about climate risk and opportunity, especially the firm’s sustainability impacts related to nature and biodiversity. There are now numerous disclosure frameworks, standards, and regulations in place that help companies organize and fully structure nature-related disclosures.

We are sharing two important reports on the evolving standards, frameworks, and guidance for nature-related reporting as our Top Stories. Here are some of the highlights:

European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) E4 Biodiversity and Ecosystems Reporting Standard — provides disclosure guidance on actions, results, plans, capacity, risks and opportunities and financial effects on the undertaking due to nature related impacts and dependencies. Reporting on these topics is mandated by the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) issued by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) for both EU companies and many non-EU companies (including U.S.) that have operations in the EU.

Task Force on Nature-Related Disclosures (TNFD) — created to build on the TCFD disclosure recommendations to encourage businesses to assess, report on, and act on nature-related dependencies, impacts, risks, and opportunities. The goal: to help “shift global financial flows away from nature-negative outcomes and toward nature-positive outcomes.” The TNFD guidance for disclosure was provided in Fall 2023 and more than 400 organizations have agreed to use the disclosures to date.

EFRAG and TNFD have made a mapping resource available to help companies with the common “nature-related” disclosure requirements of the ESRS and the TNFD.

The “LEAP” guidance of TNFD helps organizations in identifying and assessing nature-related issues for the TNFD recommendations, based on these steps: Locate, Evaluate, Assess, and Prepare. The goal of the LEAP process is to help companies conduct a thorough due diligence assessment as a foundational step to report in alignment with TNFD.

Stressing the importance of “Mother Nature” reporting, investors are picking up on the theme of “nature-related” risk, opportunities, corporate impacts, and systemic risk. A group of 200 investors managing assets totaling US$15 trillion organized by the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is urging companies to align global biodiversity targets with corporate policies, operations and practices. Sixty companies were engaged to begin the initiative.

G&A Institute has developed comprehensive processes to assist corporate clients in responding to stakeholder demand for nature-related disclosure by utilizing a variety of frameworks and standards, complying with regulations, and embracing the TNFD LEAP approach. For more information, connect with G&A here.

This is just the introduction of G&A’s Sustainability Highlights newsletter this week. Click here to view the full issue.

NEW YORK, July 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Creative Diam proudly announced that its growing division, Creative Technologies, has achieved the esteemed SCS-007 Diamond Producer Certification for laboratory grown diamonds at its Surat, Gujarat, India facility, from third-party certifier SCS Global Services. This significant milestone marks another chapter in Creative Diam’s journey as pioneers in the sector, which began in 2013 when they first entered the industry as one of the earliest growers in the world.

Earning certification under the Standard for Sustainability Rated Diamonds, SCS-007-1 is a coveted recognition in the diamond industry, symbolizing adherence to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility with the credibility of third-party certification. Creative Technologies earned one of the highest sustainability rating scores showcasing its conformance to the key pillars of the Standard:

Origin traceabilityEthical stewardshipNet zero carbon footprintSustainable production practicesSustainability investments

Since 2019, Creative Technologies has been at the forefront of sustainable diamond production. They established a 25MW solar power project, spread across 31 acres, which fully powers their diamond growing facility. This pioneering initiative for environmentally responsible practices underpins their dedication to a sustainable future. 

Himanshu Bhadani, Director of Creative Diam, shares his thoughts on this momentous achievement: “Securing SCS-007 certification is a testament to our pursuit of sustainability and ethical excellence. By fully powering our facility with solar energy, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This certification not only validates our efforts but also motivates us to continue innovating and setting new benchmarks in the lab-grown diamond industry.”

“In an era where sustainability is both a movement and a necessity, Creative Diam is proud to represent this vital cause.” Himanshu added.

About Creative Diam
Creative Diam is a global leader in lab-grown diamond industry with a production capacity of more than 1.5 million carats of rough diamonds per year. As one of the first growers in the world, they have consistently set industry standards and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the diamond industry.

For more information, please contact us at:

Email: sales@creativediam.com
Phone: +1 516-727-3846
Website: www.creativediam.com

About SCS Global Services and SCS Standards Development
SCS Global Services is an internationally recognized leader in third-party certification of environmental and sustainability claims. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. It is the certification arm of Scientific Certification Systems, Inc., a chartered benefit corporation. Additional information is available at www.scsglobalservices.com.

SCS Standards is a non-profit organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent, and collaborative approach. SCS Standards is the official standards development body for Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. For more information, visit www.SCSstandards.org.

NEW YORK, July 22, 2024 /3BL/ – Creative Diam proudly announced that its growing division, Creative Technologies, has achieved the esteemed SCS-007 Diamond Producer Certification for laboratory grown diamonds at its Surat, Gujarat, India facility, from third-party certifier SCS Global Services. This significant milestone marks another chapter in Creative Diam’s journey as pioneers in the sector, which began in 2013 when they first entered the industry as one of the earliest growers in the world.

Earning certification under the Standard for Sustainability Rated Diamonds, SCS-007-1 is a coveted recognition in the diamond industry, symbolizing adherence to the highest standards of environmental and social responsibility with the credibility of third-party certification. Creative Technologies earned one of the highest sustainability rating scores showcasing its conformance to the key pillars of the Standard:

Origin traceabilityEthical stewardshipNet zero carbon footprintSustainable production practicesSustainability investments

Since 2019, Creative Technologies has been at the forefront of sustainable diamond production. They established a 25MW solar power project, spread across 31 acres, which fully powers their diamond growing facility. This pioneering initiative for environmentally responsible practices underpins their dedication to a sustainable future. 

Himanshu Bhadani, Director of Creative Diam, shares his thoughts on this momentous achievement: “Securing SCS-007 certification is a testament to our pursuit of sustainability and ethical excellence. By fully powering our facility with solar energy, we significantly reduce our carbon footprint. This certification not only validates our efforts but also motivates us to continue innovating and setting new benchmarks in the lab-grown diamond industry.”

“In an era where sustainability is both a movement and a necessity, Creative Diam is proud to represent this vital cause.” Himanshu added.

About Creative Diam
Creative Diam is a global leader in lab-grown diamond industry with a production capacity of more than 1.5 million carats of rough diamonds per year. As one of the first growers in the world, they have consistently set industry standards and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the diamond industry.

For more information, please contact us at:

Email: sales@creativediam.com
Phone: +1 516-727-3846
Website: www.creativediam.com

About SCS Global Services and SCS Standards Development
SCS Global Services is an internationally recognized leader in third-party certification of environmental and sustainability claims. Headquartered in Emeryville, California, SCS has representatives and affiliate offices throughout the Americas, Asia/Pacific, Europe and Africa. It is the certification arm of Scientific Certification Systems, Inc., a chartered benefit corporation. Additional information is available at www.scsglobalservices.com.

SCS Standards is a non-profit organization committed to the development of standards that advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Standards are developed in alignment with best practices and guidelines provided by internationally recognized bodies to ensure a robust, transparent, and collaborative approach. SCS Standards is the official standards development body for Scientific Certification Systems, Inc. For more information, visit www.SCSstandards.org.