Lift IOWA Weekly 4.13.20

By Adam Moore | Editor, Corridor Business Journal

As the Corridor Business Journal prepped in January and February for the 16th edition of our Women of Influence awards – the first award ever given by the CBJ, and still one of our most anticipated events of the year – we, like many other businesses, assumed it would be another normal, beautiful spring.

Around March 16, when the decision was being made to close the CBJ’s offices due to the local approach of the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear spring would be anything but.

It has frankly been a blur for the CBJ since then, filled with phone interviews, ad-hoc process tweaks and Zoom meetings, but it was important for us to continue with the publication of this special issue, precisely because of what our Women of Influence represent: strength, stability, empathy and wisdom.

Recognizing that those are qualities we all need right now, the CBJ has decided to make this special edition of our digital edition available to readers for free .

We hope you enjoy these exclusive profiles of this year’s 10 Women of Influence, along with our first-ever Emerging Woman of Influence, and consider sharing them with others as we make our way through the tough weeks ahead. Congratulations to all of this year’s deserving honorees.

Opinion: Life in the pandemic: Women leaders rock personal, professional brands

By Suzanna de Baca | President and group publisher, Business Publications Corp.

Pets. Kids. Sweatshirts. Home offices. Spotty internet connections. In just one month of social distancing and remote work, we’ve all been using videoconferencing and social media to stay connected and have seen new sides of co-workers, clients and business partners.

I’ve noticed that some women are doing a masterful job of solidifying their personal and professional brands as competent, multitasking leaders who roll with the punches. Way to go, rock stars of the pandemic – you’re perfectly imperfect, and I love that about you.

When we’re juggling a pot of coffee, Zoom connections and our families, it’s a wonder anyone can shower, much less prepare a work presentation. Yet, for many women, this is what we always do, but now with more complexity and no breaks. Watching some women navigate this situation on-screen and online, I have to say: I’m impressed. You’re adaptable, authentic, creative and seemingly fearless – or at least you’re moving forward.

It may seem odd to consider our personal and professional brands during such an unprecedented crisis, but we’re all so visible now. "If you have an online presence, it means you have a personal brand," says Franziska Schaat in a LinkedIn article, "Personal Branding: Why Men Shine and Women Struggle." "Anyone who views your social media profiles — be it a colleague, an employer or a potential business partner — will form an opinion about you based on what they see."

Your brand includes not just social media, but video-calls, phone calls and emails. But don’t panic. We all get a partial pass right now. In this environment, no one is going to have it all together with bad home office lighting and kids and pets in the background. Even national newscasters seem to be doing their own hair and makeup and sitting at their kitchen tables -- and we don’t care! We’re all human and we’re all juggling unique challenges right now.

What is admirable is that women are juggling our many roles with aplomb, showing up as prepared and professional as possible under trying circumstances. I’ve seen women absolutely master the background chaos in their household with charming humanity and humor while still nailing a presentation or conversation. I want to work with women like that.

In a recent Forbes article on women and branding, PR expert Susan Finco said, "Women need to strategically and intentionally develop their brands and decide who they are, what they stand for and where they are headed." How do you even think about doing that in the midst of a pandemic and sheltering in place? One way to be strategic is to observe and emulate the women you admire right now. They don’t look perfect; they don’t have it all together, but they are making an effort to manage the uncertainty and our interactions with them inspire confidence.

Strayer writes, "Every interaction is an opportunity — whether it is in person, with the people we work, lead or support, or on our social media channels, through photos, video or 140 characters. We control that."

We can’t control much right now, but to an extent we can control our interactions and how we show up. So kudos to the women who are showing up and doing their best — coffee cup, ponytail, masks, video-calls, three-ring circus and all. That is leadership.

Suzanna de Baca is president and group publisher of Business Publications Corp. During her 25-plus years of senior leadership experience in the finance, health care and media industries, she has been a passionate advocate for diversity, equity and inclusivity and the advancement of women. Contact her via email.

Guest opinion: Managing our presence in a new virtual work environment

By Cindy Hughes Anliker | Associate director, general management for UnitedHealthcare

Like millions of Americans, I am adjusting to a full-time "work from home" environment. Given what we're up against with COVID-19, so many of our career norms, routines and rules have changed in a matter of days or hours, even for those who already have a virtual office setup.

We have unprecedented distractions in the days ahead, whether it's home schooling our kiddos, learning about the alarming facts that scroll across our news feeds, or worrying about our loved ones who are now unemployed, at high risk, and who are on the front lines of taking care of those who are sick. Let's not forget the nonmedical professionals who are putting themselves at risk to keep our communities safe, operating and in supply.

Lately, I’ve thought about how I can maintain my work presence when I am homebound and managing the distractions I typically don’t experience in the office. Here's what I've learned in the last several days:

1. Give others grace. A dog barks, someone rings the doorbell, or a child videobombs a conference call -- it’s inevitable. I’ve learned to laugh it off and commiserate with my colleagues about our latest "workplace distractions." It’s wasted energy to get frustrated at a colleague for unexpected distractions. I’ve also recognized the importance of giving my loved ones grace, as they are learning to adjust as well.

2. Give yourself grace. There have been two occasions in the last several days when my dog Mickey has snuck in my office and barked when I was facilitating conference calls. I’ve learned it’s best to apologize and move on. More times than not, your colleagues will understand and relate to unexpected distractions. Taking a few deep breaths and having an extra cup of coffee also has magical powers of grace.

3. Create a space that feels like your office. I’ve had a home office for years, although I didn’t make it seamless with my typical work environment up until recently. Now that I’ve incorporated the day-to-day tools I need to do work in my home office, I’m much more efficient and productive.

5. Set ground rules with yourself and others who share your home space. Ground rules are different for everyone, and I’ve learned to set rules that make the most sense for my career and for my family. For example, when my office door is shut, my husband, Clark, knows to text me first to see if I’m available, or waits until the door is open. The same rule applies for me. We do not want another Anliker videobomb to happen.

6. Focus on what’s in front of you or in your ear. Being present when using your digital tools like your computer screen or headphones is just as important as being present when having a in-person conversation.

7. Be flexible and open to change. The hard truth is our reality will never be the same after COVID-19. Companies will have to operationalize differently, and we will have to adapt as well. As a result, I’m thinking about how I can flex my skill set and be open to new ways of doing things.

COVID-19 has challenged all of us, and we are learning as we go. For those of us who are fortunate to work virtually, we can do our part by staying at home and effectively managing our presence in our adjusted work environment.

Cindy Hughes Anliker, a Business Record 2014 Forty Under 40 honoree, is currently an associate director, general management for UnitedHealthcare, and has spent most of her career in health-related marketing communications. She earned her Master of Science in organizational performance at Drake University in Des Moines, and a Bachelor of Arts in communication studies at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Cindy lives in West Des Moines with her husband, Clark Anliker, and their dog, Mickey.

IN THE BUSINESS RECORD
A Closer Look: Barbara Stinson

Barbara Stinson counts herself as very fortunate to follow in the footsteps of Ambassador Kenneth Quinn in leading the World Food Prize Foundation, particularly at this critical juncture for the future of the global food supply. For 23 years, she led an environmental policy group, the Meridian Center, as one of its co-founders. There, she applied a multidisciplinary approach to improving health conditions in 22 countries in Africa where a highly toxic condition known as aflatoxin was killing crops, livestock and people.

Read more

BRIEF LIFTS

Principal names new chief information officer: Principal Financial Group last week announced that Kathleen Kay, former chief information officer for Pacific Gas & Electric Co., will join Principal as its new chief information officer on May 1. She succeeds Gary Scholten, who previously announced his retirement effective June 2. "Kathleen brings a wealth of digital and IT experience to Principal that’s critical to helping our businesses adapt and to serve the evolving needs of our customers around the world," said Dan Houston, chairman, president and CEO of Principal. Kay will have responsibility for the global technology and digital strategies for Principal and will report to Houston.

Pandemic worsens gender pay gap: The gender wage gap existed before the coronavirus, but experts say this pandemic overburdens women and deepens inequalities. A Newsy/Ipsos poll found that during this pandemic, 45% of women had work hours cut or had been laid off, compared with 35% of men. A majority of women tend to work in community, administrative, domestic and service jobs, which have taken a significant hit. Since a majority of low-wage workers and part-timers are women, that means less access to paid leave, sick days, benefits and savings. See the report

Coronavirus Updates

State expands Small Business Relief Program: Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the expansion of the Small Business Relief Program from $4 million to $24 million after the Iowa Economic Development Authority received nearly 14,000 applications for grants over the last two weeks. The additional $20 million for the Small Business Relief Program will be provided by the State Economic Emergency Fund and the IEDA.

Iowa Department of Revenue still taking applications for tax deferrals: In addition to small business grants, the state’s Small Business Relief Program also offers businesses a tax deferral of sales and/or withholding taxes due and a waiver of penalty and interest. The tax deferral is available to employers and businesses of all sizes that have been affected by COVID-19. Information about the program and the application is located at tax.iowa.gov/COVID-19, including answers to frequently asked questions.

NEWLY ANNOUNCED EVENTS

April 15: Panel | Agile Business Planning in Uncertain Times
The Business Record will host an online panel that will provide tips and best practices from community leaders and business consultants to help you navigate uncertain times. How to communicate, how to plan financially, and steel your business for the future.
When: 12-1 p.m.
Register now

April 17: April LEAP workshop (online)
Host: Des Moines Downtown Chamber
Beth Shelton, chief executive office of Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, will talk about how to embrace failure.
When: 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Register now

April 23: News & Networking
Host: Business Record
In this virtual networking opportunity, three community leaders will provide an industry update and outlook. Participants will then split into smaller breakout rooms, and rotate three times so they have the opportunity to develop connections, interact with staff and learn from multiple business leaders.
When: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Registration opening soon

April 23: Online premiere of "Carrie Chapman Catt: Warrior for Women"
This compelling one-hour documentary tells the story of Iowan Carrie Chapman Catt and the women’s suffrage movement. 2020 is the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, giving women in the U.S. the right to vote. Catt was central to the fight for women’s suffrage in the U.S. and devoted most of her life to the expansion of women’s rights around the world. Join Iowa PBS on Facebook, YouTube or iowapbs.org to preview the film before it airs on statewide Iowa PBS. The producer of the documentary will join in the conversation on Facebook to answer any viewer questions.
When: 7 p.m.
Learn more

View our full calendar to see the latest curated business and community events, or suggest an event.