Cari E. Guittard

Re-Imagining Development & Tri-Sector Engagement from the Ground Up

What if every major multinational company and corporate foundation moved from a check-the-box CSR model to a holistic, tri-sector engagement approach focused on improving lives? Imagine solving some of the world's most intractable problems with joint initiatives that leverage the best of the private, public and non-profit spheres to develop sustainable solutions that address systemic problems. It is a shift in the… Show more

Re-Imagining Development & Tri-Sector Engagement from the Ground Up

What if every major multinational company and corporate foundation moved from a check-the-box CSR model to a holistic, tri-sector engagement approach focused on improving lives? Imagine solving some of the world's most intractable problems with joint initiatives that leverage the best of the private, public and non-profit spheres to develop sustainable solutions that address systemic problems. It is a shift in the global business culture and leadership mindset, particularly here in the West, that is just now starting to take root and build traction. I have worked in the corporate diplomacy and tri-sector engagement arenas for nearly two decades. In all my efforts with companies and their foundations, rarely have I seen this approach fully embraced at the very top with the most senior leadership rolling up their sleeves and getting dirty to get things done. Show less

If you're in global business you need to read this book, Grow: How Ideals Power Growth and Profit at the World's Greatest Companies by Jim Stengel. It came out in 2011, though its many insights and research for over a decade are as timely now as when first published. Stengel is a brilliant and unusual breed of marketing genius. He began his work on Ideals as the global marketing officer for Proctor & Gamble from 2001 to 2008 and then embarked on a 10 year growth study of top global brands… Show more

If you're in global business you need to read this book, Grow: How Ideals Power Growth and Profit at the World's Greatest Companies by Jim Stengel. It came out in 2011, though its many insights and research for over a decade are as timely now as when first published. Stengel is a brilliant and unusual breed of marketing genius. He began his work on Ideals as the global marketing officer for Proctor & Gamble from 2001 to 2008 and then embarked on a 10 year growth study of top global brands, which became known as The Stengel 50. The Stengel 50 on average Stengel shares "have generated a return on investment 400 percent better than the Standard & Poor's 500." How did they do this? By focusing their brands and corporate ethos on what Stengel calls Ideals, they bring their business and customers together on a shared agenda that improves people's lives and in turn readies the business to better weather the ebbs and flows of the global business market. Show less

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries to detoxify, energize, and strengthen the body. I first started incorporating the tonic into my daily routine years ago when friends in Japan shared that they would drink it with their morning hot water and lemon to support digestion and detoxification. They revealed that even the Samurai were known to drink a similar tonic when preparing for battle as well as keeping it on hand for wound treatment. For those who can’t stomach it straight… Show more

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries to detoxify, energize, and strengthen the body. I first started incorporating the tonic into my daily routine years ago when friends in Japan shared that they would drink it with their morning hot water and lemon to support digestion and detoxification. They revealed that even the Samurai were known to drink a similar tonic when preparing for battle as well as keeping it on hand for wound treatment. For those who can’t stomach it straight from the bottle, there are numerous new tonics and beverages that pair the vinegar with complimentary flavors so everyone can enjoy the medicinal benefits of a daily vinegar ritual. The applications of ACV are endless—drink it, cook with it, clean with it, even put it to use in your garden Show less

In small, intimate settings, often in private homes throughout San Francisco, groups of people are turning off their digital devices to listen to speakers and join in spirited conversation. Welcome to the rebirth of the salon.

One such group is Parlay House, founded a year and half ago by Anne Devereux-Mills, a New York transplant and advertising veteran. “I’ve felt passionately for a long time that women need to bring other women forward in any way they can and find creative ways to… Show more

In small, intimate settings, often in private homes throughout San Francisco, groups of people are turning off their digital devices to listen to speakers and join in spirited conversation. Welcome to the rebirth of the salon.

One such group is Parlay House, founded a year and half ago by Anne Devereux-Mills, a New York transplant and advertising veteran. “I’ve felt passionately for a long time that women need to bring other women forward in any way they can and find creative ways to authentically connect,” she says. The monthly Parlay House, which is occasionally hosted at Devereux-Mills’ SF home, has grown to include more than 500 members—all women. Show less

Women Authentically Connecting and Bringing Other Women Forward

In small, intimate settings -- oftentimes in private homes throughout the Bay Area -- a diverse and growing group of remarkable women gather to connect, learn and grow. Each woman attending these salons is encouraged to bring with her a female friend or colleague whom she wants to introduce to the conversation. They leave their cellphones and tablets at home and simply arrive open to authentic connections and… Show more

Women Authentically Connecting and Bringing Other Women Forward

In small, intimate settings -- oftentimes in private homes throughout the Bay Area -- a diverse and growing group of remarkable women gather to connect, learn and grow. Each woman attending these salons is encouraged to bring with her a female friend or colleague whom she wants to introduce to the conversation. They leave their cellphones and tablets at home and simply arrive open to authentic connections and conversations. Those who come together are always a different mix of ages, ethnicities and backgrounds. The energy in the room is palpable. Show less

Female Forces of Nature in Business: Interview with Sarah McMoyler, RN, Labor and Delivery Educator, Author of The Best Birth, and Triathlete

Over the past several years, many American leaders in both the public and private sector have reinforced a stereotype that Americans harbor an uninformed global view. This is not to say that leaders across the globe are any better. Every region has its fair share of ‘global leaders’ and ‘global experts’ who do little to foster global understanding. The global community can and should do better. Doing so means aggressively rethinking and re-tooling how public, private, and social sector leaders… Show more

Over the past several years, many American leaders in both the public and private sector have reinforced a stereotype that Americans harbor an uninformed global view. This is not to say that leaders across the globe are any better. Every region has its fair share of ‘global leaders’ and ‘global experts’ who do little to foster global understanding. The global community can and should do better. Doing so means aggressively rethinking and re-tooling how public, private, and social sector leaders prepare for global leadership roles. The world needs a new breed of global leader, now. Show less

Two years ago, I had a lengthy and disturbing conversation with a female friend of mine. By way of background, she is a successful global leader in her mid-forties who has travelled and worked internationally for two decades, made incredible contributions in the public and private sectors and has won numerous awards and accolades for her service and pioneering approach on a variety of global issues. To all of us who know her, she is a force of nature. We've marveled at her perseverance… Show more

Two years ago, I had a lengthy and disturbing conversation with a female friend of mine. By way of background, she is a successful global leader in her mid-forties who has travelled and worked internationally for two decades, made incredible contributions in the public and private sectors and has won numerous awards and accolades for her service and pioneering approach on a variety of global issues. To all of us who know her, she is a force of nature. We've marveled at her perseverance, determination and seemingly endless reservoirs of energy. She was also someone who on the outside seemed to take care of herself -- exercise, eat right, etc. -- so she could hop time zones and be sharp while balancing numerous crises on the fly. She took challenges head-on and kept moving up to increasingly higher profile posts. Then one day, she called me and said, "I'm done." She was hiding out in her family's cabin on the coast. "I am physically and mentally exhausted. My brain is fried and I have this weight behind my eyes... it literally aches and I can't get rid of it. = I'm burned out, have no idea what my next step is and I just feel done. Now what?" Show less

Recently, I participated in SC Magazine's eSymposium on Corporate Espionage. Ira Winkler, President of Secure Mentem and the Internet Security Advisors Group (ISAG) gave the opening address. Much of his excellent remarks gave me flashbacks as I've known Ira now for nearly 15 years. He and I first met when I was involved in cyber security efforts with Diplomatic Security at the US Department of State. Ira, who has been dubbed a 'modern day James Bond', is a pioneer in computer security efforts… Show more

Recently, I participated in SC Magazine's eSymposium on Corporate Espionage. Ira Winkler, President of Secure Mentem and the Internet Security Advisors Group (ISAG) gave the opening address. Much of his excellent remarks gave me flashbacks as I've known Ira now for nearly 15 years. He and I first met when I was involved in cyber security efforts with Diplomatic Security at the US Department of State. Ira, who has been dubbed a 'modern day James Bond', is a pioneer in computer security efforts having led numerous infamous penetration and vulnerability tests for governments and countless Fortune 500 companies. As a mentor, I always appreciated Ira's no bulls**t and outspoken approach to security. He calls it like he sees it and oftentimes his recommendations are practical, simple countermeasures that are often overlooked. He shared several examples of his work in two groundbreaking books that he authored in 1997 and 2005, Corporate Espionage and Spies Among Us.... Show less

I first learned of Renee Rouleau several years ago through our mutual friend Adrienne Cornelsen. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. Adrienne and I were in Dallas doing some work together and one evening over wine I remarked at how gorgeous her skin looked and demanded to know what she was doing differently. If there is one thing Texas women are known for besides our big hair and larger than life personalities, it is our dedication to taking care of our skin. In this area we… Show more

I first learned of Renee Rouleau several years ago through our mutual friend Adrienne Cornelsen. I remember the conversation like it was yesterday. Adrienne and I were in Dallas doing some work together and one evening over wine I remarked at how gorgeous her skin looked and demanded to know what she was doing differently. If there is one thing Texas women are known for besides our big hair and larger than life personalities, it is our dedication to taking care of our skin. In this area we don't mess around. Adrienne shared that she had been to Renee's spa and was using a new skin care regimen designed by Renee, tailored to her skin. The results of which were incredible so I immediately booked an appointment. The experience changed my entire approach to skin care and I learned so many new tips and insights on how to care for my skin that I actually took notes throughout my session. Since that time I have come to rely on several of Renee's products for keeping my skin in check especially during stressful times and time zone and weather changes as I travel internationally on a frequent basis. For 25 years, Renee Rouleau has built an incredible global brand that continues to innovate, educate, and inspire. In short, she is a force of nature empowering other forces of nature by helping everyone, at every stage in life, look and feel their best. I caught up with Renee recently and asked her to reflect on her business, the lessons she's learned along the way, the takeaways, and insights she'd wish she'd known when she began. Show less

Background

I first met Adrienne when I was Executive Director of a global non-profit Business for Diplomatic Action. I engaged Adrienne to join our mostly male board for several reasons not least of which included her different way of thinking. Adrienne is at her core an entrepreneur. And entrepreneurs think differently. They problem solve in ways that continue to inspire and perplex those around them. Adrienne also represented an industry, digital marketing, that is rapidly evolving and… Show more

Background

I first met Adrienne when I was Executive Director of a global non-profit Business for Diplomatic Action. I engaged Adrienne to join our mostly male board for several reasons not least of which included her different way of thinking. Adrienne is at her core an entrepreneur. And entrepreneurs think differently. They problem solve in ways that continue to inspire and perplex those around them. Adrienne also represented an industry, digital marketing, that is rapidly evolving and challenging business models in every industry. In addition to founding and running her own successful digital marketing firm she also serves as a Global Director of the Entrepreneurs Organization, travelling globally to help encourage and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and global citizens. In short, she is a force of nature, wise beyond her years, and I feel so fortunate to have her as a dear friend. I caught up with Adrienne recently and asked her to reflect on her business InSite which is celebrating its 15th anniversary next month, the lessons she's learned along the way, the takeaways, and insights she'd wish she'd known when she began.
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Background

In 1998, while completing my Masters of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Dallas, I was nominated and then selected for the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF). The PMF which began in 1977 is a flagship leadership development program for advanced degree candidates, accelerating careers in public service. As my students know, I am a fervent ambassador for the program, as I know the PMF has made all the difference in my and many of my friends’ careers. I began my… Show more

Background

In 1998, while completing my Masters of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Dallas, I was nominated and then selected for the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF). The PMF which began in 1977 is a flagship leadership development program for advanced degree candidates, accelerating careers in public service. As my students know, I am a fervent ambassador for the program, as I know the PMF has made all the difference in my and many of my friends’ careers. I began my PMF journey at the US Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security and this is my story.

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I first met Adrienne when I was Executive Director of a global non-profit Business for Diplomatic Action. I engaged Adrienne to join our mostly male board for several reasons not least of which included her different way of thinking. Adrienne is at her core an entrepreneur. And entrepreneurs think differently. They problem solve in ways that continue to inspire and perplex those around them. Adrienne also represented an industry, digital marketing, that is rapidly evolving and challenging… Show more

I first met Adrienne when I was Executive Director of a global non-profit Business for Diplomatic Action. I engaged Adrienne to join our mostly male board for several reasons not least of which included her different way of thinking. Adrienne is at her core an entrepreneur. And entrepreneurs think differently. They problem solve in ways that continue to inspire and perplex those around them. Adrienne also represented an industry, digital marketing, that is rapidly evolving and challenging business models in every industry. In addition to founding and running her own successful digital marketing firm she also serves as a Global Director of the Entrepreneurs Organization, travelling globally to help encourage and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and global citizens. In short, she is a force of nature, wise beyond her years, and I feel so fortunate to have her as a dear friend. I caught up with Adrienne recently and asked her to reflect on her business InSite which is celebrating its 15th anniversary next month, the lessons she's learned along the way, the takeaways, and insights she'd wish she'd known when she began. Show less

Principal at Global Engagement Partners Cari Guittard talked about the impact of technology on children in a lecture at Westminster College Tuesday. The focus of her lecture was preparing and inspiring the next generation to compete and succeed globally.

She believes much of this success hinges on creating trusting relationships, which requires face-to-face communication.

My hope would be that this year, more of the efforts and resources will focus on the following issues that I am routinely asked about when I lead and facilitate dialogues in the Women's Leadership space...

We need more women in the higher echelons of public service. This last election cycle in the U.S. was historic in that women for the first time now represent 20% of the U.S. Senate. There was also a record number of women running for public office and I hope we will continue to see more and more women in the political sphere as well as the higher levels of public service at the federal, state and local levels. And while there have been significant gains for women in public office and in the… Show more

We need more women in the higher echelons of public service. This last election cycle in the U.S. was historic in that women for the first time now represent 20% of the U.S. Senate. There was also a record number of women running for public office and I hope we will continue to see more and more women in the political sphere as well as the higher levels of public service at the federal, state and local levels. And while there have been significant gains for women in public office and in the public sector, there remain too few women at the top leadership levels of public service across the board. Show less

We can't expect our diplomats, who are at the frontlines of our global engagement efforts, to do all the heavy lifting. We are all responsible for how America engages with the world. It's never too late to start paying attention and learning more. The world is watching. The next generation of Americans is also watching us and will learn from our example. America's effective engagement abroad begins at home and it starts now.

We need more women prepared to lead. To do so requires making leadership development programs available for women at every career stage in every sector, especially for those who aren't able to pursue a graduate degree. Real opportunities to practice, refine, and deeply hone essential leadership skills so they can define and pursue their own paths to success.

Twenty-five years ago, EO hosted Steve Jobs as a speaker for one of their first events. Back then he was challenging everyone to “think different”. Looking back over his career, it is extraordinary what one entrepreneur was able to create in a lifetime. Imagine recognizing and supporting thousands, even millions of entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and what they could create if given the chance.

Corporate diplomacy involves a unique combination of critical skillsets that are essential for effective leadership in global business.

Charlotte Beers’s new book, I’d Rather Be in Charge, offers up some important lessons for women in business.

Women in the Middle East are just beginning to realise their business potential.