Milan Dordevic: Navigating Two Decades of Innovation and Leadership Internationally Across Industries

You’ve got to be serious at some things, at a particular age, and time. Career is one such aspect that one needs to be focused on. Launching his career in Europe and later expanding his influence in the USA, Milan Dordevic, a seasoned tech leader, is driven by a deep passion for organizational agility, project management, and data analytics. Over nearly two decades, he is boosting innovation and productivity in diverse sectors, from game development studios to Smart Cities and IoT platforms, and from Autonomous vehicles to the EdTech realm. Each step of his journey is marked by unique challenges, transformative solutions, and resounding triumphs.

Navigating Global Industries

Embarking on a captivating journey that unfolded across the global business landscape, Milan Dordevic’s odyssey commenced in the academia of Serbia, where his fascination with organizational sciences and project management was ignited. Over the span of nearly two decades, he traversed diverse industries, from the dynamic realm of game development studios and the intricacies of Smart Cities and IoT to the traditional yet ever-evolving automotive sector. Each industry presented its unique challenges, akin to learning a new language infused with project management principles.

The turning point materialized with an exciting opportunity at Proctorio, a chapter that unfolded amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining amidst the outbreak, Milan witnessed the company’s staggering growth of over 600% within a year, underscoring the pivotal role the company played in supporting education during unprecedented times. Transitioning into the education sector, Milan assumed the role of leading innovation and development, navigating the uncharted territory with a mission to ensure academic integrity in online assessments.

The blend of technological innovation and an unwavering commitment to the cause kept Milan on his toes. The challenges faced in this new landscape were distinct, with higher stakes as the education of millions hung in the balance. Milan’s leadership became instrumental in steering Proctorio through the dynamic terrain, making a profound impact and crafting an invaluable learning experience.

Amidst the hurdles and triumphs, Milan embraced the philosophy that every challenge conquered is akin to scaling a new peak. The vantage point from the summit, alongside the dedicated team at Proctorio, is nothing short of gratifying. Milan Dordevic’s narrative embodies resilience, adaptability, and an unyielding pursuit of success, a testament to the transformative journey he continues to navigate in the ever-evolving tech and education landscape.

Pioneering Integrity in Online Education

Proctorio transcends the realm of a conventional company; it stands as a mission-driven venture, envisioning a world where every student, regardless of their location, has an equitable opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge. The core mission revolves around ensuring integrity in online assessments, with a profound commitment to making education both accessible and credible. Its vision is elegantly simple yet deeply impactful: to furnish a fair and secure online assessment platform that transcends geographical boundaries, catering to everyone, everywhere, and at any time.

The company’s innovative ethos embraces the integration of cutting-edge AI and machine learning technologies. It extends beyond mere exam proctoring; it strives to level the educational playing field for students globally. Proctorio’s far-reaching impact is evident in its support for thousands of educational institutions and providers, proctoring over 20 million exams annually. In the digital age, where traditional classroom confines dissolve, it emerges as a guiding force, extending a helping hand to educational institutions in upholding academic integrity.

At the heart of Proctorio’s essence lies a commitment to fostering a culture of integrity, cultivating the seeds of knowledge and fairness in the education sector. Each day is a purposeful stride towards creating a positive ripple effect in the vast ocean of online education, embodying a transformative force in the educational landscape.

Orchestrating Leadership Harmony and Collective Growth

In the realm of leadership, Milan Dordevic exhibits a mastery akin to orchestrating a harmonious melody, where each team member contributes a unique tune to the ensemble. Honored with the prestigious “Outstanding Leadership Award,” Milan’s leadership journey revolves around fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, guided by mantras like “learning by doing” and “we rise by lifting others.” With over 15 years of dedicated expertise in complex and remote project and product management across diverse continents, Milan embodies the essence of dynamic leadership.

His narrative extends to volunteering stints at SeedSpot, PMI Phoenix Chapter, and the SAM Network, emphasizing the creation of an environment conducive to growth. Whether leading transformative projects in previous roles or spearheading innovative initiatives at Proctorio, Milan’s approach is rooted in aligning teams with organizational goals. Simultaneously, he champions a culture of ownership and accountability, transcending the mere pursuit of milestones. For Milan Dordevic, leadership is about co-creating a journey marked by collective growth, where each encountered challenge becomes a stepping stone for organizational and personal evolution.

Pioneering a Technological Revolution in Online Education

In Milan’s vision for the long run, he sees an expansive tableau marked by continuous learning, innovation, and steering transformative change. The narrative unfolds as a harmonious blend of finesse in data-driven decision-making, organizational strategy, and the infusion of AI and automation into every segment. The aim is to craft a vibrant tapestry of innovation resonating through the organizational corridors.

When focusing on Proctorio, Milan perceives a vast canvas with a vibrant palette, driven by the grand ambition of leading a technological revolution in online education. The goal is to foster a culture where innovation is not just a buzzword but a driving force. Each strategic stride is directed not only at upholding academic integrity but also at propelling online learning into realms where accessibility, credibility, and fairness become the standard. The clear vision is to establish the organization as synonymous with groundbreaking solutions that redefine the paradigms of online education on every continent. Milan envisions cultivating a culture that thrives on innovation, integrity, and inclusivity, making each day a step closer to a future where education is recognized as a right, not a privilege.

Charting a Visionary Course in Tech Leadership

In the foreseeable future, Milan envisions a deepening commitment to continuous learning, expressing his insights through articles featured on the Forbes Technology Council. These articles transcend mere textual content, sparking dialogues within the tech community. His enduring association with SeedSpot will thrive as he mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, providing invaluable support in their journey to success. Concurrently, Milan’s involvement in the Project Management community in Arizona extends beyond knowledge sharing; it is a dedication to nurturing a space conducive to collective growth.

These diverse facets of Milan’s professional landscape intertwine like threads, weaving into the fabric of the transformative change he aspires to orchestrate. The pursuit of knowledge beckons, with a third master’s degree in Business Analytics on the horizon, potentially accompanied by a playful venture into a Ph.D. realm.

Within the realm of Proctorio, each project undertaken represents a strategic move toward refining educational experiences, with every challenge viewed as an opportunity to innovate. Milan perceives the real change brewing at the intersection of technology and human touch. Positioned at the helm, he plans to navigate the unfolding change, ensuring that every step contributes to creating profound impacts in the landscape of online education.

Navigating Professional Success and Family Joys

In the intricate dance of managing the demands of a challenging profession and a vibrant family life, Milan, a father of three, skillfully navigates the delicate balance. Drawing parallels between project management methodologies applied in his professional domain and orchestrating personal responsibilities, he employs a disciplined yet flexible approach.

His meticulously organized calendar stands as a testament to this structured methodology, meticulously filled with work deadlines, family events, and community engagements. Milan ardently allocates his time with precision, ensuring a harmonious coexistence of his professional endeavors and personal commitments. Although the schedule is tight, the gratification of achieving professional milestones juxtaposed with the joy reflected in his family’s smiles makes the concerted effort worthwhile.

Staying organized is a key component in Milan’s strategy, facilitating the carving out of valuable time for volunteer work, a facet that enriches his life. Despite the constant juggling act, the essence of Milan’s approach lies in the art of prioritization, extracting the maximum value from every moment. Through a skillful blend of meticulous planning, adaptability, and an earnest desire to make a positive impact, Milan maneuvers through the complex labyrinth of professional and personal responsibilities, embodying a holistic approach towards a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Proctorio’s Cultural Symphony

At Proctorio, Milan fosters a corporate culture that seamlessly blends the dynamism of a startup with the stability of an established enterprise. Despite the geographical spread across four countries and three continents, the company’s global team is united through daily sync-ups, maintaining a shared vision and purpose. With offices in the US, Serbia, Germany, and Argentina, its international presence is underpinned by a commitment to common values, harmonizing diverse perspectives rooted in local cultures. Monthly townhall meetings serve as a platform to celebrate achievements from every corner of the organization, reinforcing a sense of unity.

Milan’s proactive initiatives, such as orchestrating engineering internships that evolved into an in-house R&D team in Scottsdale, exemplify a dedication to cultivating a culture of learning and growth. Proctorio transcends being solely a tech company, placing equal emphasis on shaping an environment that is both evolving and lively, akin to a startup, yet grounded and reliable like an established enterprise. The company’s office serves as a hub of innovation with IoT implementations driven by the talented R&D team, offering smart solutions that cater to the diverse needs of all employees. It’s a culture where agility meets thoughtful contemplation, and innovation flourishes while remaining anchored to core values.

Navigating the Technological Odyssey for Meaningful Impact

In the expansive realm of technology, Milan Dordevic’s journey has been a captivating odyssey marked by a profound passion for innovation and a commitment to meaningful impact. Having traversed this dynamic landscape for a significant part of his career, Milan’s vision for transformative change is deeply rooted in his wealth of experience. His foray into leading autonomous vehicle projects at BMW reflected a dedication not only to smart machines but also to shaping a safer and more efficient future of transportation. Prior to this, he steered a game development studio to become not just the most productive but a thriving space for creativity.

Milan’s commitment to innovation is underscored by the recognition of his endeavors, including securing three Innovation Awards from the Innovation Fund Serbia. Over the last decade, his narrative unfolds with the implementation and development of diverse technologies such as IoT, AI, AR/VR, SaaS, and Cloud solutions. These ventures transcend mere technological advancements, embodying a mission to bridge the gap between the digital realm and tangible benefits.

Now at Proctorio, Milan’s mission goes beyond code and algorithms. Leading a global force in online proctoring, he supports over 20 million students and exams annually, ensuring fair play in the domain of digital education. His impactful journey has been acknowledged with prestigious recognitions in 2022 and 2023, including an upgrade to IEEE Senior level and the Outstanding Leadership Award for his significant contribution to the technology field.

Given the opportunity to wave a wand and instigate changes in the tech industry, Milan envisions cultivating a culture of innovation grounded in ethical practices. He aspires to foster a collaborative ecosystem where ideas resonate across the industry rather than flourishing in isolation. For Milan, technological advancements are not just an end but the means to forge a more equitable, efficient, and insightful world. Each project under his leadership represents a deliberate step toward this envisioned change, signaling a continuous exploration and transformation in the vast expanse of the tech landscape.

Shaping the Future of Online Education with AI

Proctorio stands as a trailblazer in the AI realm, its commitment to artificial intelligence tracing back a decade—a testament to its foresight in navigating the tech landscape. In an era dominated by the buzz around Generative AI, the team has already immersed itself in the intricacies of artificial intelligence, attuned to the early whispers of a technological revolution. This steadfast dedication positions the company not as a mere participant in the AI wave but as a shaper of its course, exemplifying a profound and enduring impact in the education technology sector.

The core philosophy of Proctorio extends beyond the adoption of AI; it revolves around harnessing its potential to establish a landscape of fairness and credibility in online education. Every algorithm meticulously crafted and each model refined serves as a deliberate stride towards creating an environment where assessments are characterized by genuine and authentic evaluation. As it gazes into the future, the anticipation of new projects and continuous enhancements reflects not just an aspiration to keep pace with the AI wave but a commitment to lead it.

Proctorio’s reliance on face detection algorithms stands as a cornerstone, ensuring the authenticity of online assessments by verifying the identity of the test-taker. The incorporation of Blockchain technology further underlines the company’s commitment to ethical sourcing and training of face detection models through distributed collection of images. Transitioning to the next page unveils its Plagiarism platform, a vigilant guardian defending authorship and document integrity with unwavering dedication.

The magic unfolds in the realms of digitalization and automation, where Proctorio streamlines processes to not only be efficient but also a breeze to navigate through. This commitment to technological advancements is more than a pursuit of innovation; it is a pledge to revolutionize the landscape of online education, ensuring it remains fair, credible, and technologically robust.

Insights for Budding Entrepreneurs

Venturing into the tech world is an exhilarating journey filled with potential. In his own words, “My advice to budding entrepreneurs is to stay agile. The tech landscape is ever-evolving, and being adaptable to change is crucial. Don’t shy away from taking risks; they are the stepping stones to innovation and growth. Being at the forefront of information is vital. Stay updated, be inquisitive, and immerse yourself in continuous learning to stay ahead in the game. Lastly, determination is your fuel. There will be hurdles, there will be setbacks, but with a determined spirit, keep marching forward towards your vision. Each challenge is a lesson in disguise, learn from it and keep evolving. The blend of agility, risk-taking, perpetual learning, and unwavering determination will not only help you navigate the tech waters but thrive and make a meaningful impact”.

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Yossi J Amuial: Steering the Course of Innovation and Excellence at Executive Tag & Title Svcs, Inc.

In the vast sea of leadership, true leaders emerge not by just navigating challenges but by setting a new direction. Yossi J Amuial is a beacon of such leadership, illuminating the path for others in the automotive industry. As the esteemed CEO of Executive Tag & Title Services (ETTS), his journey serves as a compelling narrative of perseverance, innovation, and transformation.

The Making of a Visionary

Yossi’s expedition into the realm of leadership began with an insatiable thirst for growth, both on personal and professional fronts. Recognizing an untapped reservoir of potential in the automotive sector, he identified avenues of innovation, particularly in the labyrinthine domains of title and registration. His spirited dedication to harnessing technology, coupled with his acute grasp of organizational culture, gave birth to ETTS. With a crystalline mission, ETTS emerged with a goal: decoding the intricacies of tax computations and paperwork, especially for dealers treading across state boundaries.

Empowering Teams, Building Legacies

Central to Yossi’s leadership modus operandi is his inherent belief in the power of collective effort. For him, nurturing a motivated team goes beyond boardroom meetings. He invests time in open dialogue, ensuring every voice feels valued. These aren’t just conversations; they’re the building blocks of a culture where ideas flourish, challenges transform into opportunities, and innovation becomes a daily dialogue.

Redefining Tomorrow, Today

Gazing into the horizon, Yossi’s vision is resolute. With a steely determination, he envisages steering ETTS to even greater heights, ensuring it remains the gold standard in automotive services. His passion extends beyond service quality; he dreams of a future where technological innovations are the heartbeat of the industry, ensuring the title and registration process evolves into a masterclass of efficiency.

A Day in Yossi’s World

At the crack of dawn, Yossi sets the wheels of ETTS in motion with a meticulously crafted agenda. Morning meetings aren’t mere rituals; they’re the strategic compass that guides the company’s daily endeavors, ensuring a synchronous stride towards both immediate and overarching goals.

A Dance of Balance

For Yossi, life isn’t a binary between the personal and professional. Instead, it’s a delicate dance, and he’s mastered the art of balance. His philosophy? The dedication that defines his professional endeavors is equally mirrored in his personal realm. Supported by the unwavering foundation of his family, Yossi gracefully waltzes through the demands of both worlds.

Charting New Destinies

With eyes set on the future, Yossi’s aspirations soar. He dreams of not just being a CEO but becoming an unparalleled force in the industry. His blueprint for the future is intricate: fostering strategic alliances, spearheading tech-driven revolutions, and embracing the power of customer feedback to carve a path of unmatched excellence.

A Message to the Torchbearers of Tomorrow

Yossi’s message to budding CEOs is profound yet simple: When destiny knocks, answer with conviction. Embrace leadership, shoulder responsibilities, and strive for transformation. For in those moments of decision, legends are born.

In Yossi J Amuial, the automotive industry finds not just a leader, but a visionary. Through his journey and invaluable insights, he continues to inspire, challenging us all to drive towards a brighter, innovative tomorrow.

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Lisa Anna Palmer: A Journey of Empowerment, Vision, and Impact

You can hate more but you can never love less. The hope to make the world a better place keeps us all going. In today’s competitive world, helping those in management positions is also crucial so they can make better decisions and have clarity in life. With the same vision, Lisa Anna Palmer is helping people in management positions to love their life as a leader. Lisa is the Founder and CEO of Light Your Leadership Inc

Lisa is on a purpose roadmap that outlines how to lead effectively in a changing world. Additionally, she and her team at Light Your Leadership Inc. is growing a platform that shines a light on leaders who put people and the planet first. Thus, we at CIO Business World unleash the full potential of Lisa through an interview to learn about the techniques she uses to bring change.

Below are the highlights of the interview:

Brief our audience about your journey as an entrepreneur. What inspired you to start your own business?

I burned out three times by the age of 38. After spending two decades working within corporate Human Resources & Organizational Development and Organizational Effectiveness roles, both as a management consultant at a Big Six Firm and then within HR roles at two Canadian Crown Corporations, I was inspired to start my own company. As my consulting and coaching practice took off, I realized that I wanted to focus on leadership development because lack of leadership is at the root of every organizational and societal issue. Great leadership is at the heart of every success.

Tell us something more about your company and its mission and vision.

Our vision is to make the world a better workplace for all by helping those in management positions to learn to love their life as a leader. We do this using the principles featured in my international bestselling book, Light A Fire In Their Hearts: The Truth About Leadership and the SCALE approach, which stands for Self-Awareness, Connection, Accountability, Legacy, and Elevating others. These help managers and executives take their leadership to the next level as they learn tools and techniques to unleash potential and forces for good in themselves and others.

In addition, we have the PURPOSE Road Map, which outlines how to lead effectively in a post-pandemic world, including:

1. Putting people and the planet first

2. Understanding the struggle

3. Renewing the culture

4. Psychological safety and physical security

5. Office set-up and technology, including AI

6. Service-minded leadership

7. Evolving and elevating leadership capacity at all levels

We are also dedicated to growing a platform that shines a light on leaders who put people and the planet first.

Where do you envision yourself to be in the long run, and what are your future goals for your company?

I envision growing Light Your Leadership Inc. by establishing a Fractional Chief Leadership Officer practice. My goal remains to do my part to ease workplace suffering in as many organizations as possible and make work meaningful and joyful so that people want to be, do, and feel their very best. We need to bring back pride in work well done and strive for excellence in healthier ways that bring about good, rather than using methods and approaches that harm people and the environment. 

I plan to raise awareness of CEOs and Boards so they see the importance of introducing and prioritizing Chief Leadership Officer roles. With over 50% of managers looking to leave their position (Gallup), 70% of people offered promotions saying “no” (Ivanti), 69% of managers being afraid of speaking to their employees (Harris Poll), and 57% of employees are reporting that they are being disrespected by their manager (Pew Research), we need to focus on leadership development at all levels, all ages, and all backgrounds. 

Waiting to send managers to a workshop when they get promoted is insufficient.  To steer organizations, society, and our economy in the right direction, we need to elevate leadership so that it is integrated as a way of being from the start. Leadership development needs to start early and to be viewed as lifelong learning.

I am also working on my second book, Leadership In A Post-Pandemic World, to explore a revolutionized post-pandemic workplace and organizational renewal. 

In the near future, where do you envision yourself, and how do you plan to accelerate and drive forward the process of change?

I took stock about two months ago about what differentiates me. I had the realization that prior to launching my own company, I had spent most of my time in corporate settings advising and coaching vice presidents and aspiring vice presidents (i.e., directors and senior directors). I also found that coaching managers and helping them become better versions of themselves led them to realize their deep discontent with their current employers. They then beg me to help them leave their company because they don’t have the formal authority to implement change and feel stuck with traditional command and control senior managers.

This pained me, so I’ve decided to focus on coaching vice presidents and aspiring vice presidents (and equivalents) because they have greater authority and access to resources. Therefore, when they transform, they can stay with their current employer and effect real and meaningful changes to their workplace. This benefits their downline and thus helps middle managers in the long run. They are also the CEO feeder group, so when we help them be the best version of themselves, we help the entire organization solidify its future. 

Outstanding leadership is contagious as elevated leaders become role models for others. Investing in vice presidents and aspiring vice presidents makes workplaces better. Strong, compassionate, courageous, and competent transformational executives know how to grow and inspire other leaders, which creates a powerful ripple effect at all levels. This is the key to delivering results in healthier and more sustainable ways. Leadership development underscores strategic advantage and underpins excellence. Case in point, a Metrix Global study found that executive coaching can have a 788% return on investment (ROI) based on factors including increases in productivity and employee retention (Forbes, 2023). 

Coaching top managers to love their life unleashes their human potential. When leaders can connect with people they work with from this elevated place of purpose, passion, and fulfilment, the potential for their organization’s success grows exponentially. 

As a successful Women leader, how do you manage to strike a balance between your professional commitments and personal life?

This is yet another example of lifelong learning because while I strive for balance and have made much progress, I am still not quite where I would like to be. However, I’d like to invite leaders to reframe this whole concept: rather than try to strike a 50/50 balance between work and personal life, perhaps it would be more effective and less frustrating to harmonize our work and personal life.

What I mean by that is that we have different seasons, and life is dynamic, not static. So, rather than strive for balance or a 50/50 split between my work and personal life, I seek to find the right mix that feels good: when life is harmonious, I feel energized, healthier, more aligned, and in flow.

I do this by checking in with myself because sometimes I tend to spread myself too thin. I’ve learned to recognize the signs of burnout earlier; in my case, I get fatigue and joint pain because of fibromyalgia.  When I get the first hint, I know it is time to pull back and spread out my appointments to leave more room for self-care and downtime in my calendar. Also, of crucial importance is that I have learned to set boundaries, manage expectations, focus on priorities, to simplify processes, leverage technology and delegate more.  

In a male-dominated industry, how have you overcome challenges and stereotypes to succeed as a woman entrepreneur?

I don’t feel that I have overcome it. Rather, it is an ongoing exercise in raising awareness to counteract unconscious biases. As nurturers, women tend to be recognized as solid career and life coaches, human resources managers, and experts in self-leadership or coaches for middle managers. While there have been advances with upcoming generations, when it comes to being considered as thought leaders or coaches for senior managers, we have yet to break through the glass ceiling, particularly with CEOs and VPs who are Gen-Xers or Boomers.

I can see why this happens as mainstream celebrity leadership experts, such as the late Bob Proctor, John C. Maxwell, Patrick Lencioni, Kouzes and Posner, etc., tend to fit the stereotype. Don’t get me wrong, I really admire what these men have done to advance organizational leadership, and I am grateful to have studied their work. However, society must recognize that women can also advise and coach top leaders just as well as any man. 

Both men and women in senior management need to check their biases. Men also need to step up as allies, as everybody wins when more women get involved in leadership development at the highest levels of the organization.

What advice would you give to aspiring women entrepreneurs who are looking to make a mark in their respective industries?

I suggest they practice the 8 Ps of Ignition that I introduced in the book Light A Fire In Their Hearts. They are Profundity, Passion, Purpose, Perseverance, Professionalism, Play, Philanthropy, and Prosperity. We also need to support one another and not listen when we are told that we need to ‘play the game’ or ‘be mean’ to get ahead. This is what keeps us down as a collective. We need to stop playing small and get out of our comfort zones to be seen and to share our platform with others so that we can all get an opportunity to shine.

What are your thoughts on the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship and business in the 21st century?

Entrepreneurs play an essential part in shaping the landscape and driving its evolution. My hope is that through our businesses and our life’s work, we influence socio-economic forces toward doing what is good for people and the planet. We need to hold ourselves, politicians, and community leaders accountable for driving the economy to grow and realize profits in healthier and more sustainable ways. We have the power to influence consumer behaviours through our advertising, research, speaking, writing and storytelling. Let’s help the masses make better choices that will help humanity and all living beings stick around a while longer and strive for a better world for all.

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Krystn Macomber: From Athlete to Entrepreneur: The Journey of a Visionary CEO

Krystn Macomber knows winning.

Going back to her days as a D1 basketball player at the University of Richmond, the Founder and CEO of Summit Strategy, a game-changing proposal development and marketing consulting firm, understands what it means to earn wins for her clients no matter the challenge.

“I’ve always been ambitious,” said Krystn. “As a kid growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, I’ve always had big dreams and set lofty goals for myself. This first manifested for me in sports where I became an elite basketball player, but this theme of embracing challenges has played out throughout my professional career.”

While Krystn’s roots are in South Appalachia, her career began when she moved to Washington, D.C. after finishing her undergraduate degree in business. She quickly worked her way through the corporate world, scaling the ranks until she became a prolific proposal manager,  and writer, and leader  for federal government contracts. As each position transitioned to the next, Krystn realized she had a natural ability to build teams, departments, and processes.

It was during these years that Krystn’s vision for what would become Summit Strategy emerged.

“What I deeply wanted was to captain my own ship,” she said. “I wanted to lead a team of driven, forward-thinking professionals who cared about winning for their clients as much as I do. While the experience in corporate America was invaluable, I didn’t want to spend my career advancing someone else’s financial interests. I wanted my working years spent leaving a dent in my industry and being a difference maker to my team and to my clients.”

Founded on the principles of care, innovation, and commitment, Summit Strategy swiftly established itself as a force in the market. A 100% woman-owned enterprise, Summit has taken on more than just turning a profit. For Krystn, she and her team carry the responsibility of redefining industry norms and fostering real change.

“At Summit Strategy, we believe we’re more than just another small business,” she said. “I want to reach the end of my working years knowing I made a real impact and changed the way my peers, colleagues, and competitors do business.”

On the business side, Krystn’s vision for Summit Strategy is clear – to set the new industry standard for integrated sales + marketing solutions that empower professional service firms with effective growth strategies through game changing strategic planning, proposal support, branding + marketing with purpose, and best practices training. By helping firms tell their stories, fueling their potential, and achieving sustainable competitive advantage, Summit Strategy is shaping a generation of industry leaders who pioneer positive social impact.

For Krystn, pushing Summit Strategy to be both a cultural difference maker and a financial powerhouse are one in the same. Winning for her clients means shifting the industry towards increased equity for everyone involved. This task can feel like scaling a mountain over and over again, Krystn said, but it’s a challenge Krystn is willing to continually take on.

“The challenge has been to navigate running a small business while maintaining my vision of what a proposal development and marketing consulting business could be. It’s at times been lonely, frustrating, and exhausting while at the same time exciting and affirming that it’s exactly what I want to be doing. It’s hard to think beyond the day-to-day operations and expectations to exceed, but I’m embracing the challenge every day to continue focusing on the bigger picture.”

So far, this perspective has paid off for Krystn with Summit seeing more than 800 percent growth in its first year and another 50 percent growth projected in year 2. With the focus on growth, Krystn is spending much of her time traveling to conferences and events promoting the message that incorporating engaging storytelling into your marketing and proposal writing will win more business.

“We aim to be a major player in proposal development, especially in the government contracting (GovCon) sector,” said Krystn. “There’s serious room for growth there, and we believe our GovCon clients can distance themselves from their competitors with the right proposal guidance and strategy.”

However, Krystn and her team also believe in empowering entrepreneurs with the tools they need to succeed, and it’s why Krystn has taken on the role of mentor and thought leader for many young professionals breaking into the industry. It’s all part of Summit’s core ethos – caring every day.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is to care,” she said. “Care about your clients. Care about your team. Care about your industry. If your sole focus is the bottom line and earning money for your shareholders, you’ve missed an incredible opportunity to make the world just a little less crappy. See yourself as an agent for change, as someone who has been put in place for a reason and has a chance to make a real difference.”

The best advice she can give to these young, ambitious pros to start winning for themselves? Don’t settle.

“Don’t settle for the status quo. Most of the time, things are the way they are because people lack imagination and vision. The reality is, though, the status quo exists until someone decides to challenge it. There’s no reason that person can’t be you.”

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