Years of data have shown that higher employee engagement, and a strong emotional and mental connection the employee has towards the workplace have a lot of positive benefits – which include reduced stress, improved job satisfaction, and health, and also increased job retention, productivity, and profitability.

Being transparent

When employees and team members don’t know how their work connects to both the short- and long-term goals, they become less productive and more stressed– especially during times of uncertainty. Your job is to help them get the big picture or understand the role they are playing when it comes to helping the company reach its goals. While you might not be in a position to share everything with them, you can provide them with information so that they know how their work is contributing to the company’s mission. If there is something they want to know but you can’t share it with them, be honest and transparent about why. Ambiguity comes with a lot of stress; it is your responsibility to reduce that. A study found out that a manager communicating with their employees regularly through direct reports, were three times more likely to be engaged when compared to when managers didn’t communicate with them. Still, the study found out that only 40% of employees understand the strategic goals of their company.

Ensuring people are in the right roles

When team members loathe doing their jobs, then you can’t expect them to be engaged. You need to make sure that their strengths and talents are aligned with the responsibilities and expectations of their roles. Regularly check in with our direct reports. The conversations don’t even have to be formal – you can talk to them about their interests, passions, and goals. The information is going to help you assign them the projects they find meaningful. You will then follow up to make sure they have all the tools needed to succeed.

Giving as much autonomy as possible

When possible, try giving your team control of the management of projects. When employees have the option of deciding what to do, when to do it, and how much to spend on each task, it results in employees being 43% less likely to experience high levels of burnout. Using a time tracking tool like Tracktime24 will assist in this. You first have to make sure that the employee is ready to work independently. You can ask them to shadow you on a project or task first, then you allow them to practice as you supervise them. You are going to give them feedback and determine if they are able to work on their own.

Demonstrating a commitment to their growth and progression

It is not a good idea to hold tightly to your talent. While it is not possible to promote all your employees every two years, try to make them feel like you are providing them with learning and growth opportunities. You can do this by supporting internal mobility. Let them have a chance of moving around or moving on if that is the right step in their career. When you show that you are committed to their growth, it is going to increase trust between you and them.

Creating a culture of recognition

When you recognize the contributions and hard work of your team members publicly, it increases the feeling of belonging and connection and decreases feelings of stress. Companies with high-recognition cultures tend to perform better and have less turnover compared to those that don’t. this is why recognition and support make it easier for employees to cope with the demands of work because they know that their effort is valued. A good time to call out good performance is during team meetings. It can also be effective to use unexpected gestures communicating sincere appreciation and build a positive reputation. If one of your employees closes a new client, congratulate them publicly. When you have a culture in which pears show gratitude and recognize each other’s efforts, then they are more likely to be satisfied and happy in their roles.

Dechert is committed to cultivating creativity through a healthy and happy workforce. The firm’s core values are built on respecting and valuing the diversity of voices within the firm and creating an environment where everyone can thrive. That’s why Dechert created an environment where people are devoted, dependable, and empowered to excel.

Building that sense of community is Dechert’s key to success. “We want everyone to continue to seek out new tools and opportunities,” says a Dechert spokesperson. “To work at Dechert is to be part of a community where one is cared for and supported.”

To accomplish their mission to foster a happier, healthier, creative work environment, during Well-Being Week, Dechert launched the Thrive@Dechert Framework — a collection of well-rounded well-being initiatives focused on matters ranging from financial security, physical and emotional health, and continuing education, to benefits for parents, caregivers for the elderly, and even pet owners. “Well-Being Week highlights the vast array of resources we make available to our people to maintain and improve their well-being,” the spokesperson says. “We take a holistic approach to wellness with our Thrive@Dechert Framework.”

As part of Dechert’s second annual Well-Being Week event, the firm created a well-being tool kit to provide employees with a broad selection of resources. Those resources range from podcasts and apps to articles, books, and movies on the topics of building hope, resilience, and overall well-being. According to the spokesperson, “The tool kit includes offerings from our employee assistance program and organizations such as Peerfit, Journey meditation, and Virgin Pulse, as well as healthy recipes from our very own Dechert cookbook.” The firm encourages open communication and feedback on company discussion boards.

Employees also get emails on a near-weekly basis from CEO Henry Nassau and Chair Andy Levander. Their messages offer company updates, accolades for group and individual achievements, and reminders of the firm’s dedication to self-care. “We understand that people need a break, and we are committed to making sure each of you has an opportunity to disconnect, spend time with friends and family, and otherwise recharge,” notes the spokesperson.

Dechert Cares About the Health and Happiness of Its Employees

As part of this effort, Dechert recommitted to the American Bar Association’s Well-Being Pledge, which recognizes the high level of mental health challenges within the legal profession and the compounding effect of the pandemic.

Research shows that meditation can successfully reduce anxiety and stress and improve memory and focus, which is why Dechert launched Meditation Mondays and a new Journey Live: Mental Wellbeing app. For those who prefer cardio and cross-training, the company offers Peerfit and Virgin Pulse Challenges. “Members can choose from thousands of virtual on-demand or live workouts,” says the spokesperson. ”With Thrive@Dechert, powered by Virgin Pulse, you can track steps as well as other activities and workouts so that all your fitness achievements are in one place.”

Two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, access to doctors and medical advice has never been more necessary. Dechert offers Teladoc medical health services and Teladoc behavioral health services to make the process quick and convenient for employees. According to the spokesperson, “Members can speak to a U.S. board-certified doctor over the phone or by online video 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Teladoc doctors can diagnose and even prescribe medication, if necessary, for many conditions. We have enhanced our telemedicine assistance to include behavioral/emotional support. The Teladoc membership now lets employees establish an ongoing relationship with a licensed therapist from wherever they are most comfortable. They can get support for anxiety, depression, grief, and more.”

Through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Dechert provides members 24-hour access to licensed mental health specialists via CareBridge, offering free webinars on coping with the pandemic and virtual support groups facilitated by professional counselors. Also, in partnership with Aetna for medical members, Dechert offers an eight-week program designed to help them cope with overwhelming life changes, such as the diagnosis of a chronic condition, grief and loss, and caregiving stress. “The program connects you with a therapist as well as a behavioral coach weekly to address emotional challenges and help develop an action plan. That’s two sessions a week for eight weeks to get employees on a path to feeling in control of their condition or life change,” explains the spokesperson.

Dechert has even reduced the inconvenience of dealing with insurance providers by offering personal health advocate access. “They can help you and your family navigate the complex health care system, resolve claim issues, find specialists, schedule appointments, and provide cost estimates for medical procedures,” the spokesperson says.

Dechert Provides Assistance for Pets and Parents

Seventy percent of households in the United States had at least one pet in 2020. Dechert understands the need to keep furry or feathered family members healthy, so the firm added pet insurance to its plan. The firm also recognizes the needs of working parents and employees tasked with caring for aging parents, so it provides access to the United States-based child care and family solution provider Bright Horizons. “Bright Horizons provides high-quality regular and emergency child care, adult/elder care as well as tutoring, test prep, and homework help,” says the spokesperson. “All employees with a newborn or a newly adopted child are eligible for a minimum of 12 weeks of paid parental leave for bonding.”

Making Sense of Money Matters

Dechert aims to aid employees with their money and security matters. The firm offers student loan refinancing, which can help shave thousands of dollars off student loan debt. According to the spokesperson, “Dechert is proud to announce its new partnership with Citizens Bank, dedicated to helping you and your family manage student loan debt with access to exclusive offers and expert financial advice. Whether you and your family are planning to pay for college or manage student loan payments, choose from flexible repayment options, low, competitive rates, and get up to $1,000 principal credit reduction on new loans.”

In 2021, Dechert launched Allstate’s Identity Protection Pro Plus (AIP) benefit to help employees safeguard their online privacy and security. “AIP provides unique tools and proactive monitoring to help manage and protect personal data,” says the spokesperson. AIP is available to employees and anyone they register as a family member under the family coverage.

Employees can get special deals on banking services and mortgages with the preferred mortgage and banking program benefit. The flexible spending account/healthcare savings account allows them to set aside pretax dollars for dependent care expenses during an open enrollment period.

Why Education Is Encouraged at Dechert

The firm empowers employees with lifelong learning via the Dechert Learning Center, which “offers access to over 2,400 online courses on topics ranging from technical skills to wellness. Employees can take them whenever they want, wherever they want,” says the spokesperson. Popular topics include “Stress Resiliency & Peak Performance in Law Firms,” “Dr. Rao Life Strategies Series,” “Best Practices for Managing Time in a Virtual Environment,” and” When Work, School and Home Converge: Parenting in Unprecedented Times.”

Learning and growth are the driving forces behind the Dechert Stars program, which celebrates employees who excel at sharing new skills and insights with their colleagues. “We put a priority on teaching and learning at Dechert, where everyone is proactively encouraged to keep building their skills and share what they know with those around them,” says Regina Fico, director of U.S. human resources. “Encouraging individuals to share their knowledge and support their colleagues in their professional development is part of our efforts to foster a more integrated and committed community of employees.

“Through Dechert Stars, employees nominated by their co-workers can be honored in one of three award categories: Exceptional Teachers, who consistently support the learning and development of Dechert people; Diversity Champions, who serve as role models for the inclusive, open culture we value; and Legal Innovators, who help improve and enhance the way we work or serve our clients by generating and supporting new ideas.”

Honorees in the three categories are announced live during Dechert’s annual State of the Firm, hosted by Chair Andy Levander and CEO Henry Nassau. Each winner is awarded a commemorative plaque and a $10,000 cash bonus.

“I am proud to have a role in educating colleagues and creating new peer educators,” says Alison Kfuri, associate director of talent strategy, an Exceptional Teacher winner. “To be honored in this way shows the priority our firm gives to empowering others with new skills and knowledge.”

Dechert Is Building a Brighter Future

According to the spokesperson, Dechert will continue to evolve based on employee feedback, saying, “We continue to actively seek opportunities for improvement, inviting feedback from our employees so we can continue to evolve. We respond to all suggestions, from adding almond milk in our coffee stations for those sensitive to dairy to developing Financial Planning 101 webinars for employees to learn skills for budgeting, investing, retirement planning, and more. Whatever the suggestion, we are grateful for the employee engagement and seek to be responsive. With a history reaching back more than 145 years, giving back to those less fortunate and taking care of our community is in the Dechert DNA, and this tradition will carry us into the future. Whatever changes in global health, technology, political landscape, or other areas that come our way, Dechert will remain a great place to work.”

As the retail industry increasingly embraces digital technology enhancements, Ombori Grid has emerged as a leader in this rapidly evolving field. Ombori’s suite of interactive digital tools has helped its retailer partners to elevate their customers’ experiences and promote long-term brand loyalty.

Mia Anderberg, Ombori Grid’s new Chief Commercial Officer, will drive the Company’s multifaceted marketing program. Her proven sales and client-facing experience position her well for success in this highly competitive global arena. Anderberg’s long-term goal is to sustainably expand the business while consistently increasing revenues.

Mia Anderberg’s Strong Record of Achievement

Mia Anderberg brings a host of professional accomplishments to her Ombori Grid position. Before joining the Company, she spent 17 years at Ework, a Sweden-based firm focused on bringing skilled consultants together with clients that need specific services. In addition to individual matches, Ework often manages the entire procurement cycle.

During her Ework tenure, Anderberg excelled in several high-profile business development positions. Her Sourcing Partner, Sales Manager, Project Manager, and Site Manager roles showcased her outgoing personality and natural interest in people. While a member of the Ework team, Anderberg helped to grow the firm’s consultant base from 100 consultants to nearly 11.000 skilled professionals.

Leveraging Key Skills to Help Ombori Grid Grow

As Ombori Grid’s CCO, Anderberg will tap into her finely honed sales and sales management skills to further expand the Company’s customer base. Her intimate understanding of the consultancy business, and the mutually beneficial nature of consultative sales, will help her to identify sales opportunities and bring them to fruition.

Concurrently, Anderberg will formulate and execute the Ombori Grid marketing strategy. Her proven expertise with marketing plan components, and her ability to utilize targeted channels to reach specific market segments, set the stage for numerous client acquisitions.

Ombori Grid’s “Customer-first” Marketplace Focus

Meeting customers’ ever-evolving needs begins with identifying these often-complex preferences. In 2021, forward-thinking retailers have realized that consumers’ demands have gradually shifted.

For many customers, good customer service has increasingly given way to “the overall customer experience.” This series of product or service interactions, even if they do not involve a purchase, contributes to the customer’s overall experience with that retail store.

Retailers who determine what their customers truly want, and design customer experiences that fulfill those expectations, are well-positioned to increase customer loyalty over time. In turn, this will contribute to higher retailer revenues.

Delivering Optimal Customer Experiences 

Today, customers choose to engage with businesses that mirror their values and empathize with their challenges. Ombori Grid frequently helps customer-focused retailers respond to customers’ needs in three innovative ways.

Customer Security and Safety

Creating an empathy-based customer experience means first ensuring customers’ security and safety. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is gradually subsiding, customers still want to minimize their store visits and maximize their digital interactions. Ombori Grid’s virtual queue management system enables customers to seamlessly schedule in-store or virtual appointments via their smartphones.

Multiple Purchase Options

Next, Ombori Grid helps retailers to cater to customers’ desires for multiple purchase options. Specifically, retailers want to encourage highly profitable impulse purchases.

This spur-of-the-moment shopping behavior is often characteristic of customers who may be mired in decision fatigue. Alternatively, customers may engage in impulse purchases as a means of stress relief or to ensure they don’t miss desirable bargains.

Ombori Grid’s in-store digital signage draws attention to certain products and showcases too-good-to-pass-up deals. Streaming video enhances the customer’s engagement with the product, often showing the benefits they will receive from buying it. This high-tech digital interactive experience often provides the impetus the customer needs to purchase the product.

Omnichannel Retail Experiences

With consumers making most of their pandemic-era purchases via online venues, eCommerce has become a major part of the retail landscape. This practice meshes with consumers’ desire for a shopping experience that involves multiple channels.

This omnichannel approach enables consumers to make many purchases online while engaging with in-store associates when desired. Through Ombori Grid’s omnichannel solutions, customers can interact with customer service or design associates in person or via a video portal. Ombori Grid also offers other omnichannel retail solutions.

Retailers who provide memorable customer experiences can often command 25% higher prices on their merchandise. This directly results in higher revenues while ensuring continued customer satisfaction.

How Mia Anderberg Will Drive the Ombori Grid Mission

Ombori Grid is committed to providing market-leading innovation to its customers. The Company is on a mission to deliver quality digital experiences in physical spaces such as retail stores.

Mia Anderberg embraces the Ombori Grid mission, and she shares the Company’s business philosophy. “To work in a company with core values and driving forces aligned with your own is key. We are a good match!” Anderberg enthusiastically declares.

In addition, Anderberg is excited to be drawing creative energy from Ombori Grid’s exceptionally talented team. She is impressed by the Company’s culture, and she admires the digital solutions it provides to its clients. “The energy, problem-solving, creativity, and entrepreneurship are very energizing, and I love the solutions,” she says.

Mia Anderberg Designs Her Roadmap

During Mia Anderberg’s first few weeks on the Ombori Grid team, she took time to meet her coworkers and gain exposure to all facets of the business. While this may be standard for all new hires, Anderberg took the time to really breathe in the culture at Ombori, immersing herself in the nuances that make the company unique. She is also committed to learning about the ways in which she can contribute to the Company’s mission.

During any given week, Mia Anderberg will spend much of her time engaging with clients. To better serve Ombori Grid’s current business partners, she has already taken time to meet them and immerse herself in their businesses. She also looks forward to marketing the Company’s suite of innovative products and services to new business prospects.

How IoT Software Challenges Spur Ombori Grid Solutions

Ombori Grid’s high-technology offerings are centered around the Internet of Things (or IoT) industry’s rapid growth. IoT-enabled product manufacturers are increasingly designing custom software solutions for targeted markets and industries.

However, many IoT software analytics functions have not delivered as promised. The lengthy and expensive software development cycle has also been a deterrent to further expansion. Finally, the process’ complex technical aspects have eliminated the average business owner from the equation.

Ombori Grid’s Innovative No-code Solutions

Enter the Ombori Grid’s no-code software solutions, a logical outgrowth of the Company’s custom-built applications created for clients. The solutions contain “Plug and Play” technology, and they are compatible with Ombori Grid’s digital retail enhancement tools.

When complete, the collective software framework (or the “Grid”) provides retailers with everything needed to deliver elevated customer experiences. The Ombori Grid no-code IoT software solutions are the first such products available in the Marketplace app store.

How Mia Anderberg Views the No-code Solutions

Mia Anderberg is a strong proponent of Ombori Grid’s no-codesoftware solutions. She is confident that each app will help to achieve a specific client goal while retaining the flexibility that enables the software to be used in varied industries.

“They [the no-code software solutions] are smart, seamless, flexible and easy to combine with the client’s business needs and help them to be successful in their business…I’m longing to listen to [the] client’s challenges and understand how to connect their needs with Ombori’s interesting solutions,” Anderberg concludes.

Achieving breakthrough business success requires a company to adopt a different mindset. Whether the business makes significant product enhancements or devises truly innovative marketing campaigns, the firm typically steps “outside of the box” in some way.

Changing the attitude toward failure signals another important paradigm shift. As entrepreneur and investor Steph Korey explains, startup and established business owners alike should embrace the concept of failure for its many benefits.

Two Reasons a Business Should Welcome Failure

From a logical standpoint, suggesting that a company should embrace failures and setbacks sounds like a questionable business strategy. Many business coaches recommend the opposite tactic: developing primary and contingency plans intended as failure avoidance measures.

However, Steph Korey views failure through a drastically different lens. She presents two reasons why a company should embrace failure at every stage of its growth.

Failure Enables New Perspectives

When a business owner experiences failure, it represents an opportunity to bring team members together to analyze the setback and make more appropriate decisions in the future. Everyone’s viewpoint has value, and dissenting opinions can often spark constructive solutions.

Steph Korey stresses the value of gaining different perspectives on key business issues. “We know that we don’t know everything, and it’s why we’re always seeking out new perspectives that challenge our assumptions and using data to inform our gut feelings.

“We also know that we’ll make better decisions for the business when everyone is empowered to bring their unique perspective to the table, even (especially!) when that means people disagree,” Korey concludes. Companies of all sizes can effectively utilize this strategy.

Failure Often Sparks Bigger Successes

Taking a company to the next level, and improving its market position, involve a certain level of risk. If a business appears to seamlessly move forward while encountering very few obstacles or failures, Steph Korey says the company isn’t playing a big enough game.

“Think about it: if everything you do is working, you probably aren’t taking enough risks, which means that even if you’re achieving small wins every day, you aren’t challenging yourself to achieve big wins that will set you apart in a meaningful way,” she explains.

Business Failure Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (or BLS) provides some clarity on the number of business failures. According to the BLS, 20% of new businesses close during their first two years of operation.

In addition, 45% of companies fail within their first five years, and 65% close their doors during the first 10 years. Only 25% of new businesses reach the 15-year mark. These statistics have remained relatively stable since the 1990s.

Each potential business failure offers an opportunity to assess the company’s problems and formulate creative solutions. Companies that follow this path are better positioned to eventually achieve success.

Bringing Failure to the Forefront

Focusing attention on each business failure is the first step to learning from this unexpected occurrence. Steph Korey acknowledges that adopting this strategy might be challenging, but it is essential to developing a constructive business culture.

“It’s much easier to talk about failure in hypothetical terms than it is to actually embrace it, but highlighting these moments when they happen helps ensure this mindset becomes an active part of the culture you’re building,” she advises.

Two Effective Discussion Guidelines

To derive maximum benefit from failure-related discussions, Steph Korey says they should occur often. There likely won’t be a “right time” for these difficult conversations, so an effective leader should slot them into a meeting’s schedule.

Next, the company’s leadership should drive these exchanges. Team leaders and executives should speak about their personal mistakes so other team members feel more comfortable sharing their own challenges. Korey sums it up clearly and succinctly.

“As a leader, I share my failures in order to set the expectation with my team that they can feel comfortable doing the same, and to show them how these moments can make us stronger,” Korey stressed.

Spectacular Failures that Preceded Success

It’s easy to assume that highly successful companies enjoyed a steady upward trajectory to industry leadership. However, several high-profile businesses experienced notable failures before achieving the breakthroughs for which they are known. Undaunted, these companies’ leaders persevered, seemingly reveling in rejection as they forged ahead.

Steve Jobs and Apple

The late Steve Jobs, co-founder of the iconic Apple computer and electronics brand, guided the company to unprecedented success. Founded in 1976 in a garage, Apple quickly became known for its intuitive, high-quality products and worldwide brand culture. The firm’s refusal to engage in price wars proved a successful marketing strategy.

In the early 1980s, however, a series of product missteps resulted in Jobs’ tumultuous exit in 1985. He subsequently launched a hardware and software business called NeXT, Inc. Unfortunately, the company’s specialized operating system never gained market traction.

During the mid-1990s, Apple was in a precarious financial and market position. The company’s innovations had stalled, and its resources were dwindling. In 1997, Steve Jobs engineered a return to a leadership role, beginning the company’s dramatic turnaround.

Jobs oversaw the development of innovative new Apple products, such as the iMac, Macbook Air, iPhone, and iPod. In 2005, Steve Jobs reflected on his experience with the company. “I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me,” he remarked. In 2018, Apple became the world’s first trillion-dollar company.

Kentucky Fried Chicken

The Kentucky Fried Chicken (or KFC) fast-food restaurant brand has become one of the world’s most recognizable food brands. Over 75 years ago, founder Colonel Harland Sanders wrote down his now-famous chicken seasoning recipe on his kitchen door. This “finger-lickin’ good” herbs and spices blend helped to launch the franchise-based brand into the fast-food marketplace.

Decades later, this international company operates over 23,000 restaurants in more than 135 countries and territories. KFC’s Original Recipe is now accompanied by new flavors and chicken-focused product offerings.

However, Colonel Sanders’ path to success was littered with obstacles. First, he had previous failed careers as a lawyer and a salesman who marketed insurance, tires, and lamps.

However, Sanders’ most memorable failure was directly connected to his now-famous chicken seasoning recipe. He pitched the secret blend to over 1,000 potential franchisees, who all turned him down. Finally, the 1010^th person signed on the dotted line, helping the 62-year-old founder to realize his long-held dream.

Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company is known for famous cartoon characters such as Donald Duck and Mickey Mouse. Today, this global brand has become involved in theme parks, feature films, and pop culture phenomena such as Star Wars and Marvel Comics. In recognition of Walt Disney’s decades-long movie industry achievements, he received 22 Academy Awards.

Although Walt Disney would later meet with remarkable success, his career had a rocky start. Working for a Missouri newspaper in his early twenties, he was fired for “not being creative enough.” In 1921, Disney launched Laugh-O-Gram Studio, his first animation venture. Two years later, the company went bankrupt.

Not easily deterred, Walt Disney decided to reinvent himself in Hollywood. He soon founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, later renamed the Walt Disney Studio.  Over the years, he met with widespread success, and many new opportunities magically appeared on the horizon.

In 1957, Walt Disney summed up his attitude toward failure. “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me…You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you,” he reflected.

About Steph Korey

Steph Korey is a successful entrepreneur and investor who focuses on supporting talented entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. Born in Ohio, she enjoyed a multicultural upbringing, as her Lebanese father and Romanian mother often visited relatives in the Middle East and Europe.

Today, she credits those enriching experiences with helping her to develop an appreciation for diverse entrepreneurs’ talents. “Exposure to different cultures has always been a part of my life. I’m lucky to have had the opportunity to travel so much with my family growing up, and it’s shaped a lot of my perspectives and how I see the world,” Korey reflects.

Korey’s College Education Lays the Groundwork

Steph Korey’s culturally rich background likely influenced her college journey. Attending Brown University, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations. After serving as Head of Supply Chain at eCommerce eyeglasses retailer Warby Parker, she worked toward her MBA at Columbia Business School.

While pursuing her studies, Korey performed merchandise strategy work for Casper, the increasingly well-known direct-to-consumer (or DTC) mattress company. After completing stints at both firms, she saw that an effective DTC business model could enable a company to bring an upscale product directly to its consumers.

The Value of Impactful Storytelling

Steph Korey understands that growing a successful brand depends on factors besides the product. Through effective storytelling, the audience embraces the company’s message, an essential step in turning them into customers.

“My experiences at Warby and Casper also proved that a brand’s success is determined by so much more than just a great product. People don’t get excited about eyeglasses or mattresses—they get excited about the story those brands are telling,” she explains.

Steph Korey Excels in New Roles

In 2015, Steph Korey co-founded upscale lifestyle company Away. During her tenure, the firm reached a $1.4B valuation and raised $156M. While in her leadership role, Fast Company twice named Away as one of its Most Innovative Companies.

Today, Steph Korey is an active angel investor who frequently advises the businesses she supports. Forbes previously named her to its 30 Under 30 list for Retail and eCommerce. She has also been honored as an EY Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2018 and 2019, Steph Korey appeared on Goldman Sachs’  roll of 100 Builders + Innovators. Currently, she resides in New York City with her family.

Maintaining Perspective is Key

While an entrepreneur builds their business, they will make countless decisions that define their company’s path. Although some choices will propel the business forward, others may not work out quite as planned. Steph Korey emphasizes the value of keeping these “detours” in perspective, as they are important in the larger scheme of the business’ growth.

“Ultimately, your life and your career are made up of many small, but innately important choices: some of them will be the right ones, and some of them won’t be. Keeping this in mind can help to ensure that you maintain necessary perspective and don’t view every failure as a major setback, but just a helpful piece of the bigger picture,” she concludes.