I think of the woman who provides a supportive environment for women to connect, collaborate, and grow their careers, creating job opportunities and networking.

Women-led businesses are on the rise, and the data shows they often outperform their peers. From fostering strong company cultures to driving innovation and long-term success, women bring unique strengths to entrepreneurship and leadership. What are the key reasons behind their success? As a part of this series, I had the pleasure of interviewing Shari Bailey.

Shari Bailey is a seasoned executive and nonprofit leader with expertise in quality management, regulatory compliance, strategic planning, and family coaching. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Laila’s Gift, she advocates for and supports families of children with special needs. With over 20 years of experience in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and nutrition industries, she has led global quality initiatives, regulatory compliance programs, and process optimization efforts for major organizations. Her leadership combines corporate excellence with community-driven impact, ensuring organizations meet high standards while fostering meaningful change.

Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?

Ihave spent decades in the global manufacturing sector, primarily overseeing quality assurance and go-to-market strategies in the medical device, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. In 2014, I gave birth to twin girls, Lana and Laila, at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, Maryland. Shortly after, Laila was diagnosed with a rare condition known as Jacobsen syndrome, with only about 100 reported cases worldwide at that time. This news profoundly impacted our family and led me to discover my true purpose in life. Given Laila’s condition, which suggested she might not live past two years due to various complications, we decided to celebrate every birthday and milestone as if it could be her last. I also began to consider how Laila’s health situation might affect her beautiful twin sister, Lana.

Now ten years later, Laila is still with us! Although she continues to face numerous challenges I often say that over the past decade, I have earned a PhD in caregiving through life experience. Caregiving is a commitment that requires unwavering attention to the well-being of your loved one day in and day out. Laila and Lana have truly helped me uncover my life’s purpose, which inspired me to establish the nonprofit Laila’s Gift. This organization advocates for, supports, and celebrates children with special needs and disabilities. We have taken our personal experiences and transformed them into our nonprofit model, offering free celebrations for children to celebrate their birthdays and significant milestones. Our program also recognizes the importance of supporting siblings and caregivers, who are vital to the family dynamic.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

At 17, I was working as a bank teller at a local bank and felt the need for a new challenge. My dad mentioned that a company was looking for a quality assurance specialist. I had never encountered that role before, but it intrigued me, so I decided to apply. The company offered me the position, and I stayed in that industry for 25 years!

My journey is particularly interesting because, despite holding a college degree in business, I was still unsure about my next career moves. By reaching out for feedback and advice from those around me, I was able to shape my long-term career path, for which I am genuinely grateful. This experience taught me that we shouldn’t attempt to do everything on our own; sometimes, insights from others can propel us to greater heights. I started as a quality assurance specialist and, over the course of 25 years in progressive leadership roles, ultimately became a global vice president of quality assurance. This journey required a lot of grit and intentional development, but my experiences over the years have shaped me and prepared me for even greater potential.

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Starting your own nonprofit is a significant undertaking, especially for someone with no prior nonprofit experience and a background of 25 years in the corporate world. Honestly, I believed many of the skills I had acquired would be transferable to the nonprofit sector, but I quickly discovered that the nonprofit realm is not as straightforward as many assume. For-profit companies have tangible products to sell, allowing them to focus their resources on advertising and marketing to drive sales, with most consumers purchasing items because they receive something concrete in return. In contrast, nonprofits operate differently; you must engage your audience in unique ways, as you’re promoting a cause rather than a product. This made for a challenging transition for me as I had to learn to sell passion instead of products.

I remember when we initially launched the nonprofit, I even registered a .com domain, reflecting my commerce-oriented mindset. I later realized that .org is the more appropriate domain for nonprofits. Looking back, it’s amusing to see a seasoned corporate leader creating a .com for a nonprofit; it highlights the mindset I had when starting the organization. We now have a .org domain, and over the past three years, I have gained extensive knowledge about the nonprofit sector through self-education and intentional development. This transition has helped me become a more well-rounded thought leader, with a deeper understanding of both for-profit and nonprofit operations.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have many exceptional leaders who have supported me in various ways, either as mentors or as strong advocates for my career aspirations. One standout individual was my boss during one of my Director-level roles. As a fellow woman leader, she was incredibly understanding of my position as a woman in leadership and as a mother of a child with special needs. I remember the frequent travel required for preparing new sites in different states, which kept me on the road about 80% of the time and away from my family. My daughters were quite young at the time, and unfortunately, the household responsibilities fell primarily on my husband, which was not an ideal situation.

This boss, Ann, was extraordinarily compassionate and supportive, helping me navigate my situation every step of the way. She provided flexibility whenever possible, and despite my role overseeing several sites, she allowed me to manage most site governance locally rather than being on the road 80% of the time. Her leadership demonstrated not only the trust she had in me but also empowered me to achieve results, knowing I had someone in my corner who believed in my abilities and understood the unique challenges of raising a young child with special needs.

Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?

Melinda Gates authored the book “The Moment of Lift” which resonated so much with me. The book provides valuable insights into leadership, resilience, and the collective strength of women, ultimately encouraging a more inclusive and equitable approach to leadership in all areas of life.

The book explores how empowering women can change the world. This is one of my favorite books because it demonstrates the true power of gender equality, and by providing the tools and resources to uplift the voices of women, we create the perfect social harmony.

Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?

“One Step at a Time”.

After Laila was born, I became a regular at Johns Hopkins Hospital, as she wasn’t discharged until she was about four months old. Each day seemed to bring a new challenge, and I had to train myself to take everything one step at a time. During this period, I learned the importance of giving myself grace and understanding that it’s okay to not have everything figured out immediately.

Often, we tend to rush ahead and worry about the future, but in difficult situations, it’s more beneficial to concentrate on managing one step at a time. Embracing this mindset allowed me to alleviate additional pressure and focus on the present. It’s essential to recognize that progress doesn’t always mean moving forward in leaps and bounds; sometimes, it’s about acknowledging small victories along the way. By being kind to myself and accepting that it’s perfectly fine to take things slowly, I was able to cultivate a healthier mindset and navigate the challenges with greater resilience. Giving myself grace became a vital part of my journey, reminding me that every small step counts.

How have you used your success to make the world a better place?

I view the concept of success as relative, and while I have experienced many successes in my life, I truly believe that purpose serves as the guiding light for making the world a better place. When we understand our purpose, we tend to strive for more and work harder, which often leads to success. However, it wasn’t success that motivated me to improve the world; rather, it was my passion and purpose that drove me to create positive change, ultimately resulting in successful outcomes.

I think that when we concentrate too much on success as the end goal, we risk missing out on the present moment. To truly appreciate the beauty of success, we need to be fully engaged in the here and now; it all goes hand-in-hand. So, to answer your question, I’ve used my passion and my purpose to enhance the world around me by recognizing that my experiences with Lana and Laila have given me a unique perspective on life. This perspective is something I continue to share and educate others about, helping to raise awareness so that those who may not share the same experiences can learn to empathize and understand. After all, we can’t learn to empathize and understand someone we are unaware of.

Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. What unique strengths do women bring to leadership that give them an edge in building successful companies?

Women are nurturers by nature, yet they also possess a diverse array of skill sets that span a wide spectrum. On one end, we have women leaders who are intentional and assertive in their goal-setting, driving their teams with clarity and ambition. On the other hand, some adopt a servant leadership style, prioritizing the growth and well-being of their team members. This diversity in leadership is one of the unique strengths that women bring to the table.

Women contribute a wide range of leadership skills that can significantly enhance the success of companies. Their perspectives often stem from different experiences, allowing them to view challenges and opportunities through a unique lens. This ability to see things from various angles fosters creativity and innovation, which are essential for thriving in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Moreover, women are adept at fostering inclusive environments that encourage diverse thoughts and opinions. By cultivating a culture of collaboration, they bring a multitude of ideas to the forefront of discussions, enriching the decision-making process. This not only enhances problem-solving but also helps companies tap into a broader customer base, understanding and meeting the needs of a variety of stakeholders.

Additionally, women leaders often excel in emotional intelligence, allowing them to connect with their teams on a deeper level. This connection can lead to stronger relationships, improved morale, and increased employee retention. When team members feel valued and understood, they are more likely to contribute their best work, driving the company toward greater success.

The unique strengths that women bring to leadership — ranging from diverse leadership styles and innovative perspectives to emotional intelligence and inclusivity — are invaluable in building successful companies. By leveraging these strengths, organizations can create a more dynamic, resilient, and forward-thinking workplace that thrives in an ever-evolving world.

Can you share a moment in your entrepreneurial journey where your perspective as a woman helped you solve a major challenge?

I view entrepreneurship much like pregnancy; as an entrepreneur, you cultivate an idea that you ultimately aim to bring to fruition, much like carrying a baby. A significant moment in my entrepreneurial journey, where my perspective as a woman helped me navigate a major challenge, was recognizing that it takes nine months to create a baby.

For instance, when leading high-impact programs and projects, there are times when we attempt to accelerate timelines — essentially trying to do things faster. However, just like with pregnancy, there’s only so much speed that can be applied to a project or program. We can’t create a baby in three months; there’s a natural timeline that must be respected, which parallels the entrepreneurial journey.

When we develop an idea that we want to eventually launch, we need to remember that there are distinct phases — akin to trimesters — that are essential for the development process to unfold properly. While we can try to expedite timelines when possible, we must also set realistic targets that won’t compromise the quality of the outcome we are striving for.

What role do mentorship and networking play in the success of women-led businesses, and how have they influenced your own path?

I believe that mentorship and networking are among the most essential components of success — not just for women in business, but for all. These two elements have significantly shaped the relationships I have today and the experiences and lessons I’ve gathered throughout my journey, as well as the paths I envision for the future. I have been both a mentee and a mentor, and each role is vital for ongoing learning and guidance. It’s a tremendous honor to be seen as someone who can offer insights and support to aspiring leaders, yet there’s also something profoundly rewarding about learning from those with experience.

When I first embarked on my entrepreneurial journey, I found networking to be a challenging skill to master. Although I’ve always considered myself an extrovert, I needed to refine not just my ability to network, but to do so with intention. Anyone can engage in casual conversation, but the real challenge is transforming those conversations into potential partnerships and collaborations. This perspective shift led me to approach discussions through a different lens — maintaining authenticity while using the dialogue to share what I do and create opportunities for connection.

In compliment of the theory of 6° of separation which suggests that everyone in the world is connected to any other person through a chain of no more than six acquaintances. In the context of mentorship and networking, this means that our potential connections and opportunities for collaboration may be closer than we think. It reminds us that each connection we cultivate can open doors to new experiences and insights, propelling us forward in our personal and professional endeavors. Embracing this idea has not only enhanced my networking skills but has also deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of our journeys in business and beyond.

What misconceptions still exist about women as business leaders, and how do you push back against them?

One of the most significant misconceptions about women leaders is the belief that we operate solely from our hearts rather than our minds. In reality, while we are empathetic leaders, we also approach situations with objectivity, challenging the notion that we are merely emotional beings. When people claim that women leaders often base their decisions on feelings, I respectfully disagree. Instead, I believe that women view situations through a nurturing lens, ensuring that they consider all aspects before concluding. This inquisitive nature sets us apart, as we prioritize a thorough understanding of situations before reaching a decision.

I strive to change this narrative by showcasing my emotional intelligence while also making informed and assertive decisions. This approach creates a balanced leadership style that reflects both empathy and rationality.

Ok super. Here is the main question of our interview. Can you please share “5 Reasons Why Women Build Great Companies”?

If you can, please share an example or story for each.

1. Women build great companies to ignite positive change in society –

I think of the woman who aims to disrupt the industry by providing her products that donate back to a nonprofit, promoting social change and access to vision care.

2. They create opportunities for others, fostering inclusive environments.

I think of the woman who provides a supportive environment for women to connect, collaborate, and grow their careers, creating job opportunities and networking.

3. Women demonstrate that entrepreneurship is not limited by gender.

I think of the woman who exemplifies women’s entrepreneurial spirit by transforming her idea into a billion-dollar company, inspiring countless women to pursue their own ventures.

4. They aim to break through barriers and challenge societal norms.

I think of the woman who started her company with a small investment and has since become a prominent figure in retail, breaking through the glass ceiling while promoting female empowerment in business.

5. Their companies support and empower women while welcoming individuals of all backgrounds

I think of the woman who created a dating app that encourages women to make the first move and fosters an inclusive community.

How do women-led companies tend to approach company culture and employee engagement differently, and what impact does that have on success?

I firmly believe that women-led companies often bring a distinctive approach to company culture and employee engagement, yet it’s essential to acknowledge that organizations don’t need to be led by women to foster a positive work environment. Women in leadership roles often take it upon themselves to nurture relationships and create a supportive culture, but companies without women in top positions can also achieve these goals.

The empowering message here is that everyone — regardless of gender or role — has a vital voice in driving change within their organization. By speaking up and sharing diverse perspectives, we can break down the isolation that society sometimes imposes and cultivate a culture rich in varied ideas and collaboration.

Ultimately, while there has been a growing recognition of the value women bring to leadership, we must remember that a thriving company culture can be realized through effective leadership, open communication, and ongoing education. Success does not solely depend on being women-led; it is achievable in any organization that prioritizes inclusivity and strong communication.

What are some underrated strategies women entrepreneurs use to secure funding and scale their businesses?

Local grants and venture capital are often underrated strategies for women entrepreneurs looking to secure funding and scale their businesses. Many people perceive these funding options as distant or exclusive, believing that only those within elite circles can access them. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Becoming a member of your local Chambers of Commerce will put you in a room with many helpful resources. Women entrepreneurs should also actively reach out to venture capital groups to explore available funding opportunities. These options typically come with clear eligibility criteria, and it’s important to note that you don’t have to be a millionaire to take advantage of them. Engaging with these resources can help women entrepreneurs unlock the support they need to grow their businesses successfully.

If you could change one systemic barrier that makes it harder for women to build companies, what would it be and why?

If I could change one systemic barrier that makes it more challenging for women to build companies, it would be the perception that it’s inherently harder for women to succeed in entrepreneurship. In my own experience, I have been fortunate to feel welcomed in various boardrooms and have not faced gender-specific obstacles while building my businesses. However, that doesn’t mean the problem doesn’t exist.

For me, the focus should be less on merely discussing the importance of unity and more on taking action to foster it. Actions speak louder than words, and the more we work to dismantle the belief that women face insurmountable hurdles in entrepreneurship, the more we can collectively trust in each other’s skills and capabilities. By empowering one another, we can create an environment where women feel supported in their endeavors to build successful companies.

You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

If I could inspire a movement aimed at creating the greatest good for the largest number of people, it would be one that champions the unity of the human race. Too often, we become fixated on our differences and overlook the many similarities that connect us. Imagine a world where we see ourselves as fundamentally the same, where the focus isn’t on debating our cultural distinctions but rather on collaborating as a united front. After all, we share many common interests and motivations, and by embracing this shared humanity, we can work together to achieve positive change for everyone.

We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

If I had the opportunity to have a private sitting with anyone, I would choose the opportunity to have a private breakfast with MacKenzie Scott. During our sitting, I would delve into her motivations for her remarkable philanthropic efforts and her commitment to making the world a better place. While I recognize that she frequently receives countless requests for donations, my focus would not be another request on the list, instead, I’d explore the origins of her generosity and understand the principles that guide her giving. I’m eager to learn about her personal experiences, insights, and the goals she hopes to achieve through her philanthropic initiatives. This conversation would not only be a chance to gain valuable perspectives but also to discuss how her approach to giving can inspire others to contribute meaningfully to society.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can follow my work on social media for Laila’s Gift (@Lailasgift_nonprofit) or visit our website LailasGift.org

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.

About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.

Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.