Women of Influence: Tee Wilson, B.E. Academy for Girls
Get to know 2025 Women of Influence honoree Tee Wilson, founder and CEO of B.E. Academy for Girls.
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Forbes
05-06-2025
- Forbes
How Women Over 50 Can Break The Age Barrier In The Workplace
Executive life empowerment coach, Pirie Jones Grossman Coaching. Unfortunately, many women suffer from ageism in the workplace. A 2024 survey by Women of Influence+, an organization focused on helping women advance their careers, found the following: 'Out of the 1,258 participants surveyed, a staggering 77.8 per cent reported experiencing age-based prejudice or discrimination in the workplace at some stage in their careers.' This finding doesn't surprise me. In fact, in my time working with women as a life empowerment coach, I've observed that often, women over 50 face significant ageism at work. Women over 50 should not feel invisible at work. Of course, there's a lot that must be said about employers and other stakeholders challenging their own potential biases against women in this age group. However, for the purpose of this article, I'm going to focus on strategies women over 50 can use to overcome age-related biases and progress in their careers. In my view, the foundational step in navigating any challenge is making a mindset shift. I've noticed that many women over 50 fall into 'survival' mode at work. Facing ageism and other pressures, they show up with the goal of just making it through each day. That's understandable in light of such challenges. However, I urge women over 50 to shift their mindsets from merely surviving to one of thriving. Many women encounter numerous ageist beliefs throughout their lives, leading them to believe that once they reach a certain age, their careers will slow down or come to a halt altogether. But I believe that reaching the age of 50 makes us powerful. By that age, we've accumulated plenty of life experiences that give us more wisdom than we had when we were younger, and that give us a better sense of who we are. How can you step into 'thriving' mode? In my experience, it comes down to how you're presenting yourself. Think about the impression you're giving off when you walk into a room. Is it one that shows you're confident, self-assured and ready to speak your thoughts? Or is it one that shows you're unsure, hesitant and holding yourself back? With my clients and myself, I've found that when we walk with confidence and self-assuredness in our professional lives, that's when we begin to thrive, not just survive. From my observations, some women over 50 think it's too late for them to change course in life. However, numerous examples demonstrate that there is no age limit to embracing change and reinvention. We have the power to pivot. Vera Wang launched her bridal gown designing business at 40, after 'a brief stint working as an accessories designer for Ralph Lauren' and years as an editor for Vogue. After a career in editorial, Toni Morrison published her first novel, The Bluest Eye, in 1970 when she was 39 and went on to win a Pulitzer Prize in 1988 for her novel Beloved. I believe that life is a constant cycle of change, and when we're open to change instead of resisting it, that's when we can explore new possibilities and forge fresh paths. As the saying goes, 'It's not what you know, it's who you know.' If you're a woman over 50, I encourage you to network and form connections with others. Let people know who you are, what your skills are and what your professional interests are. Use your voice to sell yourself instead of waiting for someone else to recognize you. I've frequently heard some women over 50 express that they've aged out of technology. I used to always say I was technology-challenged. But I reached a point where I thought, 'Why do I keep saying that?' In today's workplace, it's vital to understand technology and social media and to keep up with changes to both. If you don't, you risk your skills becoming obsolete. My advice to women over 50? Invest in your continuing education, whether it's by signing up for courses, attending webinars, asking colleagues questions, etc. Many companies today have multigenerational workforces, and I believe such workforces are advantageous and should be celebrated because people from different life stages can connect and learn from one another. If you're a woman over 50, strive to learn from people both older and younger than you, and look for opportunities to share your knowledge and experience with others. What you learn can propel you to further success at work, as can what you share. For instance, from a Gen-Z or Millennial coworker, you might pick up how to leverage AI to work more efficiently. From a Baby Boomer coworker, you might acquire a new conflict resolution skill. As for offering your own insights, when you do so, you're helping others and increasing your value to the team. As you progress in your professional life, you should take ownership of your narrative. I've found that it helps to sit down, reflect and write down how you see yourself and how you think people see you. Then you should ask several trusted people in your life, such as family members, relatives and mentors, how they see you. Tell them you're trying to get a realistic picture of how you come across to people in your professional and personal life. Listen to what they have to say, take it in and then make any changes you deem necessary. Ultimately, I encourage women over 50 to cultivate and take ownership of narratives that honor and serve who they are so they can combat the feeling of being overlooked or dismissed. When you speak up and make yourself seen in a way that gracefully enables your wisdom and expertise to shine, that's when you can break the age barrier. Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Yahoo
Toshiba Hardware and Software Leaders Win National Women of Influence Award for Transformative Contributions to Retail Technology
Stacy Arrington and Johanna Hinkle honored as Women of Influence for advancing innovation, mentorship, and transformative retail technology in the food industry RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., May 28, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Honoring their innovations and impact on the retail technology industry, Stacy Arrington and Johanna Hinkle from Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions have been named 2025 recipients of The Shelby-Griffin Report's Women of Influence in the Food Industry Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates two standout leaders whose work embodies Toshiba's commitment to driving innovation, operational excellence, and customer success in the evolving food retail industry. "At Toshiba, our strength as a global leader in retail technology is built on a foundation of innovation, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to our customers," said Rance Poehler, President and CEO of Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions. "Leaders like Stacy and Johanna bring that foundation to life every day. Their vision, creativity, and impact reflect the very best of who we are as a company and how we help propel the industry forward." As Manager of Hardware Development, Arrington is instrumental in bringing next-generation retail solutions to life, including the new MxP™ Vision Kiosk, an advanced product recognition system designed specifically for high-volume, small-format food retailers. Backed by over 20 years in the industry and recognized as a Toshiba Master Inventor with 20 patents, she blends deep technical expertise with a strong understanding of real-world customer needs. "I'm proud to be part of a company that not only invests in groundbreaking technology but also in the people who bring those ideas to life," said Arrington. "As we build the future of food retail, I hope my journey encourages more women to pursue their passions, lead boldly, and know they belong in every room where innovation happens." In 2024, Arrington took on a formal leadership role where she now influences product strategy and mentors Toshiba's next generation of engineers and interns. Her ability to lead with empathy, precision, and a relentless focus on customer success underscores her value to the broader retail technology ecosystem. Hinkle is a driving force behind Toshiba's retail innovation strategy, playing a critical role in developing and expanding the ELERA® Security Suite. In her role as Director of AI & Automation Solutions, Hinkle empowers food retailers to tackle shrink, one of the industry's most pressing challenges. Under her leadership, ELERA Security Suite has evolved into a global solution delivering measurable return on investment and operational resilience for retailers. "Innovation isn't just about building technology—it's about challenging assumptions, empowering others, and solving the problems that matter most. I'm proud to be part of a company that empowers women, champions bold thinking, and is transforming how retailers fight shrink and drive smarter business outcomes. Together, we're redefining the industry's future," said Hinkle. Known for her ability to translate complex challenges into scalable, effective solutions, Hinkle also serves as a mentor and innovation champion within Toshiba. Her commitment to supporting women in technology and nurturing future innovators exemplifies the company's values of empowerment and leadership. The Shelby Report selects Women of Influence winners for demonstrating a superior level of dedication and professionalism in the success of their company and the industry, as well as leadership through other initiatives such as charity, philanthropy, or civic work. About Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions: Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions empowers retail to thrive and prosper through a dynamic ecosystem of smarter, more agile solutions and services that enable retailers to resiliently evolve with generations of consumers and adapt to market conditions. Supported by a global organization of devoted employees and partners, retailers gain more visibility and control over operations while enjoying the flexibility to build, scale, and transform retail experiences that anticipate and fulfill consumers' ever-changing needs. Visit and engage with us on:LinkedIn - YouTube - Facebook - Instagram: @toshibacommerceX/Twitter: @ToshibaCommerce Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions is a wholly owned subsidiary of Toshiba Tec Corporation, which is traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. View source version on Contacts MEDIA CONTACT: Toshiba Global Commerce SolutionsElizabeth Romero / Amy Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Journals
05-05-2025
- Business Journals
Women of Influence: Tee Wilson, B.E. Academy for Girls
Get to know 2025 Women of Influence honoree Tee Wilson, founder and CEO of B.E. Academy for Girls.
