Edition No 200. Knowledge is best when shared

DEAR WOMEN WHO DO,

This is our 200th issue of The SuiteSheet! If I’d known back then everything I’ve learned from the incredible industry trailblazers we’ve featured over the years, I’d be a billionaire by now. Happily giving it all away to women founders and activists.

In the meantime, we will continue to live by our philosophy that knowledge is best when shared. And bring you the best learnings from our members and wider WIE Suite community.

What do I wish for 200 issues from now? A world where women are respected, invested in, promoted and supported. Oh, and a woman president would be nice. There’s still time :) 

Read on to recap some of our best stories of the last few years, including a profile of TIAA President and CEO Thasunda Brown Duckett, our first ever WIE Suite Woman.

Best,

Dee

WIE SUITE WOMAN

Thasunda Brown Duckett Reflects on Taking Business Risks and Being a Leader for Our Times

When we first featured Thasunda as a WIE Woman in 2021, she had just stepped into her current role as President and CEO of TIAA, becoming only the second Black woman to lead a Fortune 500 company. Her reflections on leadership still ring true four years later.

 “My hope is that young people of all backgrounds will be able to see someone who looks like me, someone who has this unbelievable passion, and be inspired to believe in their own abilities and to say, ‘I too, can ascend. I, too, can be a CEO. I, too, can someday be whatever it is that I aspire to.’”

READ MORE

WIE SUITE WOMAN

Wise Words on Transparency, Boldness, Reinvention, and Authenticity That Still Resonate

Since its inception, our WIE Woman interview series has spotlighted trailblazers who remind us what leadership looks like when it’s grounded in purpose, creativity, and courage. 

Stephanie Mehta, CEO of Mansueto Ventures (Fast Company, Inc.), shared why transparency remains the backbone of trustworthy journalism and how it shapes resilient organizations.

Ukonwa Ojo, founder and CEO of Zaia Ventures, opened up about boldly switching careers - drawing on her experience leading global brands like Amazon Prime Video and M.A.C - to build a venture studio designed to create what didn’t exist before.

Bobbi Brown, beauty industry icon and founder of Jones Road Beauty, revealed how reinvention and staying true to your vision are the secrets to remaining relevant.

And Mara Akil, screenwriter, director, and showrunner, reminded us that creativity flourishes when authenticity is no longer optional, but expected.

READ MORE

MOVE THE NEEDLE

How We Stay Sharp: Perspectives That Informed How We Lead

From boardrooms to breaking points, our Move the Needle series has always spotlighted the sharpest strategies and boldest thinking. We’re revisiting our most powerful pieces that helped us reframe what it means to lead with clarity and courage. 

Mori Taheripour, author and award-winning educator, reminds us that preparation and confidence in a negotiation allows women to achieve better outcomes than their male counterparts.

Cindy Gallop, CEO of Make Love Not Porn, defines an Alpha CEO and how great ones create a culture where trust and belief unlock exceptional performance.

And in times of crisis, founders Naomi Seligman of Tower26 and Marni Tomljanovic of Good Grit, challenge leaders to view reputation and legacy as core business strategies.

READ MORE

MASTERCLASS MOMENTS

Key Learnings We're Revisiting from Experts Challenging the Status Quo

Our Masterclass Moments have sparked breakthroughs, tough conversations, and game-changing mindset shifts. We’re revisiting the lessons from top thought leaders who challenged the status quo and changed the way we lead.

Khartoon Weiss, VP of Global Business Solutions at TikTok, broke down how brands can decode the platform’s culture to accelerate growth and stay relevant.

Nikkia Reveillac, research storyteller, reminded us that knowing your audience, through meaningful, nuanced consumer insights, is the key to unlocking innovation.

Jenny Fielding, co-founder and Managing Partner at Everywhere Ventures, shared practical wisdom on how founders can keep capital flowing in all climates. 

And Ida Liu, the visionary leader in global wealth management and former Global Head of Citi Private Bank, emphasized the power women hold in shaping their financial future.

READ MORE

MUST READ

OUR WEEKEND READING LIST

How trust became the new currency of brand growth (Fast Company)

How Toni Morrison changed publishing (The Atlantic)

Women in their 20s and 30s are working more than ever before (The 19th)

COMMUNITY NEWS

• Co-owner and Chief Brand Officer of Wölffer Estate Vineyard, Joey Wölffer, launched their limited-edition Summer in a Bottle rosé.

• Co-founder and CEO of Frances Valentine, Elyce Arons' new book We Just Might Make it After All is a NYT Bestseller.

• Founder of Rebecca Minkoff, Rebecca Minkoff, was featured in Forbes to celebrate the brand's 20th anniversary.

UPCOMING EVENT

Is My Business a Fit for AI? How to Innovate Safely and Strategically

Is your business ready for AI—and how can you innovate without compromising trust, ethics, or long-term sustainability? In this masterclass, Alyssa Harvey Dawson, a seasoned leader in legal strategy, technology, and AI governance, will offer a clear, practical approach to assessing AI readiness and integrating it responsibly. Drawing on her experience across Fortune 500 companies, startups, and mission-driven organizations, Alyssa will explore how to align AI adoption with your business goals, navigate legal and ethical risks, and foster cross-functional collaboration that keeps innovation both strategic and safe. Whether you're exploring AI for the first time or looking to scale responsibly, this session will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. RSVP HERE