Category: women

Tell us something about the outset story of your organization.

Growing up, I received my first taste of entrepreneurship from my family business. My family owns multiple restaurants and catering halls throughout New York. Even though it would have seemed to be the obvious choice to continue in my family’s footsteps and work within the business, I had the dreams I needed to chase. I wanted to create a legacy of my own and not take the easy way out and work for my family. So, I started my PR and digital marketing boutique agency, ZavoMedia, on the strength of my industry experience in marketing strategies and public relations with the mindset to assist female entrepreneurs within their journeys and inspire women to live out their goals and dreams. Additionally, I developed a platform of podcasts and interviews of executive female mentors who offer successful tips and guidance to women as they embark or continue the entrepreneurship journey. These platforms concentrate on personal branding, content marketing, brand awareness, leading with confidence, authenticity, and how to push through various obstacles of adversity.

What motivates and inspires you as a young entrepreneur?

As I remember my journey to get to where I am today, my two primary sources of inspiration are my son and the future generations of professionals. My son is my first source of inspiration because I not only want to provide choices and opportunities for him that I did not have when I was young, but I want to show him that anybody can make a difference in the world. Anything is possible with hard work and dedication. My second source of inspiration is providing a successful example to other women and proving that they can make their dreams a reality if they stay focused on the goal. I believe we all have a voice within us that can be powerful and impactful to others when heard. For some, it is life-changing. Speaking up endows more self-confidence and brings in newfound peace and growth. Being in the media industry for over a decade, I’ve witnessed and went through different scenarios that tested my voice as a publicist and Entrepreneur. It wasn’t an easy journey, I admit, but by learning from my experience and extracting the moral lessons, I didn’t end up empty-handed. There were situations when I felt unheard, powerless, and limited by my surroundings. However, it was in those struggles that I pushed myself to step up. I broke through my limits, and from then on, I didn’t allow anyone to trample on who I am and what I am capable of doing. Fueled with the desire to succeed, I decided to step forward and start speaking up for myself rather than staying in the shadows, and my goal is to inspire others to do the same.

How does your company uphold its uniqueness and individuality?

I believe the uniqueness of my company comes from my coaching principles and PR hacks. For example, I formulated my acronym – B. E. P. I. C. – which helped me overcome moments of weakness to this day. I teach this method to my mentees so they can find their confidence and their inner voice to carry them through their journey. At the end of the day, my company’s primary goal is to carve an avenue for women in this male-dominated world continuously. I have stood firm on that goal and stayed committed to not only providing resources to educate women further but also to give them the tools and skills needed to become competent professionals. It is also important to me to not only educate but inspire. As a result, I have utilized my network over the years to give solid examples of what could happen with hard work, persistence, and dedication. Today, I am known as the millennial PR strategist, a media mogul, and a branding maven.

Kindly mention some of the notable recognitions and accreditations received by your organization.

The first honorable accomplishment that I cherish is becoming the first female Entrepreneur and businesswoman in my family. I am an official member of the Forbes Business Council and Chairwoman of WMW Lounge in New York. I am also one of the latest members of the Young Entrepreneur Council, the editor and chief of my lifestyle magazine, and a celebrated keynote speaker. However, out of all of my accomplishments and accolades, my most outstanding achievement is helping women create their own space and succeed in their entrepreneurship journey. I started the podcast “What Makes a Woman.”, and have penned multiple columns for various prestigious outlets such as Entrepreneur, and have appeared on notable platforms such as Forbes, Huffington Post, INC and more. More recently, I mentor girls from orphanages by providing them the necessary resources to educate them on the art of entrepreneurship. I feel that if I reach back and help future generations, the cycle will continue, and I have made my mark on this world.

The pandemic turned the tables for every sector of the economy, telling us something about your market and its scope for growth.

Covid-19 has changed the structure of business for everyone. Thankfully, my team and I could adopt more technology and create a digital avenue that allows us to reach a bigger audience and develop more effective and profitable services for these times. We were able to pivot my platform during a pandemic and carve out a new way to reach women on the one latest and aggressively growing apps, Clubhouse. The idea and overwhelming response from the platform motivated me to start a virtual public relations academy, Zavo PR Academy, which transforms professionals, entrepreneurs, and executives from being unknown to becoming unrecognizable by teaching proper industry strategies for boosting personal brands. The academy also uses a specific method to help magnify and monetize a message, how to find your unique voice, and how to develop an authority in your niche. As a result, we were able to broaden my audience and help more women create a better life for themselves and their families without losing any of our team members.

Where do you see your organization in the years to come?

Going forward, my organization and I plan to take my brand and mission to the next level. Zavo Media Group is becoming a global company by establishing offices in Paris and Dubai in the Spring of 2022. We will capitalize on technology so we can reach an even larger audience and help more women tap into their unique voice and story to share with the world. I plan to continue to educate and inspire those who know that there is more to life than doing the bare minimum and those that want to live instead of merely existing. Overall, I will remain persistent in creating more avenues and preparing the next generation of successful entrepreneurs for their greatness. I love the idea of giving voice to the voiceless, and I love the idea of storytelling and the power behind someone’s message. As a result, I plan to continue creating a brand that is aligned with the things that I am extremely passionate about.

Entrepreneurship is an art, what is your take on that?

I agree that entrepreneurship is an art because this journey is not for everyone. It takes a skillful and passionate person to understand the balance of talent, dedication, and the need for patience to trust the process of birthing a dream. Most people give up because of the dark and narrow roads of entrepreneurship, mainly because there are no guarantees, no safety nets, and no one or nothing to fall back on. Everything rests on the entrepreneur’s shoulders, and not everyone can bear that amount of weight. For example, before I started my company, I was a college dropout and a single mom at age 20. I knew I wanted more so I decided to learn for myself the art of storytelling and how to get it out to the public. I wanted to share my story with the world so others can learn from my experience and become inspired. When PR initially piqued my interest, I had no knowledge of the industry, but I decided to partner with a firm in NYC under one condition: I would introduce new clients from my family’s restaurant, and in return, they will let me shadow and learn everything there is to know about PR. I gave myself a year, and during that year, it was nothing but hard work, grit, and determination. By the end of the year, I learned the ins and outs of PR and hired a mentor to teach me the business aspect, and started my journey. With only $5000 and a spirit of determination, I started my bootstrap startup company in 2017 without any partners to assist.

I want to encourage people not to quit on themselves and to trust the process. Every task, every mistake, every pitfall, and every move is pushing you closer and closer to your dream, and you will see that one day, it was worth it.

There are companies and then there are brands. A powerful brand is not only distinct and stands out from the competition due to its product/service but also due to the values it stands for, no matter what. Having a clear identity and purpose helps brands to effectively connect with consumers on an emotional level. 

To create this emotional connection, brands will need to focus on creating a positive customer experience. This means providing high-quality products and services that meet customer needs and expectations. Also, be accessible and convenient, making it easy for consumers to purchase their products and services. 

As the world becomes increasingly digitized, the way consumers interact with brands will also change. To stay relevant, brands need to be agile and adaptive, able to quickly respond to changes in the marketplace. They will also need to have a strong online presence, utilizing social media and other digital channels to reach their target audience. Building “raving fans” and community will stand brands in good stead and brands can now create a loyal following effortlessly with the use of digital media. Furthermore, brands will need to focus on creating an engaging and personalized experience for consumers and Justine Pogroske at Million Dollar Branders helps them in this journey.

Finding her Entrepreneurial Gene

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Justine had her first brush with business at the age of 6 when she sold used toys. As a child, she was fascinated by the idea of starting her own business and always knew she would eventually be her own boss. So, when the time came to choose a career, there was really only one option for her: entrepreneurship.

At age 11, her family migrated to Sydney, Australia. After school, she fell in love with the advertising industry. “I think it was the creativity that first drew me in – the way that a good advert can tell a story, evoke an emotion, and sell a product all at the same time. I also loved the challenge of it; trying to come up with an idea that is both original and effective,” recalls Justine.

After receiving her diploma in graphic design she started her career at one of the most renowned agencies in the world called Ogilvy and Mather(not without putting some serious campaigning skills on display until the creative director finally got her on board). The advertising industry turned out to be an incredible fit for her as she had always excelled at art and had always been good at public speaking. “I think that the advertising industry was a perfect mix of both of those talents. I have always loved coming up with creative ways to sell products, and been great at telling people about those products,” shares Justine.

Over the years she worked for leading agencies, M&C Saatchi, Optus, PwC, and more. At 24, she saw a gap in the market for an agency with the mindset of a “large agency” but the thoughtfulness of a boutique agency. That’s when her company, Million Dollar Branders was born. Justine says, “I wanted our number one focus to be on “expensifying brands” and building on “brand experiences”. Million Dollar Branders(MDB) is a boutique agency whose focus is on building brand empires and legacies for the experience age. We aim to deliver timeless branding solutions anchored in result-driven formulas. Today our client base ranges from Fortune 500 companies, Global thought leaders and celebrities, Nascar to Silicon Valley movers and shakers.”

Creating Unique Value

There are a few things that make Million Dollar Branders a leading brand agency. First, they have unrivaled industry experience building legacy brands. The team is comprised of experienced professionals who have a deep understanding of branding and marketing. Second, they’re always on the cutting edge of the latest industry trends – constantly exploring new ways to reach consumers and stay ahead of the competition. And third, they’re not afraid to take risks. They believe that to achieve something great, sometimes you have to think outside the box. 

The company believes that a great brand is more than just a pretty logo. It’s the sum of all the experiences a customer has with the company, from their first impression to their ongoing interactions. That’s why they take a 360-degree approach to branding (MDB calls this The Bankable Brand Alignment Method], developing strategies that cover everything from corporate identity, to digital presence: website, digital marketing, and social media. They’re also experts in brand positioning and messaging, so can help brands stand out from the crowd and connect with your target audience. In short, they know what it takes to build a strong, sustainable brand. 

Qualities that make a leader

As per Justine, a leader must be many things: confident, decisive, and level-headed. They must be able to take charge in a crisis and rally others to their cause. They must possess the strength of character to make tough choices, even when the path ahead is uncertain. And they must have the vision to see what is possible, even when others cannot. These are the three most important qualities a leader must possess. With them, anything is possible. Without them, even the simplest tasks become insurmountable. Most importantly a leader should be heart-centered and lead by example. 

Being decisive and rationale is crucial for leaders. But human as they are, there are moments when they might feel stuck. At times like these, Justine usually takes a deep breath and reminds herself that it is okay to not know everything. “I try to remember that everyone feels stuck or confused at times, even the people who seem to have it all together. Once I have given myself a little pep talk, I start brainstorming possible solutions. I try to think of all the different ways I could approach the problem. Sometimes, just taking a few minutes to brainstorm gives me the clarity I need to move forward. Other times, I like to do a little more research or ask for help from someone who has been there and done that and is well versed in that area or topic. I am very lucky to be connected with some incredible thought leaders. Most importantly I am kind to myself in the way I speak to myself as I know that I need to back myself to get through the situation. If you don’t believe in yourself then who will, period. I believe if you can see it in your mind, you can achieve it,” says Justine.

The preferred style of management

As a business leader, Justine believes that there are pros and cons to micromanaging. On the one hand, micromanaging can ensure that every aspect of the business is running smoothly. However, it can also be time-consuming and stressful, and it can prevent employees from taking initiative and being creative. Justine believes in empowering her employees to excel by giving them enough responsibility and resources to feel fulfilled and proud of their achievements and who they are becoming. She believes that as a business leader, one should set expectations and provide guidance, but one should also allow their team members to take ownership of their work and make decisions for themselves. “This approach has helped me to ensure that the business is running smoothly while also freeing up time to focus on other important tasks and goals,” she shares.

To the Budding Entrepreneurs:

Justine feels there’s no easy answer when it comes to the question of what advice to give young entrepreneurs. There are so many factors to consider and every situation is unique. So here’s what she has to say.

However, if I had to narrow it down, I would say that the most important thing is to be passionate about what you’re doing. If you’re not passionate about your business, it will be very difficult to succeed. You have to be willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to make your business a success. Additionally, you need to be able to take risks and accept failure as a possibility. Without taking risks, you’ll never achieve great things. 

As a young entrepreneur, you have a lot to learn. But don’t worry, that’s what entrepreneurship is all about – learning through experience. Always be learning. Be curious and read everything you can get your hands on – books, articles, blogs, whatever. And don’t just read about business – broaden your horizons and learn about history, psychology, science, art, anything that interests you. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with the challenges of entrepreneurship. 

Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is part of the process and it’s how we learn and grow. What matters is how you handle failure – do you let it defeat you or do you use it as motivation to succeed? Finally, always remember that attitude is everything. Entrepreneurship is tough and there will be days when you want to give up. It’s during those times that your positive attitude will make all the difference. Follow your dreams, work hard, and never give up, keep your head up, stay focused on your goals, and never give up. If you do those things, you’ll be well on your way to success.

I love the line from the poem Invictus “ I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul”. I keep this quote on my desk. As an entrepreneur, you will always be in control of your fate and your destiny.

Preparing for the New Normal

It’s no secret that the Covid-19 pandemic has turned the tables for every sector of the economy. With industries like hospitality and retail being hit the hardest, many companies have had to pivot to stay afloat. However, the IT sector has been one of the few to not only weather the storm but actually thrive in these uncertain times.

This is likely because, more than ever, people are relying on technology to stay connected and productive. As a result, there is a growing demand for innovative and reliable tech, creativity and software solutions. 

 So where does Justine see MDB in the years to come? She envisions the company as being at the forefront of this industry, providing cutting-edge solutions that help its clients stay ahead of the curve. To sustain this position, the team will continue to invest in research and development, and tech skills ensuring that they are always at the forefront of innovation.

 “Looking ahead, we see a bright future for our company. We plan to continue releasing cutting-edge services and products that meet the needs of our customers. We will also focus on building strong relationships with our clients, as we help them to future-proof their brands and pivot into the meta-verse terrain. We aim to help legacy-minded entrepreneurs cement their brands into the future of tech. With these strategies in place, coupled with our well-trained team of experts, we are confident that we can maintain our position as a leading brand and digital agency in the years to come,” concludes Justine.