How Women Executives Move the World and Each Other

As a woman-owned business in the pallet industry, Rose Pallet is in a minority group; but, we don’t let this fact stack against us. Rather, we embrace the opportunity to compete in the marketplace, blaze a trail, and encourage other women to enter the wonderful world of pallets.

To help in this endeavor, our vice president and co-owner Mia Allen joined the Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO) and the International Association of Women (IAW). Through her involvement, she is able to share business expertise and learn from fellow women business leaders.

Mia has been regularly active in both advisory organizations. We sat down to ask her a few questions about her participation and how it has benefited the company, our employees, and our customers.

1. Tell us about the topics you discussed at your last meeting: Every conference, meeting, or social gathering is extremely beneficial because I get to hear women’s perspective on important business matters such as staff turnover, compensation, and quality control. But, it’s so much more than a discussion. The women in attendance are eager to help each other succeed by solving real business problems. For example, I have received advice about taking my service-based business to the next level and how to effectively cross-train my employees.
2. What is one thing you have done differently at work as a result of what you have learned?
   To greater emphasize employee recognition in order to enhance our corporate culture. Companies cannot flourish without the right people on board. And retaining employees hinges, in part, on corporate culture. I’ve learned that culture is more important to performance than strategy or operating model. It’s what makes everything tick and work more efficiently.
3. Tell us your thoughts on being named 2018-2019 Influencer of the Year by the International Association of Women.
   Of course, it is a great honor to be recognized for leadership in entrepreneurship. I’ve always been self-motivated and I like to set goals for personal excellence so this award certainly reflects my hard work. But, the distinction has also helped me in recruiting efforts for both the IAW and WPO. One might say, I’ve been able to ‘influence’ many other female executives to join and become active members.
4. What has been your favorite event thus far?
   I really enjoyed the Women Presidents’ Organization Chicago Summit last fall at Radio Flyer’s home office on Chicago’s west side. The program was focused on building a great company culture. All of the women in attendance were there with the same purpose—to learn from each other and gain ideas to foster employee happiness for better company performance.  And, I must admit, it was pretty cool to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of one of childhood’s most beloved icons—the Little Red Wagon.
5. What are you looking forward to doing next?
   In the past, I have run for office to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Wooden Pallet and Container Association and I may consider that again. I am also looking forward to applying the knowledge I’ve gained from both female advisory organizations in mentoring. I plan to share obstacles and successes in running a women-owned company with an individual on a one-to-one basis.