Tamra Ryan became the leader of Women’s Bean Project in 2003 because she was deeply inspired by its business model. Women’s Bean Project is an employment social enterprise that operates as a nonprofit organization. It is built on the belief that all women have the power to transform their lives through employment. The organization hires women facing chronic unemployment for a period of six to nine months. During this time, these women spend approximately 70% of their paid hours working in a food manufacturing business.
Tamra Ryan | CEO | Women’s Bean Project
They produce a variety of food products, including bean soup and baking mixes, as well as snacks and spices. The remaining 30% of their paid time is dedicated to personal development. This combination of work experience and self-improvement enables women to transition from chronic unemployment to long-term, sustainable employment. Tamra was initially drawn to the business model, but as she became more involved, she was further inspired by the women who demonstrated resilience and determination to change their lives and the lives of their families. At EliteX, we are proud to have Tamra Ryan as part of the edition: 10 Elite Business Leaders in 2025.
Over the course of her career, Tamra has learned many valuable lessons. One of the most important insights she has gained is the distinction between management and leadership. While management focuses on tasks and processes, leadership requires a deeper commitment to guiding and inspiring others. Her understanding of this distinction led her to write a book, “Followship: 16 Lessons to Become a Leader Worth Following,” which was released in January 2025. She believes that great leadership is about being worthy of being followed, not just about giving directions.
“Every problem has a solution, and within my team, we have the ability to solve it.”
To stay ahead of industry trends and changes, Tamra constantly observes both internal and external environments. She believes that strong leaders must connect the dots and anticipate where their industry is headed. This forward-thinking approach allows her to position her organization strategically within the larger landscape. One of the key factors that set Women’s Bean Project apart from other organizations in the same field is its unwavering focus on its mission. While the company operates as a food manufacturer with national distribution, its true purpose remains helping women overcome employment barriers. Revenue generation is an essential component of the organization, but it serves as a means to an end. Financial success enables the company to hire more women and further its mission, ensuring that economic performance aligns with social impact.
When Tamra first became CEO of Women’s Bean Project, she faced significant challenges. The organization was in financial distress, and its future was uncertain. The scope of problems was overwhelming, but instead of trying to solve each issue individually, she took a step back to focus on the larger purpose. By creating a vision for success, she was able to prioritize issues and rally her team around a shared goal. This approach helped her navigate the organization through a difficult period and set it on a path to stability and growth.
One of the most impactful decisions Tamra made was shutting down the company’s catering business. The unit had been built on a low-cost model, but as revenue grew, so did the financial losses. Despite several attempts to turn the business around, it became clear that it was not sustainable. Tamra faced resistance from stakeholders, but she successfully reframed the decision as a mission-driven choice rather than a financial one. She demonstrated that redirecting resources to the core food manufacturing business would allow the organization to hire more women and make a greater impact. Within a year, the company had more than compensated for the lost revenue through its primary business operations.
Motivating and inspiring her team is a crucial part of Tamra’s leadership style. She believes in consistently reinforcing the organization’s mission and reminding employees of the impact of their work. Every team member at Women’s Bean Project is there because they believe in the mission. Seeing the success of the women who complete the program serves as a powerful reminder of why their contributions matter. Innovation plays a significant role in the organization’s success. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement, always challenging existing processes and adapting to changing circumstances. By taking calculated risks and staying flexible, Women’s Bean Project remains responsive to new opportunities and evolving market conditions. Tamra approaches business with a clear long-term vision in mind. Each short-term goal is aligned with this larger vision, ensuring that day-to-day decisions contribute to the company’s overall success. She believes that starting with the end goal in mind provides clarity and direction, making it easier to set and achieve milestones along the way.
“Financial success is a means to an end—allowing us to hire more women and advance our mission.”
Building strong relationships with customers and partners is another priority for Tamra. She believes that conflicts often arise when people become fixated on being right rather than understanding different perspectives. Acknowledging multiple viewpoints and showing empathy helps in building trust and maintaining healthy professional relationships. In today’s business world, Tamra believes that great leadership is rooted in trust. There is widespread skepticism toward leaders, and rebuilding trust requires consistent actions that demonstrate integrity, mindfulness, and courage. Ensuring that employees feel heard and valued is essential to fostering a positive organizational culture.
To manage stress and maintain well-being, Tamra incorporates meditation and exercise into her routine. She also reminds herself that every problem has a solution and trusts her team to work together to find the best path forward. This mindset helps her navigate challenges with confidence and resilience. For those starting their journey in business, Tamra advises understanding the difference between management and leadership. Many managers transition into leadership roles but continue to rely solely on management skills. She emphasizes that leadership is about how one shows up and engages with others, not just about overseeing tasks. Making this shift is a crucial step in becoming an effective leader.
Looking ahead, Tamra anticipates significant changes in the nonprofit sector. Organizations that have traditionally relied on government funding may face challenges and will need to seek alternative revenue sources. Nonprofits play a vital role in addressing community needs, and their ability to adapt will determine their sustainability in an uncertain funding environment.
Tamra will be stepping away from Women’s Bean Project in June 2025. The new leader will be responsible for executing the organization’s strategic plan, with a focus on expanding its impact. Tamra is confident that under new leadership, the team will continue to do great things and help even more women transform their lives through employment.
“A leader is someone you are, not just something you do.”