In the dynamic realm of online communities and technology, few leaders stand out as much as Denise Hayman-Loa. As the CEO of Carii, Inc. & Connective, and an advisor to numerous clients, Denise has played a pivotal role in transforming her company from a modest tech start-up to an award-winning business. In this exclusive interview, we delve into Denise’s journey, challenges she faced as a woman in business, and the key decisions that shaped her remarkable career. We at EliteX are proud to introduce Denise Hayman-Loa as one of the 10 Elite Women in Business, 2024.
Denise’s journey began in 1980 in Financial Services in NYC, where she honed her skills at esteemed firms like Salomon Brothers and Lehman Brothers. Over the years, she transitioned into technology, aligning technology strategy with business strategy and managing diverse teams. Her innovative spirit led her to conceptualize the platform that eventually became Carii, Inc. & Connective. Network, linking local and global communities into a collaborative ecosystem. Denise’s career evolution is nothing short of impressive. Starting as a management consultant at E & Y, she rose to partner and played a pivotal role in marketing risk management technology at Goldman Sachs. Her journey continued into the index business and front office sales, where she spent 12 years building relationships with large institutional clients. The culmination of her journey came when she assumed the role of CEO at Carii, Inc.
Denise’s motivation stemmed from her passion for the platform and ecosystem concept, coupled with the opportunity to leverage her technology strategy, business development, and management skills. However, being a woman in business, especially on Wall Street, presented challenges. Overcoming gender biases and earning promotions required extra effort and hard work. Denise emphasizes the crucial role of mentoring from senior leaders, acknowledging the support she received from influential men throughout her career. Denise identifies pivotal moments in her career, such as making partner at E&Y and stepping into the CEO role at Carii, Inc. These moments significantly influenced her success, demonstrating her resilience and ability to seize opportunities.
“Technology is always a forward-looking opportunity and a constantly changing one, so I recommend learning how to leverage it as much as possible.” – Denise Hayman-Loa
Maintaining work-life balance in a high-profile position isn’t easy, but Denise emphasizes the importance of breaks for exercise and limiting weekend work. Delegating tasks is another key strategy she employs to manage her responsibilities effectively. Diversity and inclusion have been integral to Denise’s leadership at Carii, Inc. & Connective. The organization’s culture is not only inclusive but also supportive, valuing the diverse contributions of team members. According to Denise, the key skills for women aiming to succeed in business are no different from those for men. Competence, hard work, effective communication, reliability, and respect for others form the foundation of success. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, urging aspiring professionals to “always be learning.”
To stay informed about industry trends and enhance her skills, Denise employs a multifaceted approach. She extensively reads articles, follows respected industry figures, engages in writing articles that require research and insight, and actively communicates with clients and prospects to explore new ideas. Attending relevant webinars also plays a crucial role in keeping her abreast of the latest developments. Denise’s leadership style revolves around respecting teammates, planning ahead, and guiding without dictating. Acknowledging and appreciating the efforts of the team are also fundamental aspects of her approach.
Advice for Aspiring Women Entrepreneurs:
For aspiring women entrepreneurs and business leaders, Denise advocates finding a great mentor who can serve as a valuable sounding board during their development and growth journey. Mentorship, she believes, is an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of the business world.
In a rapidly changing business environment, Denise approaches decision-making by staying informed about changes and trends, considering multiple perspectives, and adjusting her approach based on the urgency of the situation. Drawing on her experience, she notes that decision-making becomes more intuitive with time, benefiting from a well-established playbook. Denise finds motivation in working with new clients engaged in innovative projects. Beyond business, she is driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the world, highlighting that their platform is specifically designed to amplify meaningful messages. Acknowledging the inevitability of setbacks over a long career, Denise stresses the importance of learning from these challenges. Her resilience is evident in her ability to look towards the future for new opportunities and leverage her network of supportive colleagues and friends during challenging times.
“Competence, hard work, effective communication, reliability, and respect for others form the foundation of success. And ‘always be learning!’” – Denise Hayman-Loa
Future Opportunities for Women in Business:
Looking ahead, Denise sees numerous opportunities for women in various industries. She particularly highlights technology as a forward-looking and constantly evolving opportunity, advising women to embrace and leverage technology to its fullest potential. The future, she believes, holds a broad spectrum of opportunities waiting to be explored.
Denise Hayman-Loa’s journey from Wall Street to leading Carii, Inc. & Connective.Network exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a commitment to diversity. Her insights serve as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the technology and community-building space, showcasing the impact one determined leader can have on an industry.
“Mentorship is an invaluable resource for navigating the complexities of the business world. Find a great mentor who can be a sounding board as you develop and grow.” – Denise Hayman-Loa
