For many thousands of people across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for starting their own business. Despite the huge risks associated with launching a new venture during a global crisis, the number of newly created businesses has increased significantly in recent months. Data from the United States Census Bureau show that in January 2021 new business creation applications increased 73% year over year. Women have been key contributors to the entrepreneurship boom. Many who lost their jobs when the virus took hold in 2020 started a business out of necessity. Others needed greater flexibility as they juggled careers with childcare and homeschooling responsibilities. A recent survey by Gusto shows that 49% of entrepreneurs in 2020 were women, up from just 27% in prior years.
In this episode of the ISG Digital Dish, host Jeanne Cuff interviews Pam Kendall, founder of Qui Collection, a U.S.-based start-up fashion brand. Born from Kendall’s lifelong passion for clothing and vintage fabric, the venture was launched just before the world was disrupted by the virus. ISG co-hosts Lois Coatney and Julie Fernandez join the discussion on how the pandemic has radically shifted the entrepreneurial environment. Today, it might be easier than ever to create a business, but our hosts firmly believe that a desire to make money is not enough for success. Entrepreneurs first and foremost need to be driven by a deep passion for their project.
About the hosts
Lois CoatneyLois is a recognized expert in the field of Service Management and Governance. As Partner and President, ISG GovernX®, she drives innovation and industry leading practices in the area of service integration, operational effectiveness and operating model transformation. She brings more than 25 years of experience in IT operations transformation to her work with such ISG clients as Abbott, CNA, Exelon, Loblaw, Monsanto, Pitney Bowes and United Technologies.
Julie Fernandez
With more than 25 years of industry and consulting experience, Julie is an invaluable advisor for enterprises needing to evaluate and assess alternatives for multi-process HR service delivery, including workforce administration, payroll, benefits, compensation, recruiting, technology, learning, and talent management. Julie leads complex global HR assessments and transactions around the world. Prior to joining ISG, Julie worked for nearly a decade as an independent consultant, providing market research, vendor assessments, systems testing and implementation consulting to a broad community of benefits administration vendors and human resources departments. Julie started her career in human resources outsourcing, establishing shared service centers for a national benefits consulting and administration firm. She is a well-published thought leader in her field.
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Jeanne Cuff
Jeanne Cuff is an Associate Director in the Governance Services-Managed Services organization who brings a broad set of experiences to support ISG clients. Jeanne has over 20 years of senior leadership and consulting roles in operations, human resources, network and SaaS.
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Meet the hosts
Lois Coatney
As Partner and President, Americas Markets, Lois is responsible for driving sales growth in the Americas, working across Industries and Markets. In addition, Lois is the IEB executive responsible for global sales management, reporting on new client acquisition, client retention, sales pipeline and other areas that provides one global view of our sales activity. Lois has worked in the technology industry for over 30 years as a Delivery Executive, Product Owner, Business Unit Executive and Sales Executive, and has served clients across the globe, including India, Australia, Europe, and North America.
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Jeanne Cuff
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