International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women. GNC is proud to work together with hundreds of dedicated and passionate professionals, from our corporate office to our franchisees and our retail teams, all of whom make tremendous contributions to the company, consumers, and communities daily.
In celebration of IWD, and the inspiring women at GNC that #BreakTheBias, we connected with Karlyn Mattson, Elisa Bannon-Jones, Nike Awosefaju, and Laura Dalton to talk all things wellness, work, and everyday life.
Favorite Female Author?
Jane Austen
Favorite Female-Focused Podcast?
I am not a big podcast listener but recently did listen to Brene Brown.
Favorite fitness/wellness routine?
Pilates Reformer, Peloton, and strength training
Favorite GNC Product?
Vitamin D!
Favorite Female Design Brand
Jenni Kayne
How do you #BreakTheBias?
By providing equal opportunities, period.
Who were your mentors and what made them so influential?
I have had several – one is my Pilates coach, one is a former leader of mine, now a CEO, and one was a former head of technology for a Fortune 50 company. The common themes regarding their influence on me is in the strength and confidence they convey, the support they give to women, and the belief that anything is possible – they do not give weight to roadblocks and obstacles in achieving goals.
What is your go-to resource to develop your skills?
It is not one book, person, or podcast. I believe skills are developed through experience, experimentation, reading, listening, modeling, and being curious. I have had the great fortune of having participated in several leadership programs and have thus learned the incredible value of coaches and feedback.
What advice have you received on your journey that hasn’t resonated?
To look or act a specific way to get ahead – which obviously flies in the face of authenticity. Worst. Advice. Ever.
If you could share one piece of advice with other women, what would it be?
Be yourself. And always ask yourself – how do I add value? – to this situation, business, person, relationship, customer…
Favorite Female Author?
Historian, Doris Kearns Goodwin
Favorite Female-Focused Podcast?
Unlocking Us with Brene Brown
Favorite fitness/wellness routine?
I am a fan of mindfulness. Taking time to focus and center myself, even during the craziest of times helps me clear my thoughts and act (versus react).
Favorite GNC Product?
GNC Lean Shake Swiss Chocolate – I start every day with one; I am addicted.
Favorite Female Design Brand?
Always go with a classic, iconic Coco Chanel as I am an accessory geek.
How do you #BreakTheBias?
Never let the bias define you. Women can achieve anything. Don’t wait for someone to open the door or invite you in; be comfortable that you are capable and belong in the room.
Who were your mentors and what made them so influential?
My father provided me with the belief that I could do anything. He was a first-generation American of Mexican descent and pushed me to keep moving forward. He encouraged risk taking, pursuit of higher education and non-traditional career paths. Having worked in automotive, telecommunications and broadband/cable; I was fortunate to have strong advocates helping me develop as an Executive. Jack Rooney, CEO at U.S. Cellular stressed Leadership Effectiveness; Jeff Childs, CHRO at U.S. Cellular (now at Ulta) helped me navigate from Sales and Operations to Human Resources; Dan McCarthy, former CEO at Frontier Communications provided me the access and opportunity to design and implement people-based solutions, while guiding me through working with a Public Board. Here’s the lesson; being in male-dominated businesses with limited female executives, male executives were perfect mentors helping me learn to corporately navigate.
What is your go-to resource to develop your skills?
Leveraging self-awareness through my CDR assessment. With self-awareness, I can understand my stress points and balance myself. Life is a journey; you need to be able to read the road signs. Nancy Parsons, founder of the CDR Assessment Group, wrote a helpful book on the subject, “Fresh Insights to End the Glass Ceiling.”
What advice have you received on your journey that hasn’t resonated?
You have to choose between a career and having a family. Just like men, women need to have a strong network and support.
If you could share one piece of advice with other women, what would it be?
If you can have an Executive Coach, do it. Twenty years ago, I was a first-time Director and the company wanted to develop my Executive presence. I was introduced to Josette Goldberg as my Executive Coach. The six months I worked with her helped me develop my leadership brand and become comfortable being the only woman in the room. The keys to success are in knowing who you are and planning where you want to go.
Favorite Female Author?
Maya Angelou
Favorite Female-Focused Podcast?
Woman Evolve with Sarah Jakes Roberts
Favorite fitness/wellness routine?
Nature hikes, relaxation, and prayer
Favorite GNC Product?
Women’s Ultra Mega Vitamin, Ultra Probiotic 25, and Triple Strength Fish Oil and Women’s Iron Complete
Favorite Female Design Brand?
Tory Burch
How do you #BreakTheBias?
Revelation exposes bias and brings walls down; I do this through exposure and education.
Who were your mentors and what made them so influential?
Dorothy Wilson was my small group leader at church. She embraced me as I was and challenged me outside of my comfort zone. As a result of her mentorship, I began to use my passion for people to benefit those in my immediate circle of influence and beyond.
What is your go-to resource to develop your skills?
Education is fundamental and I truly believe surrounding myself around skilled individuals with proven track records is irreplaceable to my development. Immersion is the quickest way to test one’s agility towards growth and development.
What advice have you received on your journey that hasn’t resonated?
“You can be yourself, so long as it doesn’t differ from the from the opinions of the majority, in order to advance your career”. I would say this was the worst advice that I have ever received and couldn’t align with.
If you could share one piece of advice with other women, what would it be?
Know who you are, the value you bring and always walk in your purpose with humility and confidence.
Favorite Female Author?
Virginia Wolfe
Favorite Female-Focused Podcast?
Bossgirl
Favorite fitness/wellness routine?
Les Mills Bodypump followed by an interval run + sun salutations
Favorite GNC Product?
GNC Probiotics 25 with enzymes
Favorite Female Design Brand?
La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni
How do you #BreakTheBias?
In terms of staffing, I try and actively promote women on a regular basis. Much of our staff in senior positions (including marketing and operations) are women of every age and background. On a community front, we try to provide a platform whenever possible for local nonprofits to tell their story. Not a handout but a hand up. There are such fantastic and successful companies that need the light shone on them while they do their great work.
Who were your mentors and what made them so influential?
My high school Spanish Teacher, Mrs. Pirone, and Charlotte Anderson, my first boss in Charleston, SC are the two that come to mind. Mrs. Pirone opened my mindset to other cultures, other ways of learning, and being a strong woman within those cultures. Charlotte was the director of the Suicide Hotline in Charleston; my first job after moving there. She taught me how to train all types of people from all backgrounds. As a nonprofit, we had a very low budget, and Charlotte showed me the ins and outs of running a small business and how to build through community outreach. She was encouraging but firm, strong but compassionate. She had a clear vision. Those two women rock!
What is your go-to resource to develop your skills?
My friend network! Both my franchise work friends as well as my personal women group are diverse, honest, and supportive. Having relationships with women we can bounce ideas off and whose strengths may offset my weaknesses help so much in growing personally and professionally.
What advice have you received on your journey that hasn’t resonated?
Don’t rock the boat.
If you could share one piece of advice with other women, what would it be?
Lift each other up whenever possible!! Simple yet isn’t done often enough.
