The focus of our discussion here is to discuss our new purpose and values in a unique and dynamic way, and also to allow the company to get to know members of the MarketStar family, as well as the organizations that run under it, which is why we were really excited to have the opportunity to talk about Women In Business, to discuss its impact, to discuss plans that you, as a group in the organization and as a leadership team, have in play. So let's jump in and get to know Women In Business a little bit. What really is it about the organization as a whole that brings out passion for each of you? What is it that makes you willing to put in the extra time and effort that makes it impactful?

To start off with what has already become a cliche, 2020 has been a rough year. As we enter these last couple of months, with many of us still in at least partial lock-down, it can be very easy to feel completely run down and out of breath. Those of us in sales world are having a uniquely difficult time due to an uncertain and equally worn out market. Between an election year, the novel and disruptive COVID-19 virus, and the upcoming holiday season, many people and companies are doing exactly what one would expect: Hunkering down for winter. Something we cannot lose, however, even with all the Zoom fatigue and evaporating budgets and constantly retreating goal posts, is our ability to truly listen to what people are saying to us. 

Starting at a new company is always a little stressful. Hundreds of unanswered questions float through your mind.

MarketStar aspires to be more inclusive, diverse, and accepting than ever before. We will be a place of safety and belonging to all people regardless of race, gender, religious preference, or sexual orientation.

Due to the recent covid-19 pandemic, MarketStar recently sent our entire workforce to work from home. My days are now spent working alongside my family in the safety and comfort of our home. The transition to work from home has some awesome benefits, like zero commute time, my dog at work with me, and maybe the best part — sweatpants! However, it has also brought some unique challenges that are somewhat different from the typical work environment. For example, my co-workers don’t usually need me to wipe their faces after lunch.

Like most companies, MarketStar has been forced to make significant changes to the way we do business because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Times like this can undermine time-tested process, break leadership, and whither the attitudes of the most ardent worker. But it can also be a time when we rise to the challenge in ways we never thought possible. It’s a time to put our values into action, not just to keep our business running, but to keep our people safe, secure, and healthy.