The Insider: Women Who Brand
Welcome to the third edition of GXN’s “The Insider: Women Who Brand” – a monthly newsletter created by the women of GXN for anyone passionate about branding, leadership, and connection. No matter where you call home, we hope each issue sparks new ideas, meaningful connections, and the reminder that we’re stronger together.
GXN Conference and International Women in Promo
Michele Bell, Senior Vice President of ASI’s Editorial, Education & Global Alliances, on behalf of GXN’s Women’s Leadership Group
The annual GXN event has become far more than a professional networking group for women in the promotional products industry; it’s a welcoming global community where female leaders can share ideas, support one another through challenges, celebrate successes, and build meaningful relationships that transcend borders. The network has created opportunities for new voices to be heard, fresh perspectives to be elevated, and lasting connections to be forged among women shaping the future of our industry worldwide.
As we look ahead to our upcoming gathering in Kitzbühel, Austria, we’re excited to continue that momentum through leadership-focused speakers, thought-provoking panel discussions, and collaborative networking opportunities designed to inspire and connect. A dedicated networking event for women in promo will provide even more space for candid conversations and relationship building, while the event’s global reach offers the chance to welcome and engage with new members from around the world. Together, we look forward to strengthening our community, sharing insights, and empowering the next generation of promo leaders in the industry.
GXN Women’s Group Update From Carleen Gray, Committee Chair & CEO of GroupeSTAHL
A recap of the initiatives undertaken in the last 12 months by GXN Women’s Group:
PERSONAL PULSE CHECK: The Smartest Leaders Don’t Have All the Answers
By Helen Misseri, HR Director, SYNNEO
I increasingly believe that one of the most important skills we can develop is knowing when we need help, perspective, or simply someone outside the situation to talk things through with.
This is where mentoring and coaching can make such a difference.
Mentoring gives us the opportunity to learn from someone else’s experience. Someone who has been through situations we may be facing for the first time. Not someone who tells us what to do but someone who can share what worked for her/him and what didn’t, and perhaps most importantly, reassure us that what we are experiencing may not be unusual.
Coaching is different. (read the full article)
Power Profile: An Interview With a Woman Who’s Changing the World of Promo
Lisa Bennett, Promo Veteran & Global Multi-Line Rep
Company Overview:
Company description: I work with suppliers in getting their products to market from both the U.S. and the EU. I work with industry suppliers to grow their sales in the industry. I am also the co-administrator for the largest social media group in the industry with over 16,000 members.
How long have you been in promo?
You could say that this industry is in my DNA. I was quite literally born into the promotional products business; my parents launched their distributorship from our family basement in Michigan when I was a baby. By the third grade, while other kids were learning long division, I already understood coded pricing, which frankly served me better than long division. As the business scaled and graduated out of our basement, I stayed on, mastering the glamorous entry-level jobs of packing boxes and sorting the recycling.
My formal career began post-college as a sales representative for A.T. Cross. After I rose through the ranks and moved to Chicago, the entrepreneurial itch took over, and I transitioned into an independent multi-line rep. I still live in Chicago and, in addition to running a small business, I am still responsible for the recycling. (read the full interview)
Fast Facts: Quick Hits of Data Points Pertaining to the Global Promo Marketplace
Regardless of generation or gender, ASI research shows that promo products are everyone’s preferred form of advertising, over television, print, and online platforms.
To view and use the infographic in your marketing, click here: Ad_impressions_2023-8.
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Thank you for reading! To contribute to this monthly e-newsletter, reach out to Michele Bell at mbell@asicentral.com or Lisa Bennett at lisabennett530@gmail.com.
PS: The Annual GXN Conference 2026 will take place from October 7th to 9th at the Grand Tirolia Hotel Kitzbuehel, more information https://gxn-net.org/gxn-conference-new/
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