WiB guest speaker Tami Evans brings BrandSource member Arely Alcaraz of Alcaraz Appliance on stage to let loose with some high-spirited dance steps at Summit.
Guest speakers Mary Putnam and Tami Evans provided plenty of food for thought
By Danielle Diaz, AVB
AVB’s Women in Business (WiB) group kicked off its traditional Summit breakfast in a powerful way at last week’s gathering in Las Vegas.
Mary Putnam, GE Appliances’ marketing and branding chief, opened the event by speaking to the power of women and their ability to “break the bias” as multifaceted individuals in every area of life, both personally and professionally.
Putnam, an inspiration for AVB’s professional women’s group and a past WiB award winner, has been and continues to be incredibly influential in the program. She also remains an outspoken advocate for the promotion of women in the workplace — not only at GEA but within AVB/BrandSource as well.
See: GEA’s Putman Receives WiB Cornerstone Award
Putman capped off her motivational address with a fitting GEA video salute to #BreakTheBias, the 2022 campaign theme for this month’s International Women’s Day. The clip depicts women from all walks of life breaking stereotypes proudly and loudly, in a modern-day mantra that pays homage to Rosie the Rivetter and her spirited World War II-era “We Can Do It” crusade.
Next up was Tami Evans, a self-proclaimed people pleaser and the keynote speaker for the gathering. Evans was a ball of energy and enthusiasm for the early morning breakfast, sharing many animated stories of failures turned triumphant, and ultimately encouraging us to be OK with saying “no” and to make room for more “yes.”
One anecdote in particular stuck with this writer: As an aspiring actor, Evans, while on auditions, would strive to emulate fellow actors whom she saw as “perfect” — the ones who always booked the gig. But one day, at a reading where she wasn’t perfect, Evans realized that her it was her passion and personality that was her superpower. Leaning into that, she went on to book many more acting gigs, teach communications and acting at the university level, become a best-selling author, and travel the world, speaking to and encouraging women around the globe. A great message about working with what you got!
Evans went on to share a few more stories that illustrated the importance of staying true to oneself; of refusing to carry baggage that others have packed; and of finding levity in situations to create connection with others. All were important life lessons for the crowd, which was comprised of career-oriented women who wear many hats.
For her wrap-up, Evans asked the audience to take a moment and think of a person in their lives who had a tremendous impact on their success. Who were they? What did they do? What was their impact?
After thinking for a moment and landing their “influencers,” attendees shared their stories with the group. Many called out other women, including mothers, friends, and co-workers, who had made a great impact on their lives, and a common theme of gratitude was expressed for these individuals.
As joyful tears were shed while reflecting on those memories, Evans challenged everyone to reach out and thank those who supported them, no matter how long it’s been since they last spoke. She also encouraged the group to “bank on thanks” in good times and bad, because you never know who needs to hear it more, you or the person receiving it.
In closing, Evans followed her own advice about finding levity in situations by inviting everyone to participate in a little group dance she called “The Kevin.” The dance pokes gentle fun at her best friend’s husband who bops like no one is watching, and what better way to laugh, smile, and embrace your own imperfections than with a goofy dance?
BrandSource, a unit of YSN publisher AVB Inc., is a nationwide buying group for independent appliance, mattress, furniture, and CE dealers.
