Acquisition International - Influential Businesswoman Awards 2022 27 May22400 Best Cannabis Education Business Leader (USA): Erin O’Donnell nfused Banking is a pioneer. Bursting into the vibrant cannabis industry, Infused Banking endeavours to bridge the gap between this growing market and the world of banking, bringing with it a passion for education and a desire to bolster the cannabis market. Henceforth, the business is setting the standard for education, research, and training and advisory services. Recognising that there was a gap in the market, Infused Banking came onto the scene armed with an understanding of the stigma and inequality surrounding the cannabis sector. In response, Infused Banking forged a business that promotes and empowers those within marginalised communities, with the overarching aim being to infuse this approach within the wider industry. The company takes pride in being a predominantly female and minority led and owned business. ‘I think the industry has become easier for women because employers offer more flexibility to work from home and set hours. This allows the life balance to work for working women. I think one of the biggest drivers of this change has been the pandemic and I think women are definitely benefitting from this additional flexibility,’ ponders Erin O’Donnell. Erin boasts over 30 years of experience in professional event management, which has seen her found and co-found multiple successful companies. Presently, Erin acts as one of five founding partners at Infused Banking, and has taken on the management of the company’s education branch. Her past career ventures have aided her in this role. During her career in event management, Erin gained a variety of skills, including time management and an outstanding level of professionalism. Moreover, having been in numerous stressful situations – tight deadlines, for example – Erin has learnt how to remain calm and present under pressure. Perhaps most importantly, she acquired an understanding as to how a business should be led. Erin testifies, ‘my biggest achievement is making the jump from employee to business owner. I’ve wanted to start my own business ever since I worked in Silicon Valley in the late 1990s when the dot.com boom was exploding in Northern California. I learned a lot about what entrepreneurs go through and what their needs are, and ever since then I’ve wanted to start a company. I launched my own company about 10 years after, and we’ve been going strong for over 15 years!’ As a result, Erin is an excellent mentor for women looking to get into business and business ownership. She has not only achieved I Unique in its offering, Infused Banking is on a mission to unite banking with the cannabis market. However, the company also boasts a rare internal culture, maintaining a workforce consisting primarily of women and minorities. We talk to Erin O’Donnell, a founding partner, to learn more about the exciting company and her success in the world of business. an enviable level of success, but she also understands the challenges that women go through, particularly in terms of establishing a healthy work and life balance. ‘Having to be in the office full time and juggle kids is extremely difficult especially if you have a long commute. It’s exhausting,’ she exclaims. ‘With my own business I can work the hours I want and balance my life appropriately. I would advise women to look for corporations that offer flexibility because it really helps when kids, work, school, and just life in general throw obstacles in your way.’ This is advice that she offers during her fortnightly sessions with a group of young women that she mentors. There is no agenda or any assignments – it is simply a safe place for women to congregate and discuss what’s on their mind, what challenges they’re going through, and how they’re progressing in business. As such, it is a way for the group to learn from each other and find honest support. Erin is currently searching for ways to introduce these sessions to a male audience, as she believes that it would be beneficial for men to understand the tribulations that women go through in the world of business. Furthermore, going forward, Erin is enthusiastic about helping bankers to understand the cannabis market and, as a result, watching these two industries grow into new and booming business. Contact: Erin O’Donnell Company: Infused Banking Web Address: www.infusedbanking.com
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