Women’s Private Equity Summit
June 12-14, 2023 | Allocator Track

Allocators are among the most influential players in the private equity ecosystem. This track explores their key investment opportunities and how to evaluate risks, adjust allocations, and select the right portfolio managers. Thought leaders from endowments, foundations, family offices, and pensions will share their goals and strategies alongside other private equity experts.

Panel: A Decade of Institutional Investing: Switchbacks, Mudslides and Summits
June 13th | 2:00 PM ET

A decade in investing is similar to a long journey across awe-inspiring but treacherous terrain. We are honored to invite back four individuals who were at our very first Kayo Summit to share their journey over the past decade. We’ll learn how these individuals evolved as investors, leaders, and professionals in the past 10 years. We’ll talk about switchbacks where they were forced to pivot, summits where they achieved a goal and gained perspective, and maybe even a few mudslides where they lost their footing or experienced failures. Finally, our trailblazers will leave us with tips, hacks, and tools we can borrow for our own journey ahead.

Speakers confirmed: Kristina Koutrakos, Virginia Retirement System, Amy Chen, Smithsonian Institution, Emily Sumner, Glider Office for Growth LLC, Kathryn Regan, Ares Management, Lynn Alexander, Kelso & Company, Morgan Holzaepfel, Adams Street Partners

Panel: Emerging Managers Strategies for 2023 and Beyond
June 12th | 2:45 PM ET

It’s a very tough environment for emerging managers. But, it’s never impossible.  This panel of allocators are either focused on diverse and emerging managers, or at least interested to allocate more to this group of managers.  How do you define diverse and emerging managers?  What are the challenges and frustrations investing in this segment of the market?  Will a recessionary environment create more hurdles? Are there success stories to share?

Speakers confirmed: Aris Hatch, GCM Grosvenor, Deborah Medenica, New York State Common Retirement Fund, Amy Ridge, Mercer, Dana Johns, Maryland State Retirement System

Fireside Chat: Being a Champion for Endowments & Foundations: The Disciplina Story
June 12th | 3:30 PM ET

Jackie Robinson once said “A Life is Not Important Unless it Impacts Other Lives”.  In 2013, a group of leading institutional investors in the endowment sectors had a vision that they could make a greater impact for resource constrained, mission-driven organizations like endowments and foundations. A decade later, Alena Kuprevich, Matthew Wright and Brant Smith have an incredible story to share.

Speakers confirmed: Alena Kuprevich, Disciplina

Track Sponsored by: Kelso & Company and Ares Management 

Join us at our Private Equity Summit to hear valuable insight in the Allocator sector. Register here.

Women’s Private Equity Summit 

Borrower/Lender 1:1 Speed Networking

There is no question that private equity deal activity (along with the broader M&A market) has slowed in 2022. Compared to the previous year, the volume of controlling-stake M&A deals has fallen by 46%, according to Bloomberg Law.

One factor affecting deal volumes is the difficulty in securing financing for typical private equity LBOs (leveraged buyouts). Financing for LBOs, which for years has been an important driver of private equity M&A volume (especially in 2021), faced significant roadblocks in 2022.

In addition, as yields surged throughout 2022, banks that have underwritten financing for LBOs have been struggling to re-sell high those debt obligations, leaving them with high-risk debt on their balance sheets, and often forcing them to sell that debt at steep discounts. As a result, many banks are now wary of buyout transactions, leaving private equity dealmakers without the primary source of funding for M&A in the last decade. When surveyed by Private Equity Wire in October 2022, more than 70% of private equity general partners said they expect a decrease in deal volume during the first half of 2023 because of the borrowing environment. They also expressed concern for the elevated cost of debt pricing.

Deepening this issue is the challenge of finding exits in an M&A market that is expected to become increasingly difficult to sell into. Liquid capital, which is normally received from the distribution of private funds, will be critical in a down market as managers seek new capital to boost growth in their funds.

How Kayo can help: At this year’s Private Equity Summit in Miami, we’re aiming to improve the networking experience for our attendees. Your team has done the work to source your next great deal, but financing is more challenging than ever.

The solution? We’ve organized a 1-hour Borrower-Lender Speed Networking event as a pre-conference session to help you connect with lenders.

We are offering a complimentary all-access pass to the Summit for the first 10 participants to register for this exclusive segment. The pass includes access to over 30 sessions of curated industry content.

When:  Monday, June 12th, 2023 – 11 am-12 pm
Where:  The Loews Miami Beach Hotel
What:  Invite Only Borrower-Lender Speed Networking – Each participant receives five 10-minute meetings
Who:  Borrowers + Lenders representing private credit firms and commercial banks from our Kayo community

Next Step: Submit an application below to be considered as a participant in the 1:1 networking opportunity.

Women’s Sustainable Investing Summit 

ESG | Socially Responsible Investing | Impact Investing | Energy Transition 

In the last decade, sustainable investing has gone from a niche investment idea to a mainstream category of alternative investing.  Incredible visionaries drove this growth, many of whom happen to be women. This has inspired us here at the Kayo Conference Series, where our mission is to walk alongside women trailblazers on their path to success.  Pioneers in sustainable investing are truly inspiring, often walking alone in brand new territory. Thus, at the 10-year anniversary program of the Kayo Conference Series, it’s an honor to present the 2nd Annual Kayo Women’s Sustainable Investing Summit (the “Sustainable Investing Summit”).  Taking place alongside two of Kayo’s flagship conferences in private equity and real estate, the Sustainable Investing Summit will bring together a group of 150 leaders from across the sustainable investing ecosystem.  

• When: June 12-14, 2023 
• Where: Loews Miami Beach Hotel 
• Who: 150 women leaders in sustainable investing 
• What: 3-days of content, networking and exploration 

Kayo distinguishes itself by creating intentional, curated experiences for women investors. Our team has designed a special Attendee Journey for this summit – a step-by-step path where attendees meet, learn, enjoy each other and grow themselves over three days.   

Early Arrival Activities 

Meeting people should be simple and easy, and it should happen early on.  Early arrivers will have space and time to explore the Exhibit Hall, Connection Café and the Networking Lounge which all open at 9:00AM.  Additionally, early arrivers can take part in structured networking activities, including: 

• Knockout Networking: 90-minute structured networking activity where attendees begin authentic relationships over small-group roundtables.   
• 1:1 Speed Networking: 60-minute structured networking where key groups like GPs & LPs can connect efficiently.  
• Speaker Prep Workshop: Two-hour workshop for speakers to polish their speaking skills before gracing the stage. 

Keynote, Tracks & Content 

Breaking thought patterns, expanding perspectives and sharing wisdom from inspiring leaders are the goals of our program. Content kicks off at 1PM on June 12th and continues through 4PM on June 13th.  Expect a highly curated agenda, with 35 incredible speakers creating conversations around ESG, impact investing, capital allocation, the energy transition and sustainable infrastructure. 

• Keynote Speakers 

• Olivia Wassenaar (Global Head of Sustainable Investing & Co-Head of Natural Resources, Apollo Global Management) 
• Renee Grogan (Co-Founder & Chief Sustainability Officer, Impossible Metals) 

• Sarah Samuels (Head of Investment Manager Research, NEPC)  

• Fundamentals Track: Although terms like ESG, Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and Impact Investing are often used interchangeably, they mean very different things. This Track explores and defines each of these approaches to sustainable investing. A sneak peek of the speakers include: Cody Nystrom (SJF Ventures), Priya Parrish (Impact Engine) and Julie Lein (Urban Innovation Fund). 
• Sector Track:  The sector spotlight focuses on the energy and infrastructure sectors. The Energy Transition is a complex endeavor, with regulatory, economic, geopolitical and scientific obstacles at every turn. A sneak peek of the speakers include: Erika Taugher Rietze (Pattern Energy), Sue Yang Krochmal (Antin Infrastructure) and Chrissy Benson (Orion Energy) 
• Allocators Track:  Raising capital for sustainable investing is critical.  This track explores how institutional investors approach sustainable investing.  As the industry matures, which allocators are interested in sustainability investing, and how do they evaluate managers? A sneak peek of the speakers include: Bhavika Vyas (Stepstone), Katherine Kroll (Brown Advisory) and Julia Fish (Glenmede Trust) 

Fun 

Laughter and shared experiences are two of the most effective ways to create relationships and longtime memories. Lighter moments invite attendees to take off their “work armor” and be their true authentic selves.  

• Wind-Down Walk  
• Oceanfront Yoga 
• Miami nightlife  

Professional Development 

Plateaus, obstacles, burn-out – sometimes it’s a struggle to take the next step forward or upward.  That’s why the last day of the conference has three professional development workshops.  Take a moment to pause, question assumptions and map out the next step of your career. 

• Navigating Mid-Level Leadership 
• Emerging Leaders 
• Board Readiness 

Registration is open.  This three-day event on June 12-14, 2023 at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in South Beach, Florida is designed as an experiential conference where attendees step away from their day-to-day, gain perspective and focus on building their network.   At the end of the program, women in sustainable investing will be uniquely prepared, stabilized by a supportive community, come what may. 

Women’s Sustainable Investing Summit
June 12-14, 2023 | Sector Spotlight: Energy Transition & Infrastructure 

The path to net zero is redefining business and investment strategies across key industries like power, transportation, utilities, and agriculture. This track explores investment trends in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, including how managers are navigating the numerous financial, regulatory, and geopolitical headwinds.

Panel: Energy Transition: Where Are We Today?
June 13th | 11:00 AM ET

The Energy Transition is a complex endeavor, with regulatory, economic, geopolitical and scientific obstacles at every turn.  What technology is needed? What areas need more attention and capital? How do energy firms manage risk around geopolitical issues, inflation and other factors outside of their control?  This panel of Energy Transition Pioneers will share their best ideas, what obstacles are in their way today and how this community at Kayo can help.

Speakers confirmed: Ritu Sachdeva, Riverbend Energy Group, Ines Tovo, Blackstone, Erika Taugher, Pattern Energy Group, Jessica Hammons, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Panel: Sustainable Infrastructure 
June 13th | 11:45 AM ET

Demand for infrastructure improvements across the globe remains enormous, and pressure from allocators to develop sustainable investment plans is mounting. How are managers addressing the overwhelming needs and maneuvering challenges across sectors,  including transportation, renewable energy, digital, and social? We’ll hear how investors incorporate both impact investment approaches and ESG risk factors into their sustainable investment plans.

Speakers confirmed: Kemi Christina Abdul, BlueHaven, Chrissy Benson, Orion Infrastructure Capital, Sue Yang Krochmal, Antin Infrastructure, Susan Lent, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Track Sponsored by: Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

Join us at our Sustainable Investing Summit to hear valuable insight in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Register here.

Women’s Private Equity Summit
June 12-14, 2023 | Talent Track

A company’s success and resilience relies on its people. Attracting and retaining top talent requires the right recipe of leadership, total compensation, and culture. This track examines the talent strategies of private equity firms and portfolio companies in a competitive labor market.  

Panel: Will Your Leadership Teams Sink or Swim in Storms Ahead?
June 12th | 2:15 PM ET

The quality of portfolio company management is the reason most cited for deal success and the second most-cited reason for deal failure. Having the wrong leadership, particularly during a downturn, can come with a heavy price. As fears of a slowdown loom, how do you know your management teams are prepared?

Speakers confirmed: Annah Jamison, General Atlantic, Caroline Young, Frist Cressey Ventures, Tatjana Paterno, Bass, Berry & Sims

Panel: Culture: Deal-Maker or Deal-Breaker?
June 12th | 3:00 PM ET

To win the talent game, private equity firm cultures are evolving. We will join women leaders from across the private equity landscape to discuss the importance of being intentional, shaking up the norms, and creating inclusive cultures where employees are engaged and valued. How can firms and their portfolio company leaders successfully collaborate on a talent strategy? How are companies developing meaningful and effective DEI policies? This panel will highlight and celebrate the success stories of women who are trailblazing in talent.

Speakers confirmed: Emily Kasprzak White, Clearsight Advisors, Amy Buckner Chowdhry, AnswerLab, Laura Held, Shamrock Capital, Victoria Solarino, Kelso & Company

Panel: The Unique Abilities of Operating Partners
June 12th | 3:45 PM ET

Operating Partners often transition into private equity from industry background, adding a unique perspective to a team full of “finance geeks”. This panel will explore the role that Operating Partners play on a private equity team today, and how they interact and drive value creation at portfolio companies.

Speakers confirmed: Lisa Dombro, Revelstoke Capital Partners, Latasha Akoma, GenNx360 Capital Partners, Deb Crimmins, Sheridan Capital Partners, Ellen Kim, Rotunda Capital Partners, Angela Humphreys, Bass, Berry & Sims

Track Sponsored by: Bass, Berry & Sims

Join us at our Private Equity Summit to hear valuable insight in the talent sector. Register here.

Women’s Private Equity Summit
June 12-14, 2023 | Capital Development Track

Allocators remain eager to invest in alternatives but are more selective and constrained. Consequently, capital raising has become more challenging for both seasoned and emerging managers. This track explores fund formation, trends, and the crucial role of the allocator and general partner relationship before, during, and after a fundraise.

Panel: Being Authentic in a Transactional World
June 12th | 2:15 PM ET

Private equity is a relationship business, and it’s more fun when those relationships are authentic and meaningful.  Business development leaders walk that line carefully, knowing that not every fund is a fit for every allocator at any every moment.  This panel of leading capital development pros will share secrets on how to find the right partners for the right products. Learn tips on building partnerships with allocators and avoiding transactional relationships. We’ll hear about fundraising successes and failures, and enduring tips for capital raising throughout cycles.

Speakers confirmed: Jordan Peer Griffin, H.I.G. Capital, Marcelia Freeman, Clearlake Capital Group, Emila Damjanovic, Lead Edge Capital, Lindsay Grider, Levine Leichtman Capital Partners

Panel: What Does Recession Mean For Private Markets?
June 12th | 3:00 PM ET

For many institutional investors and private equity professionals, present day may be their first time facing a the threat of a true economic downturn. What lessons can be gleaned from professionals who navigated the last recession? Are there similarities and differences?  What were common mistakes?  How does a recession impact fundraising and term sheets?  How can institutional investors seize opportunities and emerge stronger on the other side?

Speakers confirmed: Ilene Levinson, Hamilton Lane, Meera Patel, Accolade Partners, Kee Tilghman Rabb, Apogem Capital, Emily Bertsche Murto, UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust

Panel: How Newcomers Find Traction

It’s a very tough environment for emerging managers. But, it’s never impossible.  We’ll hear from newcomers who have gotten over the hurdle of their first fund raise and are working on fund two as well as women and diverse managers who have now crossed the $1 billion fund mark – an incredible milestone.  How have newcomers found traction in fundraising? What lessons can they share with other managers?

Speakers confirmed: Tamika Tyson, TGC Impact, Robyn Slutzky, Arctos Partners, Natalie Walker, StepStone Group

Track Sponsored by: Kirkland & Ellis LLP

Join us at our Private Equity Summit to hear valuable insight in the capital development sector. Register here.

Women’s Private Equity Summit
June 12-14, 2023 | PE Finance Track

Finding debt financing is becoming a top variable in closing private equity deals. Rising interest rates have challenged financial sponsors to get more creative in finding financing and negotiating term sheets.  Lenders meanwhile can be more selective and seek more protections in new term sheets.  This track will explore the key trends in leveraged finance today, including debt capital markets outlook, evolving term sheets and challenges facing both borrowers and lenders in today’s market.

Panel: What Choppy Debt Markets Mean For Private Equity
June 13th | 2:00 PM ET

With a pullback in leveraged loans, rising rates, inflation and geopolitical uncertainty, will financing deals become an even bigger challenge for private equity?  How is the PE industry approaching deal financing in the current environment? Bypassing banks and going to direct lenders is an explosive trend – but will there be stricter covenants and more scrutiny there too?  This panel will be a conversation amongst the capital market pros inside private equity firms as well as their counterparts in leveraged finance and private credit on the state of private equity finance – exploring term sheet trends, obstacles, and expected changes ahead.

Speakers confirmed: Laleh Bashirrad, BNP Paribas, Lauren Tanenbaum, The Carlyle Group, Sandra Mason, Audax Private Equity, Emily Knickel, Barclays

Moderator: Soo-ah Nah, Dechert, LLP

Panel: Private Credit: An All-Weather Asset Class?
June 13th | 2:45 PM ET

Private credit is currently the third-largest private capital asset class, and assets under management in private credit are projected to grow to $1.46 trillion by 2025.  Private credit is often regarded as an “all-weather” asset, one that is able to perform well during times that are both favorable and unfavorable for private asset investors. Our panel of experts will examine the validity of this claim – is the resilience of private credit fact or mere speculation? Will private debt, such as floating rate loans provide a hedge against rising interest rates and yield greater returns than other types of bonds in the year to come?

Speakers confirmed: Dulari Pancholi, NEPC, Carolyn Hastings, Bain Capital Credit, Puja Parekh, MidCap Financial Services, Richa Tandon, Benefit Street Partners

Moderator: Nicole Macarchuk, Dechert

Keynote: Lindsey Piegza, Stifel Financial Corp.

Chief Economist Dr. Lindsey Piegza will look at the current state of the economy amid the pandemic recovery and what it means going forward for overall growth, interest rates, and lending. She will cover macroeconomic trends in consumer spending and investment, in addition to new monetary and fiscal policy initiatives and the potential economic effects of these changes. She will also examine the changing global and political environment, and how it will affect economic recovery. Participants will leave this session able to advise management teams and investment committees on the possible effect of economic issues on their organizations.

Track Sponsored by: Dechert, LLP

Join us at our Private Equity Summit to hear valuable insight in the private equity finance sector. Register here.

For anyone interested in sitting for the March 2021 CAIA Charter exam, join us for the December study session focusing on Private Equity on Friday, December 11 at 3pm ET. Industry expert Amy Miller, Marquette Associates, will join us to review materials, answer questions, and offer advice. 

Topics Covered:
Pre-IPO private equity investing
Venture capital
Buyouts and leveraged buyouts
Growth equity
Private equity (PE) funds
Limited partner (LP) and general partner (GP) relationship life cycle in private equity
Liquid alternatives in the private equity sector
Private investments in public equity (PIPEs)
Fund private credit vehicles
Leveraged loans
Direct lending
Private credit performance and diversification

RSVP today to reserve your spot.

The woman who always grabs an afternoon coffee with you.
The former boss who still lets you call her for advice.
The colleague who checks in to see how your presentation went.

These are the women who should not be forgotten on this year’s holiday gift list. From your assistant to your colleague to your mentor or boss, there are women in your circle that deserve a token of appreciation and a gift they can actually use. At Kayo, we partner with retailers who are female-founded and have created products (and services) that make women’s lives just a little bit easier or better. We’re sharing them here, along with some of our other favorite female-founded brands, to help make your life easier when it comes to holiday shopping.  

M.M.LAFLEUR

A long-time friend of Kayo, M.M.LaFleur is known for making it easy for businesswomen to get dressed for work every morning. In a recentblog launching their Omakase capsule wardrobes, they noted that some surveys have show that women take 15 more days per year to get ready for work than men. No doubt a gift or gift card from M.M.LaFleur will improve mornings for women everywhere. We’re loving the Morandi Sweater for its versatility and ability to elevate any look.

DAGNE DOVER

Founder Deepa Gandhi, went from a Lehman Brothers Analyst to founder of Dagne Dover, which designs performance-driven bags that are both functional and fashionable for a woman’s fast-paced, mobile lifestyle. From their colorful laptop sleeves to their wallets to their travel bags, you can expect materials that perform and thoughtful details whether it’s for work, travel, or fitness. They also just launched a baby line with highly-functional gender-neutral bags for moms or dads. We love the Ace Fanny Pack to assist with our post holiday fitness resolutions. 

DESEDA

Sarah Somers spent more than a decade in New York building a distinguished career among leaders in the global finance industry beforefinding her inner entrepreneur. From her roots in the Heartland, to self-discovery in Europe, to stripe-earning on Wall Street, to navigating the joys of motherhood – her style and wardrobe priorities shifted and changed, but one constant remained in her closet and delivered through it all: the silk scarf. It’s one of those accessories, often overlooked, that can make an outfit and make you feel chic. The scarves are unique in that each of them is a limited design through collaborations with artists from around the world. We favor the Secret Garden Scarf, it can add a pop of color to any outfit. 

DANA REBECCA DESIGNS

Selecting jewelry for a woman can often be difficult, but Dana Rebecca has created timeless and beloved-by-all pieces that any woman would get excited to add to her collection. You can’t go wrong with her classic collection of necklaces, including the Emily Sarah Necklace. It’s a perfect way to show your appreciation.  

Get all of Team Kayo’s picks along with other gifts we love from a selection of our favorite female-founded companies.

DOWNLOAD OUR 2019 GIFT GUIDE FOR DOZENS OF OUR GIFT PICKS

The first time I ever listened to a podcast I had decided to drive by myself from New York City to Vermont for a ski weekend. At the time, Serial was probably the most talked about podcast, so I decided to jump on the bandwagon and found myself completely entranced during the lonely, but now, entertaining drive.

Fast forward to the present, where my work days are jam-packed, and I’m doing all I can to just find time to keep my coffee cup full, much less listen to a podcast. But, as a professional, I’ve learned that making time for yourself—to learn something, or be entertained, or gain another perspective—ultimately helps you in business and in life and podcast are an audio library at our fingertips that make it simple to do when your time is spread thin.

Now, most podcasts I listen to are focused on business, entrepreneurship, marketing or self. It’s become my little moment of therapy and education and mentorship without ever leaving my house (or treadmill which is where I listen to most podcasts-the ultimate multitasker).

Once I got in to podcasts, I started using them as a way to start a conversation and conferences, with colleagues and friends. Not only do they get people talking, but they give a quick glimpse in to someone’s interests and personality. As a hiring manager, I feel (personal opinion) that those who listen to podcasts are curious, interested in learning, and often think bigger picture.

“What is your favorite podcast?” is now a go-to question when I’m interviewing job candidates and it has proven to provide a wealth of information about someone in a non-threatening way.

The Kayo Team got in to a good conversation about podcasts and as such, we decided to jot down our favorites. We’d love to hear what yours are too, so leave them in the comments for us and we’ll feature them in our next podcast post.

1. How I Built This

Dive into the stories behind some of the world’s best known companies. A narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and the movements they built.  

Good for: Inspiration, motivation, entrepreneurs

2. Ted Talks

With a goal of spreading great ideas, Ted Talks brings us short, Influential videos from expert speakers on education, business, tech and creativity.

Good for: Short attention spans or small windows of time, gaining knowledge on just about everything

3. StoryBrand

The Building a StoryBrand Podcast is as entertaining as it is informative. Journey with Donald Miller and his co-host JJ Peterson explore all things business by interviewing fascinating guests while doling out marketing wisdom.

Good for: Marketing 101, writer’s block, business advice, leadership tips

4. StarTalk Radio

The StarTalk podcast network bridges the intersection between science, pop culture and comedy with clarity, humor and passion. A good way to learn how things work, living in space and all things science with a spin.

Good for: Thinking big, New perspectives, departing from your day-to-day conversation

5. Wharton Business Radio

Podcasting the best business and management knowledge for your career success from Business Radio Power by the Wharton School. Topics include everything from climate change to real estate to U.S. financial markets.

Good for: Finding real insights that will likely apply to your actual industry, job or future

6. Whole Life Challenge

Brought to you by the Whole Life Challenge, this is a show about raising the bar, improving your life, transforming your health, fitness, and well-being, and shattering the status quo. Guests are people who have found the inner strength and confidence to lead from the front, to stand out, be different, and to truly make a difference in the world of health, fitness, and well-being.  

Good for: A new spin on business, health and wellness inspiration

7. Oprah’s Super Soul Conversations

I mean, it’s Oprah, so she doesn’t need much of an introduction. Hear her personal selections of interviews with thought-leaders, best-selling authors, spiritual luminaries, as well as health and wellness experts. All designed to light you up, guide you through life’s big questions and help bring you one step closer to your best self.

Good for: Days that you don’t want to think to hard and get some feel-good soup for the soul

8.  Freakonomics

Discover the hidden side of everything with Stephen J. Dubner, co-author of the Freakonomics books. Each week, Freakonomics Radio tells you things you always thought you knew (but didn’t) and things you never thought you wanted to know (but do) — from the economics of sleep to how to become great at just about anything.

By Lindsay Burton, Founder Kayo Conference Series

Phew, thank goodness! It’s too much pressure. Find the perfect gift, get the best deal, decide quickly. I just can’t shop like that. If you are like me, you still have a lot of work to do finding presents for the ones you love this holiday. I can’t help with your whole list, but I might be able to help with just one.

THE PROFESSIONAL WOMAN

She loves her career. She loves people. This is the woman who takes care of everyone and always carries a full plate. She is polished, professional, well-organized, rarely complains and values authenticity over fluff. She might be a colleague, your spouse, your sister or your mother. At the Kayo Conference Series, this woman is the hero of our story and we study her and know her well. Let’s both agree she’s pretty amazing and she deserves something special. When selecting gifts for professional women, follow these simple parameters and you cannot wrong.

#6 THAT THING SHE’LL NEVER BUY HERSELF

Women are practical, and contrary to popular stereotypes they rarely spoil themselves and indulge. Find something that she wants but would never purchase for herself because it’s not practical. ($500-$1,500)

• Jewelry from Dana Rebecca. She wants it. Trust us.

#5 SOMETHING PRACTICAL WITH A TINGE OF LUXURY

Women are practical, and contrary to popular stereotypes they rarely spoil themselves and indulge. Find something you already know she loves and take it to the next level. ($250-$500)

• Morandi Sweater from MM.LaFleur: The office is always freezing. Shivering through a board meeting is not the best way to establish authority. This dreamy office sweater is a GAME-CHANGER.

#4 ANYTHING IN THE COLOR BLUSH

Blush pink is the new neutral. At least that’s what the 20-year-olds in my office are telling me. ($75-$350)

• Allyn Tote from Dagne Dover: She’s probably sick and tired of her black or camel office tote. Blush is a neutral color, but for the typical professional women, it’s WILD.

#3 CELEBRATE HER WIN

Too often, we pass a hurdle and move on to the next one without celebrating the victory. Identify one of her accomplishments from the year, and memorialize it. Did she pass the Bar Exam in a new state? Did she get a thoughtful thank you card post card from a client? Did she complete a 10K or a fitness challenge her gym? Maybe it’s just a photo from a well-deserved vacation. Make it a big deal and celebrate the wins. ($75-$200)

• Suggestion: Framebridge is a simple, affordable digital service for framing.

#2 AN ACT OF SERVICE

What chore does she hate to do? Figure out what that is, and get it done for her. This might be free, or you might have to spend a little bit to get it done right. ($25-$75)

• Detail her car. Crumbled goldfish, coffee stains, mystery goos, be gone! This might seem a little bit boring or practical, but a clean car is like a new car and a new car is like a new you. Oh, and throw in an oil change while you are at it!

#1 THE GIFT OF TIME

Free time is the ultimate luxury. Think about something you can do, whether it’s an act of service or a gadget, that will free up time for her to simply be. (Free)

• Entertain the kids. Take the kids out of the house for a full morning or afternoon so that she has some time along her in own house. Plan fun activities and make sure to do it cheerfully so that she has zero guilt.

PLATINUM

“THE TRAILBLAZER”

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“THE GUIDE”

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