by Sharai Lavoie | Jan 31, 2025 | Women Who Lead
In the rolling farmlands of northwestern Wisconsin, Shelly Lanning’s journey began amid dairy farms and grain elevators. Her family ran the local feed mill, an experience that deeply influenced her understanding of interconnected systems. This rural backdrop was more than just a childhood setting—it was a living laboratory that sparked her fascination with the delicate balance between environment, nutrition, and health.
“Everything we were attached to was about animals, their care, the land, and farming,” Shelly recalls. This early exposure cultivated a holistic view of health that would later define her work in healthcare innovation.
Bridging Science and Human Experience
At the University of Minnesota, Shelly’s academic pursuits refined her interdisciplinary approach. She immersed herself in physiology and chemistry, drawn to the intricate ways scientific principles manifest in human biology. Her studies weren’t just about memorizing textbooks but understanding the profound connections between different scientific disciplines.
“I was very interested in this combination of various aspects of science and what impact that it had on your body,” she explains. Her curiosity extended to understanding fluid dynamics and how blood flows through the human system, revealing an early passion for connecting complex scientific concepts to tangible human experiences.
The Venture Capital Years: A Landscape of Healthcare Innovation
Shelly’s professional trajectory took her through the dynamic world of healthcare venture capital. For nearly 25 years, she navigated the complex ecosystem of emerging healthcare technologies, first with a seed and early-stage healthcare venture capital group, and later at Morgan Stanley’s Healthcare Private Equity group.
Her work wasn’t just about financial investments but about identifying transformative potential. She looked beyond immediate market sizes, seeking technologies and companies that could fundamentally change healthcare delivery and patient experiences.
Discovering Women’s Health Disparities
Approximately eight years ago, Shelly’s career took a profound turn with the discovery of ‘women’s health’ as a category. Her first investment in women’s health—a fetal and maternal medicine venture from the Mayo Clinic—unveiled a startling reality: maternal outcomes in the United States were significantly lower compared to other developed nations. Even more shocking: more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S. at the time were determined to be preventable.
This revelation wasn’t just a statistical anomaly for Shelly; it became a mission. She delved deep into research, convincing herself and others about the critical gaps in women’s healthcare. Subsequent investments in fertility-based companies further solidified her commitment.
Visana Health: Revolutionizing Women’s Healthcare
With Visana Health, Shelly found a true blending of her passions. She was introduced to Visana CEO Joe as a potential investor in his company and was once again surprised by the large number of women’s health conditions that had been systematically overlooked—endometriosis, uterine fibroids, chronic pelvic pain, and conditions like menopause that society had long considered taboo.
“We didn’t grow up talking about them, we didn’t really understand what they were or how to treat them or why they were important,” she reflects. “I liked Joe and his model enough to join him as a Co-Founder.”
Challenging Scientific Paradigms
One of Shelly’s most passionate critiques is the historical male-centric approach to medical research. From anatomy books to clinical trials, male bodies have been the default standard—a paradigm that fundamentally misunderstands women’s unique physiological experiences.
“What we know now is that so much of women is completely different than men, right down to the very cell of every single aspect of every single system in the body,” she emphasizes.
Innovative Care Model
At Visana Health, Shelly is pioneering a revolutionary care approach. Unlike traditional 15-minute medical consultations, the Visana Health model offers appointment times of up to 60 minutes or more as needed based on the patient’s health concern. Here, women can discuss comprehensive health concerns—from physical symptoms to mental health, recognizing the intrinsic connections between bodily systems.
Continuous Learning and Personal Growth
When asked about professional challenges, Shelly mentions that she at times can experience imposter syndrome. Transitioning from a broad investment perspective to deep, specialized knowledge at Visana Health initially shook her confidence.
Her strategy for overcoming self-doubt is both practical and inspirational:
- Develop a 24-month career vision
- Identify core competencies needed to achieve that vision
- Set incremental monthly goals
- Create a “personal board of directors” for support and guidance
A Vision for the Future: Collaborative and Inclusive Healthcare
Looking ahead, Shelly sees a promising shift in professional dynamics. Where women were once cutthroat competitors due to limited opportunities, there’s now more collaboration and mutual support.
Her observations about workplace flexibility are nuanced. While remote work offers benefits, she cautions about potential drawbacks, particularly for early-career professionals who might miss crucial networking and learning opportunities.
The Enduring Power of Perseverance
Shelly Lanning’s journey is a powerful narrative of perseverance, innovation, and unwavering commitment to transforming healthcare. Her story demonstrates that with curiosity, resilience, and a holistic vision, one can fundamentally reshape industries.
by Sharai Lavoie | Jan 27, 2025 | Accounting
Running a business with multiple legal entities, such as subsidiaries, parent companies, or international operations, can be a rewarding but complex endeavor. Whether you’re managing a health-tech company with an MSO-PC model or overseeing a US-based entity with foreign subsidiaries, the challenges of consolidating financial data and ensuring accurate reporting can quickly become overwhelming.
At Lavoie CPA, we understand these challenges firsthand. Many small and medium-sized businesses struggle with outdated accounting systems and manual processes that hinder growth and efficiency. This is where outsourced accounting can play a pivotal role in alleviating such pressures, allowing businesses to focus on scaling without the burden of financial mismanagement. Explore how outsourced accounting can help your business.
The Challenges of Managing Multiple Entities
1. Complex Consolidations
Combining financial statements for multiple entities is no small feat. Many businesses rely on simple accounting systems like QuickBooks, which lack the functionality to handle consolidated reporting seamlessly. As a result, companies often resort to manual processes in Excel, which are time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to scale.
For example, health-tech companies with an MSO-PC model must consolidate financial data from multiple professional corporations (PCs) under a management services organization (MSO). Similarly, businesses with foreign subsidiaries face the added complexity of currency translation, such as converting Euro-based financial statements into US Dollars. Learn how a business systems and process assessment can streamline consolidation challenges and optimize efficiency.
2. Inadequate Handling of Foreign Currency
QuickBooks and similar systems often fall short when it comes to foreign currency translation. Accurate conversion requires real-time exchange rates and sophisticated calculations, which many entry-level accounting systems cannot provide. This can lead to discrepancies in financial reporting and compliance issues. Check out how effective software solutions can tackle these foreign currency complexities to avoid reporting errors.
3. Lack of Integrated KPIs and Metrics
High-quality financial management goes beyond just numbers. Businesses need to track key performance indicators (KPIs) and non-financial metrics across all entities. Unfortunately, many accounting systems cannot automatically consolidate these metrics, leaving decision-makers without the insights they need to drive growth. Discover how having financial transparency across your business entities can boost operational insights and strategic decisions.
The Solution: Sage Intacct and Lavoie CPA’s Approach
At Lavoie CPA, we believe the key to effective multi-entity accounting lies in two critical components: the right accounting system and the right team. That’s why we recommend Sage Intacct, a cloud-based ERP system designed to meet the unique needs of businesses with multiple entities.
Why Sage Intacct Stands Out
1. Seamless Consolidations
Sage Intacct simplifies the consolidation process by automating the combination of financial statements across multiple entities. Whether you’re managing subsidiaries under an MSO-PC model or consolidating international operations, Sage Intacct ensures accuracy and compliance with minimal manual effort. This level of seamless consolidation is vital for businesses of all sizes, including start-ups. Learn more about outsourced accounting for start-ups to see how it can benefit your operations from the get-go.
2. Advanced Currency Management
Unlike QuickBooks, Sage Intacct excels at foreign currency translation. The system supports real-time exchange rates and automatically converts financial data into your desired currency, ensuring accurate reporting for global operations.
3. Integrated KPIs and Dashboards
Sage Intacct goes beyond traditional accounting by offering robust reporting and dashboard capabilities. You can track financial and non-financial KPIs across all entities, giving you a comprehensive view of your business’s performance. For businesses that seek to drive performance while reducing operational costs, here’s how to do it effectively with the right technology and strategy.
3. Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows, Sage Intacct grows with you. The system is highly scalable, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that plan to expand their operations or add new entities.
Budgeting in a Multi-Entity Environment
Effective budgeting is critical for businesses with multiple entities. Sage Intacct streamlines this process by allowing you to compare budgets versus actual results for each entity while providing a consolidated view of your overall financial health. This ensures that you can allocate resources efficiently and make informed decisions across your organization. Learn more about business systems assessments to ensure your operations are structured for growth.
Why Choose Lavoie CPA?
At Lavoie CPA, we don’t just provide accounting services, we deliver tailored solutions that empower your business to thrive. Our team specializes in implementing and managing Sage Intacct, ensuring that your multi-entity accounting processes are as efficient and accurate as possible.
By partnering with us, you’ll gain access to:
- Personalized Support: We’ll help you navigate the complexities of multi-entity accounting, from consolidations to currency management.
- Cutting-Edge Technology: We leverage Sage Intacct’s advanced features to streamline your financial operations and provide real-time insights.
- Customized Solutions: Every business is unique, and we’ll work with you to develop a strategy that meets your specific needs.
Conclusion
Managing multiple entities doesn’t have to be a headache. With the right accounting system and a trusted partner like Lavoie CPA, you can simplify your financial processes, ensure compliance, and focus on growing your business.If you’re ready to take your multi-entity accounting to the next level, contact us today to learn more about how Sage Intacct and our approach can transform your financial management.
by Sharai Lavoie | Jan 23, 2025 | Women Who Lead
Healthcare innovation is marked by leaders who not only achieve great milestones but also have a profound commitment to creating meaningful change. Jenna Hartter’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, operational excellence, and a deep-rooted passion for improving lives.
Roots of Ambition: A Family-Inspired Foundation
Jenna’s journey begins with a unique family background that shaped her worldview. As the second of four daughters, she was raised by parents who deeply valued education. Her father, in particular, instilled a belief that there were no limits to what she could achieve. This foundational support would become the bedrock of her future professional pursuits.
Growing up, family vacations were spent visiting museums and educational sites rather than other tourist destinations. This approach to learning fostered a curiosity and openness that would later define her career trajectory. Her parents didn’t just teach education; they taught the art of continuous learning and exploration.
From Corporate Foundations to Startup Innovation
Jenna’s professional journey began in the structured world of a Fortune 500 company, where she spent half a decade developing her skills. However, she wasn’t content to remain within the familiar corporate boundaries. Her transition to the startup sector was far from easy – she faced doubts about her ability to pivot from a large corporate environment to the high-risk, fast-paced world of innovative startups.
This skepticism could have been a deterrent, but for Jenna, it was a challenge to overcome, and one she approached systematically and with intention. Her move from consumer products to medical technology was another significant leap, entering an industry where she had no prior experience. While each transition represented a career move, it was also a deliberate choice to expand her impact and challenge existing limitations.
Pioneering Operations at Cubby Beds
At Cubby Beds, Jenna has become a transformative force in scaling insurance-covered safety beds for children with special needs. She had a hand in building the company’s operational infrastructure from scratch – both physical product operations and company-wide strategic & operating cadences. At Cubby, a medical device product with a mission to help families better access the care they need, she’s faced with some difficult and unique challenges never before been tackled by the industry. To meet these, she’s able to bring expertise from her background in CPG, omnichannel, and direct-to-consumer startups to build new & creative solutions.
The company’s growth is a testament to her skills: from the team of seven she was hired into to over 40 full time employees, now selling thousands of products within just three years. Each strategic decision and additional bed sold represents not just a business milestone, but a step towards improving more lives of families with children who have special needs.
A Personal Connection to Healthcare Transformation
Jenna’s commitment to healthcare innovation is deeply personal. As a foster parent to three young children, she has experienced firsthand the complexities of accessing healthcare services. “I have a much closer view of what it’s like to try to get healthcare services,” she explains. “It’s very complex and much harder than it should be… It shouldn’t take an advanced degree and it shouldn’t take a whole ton of time [to access the services we need] .”
The Philosophy of Incremental Progress
One of Jenna’s most powerful strategies is breaking down challenges into manageable actions. “I am a very operational person in all aspects of my life, and use similar frameworks to approach a new challenge at work or a new challenge at home,” she explains. When facing obstacles, she focuses on “breaking things down into small and doable next steps .”
Jenna maintains a file of her past accomplishments – a personal reminder of challenges she’s already overcome. This practice isn’t about ego, but about recognizing her own capacity for growth and adaptation. Each past achievement becomes a building block of confidence for future endeavors.
Balancing Professional Ambition and Family Life
For Jenna and her husband, managing a two-career household with three children under four is an exercise in strategic planning. They’ve developed sophisticated systems for managing household logistics, including weekly family meetings to coordinate responsibilities. This approach allows them to pursue their professional goals while maintaining a supportive, efficient home environment.
Inspiration from a Global Perspective
Influenced by Muhammad Yunus – a Bangladeshi economist, entrepreneur, politician, civil society leader, and Nobel Peace Prize winner – Jenna embraces the idea that transformative innovations can emerge from unexpected places. Her internship in Bangladesh was a pivotal moment, teaching her that committed individuals can create systemic change by focusing on solving real-world problems.
A Message to Emerging Leaders
To young professionals, Jenna offers a powerful message: “You don’t need to be a visionary to have a big impact. Meaningful work can be found in implementing grand ideas well”. She finds this challenge & satisfaction in operations, in bringing others’ visions to life with well-constructed and well-executed systems. She encourages focusing on doing meaningful work rather than seeking spotlight & attention “When you focus on doing good work, you’ll look up after months, years, and decades and see the impact you’ve had on people’s lives – more than you could have ever dreamed.”
The Multifaceted Nature of Perseverance
Jenna Hartter embodies perseverance not through dramatic resistance, but through consistent, strategic action. Her journey illustrates that success is about breaking complex challenges into manageable steps, maintaining a commitment to personal growth, and never losing sight of the broader impact one can make.
As a member of Women Who Lead Healthcare 2024, Jenna represents the innovative spirit driving positive change in healthcare – proving that with determination, strategic thinking, and a genuine desire to help others, one can transform industries and improve lives.
by Sharai Lavoie | Jan 22, 2025 | Women Who Lead
Naya Powell‘s journey into health and wellness is not just a career path; it’s a compelling narrative shaped by her personal and family experiences. As a third-generation entrepreneur, Naya was inspired by her parents’ remarkable resilience and commitment to community. Her father, a marathon runner, founder and CEO of a global government contracting firm with clients that spanned from the Pentagon to Military bases worldwide, instilled in her the values of tenacity, global citizenship, wellness and visionary thinking. Meanwhile, her mother made history as the first Black national sales director for Mary Kay Cosmetics in Virginia, exemplifying entrepreneurship and empowering women to rise.
With over 15 years of experience in corporate America, Naya thrived in fast-paced, demanding environments; however, she experienced her own bouts with burnout and a sense of belonging. Her roles in tech, consulting, and global talent acquisition at companies such as Red Hat, IBM, Korn Ferry, Microsoft, and others provided her with insight into the pervasive issues of workplace engagement, retention and mental health across hybrid and global teams. Naya witnessed firsthand how these challenges hinder professional success, and productivity, deepening her commitment to creating work cultures that promote mindful leadership, occupational health, happiness, and performance.
Naya is a dedicated community leader who has transformed the workplace wellness landscape by not only addressing these critical issues but also advocating for representation and empowerment. Her journey is a testament to the strength and determination of women in healthcare, and her insights are essential for driving meaningful change in the industry.
The Birth of Topia (Formerly Utopia Global Wellness): A Response to a Critical Need
When looking further into these issues, the statistics Naya encountered were alarming. She discovered that one in five Americans was dealing with mental health challenges, and the World Health Organization reported over $1 trillion in annual productivity losses due to depression and anxiety.
These insights became the catalyst for Topia, a B2B digital health and wellness platform designed to revolutionize employee well-being.
“So everyone knows that stress and burnout are an epidemic – impeding our productivity and ability to show up. You see, there is a productivity gap in wellness. Therefore, here at Topia, we focus on 4 key pillars of health: mental, physical, emotional, and occupational. Our AI wellness coach taps into our one-stop library of 700+ sessions, live and on-demand, delivering personalized plans for health, happiness, and performance,” Naya explains. Her platform goes beyond traditional wellness approaches that offer a one-size-fits-all approach. Topia is proud graduate of 2024 Techstars Washington DC Accelerator, powered by J.P. Morgan.
Naya’s entrepreneurial path was far from smooth. After leaving her corporate job to focus on her wellness business, Topia, she faced significant challenges when the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically altered the business landscape. Her financial runway was quickly depleting, and she wasn’t sure how she would sustain her business.
However, Naya’s approach to adversity was to persistently seek opportunities. She applied to the Google for Startups fund, having been rejected the previous year. This time, not only was she accepted, but she also received double the funding she had originally sought.
“A dream delayed is not a dream denied,” Naya reflects, embodying the essence of perseverance.
A Comprehensive Wellness Ecosystem
Topia is more than just a platform; it’s a comprehensive wellness ecosystem. The company offers:
- 1-STOP Workplace Wellness & Productivity Platform
- 4 Health Pillars: Mental, Physical, Emotional & Occupational
- AI-Powered Coach personalizes plans
- 700+ Classes | 24/7 On-Demand | 6 Languages
- Customizable Workshops | Wellness and Mindful Leadership Coaching
- Licensed Mental Health Therapist
- Curated Leadership Retreats & Kick-offs
- Healthplan Partnerships
With this diverse array of offerings, Topia is dedicated to promoting holistic well-being for all.
A partnership with the world’s largest health plan, which emerged from a transformative executive coaching session, exemplifies our organization’s commitment to its mission. Naya shares, “One of my biggest highlights has been Topia being invited to provide a curated virtual retreat for one of their teams. As we enter our third year of this esteemed partnership with a global leader in health plans, I couldn’t be more proud.”
Personal Philosophy: Balancing Life and Purpose
Naya’s approach to personal and professional life is deeply intentional. She prioritizes her values—faith, family, finances, and fun—and practices what she preaches in the wellness industry. Her weekly routine includes:
- Prayer and gratitude journaling
- Taking walks
- Dedicating Sundays to self-care and restoration
- Maintaining clear boundaries between work and personal life
- Annually: Wellness retreats and beach time with Utopia Spa Global Wellness Retreats
Mentorship and Community
For Naya, community is not just a concept but a critical component of well-being. She actively encourages immersion in supportive networks, whether through conferences, accelerator programs, or professional communities. Her belief is simple yet profound: “Life isn’t meant to be done alone, and we can go so much farther together.”
Inspiration for Future Generations
When considering how to inspire the next generation of women in healthcare and wellness, Naya’s message is powerful. She advocates for:
- Prioritizing personal well-being
- Embracing authenticity
- Being courageous
- Finding supportive communities
- Believing in individual uniqueness
“Every one of us was uniquely and divinely created to make an impact in the world that no one else can,” she emphasizes.
Future Vision: Beyond Digital Wellness
Looking forward, Naya envisions expanding Topia beyond its digital platform. Her ambitious goal is to establish brick-and-mortar retreat centers worldwide, continuing her mission of making holistic health and well-being accessible to everyone.
Advice to Her Younger Self and Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Drawing from wisdom shared by her mentors—her godmother, father, and mother—Naya’s advice crystallizes into powerful mantras:
- “Always do a little more than expected.”
- “Never say you can’t without giving it a try.”
- “Go as far as you can see, and then you’ll see further.”
The Transformative Power of Perseverance
Naya Powell’s story transcends a personal success narrative. It is a profound testament to the power of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to creating meaningful change in healthcare, wellness, and beyond.
Her journey reminds us that challenges are not insurmountable obstacles, but opportunities for growth, transformation, and ultimately, making a significant difference in the world.
by Sharai Lavoie | Jan 22, 2025 | Women Who Lead
Workplace burnout has become increasingly common, but Georgia Homsany turned her personal experience into a powerful mission to help others. As founder and CEO of Daily Dose Wellness, she’s revolutionizing how companies approach employee well-being, proving that career pivots can lead to meaningful impact.
Finding Purpose Through Personal Experience
Georgia’s journey to founding Daily Dose Wellness began with her own corporate burnout experience. “I had personally reached a point of burnout at the company I was at, and I didn’t want to just get another job in marketing,” she shares.
This pivotal moment led to a career shift at age 38 – a decision that, while daunting, aligned with her passion for wellness and desire to create positive change in the corporate world.
“I had this idea that there are so many people that are probably feeling the way I had felt,” Georgia explains. “My thought was: why not take something that I’m passionate about and apply it in the business setting? I had felt like there were a lot of resources for individuals to do on their own, but not as much support available in the workplace, where we spend most of our day.”
Building a Business During Unprecedented Times
Starting a business at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, but Georgia’s perseverance proved stronger. As a “one-woman show,” she handles everything from sales outreach and marketing to moderating webinars and working directly with clients.
Daily Dose Wellness provides organizations with wellness breaks through 30-minute webinars, 30-day challenges, and virtual health fairs – all designed to help employees stay productive and prevent burnout.
“I started a business at the start of the pandemic so I was already going up against a lot,” Georgia reflects. Her strategy for overcoming obstacles? “You have to think about whether this is something you genuinely want to do and then make sure you are celebrating the wins, no matter how small they feel in those moments.”
The Power of Positive Feedback and Personal Growth
Georgia’s commitment to making a difference is reinforced by the impact she sees in people’s lives. “Whenever I receive feedback, I tell myself, if I help one person in each program or interaction I have, then my job is done,” she says. She keeps a “power jar” – a practice learned from her business coach – where she collects positive feedback about her work.
“When you’re in those moments feeling challenged or thinking maybe you did the wrong thing or want to give up on the business… that power jar comes in handy because you can read all those positive statements of who you inspired or helped and it reminds you why you’re doing the work you’re doing.”
Finding Balance and Setting Boundaries
As someone who helps others achieve work-life balance, Georgia practices what she preaches. She advocates for thoughtful choices about commitments: “Do what you want to do. Which sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people are just filling their calendar with things they feel like they have to do or they should do.”
She emphasizes the importance of making gradual changes rather than dramatic ones, suggesting that people “start making micro changes” when establishing new boundaries or habits.
Embracing Change and Following Intuition
For women considering career changes, Georgia emphasizes the importance of trusting one’s intuition. “I think women especially, we’re very good at having that intuition. And, when something doesn’t feel right in our gut, it’s usually spot-on,” she advises. This wisdom led to her publishing a book earlier this year titled “You’re Not Lazy: Change Your Words to Change Your Worth,” focusing on transforming negative self-talk into confidence-building dialogue.
She finds inspiration in successful women who found their path later in life, particularly author Jen Sincero. “One thing I was inspired about personally with Jen is that she says in her book how she didn’t really ‘make it’ until her 40s… that gave me hope because as someone who switched career paths at 38 years old, you wonder, can I actually make a living now starting something new?”
Looking to the Future
Georgia’s vision extends beyond individual success. “My overall goal is to get wellness into as many companies as possible,” she states. Her approach focuses on proactive wellness rather than reactive solutions: “What are little changes that you can start to incorporate in your day that you feel are feasible that will put those healthy habits in place that you can stick with in the long run?”
Through her work at Daily Dose Wellness, speaking engagements, and her book, Georgia continues to champion workplace wellness while inspiring others to pursue their passions, regardless of age or career stage.
Her journey serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact one person can have when they choose to follow their intuition and pursue meaningful change.
