Women-Leaders-Shaping-Future-Business-May26-interview Archives

I am Rana Alnasir-Boulos, Chairperson of the Global Women Forum (GWF) and Director Business Development of the EITEP Institute to which GWF belongs, dedicated to fostering leadership, empowerment, and opportunities for women and youth across the globe. With over a decade of experience in leadership, intercultural training, and public speaking, I have worked tirelessly to bridge cultures, industries, and generations to create platforms where women can thrive. Through initiatives like the World Woman Leader Award, I recognize and support women driving meaningful change. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to mentoring, inspiring, and equipping the next generation of leaders to confidently pursue their goals and redefine global leadership.

Here are the key highlights from the interview:

Can you share your professional journey and what inspired you to become a global advocate for women’s empowerment and leadership?

My professional journey has spanned leadership roles, cross-cultural training, and advocacy for women in business, STEM, and public policy. I was inspired to become a global advocate for women’s empowerment after witnessing the untapped potential of women and youth, particularly in regions where cultural and structural barriers limit their opportunities. My mission has always been to create platforms, networks, and initiatives that enable women to lead, innovate, and influence decision-making on a global scale.

As the Chairperson of the Global Women Forum, what is your vision for empowering women and youth worldwide?

As Chairperson of GWF, my vision is to empower women and youth worldwide by providing mentorship, education, and networking opportunities, while bridging the gap between industries, cultures, and generations. I aim to create an inclusive ecosystem where women can access resources, knowledge, and support to grow as leaders and agents of change.

Through initiatives such as the World Woman Leader Award, how do you recognize and support women leaders making an impact globally?

The World Woman Leader Award celebrates women who are driving meaningful impact in their communities and industries. By highlighting their achievements, sharing their stories, and connecting them with global networks, we aim to inspire other women to pursue leadership roles and create positive change.

As an intercultural trainer, how important is cultural understanding and diversity in building strong global leadership?

As an intercultural trainer, I strongly believe that cultural understanding and diversity are essential for building strong global leadership. Leaders who embrace diverse perspectives can foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation while creating inclusive environments that empower all voices to be heard.

You are also a public speaker. How do you use speaking platforms to inspire change and motivate women to pursue leadership roles?

Through public speaking, I use platforms to share insights, experiences, and strategies that motivate women to step into leadership roles with confidence. Speaking engagements allow me to challenge norms, highlight success stories, and inspire women and youth to pursue careers and initiatives that can transform industries and communities.

What challenges have you faced while advocating for women’s leadership, and what lessons have these experiences taught you?

Advocating for women’s leadership comes with challenges, including overcoming systemic biases and cultural barriers. These experiences have taught me the importance of persistence, empathy, and collaboration, as well as the power of building networks that amplify voices and create lasting impact.

What advice would you give to young women who aspire to become leaders and create meaningful change in their communities and industries?

To young women aspiring to lead, I would say: believe in your vision, embrace your unique strengths, and seek out mentors and networks that support your growth. Take initiative, challenge conventions, and remember that true leadership is not just about personal success, but about uplifting others and creating opportunities for meaningful change.

As a founder and CEO, what inspired you to build MisMacK, and how has your personal journey as a woman entrepreneur shaped the company’s vision and values?

MisMacK was born in the basement of my home in Canoe, British Columbia. It started with a simple belief that makeup does not define you, it is merely a tool. I saw a gap in the industry between high performance and clean formulation, and I refused to accept that women had to compromise one for the other.

As a woman entrepreneur, my journey has been anything but linear. I have navigated financial strain, store closures, grief after losing my father, and the pressure of proving myself in rooms that were not built for women like me. That journey shaped MisMacK into a brand rooted in resilience, education, and community. We are not here to follow trends. We are here to build category defining products that perform at the highest level while staying true to our values.

MisMacK stands for grit, integrity, and ownership. Every product is made in Canada, formulated with female chemists, and designed to work hard for the person wearing it. That is a direct reflection of my own story.

What challenges have you faced as a woman leader in building and scaling your business, and how did you turn those challenges into opportunities for growth?

One of the greatest challenges has been being underestimated. As a woman in clean cosmetics entering the world of professional sports, I was often seen as too niche or too early. Instead of shrinking, I leaned in.

When we created Canada’s first toxic free Eye Black and stepped into stadiums, we were not invited. We showed up anyway. That decision led to partnerships with professional teams and the creation of Sports Colour Cosmetics™, a new category we proudly trademarked.

Financial pressure has also been real. Scaling a product based business in Canada requires bold decisions. I have learned to build while uncomfortable, to raise capital strategically, and to protect our intellectual property fiercely. Every obstacle forced clarity. Every setback sharpened our positioning.

Growth did not happen because it was easy. It happened because we refused to quit.

How do you define your leadership style, and in what ways do you believe women leaders bring empathy, resilience, and purpose into business leadership?

My leadership style is direct, values driven, and deeply human. I expect excellence, but I also believe in building people, not just revenue.

Women leaders often bring emotional intelligence into decision making. We can hold vision and vulnerability at the same time. That combination is powerful. Empathy allows you to build brands that truly serve people. Resilience allows you to keep going when others would step back. Purpose ensures you are building something that matters.

At MisMacK, our vibe attracts our team. We foster a culture where creativity, accountability, and support coexist. We celebrate wins loudly and face hard conversations head on. That balance is intentional.

How does MisMacK support, inspire, or empower women, whether through its products, culture, or community impact?

We support women through performance and education. Our products are multi use, high performance, and designed to work on real skin at every age. We focus on timeless looks that enhance rather than mask.

Beyond products, we offer free pampering sessions that are rooted in education, not pressure. We teach women how to use what they have, how to feel confident in everyday makeup, and how to see themselves differently.

Through initiatives like our partnership with KidSport Canada and our expansion into sports, we are also showing young girls that they belong in arenas, on fields, and in boardrooms. Sports Colour Cosmetics™ is about owning your presence wherever you show up.

How has MisMacK evolved since its inception, and what key strategies or values have guided the company’s growth and positioning in today’s competitive market?

We evolved from a small town clean cosmetics brand into a national company pioneering a new category.

In the early days, we focused on retail stores and community building. As we grew, we invested in intellectual property, trademarks, and strategic partnerships. Appearing on Dragons’ Den expanded national awareness. Partnering with professional sports teams expanded our reach into new markets.

The values have never changed. Performance first. Clean formulation. Canadian made. Community rooted.

Strategically, we diversified revenue streams through direct to consumer, wholesale, and sports partnerships. We protected our trademarks aggressively. We positioned ourselves not as another clean beauty brand, but as the creators of Sports Colour Cosmetics™. Clarity in positioning has been everything.

In today’s evolving business landscape, what does success mean to you personally and professionally, and how has that definition changed over time?

Success used to mean survival. It meant paying payroll, keeping the lights on, and proving I could build something from nothing.

Today, success means scale with impact. It means creating generational opportunity, building a company strong enough to acquire or be acquired, and proving that a Canadian founded, women led brand can lead globally.

Personally, success also means alignment. Being sober. Being present with my son. Building a life that feels expansive, not reactive. The numbers matter, but so does peace.

Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what is your vision for MisMacK’s future, and how do you see the company creating long term impact for its customers, industry, and community?

By 2026 and beyond, MisMacK will be recognized as the global leader in Sports Colour Cosmetics™.

We are expanding nationally through retail partnerships, strengthening our presence in professional sports, and scaling GamePlay and the Grit Kit into household names. Our goal is to be in every arena, every team bag, and every athlete’s locker.

Long term impact means redefining what performance cosmetics can look like. It means creating pathways for young athletes to express themselves safely. It means continuing to donate back to communities through partnerships like KidSport Canada.

We are building for acquisition, but we are also building for legacy.

📌 MisMack – LinkedIn

🌐 Missy MacKintosh – Company Website