CHICAGO — To succeed in the baking industry — or in any business — you have to get to know yourself and be able to share that knowledge, said Lisa Turano at the Society of Bakery Women annual meeting and dinner, held Feb. 27 at Chicago just ahead of the American Society of Baking’s BakingTech 2016.
Ms. Turano, vice-president, legal, of Turano Baking Co., Berwyn, Ill., is also president of the Turano Foundation and the eldest member of the third generation of the Turano family. She holds a law degree and a master’s degree in business.
“We’re all known for something whether we recognize it or not,” she told the audience of 50 women, which included 21 students from Kansas State University. “Learning your audience will help direct your presentation of yourself.”
Developing a personal brand, Ms. Turano said, will help the individual create visibility, presence and differentiation.
“It offers more control and power,” she said. “It offers resilience. And it creates expectations.”
She summarized her advice, saying, “Confidence is the most influential factor in personal branding, and remember, keep calm and don’t take it personally.”
For several years, the S.B.W. has granted an annual scholarship to a woman studying at K.S.U. Lee Sanders, president of the S.B.W. and senior vice-president of government relations and public affairs for the American Bakers Association, said generous support from sponsors allowed the group to award a second scholarship this year. She announced the winners during the Allied Trades of the Baking Industry’s Early Bird Breakfast on March 1. They are Marie Feldpausch and Lisa Owsley, both K.S.U. seniors.
The S.B.W. was formed 20 years ago to provide networking and growth opportunities for female baking industry personnel. Its web site, www.bakerywomen.org, details the group’s activities and is adding a new feature to spotlight various members throughout the year.
The group participates in the policy conference of the A.B.A.’s NextGenBaker Committee as a sponsor. It also plans an early bird coffee at the I.F.T.’s annual meeting in July at Chicago and a networking event during IBIE on Oct. 10 in Las Vegas.
