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T H E 2 0 2 4 WOMEN IN BUSINESS H O N O R E E S HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | APRIL 1, 2024 B7 Elizabeth Dickman CEO Integrated Physicians Management Services LLC E lizabeth Dickman is the CEO of Integrated Physicians Management Services LLC, a provider of revenue cycle management and other business services to medical practices. Dickman began as controller in 1999, and grew with the company taking on the chief financial officer position and ultimately the CEO role. She has worked with her team to create and cultivate the company brand known for high-quality service and results. The corporate culture has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in CT. Under her leadership, the business has grown from two clients with 35 employees to 23 clients with 100 employees. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? I successfully transitioned to the CEO role during a period of uncertainty, retaining all clients and growing revenues. I also presided over all business logistics of a merger between two large medical practices, integrating more than 200 employees, all accounting functions, and the $80 million revenue cycle. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? I would like to serve as a board member of a nonprofit that could use the assistance of someone with my talents. Leila Daneshmandi Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer Encapsulate L eila Daneshmandi, Ph.D., is the chief operating officer and co-founder of Encapsulate Inc., a medical technology company in precision diagnostics for personalized cancer therapy. The company's patented tumor-on-a-chip technology allows users to assess tumor behavior in a microenvironment that mimics the human body, so doctors can accurately predict how a tumor reacts to different treatments. With a background in biomedical engi- neering and global entrepreneurship, she co-founded the company in 2019, and has since secured over $1.8 million in funding. Daneshmandi is recognized as a TEDx speaker, CT Women of Innovation finalist, and recipient of the Entrepreneur of the Year Award for scalable venture. Additionally, she holds positions as assistant professor in innovation and entrepreneur- ship, director of the entrepreneurship hub, and co-director of the nursing and engi- neering innovation center at the University of Connecticut, where she empowers future technology innovators. Nancy J. Brault CEO Ultimate Wireforms Inc. N ancy Brault is one of the founders of Ultimate Wireforms Inc., an international medical device manufacturing company based in Bristol. UWI started in a basement in 1988 as a mom-and-pop "cottage" type business with family and friends as all part-time employees. Brault's goal was to be the best, low-cost orthodontic supply company in the world. With the dedication of all those involved, the goal was reached many years ago. Ulti- mate Wireforms celebrated 36 years and has over 100 employees in three countries. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? Actually being an active and involved CEO, knowing how to effectively grow, lead, mentor and support my team with integrity. Not only did we survive the pandemic, but we came through that challenge as a stronger, leaner, more effective company. Realizing that I can make a difference in individual lives is so rewarding. I am also proud to have been asked to be the chair- man of the board of Bristol Hospital (Bristol Health) and accepting that challenge. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? To retire from my current role as CEO. My wish is to stay involved with the Bristol community. It is where I was born, where my children were born, and where Ultimate Wireforms Inc. and the Ultimate family have thrived. I will also become involved within the community where I currently reside. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Continually working through the ongoing challenges of growing Ultimate Wireforms Inc. from a U.S.-based company to an international company with a wholly owned subsidiary in Brazil and a fully dedicated facility in Mexico. I worked with my dedicated, tenured manage- ment team to keep Ultimate as a thriving company for all employees and a worldwide customer base. What's one of the biggest professional challenges you've overcome? Transitioning from the CFO role to the CEO role was a big challenge for me. It was unexpected, and I had to quickly learn how to be comfortable and confident to act in a new world of unknowns. This was a significant change from my background in accounting and finance. How are you involved in the community? I am a mentor for the RIHUB Venture Mento - ring Services, and assist entrepreneurs as they develop and build their businesses. What are your keys to maintaining busi- ness success? Our success has everything to do with our culture. We provide a respectful, flexible and caring environment with clear expectations, continued learning, advancement opportunities, and employee appreciation and engagement. Our employees feel good about their company and their work and perform at a high level of service to our clients. What have been your biggest professional accomplishments? Starting Encapsulate as a Ph.D. student, develop- ing the strategy, and executing it to reach where we are today. This began with an idea, and now, we are launching our technology into space and initiating our next round of clinical studies. We've been recognized nationally and interna- tionally. The opportunity to work with younger students, whether inspiring them to start their ventures or broadening their mindsets, has also been incredibly rewarding. What's the next big goal you want to accomplish professionally? To expand the business and continue growing in areas that are new territory for me. I stepped into new roles this year that turned out to be enriching and rewarding experi- ences. I would like to continue that trajectory, and also broaden my impact by reaching a larger audience. Purchase a group subscription for your team or entire organization. Get access to HBJ for your entire team! EMAIL>> CIRCULATION@HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION