Hartford Business Journal

22 Hartford Business Journal • May 14, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com "We all have very similar issues that we struggle with, but each may have approached them a little diff erently and from a diff erent angle that you maybe never thought about," said WPO Hartford member Jessica Palazzo, president of Spitfi re, an employee-communications fi rm based in Simsbury. But besides serving diverse industries, the WPO is diverse in the stage of business it addresses, as well. "There is plenty of help for startups and very little for second-stage businesses," said Crosky, WPO chair, senior consultant at Massachusetts-based Charter Oak Consulting Group. "Once a business grows to this level, the owner needs to start managing the business in new ways. Women fi nd comfort in conversing with other women who understand the world of business ownership … there are diff erent challenges so the opportunity to tap into the wisdom of their peers is a precious one. Members often attribute achieving new milestones and business success to their experience with WPO." The group also gives its members accountability with each other in setting goals and working through business challenges discussed in meetings. Connection clearinghouse Webster Bank aims to be a resource to connect women in business whenever possible: introducing clients to one another, for example, or introducing women to bank executives or WPO members. Its members support other women's business organizations, such as the United Way Women's Leadership Council and chamber of commerce professional women's groups. These initiatives can result in relationships that lead to success in ways other eff orts cannot. "I'm seeing more women make changes midway through their careers, some women who say they want to do more," said Dorman, of Webster Bank. "They are usually the hardest businesses to qualify. Perhaps they don't have start-up capital, so networking and collaboration are especially helpful." Jennifer DelMonico, a Webster bank lawyer and client, is the managing partner of the law fi rm Murtha Cullina in Hartford. With a relationship with the bank for over a decade, DelMonico said the bank team is very supportive of women's advancement, attending events for the law fi rm's women's professional development group, Women Expanding Business (WEB), for example. "They seek to encourage, promote and support the professional development of women at the fi rm and in the broader business community," she said. "We've had a long relationship with Webster Bank and admire their overall business philosophy … they appreciate and respect the women in their ranks and have a commitment to the communities they serve." 22 Hartford Business Journal • May 14, 2018 • www.HartfordBusiness.com | Holly Campo de la Vera is one of the bank's bridges to women in business. Its sponsorship of the Women's Presidents' Organization is just one way Webster Bank serves as a resource in the community. | Sponsored Content WEBSTER BANK INTELLIGENCE SERIES

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