Local Profile’s 23rd annual Women in Business Summit, presented by Baylor Scott & White Health, is set for Sept. 13, 2024, at Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West Hotel.
This year, over 600 powerhouse women from various sectors including global enterprise, non-profit, small business and government will gather to celebrate, unite and empower each other to turn big ideas into reality.
Tickets are selling out quickly! Buy your ticket here.
One of Local Profile's esteemed speakers, Beth Garvey, is the CEO, president and chair of BGSF. Garvey joined BGSF, a prominent talent solutions provider with expertise in IT consulting, finance and accounting and real estate services, in 2013.
With over 23 years in the industry, she started her career in 1998 at InStaff, quickly advancing into leadership and ultimately becoming CEO before BGSF acquired the company in 2013. In 2018, she was appointed CEO, where she continued to drive consolidation and spearheaded a comprehensive system upgrade to support ongoing growth through both organic means and acquisitions. In 2022, Garvey was elected chairwoman of the corporation’s board of directors.
Garvey actively engages with organizations that support businesses, women and underserved communities. She is a board member of several influential groups, including the National Association of Corporate Directors in North Texas, Junior Achievement of Dallas and the Dallas Regional Chamber, among many others.
What idea has impacted you the most in your field?
Our acquisition strategy, which focuses on acquiring niche companies, has significantly impacted us. By targeting specialized firms, we gain access to cutting-edge technologies and project management expertise in both technology and finance and accounting, enabling us to innovate across various industries. Additionally, our unique positioning in the staffing industry, bolstered by our in-house consulting and development teams in technology and finance and accounting, allows us to bring a fresh perspective to our clients. This integrated approach makes us a trailblazer, capable of delivering comprehensive solutions that truly make a difference.
How do you deal with setbacks?
I view challenges as opportunities for growth. When faced with a setback, I don’t see it as a failure but as a chance to learn something new and refine my approach. This mindset helps me stay resilient and proactive, turning obstacles into stepping stones for future success. Each setback is an invitation to innovate, adapt and ultimately emerge stronger.
What do you do when an idea strikes?
Depending on how complex the idea is, my first move is to bring in the right people to evaluate it. I believe in the power of collaboration, so I tag diverse team members to look at the idea from different angles. We work together to spot potential pitfalls, challenge assumptions, and rigorously test the concept. This way, we can refine it, address any weaknesses and make sure it’s strong enough to move forward.
How do you respond when feeling held back?
I become even more motivated. Obstacles inspire me to find creative solutions and push forward with greater determination. I view every limitation as a catalyst for growth and innovation.
What is one idea that motivates you?
Bridging the gap between education and the workforce, particularly by equipping individuals with financial and everyday life skills, is very motivating. It’s about ensuring that people are not only academically prepared but also practically equipped to navigate the complexities of the modern job market. This concept drives me to empower our teams to create programs and initiatives that prepare individuals for real-world challenges. By focusing on both academic and practical skills we can help people thrive professionally and personally, ultimately fostering a more capable and confident workforce.
What was the most difficult decision you’ve made in your career so far?
Navigating the complexities brought about by COVID-19 and shifting in how we approach the world of work after the pandemic. Managing our workforce requires tough choices to ensure the safety and well-being of our employees while maintaining business continuity. Balancing these priorities demanded innovative thinking and empathetic leadership to help our team stay resilient and focused.
What challenges do you face as a woman in your industry?
As one of the few female CEOs of a publicly traded company, I carry a significant and important responsibility that I do not take lightly. It’s crucial to not only increase female representation but also amplify our voices. My role includes making inclusive decisions and advocating for women’s perspectives in leadership and traditionally male-dominated fields like maintenance, technology and STEM. By doing so, I strive to pave the way for future women leaders and ensure that our contributions are valued and impactful.
Who is the first person you come to with an idea?
The first person I come to with an idea depends on the subject. I usually seek out someone who will critically evaluate it and “shoot holes” into it. Often, this is my husband, Nick, who provides valuable insights and honest feedback. Additionally, I rely on my personal board of directors — a group of trusted advisors who offer diverse perspectives and help refine the idea.
What is a recent challenge you faced? How did you overcome it?
Navigating the economic environment as a publicly traded company has been a challenge in the past couple of years. Overcoming it has required strategic planning, adaptability and leveraging our team’s strengths to stay competitive and resilient. We utilized data analytics to make informed decisions and fostered a culture of innovation to stay ahead of the competition.
What is the biggest mistake you see women making when advancing their careers?
Many women feel they must “know it all” before accepting a new job or challenge, underestimating their abilities and hesitating to apply unless they fulfill all the criteria. This mindset, supported by statistics showing that about 70% of women won’t apply unless they closely match the qualifications, can limit opportunities they are more than capable of handling. I encourage women to trust in their skills, take chances and pursue opportunities even if they don’t perfectly meet every requirement.
How do you define success?
Success is defined by the people you surround yourself with, the impact you make, and the legacy you leave behind. It’s defined by the positive stories and experiences people share about us. Success goes beyond financial achievements; it’s about creating meaningful relationships and leaving a lasting, positive impression through the stories and experiences people share about us.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
“Step into your power” motivated me to confidently embrace my strengths and capabilities, taking ownership of my decisions and actions. Adopting the mindset of always saying yes to new opportunities has been transformative for me. It taught me that a single moment of bravery can propel me forward, leading to growth and learning opportunities that have greatly advanced my career.
What projects are you currently working on?
We are currently working to enhance our technological efficiencies to optimize both candidate and customer experiences. These projects involve implementing advanced technologies to streamline our operations, enhance user interactions and deliver better service. By focusing on technology-driven solutions, we aim to create a more seamless and efficient experience for all our stakeholders, positioning us at the forefront of innovation in our industry.
What is the best book you read this year?
The King of Diamonds by Rena Pederson. I first encountered Rena in 2015 while serving as the Executive Women’s Roundtable president, where she gave a captivating talk on her book The Burma Spring. Her ability to weave together history, politics and personal stories left a lasting impression on me. In The King of Diamonds, Pederson delves into a true story from 1950s and 60s Dallas, where a mysterious jewel thief targeted the wealthiest families, stealing millions in jewels. This engrossing book explores a thrilling crime spree that baffled law enforcement for over a decade, showcasing Pederson’s exceptional storytelling and research.
This isn't just an event — it's a movement! Join over 600 powerhouse women from various sectors including global enterprise, non-profit, small business and government as we celebrate, unite and empower each other to turn BIG IDEAS into reality.
Seize this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future. You deserve to be among the North Texas community's leading ladies, shaping BIG IDEAS and making an impact that reverberates far beyond the summit.
Speakers & Panelists
- Marianne Radley, CMO, Smoothie King
- Melody Lennox, People Operations Executive
- Ginny Kissling, Global President & COO, Ryan
- Nora Gomez, CMO, Nebraska Furniture Mart
- Hedy Popson, President & CEO, Productions Plus
- Beth Garvey, President, CEO & Chair, BGSF
- Angela Hutson, SVP, Chief Accounting Officer, BSWHealth
- Sharon Ramage, Founder, The Ramage Law Group
- Lisa Clawson, SVP, Market Manager Private Wealth, Bank of Texas
- Tatsumi Paredes, Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion, TOYOTA
Expect:
- Networking: Sip mimosas while forging invaluable connections during our morning networking session. Don't forget to strike a pose at our photobooth and capture the moment with watercolor portraits, painted live!
- Speaker Sessions: Hear from influential speakers and engage in thought-provoking panel discussions centered around BIG IDEAS.
- Post-Event Celebration: Wrap up the day on a high note at our post-event happy hour hosted at the trendy Bulla Gastrobar.
Schedule
10 - 11:30 a.m. Mimosas & Networking with live water color portrait artist, Kiss-N-Teller, photobooth and more!
11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Seated Lunch
- Keynote Addresses with Marianne Radley, CMO at Smoothie King and Melody Lennox, People Operations Executive
- Two Powerhouse Panels featuring esteemed local female leaders
- Coffee Break & Networking
3 p.m. Happy Hour at Bulla Gastrobar
