Denise Hayman-Loa, currently the CEO of Carii, Inc. & Connective, has carved an impressive career path that spans over four decades. She began her professional journey in the financial services sector in 1980, working with renowned firms like Salomon Brothers and Goldman Sachs in New York City. Her early career was heavily focused on technology, where she worked on aligning technology strategy with business goals. Denise led commercial technology projects ranging from risk management to P&L and trading, and she was involved in pioneering innovations like neural networks. We at CIO Global, are proud to introduce Denise Hayman-Loa as one of the Business Geek: Women Leaders to Watch, 2024.
In the mid-90s, Denise joined Ernst & Young (E&Y) as a management consultant and quickly rose to the position of partner. One of her significant clients was Goldman Sachs, which eventually hired her as an “intrapreneur” to manage a business marketing the firm’s risk management technology to clients. During this period, she co-authored “The Practice of Risk Management,” a book that has become a favorite among institutional investors and is still part of the curriculum at some universities. Following this, she transitioned to managing the index business and then moved into front office sales and relationship management with large pension funds, spending an additional twelve years building relationships with major institutional clients at Goldman and other top firms.
“The biggest opportunities for a technology company are always to stay ahead of the technology curve.”
Denise’s journey as a market disruptor began in 2014 when she co-founded Carii, Inc. & Connective. As the CEO, she has transformed the company from a small tech start-up into an award-winning business. Denise also contributes to industry thought leadership by writing blogs, such as her article on “Go To Community as a marketing tool vs Go To Market.” The idea for the platform, which links local and global communities into an ecosystem for social networking and collaboration, was originally conceived by her husband, who serves as the CTO. Together, they have continually tested the market and significantly enhanced the platform, quickly pivoting to a B2B solution for unique branded communities.
The inspiration for Denise’s venture stems from her passion for the platform and ecosystem concept, coupled with her extensive experience in technology strategy, business development, and management. Her unique perspective, shaped by her background on Wall Street and as a Management Consulting Partner at E&Y, allows her to understand business models deeply and advise clients on leveraging technology for business growth—an expertise that sets her apart in the technology industry.
Denise navigates challenges and setbacks with resilience, adhering to the belief that talent is meaningless without hard work. Her strategies to stay ahead of the competition include staying abreast of technological innovations and updating the platform accordingly. She maintains close communication with clients to understand their needs and gather ideas, many of which come directly from client feedback. By focusing on advanced technology and innovations, Denise ensures that Carii, Inc. & Connective remains a step ahead of its competitors. Denise Hayman-Loa’s leadership and innovation have made a significant impact through a series of small but crucial decisions rather than one or two standout moments. In the fast-paced world of technology, she emphasizes the importance of aligning business priorities with technological advancements. Technologists often focus on continuous building, but Denise asks the tough questions about how new technology or features will drive growth and revenue. She ensures that only the best business ideas move forward by evaluating their potential impact and considering other initiatives that might need to be set aside.
Diversity and inclusion have been a central focus for Denise since the inception of Carii, Inc. & Connective. She has cultivated a culture that is not only inclusive but also supportive of team members and their contributions. This commitment to diversity ensures a wide range of perspectives and ideas, which strengthens the organization.
For aspiring women leaders looking to disrupt their markets, Denise offers valuable advice drawn from her own experiences. In the early years of her career, especially on Wall Street, it was challenging to be taken seriously and treated fairly in terms of raises and promotions. Women often had to work harder and smarter to get ahead. Denise overcame these challenges with extra effort, hard work, and mentorship from senior leaders. She was fortunate to have senior men who supported and mentored her, as there were few senior women available to provide guidance at the time. Balancing professional success with personal well-being is not easy for Denise, who admits to working all the time. However, she makes it a point to exercise every morning and tries to limit work on weekends. Delegating tasks also helps her manage this balance.
“Women can do anything a man can do and often can do things they can’t.”
Looking ahead, Denise sees the biggest opportunities for growth and innovation in staying ahead of the technology curve. Current opportunities lie in areas such as blockchain and AI, but these will continue to evolve. Growth can also come from global expansion and adding innovative products. Carii, Inc. & Connective has introduced a new way to deliver technology as plug-in modules, opening doors to a broader range of organizations. Mentorship plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of women leaders. Denise believes mentors are key for any aspiring professional. Early in her career, she benefited from the support and mentorship of senior men, as there were few senior women in leadership roles at the time.
To stay agile and adaptable in an ever-changing market landscape, Denise reads extensively, follows industry leaders she respects, writes articles that require research and insight, and engages with clients and prospects to discuss new ideas. She also attends relevant webinars to stay informed about the latest developments.
Denise hopes her legacy as a market disruptor and woman leader will highlight the importance of innovation and demonstrate that women can achieve anything men can and often excel in areas where men may not. Her commitment to staying ahead of the competition and championing the capabilities of women in business are central to the impact she wants to leave behind.
“As a business person, I have to ask the tough questions such as how will this new tech or new feature drive growth and revenue.”