About
With over two decades of experience as the Founder and CEO of Raare Solutions, I offer…
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Esther Poulsen posted thisI'm honored to be delivering remarks this Wednesday July 1st to Congress alongside an accomplished group of women founders and CEOs at the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) World Congress, taking place on Capitol Hill. The session is moderated by Camille Burns, CEO of the Women Presidents Organization, and I'm delighted to be joining Caryn Kopp, Chief Door Opener® and other outstanding business leaders. I'll be speaking to what it takes to build and sustain a great business in an era of massive change and AI-driven transformation, and what small businesses need to plan and succeed for the long term. If you're attending, I'd love to connect. See first comment for virtual and in person session details and registration. #smallbusiness #entrepreneurship #icsb #womenbusinessowners #womenmeanbusiness #womenpresidents #wpo #enterprisingwomen #entrepreneursofpurpose
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Esther Poulsen shared thisI was delighted to collaborate with Deborah Garry on this article in the latest edition of Enterprising Women Magazine. We detail the criticality of human authenticity and cultural nuance when using AI to augment everything from data analysis to marketing messaging. As more businesses infuse AI-generated output into their work, cultural review is even more important; the historical data used to train AI models is infused with misinformation and bias. This discernment prevents amplification of incorrect data and cements your brand as one built on genuine human experiences. In a time where AI is permeating the marketplace and marketing dialogue, this is how you elevate and differentiate! #enterprisingwomen #entrepreneursofpurpose #artificialintelligence #marketing #aiEsther Poulsen shared thisWe are proud to spotlight Esther Poulsen’s co‑authored article, “Why AI needs a cultural check,” in the Spring 2026 issue of Enterprising Women (pages 94–95). 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g8iCgE_s The article explains that AI is not “just another tool” and that, without a cultural check, it can quickly scale bias, erase nuance, and weaken authentic brand connections. The authors highlight how AI systems are trained on historical data and dominant narratives, and why leaders must pair AI with cultural intelligence, diverse teams, and intentional review—especially in marketing and customer experience, where missteps can do real harm. Drawing on her experience as founder and CEO of Raare Solutions and as an Enterprising Women Advisory Board member and award alum, Esther underscores that the strongest organizations will be those that treat AI as a partner to human judgment and lived experience, not a replacement for them. This message aligns deeply with our Entrepreneurs of Purpose commitment to innovation that is both powerful and responsible. We are honored to amplify this co‑authored piece and to celebrate Esther’s leadership at the intersection of technology, culture, and purpose. #EstherPoulsen #RaareSolutions #EnterprisingWomen #EntrepreneursOfPurpose #LeadershipDevelopment #SelfManagedLeadership Edie Fraser Sharon W. Reynolds, MBA, Monica Smiley, Esther Poulsen, Que Alicea W., Deborah Ward, Monica Acquaviva , Janice Migliore, Kathy Durfee, Glenda Thomas, Ruth Jacks, Sima Ladjevardian, Erika Baez-Grimes, CMAP, Kathie Herbst Okun ChFC, CLU, LUTCF, Lili Hall, Joyce Salzberg, Esther Aguilera, CEPA, Bershan Shaw, Crystal Y. Davis, MBA,ACC, CLSSBB , Selena A. Rodgers Dickerson, Kimber L. Maderazzo, Sue Watkins, Esther Aguillon, Keisha A. Rivers, M.Ed., Anisa Rashad, Selena A. Rodgers Dickerson, Rashmi Chaturvedi, Brittany N. Cole, LaJuanna Russell, Ciemone A Sheppard, Barbara Brown, Judi Sheppard Missett Renee Fraser, Ph.D. Jill Sasso, Betsy Bassan Jeska Brodbeck Janna Ronert Mary Schreiber Swenson PhD Enterprising Women Foundation
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Esther Poulsen shared thisBoosting the signal for my legal eagle friends and former colleagues!Esther Poulsen shared thisQuestion for all the lawyers out there: Is there a topic you wish you understood a little better? I’m doing research for a cool little project, and your input is greatly appreciated! Feel free to leave any additional topics/questions in the comments!
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Esther Poulsen shared thisFor my network peeps, this is an incredible company and a phenomenal opportunity. And a great team over there too!
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Esther Poulsen shared thisIt was a delight and privilege to speak with Kim Miller-Hershon last month on her "Unconventional Wisdom" podcast! We explored themes of success, fearlessness, why the notion of "we're a family" can be toxic in companies, the lessons of the go-go dotcom boom (and its relevance today) and not fearing when competitors make judgments on who you are or how you look -- it's how you know you will win! https://lnkd.in/e9KAvkhwUnconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom Podcast Episode Thirty Two with Esther PoulsenUnconventional Wisdom About Conventional Wisdom Podcast Episode Thirty Two with Esther Poulsen
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Esther Poulsen shared thisNew Jersey/New York/PA entrepreneurs! I feel incredibly privileged to be a part of the Birthing of Giants Program, and I absolutely recommend the program for businesses who are serious about growth, scale and the spectrum of "what's next." The advice, insight, inspiration and collaboration, as well as meeting some of the most brilliant minds in the business world (and being challenged by them!) has been transformational for my organization and my personal professional growth. There is a New Jersey cohort starting up soon, with an information session being held on November 18th in Livingston, NJ. If you've ever considered how to step up your business game, elevate and expand your business, plus interact with an incredible group of like-minded entrepreneurs, this is the program for you. DM me if you'd like more information, but the session information is here: https://lnkd.in/eCQtvRDnEsther Poulsen shared thisSo cool to see Scott Litman, the Birthing of Giants Regional Cohort Leader from Minnesota on CBS News talking about the program and the launch of our new Regional Cohorts. Check it out: https://lnkd.in/etWtn7VZ
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Esther Poulsen shared thisGreat opportunity for a digital designer in NJ or Ottowa...Great company too!Esther Poulsen shared this𝗪𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗗: 𝗗𝗜𝗚𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘𝗦𝗜𝗚𝗡𝗘𝗥 / 𝟮-𝟯 𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦 𝗘𝗫𝗣 (MIN) (Remote but preferably located near our NJ or Ottawa office for occasional in-person collab) We're seeking our next great team member: a digitally fluent, design-forward creative who's excited by both craft and technology. As a Digital Designer at S3 McMillan, you'll roll out brand and demand concepts across a variety of assets: digital ads, social posts, PowerPoint decks, websites, and even some print. You'll be empowered to move quickly, test new tools (including AI), and bring brands to life with energy, clarity, and consistency. And you’ll work alongside a team of award-winning designers who are eager to mentor and work with you. This role is ideal for someone who: • Has minimum 2-3 years of relevant experience and is hyper detail oriented • Is confident using tools like Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and AI-enhanced platforms • Thinks and builds for digital, with a clear understanding of brand and the formats it takes • Works efficiently without sacrificing excellence – ensuring consistency while applying best practices to modern design, production, and prep • Is inspired by our rapidly changing industry If this post seems like this post was written for you, well...maybe it was! Email us (hr@s3mcmillan.com) and share why you should be the next member of “team aweS3oMe” – and include your resume, salary requirements, and portfolio link.
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Esther Poulsen shared this"Better is not good enough!" We are being called and inspired by Irene Natividad to continue demanding and leading change throughout the world, using our economic clout to bring economic prosperity and freedom to ALL women worldwide. THIS is the way to build strong communities. To fearlessly pursue democracy and peace for all humanity. A strong call to kick off the "Davos of Women," the 2025 Global Summit of Women here in Berlin, Germany! #GSW2025
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Esther Poulsen shared thisThis interview is filled with outstanding and detailed insights on branding from the esteemed Darcy Ann Flanders, absolutely worth a listen and learn.Esther Poulsen shared this🎙 New Podcast Episode Just Dropped Right before his first day on the job, a new hire sent this message: “Hey… can we talk?” In this week’s Who You Work With Matters episode, Aaron Levine shares a candid story every business owner can relate to—one about trust, culture, and the cost of choosing a paycheck over the right team. 💬 “You sold your soul… and now you have to go deal with it.” At a small business, you’re not just hiring skills—you’re building a culture. And when someone walks away before they even begin, the impact is more than logistical—it’s personal. This episode is a powerful reminder: Who you work with truly matters. 📺 Watch the full conversation here: bit.ly/WYWWMDarcy #WhoYouWorkWithMatters #LeadershipLessons #SmallBusinessGrowth #CompanyCulture #HiringInsights #EmployeeRetention #TrustInBusiness #WorkplaceLeadership #PodcastEpisode #Entrepreneurship #TeamMatters #BusinessWisdom #LinkedInPodcastSeries Aaron Levine, CIC, MBA Darcy Ann Flanders
Esther Poulsen commented on a post
2mo
Details on in person and virtual registration...
https://icsbcongress.com/
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Esther Poulsen reacted on thisEsther Poulsen reacted on thisSettling into my new professional path in the Education Dept of Felician University, Rutherford NJ. Grateful to continue my professional journey with a new school community, focused on student excellence, well-being and nurturing novice teachers and educational leaders.
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Esther Poulsen liked thisEsther Poulsen liked thisI am SO proud of the work we do with Disney Advertising! Success looks like - 13 small businesses scaled; millions of impressions delivered across Disney's streaming platforms, measurable lifts in sales, web traffic, and social engagement for our alumni. I've watched founders go from not knowing where to start with advertising to seeing their brand come to life across Disney's platforms. That's the whole point of Project Elevate powered by Disney Advertising: putting the power of Disney to work for the businesses that need it most. Now we are ready to celebrate 5 years of Project Elevate by opening applications for our 5th Cohort! If you're a small business owner looking for creative consultation, an advertising strategy, and a chance to tell your story to millions, this is your moment. Invest in yourself and apply now https://lnkd.in/gkBVAyJG. Know a small business owner ready to take their brand to new heights? Tag them below. #ProjectElevate #SmallBusiness #SupportSmallBusiness #DisneyAdvertising #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessOwners #WeAlwaysWinElevate Your Brand With the Timeless Magic of Disney!Elevate Your Brand With the Timeless Magic of Disney!
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Esther Poulsen reacted on thisEsther Poulsen reacted on thisI never imagined I'd see my picture on the NASDAQ tower, so this moment was a thrill! It happened after completing a NASDAQ sponsored program called Milestone Circles, and by reaching one of my growth goals. The program is a nice combination of being structured and also self-directed, so you can tailor the learnings to the areas you really need to work on in your business. Mentorship is also a big part of it, and in my case I was lucky enough to get paired with the amazing Christine Hopkins, whose support is greatly appreciated. If any of my entrepreneurial friends are interested in applying for this (free) program, the link is here - https://lnkd.in/g8ruGeWh I'm happy to answer any questions you have - just DM me. Who else has done this program, and what was your experience?
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Esther Poulsen reacted on thisEsther Poulsen reacted on thisI'm honored to share and celebrate that DevMar Manufacturing, LLC is a 2026 NEXT Awards finalist. Twenty-one global patents, sustainable technologies made in the U.S., and a fifth-generation Nashville story. This recognition is for everyone building the future of American manufacturing right here. Winners are announced October 19 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Thank you to Nashville Entrepreneur Center. #NEXTAwards Network Distribution Edie Fraser Monica Smiley Ruth Jacks Joyce Johnson James Lillard Enterprising Women Entrepreneurs of Purpose (EOP) 🔗 https://lnkd.in/grX7wugV
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Esther Poulsen reacted on thisEsther Poulsen reacted on thisA pop-up for the girls and the girlies! Sticki Rolls is all about creativity and self-expression so we knew we had to bring something unique and shareable to the fans. What better way to launch Series 3 and NEW Sticki Mates than with custom manis, branded drinks and the cutest swag bags at NYC’s Chillhouse. From mega-influencers to super-fans and everyone who waited in an around-the-block line, thank you for bringing your energy, joy and originality! This team!! 🔥🔥🔥 Laura Christy Kristina Kronberg Gabriella Hidalgo Mercedes Wright Stephen Wright Reena Merchant And the friends who came by to join in the fun 💕 Laurie Lam Judy Lee Neda Whitney Amanda Gordon Sky Castle Toys Jazwares, LLC
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Esther Poulsen reacted on thisEsther Poulsen reacted on thisAs of July 1st, after 30 years, I have retired from the BMW Group. It’s with immense gratitude and not a decision made quickly but after careful consideration, on my terms and timing. From my perspective, what makes the BMW Group so special is a strong formula of carefully curated brands and experiences, incredibly well engineered machines, hyper competitive and dedicated dealers and a very strong employee culture. The last part is the magical part - a very high performing organization with endless passion who love to compete. Those employees push each other ( iron sharpens iron), people raise their game, dealers do the same and it becomes a strong culture that’s, frankly a bit addictive (in a good way). Over 30 yrs you can imagine the relationships, projects and challenges besides the countless colleagues and friends. I will cherish those experiences and very much look forward to staying connected. I had the opportunity to work on 2 continents, in 4 different companies (BMWNA, MINI USA, MINIHQ in Munich and BMWFS) and within 10 different teams. So many great colleagues, projects, challenges and achievements - too many to thank individually but just know - I am eternally grateful for having the opportunity to fulfill a dream. BMW Group to the Moon. Carpe Diem!
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Esther Poulsen reacted on thisEsther Poulsen reacted on thisFREYday Learnings! How do you know if what you've learned through experience stands up to research? You go back to school. I'm not an academic. I'm more of a fall-flat-on-my-face, figure-it-out, watch-people-with-curiosity, ask-"why?" kind of gal. After nearly 30 years of observing, learning, facilitating, leading etc., I was confident in understanding the value of intrapreneurship. What I wanted to know was whether my experience stood up to the research. So I went back to school. I'm proud to have completed Cornell's Certificate in Intrapreneurship. The certificate isn't the story. The story is what it reinforced. Intrapreneurship isn't a personality trait. It's a culture. And cultures don't create themselves. Leaders do. The biggest lesson wasn't a new framework. It was the reminder that the smartest people in the room are usually the ones still learning. Today's FREYday Learning: Never become so confident in your experience that you stop learning from others. One of my first bosses told me, "If you ain't stretching, you ain't growing." I guess I took that to heart and carried that with me ever since. He was right. The certificate is evidence of learning. But remaining teachable is the real achievement. Because the day we stop learning is the day we stop leading. #FREYdaylearnings!: #Intrapreneurship
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Esther Poulsen liked thisEsther Poulsen liked thisFrom trading desks to finish lines - how high-performers rewire the internal voice under pressure. 🧠 Most high-achievers aren't stopped by a lack of capability - they stall because of internal friction, burnout and psychological fatigue. On September 17th, I’m hosting a special event at Barnes & Noble in Paramus, NJ Barnes & Noble, Inc. to share how you can rewire your brain for resilience, focus and peak performance. What to expect: • Interactive Discussion: Why our brains are naturally wired for negativity - practical strategies to convert pressure into a competitive advantage. • Audience Q&A: An open conversation on overcoming burnout and navigating high-stakes transitions. • Book Signing: Get an autographed copy of Marathon Mindset: Outrun the Voice of Negativity. Whether you're leading a team, scaling a business, or simply looking to silence internal friction for a strong finish to 2026, I’d love for you to join us. and discover what Brian Tracy calls: "An Indispensable Guide". 📍 Where: Barnes & Noble, Paramus (Route 17 NB) 🗓️ When: Thursday, September 17 | 6:30 PM 🎟️ Admission: Free & open to the public (Seating at the venue is limited) If you're in the NY/NJ area, drop a comment or send me a message if you plan on coming—and feel free to tag a colleague who might benefit from the conversation! #Resilience #Leadership #MindsetShift #ExecutiveCoaching #ParamusNJ
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Esther Poulsen liked thisIf you’d like to follow my new journey, I’d love to have you on my new page: Taléa Studios Events is my Business Company I just started beginning of this year.Esther Poulsen liked thisToday marks the beginning of a new chapter: Welcome to Taléa Studios. Taléa Studios was created with one simple idea: bringing people together through creativity. Our jewelry workshops are designed to be more than just a creative activity. They are an opportunity to slow down, connect with others, and create high-quality jewelry using freshwater pearls, natural gemstones, and durable stainless steel components. Every piece is unique because every person is. I'm excited to share this journey here on LinkedIn—from workshop highlights and collaborations to behind-the-scenes insights as we continue building Taléa Studios. Thank you to everyone who has already joined a workshop and supported this vision. This is just the beginning. #TaléaStudios #JewelryWorkshops #CreativeWorkshops #Community #Entrepreneurship #Munich #WomenInBusiness #JewelryDesign
Experience & Education
Volunteer Experience
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Volunteer Director
Lake Hopatcong Open Water Swim Festival/Tom Wear Memorial Swim
- Present 17 years 4 months
Animal Welfare
The Lake Hopatcong Open Water Swim Festival/Tom Wear Memorial Swim is a yearly US Masters Swiming-sanctioned event that supports local animal shelters and police dog training.
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Water Quality Committee
Lake Hopatcong Foundation
- Present 14 years 4 months
Environment
The mission of the Lake Hopatcong Foundation Water Committee is to improve Lake Hopatcong and its surrounding community through consultative work on the management of all aspects of water control, quality and safety, including water level and outflow management, invasive plant and animal species education and control, community education and outreach to state and local authorities and researchers.
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Fundraising Committee
Lake Hopatcong Foundation
- Present 12 years 11 months
Environment
Team lead for fundraising activities supporting the Lake Hopatcong Foundation, including yearly events such as the Lake Hopatcong Foundation Gala.
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Digital Consultant
Limbtastic!
- Present 11 years 4 months
Children
Provide digital and social media consulting and website/online management services to Limbtastic!, a 501(c) charity devoted to awareness, support and advocacy for children and adults with limb differences.
www.limbtastic.com
Publications
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Consolidate your Intranet with Quickplace
Inside Domino Magazine
Describes a business-friendly process for organizing an often chaotic corporate intranet through QuickPlace, reducing costs, complexity and bringing order and knowledge to the business.
Courses
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IT Leadership Development Program
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Projects
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Customer Marketing Database
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Analysis of marketing data and migration to unified marketing database framework.
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KPIs and Balanced Scorecard
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Analysis and development of a KPI reporting solution for Sales and Service data, then support for a later transformation to a Balanced Scorecard.
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MyLucent
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MyLucent provided a singular, personalized and customizable view into corporate departments and collaborative communities.
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Single View CRM
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An SAP CRM implementation that brings together a unified view of client information and activity across multiple sources.
Honors & Awards
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Best Places to Work in New Jersey 2019 (Small Business Edition)
NJ Biz
The Best Places to Work in New Jersey awards program recognizes and honors the state’s top employers who show a dedication to their employees’ professional growth and quality of life. Raare Solutions was ranked #20 in the Small Business Division.
http://www.bestplacestoworkinnj.com -
Best Places to Work in New Jersey 2018 (Small Business Edition)
NJBiz
The Best Places to Work in New Jersey awards program recognizes and honors the state’s top employers who show a dedication to their employees’ professional growth and quality of life. Raare Solutions was ranked #20 in the Small Business Division.
http://www.bestplacestoworkinnj.com -
US Selligent Awards
Selligent
Raare Solutions and client BMW of North America win 2018 Selligent Marketing Cloud Targeting and Segmentation Award for excellence in consumer-oriented campaign targeting and segmentation.
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