Press
April 20, 2009
Press Release
Teray Stephens announced as the Keynote Speaker for Recovery & Re-employment Forum
Dallas, Tx from May 5-7, 2009 for US Department of Labor
March 27, 2009
Speaker & Presenter: Teray Stephens – Honoring Women Elected Officials
NWPC Marin Annual Fundraiser
San Rafael, Ca
February 4, 2009
Radio Interview: Teray Stephens, guest on Alan Autry Show, KYNO
Women in Business & Politics
Fresno, Ca
February 3, 2009
Keynote Speaker: Teray Stephens on Women in Politics
NWPC Fresno Monthly Meeting
Fresno, Ca
January 20, 2009
Featured Speaker & Presenter: Teray Stephens
Link Americas Foundation Inaugural Ball
Washington, DC
July 18, 2008
Keynote Speaker: Teray Stephens on Sourcing Capital for Your Business
Ask the Expert Teleseminar, Women 4 Success
Los Angeles, Ca
July 12, 2008
Keynote Speaker: Teray Stephens on Being an Effective Leader
Mickey Leland Conference, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ)
Austin, Tx
March 11, 2008
Teray Stephens featured in Women 4 Success Spotlight newsletter
Women4 Success
February 29, 2008
Keynote Speaker: Teray Stephens on Building constituency and ‘Get Out the Vote’
Young Democrats of America
Anaheim, Ca
February 11, 2008
Teray Stephens appointed to national board of National Women’s Political Caucus (NWPC)
National Women’s Political Caucus
Washington, DC
April 27, 2007
Teray Stephens appointed as Chairperson, Board of Advisors, for Global Communications
Global Communications
Houston, Tx
February 20, 2007
Press Release
Teray Stephens retained by Brennan Group to provide strategic marketing and distribution for high end skin care line
Brennan Group
Newport Beach, Ca
August 28, 2006
PODCAST: Teray Stephens speaks on Due Diligence for Fundraising
Smallbusinesspodcast.com
June 30, 2006
PODCAST: Teray Stephens speaks on Capital Sourcing
Smallbusinesspodcast.com
May 24, 2006
Teray Stephens, featured speaker on “Raising Capital for a Growing Enterprise“
Young Entrepreneurs Organization
Irvine, Ca
April 18, 2006
Press Release
Teray Stephens appointed to Board of Advisors for Branding Iron Worldwide, creative brand & PR firm
Branding Iron Worldwide
Los Angeles, Ca
August 12, 2005
Newspaper Article
Teray Stephens interviewed by Graeme Kennedy: ‘Private Equity Financing’
The National Business Review
Auckland, New Zealand
August 12, 2005
Keynote Speaker: Teray Stephens speaks on “Strategic Partnering & Funding Options”
Gateway to America Global Conference
Auckland, New Zealand
August 10, 2005
Press Release
Teray Stephens honored guest at AmCham cocktail reception
American Chamber
Auckland, New Zealand
August 10, 2005
TV Appearance: ASB Business TV1 morning show, TVNZ
Teray Stephens interviewed on ‘Raising Financing’ by Michael Wilson
Auckland, New Zealand
July 20, 2005
Press Release
Sustainable Real Estate Development Focus of Invision Group
Los Angeles Ca
July 20, 2005
Press Release
Teray Stephens to speak on ‘Strategic Partnering & Funding Options at Export New Zealand’
Los Angeles Ca & Auckland New Zealand
July 20, 2005
Press Release
Teray Stephens, CEO of Invision Group, to speak at Gateway to America Conference
Gateway to America Conference
Auckland, New Zealand
July 18, 2005
Press Release
ANZ Capital Ltd presents Teray Stephens at Gateway to America Conference
ANZ Capital
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: March 11, 2008.
Teray Stephens featured in Women 4 Success Spotlight newsletter
Each and every month Women4Success highlights one of our members in a special “Spotlight” issue of the newsletter. You will hear directly from these leading ladies on what it takes to be successful and what mistakes to avoid along the way. They will give you your own private glimpse into their world so that you may learn that you are not alone in your struggles in growing your business and that yes! there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Thank you to each and every member for being willing to share your story. I am so honored to support you along the journey!
Karen Morrison
President/Business Coach
Women4Success
Teray Stephens
President
Invision Group
Phone: 310/943-7104
Email: teray@invision group.com
Web: www.invisiongroup.com
Spring Break Changes Future
I was born in Omaha, NE, then moved to San Diego as a girl. While attending San Diego State University, I took a Spring Break trip to Texas. . . and happened to meet my soon-to-be Air Force husband. After we married, we were sent to Okinawa where we traveled extensively in the Far East. While oversees, I became pregnant and gave birth to our son, shortly after we returned to the Sacramento area. About six months after my son’s birth, I decided to find a career where I could help save to buy our first home.
A Million to One … in Sales
I started my professional career by selling insurance and annuities for New York Life Insurance at the Sacramento branch. In my 1st year, I sold over $1M of whole life insurance and met the requirements for “The Million Dollar Roundtable”. However, I couldn’t join — because it was a ‘men only’ organization. This cemented my commitment to equality for women and women’s rights.
A Decade of “Firsts”
We then moved to Las Vegas, where I was hired by Xerox Corporation as one of the first female Major Accounts managers in the branch. This launched a memorable 10 year career in which I was the first Branch, Operations Group and Regional female salesperson of the year. I then moved into management – becoming one of the first female Division Managers at Xerox.
From Entrepreneural Endeavors to CEO
After moving from Vegas to Southern California, I eventually transitioned from Xerox to being an entrepreneur, working with business development and marketing consulting for Fortune 1000 companies. I worked within the entertainment, technology, and finance industires as well. I was recruited by Phoenix Partners of NY to be a partner and investment banker. Networking was a large part of my outreach, and I spoke to business groups around the world. My commitment to women included participating in a number of women’s groups, plus mentoring and coaching women in business. I have been CEO of 5 companies including Entertainment Financial Services, Voila Entertainment, Stephens Group Holdings, Inuum and Invision Group.
Business Vision
The name ‘Invision Group’ was created as a reminder to focus on and work on your vision everyday. Invision Group provides strategy, business development, capital-raising, and venture consulting/coaching for entrepreneurs and clients in the US and around the world. My goal is to help clients clearly define (or refine) their vision and unique value proposition, then implement a business plan and revenue model that maximizes that vision. I work with clients at every stage of business – from start-up to those in mature or rapidly changing markets.
Greatest Success
My biggest successes have come from my decision to do what others have thought was impossible, and never feel as if I was competing against anyone except my own imagination. My favorite phrase is ‘Only those who attempt the absurd will achieve the impossible’, so I have attempted the absurd a number of times because I figured that I had nothing to lose except potential failure. At Xerox, I said to myself each day in my 1st year in my territory that I was the #1 salesperson, even though no ‘new hire’, let alone a woman, had ever done this. I subsequently became the 1st woman to achieve Salesperson of the Year for the western region. There were many other ‘firsts’ beyond that, and it has been a kick to challenge conventional wisdom and the safe route.
Greatest Challenge
Many times during my earlier career, I was the only woman in the room or female on the team. This was challenging because I was tested by the men – to see if I was ‘one of the guys’, a blatant feminist, a prude, or something in between. I endured many misogynistic, chauvinistic and/or nasty comments during meetings while they tested me and my commitment to endure beyond their words. At one point, I decided that the only way to get beyond this was to become the CEO of a company and create a corporate culture that was respectful to everyone, which I did.
The Women4Success Advantage
I recently moved back to Orange County from LA after 20 years. One of my associates recommended that I meet Karen Morrison and see how we might collaborate. We met in November at the Quarterly Mixer event and discovered that we have many areas of common interest and a commitment to women in business. In fact, I will be facilitating the Women4Success peer group program in LA, beginning in April. I look forward to working with businesswomen and helping them achieve their goals.
Words of Wisdom
Believe in yourself and your vision if you have a real passion for doing it, no matter what anyone else says. Because of the internet, new media and technology, I believe there are more opportunities for women to achieve success today than ever before.
Be thorough and pragmatic about what you need to do to build a firm foundation, particularly the financial aspects. Put together the team or advisors who believe in you and can help make the dream become a reality, but find people who will give you honest feedback and not just mouth what they think you want to hear.
There is a fine dance between being driven and proactive, and living in the NOW. I have experienced some poignant losses and regretted that I did not make time for the people who were important to me. Make time for the things that are most important to you. Usually in retrospect you will find that there is a way to make time for all things that are really important.
Make your well-being and health the most important priority in your life because it is. This allows you to truly be there for others.
web: http://www.women4success.com
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 28, 2006.
PODCAST: Due Diligence: Teray Stephens
Teray Stephens, CEO and Managing Director of Invision Group, specializes on preparing businesses to raise capital or be acquired.
Teray Stephens, on Smallbusinesspodcast.com, informs you on the due diligence process and and how you can make it as painless as possible on yourself and the potential investor or buyer.
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PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 30, 2006
PODCAST: Capital Sourcing : Teray Stephens
Teray Stephens, CEO and Managing Director of Invision Group, provides entrepreneurs with funding information, packaged correctly, in preparation for investor review.
Smallbusinesspodcast.com is broadcasting a recent PODCAST where Ms. Stephens answers several financial questions; including “How much money should I try to raise?” and “How much of my company will I have to give up to get this funding?”
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PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 12, 2005
Gateway to America Conference, Auckland New Zealand
Teray Stephens of Invision Group, Keynote Speaker on “Identifying and aligning with stategic partners to accelerate revenue generation”; and “Optimising the perception, acceptance and economic outcomes for your company”
The National Business Review, New Zealand- Foreign Investment
‘US investor urges locals to shape up’ ‘ Make sure you’re investment-ready’
Graeme Kennedy
US investors are showing tremendous interest in New Zealand but local companies must meet demanding criteria if they hope to gain funding, global investment consultant and facilitator, Teray Stephens says.
Chief executive and managing director of Los Angeles based Invision Group, Ms Stephens said New Zealand firms seeking capital for expansion or new market entry should be “investment-ready” to attract funds from institutions, consortiums or private equity sources.
“The biggest issue for companies needing capital is to be ready with business plans, a good management team, exit strategies and an understanding of financials. Investors every day have money to invest and they are always looking for a deal they like.” She said.
“There is much more money sitting out there than there are investment-ready deals.”
Ms Stephens is in Auckland to speak at today’s Gateway to America business summit. She said Invision specialised in company strategy, capital sourcing and venture consulting. It had worldwide clients typically seeking investments of between $US5 million and $US300 million.
She is US associate of Auckland investment facilitator ANZ Capital whose director for business development Lester Clarke has worked with her for five years, finding investment capital for his New Zealand clients.
Ms Stephens said she was also developing her own New Zealand client base and planned to build it to around five companies a year. “Invision has access to huge amounts of money including some very large investor groups with billions of dollars to invest,” she said. “ Interest in New Zealand is due to tourism and the film industry which have provided exposure and a high profile in the US.
“People want to come here and they are looking for opportunities including ivestment these are people who look for deals wherever they go. New Zealand is attractive to them as an English-speaking country with high-quality products and craftsmanship and a lot of innovation, particularly in IT and energy where several companies have some very interesting ideas. “There are alos consumer products such as organic and health foods where there is major interest in the US and globally.” MrClarke, who is sponsoring Ms Stephens’ visit, launched ANZ,Capaital four weeks ago as an expansion of his Business Angel Investments, which provides capital for innovative New Zealand companies. He was a member of the group which set up Industry New Zealand, now part of NZ Trade & Enterprise, in 2000. He began Business Angel Investments in 2002. He plans to expand ANZ Capital into Australia with Ms Stephens’ funding network early next year.
Date: July 20, 2005
Contact: eric@invisiongroup.com
310.823.3394
Sustainable Real Estate Development Focus of Invision Group
Teray Stephens, CEO of Invision Group and Vision Holdings of Marina del Rey, California announced that Invision has begun developing sustainable, environmentally friendly communities and destination location real estate projects.
Two of the current Invision projects include partnering with a prominent California developer to build large, sustainable destination location projects that include luxury residential communities with resort amenities. One proposed project is in the high desert, near Temecula California – one of the most desirable locations in the thriving Southern California market. The 1000 acre property has stunning natural features and is surrounded by national forest. In addition to luxury home sites, plans include a signature golf course, clubhouse, full-service rejuvenation spa, equestrian center and helipads.
The second project is a 4200-acre parcel along the Mississippi River, near Memphis , and boasts 3.5 miles of beautiful riverfront property. It is slated to include a luxury hotel, three signature golf courses, marinas, a variety of residential communities, a large entertainment and sports complex, and commercial enterprises including boutique stores.
Invision Group and select strategic partners/advisors will arrange financing for both projects, and be instrumental in the creation of the strategy, vision, capital formation, marketing and overall management of the projects. The combined value of both projects when completed is estimated to be in excess of US $800M.
Invision Group CEO, Teray Stephens is a former private investment banker. She spends her time providing strategy, venture consulting and capital for clients throughout the world. She is a former executive with Xerox Corporation, has been a consultant/advisor to Fortune 1000 and entrepreneurial companies, was a founding partner of Phoenix Partners (a private investment banking boutique), and has served as CEO of Entertainment Financial Services, Stephens Group Holdings and Inuum.
Invision Group specializes in real estate, technology, entertainment, services and female oriented products and services. Invision has developed significant working relationships with funding sources around the world including ANZ Capital of New Zealand.
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUION
Date: July 20, 2005
Contact: eric@invisiongroup.com
310.823.3394
Teray Stephens Speaks on Strategic Partnering & Funding Options at Export New Zealand
Teray Stephens, CEO of Los Angeles based Invision Group, will be the featured speaker for a breakfast event sponsored by Export New Zealand on August 10 in Auckland . Invision Group is a global venture consulting and capital sourcing company that works with clients and funding groups worldwide including ANZ Capital Ltd. of New Zealand and Australia .
Ms. Stephens will speak about entering the U.S. market and expanding business through strategic alliances and partnerships. Ms. Stephens’s topics will range from framing company perception and UVP (unique value proposition) to identifying and aligning with strategic partners and facilitators for accelerated revenue generation and funding opportunities in the U.S. or for global expansion.
There will be a Q&A session at the conclusion of her talk, and Ms. Stephens has agreed to be available after the presentation for brief one-on-one meetings to address specific questions with attendees. Ms. Stephens’s trip to New Zealand will also include her participation as a featured general session speaker at the prestigious Gateway to America Conference on August 12 th .
Invision Group works with a variety of clients with a special emphasis on technology, entertainment, distribution, consumer goods, and real estate. Services include diligence review; venture consulting, strategy, marketing, branding, and business development; and capital sourcing for clients around the world. Currently Invision Group is working on assignments valued at more than US$200M.
Invision Group’s partner in New Zealand is ANZ Capital Ltd, specialists in S trategic Business Development; Market entry planning; Investment readiness review, structuring and support; plus Capital and debt sourcing for companies seeking to expand into global markets .
For additional information or interview opportunity, contact ANZ Capital Limited in New Zealand at 649 362.0072 www.anzcapital.com or eric@invisiongroup.com .
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE DISTRIBUION
Date: July 20, 2005
Teray Stephens, CEO of Invision Group, to speak at Gateway to America Conference
Teray Stephens, CEO of Invision Group will keynote a general session at the prestigious “Gateway to America ” Conference slated for August 12 in Auckland , New Zealand . Ms. Stephens’ topics for the conference will include : Framing the perception of your company and its value proposition to gain recognition; Identifying and aligning with strategic partners to accelerate revenue generation; and Optimising the perception, acceptance and economic outcomes for your company.
Ms. Stephens is the only female executive from the United States on the slate, and was asked to speak because of her expertise and background as a strategist, negotiator, facilitator for companies entering the US market, and in identifying capital sourcing opportunities in the U.S. She has a reputation for keen insight into negotiating and structuring deals, her ability to identify and facilitate strategic partnerships, and her access to a variety of capital and funding sources.
Ms. Stephens is a former private investment banker, and formerly held management positions with Xerox Corporation, was a founding partner of Phoenix Partners, and served as CEO of Entertainment Financial Services and Inuum.
Invision Group is a global venture consulting and capital sourcing company with a team of seasoned executives. Services from Invision Group include diligence review; venture consulting, strategy, marketing, branding, and business development; and capital sourcing for clients around the world. They have worked with a wide variety of clients, but primarily focus their efforts on technology, entertainment, distribution, consumer goods, and real estate.
Invision Group works with funding groups worldwide including ANZ Capital Ltd. Of New Zealand and Australia , and is currently working on assignments valued at more than US$200M.
The Gateway to America Conference is a combined effort of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, Bax Global Technologies, HSBC Bank; New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the National Business Review. Speakers from around the world convene for this international event focused on assisting New Zealand companies expanding into the highly lucrative American economic marketplace. As the wealthiest trading partner, American private and institutional investors rely on strategists and financiers like Ms. Stephens to present viable strategic partnering opportunities.
ANZ Capital Ltd presents Teray Stephens at Gateway to US
As part of their mission to help high-growth New Zealand Companies find strategic investment partners, be it debt/equity funding to develop their export markets, ANZ Capital Ltd have invited one of their strategic partners, leading US entrepreneur Teray Stephens to speak at the “Gateway to US” Conference.
Ms. Stephens is a respected leader, strategist, consultant, and fundraiser with a strong corporate, finance, marketing, and entrepreneurial background. She has provided leadership for corporate, technology, entertainment and e-learning organisations.
Before speaking at the Gateway to US conference, Ms Stephens will be meeting with New Zealand companies that have existing exports or are exploring the opportunity of establishing export sales in the US . Many of these companies will require strategic investment by way of debt or equity finance and the development of strategic distribution partners. Clarke of ANZ Capital explains that the soft captal that comes with financial investment is often more important. This is an area that many NZ companies over look when identifying potential investors and the development of strategic plans going forward.
During the Gateway to US conference Ms Stephens will cover topics including framing the perception of your Company and its value proposition to leverage revenue in the US market and how to attract potential funding.
She will provide insight to identifying and aligning with strategic partners and facilitators to accelerate revenue generation and funding opportunities in the US . Ms Stephens will also present insight into negotiating and structuring deals in the US to optimise perception, acceptance and economic outcomes for New Zealand companies.
Her strategic New Zealand partners ANZ Capital Ltd are specialists in S trategic Business Development; Market entry planning; Investment readiness review, structuring and support; plus Capital and debt sourcing for companies seeking to expand into global markets.
CE ROUNDTABLE
Leveraging Your Hidden BRAINPOWER
By Peter Haapaniemi
Harness your company’s knowledge before it walks out the door – and takes your business with it.
As companies have searched for new business models, raced to enter new markets, and pushed to develop innovative products, knowledge management has become a key issue for an increasing number of CEOs. The importance of knowledge in business is clear—and indeed, equity markets regularly place more emphasis on such intangibles than on tangible assets.
What is less clear, however, is just what executives should do with that knowledge. As this roundtable illustrates, CEOs’ questions about knowledge management have shifted from “Why?” to “How?” Their companies are struggling to create solid processes for finding, sharing, and reusing knowledge—and for measuring results to keep improving those processes. “Right now I’m looking for practical approaches,” said John Harker of InFocus. “What am I missing? What do we need to do to keep intellectual capital?”
CEOs are also finding that knowledge management is a multifaceted, far-reaching endeavor. Knowledge bases, networks, and other technology are important, but they’re just one piece of the puzzle. In deploying systems at numerous companies, Louise Kirkbride of Broad Daylight has found that “the same technology in some organizations works brilliantly and in some it fails miserably.” The point, of course, is that “it’s an organization issue, not just a technology issue,” she says.
In large part, that may be because valuable knowledge is not limited to patents or product designs, or any single part of the organization. Often, there is untapped potential in the company’s knowledge about processes, customers, and supply chain operations. To cover so much territory, knowledge management must encompass everything from reward systems and training to culture and leadership. As James Copeland of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu explains, “To make this work well requires a fundamental change in the way we do business. We’ll either change our organizations or others will change them by sucking the talent and the intellectual capital out of them.”
In short, CEOs are in the process of fusing the fundamental and often ethereal concepts of knowledge management with the basic principles of running a business and producing results. They’re still in the early stages of that effort, and much work is ahead—but for those CEOs and companies that figure it out, the rewards should be great.
- Peter Haapaniemi
