Meet Colleen Bonniol, Founder and CEO of MODE Studios. To adapt during the pandemic, MODE developed an online platform for communities to continue connecting, supporting, and learning from one another. The proof of concept was completed by May and was used to host IDEATION for WBEC Pacific, June 2020.
Read on to learn more about Colleen’s inspiring story!
Each year, WBENC presents 14 women business owners with the prestigious Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Star Award, the nation’s premier recognition for excellence among certified women-owned businesses, honoring female owners for their leadership skills, business success, and ability to serve as an inspiration to others.
Meet Colleen Bonniol, Founder and CEO of MODE Studios, Inc.
MODE Studios understands the need for businesses to connect with their communities and build strong relationships. Their experiential agency offers a wide range of services that fulfill this need by creating memorable experiences that bring audiences together and foster a sense of community. From brand activations and architectural installations to online learning, live entertainment, and Web3 creative marketing development, their team provides expert strategy, design, and direction for an unrivaled experience.
“Resiliency is the key to overcoming adversity and adapting to change. It involves having a strong belief in oneself, persevering in the face of challenges, and finding solutions in difficult situations. It also includes the ability to cope with difficult emotions and keep moving forward. My practice of resiliency involves utilizing these strategies and not giving up, even when it may appear as stubbornness. Additionally, it includes being able to change direction when necessary, viewing challenges from different angles, and finding creative solutions.”
When and how was your business started?
In 1997, I founded Monarch Designs, LLC with a partner, who held 48% of the company. My background in the entertainment industry and desire to foster innovation and artistic expression served as the company’s foundation. The goal was to lead by example, creating safe and supportive environments for artists to flourish. In 2002, we changed our name to MODE Studios, Inc.; in 2015, I purchased the remaining 48%, making MODE a 100% women-owned business.
What does resiliency mean to you? How do you practice resiliency as a woman leading a business?
Resiliency is the key to overcoming adversity and adapting to change. It involves having a strong belief in oneself, persevering in the face of challenges, and finding solutions in difficult situations. It also includes the ability to cope with difficult emotions and keep moving forward. My practice of resiliency involves utilizing these strategies and not giving up, even when it may appear as stubbornness. Additionally, it includes being able to change direction when necessary, viewing challenges from different angles, and finding creative solutions.
What is a challenge or opportunity your business faced because of the COVID-19 Pandemic, and how did you face it?
MODE Studios, like many others in the live entertainment industry, faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, including a decrease in revenue and difficulties in maintaining business operations. To adapt, MODE developed an online platform for communities to continue connecting, supporting, and learning from one another. The proof of concept was completed by May and was used to host IDEATION for WBEC Pacific, June 2020. The platform took a bespoke turn for a collaboration with Panasonic, taking their CES Booth online. Additionally, it was customized to create a learning platform for PG&E and a space for ICIC’s Annual Conference.
Provide an example of how innovation helped you overcome a challenge, pivot, or adapt to a crisis.
MODE Studios innovates, using advanced technology to bring clients’ visions to life. A current challenge is creating unique content in dynamic rehearsal environments. On our latest concert tour, we’re using content to create a visual experience that reflects the artist’s music while being flexible enough to adapt to the Production Designer’s real-time creative process. To achieve this, we’re utilizing a new 3D tool to create photorealistic visuals that enhance the audience’s experience with the music. This innovation allows us to quickly adapt to changes throughout the production process, giving our design team a new language for a responsive design process.
What have you learned about yourself as a leader from mentoring or coaching others?
I have a small piece of paper on my office wall alongside my computer monitor. It says: “Promise me you’ll always remember – You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem and smarter than you think…” ~ AA Milne.
I am brave enough to admit I am wrong. I am strong enough to have difficult conversations in a caring and positive way while maintaining the path forward for all those involved. I am smart enough to understand each team member’s strengths and gifts and know that MODE is better for it.
What do you view as benefits of being part of the WBENC network? How has your company grown and changed since its inception and since becoming certified?
One of the most significant immediate benefits of joining WBENC is access to quality business education and programs tailored to specific growth areas for women-owned businesses. Programs like WeThrive, the EEP, and corporate-sponsored programs like Capital One’s Catapult Program offer valuable insights and opportunities for growth. These programs can help identify key areas for improvement, provide practical skills and knowledge, and offer guidance on navigating women-owned businesses’ unique challenges. I completed the Catapult Program in the Fall of 2019, and it helped MODE navigate the pandemic’s challenges and continue to grow.
Another important benefit of joining WBENC is access to over 400 corporations and their internal supply chain programs. This allows for the development of valuable relationships with key team members and access to new and diverse business opportunities. These corporate members are committed to working with women-owned businesses, and WBENC provides a platform for businesses to connect with them and prepare for corporate-sized opportunities.
The community aspect of WBENC is also a significant benefit, with a strong network of over 10,000 women-owned businesses. Participating in WBENC events and connecting with other WBEs has been invaluable for my business growth. The community offers a support system for women entrepreneurs, providing mentorship, networking, and collaboration opportunities.
MODE has evolved from a lifestyle company to a full-service experiential agency. We began focusing on television series but soon expanded into designing for live entertainment. Utilizing our certification in 2019 allowed us to expand as a company and hire more employees. This growth has enabled us to add Online Learning and Community Platform Development to our roster of services and expand our experiential offerings to include Brand Activations and Corporate Lobby Installations.
What guiding words would you like to share with a newly certified WBE who is looking to get involved in the WBENC community?
My best advice is to leap in! Start with your local RPO (regional partner organization) online and in-person events to meet other women-owned businesses. Attend larger conferences and make connections with members in other RPOs. Be prepared and do your research before meeting corporate members. It’s best to know what their challenges are and how your company can solve them. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and follow up!
What areas of innovation do you foresee for women entrepreneurs over the next few years?
Innovation in technology is crucial for the growth of women-owned businesses. The top three near-future technologies that can make a significant impact are:
Virtual and Augmented Reality: VR/AR technologies can create immersive shopping experiences and virtual showrooms, increasing customer engagement and sales and also be used for remote collaboration.
Blockchain: Blockchain technology can provide a secure and decentralized way for women-owned businesses to record transactions, leading to more transparency and trust in business dealings. Smart contracts and decentralized marketplaces can open new opportunities in supply chain management and digital payments.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML technologies can help automate repetitive tasks, improve customer service, and make more informed decisions. Additionally, the integration of AI and IoT technologies can lead to the development of smart products and services that can adapt to customers’ needs in real-time, increasing revenue and growth for women-owned businesses.
At MODE Studios, we understand the need for businesses to connect with their communities and build strong relationships. Our experiential agency offers a wide range of services that fulfill this need by creating memorable experiences that bring audiences together and foster a sense of community. From brand activations and architectural installations to online learning, live entertainment, and Web3 creative marketing development—our team provides expert strategy, design, and direction for an unrivaled experience.
