Side note:

Bright music plays.

Text on screen:

Thriving in uncertain times.

Logos:
 - J.P. Morgan;
 - (and) Chase (with the Chase octagon symbol).

Text on screen:
Leadership - Reflecting on role models and "make or break" moments.

On screen:

Now, a man with closely cropped dark hair and brown eyes begins a virtual interview. He wears a light blue dress shirt and dark blue suit jacket.

Text on screen:
Frederick Royall the Third, National Head of Diverse Businesses, JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking.

Frederick Royal III:

People often debate whether great leaders are born or made. Who do you consider a leadership role model and why?

On screen:

Ann, a woman with long black hair and brown eyes, speaks to us. She is wearing a black suit, paired with gold earrings and a necklace.

Text on screen:
Ann Ramakumaran, Founder and CEO, Ampcus.

Ann Ramakumaran:

If I started at home, I think my mom. She was always there for her family, she was there for her friends, her neighbors, and still made time for some of the community impact projects. So I think there's so much that I've learned from mom, and most importantly the go-getter attitude and the attitude of marching forward. And from a professional standpoint, some leaders that I would talk about are leaders like Indra Nui.

Text on screen:
Indra Nooyi - Former chairman and CEO of PepsiCo (from 2006 until 2019).

Ann Ramakumaran:

Her visionary approach, her approach of bringing a positive impact in whatever she did as far as people, planet, and community is concerned. Her attitude of being a courageous leader, but yet being very open to learning something new. I really look up to her.

Frederick Royal III:

Ann, does anything stand out to you as a make or break moment in your company's history? And if so, how did you lead through and navigate the pressure of the moment?

Ann Ramakumaran:

Oh my God, Fred, you're taking me back to 2004. I still remember that day when one of our client decided to bring us on board to support them with one of their major ERP implementation project. I felt, that is it, we made it, right? I took the contract, go to the bank so that I could go ahead and request for a better line of credit. They said we will have to, we're more than open to giving a better line of credit. However, we might have to tie a lien to your house. And that was a breaking moment, if you may, Fred, because I started this company with my 1-year-old and there was no way that I could put my husband and my 1-year-old at risk. I remember driving back home, I picked up the phone, I called my client, requested for some time, sat across the table, and requested the client if they could make some tweaks in the contract as far as the payment terms were concerned.

Once we got a thumbs up from there, what I did was I went back to our contractors and consultants who we had already identified, who were going to be part of that implementation project, told them we’re going to bump up the rate by $5. But I would request them to go ahead and allow me to make some adjustments in the contract, which would say, raise invoice every 15 days and payments net 20. So I had that five-day buffer period, if you may, Fred, to ensure that the comes in the bank and the money is paid to all of our contractors on time. If I look back, Fred, I'm glad that happened, because when that happened that day I promised myself two things: I'm never going to be in that situation. Monies earned after taking care of all expenses, salaries of employees, bonuses, taxes, monies are going to be reinvested back in the company. And we've been reinvesting back in the company for over 20 years, Fred, and that is why today we're financially stable and we're a profitable company as well.

On screen:
Fred smiles as he asks his next interview question:

Frederick Royal III:

That is an excellent story. What advice would you offer to other diverse business owners leading through today's challenges?

Ann Ramakumaran:

Believe in yourself. And remember: you don't have to do it all alone. If you are part of some amazing networks, like if you're a women-owned business, be part of an amazing network like WeBank. If you're a minority-owned business, we be part of amazing organizations like NMSDC. If you're an Asian American business, be part of organizations like USPAACC. Because what happens is when you're part of that ecosystem, you will be surrounded by members of corporate America, agencies, nonprofits, and your peers within the same industry. And there's so much that you will learn from one another.

Frederick Royal III:

Ann, that's excellent advice. This has been an incredible conversation. We appreciate the peak into your leadership philosophy.

Ann Ramakumaran:

Thank you, Fred.

On screen:
Ann smiles slightly as the video concludes.

Side note:

Bright music plays.

Logos:
- J.P. Morgan;
 - (and) Chase (with the Chase octagon symbol).

Side note:

Legal disclosures:

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