Throughout March, we’ve been interviewing business-savvy women in celebration of Women’s History Month. We’ve had the privilege of sharing the inspiring stories of women from various industries including graphic design, real estate, the nonprofit sector, healthcare, and business owners.
We’re wrapping things up by sharing some Q&A with our CEO, Xhenis Levack.
Will you introduce yourself, and tell us about your role as CEO at Primoprint?
My name is Xhenis Levack. I take care of the financial side of the business. My daughter says “I sell things, and that’s easy.” It’s adorable hearing this from her. I work daily to empower my staff. And I am dedicated to growing Primoprint with my fantastic team.
What purchase has most improved your work life?
I wouldn’t necessarily call it a purchase, but investing in my staff is by far the best thing I’ve done this year. I feel lucky and honored to be working with every single one of my employees and want them to know that. Also updating our work environment has been a great way to start the new year.
What advice would you give to your 30-year-old self?
Be patient; listen.
What’s the culture like at Primoprint?
Empowering, accepting, eccentric. We are all different, yet somehow we come together and make a great environment to walk into every day.
What’s the first thing you do when you walk into the office?
The first thing I do when I come into the office is to stop by each office and say “hi” to everyone. I walk into everyone’s offices and check on how they’re doing and if there’s anything new with their lives.
What’s the most challenging part of being the CEO at Primoprint?
Knowing that you always have to be on call and having to balance that with my home life.
Most rewarding part?
Seeing everyone set and reach their goals and being there to help them along the way.
Who has been your greatest mentor?
In my personal and professional life, I am surrounded by many strong women from my sisters, close friends, and my daughter’s elementary school teacher who have shown me that we can do it all. They work hard at their jobs, involving themselves in the local community, all while holding it down at home.
What’s the best advice you ever took?
Everyone doesn’t have to like you, and that if you are honest and true to yourself that is enough. I don’t strive for people not to want to like me in my role as CEO, but it’s freeing in a sense knowing it not the most important thing for me to get the job done.
What advice do you have for other business owners?
Do not start a business if you think you will be able to have personal time. Running a business is rewarding, but it will be your number one priority. The balancing of work life, family life, and your own life are far more challenging than I could have known.
I would also advise other business owners to always listen to your staff. They are a valuable resource to the company and have great ideas to contribute to the business.
What’s next for Primoprint?
We are going to continue to grow our business on both the retail and non-profit sides. Involving ourselves more in our local community, and expanding our workforce on both coasts.
Female Chief Executive Officers
Unfortunately, the number of female CEOs is continuing to fall. The Fortune 500 is a list of the 500 most profitable U.S. industrial corporations. These companies are household names that we all know well. Out of the 500 CEOs on that list, only 24 are women. That is only 4.8%.
While March is coming to an end, our support for women and their business journeys is not. We are thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know five strong, determined, and successful women a bit more than we did when we started this process.
We encourage you to get to know the women at your workplace, in your community, and your everyday lives a bit better. Supporting each other is a significant first step in becoming successful and raising that percentage.
Additional Features:
- Dr. Brittany Flaherty is Bringing Exceptional Eye Care & Eyewear to Cornelius, NC:
Brittany’s passion is educating people about their eyes. Check out our video interview to learn more about her journey as a female Doctor of Optometry and business owner. - Meet Jessica Kluge, a Realtor® Breaking Through Ceilings:
Learn about Jessica and her journey as a successful Real Estate Agent. - Meet Amy Jacobs, Executive Director of SHARE Charlotte:
Get to know about Amy’s journey and the SHARE Charlotte organization. - Breaking Boundaries as a Female Graphic Design Director:
Q&A with our very own, Design Team Director, Brooke Ernst.
