Faces of women-led businesses: Meaghan Holder + Holly Doty

Meaghan Holder and Holly Doty, vice president and president and CEO of Connect Dot Management, share their unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a successful venture

London Inc. is proud to present its inaugural look at some of the city’s leading female owned and/or operated businesses and the faces that run them. Twenty-four women who are shaping industries, redefining entrepreneurship and inspiring generations of women to come, share the challenges they’ve overcome, what they attribute their success to and what it takes to build and scale a brand.

Meaghan Holder + Holly Doty
Vice President and President & CEO
Connect Dot Management
519-204-2499 • connectdot.ca

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As a full-service event management company that helps organizations take events from initiation to execution, Connect Dot Management acts as an extension of its clients’ businesses. “I loved the idea of working for ­multiple companies,” says Holly Doty when asked about the firm’s beginnings. “Learning about different industries and project-based activities seemed so much more exciting than one full-time position. When Meaghan joined the leadership team, we found a common desire to make a positive impact on community and create value for our clients through events.”

Of course, it takes time to build a successful business, and there certainly isn’t a secret formula to success. “I learned over time that you can’t rush a good business,” Doty says. “The baby steps required to right-size, understand finance, succeed at business development and still deliver an outstanding service don’t happen overnight.”

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In addition, adds Doty, Connect Dot might not be where it is today without the mentorship they have received. “Meaghan and I have had immense success over the years by engaging with mentors who have invested their time and expertise,” she says. “Without them we would never have had the courage to take the risks that helped us to grow, learn and succeed.”