Pioneering C-Suite Leader, Serial Entrepreneur, Board Advisor, and Philanthropist

Rita W Bologna is an award-winning C-suite leader, seasoned entrepreneur, and highly regarded board advisor. Known for her transformative approach to business and her passion for inclusive leadership, Rita has successfully launched, scaled, and exited multiple ventures, particularly through her work as CEO of The Good Global Group. Her expertise lies in converting strategic visions into actionable plans, optimising growth, and navigating complex governance landscapes, making her an asset to both startups and established companies.

Early Career and Rise as a Business Leader

Rita’s career began in the world of advertising and recruitment, where she quickly progressed to senior roles. She was Head of Advertising at Time Publishing, where she led a high-performing sales team of 40, and achieved ambitious revenue targets across the company’s titles. Later, as Head of Recruitment at Octopus IT, she strengthened her business acumen, which laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial ventures. Her early career experiences cultivated her skills in team leadership, sales strategy, and operational efficiency.

Building The Good Global Group: A Journey of Entrepreneurship

In 2006, Rita transitioned from her established career in traditional roles to founding The Good Global Group, a venture that embodied her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence. Under her leadership, The Good Global Group launched several successful companies, including The Good Property Guide, which became the UK’s leading free international property magazine. Targeted at high-net-worth individuals interested in overseas property investment and luxury travel, the magazine quickly garnered a loyal readership and high-profile advertisers.

Rita’s ability to pivot challenges into growth opportunities became evident during the 2008 financial crisis. Despite economic instability, Rita guided The Good Global Group to adapt, ultimately emerging stronger than before. Her resilience and adaptability helped the venture become a thriving enterprise, earning her multiple accolades, including Businesswoman of the Year and Best New Company at the Newsquest Group Essex County Business Awards. These awards reflect her commitment to quality, strategic thinking, and resilience in the face of adversity.

Strategic Board Roles and Governance Expertise

With her extensive experience in leadership and business strategy, Rita is a sought-after board member known for her adeptness at navigating governance complexities. As a current board member at Venture Catalysts, she plays a pivotal role in strategic growth and governance, providing guidance to high-potential startups as they prepare for their first significant funding rounds. Rita’s approach to governance emphasises consensus-building and strategic oversight, ensuring that boards make informed decisions that support sustainable growth and long-term success.

Rita’s board contributions extend beyond the private sector. She holds key roles within the Company of Entrepreneurs, where she serves as Chairperson and leads the Communications Committee. Her work with the Company has expanded the scope and reach of the committee, driving improvements in branding and PR, and increasing engagement. She also successfully launched the committee’s first all-female entrepreneurial event, a testament to her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within the business community.

As a Patron and Junior Warden Elect of the Entrepreneurs’ Court, Rita has been instrumental in providing educational and business opportunities to young entrepreneurs, particularly through grant programmes. Her work in this capacity underscores her dedication to empowering the next generation of business leaders and creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Rita is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I), coaching business leaders to foster environments where all individuals can thrive. Her advocacy extends into her philanthropic work as Trustee and Board Director of the Asian Women’s Resource Centre (AWRC), a UK charity supporting women and children affected by domestic violence, forced marriages, and honour-based abuse. Through her role with AWRC, Rita has driven impactful initiatives, such as organising the launch event for the charity’s new shelter, which drew the attention of influential figures in politics and royalty.

Her work with AWRC has also focused on strengthening the organisation’s communications strategy to increase visibility and foster collaboration with government and community leaders. Rita’s leadership at AWRC highlights her commitment to social impact, gender equality, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable communities. She believes that true leadership includes supporting the wider community, a value she upholds across her roles.

Leadership Style: Empathy, Collaboration, and Excellence

Rita’s leadership style is characterised by empathy, a collaborative approach, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. She is known for her ability to constructively challenge conventional thinking, fostering meaningful discussions that yield powerful insights. Her high emotional intelligence allows her to navigate diverse boardroom dynamics, bringing stakeholders together and building consensus on complex issues. Colleagues and mentees alike value her open and inclusive approach, which encourages others to voice their perspectives and participate fully in decision-making.

Her practical, solutions-focused mentality also distinguishes her as a leader. Whether addressing governance challenges or advising on growth strategies, Rita is adept at identifying opportunities within obstacles. Her approach is both aspirational and grounded, inspiring teams to achieve their full potential while providing them with the strategic guidance needed to succeed.

Mentorship and Thought Leadership

As a mentor, Rita is dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders. She believes that every individual has unique talents that can drive business success, and she works tirelessly to help young entrepreneurs harness their strengths. Rita’s mentorship style is centred on fostering an inclusive leadership mindset, one that values empathy, accountability, and resilience.

Rita’s influence also extends into public speaking, where she shares her insights on overcoming obstacles and pursuing excellence. Through motivational speaking engagements, she inspires audiences to reframe challenges as opportunities and to cultivate a positive, proactive mindset. Her passion for helping others realise their potential has made her a respected figure on the speaker circuit, particularly in discussions on DE&I, entrepreneurship, and leadership.

Aldermanic Candidacy and Community Leadership

In addition to her business achievements, Rita was a former Aldermanic candidate for the City of London, reflecting her commitment to public service and community involvement. This role aligns with her broader vision of making positive changes within the business landscape and beyond. As an active participant in the Company of Entrepreneurs Trust, she supports various charitable initiatives and promotes education and training programmes for young startups, helping to build a more cohesive and supportive entrepreneurial community.

Future Endeavours and Ongoing Impact

Rita’s future endeavours include expanding her work in DE&I and governance, where she sees a continued need for inclusive and accountable leadership. As the business landscape becomes increasingly complex, Rita believes that leaders who prioritise inclusivity and resilience will be best positioned to navigate change and drive meaningful impact.

Through her work with Venture Catalysts, The Good Global Group, and her various board roles, Rita continues to demonstrate that success is not just measured in profit but in the positive impact one leaves on others. She remains committed to guiding leaders towards impactful decisions, fostering inclusive business environments, and empowering those around her to achieve their potential.

Summary

Rita W Bologna’s career is a testament to her resilience, empathy, and visionary leadership. From building successful ventures to championing DE&I, her contributions span the business, philanthropic, and public sectors. Her ability to translate strategic visions into impactful action has made her a sought-after advisor, while her commitment to mentorship and community service reflects her dedication to making a difference. As she continues her work in governance and inclusivity, Rita is set to leave an enduring legacy of purposeful, compassionate leadership.