Woman of the Week: Tanya Crawford

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Tanya Crawford

My Current Job/Company:
Director/Deloitte Tax LLP (for all 21 years of my career)

My Birthdate:
12.19.69

My Work:
I lead the Japanese Service Group for the Deloitte Columbus office and provide tax consulting to many multinational companies and their shareholders and employees. I also serve as the Women’s Initiative leader for the Deloitte Columbus office. In this role I help recruit, promote and retain our very talented female professionals and lead our annual “Wise Women” program that brings together 25 of Central Ohio’s women business leaders to mentor and network with 125 up-and-coming female leaders from the community. Further, I serve as the Inclusion leader for the Deloitte Columbus office where I’m involved with the recruiting, promotion and advancement of diverse talent, work/life fit issues and the promotion of our business resource groups.

My Passion:
I love helping other women succeed. I also love spending time with my family, whether on vacation at a great beach or just reading a bed-time story to the boys. Finally, I love giving back to the great community in which we live. Over the years, I’ve been privileged to serve on numerous not-for-profit boards including The Dublin Arts Council, The Worthington Arts Council, Columbus Urban League, Japan-America Society of Central Ohio, Black Tie Ball, Inc. (benefitting Nationwide Children’s Hospital) and City Year Columbus.

My Family:
Brian (my understanding and supportive husband); Hunter (my basketball-playing violinist who is 11); Chase (my budding artist/chef/world traveler who is 8).

My Heroes:
My parents. They’ve been together for 43 years and have been great role models.

My Escape:
I have two favorite escapes….one is to Grand Cayman with the family to relax and rejuvenate and the other is the annual “date weekend” with my husband in Vegas…..it gives the two of us time to reconnect away from the kids.

My Pet Peeve:
People who don’t take ownership of their actions.

My Indulgence:
A relaxing massage whenever I can fit one in.

My Roots:
I grew up in Delaware, Ohio the oldest of 3 children. I was fiercely independent and went away to college in Philadelphia (University of Pennsylvania), vowing never to come back to Central Ohio. Long story short, I’ve been back in Central Ohio since graduation (except for minor stints on assignment for Deloitte in Toronto and Duesseldorf, Germany). You just can’t beat this area for the cost of living, friendliness of the residents and great school systems!

My Future:
I want to continue giving back to our community and help women succeed in all walks of their lives. I want my sons to grow up healthy and strong and know that they can achieve whatever they want to accomplish. And I want to always be able to look back and know that I made a difference to my company, to my colleagues and to my clients.

My Quote on Life:
“Your success and happiness lies in you. Resolve to keep happy, and your joy and you shall form an invincible host against difficulties.” (Helen Keller)

My Accessory:
The birthstone ring I received on my birthday a few years ago from my boys & my gold hoop earrings

My Advice to Young Women:
Understand the importance of self-promotion and take control of your own destiny. Take time to reflect on your goals and let others know what direction you want to head. It’s amazing how other people will help you achieve your goals if they know what you’re striving for. And above all else, help other women along the way. Paying it forward is the best way women can give back and help generate more success for our future generations.

How I Balance it All:
I don’t think I ever have anything in complete balance. My husband has stayed at home full time with the boys since Hunter was born which helps me out a great deal. And the boys always say that the “S” days are their mommy time…..I try to devote weekends to family and get all my other tasks accomplished during the week. Every day I have to prioritize my time and while I don’t think I have it all figured out, I feel pretty fulfilled at the end of most days.