Woman of the Week – Erin Wanke

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 women who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

My Name:
Erin Wanke

My Current Job/Company:
Health Coach/Erin Wanke Wellness

My Work:
I run a health coaching and wellness services company. I work with clients 1:1 to improve their health and wellness by crowding out bad habits with better ones. My job is to help cut through all the confusing health information out there, find what works best for each client and keep it fun and manageable!

My Passion:
Helping others learn that we don’t have to beat ourselves up about doing everything perfectly in relation to our health…but to be aware that our choices matter. Small changes can have big, lasting effects!

My Family:
My crazy crew includes my amazing husband John, and three little people that keep us on our toes and make life a little more interesting each day: Noah (7), Maya (5), and Eve (3). And the world’s longest living Beta fish, Max.

My Hero or Heroes:
I admire and am inspired by so many people! But top of mind is my parents. Both of them have always shown through their actions how to be a better person. Another that comes immediately to mind is one of my oldest, closest friends who has faced a big, scary diagnosis with grace, courage, humor, and optimism. She inspires me every day.

My Escape:
Anytime I get to go on vacation with my family is special time for me. Getting away from everyday life and just enjoying that carefree time together.

My Pet Peeve:
Negative people. Gossip. Clutter (even though I fight a losing battle against that one!).

My Indulgence:
The queso dip at Nada.

My Roots:
I’m a born and bred Ohio girl (Cincinnati), although I have also lived in Chicago and Seattle. There’s something special about the big city feel but small town charm of a place like Columbus, with midwestern values of hard work, humility, and a sense of supportive community.

My Future:
I’m excited to see what the future holds! I have lots of plans and ideas for the business, and family life is always an adventure as the kids grow and transform. I love that life is ever evolving and we have the power to change things, whether it’s by starting a new venture or just changing your mindset about a difficult situation.

My Favorite Quotes:
The first step towards getting somewhere is deciding you are no longer going to stay where you are.

The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.

My Accessory:
I have pretty simple style. My favorite accessory is a ring my husband gave me when our youngest was born, with a stone to represent each of the five of us.

My Advice to Young Women:
The people you spend time with have an effect on you! Surround yourself with positive people who offer support and inspire you not to give up. Do the same for those around you.

How I Balance it All:
There are definitely days I’m not sure that I do! Prioritizing the things that are most important is key, and so much easier to say than to do. I wake up before the kids each morning and part of what I do is review what needs to get done that day, in order of importance. I can almost 100% guarantee that things will come up to get me off track, but knowing the key things that have to get done keeps me focused. Instead of beating yourself up for what you didn’t get done, think about all that you did!