Woman of the Week ~ Bobbi Jo Allan

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: Bobbi Jo Allan

My Current Job/Company: I am privileged to lead innovation @NationwideFinancial

My Work: I serve as a catalyst of change through innovation, enabled by the core principles of design thinking – particularly empathy – as we extend the NF vision of “being the best at helping America prepare for and live in retirement.”

My Passion: Leaving the world a better place. Maintaining in myself and instilling in my children an attitude of gratitude.

My Family: James, Oliver (9-year old son), Amelia (7-year old daughter), and Teddy the labradoodle

My Hero or Heroes: My mom, who worked 2-3 jobs to put me through school; I wouldn’t be here without her. Also, I am impressed & amazed by all the women who get up and get it done – Every. Single. Day.

My Escape: Movement. Sitting is not for me. Moving helps me to think, relax, and recharge.

My Pet Peeve: Rain & cloud cover.

My Indulgence: Dark chocolate and red wine, preferably together.

My Roots: Girl from a small town dreaming of the big city. No longer a girl, still love big cities.

My Future: Bright. Fulfillment achieved by doing good work, being with good people, and building deeper connections to the community.

My Favorite Quote: More of an approach for life – get to paper quickly. Even if you don’t know where to start, get started. You can’t fix what doesn’t exist.

My Accessory: Earbuds.

My Advice to Young Women: The young women I interact with seem to have it together way more so than those of us who came before! That said, never forget your worth and what you bring to the world.

How I Balance it All: By taking it one day at a time and prioritizing self-care.

Woman of the Week ~ Janelle Coleman

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: Janelle N. Coleman

My Current Job/Company: Vice President, Community Relations, L Brands and President, L Brands Foundation

My Work: I lead and direct domestic and international grant making, multi-million-dollar associate fundraising campaigns, the company’s volunteerism program and other civic activities.

My Passion: Empowerment of women and girls, ensuring access for all to high quality public education

My Family: My husband (Michael) Bonus Children (Kimberly, Justin, JD) and the rest of my Coleman Family. My Mother (Ruby O. Lee) My Brothers (Clarence Simmons and Steven Mathis)

My Hero or Heroes: I have many, but definitely my Husband, Mom and brothers.

My Escape: Vacationing with my husband preferably on a beach.

My Pet Peeve: Moody people

My Indulgence: Pizza

My Roots: Cleveland, work hard, no excuses, treat others how you want to be treated.

My Future: Bright, fun, and purpose driven.

My Favorite Quote: “Everybody can be great, because anybody can serve.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

My Accessory: My smile and any jewelry purchased by my husband.

My Advice to Young Women: We all make mistakes. Learn from them, but don’t dwell on them. Give yourself grace.

How I Balance it All: Prioritization, hitting the gym, and I use my vacation time.

Woman of the Week ~ Katie Burns Eesley

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: Katie Burns Eesley

My Current Job/Company: Having recently relocated to Columbus, I am currently exploring new opportunities. I previously worked for the US Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration.

My Work: With a background in public health, I love work that positively impacts the lives of others. I’m looking forward to what’s next!

My Passion: My family and friends.

My Family: Graham (Incredible husband of 7 months!)

My Hero or Heroes: My parents. They instilled in me the value of public service from a young age, and have been a true example of what love is throughout my life.

My Escape: The beaches of the east or the mountains of the west. I never tire of the views and always leave both places feeling refreshed and happy.

My Pet Peeve: Bad drivers. Fake people.

My Indulgence: Red wine.

My Roots: Small town. Close-knit family. Supportive community. Loyal friends.

My Future: New challenges and adventures.

My Favorite Quote: “I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

My Accessory: My new wedding ring! Shawls.

My Advice to Young Women: Loyal, genuine friendships are invaluable. Take time to invest in relationships and surround yourself with good people!

How I Balance it All: Keep the end goal in mind. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Support from my amazing family and friends.

Women of the Week ~ Jodi Davy

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: Jodi Davy

My Current Job/Company: Area Sales Manager/Mint Magazine

My Work: I help businesses reach customers through affordable target marketing.

My Passion: My family and helping others.

My Family: Bruce (Supportive husband), Drew (Smart & Kind Son soon to be 15), Sara (Live-Out-Loud Daughter 13)

My Hero or Heroes: At the moment – Brene Brown

My Escape: My family’s cabin, nestled in the woods an hour outside of Columbus, it’ the perfect get away.

My Pet Peeve: Mean people

My Indulgence: Chocolate

My Roots: Hard working, surrounded by love & family.

My Future: Optimistic

My Favorite Quote: “If you develop the habits of success, you’ll make success a habit.” – Michael Angier

My Accessory: A good attitude and a smile

My Advice to Young Women: Remember to take time for yourself in all phases of your life.

How I Balance it All: Support from my husband, mom and sister. Live for good enough not perfection. Taking care of myself helps me be better for those around me.

Women of the Week ~ How To Balance It All

Starting the week with advice on how to balance it all from some of our Women of the Week.

I try to keep my email inbox clean and to be loyal to my calendar. I am agile when needed (and that is most days). I take time for me and for my family. Recognizing that our lives are not just lived on the weekend and when we are on vacation, I try to find joy in the chaos of everyday life. ~ Erin Davis Shedd

Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency. ~ Amy McKinlay

It’s taken a long time to learn to say “no” sometimes and to ask for help, but these are my two keys to balancing my priorities. ~ Casey Brown

Lists, lots of lists and a small circle of people who love and support me. ~ Tracy Kirby Harbold

Advice Given To Young Women We All Should Follow!

Starting the week with some advice given to young women by three of our Women of the Week.

Be comfortable in your own skin. Stop trying to be like someone else. Do not be afraid to embrace your own unique attributes and recognize that most of the people who look like they have it all together really do not. If you are not your own unique self, who might the world be missing out on? ~Melissa Pierre-Louis

Find confidence and build upon it every day. Surround yourself with outstanding mentors. Accept feedback and trust in the advice of those you admire. Acknowledge and learn from your mistakes, and then put them behind you and move on. ~Angie Joffe

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. ~Tanya Crawford

It’s a great week to look back on some of our favorite quotes!


It’s a great week to look back on some of our favorite quotes shared by some of our Women of the Week.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” (Gandhi) ~ Julie Standley

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” (Wayne Dyer) ~ Sharon J. Tucker, PhD, RN, FAAN

“Decide what you’re going to do with what has happened to you.” (Anise Amat) ~ Felicia Mitchell

Woman of the Week ~ Liz Grassel

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: Liz Grassel

My Current Job/Company: Talent Acquisition Manager at OCLC

My Work: I help our amazing company grow by finding the best talent!

My Passion: My faith and my family.

My Family: Casey (the best husband in the world!), Wyatt (son ~ 11), Quinn (son ~ 8) and Lilah (daughter ~ 7).

My Hero or Heroes: My Mother, Lynn Thomas. I have learned to be a strong, independent and a loving woman because of her!

My Escape: The beach with my family! I need the beach at least once (and hopefully twice) a year. This is my happy place!

My Pet Peeve: When people are late.

My Indulgence: White Claws, chocolate chip cookies and retail therapy.

My Roots: Laughter. Love. Family forever.

My Future: Filled with love, great friends and TONS of laughs!

My Favorite Quote: “Someone else’s opinion of you is none of your business.” (Rachel Hollis)

My Accessory: Color Street nails, lip gloss and a great purse!

My Advice to Young Women: Always believe in yourself, stay strong and please don’t forget to take care of yourself!

How I Balance it All: There are days I don’t know how I do it. But I have an amazing supportive clan, my family is truly the best!

Woman of the Week ~ Sarah Mayle

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: Sarah Mayle

My Current Job/Company: SVP-Sales Strategy Director, Huntington Bank

My Work: My team & I initiate & implement strategic, technical & branch experience projects that empower & develop our colleagues to deliver amazing experiences for our customers.

My Passion: Family is everything!

My Family: Chris (my husband, my rock), Kyle (12 year old YouTuber son), Hannah (8 year old bundle of enthusiasm), Maggie (10 month old Yorkie fur baby).

My Hero or Heroes: My mom & dad pushed me to be the woman I am today. I wouldn’t be here without their encouragement, support & coaching.

My Escape: Netflix. At the end of a long day, I love relaxing on the couch in my PJs, mentally checking out & watching a good show with my hubby.

My Pet Peeve: Traffic!

My Indulgence: Starbucks Coffee

My Roots: Hard work. Endless love. Great meals. Tons of laughter!

My Future: FUN & productive!

My Favorite Quote: ”If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

My Accessory: Apple Watch. High heels. Coach purses. 🙂

My Advice to Young Women: Stand out for the right reasons! Give your career your all, exceed expectations…hard work is recognized.

How I Balance it All: So thankful for my support system. My husband keeps us going at home so I can run hard at work. We are an unstoppable team!

Woman of the Week ~ Kristen Atha

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: Kristen Atha

My Current Job/Company: Vice President & Water Market Sector Leader/AECOM

My Work: I am an Environmental Engineer, working with municipal water utilities to achieve their goals. I value relationships and the commitment of the amazing people who work every day to deliver clean water to communities in our country.

My Passion: My family, my faith and public service.

My Family: Marcus, my amazing husband, and our four children – Lucas (21), budding film maker; Chelsea (20), future teacher; Cameron (20), environmentalist; and Simeon (20), political activist.

My Escape: Water, sand, family, sunshine and great meals around the table.

My Pet Peeve: People who complain about situations without looking for solutions.

My Indulgence: Great food and wine, creativity, art.

My Roots: I grew up in Iowa – simple beginnings, we made our own fun, worked on the farm, valued family and learned that all people are equal.

My Future: Filled with optimism, community engagement, hoping to make a difference in my community.

My Favorite Quote:“Love one another.” (Jesus Christ)

My Accessory: Fun shoes, scarves and a smile.

My Advice to Young Women: Work hard on knowing your self, and remember who you are as life unfolds.

How I Balance it All: I work to focus on priorities, knowing when to say no, and have a lot of help from my family and many great people.