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:
Marcie Seidel

My Current Job/Company:
Executive Director, Drug Free Action Alliance

My Birthday:
07.02.1949

My Work:
I manage a statewide nonprofit agency with the mission to promote healthy lives through the prevention of substance abuse.

My Passion:
Praising God, loving my family and the mission of my job.

My Family:
Ed (loving husband), Michelle (beautiful daughter, her wonderful husband, Ian and my endearing grandchildren, Finn, 9, Beckett 7, Rourke 5, Cormac 2), Jennifer (beautiful daughter and her wonderful husband, Mark).

My Hero or Heroes:
My two daughters who are as talented, intelligent and kind as they are beautiful.

My Escape:
To the country with lush greenery, flowers and flowing creeks.

My Pet Peeve:
Those who say we can’t instead of saying let’s try.

My Indulgence:
Chocolate.

My Roots:
Modest, country, close immediate and extended family, grounded in church and civic participation.

My Future:
Busy trying to fit in all the wonderful things yet to be done or experienced.

My Favorite Quote:
“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” (Edmund Burke)

My Accessory:
Scarves.

My advice to Young Women:
Let nothing stand in your way if the dream is worth having.

How I Balance it All:
Some days I don’t – healthy eating, consistent exercise and enough sleep help.

Here at Executive Elements we are constantly trying to research and find best practices to share with our very busy clients. Here is an article we LOVE about eliminating distractions.

10 Unconventional Habits to Live Distraction-Less

What do you think? Is now a good time to employ 1 or 2 of these strategies? Check out #8?!?!

It is often challenging to achieve a work life balance at any given point in the year. However, it can be even more challenging when you add the festivities of the holiday season into the equation. Read below for a few pointers from our Women of the Week!

Wendy Larzelere
I give myself the luxury of time to think and plan, and have learned the art of saying “no” when things start to feel over extended.

Barb Smoot
I don’t—I save this concept for the tightrope walkers. I’m not choosing to live my life on a tight rope. I’ve got both feet on the ground so there is a lot of room for error.

Jess Sparks
A deep and profound love of organization and technology. Work smarter not harder so that you can accomplish the really important stuff!

Janet Hawk
Balancing priorities and responsibilities is always challenging. I make lists and celebrate the little victories. The lists help me prioritize and ensure that nothing key is forgotten. And, along the way, I try to remember to have fun.

Jocelyn Sperko
Balancing everything implies that one part of my life must give for another to take. So I think of it more as “finding balance” or making sure all parts of my life work together in harmony. I make time for the things that are important to me and I have learned to say “no” to the things that aren’t. I don’t hesitate to put a workout or lunch with a friend on the office calendar – it means I’m not available for an hour or two – but the needed escape ensures I can give 110% when I am back at the office.

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 Flynn
 
My Current Job/Company:
Senior Vice President, Development/External Relations
Children’s Hunger Alliance
 
My Birthday:
January 11th
 
My Work:
There are 680,000 children in Ohio who do not know where their next meal is coming from. When children go without consistent access to healthy food, it erodes the foundation of our future workforce and civic vitality. These children deserve better and we need to lower this number. I am responsible for the statewide vision and strategic direction for all fundraising and media/PR components of our Agency. For every dollar raised, our Agency helps provide three meals for children without access.
 
My Passion:
My faith, my family and friends, and my love of tennis. 
 
My Family:
Jordan (Awesome Son, Senior at Ole Miss and member of the Ole Miss football team. Go Rebels!), Deuce (Amazing Rescue Pit Bull – 2yrs old), and Percibella (Cute but Snarky Cat who is not a fan of Deuce – 15yrs old).
 
My Hero or Heroes:
Anyone who breaks the cycle of poverty, abuse and dysfunction, and builds a quality life for themselves with a commitment to helping others.
                                                                       
My Escape:
Playing tennis! Weekly clinics, team practices and matches keep my stress level down and my heart rate up! My teammates are the best. 
 
My Pet Peeve:
Bad spelling and grammar. 
 
My Indulgence:
Wine and college football.
                                                                
My Roots:
Strong, traditional, Irish family values.
 
My Future:
The sky is the limit.
 
My Favorite Quote:
“When you know better, do better” (Maya Angelou)
 
My Accessory:
Scarves in every color and pattern.
 
My advice to Young Women:
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Seek out older, wiser women for good, sound advice – they have it and want to share it!
 
How I Balance it All:
Stay organized, make lists and check in daily with friends and family. They keep you grounded.

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 Carter

My Current Job/Company:
Executive Director, Susan G. Komen Columbus

My Birthday:
11-23-72

My Work:
I am the executive director of Komen Columbus. I have the privilege of working alongside the most talented and passionate group around. We work every day to save lives in our community and look forward to day we find the cures.

My Passion:
Family, friends and sports.

My Family:
David (Supportive Husband) and Grant (Adorable Son – 8).

My Hero or Heroes:
My parents.

My Escape:
Warm, sunny and crystal blue water. Oh, I can’t forget the cocktail.

My Pet Peeve:
Drivers who throw cigarette butts out the window. (Really, it’s called littering.)

My Indulgence:
Chocolate Peanut M&M’s.

My Roots:
Toledo, Ohio.

My Future:
Enjoying life with family and friends.

My Favorite Quote:
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. (Maya Angelou)

My Accessory:
Watches.

My advice to Young Women:
Love what you do! Take chances and be yourself.

How I Balance it All:
Just do your best! Work hard & play hard. It’s ok to say no.