Woman of the Week – Lorraine Stelzer

Lorraine StelzerHere 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:
Lorraine Stelzer

My Current Job/Company:
CBRE/ Director of Asset Services

My Birthday:
Undisclosed

My Work:
Oversee all aspects of Asset Services for CBRE’s portfolio of commercial, industrial, office, retail and medical properties in Central Ohio. Responsible for new business development and overseeing operational activities, budgeting, client relations, and management reporting.

My Passion:
My family, my home, my friends and my career.

My Family:
Larry (Supportive Husband), Jessica (Beautiful Daughter- 13), Larry (Awesome Son – 11) and cats Teddy and Charley.

My Hero or Heroes:
My Mother and my Father (Jean and Don – I have been blessed to have had such wonderful parents).

My Escape:
Running and Gardening.

My Pet Peeve:
Not being kind and giving up too easily.

My Indulgence:
Wine or beer.

My Roots:
Great family, lots of humor and helping each other out.

My Future:
Rewarding, fulfilling and new adventures.

My Favorite Quote:
The Serenity prayer
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And the wisdom to know the difference.

My Accessory:
Fashion.

My advice to Young Women:
Take chances and have confidence in yourself.

How I Balance it All:
Time management skills, discipline, prioritization and The Serenity Prayer.

Woman of the Week – Meredith Pugh

View More: http://renataramsini.pass.us/mpughHere 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:
Meredith Pugh

My Current Job/Company:
Training & Recruitment Coordinator/YWCA Columbus

My Birthday:
01.20.86

My Work:
I am responsible for managing our recruitment and hiring process as well as facilitating, organizing and supporting our program areas with training and professional development opportunities for all YWCA employees.

My Passion:
Serving others. Smiling. Making people feel valued and appreciated.

My Family:
My parents (Mike & Eileen) live in Raleigh, NC, my older sister (Michele) lives in Richmond, VA. And my friends in Columbus are definitely my Ohio family!

My Hero or Heroes:
My mother. She’s the sweetest lady I know. I pray for half the patience and courage that she possesses.

My Escape:
Road trips. Backyard sitting with my friends. Ink.

My Pet Peeve:
Telling me I can’t do something. Because I will.

My Indulgence:
Netflix. Naps. Mexican food.

My Roots:
Just a southern girl living in the Midwest, just trying to save the world! I grew up in NC but moved to Ohio 5 years ago. Every now and then my southern accent comes out, y’all just have to pay attention!

My Future:
Exciting. Hopeful. Unique.

My Favorite Quote:
No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. –Eleanor Roosevelt

My Accessory:
My Meredith College class ring. Everyone gets the same ring their Junior year of college. It’s a black oval onyx. I never take it off!

My advice to Young Women:
Take chances. Move away from home. Go on blind dates. Make mistakes. Have a few solid gal pals to encourage you and support you.

How I Balance it All:
My iPhone. Lists. Outlook Calendar. Me-time.

Woman of the Week – Tracey Williams

View More: http://renataramsini.pass.us/twilliamsHere 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:
Tracey Doebling Williams

My Current Job/Company:
Executive Director of Delta Gamma Fraternity

My Birthday:
03.13.70

My Work:
I lead the Delta Gamma Fraternity’s Executive Offices staff. I ensure my team is in step with the vision and strategies set forth by our Volunteer Council.

My Passion:
My family, friendships, and finding ways to help others feel confident and be successful.

My Family:
Scott (my work-life partner and husband of nearly 18 years), Sophie (Tennis Loving Daughter- 14) and Campbell (Wizard in the Kitchen Daughter – 12).

My Hero or Heroes:
Maggie Watkins, my mentor before I knew what that meant. She is a priceless gift I cherish each time I am able to spend time with her. I strive to be a fraction of what she is for me and hope I can be for others.

My Escape:
Anywhere warm with a pool or beach, preferably with my family, but with just a few good friends on occasion, too.

My Pet Peeve:
Folks who are always “busier” than the rest of us, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the plethora tiny shorts they make for teenage girls!

My Indulgence:
Shopping-I do not discriminate, it can be shoes, clothes, home goods, a washing machine…

My Roots:
A small town Pennsylvania girl who always knew she would move wherever happiness and fulfillment lead her.

My Future:
Ever developing, caring, positive and productive.

My Favorite Quote:
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” (Confucius)

My Accessory:
Delta Gamma badge necklace. Oversized tote bag. Hair tie on my wrist.

My advice to Young Women:
Establish a group of advisers/mentors early on and remember it is a two way street- you will learn a lot, but so will they.

How I Balance it All:
A compassionate staff/volunteer network. A husband who understands balance and blend in order to keep our family moving forward on a positive, happy path. And lastly, but not least by any measure, the amazing moms in my neighborhood who never hesitate to lend a hand.

Woman of the Week – Roxanne LaMuth

Roxanne LaMuthHere 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:
Roxanne LaMuth

My Current Job/Company:
Executive Director for the Delta Gamma Foundation

My Birthday:
07.27.1946

My Work:
I have the wonderful opportunity to be an ambassador for the Delta Gamma Foundation sharing the good work we do for our members and for the blind and visually impaired community. I connect with literally thousands of donors over the year and because of their love and support of the Foundation’s mission and philanthropy, their passion to “Do Good” continues to enhance my own passion for making a difference in the world.

My Passion:
My family, friends and the gift of Delta Gamma Sisterhood, with a clear understanding and appreciation that the core of a meaningful life is nothing without faith in God.

My Family:
Henry (aka Skipper), Daughter Hillary Fehr (Husband Chris) and Grandson, Jacob.  Daughter Sarah Levy (Husband Jeremy) and Granddaughters, Zoey and Ava.

My Hero or Heroes:
I am blessed with family who focus on the positive and reach for the stars.  They are my solid role models and soulmates in life.

My Escape:
Dinner out with Skipper, estate shopping and entertaining.

My Pet Peeve:
Narrow mindedness and laziness.

My Indulgence:
Good Wine.

My Roots:
A simple life enriched by the family and friends that surround me, starting with growing up on a farm where teamwork is the only way to succeed.

My Future:
Continue my career with energy and passion with the promise of taking time to celebrate my wonderful life with the people who mean the most to me.

My Favorite Quote:
“Optimism is an intellectual choice.”  (Diana Schneider)

My Accessory:
Anchor Pins, Bright Jackets and a Smile.

My advice to Young Women:
Believe in yourself and be the best that you can be, recognizing that mistakes enrich our souls and help define who we are and what we stand for.

How I Balance it All:
A work in progress…However, nurturing my career and my body while focusing on the positive spirit I feel within me, help me maintain a sense of well-being and self-esteem, in addition to always taking time to love, to laugh, to cry and share my thoughts with others.

Woman of the Week – Ann Ritterspach

Ann Ritterspach woman of the weekHere 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:
Ann Ritterspach

My Current Job/Company:
Associate Vice President, Nationwide Affinity Solutions – Relationship Management

My Birthday:
9/8/70

My Work:
I lead a high performing team to build and grow our partnerships with over 400 member-based organizations. I love my job because I help acquire high value customers to Nationwide and also partner with non-profit/for profit organizations to help them achieve their missions.

My Passion:
My family, our health and dining out

My Family:
Matt (39 – my best friend), Mitch (6 – the love of my life!)

My Hero or Heroes:
The many leaders that have believed in me – more than I believed in myself. Without them I would not be the wife, mother and business leader I’ve become.

My Escape:
For quick escapes – putting on my running shoes and hitting the trails by my house! Fresh air and exercise do wonders for me.
For a longer escape – I love to travel with my family; warmer destinations near the water are preferred!

My Pet Peeve:
I travel quite a bit for my job – I can’t stand the “man spread” on airplanes. This is when men takeover the arm rests and their knees invade my space!

My Indulgence:

Wine and Skittles – but not at the same time.

My Roots:
Loyalty, unconditional love for family and friends, no regrets

My Future:

Definitely busy, full of friends, love and travel. If I keep doing the right things – early retirement!

My Favorite Quote:

“Don’t let your job become a bridge between weekends.” – My Dad

My Accessory:

Diamond earrings

My Advice to Young Women:
– You portray your brand from Day One. If you don’t define it, others will.
– You teach people how to treat you. This applies to husbands, friends, co-workers and managers. Doing this right enables stronger and more effective communication, relationships and work life balance.
– Take risks…let your heart race from time to time.

How I Balance it All:
I still have room to improve but my husband and I prioritize what matters most – our family and health. We are our strongest supporters!

Woman of the Week – Ashlie Edwards

Ashlie EdwardsHere 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.

My Name:
Ashlie Marie Edwards

My Current Job/Company:
Telecom Planner/American Electric Power

My Birthday:
08.03.1983

My Work:
I plan AEP’s Telecommunication upgrades for the state of Ohio. This includes working closely with other planning, project management, engineering, construction, operation, security, legal, regulatory, and accounting teams across the organization.

My Passion:
Achieving goals while helping others.

My Family:
Kyle Richard (husband/manfriend-31), Caddis James (son-10), and Hazel Anne (daughter-7).

My Hero or Heroes:
Marissa Mayer, Thor, Steve Jobs, my grandma and Oprah.

My Escape:
Gardening, cooking, playing with my children, camping, reading, and bike rides with my manfriend.

My Pet Peeve:
Two words: “can’t” and “just.”

My Indulgence:
Chocolate and sunshine.

My Roots:
Outdoor adventures, traditions and the best hugs ever.

My Future:
Mother of two ambitious university graduates, wife of a healthy and happy husband, Chief Operating Officer of American Electric Power, Board Member on Utility’s Board of Directors and friend to some of the world’s most delightful people.

My Favorite Quote:
“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.

You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward.

And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” (Steve Jobs)

My Accessory:
Bright eyes, heels, and a smile.

My Advice to Young Women:

Believe. Not superficially, but to your core. Once you have it, let the momentum drive.
Please don’t forget to bring as many with you as you can possibly fit and share these moments. It makes reflection all the more joyous.

How I Balance it All:
By celebrating the little wins. These mini happy dances keep me motivated and forging ahead. And, equally as important, having a soft place to fall at the end of the day.

Woman of the Week – Barb Smoot

BarbSmootHere 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.

My Name: 
Barb Smoot

My Current Job/Company:
President & CEO, WELD

My Birthdate:
February 28th (If I give you the year, it might take the internet down! J)

My Work:
I build and advance women leaders. I connect them to each other and to resources that will help them achieve their professional aspirations. Women in top leadership is our community’s best economic competitive advantage. I love what I do.

My Passion:
My faith, my family, exercising.

My Family:
My parents, 6 siblings and 3 children.

My Heros:
My parents. Also, the many people who are in desperate situations with limited resources but get up each and every day and keep going.

My Escape:
Exercising—specifically running and weight lifting—and going to the movies with my children.

My Pet Peeve:
Those who have so much but still find a way to complain.

My Indulgence:
Sleep. Ruffles Sour Cream & Cheddar Potato Chips.

My Roots:
In bad need of a dye job.J Humor. Large family gatherings filled with tons of joke telling and laughter.

My Future:
In God’s hands, so I’m not sweating it!

My Quote on Life:
Everybody falls, but we get back up because the ground is no place for a champion.” @sampeterman7 (Sam Peterman—15 year old girl with neurocardiogenic syncope who collapses into her father’s arms after each 1500 meter race she runs.)

My Accessory:
Coats—if these can be considered accessories!

My advice to young women:
Don’t sweat the small stuff—life is too short. Build relationships inside your company and in the community—you need both because one is not a substitute for the other. Get a sponsor.

How I balance it all:
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.

Creative work life balance strategies for busy mamas

Creative Work Life Balance Strategies for Working Mothers

Creative work life balance strategies for busy mamasYou have permission to work on the weekend.

What? But isn’t that supposed to be family time?

Of course it is. And, it should remain so, for the most part. However, one of the biggest issues working mothers face is finding time for “it all” without without sacrificing quality of work or quality of family time. And that’s tough to do. That’s why sometimes trying different ways of balancing your world might just work better for you.

A recent Entrepreneur Magazine articleoffered some new ideas for “getting it all done.”

The piece featured time management expert, Laura Vanderkam, and her new book, “I Know How She Does It.” Vanderkam talked with more than 1,000 working women to determine some of the most effective ways for staying sane when caught in the crossfire of work and family commitments.

Here are four of the strategies she revealed:

Say Buh-Bye to 9-5
A new term that’s been cropping up recently is the “Split Shift,” which involves taking a break in the work day to pick up kids from school, engage in homework and after school activities, dinner and bedtime. Then, getting back to work after the kids are in bed. Of course, women have been doing this for ages but now there’s a descriptive term for it…and it’s a viable strategy.

Track Your Time
This seems pretty much a no-brainer but not enough women actually do this. It’s eye opening and liberating. Truly. Spend a week (or even a few days) tracking your time, both work and personal, to see where you’re really spending your precious hours. This will give you a great sense of where your time is going and either help you reassess your commitments to create more balance or, believe it or not, it may prove you’re actually balancing things better than you thought!

Reduce Your To Dos
Once you see where you are spending your time, you should have a better understanding of how to budget your time vs. activities. Reducing is a must and everyone should do this, whether you’re a working mother or not. We can’t stress enough (and neither can any time management expert) that eliminating non-essential tasks and commitments and either delegating them or getting rid of them completely will help keep you focused on your most important activities and save more time for coveted family time.

Work on the Weekend
This may seem contrary to creating good balance but knowing you have some specific, dedicated work time during the weekend can help alleviate stress. This is especially true for working mothers with do take time throughout the workday to spend time with family or take care of personal issues. Just make sure to keep this time focused on important activities and when it’s done, it’s done. And then….it’s time for family and fun!

Balance is an ongoing effort. Think of it as a fluid thing that needs to be fine tuned each day as the tides of life ebb and flow. What strategies have you found to help?

Woman of the Week – Megan Wickersham

Megan W2Here 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.

My Name:
Megan Wickersham

My Current Job/Company:
Chief Operating Officer / JVA Campaigns

My Birthday:
11/16/80

My Work:
As COO, I run the day-to-day operations of our firm. JVA Campaigns is a political consulting firm that works with progressive candidates and organizations. We specialize in direct mail and digital. While most of my time is spent managing the firm, I do still occasionally work with clients and help develop their direct mail and communications strategies.

My Passion:
My family and friends. Also, politics – it’s hard to work in politics if you aren’t passionate about it! 

My Family:
My boyfriend Jim, my parents Rich and Carol, and my brother Cole.

My Hero or Heroes:
My parents. I wouldn’t be where I am without their unconditional love and support.

My Escape:
Any beach.

My Pet Peeve:
Liars.

My Indulgence:
Chocolate and French Fries (but not at the same time).

My Roots:
Small town, rural, Midwest, close with family, and life-long friends.

My Future:
Bright and hopeful.

My Favorite Quote:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

My Accessory:
Probably my sunglasses.

Successful Leaders Learn From Setbacks

Ever had one of those days when you feel like everything you do is a failure? A meeting didn’t go well. A project you championed didn’t get the traction you’d hoped. Your kid is  upset because you missed his soccer game.  You had to skip your work out. You stayed late but didn’t seem to get anything done.

It’s frustrating. But, good leaders know that there’s only one way to get through challenging times…..and that is full steam ahead.

Sure, go ahead and wallow for a few minutes. Say a few choice words (to the wall, of course!) Then, get over it. Progress.

Successful leaders learn and progress