Woman of the Week – Lauren Hauser

Lauren HauserHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Lauren Elizabeth Hauser

My Current Job/Company:
Team Leader/ Columbia Gas of Ohio a NiSource Company

My Birthday:
09.04.1981

My Work:
I lead a team who supports field operations with Columbia Gas of Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Massachusetts.

My Passion:
Continuous learning, practical application and developing leaders.

My Family:
Jeff (Husband), Samantha (Sweet Daughter- 5), Natalie (Sassy Daughter – 2)

My Hero:
My dad. (Bob Hague). He demonstrates all the qualities I aspire to be professionally.

My Escape:
Snuggling in on a Sunday night to watch The Walking Dead with my husband.

My Pet Peeve:
People who are late. To me, “early is on time, and on time is late”

My Indulgence:
Jeni’s Salted Carmel Ice Cream

My Roots:
Raised in Memphis, TN, Overland Park, KS and Columbus, OH. I blend my southern upbringing with the mid-western culture.

My Future:
Exciting! I love envisioning what my future will hold and working to make it happen.

My Quote on Life:
“Life is 10 percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it.” (Lou Holtz)

My Accessory:
My FitBit. It keeps me accountable for my fitness level every day.

My Advice to Young Women:
Always aim high, be self-motivated, go the extra mile and seek out colleagues who are willing to help you.

How I Balance it All:
I don’t, at least not all the time. My husband has taken the lead role with our young daughters which allows me to focus on my career. Without his partnership, I would not be able to “balance it all.”

Woman of the Week – Jessica Nasse

Jessica RiceHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Jessica Nasse

My Current Job/Company:
Director, Ignite Columbus/American Heart Association

My Birthdate:
10.23.81

My Work:
Build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.

My Passion:
Swimming, Biking, Running, Yoga… and doing my part in making this world a more loving, sustainable, and kind place. I have a strong passion to encourage others to realize their capabilities, achieve their dreams, and eliminate barriers.

My Family:
Koby (11 year old pug), Lulu (10 year old boxer/beagle mix)

My Heroes:
My dad, Mirinda Carfrae, Maya Angelou

My Escape:
The mountains, trails, or anywhere I can lace up my shoes, take in the fresh air, run, and be free.

My Pet Peeve:
Misuse of the “reply all” button.

My Indulgence:
A good cup of coffee – I take 10 minutes every morning to make myself French pourover. It’s a small thing I can do that makes me extremely happy and begins the day with joy.

My Roots:
Humble. Grounded with strong values. Loyalty to those I love. Belief that anything is possible with hard work, discipline, and belief.

My Future:
Filled with love, joy, and happiness in doing the impossible.

My Quote on Life:
“In dreams and in reality, anything is possible.” – This was in a fortune cookie I opened in 2008. I’ve kept it with me ever since.

My Accessory:
A good cup of coffee

My Advice to Young Women:
Do not allow your circumstances to define your dreams. Know that you are always in the exact place, with the exact person, in the exact moment you should be. Believe that you are strong, capable, and every one of your dreams is important. No matter how difficult times may be, be thankful for everyday and know you have a purpose. Be the change you want to see in the world.

How I Balance it All:
I think work/life balance is something we all continue to strive for. But at the end of the day, when I rest my head on my pillow, I feel balanced if my actions and choices of the day have been true to my morals and values.

Woman of the Week – Stacy Chinn

Stacy ShinnHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Stacy Chinn

My Current Job/Company:
Human Resources Business Partner/Simpson Strong-Tie

My Birthdate:
04.18.75

My Work:
Strategic HR Leader for the Columbus Branch of Simpson Strong-Tie, a leading manufacturer of structural connectors, based in CA.

My Passion:
My children, my family, and my friends

My Family:
Cooper (Awesome Son- 6), Ella (Adorable Daughter – 3)

My Hero:
My Aunt Irene. She is a strong and passionate woman who always taught me to follow my dreams and not allow anyone to dampen my spirit!

My Escape:
Shopping!

My Pet Peeve:
Disingenuous people

My Indulgence:
Chocolate and baked goods!

My Roots:
Small Town Girl. Family Centric. Simplistic and Happy.

My Future:
Optimistic. I can’t wait for what’s to come!

My Quote on Life:
“You are exactly where you are meant to be.” (Prayer of Saint Theresa)

My Accessory:
Do I have to pick just one? Charm necklace with my children’s names and birthstones. Alex & Ani bracelets

My Advice to Young Women:
Follow your intuition. It never guides you in the wrong direction. Also, don’t be afraid to speak up and tell people what is on your mind.

How I Balance it All:
I give myself personal slack, and smile as much as possible! I rely on technology to keep me organized, but once I’m at home I try to push technology to the side so I can spend quality time with my kids!

Woman of the Week – Christie Hall

Christie Hall Here at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Christie Hall

My Current Job/Company:
Business Segment Sales Support Manager / Huntington National Bank

My Birthday:
June 5th

My Work:
My work involves partnering with segment leaders on the sales process strategy and business focuses. In addition, driving effectiveness of our sales tools and processes with input around needed functionality.

My Passion:
My Family, Friends and Community

My Family:
I have a loving and supportive family which is where I gain my strength in life.

My Heroes:
My heroes include anyone who shows acts of kindness to others without expecting anything in return.

My Escape:
My escape is to travel. I highly recommend taking a trip at least once a year. I have learned I am able to gain new perspectives and grow by experiencing new people, places, food and environments.

My Pet Peeve:
My pet peeve is when people give up before trying.

My Indulgence:
Ice cream!

My Roots:
I am a small town girl who enjoys the simple things in life and enjoys spending time with loved ones.

My Future:
My future is to make the world a better place by one act of kindness at a time while sharing, smiling, encouraging and educating anyone who comes into my space.

My Quote on Life:
“Those who are blessed with the most talent don’t necessarily outperform everyone else. It’s the people with follow-through who excel.”
– Mary Kay Ash

My Accessory:
My Smile

My Advice to Young Women:
Take the time to understand your own values. Once you have identified your values, leverage them along with your strengths in an effort to leave this world a better place.

How I Balance it All:
….by one act of kindness at a time.

Woman of the Week – Rachel Lustig

View More: http://renataramsini.pass.us/rlustigHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Rachel Lustig

My Current Job/Company:
President and CEO / Catholic Social Services

My Birthdates:
01.04.78

My Work:
Catholic Social Services strengthens families, provides emergency relief, and helps seniors age with independence. We serve 11,500 people in Central and Southern Ohio each year.

My Passion:
Creating opportunities for people who are poor or forgotten.

My Family:
I have eight crazy, amazing siblings, and I am expecting my 19th niece or nephew.

My Heroes:
Pope Francis, I stand in awe; and my parents, Jan and Joe, who simply lived their values – Faith, Family, Education – day in and out.

My Escape:
The beach, mountains, or an adventure to another part of the world.

My Pet Peeve:
Complaining without the intent to do anything about it.

My Indulgence:
Wine, sweets, and a dance floor. Look out!

My Roots:
Have you seen the movie Hoosiers?

My Future:
I just took one of my staff out to lunch on her 90th birthday. I hope I am still giving back and following my passion my whole life too!

My Quote on Life:
“Come Holy Spirit.” Fr. Theodore Hesburgh

My Accessory:
A small vertical cross around my neck.

My Advice to Young Women:
I hung this on my wall in college. “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” -from A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson

How I Balance it All:
I draw inspiration from the people that have the courage to ask Catholic Social Services for help. They are balancing much more than I am.

Woman of the Week – Janet Hawk

Janet H featuredHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Janet Hawk

My Current Job/Company:
Director, Market Analysis & Sales Programs, for OCLC. OCLC, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, is a non-profit library cooperative with member libraries throughout the world. We provide research, programs and services that help libraries share and organize the world’s knowledge.

My Birthdate:
04.07.63

My Work
My team has two key areas of responsibility. First, we’re responsible for library-related market research, which includes primary research (e.g., surveys and focus groups) and secondary research (e.g., monitoring the library and technology industries and reporting to the OCLC employees). The results of our market research are shared with librarians, helping them to support funding requests. Additionally, we’re responsible for sales planning, analysis & reporting and for lead generation campaigns in North & South America. Each day brings new and exciting challenges. And, I’m fortunate to work with great colleagues who truly care about libraries and their mission.

My Passion:
Libraries and rescue dogs. I feed my passion for libraries each day at OCLC. I also volunteer as the director for Friends of the Shelter, an all-volunteer, non-profit that funds the medical care for sick and injured dogs at the Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center in Columbus. Each year, we save over 350 dogs at a cost of about $150,000. This volunteer work allows me to feed my passion to save and re-home adoptable dogs.

My Family:
My immediate family is my wonderful husband and best friend of 25+ years, Mickey, and four rescued furry “kids” – 2 dogs (Rex & Parker) and 2 cats (Ted & Tobey). I began volunteering with Friends of the Shelter after we adopted Rex; Rex’s medical care was funded by Friends of the Shelter while he was waiting to be adopted.

My Heroes:
My grandmother. And all of the wonderful volunteers who walk the shelter dogs every day in all kinds of weather.

My Escape:
My husband and I love to travel. We’ve been fortunate to visit many states and several countries. Some of my favorite trips have been tours of the western U.S., a trip to Australia and visits to see my brother and his wife in France. On a daily basis, I love to read mysteries when I have time.

My Pet Peeve:
Dishonesty.

My Indulgence:
Dessert, particularly chocolate anything.

My Roots:
My roots are in “small town America.” I grew up in Shelby, a small town of less than 10,000 in north central Ohio.

My Future:
I see my future as happy and busy!

My Quote on Life:
“You must be the change that you wish to see in the world.” (Mahatma Gandhi)

My Accessory:
My wedding rings. A smile. Whenever possible, a dog or two.

My Advice to Young Women:
Find work that makes you happy. You spend much of your life working, so make it enjoyable!

How I Balance it All:
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.

Woman of the Week – Kim Zavislak

Kim ZavislakHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Kim Zavislak

My Current Job/Company:
Partner, KPMG LLP

My Birthdate:
03.02.1976

My Work:
I lead the investment management practice for KPMG’s Mid America business unit. I have an amazing team and amazing clients and I value them both tremendously. I also serve as the HR partner in Columbus and I make it a personal priority to create a compelling work environment and enhance career opportunities for our young professionals.

My Passion:
My faith, my family, and building confidence in others.

My Family:
Jon (Supportive Husband), Maryn (Amazing Daughter- 9), Griffin (Full of Life Son – 7)

My Heroes:
My parents. My parents have always been amazingly supportive and taught me good work ethic and an attitude of gratitude that is instilled in my everyday life.

My Escape:
Wine country with my husband and running each morning with my dear friends, Lindsey and Irene!

My Pet Peeve:
Negative people

My Indulgence:
Dark Chocolate and Coffee made by my husband with freshly roasted coffee beans-it is the BEST!

My Roots:
I was born and raised in Michigan and I now live in Ohio. Living in the Midwest has allowed me to connect with friends, clients and colleagues who share the same values that I do and build relationships centered around integrity, trust and strong work ethic.

My Future:
Busy, optimistic and exciting.

My Quote on Life:
“Be the one who nurtures and encourages. Be the one who has a forgiving heart. Be the one who always looks for the best in people. Be the one who always leaves people in a better place than you found them.”

My Accessories:
High heels and a smile!

My Advice to Young Women:
Focus on your wellness (health, relationships, spiritual) so that you can bring your best to your family and the workplace every day. Make it a priority to replace low-value activities with real “wants”.

How I Balance it All:
I have support from my husband, my mom, my children and my friends. My husband and I coordinate calendars all of the time and we re-synchronize calendars Sunday night to identify any conflicts that may have slipped through the cracks. This ensures we cover the important meetings, kids sporting events and school activities. I start every day with an early morning run and this gets me going for the day. It gives me energy for the day and is 30 minutes that is well worth the investment. Time management is knowing how much you can handle effectively and happily—and then designing your life around your capacity.

Woman of the Week: Vicki Bowen Hewes

VBH Headshot 2014 DFSWWHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Vicki Bowen Hewes

My Current Job/Company:
CEO/Dress for Success Columbus

My Birthdate:
01.27.1966

My Work:
I help women in vulnerable circumstances regain their dignity and have the courage to achieve their potential. It’s inspirational to witness women blossom and become who they were born to be!

My Passion:
My faith, my family, my Dress ‘sisters,’ social change.

My Family:
Ken (Incredible Husband), Davey (Intuitive and artistic son- 14), Buck (Black Terrier-mix Adopted from Franklin County Dog Shelter – 2 1/2)

My Heroes:
My dad – works harder and has more integrity than anyone else I’ve ever known. My mom – quiet courage; a breast cancer survivor. The women we serve who have endured so much and remain dedicated to accomplishing their goals.

My Escape:
Bikram Hot Yoga! I aim for 3 times a week – usually get there twice!

My Pet Peeve:
People who encounter a road block and stop – it’s just a detour! Find the alternate route. It might not be on the map, but if you want to, you’ll find your way, and the adventure is enlightening.

My Indulgence:
Shoes (shoes, and more shoes!). And an extra-dirty vodka martini with blue cheese olives.

My Roots:
Pittsburgh! My parents are very grounded and down-to-earth. We were raised with lots of chores, and taught to treat everyone with respect, no matter their background or current station in life.

My Future:
Adventurous. Busy. Enlightening.

My Quote on Life:
“A dream doesn’t become a reality by magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work”
– Colin Powell

My Accessory:
Pearls. I wear some type of pearls – whether formal, freshwater, necklace or bracelet – every day.

My Advice to Young Women:
Think about your goals and trust your gut. Stay focused on what you want to achieve – know that it usually takes longer than expected. Have a dream with a deadline. If something is consistently not making progress, it’s time to reevaluate. Have a ‘Plan B’ (then C, then D…).

How I Balance it All:
I don’t know that balance it all! I try. My husband is a gem, and I’m actually trying to not check my email 11 PM-6 AM so I get enough sleep (as we’ve learned it’s so important!). Having everything on a schedule really helps me (even picking up drycleaning, etc).

Woman of the Week – Julie Zogbaum

Julie Zogbaum Here at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Julie Zogbaum

My Current Job/Company:
Event Coordinator/Executive Elements

My Birthdate:
03.18.76

My Work:
I coordinate events that inspire – leadership, confidence, creativity and fun!

My Passion:
My family and spending time with true friends.

My Family:
Mark (Supportive Husband), Violet (Amazing Daughter #1 – 4 years), Estella (Amazing Daughter #2 – 3 years)

My Heroes:
Positive, kind and hardworking people.

My Escape:
A challenging workout.

My Pet Peeve:
Negative people.

My Indulgence:
A night out with girlfriends.

My Roots:
Family and hard work.

My Future:
Exciting and bright.

My Quote on Life:
“Embrace the chaos.”

My Accessory:
A fabulous bag.

My Advice to Young Women:
Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to change your path.

How I Balance it All:
I embrace the chaos. I prioritize, and re-prioritize, work hard and make time for myself.

Woman of the Week – Cathy Lanning

cathy lanningHere at Executive Elements, we like to introduce you to 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 people who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Cathy Lanning

My Current Job/Company:
Vice President, Affinity and Strategic Alliance Management at Nationwide

My Birthday:
February 13th

My Work:
We partner with member based organizations and businesses across the country to co-create value. This includes alumni associations, professional groups, causes based organizations, sports teams, and communities of people. We understand the needs the partners member base, utilize smart co-branding and build relevant messaging to demonstrate how Nationwide can meet their protection needs (insurance, financial services, and banking).

My Passion:
My family, my team, my community

My Family:
Marty (loving and flexible husband), Charlie (curious and active 7-year-old son) and Caroline (sweet and spunky 5-year-old daughter)

My Heroes:
My Mom and Dad. They are an inspiration, sounding board, safe harbor, and source of motivation.

My Escape:
A long dinner with great friends, good laughs, and a few well made martinis.

My Pet Peeve:
Lack of authenticity. Deliberately misspelled words.

My Indulgence:
Sleeping late on a rainy day.

My Roots:
I grew up on the west side of Cincinnati. My family was lifted from very humble beginnings, so there was a focus on education, hard work, and self reliance. Happiness, laughter, friendship, faith and service were strong themes.

My Future:
Optimistic. Healthy. Happy. Fulfilled. Impactful. Committed. Inspired.

My Quote on Life:
I have a few that I enjoy. These include “The strongest steel is forged by the hottest fire” (unknown, but attributed to Chinese wisdom) and “The best is yet to come” (Shakespeare…and Frank Sinatra)

My Accessory:
A smile, a kind word and a big statement necklace.

My Advice to Young Women:
Find a small set of mentors who can be trusted advisors. Source them from within your company, but also from across your network so you can have a broad perspective. But you can’t stop by establishing mentors – it’s important to have advocates too. Every day be smart and be kind to build an advocacy base of people who see your contributions directly. These tend to be the leaders who may take a risk to grow you and will invest in you because they know your commitment, ambition, and capabilities.

How I Balance it All:
We have a strong use of Google Calendar to manage the family activities. I have a great support system with family who help close gaps and enhance our lives. Conference calls while commuting to and from work are helpful. I have inventoried what is important in life and let go of the little things that matter less. And finally, the great gift of caffeine.