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?!?!
We think a lot about what makes women successful because, well, that’s our job! Each week we introduce you to a women we feel you should know. This week we decided to look at some common themes among these inspiring women.
We were blown away by some of the similarities among these women and what drives them.
Here are 5 common traits that most of our Women of the Week possess:
They know what renews them – and make sure to do that as often as they can. From beach vacations to yoga to taking a bubble bath, activities that help these women “escape” from the pressures of daily life keep them energized, and their stress at bay.
They recognize “Balance” is an ongoing effort – it’s never perfect and it’s important to keep working at it. Work life balance isn’t an achievement; it’s something you constantly have to manage. Some days will be up and some days will be down, but that’s part of the process..
They stay away from negativity and people who complain. An overwhelming amount of our Women of the Week say their pet peeves have to do with negative, judgmental people.
They make time for physical activity. We all know regular exercise has many of benefits but most of our Women of the Week do it regularly, helping reduce stress, increase mental clarity and make them feel their best.
They recognize the importance of kindness and helping others. This is another overwhelming theme among our Women of the Week. They either told us their passion includes helping others, their heroes illustrate kindness or they include the importance of kindness and supporting others in their advice to young women.
We are so honored to know and learn from these incredible women in our community, don’t you agree?
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:
Jaime Franklin
My Current Job/Company:
Senior Manager, IT Business Solutions Delivery/IGS Energy
My Birthday:
12.27.75
My Work:
I lead a team of amazing IT professionals to provide technical solutions that support and enable our business. From projects to production support, we pour passion into our jobs because we truly love and believe in IGS.
My Passion:
My daughter, my family, my faith and wellness.
My Family:
Ryan (my 9 year old confident, caring, competitive daughter!).
My Hero or Heroes:
My mother, Betty, the strongest and most selfless woman I’ve ever met.
My Escape:
Tropical places. Nothing relaxes me like sunny days, amazing sunsets, and completely disconnecting from “reality” for a few days!
My Pet Peeve:
Complaining without proposing a solution, fake people and BAD drivers.
My Indulgence:
Wine.
My Roots:
I was raised on a farm outside a very small West Virginia town where our “family team” worked hard at everything we did. My parents taught me to be humble, disciplined, passionate, driven and purposeful.
My Future:
Is up to God and me. It’s going to be great!
My Favorite Quote:
“No one is you and that is your biggest power. It’s YOUR VOICE. Cherish it. Respect it. Nurture it. Challenge it.” (Dave Grohl)
My Accessory:
My smile & my “BALANCE” tattoo.
My advice to Young Women:
The world will never stop trying to mold you into what it believes you should be, how you should behave, how you should look, how you should speak, how you should “mother”, how you should live. A lot of great advice will come your way, and you should listen with an open mind. But at the end of the day, be you and believe in that.
How I Balance it All:
I like to ask “what bad thing will happen if I don’t do this?” then go from there. I also have incredible support from my mother and my team.
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:
Sabree Akinyele
My Current Job/Company:
Vice President of Programs/Catholic Social Services
My Birthday:
06.04.1954
My Work:
I lead a team that implements programs that help families thrive and seniors live independent and connected lives. Together with the CEO, I am responsible for visioning and operationalizing the mission through excellent programs and collaborative efforts in order to maximize positive impact for our clients and the community.
My Passion:
Developing a deeper relationship with God, working for social justice and loving my family and friends.
My Family:
I have friends who have become my extended family.
My Hero or Heroes:
My parents. Rosa Parks, and Mother Teresa
My Escape:
A day spent around water. Water renews and refreshes my spirit.
My Pet Peeve:
Individuals who are intolerant.
My Indulgence:
Dark chocolate — in any form!
My Roots:
Urban. Fun family oriented activities. Faith filled.
My Future:
Open to all possibilities!
My Favorite Quote:
“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
My Accessory:
I love to wear scarves as wraps, belts and head wraps add a touch a red lipstick and I’m ready to go.
My advice to Young Women:
Look in the mirror and when you can be alone in your “nakedness” then you will know that you have the greatest gift of self-love and acceptance.
How I Balance it All:
My friends. Staying grounded in my faith and knowing when to say no.
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.
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:
Susan DiMickele
My Current Job/Company:
Partner and Practice Leader, Squire Patton Boggs
My Birthday:
1/19/70
My Work:
I co-lead a global practice group comprising of more than 125 lawyers in 13 countries; primarily responsible for US operations. I work with a very dedicated team and love promoting and retaining talented women and men.
My Passion:
Leading others to their full potential in my home, work, and community.
My Family:
Doug (High School Sweetheart, husband of 23 years), Nick (“know it all” teenager- 14), Anna (sweet middle child – 12) and Abby (my “baby” – 9).
My Hero or Heroes:
Wonder Woman was literally my hero as a child. Now that I’m older as wiser, my hero is definitely my mother (81, newly widowed, still does aerobics, Pilates, and swimming three days a week).
My Escape:
Pandora and a bubble bath.
My Pet Peeve:
People who get bored with life.
My Indulgence:
Dark chocolate, red wine, and coffee.
My Roots:
Work hard. Don’t complain. Walk by faith. Tomorrow will be even better.
My Future:
The sky is the limit.
My Favorite Quote:
Too many to count! This verse has become very meaningful to me this year: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3: 5-6)
My Accessory:
My iPhone.
My advice to Young Women:
Don’t quit when it gets hard. Push through the challenges and don’t give up.
How I Balance it All:
One day at a time. Breathe. Pray. Admit your mistakes and move on. Perfection is the enemy of good!
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 Lebsock
My Current Job/Company:
Training Program Manager at IGS Energy
My Birthday:
12.20.87
My Work:
Designing and strategizing ways to bring new initiatives to our field sales team through training.
My Passion:
Solving problems creatively and collaboratively. Thinking beyond what exists today.
My Family:
My mom, dad, 3 sisters, and 1 brother (plus the recent addition of 2 spouses!) mean the world to me. And, of course, my fur child Macy, too!
My Hero or Heroes:
My parents. They embody many of the traits I hope to have: selflessness, generosity, determination and strong work ethic.
My Escape:
Friendship CrossFit, where I spend a great majority of my non-working hours.
My Pet Peeve:
People who lack gumption.
My Indulgence:
Chocolate and Lululemon.
My Roots:
I am a Midwestern girl to the core. There is very little that a smile and positive attitude can’t fix!
My Future:
Making moves! Doing big things and giving it my very best.
My Favorite Quote:
You can have results or excuses…but not BOTH.
My Accessory:
Marc Jacobs Daisy perfume, planner, and a smile.
My advice to Young Women:
Don’t wait to be invited. Do the work that needs to be done and do it well. People will notice.
How I Balance it All:
By being intentional about how I spend my time. I make room for my “big rocks” first and anything else I can fit in is just frosting on the cake. If it doesn’t add a ton of value to my life or help me achieve my goals, I don’t invest a lot of time in it.
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:
Amy K. Arthur
My Current Job/Company:
Private Client Financial Advisor, JPMorgan Chase
My Birthday:
04/25/1970
My Work:
I guide clients in wealth building, in all its forms, to achieve their goals. I believe having a customized financial plan leads to a more secure and satisfied life.
My Passion:
Dancing and laughing with my family (we like to have a dance-off like on the Ellen DeGeneres show after dinner). I was a professional dancer in my prior career.
My Family:
Ron (my husband who stays home with our kids, I could not do it without his support), Olivia 13 (who loves fashion and likes to pick out my clothes for me), Silvia 11 (who informed me she wants to be a doctor), Evan 3 (who told me today that his day was “difficult” but that dancing “makes him feel happy inside”).
My Hero or Heroes:
Mary Erdoes, who was just named most powerful woman in finance and is the head of JPMorgan Asset Management. My parents, Dave and Phyllis Wittrock, who always encouraged me and now live 5 minutes from us.
My Escape:
My bathtub after a long day. Anywhere tropical for vacation.
My Pet Peeve:
People who complain or blame someone else.
My Indulgence:
Dark Chocolate or good margarita (but not in combination).
My Roots:
I grew up in Livonia, Michigan with my parents and two younger sisters. I danced, played tennis, sang in the school choir and was involved in our church.
My Future:
Exciting and fulfilling.
My Favorite Quote:
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”
– Eleanor Roosevelt
My Accessory:
My curly hair. I have finally embraced it.
My Advice to Young Women:
Build a support group. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
How I Balance it All:
Prioritize: Say no to things that don’t matter.
Plan: I have an organized calendar that also includes time for myself.
Delegate: You don’t have to do it all. Find people who are skilled to help you!