This is a historic time in our lives both professionally and personally.  At Executive Elements, we like to share, support and encourage other women.

We asked: “What is the leadership lesson that you are taking away from this moment in time?”

Dawn Brahma ~ Lots of lessons of course, including the importance of communication and finding ways to connect, very intentionally, with colleagues individually and as a team in new/unique, but meaningful ways. If there was one takeaway to share though, I’d say it’s to leverage the opportunity for development. A crisis often results in new and challenging situations that call for creative problem solving and/or leadership. Take on the challenge yourself and engage different team members to tackle an issue, take on a new project, or lead a group of people around the effort. Colleagues welcome the chance to be part of the solution and will step up, stretch themselves and develop new skills along the way.

This is a historic time in our lives both professionally and personally.  At Executive Elements, we like to share, support and encourage other women.

We asked: “What is the leadership lesson that you are taking away from this moment in time?”

Jordyn Kemats: I’ve learned 2 key lessons during this crisis about leadership and my role:

1~ Check in on your people and teammates as often as possible. It can be a quick text, instant message, or a phone call touch base to see how they are doing, feeling, and to allow them to express their thoughts, fears, emotions, and just the ‘stuff of life’ right now. Communication is key even at a distance. We are all human and experiencing many of the same thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Sharing your own vulnerability is critical…we are all human and in the same boat.
2~ Be willing to do any job or task that needs to be done. Look for opportunities to jump in, help, and take ownership of projects and tasks. The amount of work that needs to be accomplished to develop alternative delivery models, service customers in every channel, and help small businesses make it through this challenge takes all hands on deck. Use both hands and raise them often.

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: Tara Aschenbrand

My Current Job/Company: Vice President and Associate General Counsel at OhioHealth

My Work: I am blessed to work at OhioHealth with a fabulous team of lawyers who are not only wicked smart, but also fun. I am responsible for a team that provides legal support for all things involving human resource (benefits, associate relations, workers compensation, immigration, talent acquisition, accommodations, and leaves of absence) as well as some of our shared services (food & nutrition, supply chain, and protective services).

My Passion: My faith, my family and serving others.

My Family: My husband, Aaron, and I met in high school. Our first date was our senior prom. Together, we enjoy our crazy lives with our three children: Colter (Determined son, 15—who will remind others that he is older than his twin sister); Lily (Driven daughter, 15—who is more mature than her years on this earth as she has always been the little mom in our house), and Gianna (Witty daughter, 12—honest to her core with spunk to go with it), all of whom spoil our 2 dogs (Avalanche—the rule follower, and LuLu—the diva).

My Hero or Heroes: Individuals such as Mother Theresa who selflessly give and serve others, uphold their true values, and do the right thing when faced with choices.

My Escape: Camping (or “glamping” because we have an RV), hiking, and exploring new areas with the family. As our lives can be incredibly chaotic, I find myself craving simplicity. Laughing around a campfire away from the chaos and technology rejuvenates us as a family and fills my heart.

Pet Peeve: Lying, laziness, and selfish or pushy people.

My Indulgence: A good bottle of wine and laughs with friends or family at a spa or a quick getaway.

My Roots: I grew up in a strong family. My amazing parents ensured that my sisters and I kept family at the core of everything we did. We were taught to set goals, work hard, serve others, and live by the Golden Rule. My parents exemplified these values on a regular basis.

My Future: Amazing, blessed, exciting, and full of new adventures as we experience our kids learning to drive, becoming independent and growing into remarkable young adults committed to their core values.

My Favorite Quote: I love so many by Maya Angelo, one of my favorites is: “If you’re always trying to be normal you will never know how amazing you can be.”

My Accessory: Jewelry. My engagement ring is a replica of my great grandmother’s ring. I love finding unique pieces that have meaning behind them especially at my friend’s studio in the Short North—Peace Love Bling—where I can support an amazing woman dedicated to helping other women across the world.

My Advice to Young Women: Be comfortable in your choices. Own them–consciously make your choices and be confident in them. Know that saying yes to one thing means that you’re saying no to something else.

How I Balance it All: I remind myself to find something to be grateful for each day. Keeping a positive outlook helps me to stay (or at least feel) balanced. Like most of us, I am constantly juggling and adjusting to shifting priorities. I live by my calendar while remaining flexible as new things always tend to arise (especially with 3 busy kids who occasionally forget to tell mom and dad about a project or event until the last minute). I surround myself with an amazing village of friends and family who help me out and provide additional support. I also know that I need to take time for self-care (e.g., pilates, yoga, spa time) to keep me energized, and I surround myself with an incredible board of directors who help me to be my best, pull me up when I need to be, and keep me focused and positive.

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: Elizabeth (Beth) Riczko

My Current Job/Company: Sr VP, CFO – Property & Casualty at Nationwide

My Work: I help to ensure that Nationwide has the financial resources so we can be there for its members in the moments that matter. Proud to be part of a company that protects people, businesses and futures.

My Passion: Family. Learning. Problem-solving.

My Family: Chuck (Husband – couldn’t do it without him!), Three Kids: Matt (Son – 22), Katie (Daughter- 20), Abigail (Daughter – 19)…so proud of each of them – such a thrill to watch them become responsible, honorable adults!

My Hero or Heroes: My Mom! She is the voice inside my head. At 93, her memory is not what it used to be, but her happy disposition is unchanged.

My Escape: A good podcast and a long drive. Travel – even planning the travel is an escape!

Pet Peeve: Rude drivers.

My Indulgence: Ice cream.

My Roots: Family-centered, Faith-based. Grew up on a camp in the Poconos!

My Future: Enjoying more time with family and friends. I am going to be the little old lady auditing classes at the local university.

My Favorite Quote: “Be Kind. Work Hard.” (Unknown) This is what I tell my kids all the time.

My Accessory: Beyond the obvious, I would say my hair – fluffy or straight, crazy or controlled; a little window into how I am feeling.

My Advice to Young Women: See my favorite quote – it is what I tell my daughters all the time. In additional piece of advice: recognize that the only thing you can control is yourself. The world won’t always be fair or kind, but you can be.

How I Balance it All: A super-supportive husband who stayed home to raise our children and is now stepping in to assist with elder care. I cannot thank him enough.