Woman of the Week ~ Amy Martin

/0 Comments/in /by

Our Woman of the Week now includes career advice, insights, and feedback from our clients and friends.  Meet Amy Martin, Chief Marketing Officer at TruWest Holdings.

Amy’s Top 3 Pieces of Career Advice:

Best Career Advice I’ve Received: The best advice I ever received and that I still use today is to never be afraid or intimidated to hire people who are smarter than you. I see so many people struggle with this — they worry that they would be overshadowed by a rock star and I feel the opposite. I believe every person on my team is smarter than me in some aspect of marketing and it is my job to highlight that throughout the company and to also learn from them. I know my talent comes in managing and building powerful teams filled with tremendous talent and I never let that intimidate me. They all inspire me daily!

Best Mentor/Sponsor in My Life: I strongly believe in the power of reciprocal mentorship. So there is a young professional named Taylor Zorman who I began mentoring when she was early out of college. What I found is that she is an incredible mentor to me as well. While I can share my experiences and have helped her negotiate contracts and management challenges — she has taught me about technology and new ways to look at solutioning. She is an incredible human and I am lucky to have her in my life!

Best Investment In My Career: I believe that the best investment you can make in yourself is to commit to be a continual learner. Since I work in the digital marketing space — our world is in constant transition and the infusion of automation and artificial intelligence has only made staying current and educated more challenging. I made a promise to myself more than ten years ago to not become extinct in my field. So, I have to invest a large portion of my time in reading case studies, listening to podcasts and actually testing out new technologies. I would say on average I invest roughly 10 hours a week of my personal time to continual learning and it pays off daily.

Woman of the Week ~ Michele Cuthbert

/0 Comments/in , /by

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, and 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: Michele Cuthbert

My Current Job/Company: Founder and creative director of Baker Creative

My Work: We are an award-winning brand strategy firm that assists growing companies with overcoming barriers in order to reach their goals.

My Passion: Gardening, boogie boarding, paddle boarding, motorcycling, art, exercising and driving change.

My Family: I have a husband, Brett, and a daughter, Grace.

My Hero or Heroes: Condoleezza Rice (former United States Secretary of State) and Malala Yousafzai (awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014 in recognition of her advocacy opposing the prohibition of the education of Pakistani girls). They are both intelligent, strong women who overcame adversity to succeed with their voice, their way.

My Escape: No-bake cookies, chocolate chip cookies with nuts, buckeyes and other sweets.

My Pet Peeve: People who lie to get ahead or are disrespectful.

My Indulgence: Chocolate

My Roots: Central Ohio; both parents were successful entrepreneurs

My Future: Exciting and full of promise.

My Quote on Life: “Don’t let someone tell you that you can’t do it because it doesn’t match how they would do it. Everyone has their own path.”

My Accessory: My phone

My Advice to Young Women: Follow your passion and the rest will follow.

How I Balance it All: I’m a big planner.

Woman of the Week ~ Rachel Collins

/0 Comments/in /by

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, and 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: Rachel Collins

My Current Job/Company: Owner of Rachel Collins Physical Therapy (rcpt)

My Work: I work with women during and after pregnancy to focus on proper rehab to allow them to exercise and return to what they love with no issues.

My Passion: Educating women to live healthy and happy lifestyles

My Family: Eddie (Husband) Everett (2 year old son), Lily (5 month old daughter)

My Hero or Heroes: My parents (Brad and Anne Hollenbach)

My Escape: Exercising or jamming out to music

My Pet Peeve: Professionals telling women that it’s normal to have issues after having a baby, it’s just life.

My Indulgence: Chocolate and ice cream

My Roots: Passionate, authentic, surround myself with positive people

My Future: Anything is possible, thriving business and balanced family life.

My Favorite Quote: “Hold on to your dreams of a better life and stay committed to striving to realize it” (EARL G. GRAVES, SR)

My Accessory: A good pair of yoga pants, a messy bun and a smile.

My Advice to Young Women: Go for it, you will always think of reasons not to do something but you just need will and passion to make it work.

How I Balance it All: Plan ahead and just keep moving forward.

Woman of the Week ~ Sherry Jablonski

/0 Comments/in , /by

Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, and 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: Sherry Jablonski

My Current Job/Company: Finance and Operations Manager at Prince of Peace Church

My Work: Responsible for financials and the operations of the organization. Including the cohesive operation of the staff, volunteers, and internal/external groups.

My Passion: My family, early morning runs with my hubby, and empowering others.

My Family: Scott (Supportive Husband), Sara (Pragmatic daughter- 23), Leah (Free spirited daughter-20) Braydon (Chill son-17)

My Hero or Heroes: My parents. Bill & Patty – my living examples of unconditional love.

My Escape: Fresh air of walking in the woods back home and a heart-to-heart with my dad – always inspiring and refreshing.

My Pet Peeve: Negative attitudes and arrogance.

My Indulgence: Pedicures, and not checking work email for an entire weekend!

My Roots: Simple summer days. Surrounded by family. Strong friendships.

My Future: Strive to be ‘present’ and intentionally look for new challenges and adventures.

My Favorite Quote: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure” – Colin Powell

My Accessory: A smile.

My Advice to Young Women: Believe in yourself. Take the time to reflect on all that you are blessed with and all that you have to offer. Don’t be afraid of a challenge or to try something different.

How I Balance it All: Prioritize, organize, and focus on the big picture goal.

Woman of the Week ~ Kerstin Reinhart

/0 Comments/in /by

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: Kerstin Reinhart

My Current Job/Company: Sr. Director, Digital Product Strategy & Management / Highlights for Children

My Work: Challenging, rewarding and gives me the opportunity to combine my love for digital with one of my favorite childhood, mission-driven brands, Highlights for Children. My day-to-day is spent collaborating, educating on and developing ways we can reach more families, maximize consumer value and growth through digital.

My Passion: Continuous improvement—living it, inspiring it and helping others achieve it.

My Family: Is my rock.

My Hero or Heroes: My parents and mentors.

My Escape: Working out, traveling and exploring; anywhere near water where I can soak up some sun.

My Pet Peeve: Complacency and excuses.

My Indulgence: A good book or anything chocolate.

My Roots: Simple, supportive, foundational, and active.

My Future: Contains endless possibility.

My Quote on life: “Be curious, not judgmental.” -Walt Whitman

My Favorite Accessory: An engraved bracelet I received as a gift and serves as a daily reminder of my why.

My Advice to Young Women: Fight for your fairytale: be curious, seek out and welcome feedback, and surround yourself with people who challenge you and/or have mastered the skills you’re trying to develop.

How I Do it All: Ruthless prioritization and pause-and-reflect moments to ensure you haven’t veered off course. Most importantly, a strong support system of friends, family, colleagues and mentors!

Woman of the Week ~ Jennifer Cannizzaro

/0 Comments/in , /by

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: Jennifer Cannizzaro

My Current Job/Company: Head of Enterprise Marketing at WHOOP

My Work: I am a leader and strategist who builds teams, accelerates growth, and delights customers with exceptional products and experiences. I believe autonomy, authenticity, and respect enable teams and individuals to thrive.

My Passion: My family, running/fitness, reading.

My Family: John (amazing husband), Juliana (daughter – 1 year old!)

My Hero or Heroes: My sister who has modeled success and paved the way for me from day 0. My best friend Chelsea who unabashedly follows her dreams and can be trusted with my greatest vulnerabilities. My book club – the most fantastic and inspirational group of women and moms.

My Escape: Traveling the world to explore new landscapes, cultures, and cuisines. The change of scenery allows me to refresh, disconnect, and appreciate a new perspective.

Pet Peeve: Dishonesty and arrogance

My Indulgence: My mom’s homemade carrot cake.

My Roots: Hardworking, colorful, and humble. Exploring new horizons. Self-reliant. Ready to rise to the occasion, whatever it may be.

My Future: Adventurous but grounded. Always growing and learning.

My Favorite Quote: “We can stop asking what the world wants from us and instead ask ourselves what we want for our world” – Glennon Doyle

My Accessory: My WHOOP!

My Advice to Young Women: Be true to yourself and keep asking questions. We’re all still trying to figure things out, and your definition of success and happiness matters most.

How I Balance it All: Ask for what you need to be happy, healthy, and successful at work and at home – asking for help is smart and resourceful, not a sign of weakness. No one knows what you need better than you do, and life is a negotiation!

Woman of the Week ~ Kendra Prescott

/0 Comments/in , /by

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: Kendra Prescott

My Current Job/Company: Licensed Professional Counselor, Consultant, and Coach/Lead Horse Leadership Development and Primal Counsel

My Work: It is an honor to serve others in multiple capacities, meeting each person and their needs uniquely. I am passionate about utilizing the available tools and gifts we have within us, and around us, to support and enrich our personal and professional work. I believe that for those that are seeking, solutions are accessible and can create the pathways that lead us to our goals, ultimately creating the life that we want.

My Passion: Helping others. My daughter, my family, myself, and the larger, global community.

My Family: Carleigh, my strong, wise, and beautiful teenage daughter. James W. Prescott, my father, mentor, and a leader for humanity. My beloved pets and my cherished friends.

My Hero or Heroes: Anyone who survives difficulty and continues the hard work of being human.

My Escape: The ocean, the woods, the quiet when it can be found.

Pet Peeve: Lack of grace for others. I love the quote, “Be kind always, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” Rev. John Watson (pen name, Ian Maclaren)

My Indulgence: Good food and time outdoors.

My Roots: Seeking truth. Nature. Nurture. Creating more love in the world.

My Future: Meaningful.

My Favorite Quote: Well, I already shared one! But, here’s another, “It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” J. Krishnamurti

My Accessory: A horse.

My Advice to Young Women: Build a relationship with yourself, then you will know better how you want to relate to others.

How I Balance it All: With self-compassion. If I want to be there for others I have to take care of myself first, starting with gentleness.

Women of the Week ~ Special Series

/0 Comments/in , /by

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?”

Melinda Prickett ~ The leadership lesson that I’m taking away from this moment in time is how important it is to be agile in change.

Woman of the Week ~ Heidi McClelland

/0 Comments/in , /by

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: Heidi McClelland

My Current Job/Company: Senior Administrator, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CTS) at the University of Kansas Health System

My Work: Oversee business and clinical operations of the CTS department at the University of Kansas Health System, University of Kansas Physicians Group and the University of Kansas School of Medicine.

My Passion: Family First, Always!

My Family: My relentlessly supportive husband, Kevin. I have a son, Dylan, daughter Madison, and 2 bonus sons, Jacob and Ian.

My Hero or Heroes: My parents and grandparents. They taught me the value of family, hard work and honesty.

My Escape: Time with my soul sisters (friends for 20+ years). I also love a great beach or exploring other countries and their cultures.

Pet Peeve: Arrogance and cottage cheese.

My Indulgence: Wine is great. It is even better with cheese or chocolate!

My Roots: Do the right thing!

My Future: I measure and plan my future by learning something new every single day. As long as that is happening, I am headed in the right direction.

My Favorite Quote: Treat others how you would want to be treated… God and Mom

My Accessory: A functional work bag and a bit of jewelry.

My Advice to Young Women: Only you can determine your destiny, and whatever you choose, you HAVE to give it 100%.

How I Balance it All: I’m a planner. I live by my calendar. I am also continuously organizing to adapt to the changes that are going on in my life at that time whether it be work, family, socially, or spiritually.

Woman of the Week ~ Hayley Knick

/0 Comments/in , /by

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: Hayley Knick

My Current Job/Company: Audit Group Manager- Internal Audit/ Huntington Bancshares Inc.

My Work:  I work with business partners in the Finance, Accounting, Risk, and HR business segments within my organization to evaluate established controls, policies, and procedures. I improve the effectiveness of business processes by identifying opportunities for enhancement and/ or instances of noncompliance. I embrace change and adaptability and believe continued reflection of current practices for enhancement opportunities are important in mitigating risks and overall success.

My Passion:  My family and friends. The Arts (musical theater, photography, museums, etc.).

My Family: Jeffrey (Husband), Miles (Son, age 3), Morgan (Son, age 1)

My Hero or Heroes: My parents (married almost 40 years; endlessly supportive); My dad (earned success through his dedication and hard work); working mothers (it’s not easy to juggle family and a successful career and I look up to those who have found the balance).

My Escape: Scrapbooking; Watching TV/ Netflix after the kids are in bed; Family vacations.

My Pet Peeve: Negative people; People who don’t execute basic manners such as holding the door open for someone behind you; Cell phones at the dinner table.

My Indulgence: Salty junk food.

My Roots: Happy childhood. Loving Parents. Extended family get-togethers. Opportunities. Taught the value of hard work and integrity.

My Future: Busy and exhausting but rewarding. Full of laughter.

My Favorite Quote:  “Walk to the beat of your own tuba.” “When babies take their first step and then fall on their bottoms, we praise the first step. We don’t criticize their fall… I think we adults could learn a lesson here… we spend more time criticizing our falls and not enough time applauding our small steps.”

My Accessory: Blazers; Bold colors/ prints.

My Advice to Young Women: Have the confidence to be yourself; Don’t be afraid to stand-out or be different; Be a leader.

How I Balance it All: Stay in the moment (when at work, focus on work; when at home, be present at home). Prioritize by using ‘to-do lists’ and calendars; Remain positive and optimistic.