“WORK-LIFE RESET ”

Getting inspired with best-selling author, speaker Fawn Germer

Words by Alicia Underlee Nelson Photography provided by The Chamber

Fawn Germer inspired Oprah. And this winter, she’s coming to Fargo to help the women of the Red River Valley find balance and a renewed sense of purpose in their lives. The best-selling author, four-time Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist and dynamic public speaker will appear at the Work-Life Reset event on Tuesday, January 19 at the Ramada Plaza and Suites and Conference Center in Fargo.

The event is hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce’s Women Connect program. Women Connect launched in early 2015 and continues to expand. It addresses the challenges that professional women face through a series of monthly events and programs. It provides opportunities for female professionals to connect, network and grow their skills within a supportive community.

“One of the most repeated requests from our audience that we survey is they want more information on balance,” said Pam McGee, current chair of the Women Connect committee. “They want more information on how to live a passionate and purposeful life. They want more information on how to make sure they’re getting up every day and doing the work the best that they can do. Fawn is one of the best in the marketplace for talking about how to do that.”

Germer herself is excited about the event. The gathering is a great match for her frank, funny and honest style.

“The thing that’s so appealing to me about this event is that they want it to be edgy and break the rules,” said Germer. “And I like that because women are now at a time in history where it’s time to be edgy and break the rules.” Both Germer’s presentation and her best-selling book of the same name focus on helping women find a sense of balance and purpose in their lives. And she says an important first step is encouraging women to put themselves first and to take time to really think about what they want. “Set priorities,” she said. “Know what matters and let some of the things that aren’t as important go.”

“The truth is that we are now at a point where we can set boundaries about who we are and how we’re going to live,” Germer continued. “Now we’re at a point where we have to be authentic or we pay a huge consequence […] I hope that we can talk about some of the ways that we can reset our lives and be a little more individually liberated.”

Program attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Germer’s latest book, “Work-Life Reset.” And there will also be a social component after her presentation so attendees can get to know each other.

This real-life interaction and support is an important goal of the Women Connect program. Organizers encourage attendees to exchange business cards and invite people they meet at Women Connect events out for a cup of coffee and conversation. These events are open to any woman and designed both to inspire female professionals and to introduce them to other women who can empower and support them in their careers.

“Women Connect is making a difference in the power of female leadership in our community, in our nonprofits, and in our connections,” said McGee. “We’ve had many coffee connections outside the event. If you’re not a part of it, we welcome you with open arms. If you are a part of it, you’re what’s making us strong.” [AWM]

Fawn Germer’s Work-Life Reset

Tuesday, January 19

3 to 5 p.m., with a social to follow Ramada Plaza & Suites and Conference Center

Registration

Chamber members: $40 in advance/ $50 at the door

Non-members: $60 in advance / $70 at the door fmwfchamber.com

218.233.1100