4 minute read
Life Lessons Learned
It was almost a year ago that I was honored as the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Woman of Influence, which afforded me an opportunity to speak. But what did I have to offer that would be relevant? I spent several days reflecting on my life and career, realizing I might just have a few nuggets to offer. After the event several women asked me to share them. As we celebrate women in business with this issue, the time seemed right.
1. Keep a true-blue believer in your back pocket.
When I met my husband, I was working at a seemingly exciting, but dead-end job. It was really dead-end when the company went bankrupt. He thought I could do anything, even encouraging me to try law school. A short time later I began my magazine publishing career, and he has always been there — quietly in the background and never questioning my career choices no matter how crazy.
2. Don’t discount your experiences.
I spent five years as a flight attendant — four of which were Miami-London runs. But when I was ready to start a career, I never mentioned it or included it on my resume. It was years later when I realized all the strengths, skills and lessons I gained and learned — dealing with difficult people and situations; walking and talking with authority; and the ability to make split-second decisions if needed. Don’t ever underestimate your experiences.
3. Be your best brand ambassador. First impressions count. The way you enter a room — from attire, expression, posture and other body language — tells people who you are. And the first time may be your only chance to let them know. You might be uncomfortable mingling with those you don’t know, but make yourself part of the conversation. Remember to listen and ask thoughtful questions.
4. Own it, work it, just do it.
These three will illustrate your integrity and define your reputation. Mistakes will be made, but as quickly as possible rectify them or apologize. No one is going to give you anything, so put in the time and effort. When in doubt, go for it; the greater the risk, the greater the reward. But be willing to take the heat — there may be many hot days.
5. Be assertive, not aggressive. When I worked in a 99% male-dominated industry (made up of 95% New Yorkers), I was a young, Southern woman. I had to prove myself, a lot, but one day one of the few female executives pulled me aside and said you know what I like about you? She continued, “I like you because you have big brass (you-know-what’s) but they are in a little velvet pouch.” Don’t be afraid to be hard with soft edges.
6. Know when to go.
In any position there will come a time when you are unfulfilled, underappreciated, or have nowhere left to go. It’s okay to leave, but leave on your terms. Plan for your departure… ideally have another position lined up, but at least collect your contacts and connections and decide how you want the chapter to end.
7. You won’t always be popular. If you follow your heart and stay true to yourself, some people will disagree with things you do and say and may never see situations your way. It’s okay to leave relationships behind. And it’s okay if you aren’t prom queen every day. Being true is more important than being popular.
8. Cultivate & cherish your circle.
I definitely did not follow this when I was a younger, working mother. I did not give myself the time and space for developing and maintaining friendships. But in the past decade I have realized how important this is, and in particular during the pandemic years, they were my true lifeline.
9. Define your success.
Many of us bought into the standard definition of success based on comparisons — bigger is better. Add employees, make more money, get the corner office, and grow, grow, grow. But if you do what you love with passion and purpose, you will be successful on your own terms and that’s all that matters.
10. Be grateful, humble and kind.
Every day I thank God for my life and the people in it. Every day I think about what I can do better. And every day I strive to do something nice for someone else. It’s simple. In our selfie society be aware of others around you and no matter how tough a day is, millions of people have it worse. Never forget that.
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Kate Slentz kate@orangeappeal.com
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Robert Ashby
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The List
Centennial Celebration
The entire community can celebrate the Winter Park Chamber of Commerce’s Centennial via an immersive experience at Mead Botanical Garden through April 30 with free admission. From the custom-designed “100” signs at the entrance to the wildly creative garden zones featuring repurposed materials reimagined into sculptures and scenes that tell a visual story of Winter Park’s roots and ingenuity, FunHundred! was designed to inspire, educate and entertain. The materials and elements were donated and created by volunteers from local schools, businesses and community organizations under the direction of AOA, a themed-entertainment production company headquartered in Winter Park.
