WOMEN IN Leading With Purpose BUSINESS by: Lexie Vincenty
“Whatever you choose, live it with passion.” - Dr. Jen Traxler On September 20th, just two days before American Business Women's Day, the Ohio University Women’s Center and The Walter Center, hosted an event highlighting women in business and career experiences. The Walter Center’s Dr. Jen Traxler served as the Keynote Speaker for this event. She was joined by Dianne Kujis, Liesbeth Koot, and Dr. Ana Rosado-Feger, Chair of the Management Department. Dr. Mel Kulp, the Assistant Dean for the Business Academic Advising and Career Services, emceed the event with Letitia Price, Assistant Director of the Ohio University Women’s Center. The stage was also shared with Dr. Ashley Metcalf, Director of Executive Education, who facilitated the panel. Dr. Jen Traxler opened the seminar with bits of advice that she labeled as: “Jen’s 10”. These steps are to be used in a professional setting and everyday life to help people grow and learn as professionals. The most memorable take away from her speech was the advice: “Whatever you choose, live it with passion.” Following Traxler’s presentation, each panelist shared personal and professional leadership experiences and how they impacted their careers. Dr. Ana Rosado-Feger discussed the importance of building strong relationships with clients and students by understanding their unique personalities and work styles. “The challenges that mainly connect me to others is to see what drives them, their work style, and what is holding them back,” Rosado-Feger noted. She acknowledges that as someone in a leadership position, leaders will face many challenges both as individuals and with the various teams that someone might find themselves leading.
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To overcome these hurdles, leaders must connect with their employees and team members personally and find the core values they hold close to them and even their beliefs that may make them feel stuck in the same place. But there is always a way to turn that situation around and make them feel empowered.
“ If you’re not a little uncomfortable, it’s not a growth opportunity for you.” - Ana Rosado-Feger
