Women of Denver Fall 2018 Magazine

CONNECTING& INSPIRINGWOMEN THIS SELF-MADE WOMAN PROVESYOUDON'TNEED RETAILERSTOBUILD A PRODUCT EMPIRE PAGE6

THEWOMAN-LED TEAM POWERING SALES INDENVER PAGE8

Get Serious ABOUTYOURFINANCES WOMEN OF DENVER QUARTERLY FALL 2018

PAGE5

Manage Anxiety ASAHIGH-ACHIEVINGWOMAN PAGE17

www.TheWomenOfDenver.com

Letter Fromthe Founder Are You Advocating for Yourself?

When I reflect on the articles in this quarter?s magazine one of the major themes I see reflected is the concept of self-advocating. There?s power in deciding what we want, putting action to thought, and asking for what we need. The problemis most of us fail to even decide what we want, but instead find ourselves swept into the minutia of other?s wishes for us and giving themwhat they need versus having our needs met.

This is something I?ve personally struggled with as a giver whose pride in life is seeing others achieve more and realize their potential. There?s certainly a beauty in being the facilitator of others?success, but it?s also important to make sure that we achieve our own greatness as well.

Jumpsuit provided by Eve, Inc. 1413 Larimer Street

As you read this issue, take a moment to truly ask yourself if you?re advocating for your needs in your life, career and finances. What changes can you make that will bring you closer to living the life you see in your hopes and dreams? Part of self-actualizing and finding our true selves is doing the bit of self-discovery that allows us to decide what we want, set boundaries, and surround ourselves with people who inspire us to courageously seek the life we truly deserve.

Seek your truth and be an advocate for YOU.

Krystal Covington

FOLLOW@KRYSTALGOLEAD Lynn Clark Portraits

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2018 FALLQUARTERLY Editorial Contributors Joce Blake Bree Weber Phylecia Jones Chris Castillo Susan Golicic, PhD, CPIC Stephen Glitzer, CHWC Kristen Blessman Copy Editors Ali Correll Lynn Clark

COVER STORY 6 | This self-made woman proves you don't need retailers to build a product empire

By Bree Weber

MONEY 5 | How serious are you about your financial matters?

By Phylecia Jones

CAREER 8 | The woman-led teampowering sales in Denver

Publisher & Layout Designer Krystal Covington

By Krystal Covington 14 | Managing charismatic leaders during transition

Cover Photographer Cora Wagoner Magazine Committee Chairperson: Lynn Clark Susan Golicic Teddi Ann Barry, Esq. Angela Jackson Shauna Armitage Cyndi Stewart Janiece Rendon Tracy Revell

By Chris Castillo

LIFESTYLE 16 | 5 ways to boost your occupational wellness

By Susan Golicic & Stephen Glitzer 17 | Managing anxiety as a high-achieving woman

By Dr. Melissa Gressner 22 | Falling in love with your closet

Social Media facebook.com/Womenofdenver twitter.com/womenofdenver instagram.com/thewomenofdenver Subscriptions Order an individual issue for $7.99

By Joce Blake

COMMUNITY VOICE 18 | In non-profits, does competition make us stronger?

By Kristen Blessman

or join our annual subscription for $27.

Visit WODMag.comto subscribe.

19 | How these men are advocating for women in tech

By Krystal Covington

Advertising For advertising inquiries contact Krystal@TheWomenofDenver.comor call 720-515-3078.

Ads start at $150.

20 | Member feature: Teddi Ann Barry, ESQ

By Joce Blake 23 | Connecting our journeys

By Krystal Covington

thewomenofdenver.com 3

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HOWSERIOUS ARE YOU ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL MATTERS? Phylecia Jones, Budgetologist & Solopreneur Money Management Expert www.keepupwithmrsjones.com

When it comes to your financial matters, how serious are you?

Assuming the bread winner will always make bread.

It?s a tough question, but with consumer debt estimated to reach $4 billion

For many couples, assuming the other person will always make money can

dollars according to CNBCby the end of 2018 and Americans struggling

be financially dangerous. Losing a job, sickness, loss of income are things

with having savings for small emergencies, it brings the issue of financial

we never think of when it comes to being in a relationship, but a small

priorities to the forefront. Creating financial goals is not an issue for the

change can cause major waves. Create an emergency savings plan to cover

average person. The Motley Fool says paying down debt, saving more

the unexpected.

money, and avoiding further debt are the top 3 financial goals most people set.

Avoiding doing the work.

But, at times, our goals do not match the realities of how we are actually managing our money. Facing the hard truths about how you see and interact

Getting out of debt. Saving 9-12 months of emergency funds. Paying off

with your finances is difficult, but for significant changes to happen you will

student loans. All are very intimidating tasks but avoiding themis not an

have to start with YOU. If you are constantly missing your financial goals or

option. Take the time to gather the resources needed to set you up for

never taking action, you may be falling into some common traps that can

success and create a plan to tackle one task at a time.

take you off course fromachieving your money milestones: Having priorities that do not match your goals.

Being comfortable.

You have the goals, but you keep putting themoff because of the next shiny

When the bills are paid, money is coming in, and life is running like a

object. Impulsive shopping and overspending has ruined many financial

well-oiled machine, it can be hard to take action when everything is okay.

plans. Take the time to track your spending over the last three months. This

This is the perfect time to look 5, 10 years down the road and create

simple action will put you face-to-face with a financial reality check.

financial milestones for where you want to be versus where you are right

Ultimately, making a small shift to take ownership of your financial matters

now.

is key to getting out of debt, saving more money, and avoiding dire situations. Facing the hard truths about money management can be uncomfortable, but change does not occur in your comfort zone. With

Trying to keep up.

record high debt and 65% of Americans saving little to nothing, it is time to

Keeping up is a one-way ticket to debt, stress and despair. Stop worrying

put a stake in the ground, change your perspective, and take your financial

about others and focus only on your financial goals.

matters more seriously.

thewomenofdenver.com 5

THIS

SELF-MADE WOMAN

PROVES YOU DON?T NEED RETAILERS TO BUILD A PRODUCT EMPIRE

It all began with wanting to change the world.

Jamie Cross left a comfortable and profitable corporate banking job over five years ago. She wanted to be home with her young children, but she also longed for an idea that she could turn into something bigger than herself.

Jamie now runs the largest growing organic soap company in the country. MIGSoap stands for Mighty in Good, and it?s made only of ingredients that are safe (and often delicious) enough to eat. MIGSoap grossed over six figures as a local farmer?s market booth, but then Jamie grew the company to over $2 million sales in one year using Click Funnels.

Bree Weber is a copywriter and content strategist www.main.breeweber.com

Jamie had decided early on that she wouldn?t be taking her products to a retail model. MIGSoap is not a standard soap, so why use a standard distribution strategy? Instead, Jamie spent four years selling her products at Denver?s local farmers markets as a formof market research. ?I needed to understand what people wanted. I came to a point when I decided it was time to scale and decided to go direct to consumer.?

Next, she did what most entrepreneurs do. She found mentors and hired coaches, but she wasn?t getting the results that she wanted fromthem. In her digital marketing research, she came across a video of Russell Brunson talking about Click Funnels. ?His marketing message resonated with me and I was so inspired, I decided to go all in. He was talking about both marketing principles and techniques, and he was nailing it on everything. His mission is so much bigger than business; he wants to impact people, which is my mission.?

It all came down to creating an experience for her customers. Websites can be distracting ? there?s navigation and menus and plenty to click on. When Jamie started using Russell?s tactics to create her sales funnel, she was able to focus the customer?s experience down to a single product ? a hero product.

Click Funnels are a sales progression that break down people?s false belief patterns. So, Jamie used her funnel to bust myths about organic soap.

She explained how MIGSoap?s products are made with real ingredients with the intention to heal people. She showed that her company is one of the fastest-growing skincare companies in the world right now. She shared her story about what Mighty in Good really means. ?I grew up as a farmgirl, so we were always making things for ourselves.

But then I grew up and went to work in corporate, and little by little I lost that dreamof making. When I quit my job, I prayed for a big idea, and soap was what I saw in my dream? me making soap and pouring oils into these skincare products.?

And then, when those customers were riveted with her story and clamoring to buy, that sales funnel would continue to work for her, by introducing complementary products that customers could add onto their order.

This is exactly how she scaled her business to $2 million. But she?s not stopping.

life, so they can have what I have. I want to build an empire and the only way to do that is through entrepreneurship. ?

Jamie credits her immense success to learning the techniques and principles that informher selling process, but she also has a tremendous entrepreneurial spirit. It?s practically unheard of to build a product-based company of MIGSoap?s size and scale without traditional retail distribution.

But if anyone has ever believed in a product, it was Jamie. ?I knew I was different, and what I had was unique. It all starts with belief. I knew if I didn?t give up and continued to educate people I could only win.

You can only dominate if you keep moving forward and believe.?

Not every soap company is as honest with their marketing as MIGSoap.

There are plenty of companies marketing their products as natural, organic, and pure, but there are very few actually creating products that are. Jamie studied chemistry, alchemy, and herbalism, so she could formulate her own products. Then she partnered with bee farms, apiaries, and botanical gardens to source those natural, organic, and pure ingredients. ?You could eat our products if you were stranded on a desert island. If you can?t eat it, I wouldn?t put it on my skin. ?

MIGSoap has brought freedomand choice to Jamie?s life. She no longer wears every hat.

She?s been careful to replace herself with rock stars who believe in her vision and implement it in the way she would. This allows Jamie to focus on continuing to grow her company, while simultaneously fulfilling her original goal: to spend more time with her family.

Jamie now works two days a week with her husband at her side, and spends the rest of her time adventuring with her family, enriching their lives with experiences they?ll never forget. ?I've dreamed about taking my 'beauty fromthe inside out' message and health and wellness movement to the world, and now our message is being platformed everywhere. It's truly a dreamcome true.?

Cora Wagoner ?I wanted to be able to raise my children and show themthe entrepreneurial

The company sales teamis the life source of the business, pumping resources into every aspect of operations.

Effective sales teams provide the resources to lead a powerful enterprise, scale to reach new markets, and sustain the business for years to come, but building and sustaining a successful teamis easier said than achieved.

Businesses spend thousands on sales training seminars, conferences, and events with the hope that inspiring their people will result in more money in the door, but these types of programs often result in a temporary lift that doesn?t justify the cost.

Woman-led SalesBQtakes a systematic approach to sales training, helping companies at the $1-10 million mark build and train their sales teams to improve long termresults. To learn more about how the company was formed, we interviewed company Founder Mary Grothe about her journey and the team?s approach to sales development.

THE WOMAN-LED TEAM POWERING SALES IN DENVER How did you discover your talent for sales?

Years ago after becoming frustrated with bad part-time jobs and late hours I ran across an administrative position for a Fortune 1000 company called Paychex. At the time, I didn?t even know what sales was, but was offered a role that required me to support a sales teamof eight along with the sales manager as well.

Sales has a reputation for being a male-dominated field. Do you feel this is an accurate assessment, and if so how have you been able to thrive in sales as a woman?

Sales is a male dominated field, however, many women are taking on sales careers now.

That sales manager ended up being an incredible mentor, teaching me everything about sales infrastructure, process, methodology, and what a life in sales could look like. He helped me create a sales training curriculum comprised of books, classroomeducation, and hands-on learning by slowly taking over critical functions fromthe sales teammembers.

Early on, it was difficult for me to fit in and feel like ?one of the guys,?which resulted in me bending who I was and acting more like my male counterparts. It took several years for me to become secure in my own identity as a woman in a sales role. It took even longer to have the confidence to pursue a sales leadership role.

I led projects such as telemarketing, following up with leads, picking up paperwork for closed sales, acting as an account executive and performing many other operational tasks for the sales team. Eventually I decided to make a career change and pursue a role as a mid-market sales leader and within 30 days I became the #1rep, bringing in millions in revenue.

Now in my 30s, my confidence is high, and I consciously work to help inspire, motivate, and train other women in sales to excel in their careers and pursue a path to sales leadership if that?s a path they want.

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Noah Berg, Walnut Street Photography

What?s the #1 problem facing sales teams, and how can they overcome it?

for learning and take regular action to continue building their skills to be more effective in their roles.

The #1problemfacing sales teams is lack of infrastructure. All teams should have a sales playbook, congruent sales approach, sales enablement tools, achievable activity plan, clearly understood expectations, and a high-accountability culture that includes coaching and training embedded in weekly job duties.

I also believe it?s my job to continue developing them, so they can achieve greater career heights. That?s what my mentor did for me, and I expect no less frommyself as a leader.

To overcome this, a sales leader or executive should meet with the teamand conduct a strategy planning session together where everyone has an opportunity to share and, most importantly, feel heard. In those sessions it?s important to pull experiences fromthe role that work, consolidate the data into an easy playbook, and rewrite expectations for activity and quotas that the teamcan agree they?re willing to work to achieve.

Do you have a special philosophy for leading your business and serving clients?

The people on my team have grit written in their DNA.

Create a buy-in culture by leveraging the knowledge and expertise fromeveryone in the sales department. If the sales leader is not a sales coach or trainer by trade, hire one. Embed weekly sales coaching and training into the culture. Allow each person to grow and develop new skills.

Work together as a team, communicate, and grow sales.

Tell us about your team and the philosophy you use to select those who work with you.

My teamis extremely important to my business, so it?s imperative that I only surround myself with the best. I always believe in the concept of showing humility by hiring people who are better, faster and smarter than me. I?ll never let my ego get in the way of a great hire.

The people on my teamhave grit written in their DNAand the role they?re in comes naturally to themwithout being draining. They also have a passion

As a Christian business woman, I follow the principles laid out in the book ?Business by the Book?by Larry Burkett. Our core principles are to love our teammembers, our clients, our competitors, our vendors, and our partners. We are to serve first. Always. We are in business to do right by others. We picked CEOs and sales reps as our ?somebody.?We choose to develop themand provide profitable sales growth so they can have the business and careers of their dreams. We are here to serve. If we serve first and lead with love, we will all live a life of joy and bountiful provision.

Why do you do this work? What?s in it for you when a sales team you?ve worked with starts to see exponential growth?

I do this work because I was put on this planet to do it. It comes naturally, and I seemto have nearly endless energy to run this company and lead a teamof 8. I get overly excited and passionate every time I lead a sales training or meet with our CEOclients to develop their plans for growth. I am honored this life was chosen for me and I get the opportunity to help grow sales for so many front range companies.

LEARN MORE AT

SALESBQ.COM

SalesBQis a sponsor of Women of Denver magazine

JANA AXLINE, MBA, PMP FOUNDER, CHIEF PROJECT OFFICER Founder and Chief Project Officer of Axline Solutions, a leading project management consulting firm, Jana Axline, MBA, PMP, ACP, CSM, SA, DTM, works with some of Colorado?s largest and most progressive firms.

Jana?s expertise stems frommore than 20 years experience in leadership and 10 years in project and portfolio management in health insurance, healthcare, investing, mining, retail, and supply chain management.

An internationally recognized speaker on leadership, employee engagement and project management, Jana serves as President of the Project Management Institute Mile Hi Chapter. She authored the book, ?Becoming You,?in 2013 and is a well-recognized blogger on living your dream. She has presented to students at Aspen Academy and has initiated a mentoring programfor women in technology.

Learn more at www.AxlineSolutions.com or www.linkedin.com/in/janaaxline

MARY GROTHE CHIEF EXECUTIVEOFFICER At age 22, Mary began working with a Fortune 1000 Payroll/HRcompany.

Starting in an administrative role, she quickly advanced into mid-market sales, and rapidly found success by listening to her clients and always solving their needs; putting their agenda before hers. Even in times when her sales approach was the direct inverse of what corporate was enforcing, she knew in her heart what was right, leveraging emotional, intellectual, and behavioral intelligence.

After multiple #1finishes and millions in revenue sold, she founded Butterfly Creative, LLCin 2011to become a business strategist for entrepreneurs of all ages. Her vision expanded into sales strategy consulting in 2017 and rebranded as Sales BQTM. Her driving goal is to help CEOs ($1-$5M) avoid losing what many CEOs lose on their first few sales hires; over $1Mas a result of no sales infrastructure, bad hires and lack of time to manage the teameffectively.

Learn more at www.SalesBQ.com or www.MaryGrothe.com

POWER WOMEN OF DENVER 10 thewomenofdenver.com

The women featured in this profile are members of Women of Denver. To join visit www.JoinWOD.com.

IRINA VLADA, PCC CERTIFIED WOMEN'S CONFIDENCECOACH ?I believe that self-love is the answer to every challenge in life.?

Originally froma small town in the Soviet Union, Irina moved to America when she was 19, with only $200 and speaking little English. Now bilingual, she has three degrees frommultiple institutions and a professional coaching certification. As a foreigner so far fromhome, Irina?s life experiences have taught her how to embrace challenges and fall in love with her story.

Irina created a coaching practice that focuses on empowering women by giving themthe tools to embrace their individuality and find their personal truths. By teaching women how to become confident, she has given numerous women the ability to identify self-limiting beliefs and manifest the highest vision of themselves.

Follow Irina on Instagram & Facebook: @IrinaVladaCoaching Schedule a complimentary session at www.IrinaVladaCoaching.com

MEG SEBASTIAN EVANS INTERIOR DESIGNER Meg Sebastian Interior Design is the only design firmin Denver specializing in residential interior design and staging for homeowners and realtors. Meg started the firmafter working in New York City, Chicago, Vail, and her hometown of Grand Rapids, MI. With a degree fromthe New York School of Interior Design and vast experience with several designers, her projects have traveled across the world.

Meg has the experience to help you with your interior design projects, frompaint color consultations and staging your home to sell, to furniture placement, or kitchen and bath renovations.

Facebook: @MegSebastianInteriorDesignLLC Instagram: @megsebastianid \ Twitter: @4friendsdesign www.megsebastianinteriordesign.com and www.4friendsdesign.com

POWER WOMEN OF DENVER

The women featured in this profile are members of Women of Denver. To join visit www.JoinWOD.com.

TEDDI ANN BARRY, ESQ. FAMILY LAWATTORNEY AND MEDIATOR Teddi Ann is a woman for others, a child advocate, a family law attorney and mediator throughout Colorado. With offices in Cherry Creek, Castle Rock, Thornton, Avon and Steamboat, Teddi Ann has a successful and forward-thinking practice focused on client empowerment and resolution.

Her results-driven approach to divorce leads to more creative ideas for settlement and child-centered parenting plans with strong advocacy and transparency during the family law process. She has vast knowledge and experience with high-end asset marital estates, and has developed a professional teamto serve your best interests during a most difficult time.

Twitter: @TeddiAnnBarryPC\ LinkedIn: TeddiAnnBarryEsq. www.DivorceInColorado.com \ www.UnifiedDivorce.org

TERESA ADAMS EXECUTIVEHEADHUNTER Teresa Adams is the founder of Executive Career Consulting, and managing principal for Bluewater Denver, a Denver-based boutique firmfor which she also serves as lead talent matchmaker and executive headhunter. Over the last 20 years, Teresa has created an exclusive process by which she connects people to their callings and companies to human solutions.

Teresa has secured more than $90Min employment agreements for positions ranging frompresidents and COOs to civil engineers. Arecognized expert in executive search, employee engagement, and career-transition coaching, she has cultivated a reputation as an anti-recruiter?s recruiter who partners primarily with companies earning $3M-$100Mand professionals earning $100-$500K. Ultimately, Teresa is an ideal fit for both organizations and individuals seeking unconventional transformations, renewed passion, and meaningful work. www.ExecutiveCareerConsulting.com www.linkedin.com/in/executivecareercoach \ Social: @careerexeccoach

POWER WOMEN OF DENVER 12 thewomenofdenver.com

ANDI SIGLER FOUNDER, VIVEFLOAT STUDIO+ | CHERRY CREEK Leading a fast-paced career, Andi Sigler experienced first-hand the personal and professional exhaustion that comes along with life in Corporate America. While the experience gave her access to valuable business knowledge, it also helped her to recognize the value of mental and physical simplicity, which became the foundation of her business.

Opening her first wellness center in 2015 at the age of 52, VIVEis now a national company specializing in Float, Cryo, Infrared, VAT, and Halo therapies. These alternative therapies provide mental and physical RESTand RECOVERYfor individuals, athletic organizations, and employee wellness programs. Visit a VIVE studio to find your mental and physical balance through the power of REST, which ultimately leads to personal and professional SUCCESS. www.VIVEFloatStudio.com \ Twitter @vivecherrycreek

KRYSTAL COVINGTON SPEAKER AND TRAINER Krystal Covington, MBAis the CEO& Founder of Women of Denver, a membership organization helping professional women develop their business skills, build confidence, and earn their worth as business leaders. Launching in 2014, Women of Denver now has a community of thousands and continues to grow. The group has over 40 events per year ranging from15-200 attendees.

Krystal has presented a TEDx Talk and has been featured in numerous media outlets such as Fox, Forbes, Entrepreneur on Fire, and Women Taking the Lead.

Krystal?s signature talks include The 4 Keys to Influence, PRfor Small Business, and The Art of Impactful Self Promotion. www.KrystalCovington.com \ Social: @krystalgolead

POWER WOMEN OF DENVER

MANAGING CHARISMATIC LEADERS DURING TRANSITION Chris Castillo, Millennial Career Coach and Corporate Trainer www.beempoweredachievers.com

Rapport leaders are the people who other employees look to during times of

Share their impact.

transition or those who are respected within the company. If there is a

Make themaware of their influence. Of course, we don?t want to inflate

round of layoffs, you can bet your staff will be listening closely to see how

their ego here, but most of the time, rapport leaders don?t fully understand

the rapport leaders respond. ?Do they seemworried? Should I feel

their impact. They?ve always been charismatic, and they don?t realize that

worried??In a company-wide training, people will be looking to themto see

it?s the exception instead of the norm. Talk to your direct report about how

how closely they are paying attention. These are the quiet cues that answer

the teamlooks to themin such high regard, and explain that when they?re

things like, ?Based on how this person I respect is acting, how should I

frustrated by something, others may take that on.

act??It?s human nature.

Use them to establish buy-in with others.

Rapport comes fromyour status or fromyour personality. People can be

The best move that a company can make is having a coalition of

respected because they?re a high-level executive, or because they?re simply

rapport-builders who are in charge of engagement and culture. These can

well-liked and plugged into the office. Considering what a huge impact

be the people who are the sounding board during times of change and are

rapport leaders can have on a company, though, it?s no wonder that it?s

responsible for sharing feedback upwards to senior management. If

essential to get themon board with the company?s direction. If you?re

leadership is able to go to their committee and discuss change before it?s

managing one of these respected leaders within a company, you have a big

shared with the rest of the organization, it will be easier to get other

job. Here are a few tips:

employees on board.

Give them responsibility.

Most importantly, rapport leaders are the people you want on your side, so

One of the best things you can do as a manager is to help your respected

be sure to keep themengaged with the company. When a well-respected

employee feel special by giving thema job. Ask themto take on additional

employee starts to feel apathetic at their organization, their negative

responsibility, such as leading the weekly stand-up. You?re not only using

energy will spread like wildfire. Soon, you?ll be left having to hire a lot of

their natural magnetismto your advantage, but you?re also grooming them

backfill.

for a future leadership role.

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ACCESS POWERFUL TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT WHEREVER YOU ARE At Women of Denver, we help you get the tools you need to navigate business effectively, build a lucrative career you love, and curate a community of women who can help you excel.

To do that effectively we?ve added a new digital community to our offerings, so you can have access to more tools to impact your life.

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Access monthly online events and on-demand courses tailored towards helping you master business and drive 6-figure income and above.

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5 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR OCCUPATIONAL WELLNESS Susan Golicic, PhD, CPIC, Holistic Life Coach and Stephen Glitzer, CHWC, Holistic Life Coach, Chef www.uninhibitedwellness.com

The Women of Denver is a mix of women in the corporate and the entrepreneurial world. Past issues of this magazine, as well as various networking and training events have highlighted many of the members and how they have gotten to where they are.

Some of the most recent stories have described how some have taken perceived weaknesses, challenges faced, and even traumatic experiences and turned those into catalysts for enhancing their jobs and starting new organizations and businesses.

Work is a large part of our lives, therefore, feeling good about your work is a big part of your well-being.

Occupational wellness is about finding meaning and purpose in your job ? whether in your current position or a new one. Ajob doesn?t feel like a job if you are passionate about what you do and feel as though you are pursuing your "calling" in life. Improving your occupational wellness can impact those that work for and with you as well ? if you love what you do, others will recognize that and it could be contagious!

Here are 5 things you can do to further develop your occupational wellness.

Tackle an issue that matters to you. Get on a committee at work, join an initiative team, engage with your current environment, or get others to join you in supporting something. Giving energy to a cause which resonates with you can give you the boost you?ve been needing!

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Fully utilize your skill set. Use your skills to not only influence and impact the work you do and the people you work with, but also work to refine and enhance them. What can you do to learn more and continue growing? Finding ways to contribute in areas that are not part of your everyday job can also help hone your skills.

Learn something new. Is there a skill set you don?t have that would be helpful in your job or life? Take a class, watch a webinar, attend a mastermind group, or approach someone that you admire and ask themto mentor you. Explore an area in which you?ve been interested but haven?t yet pursued ? you may find a new passion!

Be an agent of change. It?s possible that the company you work for is stuck or stagnant in some areas. Have you done all you can to improve these conditions? If it?s time to move on to something new, what can you glean from your past so as to not relive it in your new endeavor? You can be a catalyst for greatness, whether in your current role or with yourself!

Join business development or networking groups. Getting involved with others that have a similar but different focus can be rewarding. Even if you?re using the group as a social component to your self-care routine, you may find yourself reaping the benefits on the business side as well. Seek insight from others to help broaden your knowledge and your sphere of influence.

What all of this essentially gets at is ensuring you have a growth mindset when it comes to work (we recommend reading ?Mindset?by Carol Dweck if you?d like to learn more). The average person spends 90,000 hours at work, so why not make the most of that huge piece of your life? All areas of wellness are intertwined so you owe it to your overall health to improve your occupational wellness. Make the most of your job and career, and you will find yourself feeling not only more successful but also happier!

MANAGING ANXIETY AS A HIGH-ACHIEVING WOMAN Dr. Melissa Gressner Licensed Clinical Psychologist www.drgressner.com

Anxiety ? the dirty little secret that no one wants to talk about. This is especially true for women, and even more so for highly ambitious and achievement-driven women. Most people have experienced stress at some point in their lives, yet not everyone experiences anxiety. Repeated unmanaged stress can lead to burnout and ultimately anxiety. Anxiety is a general termthat describes the emotional state of experiencing fear, nervousness, apprehension, & excessive worrying.

Mild anxiety can be more vague and unsettling; whereas excessive chronic anxiety can affect day to day living. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as ?an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure.?

Arecent study (Remes, 2016) suggests that women are twice as likely to experience anxiety as men. This gender discrepancy could be differences in brain chemistry or hormonal fluctuations ? or more importantly how women and men cope with stress differently. Our society often assumes that high achievement oriented woman do not struggle in this area, however the opposite is more common than most think. It is becoming more typical in our society today to see many highly ambitious women struggle with anxiety both personally and professionally.

Why is this affecting women at such higher rates than ever before? In part it is due to the continued increase in women with higher education degrees, increase in female leaders, and women-owned businesses. While all of this growth professionally is amazing for women ? it?s also coupled with unique challenges. High achievement oriented women are experiencing new people, diverse and perhaps new settings, meeting business revenue goals, and ultimately having high levels of expected success. For some women both the high expectations others have of themand the ones they place on themselves can create a breeding ground for anxiety.

Akey factor to managing anxiety is recognizing the difference between healthy or more typical anxiety and unhealthy levels of anxiety. Many high-achieving women thrive off of being busy and productive which can be motivating, yet too much business too often without enough self-care and vacation time can be a breeding ground for unhealthy intense anxiety.

Learning to set boundaries and say no, asking for help fromcolleagues, friends, or family, and quieting that voice in your head that may say ?Do more, are you doing enough??may be the thing that saves you from unhinged anxiety that can overpower you ... or your career goals.

Another way ambitious women can better manage their anxiety is clearly identifying what social support is helpful versus not helpful. Identity the colleagues, friends, and networking circles that offer you similar experiences in order to help you feel grounded and supported, while limiting your experiences to environments or people that tend to raise your anxiety.

One of the best examples for women today can be limiting your social media exposure or containing it in a way that doesn?t contribute to your anxiety. Essentially, if it hurts you more than helps you, stop doing it.

Prioritize what matters to you at each particular moment in your life. When assessing our priorities we should list things across the horizon. On any given day at that moment in time a certain thing might be higher on the horizon so it should take priority. For example, if I amin the office seeing clients they are my priority, but if I amat home putting my children to bed they are my priority. I would not make a vertical list and state that work comes over my children or my children come over my work; instead look across the horizon at all of your values and prioritize what needs your attention at that moment in time. This allows women to work towards work and life integration and streamline our priorities in order to strive towards balance and avoid overwhelm? and ultimately avoiding the development of anxiety.

thewomenofdenver.com 17

I n Nonprofits DOES COMPETITION MAKE US STRONGER?

Kristen Blessman President and CEO Colorado Women's Chamber of Commerce www.cwcc.org

There are a few statements I hear more often than I?d like when talking to

programming and be a pathway to innovation. Don?t get me wrong, we still

people about the Colorado Women?s Chamber of Commerce (CWCC). ?There

need to partner because the need is so very great, especially when it comes

are too many women?s organizations in Denver. What?s the difference

to improving the work landscape for women. But, by introducing some

between all of you??and, ?You should partner more, merge and figure out

aspects of the for-profit culture into our nonprofit organizations, we can

who?s doing what.?

serve more individuals better.

While I agree we should work together to meet our market?s needs, I

My Experience

absolutely disagree that there are too many organizations serving women in

During the course of my career as the previous CMOof Goodwill and the

Colorado.

current President and CEOof the CWCC, I?ve faced the challenge of blending a competitive business culture with cause-based culture and have

The latest McKinsey and Company study shows it will take 107 years for

learned a few lessons along the way.

women to catch up to where men are in the workplace. As staggering as that statistic is, this means the landscape for women in the workplace is

Lesson 1: An organization whose ultimate goal is to create real and

actually getting worse!

lasting systematic change in a community can have a competitive edge over an organization that lacks a mission of this type.

According to Catalyst, a nonprofit working to build better workplaces for

Lesson 2: In many industries, the more competition you have in a close

women, only about 5% of CEOs in corporate America and only 26.5% of

proximity, the more successful the industry is as a whole. More choices

executives in the S&P500 are women. For women of color, the numbers

equals more engagement.

are even more dismal. To top it off, in almost 10 years, the number of women in senior roles in the United States has only increased by 1%. If you

The Takeaway

ask me, there aren?t enough organizations serving women because if there

While it?s true there have been many positive changes over the past 30

were, we wouldn?t be seeing these numbers.

years for women in the workplace, the McKinsey and Company study shows that there?s still change needed. My vision is to place the CWCCat the

I started to ponder ? nonprofit organizations are often encouraged to

forefront of this change. We are the place where conversations start and

partner more, but when it comes to a for-profit organization, they are

learning and collaboration occur. I don?t think anyone has the secret sauce

encouraged to be competitive, develop the best product and let the

yet, but I do believe if we have the conversations, promote the education

consumer choose. The company that is the most successful at this ends up

and get like-minded individuals together, we will begin to see better results.

on top. I wonder why, as nonprofits, we don?t think this way. Is it because

I believe the more organizations we have in our community trying to make

we?re ultimately serving people and working towards a mission?

lasting change for the advancement of women in business, government, life or any particular cause, the more we?ll chip away at the statistics for

I believe a competitive marketplace can lead to development of strong

18 thewomenofdenver.com

women in the workplace.

HOWTHESE MEN ARE ADVOCATING FOR WOMEN IN TECH At Women of Denver, we believe our success requires collaboration between women and men to increase opportunities and challenge old norms when it comes to women in business. There's a number of ways men can support the movement, so we interviewed male executives to learn how they use their power to make strides to support the growth and success of women in tech.

Rich Blakeman, VP Four Winds Interactive www.fourwindsinteractive.com

Creating a safe environment for all employees is crucial. Women, unfortunately can find themselves in situations where they are harassed, by internal employees, vendors or even clients. There have been times in my own career when I have chosen to stand with my female employees, in uncomfortable situations to ensure they were not only treated respectfully, but to put a stop to harassment. Sometimes integrity and doing the right thing means risking a deal or a business relationship.

Stephen Goldberg, CEO HarperDB www.harperdb.io

Through speaking with many women they helped me realize that I could most directly cause change through mentorship. Heeding their advice, I have spent the last three years mentoring and fostering an interest in technology with Kaylan Stock, HarperDB?s Marketing Director. Over that time I have had the most rewarding experience of my career watching her apply her considerable talents, creativity, drive, and passion for excellence towards different roles within technology with ever-increasing levels of success. I am confident that I have learned more than I have taught.

WOMEN OFDENVERMEMBERFEATURE

TEDDI ANN BARRY Joce Blake, Writer www.linktr.ee/joce_blake

Teddi Ann Barry is a true believer of Dhirubhai Ambani?s quote, ?If you don?t build your dream, someone will hire you to help build theirs.?

Of course with any business, there are peaks and valleys. One of Barry?s

After her divorce experience, she decided to do everything she could to help

challenges has been the ability to walk away. This was especially difficult

her clients get through their divorce or other family law matters with the

because she always dreamed of making partner at a large firm. Barry said,

least amount of cost and emotional consequence possible.

?Agreat friend once commented ?you may always need the glass doors.?I was the first female partner and left the same firmwithin three years of

Divorce has become a sober reality. Statistics show that about 40-50 % of

being there. It was a significant cost to walk away, but the emotional toll,

married couples in the United States choose to legally dissolve their

working in ways that could possibly compromise my integrity and purpose

marriages. This process can be heartbreaking, so having a phenomenal legal

was not worth any dollar amount.?In the end her valley was also her peak

teamis indispensable. That?s why this Women of Denver Member is a real

because taking the financial hit and giving up her title as ?partner?to

life superhero. And the cape surpasses her career as she is also a single

become ?owner?lead to nothing but success and happiness for Barry.

mother of two beautiful children.

This is why Women of Denver?s mission to connect and inspire women For the first time in 2001, Barry wanted to be her own boss and build for

through progressive thought-leadership is what invigorates Teddi Ann

her instead of ?them.? She said, ?I joined a firmin 2009, thinking it was

Barry. ?As a business owner, there are some taxing times, especially with

time to be a lawyer only ? not a business owner ? and focus on building a

trying to hold boundaries with friends and colleagues. There is always a

family instead. With small kids in 2012, I wanted to design a business that

sense and need to grow professionally and personally, and there are so

worked around me instead of me around it.?Barry humbly admits that she

many opportunities to connect with like-minded women because of WOD,?

definitely does not work less but now she manages a schedule that she can

Barry said.

create herself.

There?s so much magic happening within Women of Denver. Barry believes The Creighton University graduate believes the Teddi Ann Barry, P.C practice is successful mainly because of her tribe. ?The teammembers in the firmare genuinely committed to service and helping families out of divorce in the most time-efficient and cost-effective way possible. I?ve also taken an employee-friendly approach to our structure,?Barry said. They have three offices in the metro area, Thornton, Cherry Creek and Castle

there are friends and opportunities waiting to happen leading to connections that can?t be undone. Barry said, ?We live in a city that is growing so fast and needs more women in places of power in business and in government. Through the workshops, networking and all that WODis doing, women are finding the opportunities to become leaders. There?s no reason to go it alone with this kind of network to support you.?

Rock, and two in the mountains ? Vail and Steamboat. These offices are all placed in growing areas to keep everyone working close to home to incorporate work into community life.

Jen Rettig

20 thewomenofdenver.com

FALLING IN LOVE

WITH YOUR

Cl oset

Joce Blake, Style Writer www.linktr.ee/joce_blake

Do you spend hours staring at your closet searching for the perfect look? Do you ever feel like you wear the same staples more often than not? If you answered yes to either of those questions, it?s time to fall in love with your closet again.

We have all been there but luckily we have some tips and tricks just for you. Two of the Mile High?s best wardrobe stylists have rounded up some ways to help you get your style juju back.

Stephanie Ann Davies from Polished 1) Learn what colors look best on you and get rid of everything else! After a Polished Overhaul, my clients always end up with a huge pile of "meh" colors on the floor. Bad colors on you are not doing you any favors! Get themout of your closet!

You'll LOVEwearing the colors that flatter you!

2) Do you even wear it? If you haven't worn a certain itemin more than a year, get rid of it! Of course, excluding seasonal items, you might only use once like heavy coats and travel clothes etc ... You'll LOVEthe minimalist feeling of owning a streamlined closet!

Noah Berg, Walnut Street Photography

Lisa Sharpe from Stylish Sparrow 1) Every itemyou purchase needs to meet all 4 of these criteria: fit, color, style, and function. It needs to fit impeccably or be tailored. The color needs to brighten your face and skin tone. The style must be suitable for your height and body shape. And lastly, the clothing must serve a purpose in your wardrobe ? you know exactly where you are going to wear it, and it fills a need. As you edit your existing wardrobe, ask yourself these questions if you are unsure about wearing something.

2) Group like items together to decrease confusion and visual clutter. Some clients I have worked with like to group things by color, others by type of clothing (fancy, every day, weekend, etc.) and others prefer to hang things by sleeve length. The same applies to jewelry. Seeing your choices by category increases your ease in putting outfits together.

Amy K. Wright

22 thewomenofdenver.com

Journeys

CONNECTING OUR

It's not every day that we truly get a glimpse into the lives of others, but when we do we find so much more to connect us than we ever imagined. The stories below are excerpts fromarticles submitted to Women of Denver magazine that share deep insights into challenges women face each and every day.

A Mom Reentering the Workforce

A 1st Generation Immigrant Finding Her Passion

There are many reasons why moms make the decision to stay at home and raise their children full-time. Often times some moms leave behind high-paying jobs held for years in exchange for countless kisses, a mountain of hugs, and endless supply of smiles.

If you were born fromimmigrant parents, you likely did everything possible to make the most of your opportunities in America, because that was the whole purpose of their fight to be here. This was my experience, because in the 70?s my mom, dad and sister came here as refugees of Laos, a landlocked Southeast Asian country surrounded by Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and China.

In my case, there was a death in the family which left a baby needing a new home. I quit my job and focused on bonding and nurturing.

When I was ready to return to work, finding a job became my full-time job. I felt anxious, drained, rejected, inadequate, and angry. Why was this process so difficult?

I kept detailed records of everything I did and the jobs I applied for.

My anxiety hit a record high on the day I looked back at what I had done the previous months and the jobs I applied for the previous year. In all I had documented over 400 applications, 300 rejection letters, more than 50 phone and in-person interviews. For most of my interviews I received good feedback; several times receiving very positive replies to interviews which made me feel I was at least top two. However, the phone call never came or the email never arrived with a solid offer.

I?ve debated endlessly the cause of my challenge, but in the end what has benefited me most is the camaraderie of support groups and building a sense of community with other women.

The first generation is complex. I spent my whole life trying to stay grounded with my culture, but also keep up with American societal influences. I created goals to be that good Laotian wife and mother, but also be that badass successful career woman.

But something happened when I turned 30, even after all the academic accomplishments, career, steady home, family and friends; I still felt very empty.

It?s a really hard journey to seek your life passion, but I did some soul searching and I was forced to look at who I was. I finally discovered a passion now and embarked on devoting myself to outdoor travel blogging.

It was perfect for me, to write about my experiences and pursue something I loved. Something that wasn?t planned for a change. It was a beautiful and liberating journey.

Amber Inthavong, www.coloradocaribou.com

If you?re a momhoping to rejoin the workforce it?s important to remember that you?re not alone. While the journey may be hard, do your best to find the courage to continue pushing forward towards your goals. We?re in your corner.

Maria D. Cabrera, www.linkedin.com/in/maria-cabrera-68358028

thewomenofdenver.com 23

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