Successful CEO Moms

Last week, I attended the Boston Business Journal Pacesetters Breakfast to honor the fastest-growing private companies in the Boston area of which my company, Veroxity Technology Partners, was one. (Yeah for us!)

As I drank my fresh-squeezed orange juice - a big no-no on my low-carb diet - I listened to the panel of CEOs who discussed their key strategies for success. One of these CEOs was Kip Hollister of Hollister, Inc. Kip spoke of focus, strategy and staffing needs, relaying her thoughts on how to be successful in these key areas. But what struck me was that she also talked about the realities of being a working Mom and an executive in a hard-driving economic environment. She was honest about the fact that time for herself is often scarce and that you cannot be perfect in all of your roles at every moment. But if you have your priorities set up front and understand that turbulent times often call for flexibility, you can be more realistic about what you can and cannot do.

I applaud Kip for not only being a strong influence in the corporate world and an involved parent, but also her willingness to be up front about these responsibilities and to share her experiences with the world.

Cheers,
Renay

Detours and OnRamps Forum

I just found out about a phenomenal event that will take place on March 25 in Waltham, MA: Detours and OnRamps Forum. This is a conference for parents, both working and stay-at-home, who are seeking expertise on navigating the world of work. For working parents, it's about finding better ways to balance work and home life. For stay-at-home parents, it's about looking at the options for re-entering the workforce, possibilities for consulting and/or starting your own business.

One thing that amazes me about this entire topic is that your work life is forever evolving dependent upon your stage of life. Yet most people don't even realize it. I personally have gone from workaholic career woman, to stay-at-home Mome, to consulting, to part-time, back to full-time in an Executive role to being unemployed. That's a lot of shifting. Yet, with each change has come new options and pathways. It's challenging and is something that none of us really anticipated. I mean, if someone had told me when I was 25 that I would be doing consulting work or working part-time, I would have said they were crazy. But here I am and here we all are trying to figure it out.

So kudos to Meghan McCartan for developing this fantastic way for parents to try to figure this all out and to network with others. Check it out and attend if you can!

Cheers,
Renay

Change

It's not a unique title but I have been thinking for weeks about how to write this one. I was laid off from my job over a month ago. I have been wanting to blog about it ever since I found out but as I went through a variety of stages and emotions, I decided to hold off.

My career has always been important to me and, in my most recent position, there was a time when it was possibly the perfect job. That lasted for several years. I was able to build something that was interesting, successful, profitable and career-changing. I grew as a professional and as an individual. I worked with incredible people; we were all dedicated to our jobs and the company and worked for someone who was a true leader in every sense of the word. It was inspiring.

But then things changed. I could elaborate on the details but it would not be worth it. Suffice it to say that I helped to build something great and feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of it. It took a while for me to get here but with each day that passes, I remember the good parts, the great years. And that's what is important.

And with change comes a renewed look at what we want in our lives, at what is important. I am excited about that next opportunity that enables me to use my experiences, both the good and the bad.

Cheers,
Renay