What’s the good news, ladies?  Spinning plates

You ever have those days that you feel like a glorified plate spinner?  Ever since I was a caretaker for my dying father, I’ve had that image in my head of being pulled in so many directions until one of the plates comes crashing to the ground and I’m left to figure out what to do next.  Recently, I feel like I’m back in that mode with work life, family life, author life, home renovation life and oh hey….there’s this new transparency thingy. I feel like something has to give in this hyper-drive life that we all live.  So, what do we do about it?  What can we do about it?  Sit in the middle of the floor waiting for someone to save you?  Yeah, that won’t work for long.  Say “eff it” and walk away?  That never solved anything either.  But what we can do is check our guilt at the door and put ourselves first.

Leslie and Sue, who are featured in this article, are working hard to foster environments at work and within themselves that promote more of a work-life balance and less of a plate spinning lifestyle.  We all know that at times we have to wear many hats, but connecting with others who can share the load from time to time and having the self-awareness  to realize when you need to “tap out” to deal with life on life’s terms can be more rewarding than landing that new client.  Check out what Leslie and Sue are doing to help create some balance for themselves.

Leslie Shields Botvidson, The Shields Agency

“March 2022 was the second anniversary of my agency, after being an independent agent for seven years. I’m proud to state that revenue is up 65% and my team has grown from three to 11. I’ve been strategic about hiring the right people for the right seats. As an owner, I’ve embraced my strengths and acknowledged my weaknesses to hire for the gaps. My team is made up of mostly women working in an environment that fosters work-life balance, where women who are mothers are understood and supported. The journey for me as a business owner over the last year has been one of learning, self-discovery, and personal growth. The culmination of my hard work can be seen in my recent accolades; acceptance into Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO), Business Press 40 Under 40 Honoree, and American Heart Association Woman of Impact for Fort Worth, Texas. This year’s success has come alongside the nurturing of my marriage and 19-month-old son. I look forward to the continued growth of my business and my team.”

Sue Wakamoto-Lee, CEBS, Regional Sales Manager & CAHIP President-Elect, Claremont Insurance Services

“I recently read “failure trains you for success.” I’ve heard many tales of those who succeededafter falling flat on their face time and time again. And yet, I’ve struggled to envision that for myself, particularly when that failure, whether perceived or real (that’s another conversation) is still fresh. Only recently have I begun to rip off the Band-aid that I carefully kept reapplying to my wounded spirit, thinking that if I kept bandaging it enough, I could limp along, and no one would notice. Good idea, Sue!

Ok, so I admit, productive self-reflection is hard for me. (I’m an expert at the other kind.) Perhaps because I’m getting older and hopefully a little wiser, I can be grateful that the stumbling blocks that initially tripped me up have become the steps I now take to lead with courage and confidence.”

As always, if you know a rockstar woman who fits the title of “Wonder Woman” shoot me an email to scombs@combsandco.com as I’d love to connect!