AWL Alumni Spotlight

Describe the six months you spent in the Bloombase experience for Advanced Women Leaders.
When I went through AWL, I was in the midst of a career transition. I needed the time and space to reflect, and focus just on me, so the timing could not have been more perfect. It was challenging at times doing that, I had never been as vulnerable, and being in a safe place to share our stories and learn from each other was truly impactful. It was great to meet other women who were going through similar and different challenges, and who wanted to keep learning and growing. We bonded as a group; it was pretty powerful to have that happen in such a short period of time.

Describe the benefits of the AWL experience. 
When I signed up for AWL, my goal was to meet other women in different industries and expand my network. That did happen, but I don’t think I realized how much I would also learn about myself. I am much more self aware and now see vulnerability as a strength. I hadn’t been in an environment like this before where you could discuss hard topics openly with no judgement. Sheri and her team are real, and they made all of us comfortable to be ourselves, and taught us how to work to better ourselves.

Describe the benefits of being a part of the post AWL community.
I know I was sad when our 6 month AWL experience came to an end, but was glad to see it didn’t end there. The AWL community keeps growing and it’s awesome because we all have a common bond. There is so much opportunity to keep learning from each other and stay engaged. It amazes me how Sheri and her team stay connected with everyone and truly care about how we are all doing. It’s a tribe, and I feel so fortunate to be part of it.

What did you get out of the Executive Coaching sessions?
I had never had an executive coach before, so the whole experience was new to me. Having someone who was just focused on listening to you, and being an objective sounding board was great. Opening up, sharing and really getting asked hard questions to make you uncomfortable and reflect was what I needed at the time. I have since done some coaching myself through Bloombase, and it was so satisfying being able to build a level of trust with a client and watch them transform through our conversations. People don’t often have a safe space to share and executive coaching gives them that.

What is the greatest ROI for this investment you made in yourself?
Taking time for me. I spent so many years supporting my family, and in my HR role supporting employees, I had never done something just for me. When I transitioned out of my last role, I went away for a few days to a Wellness retreat - alone. Other than a business trip, I had never travelled by myself before, and this one was truly decadent. I did this while in AWL; it was liberating to put myself first. I now understand and believe that “self-care is not selfish.”

My favorite way to spend an afternoon by myself is… wandering through TJ Maxx---it’s a stress relief to not have a time constraint, and just look for bargains or things I really don’t need. I may return a bunch of it, but I like finding a deal. ME time!

To me, leadership is… to me, it is being transparent, real and vulnerable. It builds trust. I have had so many leaders who aren’t that way, and it is so draining and disappointing, as their employee, to want to follow them. Be empathetic and build relationships--it will pay off.

The legacy that I want to leave is… to be known as someone who does the right thing and does what she says she will do.

Something that makes my life ridiculously fun is… watching my kids grow into adults and navigating their lives. I love being there for them to help guide and coach them as they make decisions. It is so rewarding to know all of the hard work that was done when they were young is finally paying off!

Who is one of your role models and how do they inspire you? One of my favorite role models is my husband because he is very patient, something I am learning from him. He takes time to listen before he reacts. Also as a leader he has great followership. He builds strong relationships and people trust him to do the right thing, and respect him for that.