10/23/19 – Panel Discussion: Work Life Balance – Is There Such a Thing?

We recognize the great inroads women have made in the professional world. We have more opportunities than ever before to pursue careers, promotions and leadership positions. Yet, women continue to struggle with trying to “have it all.” All generations of women are trying to find the holy grail: the work-life balance.

In this WiPN Boston exclusive event, we explored the idea of work-life balance. What it is?  How can you achieve it? Is there really such a thing?

Our moderated panel represented several successful women who have achieved career advancement while, in some instances, raising families, balancing their home lives, and making a difference in their communities. They shared valuable insights based on their personal struggles and triumphs to find a work-life balance that works for them.  Attendees also had a chance to share their own personal successes and/or challenges and brainstorm solutions.  The insights discussed are incorporated here:

Work Life Balance

Pop Up Wine Tasting Event

Taco Tuesday with WiPN Boston

Attendees at the Boston Regional event have a lively discussion

On Wednesday, October 5^th ladies gathered at the Boston regional event for networking and food before settling down to listen to speaker Sarah Stahl. Sarah is a managing director for MDT Advisors (a Federated Advisory Company) but she started her career in the manufacturing and the auto industries. Sarah gave the story of her circuitous route into financial services and some lessons learned.

Based on her experience, Sarah had this advice for attendees:

• On Family Life – Hate cooking? So does Sarah. Having an honest discussion about splitting household chores with your partner is key. She and her husband used the formula of “who dislikes <insert chore> the least” to allocate household tasks.
• On Getting Help – Life comes at you fast so juggling work, life and family is challenging. Sarah suggests hiring out for the “DDD’s”, those dirty, dangerous and dull tasks no one likes. So get help because you’re busy and, hey, you deserve it!
• On Finding Your Niche – If you’re not happy where you are, keep looking. While Sarah is in financial service now, that’s not where she started. She suggested finding the type of job you are good at and be willing to explore new industries and roles to find your best fit.
• On Handling a Challenging Boss – Butting heads with your boss? Always take the highroad and you will outlast them.
• On Mentoring – In short. Do it! It’s not only fulfilling for the mentee but also the mentor. The best mentoring relationships allow the mentee to gain valuable experience and the mentor to grow through coaching.

After Sarah’s talk, lively discussions were held in the breakout groups where attendees could discuss ways to implement Sarah’s advice into their own lives.

Thanks again to Federated, John Hancock and Principal for hosting this event and especial thanks to Sarah Stahl for sharing her insight.

Fantastic Boston Regional event offer sage advice on career progression

Boston’s WiPN Chapter is on fire, with a big crowd at a luncheon with Anne Ackerley from Blackrock. Many thanks to Ruchi Tripathi and Diane Rzepecki, Regional Chapter Chairs,  for planning the event and continuing to expand the Boston chapter.  And Tina Sanchez, our host and longtime WiPN supporter and former Board member, made some great statements about how WiPN has made a positive impact in her career.

It was wonderful to see a diverse group of women – many first-timers, an out-of-towner and a few familiar faces.  The networking both pre- and post-lunch was top notch, with many connections made. Anne’s remarks sparked a lively discussion with the attendees.  Anne  gave us some background on her career and experience, and offered the following advice:

• Your career progression isn’t always an upward trajectory – sometimes it goes sideways
• Don’t get comfortable – if you do, it’s time to move on and find a new challenge
• Be clear about what you want and ask for it – otherwise, others won’t know and you may be overlooked for opportunities
• Raise your hand – don’t wait to be asked to do something
• Failure is ok – learn from it and what you could do differently next time

Overall it was a very successful event – echoed by a few attendees who said it was the best event they’ve ever been to!