J. Margaret Weaver Journal

A recent article in the Wall Street Journal highlighted that 23% of women with children are considering quitting their jobs this year compared to 13% of men with children.  Today, we talk about the drivers of this trend that are noted in the article and the tactics that women can take themselves to solve for these challenges.

One of the most beneficial practices I've used as a professional is talking to (or reading about) and learning from successful people who have a different perspective or background than I do.  I met with Bill Cole in Kansas City a couple months ago at the recommendation of my husband, who has worked with Bill for a number of years through his consulting work.  After an energizing conversation with Bill about his career pivots, creating structure from ambiguity, and his approach to making decisions, I was excited to finish up the seventh episode of The Savvy Young Professional podcast and not only share it with you but also listen to it to hear Bill's ideas again. 

A few years ago, I was preparing for a recruiting trip at my alma mater, Miami University (Ohio), and had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Megan Gerhardt, one of the leadership professors in the business school.  After exchanging emails, we met in person and had the first of many conversations about leadership, navigating generational differences in the workforce, and why Millennials have gotten such a bad reputation.  She has also provided leadership training to a number of my colleagues through her consultancy, The Gerhardt Group, and I always learn a lot when I talk to her.  Today, we dive into a lot, including what it means to be “Gentelligent” - a movement that Megan started, how different generations view leadership, the positive side of Millennials, and what Generation Z has in store for us. 

At the suggestion of a few colleagues, I put myself in the “hot seat” and switched my role on the podcast from the interviewer to the interviewee.  Michelle McClay, my longtime colleague and friend who joined me for the first episode, was kind enough to act as the host and guided me through questions on how I approached my career planning, tools and habits I have found to be game-changers for performance, and techniques I have used to address low points of challenging situations in my life.  

I had the pleasure of spending a Saturday morning with Dr. Piontek, (who goes by Libby) a friend of mine in Kansas City to talk to her about her career, how she developed a personal brand, and what she has learned about the business side of medicine.  While her experience is focused on practicing medicine, her recommendations are applicable to young professionals across industries and professions. 

I had the opportunity to spend time with Charity Balee, a colleague and friend, learning more about the challenges she faced early in her career, how she was able to transition from real estate to healthcare, and her secret to implementing change.  Charity has contagious energy and enthusiasm, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.Charity is currently the Vice President and Chief Resource Officer for a statewide healthcare system in Wisconsin.  With over 14 years of account executive experience, 10 within healthcare, Charity specializes in leading cost reduction strategies, developing and fostering effective collaborations with executives and physicians, and developing long and short-term business strategies. 

I am excited to share my conversation with Ashton Haider Brooks, Chief Marketing Officer for The Human Experience.  I've known Ashton since my sophomore year of college when we met through our business fraternity.  Ashton exudes energy, and her problem-solving skills at all areas of life put me to shame.  While we love to talk about work and business ideas, I learned a lot about her life growing up and how that put her on the career path she has today.  Ashton Haider Brooks is a marketing professional with a vast experience in consumer goods. She has helped develop a variety of brands, as well as launch over 25 products across the globe. She recently completed her MBA from the University of Southern California with a focus in global strategy and entrepreneurship. She currently serves as the Chief Marketing Officer for a SaaS start-up in Austin, TX.

Join KaLeena Thomas and savvy young professional Michelle McClay in an interactive, Q&A style dialogue to learn about pivotal moments in Michelle's life and insights on her leadership.