Unapologetic.

I strongly believe in the power of partnerships, which can be established at any brand. On the other hand, people partnerships are earned, both in the workplace and in life. Discovering a people partnership that evolves into a brand partnership through unwavering mutual support and belief in each other's vision is simply outstanding. Collaborating with individuals who become dear friends is truly inspiring.

Last week was incredible as we welcomed the remarkable Dr Alfiee Breland-Noble and Alexandra Fields from Dr Alfiee Org to our headquarters. The honor was entirely ours. This marks the third year of our collaboration and the FIRST time we met in person. Despite the distance, our love for each other transcends geographical boundaries, as evident in our video calls. This team’s influence is profound, from their impact on children (including my own) to their unwavering support of women and their careers (including my own). The support I have felt as we have all grown over the years, including their support over two maternity leaves, has been unwavering. But the power of connection persevered as we could hug, laugh, chat, and collaborate in person, which was so long-awaited.

In case you're not familiar with her (although I find that hard to believe), Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble is a CEO, psychologist, scientist, author, and founder of the nonprofit organization The AAKOMA Project. This organization is dedicated to developing culturally relevant and community-engaged solutions for the mental health of youth and young adults of color. With over 25 years of experience, she is a widely recognized expert and media correspondent in mental health, suicide prevention, and diversity.

Our discussion revolved around workplace wellbeing. Dr. Alfiee emphasized the importance of creating space as leaders for your colleagues. Some individuals simply need to be heard without expecting or desiring immediate solutions. She posed thought-provoking hypothetical scenarios for leaders, including asking for your team, "Do you want advice, or do you just want me to listen?" I also shared my insights, highlighting that leaders seek inspiration from their senior leaders as we strive to maintain work-life balance while excelling in our roles. We are looking up to those senior leaders and taking cues on what is ok in the workplace today – for ourselves as leaders and for how we coach our teams. Fortunately, I am well-supported in this regard and have leaders who truly believe in work-life balance, make space, and empower me to support my own. I, in turn, ensure I show up firm during the workday and exceed as many expectations as I can.

Let's take inspiration from Dr. Alfiee's work/life balance passion. Close your eyes and imagine achieving 100% work-life balance and wholeheartedly living it... What does that look like for you? What are the top 3 things within that balance most important to you?

Dr. Alfiee shares: "Leading with Zen: Mental Health Strategies for Executive Brilliance was an absolute joy to create and deliver for these senior executives. Guiding such talented leaders through active, culturally relevant, and science-informed wellness strategies was both invigorating and deeply fulfilling. Together, we took steps towards a more mindful and resilient future, one that centers self-care and amplifies "Life in Balance" and the Dr. Alfiee Org #lovelightscience philosophies."

Remember that work-life balance doesn't necessarily mean splitting your time 50/50 between work and personal life. It's about finding the right strategies and practices that work for you - mind, body, and soul. This process is unique to each individual and may take some time to figure out. However, committing to maintaining a healthy work-life balance as a leader will not only help you navigate through each day, week, and year, but also set a positive example for your team and support their own journey.

The notion of being unapologetic resonated deeply with me. We all carry the early lessons from our families and society, and we make decisions that leave a lasting impact on us. Some decisions fill us with pride, while for others, we may wonder if they were the right choices at the time. It's important to own these decisions boldly. When it comes to work-life balance, speak up for what you need, knowing that you are reciprocating what your company provides. This is also great for life. Your success in work and life hinges on meeting your needs. While your company is indeed a business, it doesn't mean they (and your leaders) don't lead with their hearts. So, perform your job diligently and unapologetically, and strive to find your balance unapologetically as well.

We are fortunate to live in a time with abundant choices, offering us endless opportunities. As someone who falls into the "elder millennial" category, I admire the younger generation's assertiveness in asking for what they want. I've drawn inspiration from their confidence and have learned to advocate for my own needs in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I strongly believe in contributing significantly before seeking any special accommodations, and I approach this with a sense of reasonableness and respect. When one has demonstrated dedication and preparedness, it is only fair to expect flexibility where feasible without compromising the interests of the business.

At present, I am seeking some flexibility regarding my work-related trips, as I am in a phase of life where I have two young children at home. I am requesting the opportunity to engage remotely for certain trips, with the understanding that this is a temporary arrangement. While being away from my family is challenging, I am committed to ensuring that my children understand the value of hard work, even if it means occasional absence from their activities or bedtime. I hope such instances will be infrequent, and they will respect their mommy for her hard work to provide for them. My leaders have embraced this, and I am incredibly grateful for that. I truly realize how lucky I am and know the trips I simply must be on. However, the openness to have a conversation and some flexibility has resonated with me, and I continue to respect the leaders who have made space for me to advance in my career and enjoy the very short period of time I have while my kids are so little.

Without apology, I have also decided to reduce my involvement in certain extracurricular activities. True friends and organizations who understand the demands of parenthood have graciously offered their support, while others may need time to adjust to this new phase of my life. Simultaneously, I am grateful for the new friendships that have blossomed through interactions with other parents and supportive neighbors. The sense of community and mutual assistance has been invaluable to me.

When not working, I choose to invest any free time I have in activities that help me find balance. This includes the goal of practicing yoga, meditation, or simply taking a long walk, sometimes with the kids. I am striving to set aside small pockets of time just to be myself, be comfortable with silence, and remember what I can do to find calm. Sometimes, this means getting up a bit early on a Saturday, before the children start their day, to enjoy a cup of coffee on our patio, appreciate nature, and watch the sun come up.

Being unapologetic about prioritizing my wellbeing does not equate to disregarding others. It is about taking responsibility for my mental health and adopting strategies to navigate through challenges with composure, preparing myself to transition back into my personal life. It entails using available resources without guilt, such as taking necessary PTO and practicing self-care during the workday. By doing so, I can approach each task with a clear mind and a renewed sense of focus.

While I acknowledge that I am not flawless, I am dedicated to continual self-improvement and effective time management. I strive to minimize instances of feeling overwhelmed, recognizing the detrimental impact it has on my productivity and wellbeing. Setting boundaries, taking breaks, breathing, and maintaining a consistent schedule has been instrumental in reducing moments of stress and promoting a healthier work environment.

I firmly believe in adhering to the expectations outlined in my job description. If I feel that the expectations are insufficient, I am confident in my ability to initiate a discussion about potential adjustments. I recognize the importance of regularly evaluating my performance and seeking feedback from my leaders to ensure that I am exceeding the required standards and producing for them in a way that makes us both shine. Moreover, I understand that it is acceptable to be a performer, and I appreciate leaders who create an environment where all team members are supported and valued.

I am thankful for the opportunities I have earned and remain dedicated to balancing my personal and professional responsibilities. My experience with companies and leaders has not always been positive. Like many, I have had to try out different leaders and roles until I found the kind of leaders, both male and female, who lead with empathy and understanding and serve as role models that inspire me. It can be challenging when you are not in the right situation, but all you can do is work on your own boundaries without apologizing while excelling in today's job. There is a balance, and I am confident that by upholding values and maintaining open communication, we can all continue to make meaningful contributions and cultivate positive work environments and the best work-life balance that works for each individual.

Thank you to Dr. Alfiee & Lexy!! In case you haven't seen it, here are the ways Dr. Alfiee has supported her community and our brand. We are incredibly thankful for her contributions. However, I'm most grateful for the privilege of knowing her and Lexy. Their support for me as a female leader and the invaluable reminder I received in person meant the world to me.

ELEVATION Retreat:

·???????? https://vimeo.com/935011132?share=copy

·???????? https://www.miravalresorts.com/blog/elevation-diverse-womens-wellness-retreat-at-miraval-arizona

·???????? https://www.essence.com/news/money-career/elevation-retreat-women-confronting-corporate-challenges/

?

Until we speak again,

The Nerdy Weekender, signing off with optimism and enthusiasm.