It was my daughter’s first day of kindergarten. My youngest child was headed to real school, ushering out our preschool era and ushering in a new phase for our family. I marked my calendar a year in advance to be sure I would have the day off from work. I had the batteries charged in my good camera, outfits were laid out, school supplies had been purchased, and everything was in order. We headed to the bus stop with plenty of time to capture the perfect 1st day of school photo for my two kids. I tried my best to get both kids looking at the camera and smiling at the same time, with eyes open, which was no small feat! I snapped one single photo that captured this momentous occasion just as the bus arrived so I could document this important, scrapbook worthy moment forever! I downloaded the photo and passed it on to my extended family. It wasn’t until my niece called me that I noticed there was a problem with my perfect photo. Jasper, our family dog, had decided to poop and was doing a big NUMBER TWO right behind the kids! Talk about a photo bomb! My perfect photo was ruined!

But isn’t life just like that sometimes? You have everything under control, the best laid plans, and then despite your best efforts, things turn into a big pile of crap. I know many mothers who would have hit the delete button immediately on a photo like this, but not me. I am glad I didn’t delete it because despite the imperfections in the photo, that single photo has given our family and friends more laughs over the years than I can count! And laughter is one thing that has kept me sane throughout the incredibly challenging years of juggling all the roles us working women play.

I spent the first several years of my career working in corporate roles, and then became an “accidental entrepreneur” after my first child was born. I expected to work on contract for a few years and then go back to corporate but ended up traveling the world and working with over 100 companies over 18 years through my own company. After my divorce, I went back to a corporate role, which was not easy after being on my own for so long. But the learning and growth that followed were incredible! My role grew over the years, and I ascended to a Vice President role, leading Talent Management, Learning & Diversity in a large company. I loved my role, but always dreamed of writing a book and focusing on public speaking.

There were several reasons I left my corporate role, but basically, it was time. I had built a solid foundation and hired a team that could carry on without me. I needed to focus on my health as well, after successfully battling breast cancer. I did not want to keep working long hours and carrying a high level of stress. That said, I was approached about a few corporate jobs that were tempting, but I kept praying for discernment that would lead me toward the right path. I had never, ever had the luxury of being able to just “be” and think through what I wanted to do next. I relished this time to reflect on what I really wanted to do. More importantly, I focused on the legacy I wanted to leave once I stop working, move on from this stage of life, or leave this earth. This led me to fully concentrate on public speaking and writing. My first book, The Rebalancing Act: Wisdom from Working Women for Success that Matters, was released in September 2024 and debuted as a best-seller on Amazon that day. I am focused on fulfillment - for myself, for my loved ones, and for my vocation - and focused also on my legacy.