Don’t call it a comeback, yet!

Can we all agree that 2020 has been like a collision course during the world’s biggest hot air balloon festival?! From Pandemic to Politics, Sports to Economics, and People to Nature; we’ve had quite a journey. And we aren’t even done yet!

If you are like me, you started the year with excitement, anticipation and high hopes of the 12 months to come. Now, six months after the COVID-19 pandemic hit the US, you feel like a deflating birthday balloon hovering 5 inches over the floor, before fully releasing all air.

How did we get here?

I’m sure you have your list of things that have impacted you personally and professionally. Hopefully though, like me, the challenges and quiet space the pandemic has offered the globe; afforded you the chance to reflect and rebalance your life.

As I mentioned in my “About” section, 2020 brought two noteworthy set-backs for me personally and professionally.

In June, I lost my job on account of corporate restructuring due to COVID. Literally a week later, I had a diabetic low blood sugar attack while at the grocery. I passed out, hit my head on the way down, and fractured it in two spots. The resulting concussion gave me the respite I needed for physical and mental recovery, and evaluation of how I wanted my life to look.

It brought me to creating my website; a space hopefully for others to join and regroup, recover, and reinvigorate…

And, what you are currently reading is my first blog.

Who am I really?

From a work perspective, I’ve been utterly a corporate career girl. For over 20 years in the automotive industry, I’ve been driving towards excellence; for myself and for those around me. I’ve worked at 3 car companies (VW, GM and Fiat Chrysler), a custom vehicle manufacturer and upfitter (read: the work van/trucks and package delivery vans you see driving down the road) and an automotive supplier. A few years back, during a 360 review from leaders, peers and direct reports, I fully recognized my insatiable desire for continuous improvement. Thankfully, I believe no one is perfect and we are ALL works in progress.

Of those 20 years, 13 have been spent on the sales end of business; and naturally, my sales mindset has cascaded into how I view life in general. Two key things I firmly believe in and am passionate about:

1) Selling is ALL about other PEOPLE, and what is important to them.

2) We are ALL selling something, regardless of where life finds us.

Not so sure about that second statement? Don’t see yourself standing in “selling” shoes? Some personal life examples:

• Ensuring new colleagues believe you know what you’re talking about – we all have to sell ourselves sometimes, even after the interview.

• Gaining your bosses buy-in and approval to modify department processes or policies. Selling an idea is what most of us not in sales face regularly at work.

• Convincing your prudent spouse/partner to paint the basement more than just white, because blue and white paint cost the same amount. (True story.) Selling cost/price is a daily event at our house.

The joy and purpose in my life was bringing these beliefs to action in a meaningful way. My moments of greatest success all relate to supporting the team and individuals in the path towards excellence.

What's in all of this for you?

While many of my future topics may be geared towards the women out there; there is credit and thanks owed to both women AND men, who have fueled my growth and learning. Therefore, some posts could speak to the gentlemen as well.

• Are you tackling a big project at work, and struggling to move things forward? Or, do you feel like you aren’t getting buy-in from management?

• Are you new into sales, and trying to find your selling style and sweet spot? Or, are you a new sales leader who wants to help develop your team?

• Are you working on a team of all men, and looking for ways to find your voice at the table? Or, do you feel like you aren’t getting the feedback you need to grow?

• Are you looking to build a network of like-minded people who believe in more than just improving and boasting about themselves?

• Lastly, if all you need is the community and some funny stories about moments of personal failure, I promise not to leave you hanging.

If you join me for future blogs, these are some of the topics you can expect me to cover. My aim is to provide you insight, honesty and laughter 2 – 4 times a month. If there are burning topics on your mind, feedback or questions, please comment or contact me.

The goal and vision for this site is to grow to a community of passionate people, who desire to lend their perspective and wisdom, so we can all grow. So, we can each look back at the hurdles we’ve crossed, and recognize our “comeback” and achieve our success!