what my heart tells me

Set boundaries to protect your family from your career

Your sacrifices will not be as meaningful to your career as your presence will be to your family.

Corporate contemplation #10: raise your hand for the stretch assignment

My husband became frustrated with me on multiple occasions as I sweated over a new project or role. I would worry that the role was too...

Corporate contemplation #9: do what's right, not what's popular

I once received feedback from a colleague that went something like: “Beckie can be counted on to do what’s right, even if it is not...

Corporate contemplation #8: it's OK to be vulnerable

Not all leaders are approachable. Hopefully they are accessible – meaning that you can get their attention when you need it. Being...

Corporate contemplation #6: don't try to B.S. your way through it

I have had some amazing bosses in my career. Each one taught me something important. One of my former leaders incited fear in most...

Corporate contemplation #5: say it with confidence, even if you don't feel it

I occasionally lector (proclaim the day’s Bible readings) at Mass. I used to lector all the time but now just make guest appearances at...

Corporate contemplation #4: put the organization's interests first

The CEO and founder of the first health care company I worked for (North American Medical Management – eons ago) told us over and over...

Corporate contemplation #3: be helpful...even if it's not your job

I am tickled when someone thinks I can help them. Often I can’t, but I really appreciate that they thought of me as an expert or at least...

Corporate contemplation #2: be defined by your impact, not your role/title/airline status

Of course every young career person is fixated on the magical day when they will earn a big, important title. They imagine confidently...

Corporate contemplation #1: work-life balance is a myth

What do people really mean when they say “work-life balance”?

Lessons to share from a career of corporate contemplations

I find myself at the half-time of my career. My time in the corporate world has been (mostly) fun and rewarding. I have been abundantly...

eight2eight pursuits