Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/161202
Kati Corbett Owner, Be Inspired Salon How does your company help women lean in to their careers and goals? We have weekly team meetings. During this time we talk about ways we can improve ourselves professionally and personally. We set 'smart' goals regularly, create vision boards and keep each other accountable for our health and wellness goals through our Be Inspired "BE FIT" program. Does Madison give opportunities to lean in? Madison offers so many resources in the professional community. I've utilized the UW SBDC (Small Business Development Center). I was able to have financial backing from the MDC (Madison Development Corp.). I joined and am still part of BNI (Business Network International), Middleton Chamber of Commerce, Dane Buy Local, INBusiness Networking, HYP (Habitat Young Professionals) . . . the list goes on. Have you leaned out? Because I 'feel the fear and do it anyway' I tend not to lean out.. Sometimes, this meant I learned things the hard way. I like a challenge, and those learning lessons will forever be with me. I'm stronger, smarter and more confident because of them. Any other comments on the subject? As one of my personal trainers would say, 'Get after it!' Sometimes we need to stop thinking and start doing. Trust that taking action will get you results. Valerie Johnson CEO, Habitat for Humanity of Dane County Should women lean in? I found myself single after 22 years—unexpectedly—and am so glad I leaned in, even when I didn't want to. I am now in the position to support myself and my two kids in college. You never know where life will lead and depending upon someone else is risky. Does Madison give opportunities to lean in? The number of nonprofits in Madison gives more women the opportunity to serve on a board and learn from other leaders. Have you leaned out? I worked four days a week for several years when my children were in the busy middle years; this did make our lives easier and because it was only a small drop in hours it didn't hurt my career. Any other comments on the subject? I always tell new moms that children become used to whatever your schedule is and think it's the way the world should be. So quit feeling guilty you aren't home by 5:30 p.m. or that you travel 25 percent of the time. Tell your kids your regular hours run until 6 p.m. and that you travel up to 30 percent, and they will be glad when you get home early or travel less. It's about setting expectations. WHAT'S YOUR TAKE? Tell us what you think about "Lean In." Write us at editors@bravaenterprises.com. Take our survey and read more about what the Madison women featured in this story think at BRAVAmagazine.com. 46 brava magazine | september 2013