Michal's blog

Wavemakers: Andrea Lekushoff

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

This week we meet Andrea Lekushoff, the president and founder of Broad Reach Communications, a full-service PR agency. You can follow her on Twitter: @alekushoff

1.   Describe your current state of mind.

Excited and optimistic. I am proud that Broad Reach is among the leading proponents of “lifestyle-driven virtual teams,” an emerging approach to flexible workplace arrangements that allows women to pursue fulfilling careers while maintaining true work/life balance. This business model rewards results over face time, so practitioners can devote more time to their personal lives and interests. I strongly believe that adopting a variation of this business model will give companies a competitive edge when it comes to attracting the talent they need to be successful.

2.   If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

My 17-month-old daughter, Thea, who is vocal, fearless and tough-as-nails as a result of keeping up with her four-year old brother. I plan to nurture these characteristics, as opposed to telling her how girls “should” or “should not” behave, as many of us heard as we were growing up. Also, girls born today will have an unprecedented number of opportunities to create the type of fulfilling international careers and personal lives they desire. When Thea enters the workforce, I am hopeful that many of the gender equality and work/life balance issues women still face today will no longer be a concern. By then there will be many examples of strong, successful women in all levels of leadership roles to inspire her. And finally, if she is lucky, she will have a partner who shares in most (if not all) domestic responsibilities, making work/life balance much easier for her than it has been for our generation and those before us.

3.   What is your greatest indulgence?

Great travel and good food are two of my greatest indulgences and passions. Although my husband and I don’t travel as much as we would like now that we have young children, we have been diligent about scheduling regular long-weekend escapes to exciting destinations across Canada and the U.S. Not only does travelling allow us to reconnect as a couple, it helps us recharge and think about the future. When we do travel, we like to experience memorable meals at great restaurants.

4.   What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

My parents taught me to believe in myself and encouraged me to both pursue and achieve my dreams. They supported me in every endeavour, even when they may not have agreed with my choices. Knowing their support was unconditional and unwavering has given me the strength to take many personal risks (e.g. climbing Mount Kilimanjaro) as well as professional ones (e.g. moving to Washington, D.C. to work at the Canadian Embassy) throughout my life. It also allowed me to embrace the risk-taking mindset of an entrepreneur. My husband inspires me to be a better person, a better parent and a better business leader each day. He is a pillar of strength and a fountain of invaluable strategic counsel. His innate business instincts, combined with an Ivey MBA, and the experience he has gained running his company make him the most significant contributor to my success today.

5.   What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

I come from a long line of women with many mantras. One of my mother’s many mantras is “If you’re going to do something, don’t do it half-way.” I now embrace this mantra as my own, so when I founded Broad Reach, I set out to ensure everything we do is done exceptionally well. One of my grandmother’s mantras was focused on the importance of getting a good education. Growing up as a young girl in Macedonia, she wasn’t given the opportunity to attend school, so she firmly believed a good education was the key to both success and independence. I followed that advice by doing both a BA and an MBA and am so grateful to reap the rewards of her advice every day.

Wavemakers: Bonnie Flatt

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

This week we meet Bonnie Flatt,  a Toronto-based executive coach and former Legal/HR Consultant for Mercer Canada. You can follow her @BonnieFlatt.

1. Describe your current state of mind

My mind is a whirlwind of activity, energy and space.  Each day I am learning and practicing more about being fully present, listening and connecting to the heart of the matter and developing consciousness in my interactions with my clients, family, friends and my community.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? 

I would come back as a golden retriever.

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

My greatest indulgence and joy is putting aside time every day to be authentically present with my teenage children, listening and interacting with them in whatever way works for them.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

My father has been my greatest inspiration.  He taught me that if you want something badly enough, keep at it, believe in yourself and look forward.  Build your business one step at a time and learn from your mistakes.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

If you want to achieve something get really clear on what it is you want and what it looks like.  Then pay attention to the language you use and your underlying assumptions and beliefs.  Consciously choose language and beliefs that will support you in achieving your goal and then get into action.

Wavemakers: Laurel Walzak

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo. This week we meet Laurel Walzak. She is currently the Director of Integrated Sales at the National Hockey League. Based in Toronto, she is responsible for securing and negotiating strategic alliances with blue chip companies. Besides helping the league develop its revenues, she is also into cycling and is busy getting her MBA. You can follow her @laurelwalzak.

1. Describe your current state of mind.

My current state of mind is curious, focused and healthy. I am curious about learning new things at work and at school. I am focused on time management and my various responsibilities at work, school, in my community and at home. I am exceedingly busy and strapped for time and find myself looking for it. Right now with adding the demand of my MBA into the equation I am still trying to figure out how to balance it all, not sure of the answer yet or if I will ever find balance but for some reason I am comfortable with that and my situation. I think what helps me with these responsibilities is my healthy state of mind along with a healthy body, I feel physically and mentally strong.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

Dietician, the science of food and nutrition has always been of great interest to me, I am passionate about healthy eating, fitness and weight training and it is a lifestyle for me. I would come back and coach others to achieve their own balanced lifestyle that incorporates physical activity, healthy eating habits and a positive image about their weight and body. I would take on the challenge to conquer childhood obesity and teach children and their families around the world to enjoy the benefits of healthy eating combined with physical activity in effort to get them to live a healthier life.

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

Shoes are my greatest indulgence. High heels, flats and athletic footwear, I am not a fan of flip flops. Manolo, Prada, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Jimmy Choo and did I mention Jimmy Choo, they seem to fit my feet the best and I like their collections and designs (I keep the Jimmy Choo XV Limited Edition Book on my coffee table at home, it inspires me). Even though my shoes are sometimes an expensive indulgence I simply enjoy them. I take pride in my presentation and my self-expression and I believe that a great pair of shoes can add a little fun, flare, elegance, femininity, and personal style to my wardrobe and they are with me every step of the way, literally.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

It is difficult to narrow down one person as there are so many incredible people that have contributed to my success, family, friends, my boyfriend, employers, fellow employees, peers, bosses, mentors and rivals. I truly must thank everyone that has come in and out of my life for a reason as they impacted me in a way that has shaped the person I am today.

I have been given many opportunities, including the opportunity to work with and get to know some truly amazing mentors. I appreciate these individuals who see potential in me and who are willing to invest their valuable time and energy into coaching and supporting me and my career. These relationships are friendly, unique and important and their advice keeps me focused and grounded. The fact that my mentors are in my corner and want to see me succeed boosts my confidence, my competitive spirit and keeps me accountable. I am indebted to them.

My parents and four siblings deserve a special mention, we are a very close family and we have a unique support system. They unconditionally encourage me and rally around me and revel in my journey, they also know I am dedicated to my family and I reciprocate the same behaviours towards them as they do me. This support goes both ways.

Finally, my natural desire and personal determination has contributed to my achievements in life to date. I am proud of my accomplishments but feel I have so far to go, so much to learn and so much more to contribute both professionally and personally to others.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Work hard, be accountable for your actions and give back to your community.

My grandparents and parents taught me hard work by their example and they were my role models. I also always looked up to my dad and his career. I was fortunate to have witnessed his incredible drive and work ethic first hand and I thank him for teaching me the same. My mother taught me about being accountable for my actions. She use to say, “do what you want to do because you want to and be accountable for your actions and the choices you make, if you cannot be accountable then don’t do it and so make a different choice that you can stand behind”. She gave me room to be my own person, make my own decisions and make my own mistakes and I have made many.

They also taught me about giving back to my community, these reigned high in my family’s values. I have gained tremendous personal satisfaction from my experience as a volunteer and have and will continue to offer my time and/or donate financially to the causes I believe in and those that are less fortunate than me, again I am grateful.

Wavemakers: Kathryn Starke

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo. This week we meet Kathryn Starke. Based in Richmond, VA, Starke  is an urban elementary school literacy specialist, public speaker, children’s author, and the founder/CEO of Creative Minds Publications and Consulting, a global educational company that exemplifies quality literacy instruction. You can connect with her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter @KathrynStarke

1. Describe your current state of mind.

 Happy and peaceful! I always try to surround myself with pleasant people and enjoy the simple things that make me happy. In addition, I like to self-reflect at the end of each day to be at peace with everything in my life.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? 

 I’m really grateful for who and what I am and only want to continue to grow and achieve more things.

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

Going out for dinner! I love trying new restaurants in and out of town and enjoying a delicious meal.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

Most definitely my parents and sisters, who are always great listeners and supporters.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

One thing that everyone deserves is a chance. You never know what you will learn or what type of relationship may develop.

Wavemakers: Shelley Kuipers

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

This week we meet Shelley Kuipers. She is an accomplished entrepreneur and the founder and chief executive officer of Chaordix Inc., a crowdsourcing company. Shelley divides her time between Calgary and London. You can follow her @shelleykuipers

1. Describe your current state of mind

Grateful; I feel very fortunate to have the opportunities I have, living in London with my family, my home country Canada (which I visit often), my close friends and colleagues, my startup company Chaordix (we are rocking it!).

 

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

Me, I wouldn’t want to be anything else.

 

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

All things fashion … so shoes are up there for sure, my weakness.  But I love developing my own sense of style through just experimenting, trying new stuff all the time.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

There are two parts to this. I think the “what” is my determination and persistence, I don’t give up … never have.  But my success has really been about “who” I surround myself with: my family, my friends, my colleagues and the community I rely on for support, advice and sometimes a kick in the ass to remind me that I am worthy of my opportunities.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Trust your instinct – always.  I haven’t always done that … and I’ve paid for it accordingly.

 

Wavemakers: Sharon Wienbar

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

This week we meet Sharon Wienbar, a VC in the Internet and mobile space in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is a former tech marketer and former consultant. Sharon is married with two daughters and is a rower. You can follow her @Wienbar.

1. Describe your current state of mind.    

My current state of mind is: open to the possibilities. I’m seeing loads of interesting new companies in many new sectors. A daughter just flew off to her first year of college, and I stepped up to a new competitive level in my sport. I’m feeling empowered and energized.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

I’d like a do-over on my teen years. I was cocky and arrogant, and wish I’d been more open to seeking and taking input and advice.

3. What is your greatest indulgence?    

I restacked my time priorities to make room for rowing competitively, which I just took up a couple years ago. I love the team aspects, and I get immediate feedback on my work with every stroke. My husband has accommodated me being on the water early 5-6 days a week, which is a big luxury. The exercise and sunrise refresh my body, and the intense focus clears my mind for the day.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

My greatest success is a happy family with 2 girls I am intensely proud of because they demonstrate great values, and a husband who loves us all. And I’m proud of my work achievements and influence I’ve had on teams I’ve worked with. My husband and I have a strong partnership. His job has let him pick kids up, drive car pools, etc while I’ve had years of business travel and activities outside the 9-5. Keeping the family balance with work and other relationships is sometimes crazy, but always worth it.

5.  What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

My Master’s thesis advisor encouraged me to “just get going in the right general quadrant, then course correct” when I was trying to decide what to do after college. I studied control theory–a fundamental tenet is that a system must be in motion to generate feedback. Sitting and thinking doesn’t result in more information we can use to make a better decision, but trying and thinking does.

 

Wavemakers: Heather Caruso

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

Heather Caruso, an alternative health practitioner and author has been private practice in the small city of Guelph, Ontario for the past 13 years. She is a best-selling author of the book “Your Drug Free Guide to Digestive Health” and penned the book “Your Drug Free Guide to Healthy Weight Loss”.  You can find her onTwitter or Facebook.

1. What is your current state of mind?

Currently learning that the universe is telling me to listen to my gut and learning the lesson repeatedly until I actually do! Thank you universe, I will no longer doubt my wise sage inside!

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? 

I would like to come back as a protit. It actually makes me think of re-incarnation because they continue living despite our body dying. They are found in our living body under the microscope and in thousand year old mummies. These things are smaller than a cell and are the building block for many other things and forms. It would be interesting to go for that ride, however, it would be one that goes on forever or as long as humans know!

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

My greatest indulgence… just one? I have two, I do enjoy my red wine (so much so that my son calls it “my precious”) and I enjoy a good laugh. I have the kind of sense of humour that I have to be careful who I share that with!

4.  What or who has helped you the most to achieve your success?

This is a tough question, I believe that every person has to thank themselves for persevering in their goals when the going gets tough. However, I have been very lucky to have a circle of female entrepreneurs who have sage advice to offer me whenever I need a tune up, tune in or to tune out, they are there for me and I them! Thank you my lovelies!

5.  What is the best advice you have ever received?

Every seed you plant may not bloom today but they may at a later date. So what you do makes a difference, if not now maybe later. This is very true, I have spoken five years ago at an event and get calls from people who saw me back then.

Wavemakers: Sarah Turner

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

1. Describe your current state of mind

Very excited at the moment. I have 2 new things coming up. I recently left a consultancy business I co-founded 2 years ago to focus on strategic projects in digital media. The new business will be launching soon and we already have a very cool project for a high profile client. The other thing is Angel Academe. It’s a network for professional women who want to support tech entrepreneurs – as mentors, non-execs and angel investors. Our launch event is in London on 11 Sept.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

I’d like to have a go at being me again, but knowing what I know now.

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

I like to read in bed in the mornings while drinking my first cup of tea. If it’s a weekday, it’ll be work-related stuff. Honest.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

I was really lucky to have some very good bosses early in my career who were both encouraging and supportive – Alec Keith and Tony Sheehan in particular. More recently my ‘other half’ and business partner, Simon Hopkins, has been there through thick and thin.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Seek forgiveness not permission. Otherwise nothing will ever get done.

 

Wavemakers: Susan and Sarah Solovay

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

Please meet Susan and Sarah Solovay.

Susan Shaffer Solovay enjoyed a 25 year career on Wall Street which began in commodities trading and institutional brokerage, led to hedge fund allocation on behalf a significant family office and concluded with the founding and management of Pomegranate Capital, a fund of funds focused on allocating capital to women run hedge funds.  She also organized and ran the PS 6 Alumni Foundation, a not for profit corporation which rebuilt the library, playground and science roof at a public elementary school.  She is currently focused on assisting early stage companies in developing their brand, fundraising and building their online presence.  Susan lives in NYC with her husband, 2 children and an adorable Mini-Labradoodle named Lola.

Sarah Solovay is an 18-year old American singer and songwriter who opened for John Mayer and had her song, “Hearts Collide” on the 90210 soundtrack in 2009. You can find out more about Sarah through her  Twitter, Facebook or Tumblr. If you want to take a listen to Sarah’s work, here’s her EP, “Superhuman,” on iTunes.

 

1. Describe your current state of mind

Susan: August, is always bittersweet to me. I’m a little sad that summer is over and this summer, more so than ever as Sarah leaves for College. However, I’m excited for her and all the possibilities that lie ahead.

Sarah: I leave for college in a little over two weeks, so I’m currently half-excited and half-terrified. The good news is that I’ve been told that’s normal.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

Susan: Mrs. Fields, (I’ve always wanted my own cookie empire) or Tom Petty (he’s an amazing artist and has tons of swagger.)

Sarah: I’d love to be a Supreme Court Justice, a President, an Olympic athlete or a five-time Grammy or Oscar winner. I want to be able to say I’m the best–or at least one of the best–at something.

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

Susan: The Internet. When I’m online, sometimes my curiosity gets the best of me and before I know it, I’m learning about some random subject or reading an interesting blog, both which are fun, but ultimately take up too much time.

Sarah: It’s a tie between Gilmore Girls and raw cookie dough.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

Susan: Besides my husband, who has always been a great supporter, my mom. She brought us up in a very creative environment that allowed and encouraged my brothers and I to explore our passions, believe in ourselves and to take risks.

Sarah: This question’s easy–my mom. No one is more supportive and understanding than she is. None of the things I’ve accomplished to date–musical and otherwise–would have been possible without her.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Susan: Live each day to its fullest and never send your kids to summer camp unless they are begging you to go! Also, marry someone with a good sense of humor.

Sarah: Someone once told me “Take what you need and leave the rest.” I’ve found those are pretty good words to live by.

 

 

Wavemaker: Elle Kaplan

Wavemakers is an initiative I've kickstarted with Femme-O-Nomics’ founder Leah Eichler (@Femmeonomics) that profiles female innovators — women who are constantly blazing new trails, inspiring others and revolutionizing the status quo.

Elle Kaplan is CEO and founding partner of Lexion Capital Management, the only 100 percent women owned and operated private bank in the United States.You can follow her @ellekaplan.

1. Describe your current state of mind

Optimistic.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

Amelia Earhart. Everyone remembers Amelia for her incredible achievements as a female pilot. However, she was also an accomplished author who wrote the book, “The Fun of It.” Additionally, Amelia worked as the Aviation Editor for Cosmopolitan Magazine. She had an incredible outlook and lived by a fearlessly-go-after-your-dreams ethos. One of my favorite Amelia Earhart quotations is “If I should bop off it’ll be doing the thing that I’ve always most wanted to do.”

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

My rescue pets, a dog named Magic and my cat named Max. My pets are a daily reminder to allocate my most precious resource, my time, towards some fun time with my pets. 

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success?

I’ve had a variety of mentors, both men and women, who’ve been incredibly encouraging. They’ve often had a bigger vision for me than I have had for myself. Ann Kaplan (no relation), one of the first female partners at Goldman Sachs, has always been a great inspiration and sounding board, as well as Maxine Ganer, the founding partner of an extremely successful accounting firm, Ganer, Grossbach and Ganer. She has also had wonderful and inspiring insights and advice.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

The word “no” is just one person’s opinion. Never let that someone’s opinion stop you or alter your dreams.