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: 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.

 

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.

 

Wavemaker: Alexandra Brown

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, meet Alexandra Brown. She is the president of Aprilage Inc., creator of the APRIL® face aging software used globally in health education, science museums, law enforcement and in a number of consumer applications. She is a former television broadcast executive and also consults to the online media industry. You can follow her at @aprilfaceaging.

1. Describe your current state of mind.

Evolving.

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

A Motown singer like Gladys Knight – or even one of the Pips. I first heard “Midnight Train to Georgia” at an impressionable age, and it became my anthem. I still do full on karaoke every time I hear that song.

3. What is your greatest indulgence?

Adventure travel with a great guide, and family in tow, to spectacularly beautiful places off the tourist track. I’m not much of a “beach person.”

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

There have been a number of fantastic people along the way who have recognized something in me, and just said “Go, Do!” – either as a team leader or as part of a project team. I always knew they had my back, even if I had to figure a lot of stuff out along the way. They taught me to surround yourself with good people, then leap into something, and just do it. Interestingly, there have also been some not-so-fantastic work experiences from which I’ve also learned truly valuable lessons about how NOT to treat people. Learning from both the good and the bad experiences has been just as important to shaping my success.

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

My maternal grandfather, who had to quit school at 13 to support his family, was always embarrassed by his lack of formal education, but he needn’t have been. His “life education” was magnificent, and he understood people:

a. Treat everyone with respect – it doesn’t matter what their job is. They are a human being first.

b. Dress for the job you want.

c. There’s nothing more important than family.

Wavemakers: Sara R. Cohen

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 Sara R. Cohen, a fertility lawyer based in Toronto but with clients throughout Canada and beyond.  She is an advocate for all people accessing assisted reproductive technologies. You can follow her@fertilitylaw.

1. Describe your current state of mind? Excited, inspired, and empowered.

2. If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be? I’m feeling pretty fortunate to be me right now. However, I would like to come back as me but having already learned all the tough lessons and figuring out who I am and what it is that I would like to do with my life earlier. I do understand that life is a journey, but I regret time not well spent.

3. What is your greatest indulgence? Lattes and lunches out! The only way I can justify these is that I often enjoy both while networking. My other greatest indulgence is travel – and I wish I could indulge in that more often.

4. What or who helped you the most to achieve your success? I’m inspired daily by women working in careers where they are helping others, in various capacities. Dr. Elaine Herer (an OBGYN at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto) has been very influential in my life, likely without intending to be so. She never fails to impress me with her strength, compassion, knowledge and no BS attitude. Seeing such a strong, professional woman care so much about others inspired me to move into a career where I could help other people, too. 5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Do good work and love what you do - the rest will follow. A quote that I love is “who you are speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you are saying.” I am a genuine person and it’s perhaps the quality I am most proud of.