The results of the October 2023 Leadership Scholarship nominations are here! The Leadership Scholarship Award recognizes OWA members who have served the OWA with their dedicated committee work and strong commitment to growing leadership roles for women in the optical industry. These grants are used for professional and personal development of the recipients who were nominated by other OWA members. Many thanks go to our OWA Individual Contributors, whose donations help make these scholarships possible. Congratulations To The 2023 Recipients: Katherine Cruz, OWA Connection & Enrichment Committee (Silhouette) Mary Lanning Jones, OWA Connection & Enrichment Committee (Zyloware) Shelley Logan, OWA Membership Committee (WestGroupe) The OWA’s Platinum Sponsors are also eligible to select an exceptional female employee who shows promise, dedication, and drive to also receive a Leadership Scholarship. Additionally, Scholarship Recipients Through Platinum Sponsors: Heather Bethel, Manager, Lens and Accessories Merchandising (National Vision) Monica Chopra, Senior Business Data Analyst, VSP Vision Reagan Colpitts, Senior Business Development Manager, N.A. Independent Channel (Safilo) Liz Friedfeld, Head of Business Development (ClearVision) Lila Hanish, Marketing Associate (Thelios) April Hatten, Operations Manager/Eye Care Alliance (Essilor Instruments) Kristen Lukacs, Creative Manager (Zyloware) Carly Meyerson, Strategic Business Manager, U.S. Vision Care (Bausch+Lomb) Stephanie McCoy, Senior Manager, EyeMed Provider Experience (EssilorLuxottica) Tracy Neal, Director of Customer Support (GPN Technologies) Chrissie Pattison, Marketing Events Manager (Advancing Eyecare) Lindsay Romah, Business Development Lead (EssilorLuxottica) Valued at up to $2,000 each, these grants will be used to provide professional mentoring opportunities to each recipient. This continues to promote and support the OWA’s founding principles of connecting, inspiring, and leading women in the optical industry. An Update On Some 2022 Scholarship Recipients And How They Applied Their Award: “I chose to use my Leadership Scholarship Award to attend the Authentic Leadership course at Harvard. One of the many valuable lessons I learned from this course was that to truly be an authentic leader, one’s foundation must begin with a strong sense of self — knowing your strengths and weaknesses is essential to contributing at your best, whether you’re working on or leading a team.  This course afforded me an extended skill set that I will utilize for the rest of my life.” -Carissa Dunphy Communications & Website Committee (PECAA) “I feel honored to have received the OWA Leadership Scholarship, which I utilized to attend the OWA Unplugged Retreat. As I reflect on the opportunity, I really believe that the retreat helped me focus on the OWA’s pillars of connection, leadership, and inspiration, as that’s exactly what the retreat provided. This scholarship helped me recharge and further solidified the immense respect and admiration I have for the women in the optical industry.” -Kerri Ann Raimo Digital Marketing Committee (PentaVision, Eyecare Business) “I had the privilege of attending the 300 participant Small Giants Annual Summit.  I am entirely grateful to the Optical Women’s Association for the generous leadership scholarship I was granted, as it funded my multi-day experience.  Working with and learning from this purpose-driven group is wholly different from my typical ECP environment, as their organizations and leadership premise closely resembles how ClearVision Optical operates.  Meeting with small-to-mid sized companies, who are similarly committed to supporting their community and to inspiring their team members as primary indicators of business success, made me feel immediately at home.  I was captivated by how businesses navigate these complexities, while growing financially too; The storytelling and leadership journeys served to inspire new ideas to contemplate. I left with so many new friends, unique wisdom, and a sense of accomplishment for taking on my public speaking mission… nerves and all.” -Jennifer Trakhtenberg, Connection & Enrichment Committee (ClearVision Optical) Additional Scholarship Recipients Through Platinum Sponsors: “Receiving the OWA Leadership Scholarship Award has been a highlight in my career at National Vision. This award signified to me that my efforts and accomplishments were being seen and appreciated. It gave me the confidence to push myself beyond my comfort zone and explore areas in marketing that I have not yet mastered. For example, I have used my scholarship to pursue continuing education in media and television. I am currently enrolled in a class at NYU where I am learning how to research, plan and assess national TV and digital streaming buys, effectively. This particular area of media is highly fragmented, complex and frankly, it scared me a little bit when I was given the responsibility to oversee this part of the business. Taking the course Media Assessment course at NYU has made me so much more confident (and a little bit dangerous!) in managing the media agency relationship and assessing and optimizing our TV and streaming buy. I have grown in my role at National Vision thanks to the continuing education I received from the OWA Scholarship and for that I am truly thankful and excited for what’s to come.“ -Cara Endriss (National Vision) I am grateful to the Optical Women’s Association for the Leadership scholarship that allowed me to earn a certificate in Kellogg School of Management and Emeritus’s Mastering Sales: A Toolkit for Success program. The opportunity was timely, as I was making a move into a sales career and needed the training to become an efficient and effective sales leader. The well-designed, high impact, and fast paced program was lead by the founder of the Kellogg Sales Institute, Craig Wortmann, who exposed me to the art and science of the sales process. We went through a comprehensive review of the sales process – from the preparation to the customer contact, and finally, how to scale up sales consistently by building the right sales and management protocols. Through the program, I practiced more than 30 different tools and built a personalized Sales Toolkit to support each phase of the sales process. The course has been valuable in not only helping me improve my selling skills, but also offering best practices for recruiting, training, building, and managing high-performing sales teams. -Shweta Gupta (EssilorLuxottica) “Receiving a scholarship to enroll in the Future of Work University’s “Future of Work Fastrack” and the Society for Human Resource Management’s (SHRM) “HR Department of One” courses has been a transformative opportunity. The Future of Work Fastrack not only equipped me with essential skills for thriving in the evolving professional landscape but also instilled in me the ability to learn, think like an entrepreneur, collaborate effectively, and foster a growth mindset. These skills are invaluable in the dynamic and rapidly changing world of work. Additionally, the HR Department of One course offered by SHRM enabled me to enhance my resourcefulness, agility, and focus on adapting to the ever-changing needs of my organization. The specialty credential I earned, the SHRM Department of One, serves as a testament to my enhanced credibility and the crucial role I play in developing insights and setting strategic initiatives while maintaining a balance with day-to-day operations. This scholarship has not only opened doors to valuable knowledge but has also positioned me as a versatile and skilled professional prepared for the challenges of the future workplace.“ -Cheryl Moore (GPN Technologies) My immediate thought was, “Let’s jump into this opportunity of a new experience!” And, I was so rewarded for taking that deep dive even after receiving the prep questionnaire for the OnStage Leadership program, which filled me with, “What did I get myself into?.” Making and taking the time for observing others, yourself, and your coach is difficult for all of us: no matter our everyday choices. Then connecting with ourselves and others with Kimberly’s coaching of our authentic selves which was supported with exploration and tools to figure out how to achieve some percentage of that within our days of constant framing, listening, and motivating. Analyzing and learning how to be more effective, more constructive with our actions…becoming more intentional by doing it my way or your way and still continuing to connect. So much content, so little space. -JaMarie Plaff, Zyloware – OnStage Leadership “I’ve always known – or been told – that networks are important to professional success, but my network has always just, sort of…been there. I attend virtual and in-person events where possible; I connect with mutual contacts when I’m able, and I try to help others when I’m asked. But I can’t say that I’ve ever taken an active role in strategically building or leveraging my network with intent. After receiving the OWA Leadership Scholarship, and consulting with my fellow OWA members who have received the scholarship in the past, I decided to use the funds to attend the Women in Leadership course from the Yale School of Management. And I’m so thrilled that I did! I gained invaluable knowledge from the course, including tips and tricks to leverage my network, and I feel reenergized about my career and am better prepared to seize all the opportunities that lie ahead. Thanks again to the OWA for providing this wonderful member benefit and to my amazing VSP Vision colleagues for nominating me.” -Tatiana Stewart (VSP Vision)

Many of us are either directly affected by or have loved ones who are affected by chronic health conditions. This is in fact, a sign of better healthcare from previous generations when most chronic health conditions were once fatal and not as understood. Living day-to-day with a chronic condition is still a struggle however, with limited or lacking resources. We must learn to adapt as individuals while also helping influence the culture, society, and legislature to be more inclusive for all. Sometimes simply by existing. So, what can we do to lighten the burden? Here are a few tips I’ve learned since my own rare diagnosis in 2016. Coordinate Care With Your PCP A trusted Primary Care Physician is crucial. They may not know much about your specific condition, but they will go to bat for you with the experts who do. They are the central resource for referrals and coordination of care. If you’re having trouble finding a good PCP in the general health system, consider a Direct Primary Care doctor if you are able. Be Your Own Advocate Don’t be afraid to question a doctor or specialist’s directives, seek additional opinions, and ask any questions no matter how simple they seem. The right providers will lead you toward proper resources and education.  They will explain things in a way that is understandable to you — if something is over your head, push for a more digestible explanation. Write It Out Always ask for a copy of your health records. Compile a file of your own history to document everything from diagnosis to treatments and outcomes so far. Also, having a list of questions and/or updates for each appointment is useful too. Handwritten, typed, or on a mobile notes app; whatever works best for you. When I was tired of filling out the redundant intake forms, I started bringing my own typed out medical resume. Copay Assistance Many specialty and high-cost medications have in-house or 3rd party copay assistance programs. If you’re extra lucky, your provider will automatically apply to these for you when starting a new treatment. Volunteer Chronic conditions often leave us with limited energy and we must pick and choose what to accomplish in a day. So where can volunteering fit? Studies, research, and Clinical Trials! You may even get paid! Check out Rare Patient Voice to sign up for research opportunities. Also look at clinicaltrials.gov to search for trials worldwide. Set Expectations Personal and Professional expectations are both are tricky to juggle at the best of times. Professionally, don’t be afraid to ask for accommodations, such as staggered work hours; It is your right. You can disclose as much or as little health-related information as needed; doctor’s notes are the best leverage. Personally, let family and friends know your limits, which can be subject to change based on your continued health journey. Again, you can share as much or as little as you’re comfortable with. A friendly reminder to all relationships; just because it’s not visible doesn’t mean it’s not there. Keep relationships that are beneficial, and don’t waste precious energy on those that are not. A good rule of thumb here too is don’t apologize, thank: “Thank you for working with me on this.” Seek Out Community The rarer your illness, the more online that may be. Facebook, Instagram, or whatever social media you are plugged into can be a wonderful resource for connecting with individuals going through the same thing. It brings people together and provides great insights which can in turn help advance your care with your providers. Being seen, heard, and understood is a wonderful thing. Trust Your Instincts Lastly, it is important to remember there is a lot of advice out there. Even the most well-meaning and ‘proven’ recommendations might not be a fit for you. Follow what feels right for you where you are now in your journey. Resources: Rare Patient Voice ClinicalTrials.gov Rare Disease Advocacy Tools Autoinflammatory Arthritis Awareness Written by: Justine Brown

When I was asked to share my professional journey with this esteemed group of women, I was admittedly a bit nervous. To be quite honest, my journey is not glamorous. It was not well-documented nor well-planned; there were no detailed milestones, career development plans or specific timelines that I held myself to achieving. One might even say that it was a bit accidental. That said, what I did know early in my career was that I wanted to continuously learn new things, become a great leader, bring new ideas forward and progress into roles with increasing responsibility, impact and decision-making authority.  For me personally, it was important to eventually have a “seat at the table” to both feel fulfilled and to make an impact. I was also ambitious, curious, passionate about the industry and smart. I worked hard, delivered on my commitments and brought new ideas to the table. I made mistakes along the way, but was determined to show resiliency and push forward — these turned out to be some of the most important learning moments in my life. Simply put: when you do good work, people notice. I was suddenly being tapped for new opportunities and I moved away from a subject matter expert to become more of a generalist, an evolution that opened up many new doors. In the end, I credit my journey from entry-level to executive-level to three things: 1) A Champion I certainly understand the importance of having a “champion”.  Many years ago, an executive in my company saw something in me that I didn’t, and took a chance on me. He promoted me into an important new role for which I had very little experience.  Initially, I didn’t want to take the role. He insisted, saying “you are smart, you work hard, and people like working with you. You will figure this out”. This single moment changed my career trajectory and forever reminds me of the importance of “paying it forward”. 2) The Opportunity To Work For Many Diverse Leaders I had the great fortune to learn from many different leaders; some great, some not so great. Those great leaders inspired me to define my leadership style and the legacy I want to leave behind. Having clarity on what I stand for, my values and how I lead and treat others has served me very well. 3) Amazing People! Lastly, I would not be where I am today without all the great people that have worked with and for me. A very smart leader once said, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, bring others with you”. I have never forgotten those words. Written by: Megan Molony Image: The Party Scene at Vision Expo East 2023. (2023, March 28). Vision Monday.

2023 brought many favorites, and several firsts, for the OWA. Our members exuded our mission to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry. Lets start by reviewing the year in numbers: OWA at Vision Expo East Champagne Breakfast: You could feel the energy across the room as we celebrated these women and future women to join the leadership force. During this breakfast, Dr. Beverly Bianes received the Pyxis Award, Karen Roberts accepted the Pleiades Award, and Talia Bruno was presented the Emerging Leader Award — the audience loved hearing what forces drove them toward their successes. Annual Star Award Cocktail Reception & Networking Event: Whether you caught up with optical friends, learned what’s new from a former colleague, or discussed business needs you can partner together on, this was a great place to make it happen. This brief evening event celebrates both members and future OWA members, in joining a network of like-minded women with a similar goal. Career Zone Student Lounge: OWA members, students, and young professionals were welcomed to attend a moderated presentation on Life, Work, and Balance in the Eyecare industry. Students were engaged and listened-in to hear what optical organizations offer to professionals seeking opportunities in the eyecare field. Read the full post-VEE article here | View all event photos here OWA Holds First Town Hall The OWA held its first-ever Town Hall Meeting, which provided an opportunity to meet and speak directly to OWA board members, hear more about the OWA’s activities and initiatives, and greet fellow members. Over 75 attendees discovered how impactful the OWA’s committees are and learned how to get more involved. Read the full article & watch recording of the event here OWA at Vision Expo West Board of Directors Meeting: Before the show officially began, the OWA board met and welcomed four new members and our new President, Dr. Lorie Lippiatt, who chaired her first meeting with a focus on the future and what can be imagined for the OWA. Connection Series Luncheon: The OWA hosted another sold-out Connection Series luncheon, which energized attendees and reminded us to get real about identifying our goals and how we can achieve them, take action, be a lifelong learner, focus on self leadership, and say yes to challenges. Networking Reception, Raffle, and Silent Auction: The OWA hosted the annual Friday networking reception, where OWA sponsors donated items for the raffle and online auction. One of the best events to network and win big in Vegas, the event consistently raises funds to support future OWA programming. Read the full post-VEW article here | View all event photos here OWA Holds First Member Retreat Around three dozen OWA members gathered for a sunny weekend at Paradise Point Resort in San Diego for an uplifting and inspiring experience: the OWA Unplugged Retreat. A labor of love spearheaded by the OWA’s Connection & Enrichment committee and powered this year by ClearVision Optical, this inaugural OWA retreat was a remarkable first for this amazing organization. Read the full post-retreat article here | View all event photos here Leadership Scholarship Awards The Leadership Scholarship Award recognizes OWA members who have served the OWA with their dedicated committee work and strong commitment to growing leadership roles for women in the optical industry. These grants are used for professional and personal development of the recipients who were nominated by other OWA members. Many thanks go to our OWA Individual Contributors, whose donations help make these scholarships possible. Read the full article about the 2023 awardees and how 2022 recipients applied their award here Read more about the Leadership Scholarship Award here Reader Survey Results Earlier this month, the OWA Communications & Website Committee published a survey, asking readers of the OWA Connects Blog for feedback. If you have not yet completed the survey, you may anonymously do so here. Here is a summary of the survey results: Most desired topics: business development, work strategy, motivational, career advice, career journeys Would like to read more about: team collaboration, motivational, working from home, patient care: managing a business, leadership journeys, advanced level career advice Struggles you’d like help with: field sales, leadership, career advancement, work/life balance Existing blog topics, ranked by favorite: Leadership (100%) Professional Development (60%) Networking (40%) Work/Life Balance (30%) In addition to completed surveys, several members expressed interest in contributing articles for the blog. A big THANK YOU to you, the members, that make up the Optical Women’s Association! What was your favorite 2023 OWA memory? Let us know in the comments!

Part of the OWA mission is to enhance and promote the leadership role of women. What’s amazing is that this isn’t limited to women in management roles. Leadership abilities exist within all of us, regardless of our job titles or levels of experience. Whether you are a seasoned executive or just starting out, you have the power to lead by example and make a real impact on the women around you as well as the broader world. Leading by example requires setting standards through your own behavior, not just telling people what to do. You embody the qualities and excellence you want your team to adopt. Your actions speak louder than words — if there is inconsistency between what you preach and practice, it breeds frustration and mistrust from those around you. But when you exemplify motivation, dedication, and passion yourself, it ignites those qualities in others. You must model the attitude and work ethic you expect. Walk the walk, and they will follow. But what is our real goal in leading by example? Yes, it’s to enhance our own positions, roles and influence — but women are much more powerful together than alone. So, it also means engaging in women’s empowerment and building up the network of women around us. With that larger goal in mind, here are some tangible ways to uplift the other women in your network by leading through example: Develop and Display Confidence Confidence matters! Women may believe their ideas are not worthy if they are not perfect, thought out, and fully planned. As a result, women are more likely to underestimate their abilities despite all evidence that they are overqualified and overprepared. It takes practice and experience to develop confidence in our own ideas, opinions and thought processes. But once you strengthen your belief that you bring value to the table, women see that and emulate it. It’s empowering to share your wisdom and encourage others to speak up and share theirs. Sometimes just making the effort to seek out the opinions of the women around you will encourage them and enrich you. Share Your Story Building confidence starts from within, and sharing our personal experiences helps strengthen self-assurance. Much of the progress women have made was inspired by the stories of great women that came before us. Sharing your struggles along with your successes makes others feel like they’re not alone. Women are much more powerful when united because of the bonds of our shared experiences. Being open about your story and honest about how it has impacted you, opens the door for other women to share their own experiences. It is through this sharing that we learn more about the women around us, we gain a powerful network, and we enhance our own lives through the lessons of others. Be Respectful Behavioral scientist and personal development coach Dinorah Nieves, Ph.D. once stated, “We won’t all always agree with one another just because we share a gender identifier.” We’ve talked a lot about encouraging ourselves and others, but it’s important to acknowledge that our interactions with the women around us won’t always be positive. All of us have experienced being dismissed, have been left feeling unheard, or like our point of view was unimportant. It can be quite discouraging and can make us rage inside or become dismissive. Since we’ve all been through it, it stands to reason that when we find ourselves in a disagreement or tricky situation, the best course of action is respect. Make the effort to honor the intelligence of the women around us by treating each other with respect, even when it’s difficult. Invest in Yourself Personal growth is bound by our own limitations. It’s important to take the time to discover our goals and create plans to make them a reality. It could be taking a course to gain knowledge, working on an undeveloped skill, investing in self-care, or actively seeking a network of support. The point is – when we make ourselves a priority, we become more in tune with our abilities and contributions. Prioritizing and modeling our own importance encourages our self-confidence. When we recognize our own importance, it becomes obvious to others and empowers them to do the same. Provide Mentorship Once we have built up our own abilities through personal investment, we can pay it forward by being mentors. Michelle Obama once said; “I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.” As an impactful and influential woman, it’s powerful to hear her attribute her success to the support she received from other women. We each have a story and as a result, an opportunity to share with others. While it’s wonderful to have mentors helping us learn and grow towards our own goals, there will come a time when we can give back to others as well. Consider participating in formal or informal mentorships within your network. Women’s empowerment is accepting women’s viewpoints, making an effort to seek them, and raising the status of women through education, awareness, and training. In other words; active mutual support. The Optical Women’s Association does an excellent job of this through their networking, education, and peer support programs. But beyond the OWA, we can empower the women around us through our day-to-day actions. This year I encourage you to take the time to invest in yourself, build your confidence and self-worth and then give back to the network of women around you. We are all more powerful together. Written by: Holly Gough

The ClearVision-Adira Grant Program is now accepting submissions, but you may be wondering: Why are the Optical Women’s Association and ClearVision collaborating on this effort to champion women’s achievements and potential in this industry? ClearVision’s history with the OWA starts with Mimi Friedfeld, who alongside her husband Fred, started the company in 1949. An active participant in growing ClearVision, Mimi was a founding member of the OWA as well, using her expertise to set an example for other women in our industry. It’s that legacy of women leading that helped inform ClearVision’s women’s brand, Adira, which launched in 2023. Designed for every facet of women’s lives, the collection is meant to support them in all stages of their journeys. The brand was founded with a significant donation to the OWA. Part of that gift was intended to fund a grant program to aid in the OWA’s mission to enhance and promote the leadership role of women in the optical industry through networking, education, and peer support. Building on our respective histories, the OWA and ClearVision are thrilled to introduce the ClearVision-Adira Grant Program, specifically designed to support the burgeoning careers and ambitions of women within the optical industry. About the ClearVision-Adira Grant Program This program awards five grants, amounting to $2,000 each, in two rounds of opportunities. The first round is open now. First Round: Concludes on April 19, 2024, with two grants to be awarded. We are currently accepting submissions — ENTER HERE! Second Round: Scheduled to commence in August, this round will conclude at Vision Expo West, where three additional grants will be awarded. TO ENTER: OWA members should submit a 300-word essay on their personal or professional aspirations using one or more of the provided prompts. These prompts are designed to reflect the challenges, dreams, and achievements of women in our industry, asking participants to delve into their professional journeys and goals. ENTER HERE A panel comprised of members selected by both the OWA and ClearVision will review essay submissions and choose finalists. OWA members will then vote on which finalists will be awarded their grant. To ensure a fair and unbiased process, essays will be anonymized during the voting stage. Join Us in This Empowering Journey By participating in the ClearVision-Adira Grant Program, members have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on their careers and the broader optical community. We invite you to share your story, your challenges, and your dreams with us. For those interested in applying or learning more about the ClearVision-Adira Grant Program, detailed information on rules, eligibility, and the selection process can be found on the dedicated ClearVision-Adira Grant Program page.

When you are on the hunt for a new career opportunity, resume writing is most often thought of as a daunting task.  Whether you just tossed your cap, or you have been in the workforce for decades, your resume serves as a sneak peek to who you are and want to be in the work world.  When it comes to creating a resume these days it’s so much deeper than just bullets of information about your previous experience — the modern resume is more aligned with telling a business story of how you can be the answer for the employer, who needs to fill an opening on their team. The importance of a well-crafted resume in today’s competitive job market, especially in the close-knit optical industry, can be your advantage. Your emphasis on storytelling and showcasing success factors needs to be spot-on. Here are a few tips to enhance your resume: Tailor Your Resume For The Role You Want Customize your resume to attract the reader to highlighted skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Use keywords from the job description to ensure your resume passes through applicant tracking systems (ATS). Quantify Achievements Quantifiable achievements are crucial. Instead of just stating you increased sales, specify by what percentage or dollar amount. Use metrics to highlight your impact on business development, customer satisfaction, or any other relevant areas. Highlight Technological Proficiency Given the importance of technology in the modern workplace, emphasize your proficiency with relevant tools and software in the optical industry. Include any certifications or training related to technology that showcase your adaptability. Focus on Soft Skills In addition to technical skills, highlight your soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, and communication. These are often critical in the optical industry, especially in roles involving patient care or customer interactions.  Employers are also looking for the culture fit just as much as applicant skillsets. Networking on LinkedIn Leverage LinkedIn not only as a platform to showcase your professional profile but also as a networking tool. Connect with professionals in the optical industry, participate in relevant groups and engage in conversations to expand your network. Address Career Progression Clearly outline your career progression, emphasizing promotions, increased responsibilities and any special projects you’ve led. This helps convey a sense of growth and initiative, indicating your readiness for the next level in your career. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter Your cover letter should complement your resume by providing additional context to your career goals, aspirations and how you align with the company’s values. Use it to tell a story about your journey and express your enthusiasm for the role. Show Continuous Learning Showcase any ongoing professional development, courses, or workshops you’ve attended to demonstrate your commitment to staying current in the optical industry. Remember, your resume is not just a document, it’s your professional story. By following these tips, you can further enhance your chances of standing out in the competitive job market within the ever-growing optical industry. Written by Madalyn Moeller

Growth is the winding vine that wraps around the stake planted in the career garden. In over 2 decades in Talent Management coaching and career development, this dialogue most frequently comes up when exploring where job satisfaction originates. Most importantly, we must learn how to plant the right seeds towards career fulfillment, how to write the story that will define your own fruitful version of success, and how to accurately gauge if in fact there is greener pasture. Personal Leadership Can Be Broadly Defined At any juncture and in any role, it is possible to take on new missions and expand career potential.  Growth may look like a change of duties or a shift of mindset; for example, to apply new technology to a challenge, approach an issue with a different perspective, or incorporate a new skill. Gaining new knowledge or introducing efficiency into a process can make you more valuable and can lead to new ways to participate in projects or teams. While some leaders are given formal titles, there are truly impressive humans in every company who go above and beyond because they have an unmatched work ethic, a unique style of solving complex challenges, or are attuned to helping others achieve more than they thought possible. These individuals make a difference through the way they interact with others and the way they approach their duties. Finding a Great Example of Personal Leadership If you think back, you can likely remember a time when you looked up to someone – perhaps it was to a beloved family member, a favorite athlete, actor, or singer. Role models serve as a framework for success, and as we emerge into our own identity, it can be easy to forget their importance. Consider individuals who you admire in the workplace and the qualities or capabilities that make them stand out. Are they knowledgeable? Do they offer clever ideas? When they speak, do others consider them to be credible? Have they created a circumstance that helps others to do their best work? Are they known for offering support or practical solutions? Do they jazz others to share ideas or extend beyond their typical comfort zone? Do you notice that they have an unusual ability to make connections? Are they skilled at building rapport with ease? Is it likely that before long a new face becomes their fast friend? Might this person make others feel seen and heard through their efforts? Are they impressively intuitive, anticipating how someone may react to a situation or do they appear to keenly understand what might be inspiring for others? Does this person get sought out for new workplace missions? Are they the top draft pick for every committee? Would they be invaluable when navigating an unexpected opportunity? These are just a few examples that show how individuals can have tremendous value in how a business operates and can become distinguishing capabilities for standout recognition. Growing Actively All the Time Developing a mental model of what you wish to emulate and/or areas where you seek to further improve upon can help to focus your growth efforts.  In reflection, defining how and where you want to refine is one helpful tool to crafting your own special blend of personal leadership. Let’s look at those concepts from all angles, like examining fine art. Reflect: In what situations are you often called upon for help? Refine: In what scenarios would you like to be considered as a substantive resource more often? Reflect: When and where do you find yourself making an impact? Refine: How could you amplify your reach in the future?  What is holding you back? Reflect: Beyond what you accomplish, HOW do you make it happen? Refine: What capabilities or skills do you summon to yield results?  Could that capability or skill be applied in other circumstances more effectively? Reflect: When you encounter a complex situation with various stakeholders, how do you steer or influence the outcome? Refine: Do you often leave an impasse believing that all parties’ needs were met and everyone walked away satisfied? How could you navigate these touchy moments more productively or diplomatically? Reflect: From whom might you learn how to refine your own tactics and approaches? Refine: Where may you want to approach situations differently, but authentically? Reflect: Are there times when you should pass off duties to others or work to train a colleague to free up your own time? Refine: Learning when, where and how to delegate can be among the most significant leadership capabilities. This can free up your time for new opportunities and serves to upskill others, which may just be on that person’s leadership list! Adjusting your style and approach can initially feel unnatural or even frustrating. Taking the time to challenge yourself and reflect where positive progress has been made and where you wish to keep focusing is an important component of your growth recipe.  When you are open to considering other methods, you may uncover an entire pathway to more fulfillment.  You can challenge yourself to stretch and experiment with new mannerisms.  That toolkit expansion is growth, and that willingness to keep evolving looks so good on you ! Step Away From Your Resume Rather than wait for someone to notice your ambitions and potential, there are conversations you could be proactively having: How do you demonstrate curiosity in what you are working on? How might new technology play a role in helping to make your work more dynamic or more streamlined? If there were a new assignment that hasn’t been done before, how might you share an interest in becoming involved? Does anyone know what ambitions you have to keep expanding your impact? Are you someone who is open to being a pioneer and trying something new that hasn’t been done before? What are some of the challenges that require you to problem solve or troubleshoot? When has your input saved the day?  How could you build upon that? Have you let your leader know that there are specific areas of focus that you recognize need some beefing up (time management, organizational skills, public speaking, business writing…)? Before you get the itch to explore a new company, consider opportunities to take on new responsibilities or to enhance your own professional development – you could attend a training seminar or conference, work with a coach, partake in a field experience, or get paired with a buddy/mentor. Any of these tactics can unlock a brand-new pathway of thinking, planning or purposefully executing your duties. 10 Great Ways To Get Invited To Do Something New at Work Some interesting growth steps: Jump in to assist to lessen others’ burden and maximize your learning. Pro-tip: offer to take notes at a meeting or support any initiative where you wouldn’t ordinarily be asked to attend. Acquire perspective by looking for complementary tasks to help you understand the scope of impact of your typical tasks. What activities or steps take place before or after your duties? Support the assessment of others involved in duties. This may perhaps be through interviewing, buddy proofing, documenting training guides, or creating statements of work. Become known as a Learn-It-All – way more powerful than a Know-It-All! Earn a reputation as someone who is in touch with new information and reads, listens, watches and shares industry information or new trends. Volunteer to do additional research on a new facet that has been in the news but is not yet implemented. Become a conduit to ideation and process improvements. Solicit input on ways you can continue to expand your reach. Candidly inquire about development areas that you can get working on. Where are your blind spots that are holding your back? What training might be recommended?  Being receptive to feedback makes it easier for others to offer input in real time. Great ideas often need a few iterations and can become more effective when work is critiqued at various stages to keep improving. Ask others to spit-ball ideas with you or become someone else’s brainstorm buddy. High standards show others that you value quality work and are willing to invest time and effort to deliver. Make an effort to show that your work is complete, thoughtful, and expansive by anticipating what the audience or customer will expect.  This includes internal customers and colleagues who are looking for excellence and ease of partnering. Working with individuals who are timely and organized can make work a pleasure. Are you seen as reliable and comprehensive in your solutions? Have you contemplated building in time for the unexpected hiccups that could occur? Listening with your whole body and all your senses to what is said, as well as what is being transmitted by body language or implicit messaging, ensures that you are someone others want to communicate with regularly. Becoming known for excellence will permeate all that you do and the reputation you attain. As you gain credibility through proactivity, you will often be sought out to participate. It is amazing what can be accomplished when you intentionally steer your career. Beat the Myths There are some consistent themes and frequent myths that can trip up even the most motivated from nurturing a flourishing career: Myth:  Leadership looks like managing people. Truth: Leadership has many flavors – some leaders lead teams, while others are functional experts known for being credible authorities in their discipline. Myth: To acquire status, one has to move to a different organization. Truth: Align with a company that shares your values, makes an effort to solicit your opinion, and recognizes your accomplishments. Many remarkable individuals have grown with their business over time and had the opportunity to advance in different roles, as the business grows in tandem. Myth: You should be certain about how you want to grow. Truth: Being open to new duties and experiences allows you and your company to grow together. There may be capabilities that you possess and haven’t had a chance to deploy or to strengthen yet.  Rather than get fixated on one sure growth path, stay flexible, communicative, and energized around trying new things and being an adaptive resource wherever the need arises. Myth: It is entirely up to the organization to determine what your growth plan will be. Truth: Organizations are dynamic entities that are comprised of humans working together to pursue goals and initiatives. When fortunate, a person takes note of your contribution and helps to steer you to participate and keep learning.  Realistically, each individual is responsible for directing their own career efforts.  It is very empowering to discover ways to grow that are personally meaningful and interesting.  Don’t keep that a secret – hare it and ask your leader or colleagues to help keep you accountable for making that vision become a reality. Myth: Growth is a destination — a promotion, a level of certification, an acceptance into a group. Truth: While those milestones can be satisfying and may be indicative of knowledge acquisition or a version of recognition for efforts, the real growth will take place when you are able to do more things than before or have the chance to learn new skills that you did not previously possess.  Your internal definition of growth will also need to line up with the picture you craft of why that growth matters. Setting ambitious and feasible action plans will likely yield more overall satisfaction when achieved. Myth: Your career path is static and already set. Truth: Challenge accepted: let’s consider each day an opportunity to keep being curious! Exploring the world around you allows you to continue to learn, to acquire new skills, and to continuously challenge yourself.  If we set our professional goals to be ever-expanding and evolving then growth is not merely a destination, but rather a way of thinking and being at work. Reach for the Moon While some individuals steer with a straight path to accomplishment, many journey through exploration and curiosity to find innovative ways to contribute to their company and to expand their reach.  Realistically, some organizations may be more attuned to welcoming growth-seekers than others.  If you find yourself in a circumstance where there are chances to challenge yourself, express your interests, and you are encouraged to participate and add input, then you have found a growth haven. The greenest grass exists when you love what you do, are stimulated by learning and doing and feel supported by the professional community within which you operate. Dig right in, identify role models, and plot your success course! Written by Jennifer Trakhtenberg

When was the last time you were afraid? (Perhaps you’re experiencing something right now.) What impact did it have on you? (Anxiety, depression, anger, paralysis?) How did you overcome it? (It’s often easier said than done.) A natural mechanism for human survival, G. Stanley Hall, the first president of the American Psychological Association and founder of the American Journal of Psychology, described “fear” as the “anticipation of pain”. Though fear can be triggered by the prospect of myriad physical, mental, or emotional outcomes, the common denominator of many of our fears is uncertainty. Welcoming a child as a first-time parent? (Am I ready for this?) Interviewing for that promotion or next career step? (Am I qualified?) Venturing into entrepreneurship? (What if…) The uncertainty looming around each spawns fear in many (myself included). However, through your past experiences (surviving prior occasions!), you develop a degree of certainty, reasoning based on your observations and experience. This is why something you may have been afraid of earlier in your life may impart little to no fear in you today. Second child? Check! Professional advancement? You got this! Business or practice ownership? Look how far you’ve come! In personal and professional life, overcoming our fears is an exercise in mindfulness—paying careful attention to the facts, taking ownership of our controllables, and being proactive with each step along the path of progress. So, in the face of the unknown, the source of fear, what is certain? Vision— your goals and the desired impact you wish to have for others and yourself. Your personal vision depicts what your future state will look like and sets defined direction for planning and progress. Process— the series of actions or steps you shall take to have impact and achieve your goals. Your personal processes are the controllable activities you execute to progress towards your desired future state. Perseverance— persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success. Your perseverance is your commitment to that desired future state—prioritizing, doing what is necessary, learning from failure, adapting, progressing. Your Vision, Process, & Perseverance are the foundations for progress, indispensable to your development, the catalysts for achieving goals. And amidst the countless uncertainties and uncontrollables that breed “fear”, they provide certainty, solid bedrock, the pillars for progress. In the face of “fear”, remaining mindful and committed to your Vision, Process, & Perseverance will settle your nerves, provide direction, and empower you to grow and progress towards that desired future state. Written by Erich H. Mattei

Vision Expo East will soon be live in New York City! The OWA is hosting 2 events during the conference. We welcome everyone to join us at one or more of these events to network with your colleagues and learn more about what the OWA has to offer. REGISTER FOR VISION EXPO EAST 2024 OWA Champagne Breakfast Celebrating Women in Leadership Date & Time: Thursday, March 14, 2024, 8:00 – 9:30 AM Location: Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway, New York, NY 10018 Please join us at the spectacular Gotham Hall to celebrate our 2024 OWA award recipients: Rebecca Giefer (Modo): Pleiades Award Trudi Charest (Total Focus Consulting/Marketing 4ECPs): Pyxis Award Reagan Colpitts (Safilo): Emerging Leader Award We are also excited to announce that, for only the second time in OWA history, we will be presenting a Lifetime Achievement Award to OWA founding member, Marge Axelrad (Jobson)! Celebrate these amazing women in an elegant setting while enjoying a champagne breakfast. Don’t wait to reserve your seat today for this extra-special event — we are expecting another sell-out crowd! Registration Details: Registration Deadline: Monday, March 4, 2024 Reserved Tickets Before 2/15/2024 — $70 per individual member, $80 per individual non-member, or $700 per table of 10. Reserved Tickets After 2/15/2024 — $85 per individual or $800 per table of 10. MORE INFO & REGISTRATION Stars, Sips, & Scholarships Networking Event Date & Time: Friday, March 15, 2024, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM EST Location: Javits Center, South Concourse Hall E Atrium429 11th Ave, New York, NY 10001 Please join us on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the OWA Star Award Cocktail Reception & Networking Event! This event will be held in the South Concourse Hall E Atrium in the Javits Convention Center to allow easy access for our industry professionals. Members and non-members alike can network while enjoying cocktails from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Although there is no charge to attend, your RSVP is greatly appreciated! Registration Deadline: Friday, March 1, 2024 MORE INFO & RSVP