Author Sheryl Roush Interviewed on “Mornings” FamilyNet Radio Show

Heart of a Military Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Interviews| No Comments »

Author Sheryl Roush Interviewed on
"Mornings" FamilyNet Radio Show

Sheryl Roush was interviewed on "Mornings with Lorri and Larry," live on FamilyNet.com Sirius Radio Channel 161 February 17, during the 6-9am/Eastern prime drive-time. A guest favorite for her energy and inspiration, this was Sheryl’s fourth appearance on the show.

Lorri Allen invited the 12-time author for a 12-minute guest spot interview regarding her recent publication release of Heart of a Woman in Business, and to solicit submissions for the forthcoming Heart of a Military Woman book, being co-authored with retired Master Sgt. USAF Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez.

"Mornings" co-host Larry Estepa, asked Sheryl why women can be “mean” in the workplace…you will have to hear his pointed questions to Sheryl, and how she tactfully responds with composure and insight! Roush is an 8-time business owner (since the age of 16), and former executive with major firms.

Heart of a Woman in Business is available at Amazon.com, or personally inscribed copies from author Sheryl Roush at the Sparkle Presentations, Inc.’s Sparkle Store.

Sheryl Roush is a sought-after professional speaker and is available to present at conferences, womens’ events and organizations.
www.SherylRoush.com

Email Sheryl@SherylRoush.com

 

 

VIEW OTHER BOOKS –AND MUSIC IN THIS SERIES:
Click on title to view each book.

Heart of a Woman (printed)
Heart of a Military Woman (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of a Mother (printed)
Heart of a Mother (printed with Bonus Music CD)
Heart of a Mother …  Music CD
Heart of the Holidays (printed) ….. and on Kindle
Heart of the Holidays … Music CD
Heart of a Woman in Business (printed)

Corazon de Mujer
(printed) (Heart of a Woman in Spanish)

New Title in the Heart Book Series Announced!

Heart of a Military Woman| 5 Comments »

New Title in the Heart Book Series Announced!
JANUARY 6, 2009

Sparkle Press, a division of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., announced today the forthcoming title in the popular and quickly growing Heart Book Series, created only three years ago.

Heart of a Military Woman will be released before Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2009 and join the series of inspirational gift books by Sheryl Roush: Heart of a WomanHeart of a Mother,  Heart of the HolidaysHeart of a Woman in Business, and  Corazon de Mujer (Heart of a Woman in Spanish).

Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez is co-author of Heart of a Military Woman. Passionate about touching the lives of female veterans and being a retired veteran with 23 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force, Eldonna is teaching women how to take more RISK in their lives for maximum results. When she enlisted in October 1980, women made up only 8% of the military and today although more than doubled still only 20%. Professionally, Eldonna is a contract specialist in purchasing, negotiation and administration of government contracts. She is the President of Dynamic Vision International, based in Redondo Beach, California.

Personally, she’s a single mother of two, an award-winning speaker, on the board of the Women’s Peace Campaign and a certified master results coach. Even more personally, Eldonna shares her story in Heart of a Woman in Business, "I was a high school dropout who was told by my teachers and parents that I would never amount to anything. Born to two alcoholic parents, I grew up neglected and abused. The military was my saving grace and I fought hard again that ‘loser’ expectation, excelling in my military career. I became a leader, manager, and networking expert. I earned two associates and a bachelor’s degree while on active duty (and raising two children on her own) as well as the highest level of professional certification in my field."

Eldonna co-authors with Sheryl Roush, the author of the book series, a noted professional speaker, and is herself an ex-Navy wife, compassionate to those choosing a military lifestyle and grateful to their incredible dedication.

Submissions are welcome to this inspirational collection of original short stories, poems and quotations…. regarding ANY active or retired military.
Due August 15, submissions may be up to 1,200 words long, and are to emailed to: Eldonna@HeartBookSeries.com  
Indicate "Book Submission" in the subject line.
Email in text, or attach a Word.doc.

Mail submissions to:
Sparkle Press
Attn: Heart of a Military Woman Book
P.O. Box 2373
La Mesa, CA 91943-2373 USA

There are no fees to contribute, and no fees paid for published works.
For more details: Sheryl@HeartBookSeries.com

Dec. 20 Sheryl Roush Book Signing Event at Borders

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Dec. 20 Sheryl Roush Book Signing Event at Borders

Heart Book Series Contributors
Signing & Reading Event


UNIQUE MULTI-AUTHOR EVENT!

Sheryl Roush and contributors to the Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays and  Corazón de Mujer books will be autographing copies on Saturday, December 20 from 2:00-6:00pm at BORDERS bookstore in Eastlake of Chula Vista, San Diego County, California.

More than a book signing, contributors will READ THEIR original STORY or POEM to shoppers! Contributors present will include: Helen Blanchard, Dharlene Fahl-BrittianConsuelo Sanchez, Adria Manary, Eldonna Lewis-Fernandez, Elisa Castaneda, Lanie Adamson, Lyn White, Michelle Burkart, Morgana Rae, Effie Horning, Michelle Weisser, and Sheryl’s mother Beverly Roush,
joining series originator Sheryl Roush from San Diego. The group will be celebrating with dinner locally following the book signing event.

COME MEET THESE AUTHORS and have your books personally autographed!

Perfect for Holidays gifts!

BORDERS
Eastlake Chula Vista

878 Eastlake Parkway
Chula Vista, CA 91914
Store Phone: 619.482.9883

Heart of a Woman in Business Book Review by Coach Laura at Women in Joy

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"Heart of a Woman in Business"
Book Review
by Coach Laura
at Women in Joy

November 12th, 2008

Blog post at Women in JoyAsk Coach Laura.

Once again sparkling speaker and author Sheryl Roush has compiled a beautiful collection of wisdom for women in business. Recently, her book, Heart of a Woman in Business was released.

Whether you want to be inspired or informed, this book is a compilation of tremendous wisdom and creative writing. Sheryl Roush has outdone herself. She has put together a group of amazing women and their body of knowledge for every working woman. Just by flipping through the book I’ve already learned how to take a better photo, leadership tips and Benjamin Franklin’s Thirteen Virtues, how to be a more effective leader, learn to cultivate abundance,  to simply reminding you why you are an incredible woman. There are inspirational quotes, communication tips and more. Pick up this book because it may have just the tip you need.

It is an honor to be a contributor amongst so many other brilliant women–80 contributing authors. Look for my story entitled, "Rejuvenating the Heart of a Success Oriented Woman."

This is an incredible book. Once you have it, you’ll want a copy for each of your friends. So check it out today

AUTOGRAPHED COPIES ORDER HERE:
Heart of a Woman in Business:
Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success

Through Amazon.com order here.

"Coach Laura"
Laura Rubinstein is helping women around the world embrace their feminine power and create the relationships they desire. Laura is passionate about creating great relationships and helping women make joy a number one priority their lives. When women understand that joy is their birthright and they have the power to create it, their lives turn around, relationships flourish and success happens.

National Business Women’s Week Poem: Heart of a Woman in Business

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National Business Women’s Week Poem:
Heart of a Woman in Business

This is the opening poem to the new book,
Heart of a Woman in Business:

Stories, Strategies and Skills for
Business Success
,
by Sheryl L. Roush



Heart of a Woman in Business

by Sheryl L. Roush

A woman in business is like no other
Multi-brilliant at work, and often too, a mother.
Guided by vision to make a difference in this world,
Reporting for service, with her hair even curled.
Ready to go, whenever the need
She knows in her heart, there’s a calling to feed.
To do right, to speak up, determined to succeed
A role model that plants the possibility seed.
Knows who she is, right down to the core
Her essence, her passion—shine all the more!
She’s in charge with a handle on it all.
At the office, at home, or at the mall.
Even in the depth of all she may know
Realizes there’s still plenty room to grow.
So energetic, creative and fun…
Early rise, there’s much to be done!
She still finds time to laugh and to play
Sacred time too, to kneel and to pray
It comes from inside, driven by vision,
Get on board – she’s on a great mission!
Her daily prayer resides in God’s grace
Serving others from her heart sets the pace
Making use of her talent, wisdom and skill
From strengths and trust in Divine will.
Gentle, compassionate, loving and strong
In this sisterhood of success you want to belong
Anything she puts her heart to she can do
She’s not alone sis’ta – as you can too!
The road to get here has been quite a ride
“Call me ‘Woman’– it’s my source of pride!”
Come along, she’s blazin’ new trail
A woman in business—whom we all hail!
-Sheryl L. Roush
©2008 Sheryl L. Roush, All rights reserved.

Permission to distribute or publish this poem, you must include author and book credit.

Sheryl Roush is an 8-time business entrepreneur, starting her first business at the young age of 16 in the patio of her parent’s home. She is a top-rated international speaker, inspiring people to bring their heart to work. Her programs rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement. www.SparklePresentations.com

Order your autographed printed copy of Heart of a Woman in Business book before October 31, 2008, and receive the FREE eBook version of Sparkle-Tudes! inspirational quotations for & by women, also written by Sheryl L. Roush. Order directly from the Sparkle Store at www.SparklePresentations.com for this offer.
(CLICK HERE FOR SPECIAL OFFER)

National Business Women’s Week – Oct. 20-24 – Stats of Interest

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National Business Women’s Week
October 20-24 – Stats of Interest

More than 70 years ago, President Herbert Hoover designated the third week of October as "National Business Women’s Week."

Founded in 1919, Business and Professional Women/USA (BPW/USA), a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization committed to career advancement and professional development for female professionals nationwide, has celebrated this annual awareness-raising event ever since. Each year, most of the Washington, D.C.-based organization’s 2,000 local chapters honor outstanding businesswomen and corporations that value female employees.

Here are some current facts and figures about women and the labor force that can help human resources specialists put women and work into perspective for their organizations’ own culture and diversity initiatives.

1. There were 61 million women in the labor force in 1998. Seventy-four percent (45 million) were employed full-time and 26 percent (16 million) worked part-time.

2. In 1999, 60 percent of women age 16 and over were either working or looking for work, Nearly three out of four women between the ages of 20 and 54 were labor force participants.

3. Women’s share of the labor force reached 46 percent in 1994 and has remained at this level. By 2005, women are expected to make up 48 percent of the labor force.

4. In 1998, 40.7 percent of employed women worked in technical, sales, and administrative support occupations, 31.4 percent worked in managerial and professional fields, and 17.5 percent worked in service occupations.

5. In 1998, 3.7 million women were multiple job-holders, compared with 4.2 million men.

6. Women accounted for half of the 5.6 million contingent workers (temporary help agency workers, independent contractors, part-time and temporary workers) in 1997.

7. The labor force participation rate for working mothers in 1998 was 71.8 percent. The participation rate for married mothers with children under a year old was 57.6 percent, and the rate for unmarried mothers with children under a year old was 58.8 percent.

8. In 1999, 255,000 women in their 70s, 80s, and 90s were employed or actively seeking employment in the United States, an 80 percent increase since 1985. The U.S. Social Security Administration projects that more than 7 million people aged 65 and over will fill the labor force by 2020, and 3 million of them will be women.

Source: BPW/USA’s 101 Facts on the Status of Working Women, Washington, DC., www.bpwusa.org
Source: BNET Business Network

National Business Women’s Week: Recommended Reading

Heart of a Woman in Business| 1 Comment »

National Business Women’s Week:
Recommended Reading

This week is the nationally celebrated as National Business Women’s Week, acknowledging the accomplishments of working women everywhere.

Released September 9th and in honor of this annual celebration, Sheryl Roush released the newest book in the Heart Book Series, Heart of a Woman in Business, is an inspirational and professional treasury of original short stories, poems and quotations from over 80 contributors.

Heart of a Woman in Business is an inspirational collection celebrating working women and their unique contributions to the workplace. This "here’s how" book combines sisters-sharing-with-sisters insight with guidance, ideas, stories, and "I am doing it, you can too!" encouragement. It is a powerful book written by and for entrepreneurs, executives, professionals, part-timers, free-lancers, retirees, and working mothers. Experts, coaches, speakers, trainers, retirees, share their top tips, secrets and advice in conversational tone.

Contributors include: Andrea Glass, Christine Kloser, Darlene M. Fahl-Brittian, Debbie Allen, Debbie Lousberg, Helen Blanchard, Jeanie Callen Barat, Juliet Funt, Linda Salazar, Lynn Pierce, Marcia Reynolds, Sharon Wilson and "Dr. Zonnya" Laferney.

Sheryl Roush, an eight-time entrepreneur since age 16, knows a thing or two about being a woman in business. From competing in men’s sports beginning at age 8, to replacing men in corporate positions at age 20, and succeeding in traditionally male-dominated industries and organizations. She is the President and CEO of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, California. Organizations hire her to rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement, from creating positive work environments to enhancing communication skills, and boosting morale and cooperation. Some of her clients include: 7-Up; IBM; Sheraton; Stampin’ Up!; Sony, the Women in Publishing Society, Hong Kong; Union Bank; US Census Bureau; Womens’ Council of Realtors; Women in Business Symposiums; and the Zoological Society of San Diego. Her other books include: Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Mother, Heart of the Holidays, Corazon de Mujer, and Sparkle-Tudes!

For autographed copies of the book, click here.
To learn more about Sheryl Roush visit www.SparklePresentations.com.

Meet the Contributors: Dr. Zonnya “First Lady of Motivation”

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Meet the Contributors:
Dr. Zonnya “First Lady of Motivation”

The new Heart of a Woman in Business book, authored by Sheryl Roush, boasts over eighty professional women as contributors, sharing their original short stories, poems, quotations, insights and business tips.

Meet contributor Dr. Zonnya!
Four of her works are showcased in the Heart of a Woman in Business book.
Her motivational short "Be a Dreamer," and her poem "I’m Not Finished with Me Yet" appear
in the chapter entitled Inspiration for the Heart. "Keep a Positive Attitude with Positive Communication" in the Businesswoman & Motherhood chapter offers a bulleted list of loving suggestions for communicating effectively with your children, as well as adults. Published in the Nurturing Our Mind, Body & Spirit chapter is Zonnya’s list of "20 Ways to Be Wealthier and Healthier."

Dr. Zonnya is known as the “First Lady of Motivation” and “God’s Woman of Encouragement.”  She speaks to over 200 of the Fortune 500 Companies, National Organizations, Conventions, Associations, High Schools, College and University Campuses, Prisons, Youth Groups, Churches and many more.

Dr. Z (as she is most affectionately called), attended Missouri University at the age of 15, graduating at 19.  Her majors were Business, Psychology and Communications and she is also a member of Delta, Delta, Delta Sorority. Her Professional Career has included; Social Worker, Real Estate Sales, Public Relations, Entertainer, Corporate Consultant, Writer, Teacher, Professor, Motivator, Movie Co-Star, Life Coach, and Minister.

Dr. Zonnya is a favorite television guest and has been interviewed by Oprah, Phil Donahue, Sally Jessy, Sonya Live, CNN, Good Morning America, TBN, Day Star, and hosts her own International Empowerment radio talk show. 

Her writings have been internationally published and include “Get Off Your Yo-Yo! Achieve Balance in Your Daily Life,” “Life Systems; A Journey in Loving – Caring – Sharing,” “Turning Tragedy into Triumph,” “Stop Setting Goals, Start Choosing Results”, “God’s Systems on Success”, “Balanced Living”, “Systems on Success for 365 Days,” “Systems on Success” and “Think and Get Rich.”

Honored by The United States Senate, as well as, honored by states and cities for her “distinguished service to the betterment of others through her teachings and personal commitment.”

Dr. Zonnya shares her trainings in all arenas of life.  She speaks with electrifying energy, infectious enthusiasm, contagious inspiration, and powerful impact.

The dominant result of Dr. Zonnya is to “touch lives with inspiration, information, encouragement and motivation.” 

Her additional accomplishments include:
•    International Motivational Trainer
•    Personal Development Trainer for over 20 years
•    Recipient of the Most Prestigious Dale Carnegie
     “International Good Human Relations Award.”
•    Best Selling Author of over 7 Internationally Published Books
•    Professor at Beacon University
•    Business Owner and Leader since the Age of 20
•    Motivational Movie Star featured in … “PASS IT ON”
•    Motivational Radio Personality featured in …
     “Dr Zonnya’s Empowerment Hour”

For more information, or to contact directly:
Dr. Zonnya
Call Toll Free 1-888-725-9103
www.drzonnya.org

For your copy of the book order from Amazon.com, or for an autographed copy from author Sheryl Roush, through secure PayPal.

Meet the Contributors: Debra Snider

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Meet the Contributors: Debra Snider

The new Heart of a Woman in Business book, authored by Sheryl Roush, boasts over eighty professional women as contributors, sharing their original short stories, poems, quotations, insights and business tips.

Meet contributor Debra Snider!
Two of her works are showcased in the Heart of a Woman in Business book:
"The Nature of Leadership and Personal Ambition," is an excerpt from her novel
A Merger of Equals."  Suit Yourself and Become a Star" offers a detailed bulleted list of tips in the chapter entitled Best Practices, Strategies & Ideas.

Debra Snider is an author, speaker, no-longer-practicing lawyer and former financial services senior executive.  Her novel A Merger of Equals has been called "the thinking woman’s dream–a fun story chock-full of important and inspiring lessons about the true nature of personal and professional success." 

Debra has two grown children with her husband of 31 years and is a relatively recent transplant from Chicago to Henderson, Nevada. In addition to being a swimmer and a blackjack player, Debra is on the Executive Council of Reading In Motion, an innovative arts-based literacy program dedicated to improving literacy in Chicago’s most disadvantaged kids. She is also a member of The Chicago Network, Chicago’s premier group of businesswomen, and on the Advisory Board of The Corporate Legal Standard, Inc.

For more information, check out:
http://www.debrasnider.com/
http://debrasnider.blogspot.com/

Meet the Contributors: Lidia S. Martinez, Southwest Airlines

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Meet the Contributors: Lidia S. Martinez, Southwest Airlines

With the release of the Heart of a Woman in Business a full three weeks early, contributors to the book are thrilled to receive copies earlier than planned.

Pictured here is Lidia S. Martinez, Manager of Corporate Community Affairs for Southwest Airlines.

Her lighthearted clip appears in the  "Committing to Excellence" chapter of the book:

Going Nuts!
Find a purpose you are crazy about and go nuts! Southwest Airlines Employees are often accused of being nuts – when in fact all we are is celebrating life. We celebrate each other. We celebrate our Customers. And we celebrate being different!

In addition to celebrating her 18th year loving working for Southwest Airlines, Lidia is a devoted wife to Ted and loving mother of two, a sweetheart of a charitable lady, Chair of the National Board of Directors for MANA-a National Latina Organization, and September 17 received the “Hispanic Heritage Month Local Heroes” Award for Business from KPBS (public television) and Union Bank of California. In her desire to empower future leaders, she supports Girl Scouts, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE), and the Heart of Los Angeles Youth (HOLA). The program airs on September 30 at 10:00pm Pacific on KPBS.

For your copy of the book order from Amazon.com, or for an autographed copy from author Sheryl Roush, through secure PayPal.

The Gifts in Each and Every Job

Heart of a Woman in Business, Stories| No Comments »

Story submission for the Heart of a Woman in Business book by Sheryl Roush
releasing October 1, 2008

The Gifts in Each and Every Job

In my work as a career coach, I consistently advise my clients to look for the gifts in every job, especially the current one where they may most feel trapped and miserable. It’s well worth the time to review and identify the very best lesson, experience, or skill picked up from each position in each company. This exercise helps replace feelings of regret or dissatisfaction with gratitude and appreciation which helps a person move on toward success and realizing their full potential.

Being a coach who believes in “walking the talk,” I too have performed this analysis on my own job history. My very first job while in high school as a “kennel girl” at a veterinarian’s office taught me about customer service, the business side of pet care, and showed me the true value of pets in human lives. Summer jobs during college as an office clerk at a copper mine gave me opportunities to learn new skills and understand the operations of a large company. Retail work during the school year provided spending money and a social network.

As my focus on pursuing a career after college increased, I became aware of a different level of gifts and lessons. Working for small, entrepreneurial companies built the desire and experience needed to follow my dream of owning a business. A career in the staffing industry allowed me to hone my operations and supervisory skills and to understand the importance of matching employee talents with the right job. A position as a project manager gave me the appreciation of seemingly minute details required to implement new processes. I can look back at each and every job ever held and clearly see why I was there and how it helped me get to where I am today – the owner of successful career coaching and organizational training company. 

However, there was one job experience that baffled me. About 12 years ago, I spent two years working in a large retail organization moving up through the ranks to Assistant Manager of a multi-million dollar store. The gift of this job continued to elude me during my review over the years of its many components. It was perhaps one of my least gratifying jobs with more negative memories than positive. I could easily identify lessons learned about those things I didn’t want to repeat–the awful hours, a restrictive environment, and poor management practices. I knew there had to be something good there and was determined to pinpoint it. Just recently, I did find that one gift.

Like most of us, the values and priorities I expected from my work life shifted and I moved from being so very work focused to having a more holistic view of all my life’s components. Other facets developed and took precedence: the love of family and friends, the importance of life-work balance, good health, spirituality, and the need for a sense of meaning and purpose in all my activities. As I reviewed that particular job again after having made this mental shift, the gift became very clear–my friend Sharon.

Sharon was my co-assistant manager at the store and we developed a fun working relationship–first based on our mutual discontent and knowing that there was a better way to work–and then from our curiosity and true appreciation of each other’s strengths.  Eventually, we each found different job directions and moved on with our careers outside of that retail experience. Our friendship then really blossomed and became a strong and supportive one. When it’s so easy to stay in touch and get together regularly, even years later, that is a sign to me of something truly meant to be. Through these last dozen years, we have helped each other through life’s ups and downs and share an unbreakable bond–one based on trust, respect, and love. 

Now I look back on that one particular job and see how its gift was the best of all–a constant reminder of what’s truly important, more so than the paycheck, the career path, or any work related lesson – the precious gift of friendship.

 

Debbie Lousberg
Career Coach and Trainer
www.SmartCareerMoves.net

My Life at The Pentagon

Heart of a Woman in Business, Stories| 1 Comment »

Story submission for Heart of a Woman in Business by Sheryl Roush

My Life at The Pentagon

The metal cabinet filled with office supplies rattled under the fierce pounding of the young major’s unrelenting fists. We had just come out of the conference room. The clanging and clacking sent the other officers and civilians scurrying to their cubicles like kids playing hide and seek. The roar hung overhead like a threatening thunderstorm.

While I stood there in disbelief, thinking of my options, the sound floated into the hallway—the primal scream of a mortally wounded dinosaur. Should I meet him on his terms? Should I retaliate? I turned without a word, went into my office, and closed the door. It is better to act than to react.

Major Miller did not agree with a course of action I had laid out for him. We discussed it, but I did not adopt his way of thinking.  He could not contain his anger. In my nine years on the Army Staff in the Pentagon, this was the only incident when someone so strongly and openly disagreed with me.

Coming to work in the Pentagon was distasteful for many officers. There is a popular cliché portrayed on postcards and other memorabilia, “Happiness is the Pentagon in the rear view mirror.” Officers coming into our division usually had been in command of troops. They were accustomed to being the leader in their units. In the Pentagon, they had a desk job in a cubicle, without a secretary or staff of any kind. Yet, a tour of duty in the Pentagon was necessary for moving up in the ranks. There, officers learned things they would never be exposed to in the units, like the culmination of the budget process, force planning data and assumptions, and preparing general officers for their Congressional testimony, among many things. They also had an opportunity to work closely with civilians in the Department of Defense.

Major Miller is a good man, a dedicated soldier with sound values. He had simply encountered a different kind of tension in this job, a civilian woman in authority, and he didn’t know how to handle it. The sound of his pounding floated into the office of the Director, a Major General (two stars insignia). After a short while the general’s executive officer (XO), crossed the hall. He knew that my boss was on Temporary Duty, out of town. The XO opened my office door, stuck his head in and asked “Is everything okay?” I nodded, “Yes.” He closed the door and went back to his office. That sign of affirmation and trust, and others like it, kept me going when otherwise my knees may have buckled.

After some time, Major Miller regained his composure and came in to see me, apologetic and ready to get to work. I was neither vindictive nor angry. His outburst had not diminished my standing or my self-esteem. He soon transferred out of the office.

During times of emergency regular duty hours in our area went out the window. Often it was 7:00 PM or later before we left the building. On one occasion, it was 10:00 PM before I got home. There were no taxis in sight.

Walking from the Metro rail station to my condo took me down a dirt road traveled only by our shuttle bus which had stopped running by the time I arrived. Two parallel ruts, a small clearing, then underbrush and trees—we had been warned of robberies that occurred along this road. This was in the days before cell phones and I was afraid.

My heart pounded—would the gate to the condo complex be chained? How could I get around the enclosure if it were? I nervously fingered my pass card as I neared the gate. The night was dark. God is good, the pass card slipped into the groove on the second try and the gate release clicked. I pushed and the bars began to move. Within seconds I was in the lighted parking lot. My steps quickened and soon I was inside Building 4 where I lived. The upholstered furniture in the foyer was very inviting, but I resisted. Upstairs I had a drink and fell into bed. Knowing that morning was not far away. When we realize the value of what we do, we are inclined to do whatever it takes to get the job done.

It was another exciting day. A unit commander who had served in our office when he was a young major, needed help quickly—desperately. He had orders to move his troops as quickly as possible from the tree-studded hillsides in Germany to the hot desert sands of Saudi Arabia. Saddam Hussein had already invaded Kuwait—no one knew where he would strike next. The adrenaline was pumping! This commander had a serious computer problem. If it didn’t get fixed, troops in the Middle East would not get the supplies they needed. In the fog of war, his regular chain of command was not responsive. He called me.

“I need some help here,” he said and then explained his situation. I called the experts at the Logistics Center in Petersburg, VA. They gave the computer problem the necessary priority and the mission was accomplished. Sounds easy, doesn‘t it? Creative thinking, professionalism and dedication to duty saved the day.

A few years later, as I stood in the line of well wishers at a Change of Command ceremony in Pennsylvania, I spotted that officer in line ahead of me. He was then Chief of Staff of an Army Depot, a colonel with eagle insignia on his uniform. I stepped out of line and tapped him on the shoulder. He turned and in what seemed like slow motion, a huge smile spread across his face as he recognized me. He abruptly stepped out of line, grabbed me around the waist, lifted me off my feet, and began whirling me around! It was surreal! “Here’s a colonel in full uniform with his boss standing nearby,” I thought, “whirling me around and around!” It was like a warrior’s homecoming, our own Times Square celebration. He was very happy! I was embarrassed but very happy, too.

Celebration is good for the soul. Too often we demure, “It was nothing,” and short circuit someone else’s thanksgiving.
Whether on the battlefields of war or the battlefields of business, personal power is important. Be real. Know who you are. Value loyalty to your country and your God. Speak your truths and respect others. You have the power.
The Army is a family. It’s their culture. As a civilian employee, I was family, too.

In our organization departing personnel received a large picture of the Pentagon surrounded by a wide white mat. The print and mat were circulated among the staff for comments, kudos, and farewells, then framed and presented to the departing person.

My father was especially pleased that one of his children was working in the Pentagon. When he was hospitalized in Corpus Christi, Texas, with congestive heart failure, I asked one of the officers if I could get the print matted for my father. He wanted to know more. I explained about my father’s condition and suggested that our Director, Major General Akin, might sign it. The officer said he’d see what he could do.

After a few days he presented me with a framed, matted print for my father.
Our Director was away, so took the picture to the next level. Lieutenant General Ross, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, a three-star general. General Ross personalized it.

MR FREDDIE FOUNTENO
Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics
Headquarters Department of the Army, Pentagon, April 1991.
“Mr. Founteno, We share your pride in Jo and the super job she has done for the Army. She is clearly one of our best. Please accept with our compliments this symbol of our nation’s defense.”

One might suggest that the comments about me were exaggerated and I would not argue. My father was so pleased, he had a nurse post the framed print in the hallway outside his room so everyone going by could see it. He died May 9, 1991.

Great people are never too important or too busy to take time for others.

-Jo Condrill, CEO of GoalMinds, Inc., www.GoalMinds.com

What does it take for a woman to successfully lead a diverse group of seasoned personnel? The Secretary of the Army awarded Jo Condrill The Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service. It is the highest award possible for a civilian employee.

Jo Condrill has created an eCourse designed to reveal the secrets of her success. Check out http://www.goalminds.com/minicourse.html
She is the founder and CEO of GoalMinds, Inc.

Submissions due July 14 for Heart of a Woman in Business Book

Heart of a Mother, Heart of a Woman, Heart of a Woman in Business, Heart of the Holidays, Share Your Story| 4 Comments »

HEART OF A WOMAN IN BUSINESS
Stories, Strategies and Skills for Business Success

Deadline for submissions —- July 14, 2008.

Supporting today’s women in business and her unique needs, professional speaker and internationally top-rated trainer Sheryl Roush is accepting submissions for the forthcoming publication in the Heart Book Series, entitled: Heart of a Woman in Business.

Sheryl is the President of Sparkle Presentations, Inc., based in San Diego, working with organizations around the globe to improve morale, boost attitude, and increase productivity through communication and customer service skills. Her conference keynote programs and on-site trainings, rekindle the spirit, raise the bar and create excitement.

The Heart of a Woman in Business book is “sisters sharing with sisters” at its core…. lessons learned, tips, insights… those precious conversations.

“If I knew then what I know now!”
How to get started in business… how YOU got started
How you found your ideal niche, clients and industry
How you are using your unique talents and gifts in service
How you nurture your mind, body and spirit
How your business has changed/evolved over the years, and why

Contributors are encouraged to submit success stories, tips, ideas… You will join colleague Business Owners, Managers, Supervisors, Employees, Speakers, Trainers, Coaches, Mentors, Entrepreneurs, Self-Employed…

CONTRIBUTIONS NEEDED:
   • Original Women in Business Stories, up to 1,200 words
   • Original Poems, Cherished Scriptures/Proverbs, Quotations
   • Advice, Anecdotes, Philosophies, Ideas, Suggestions, Quick Tips
   • Best Practices, Insights, Sage Wisdom, and?Success Stories

SUBMISSION IDEA STARTERS:

  • Attitude and Boosting Morale
  • Customer Service, Sales, Marketing and Dealing with Difficult People
  • Communication Skills
  • Creativity & Innovation Tips
  • Diet, eating healthfully at the office, snacking suggestions
  • Dressing up your office (personalizing your area)
  • Exercise for Busy People, Quick Tips
  • Funny things that have happened
  • Interviewing Tips, Recruiting New Team Members
  • Giving back…the heart of charity, mentoring others
  • How to keep the passion alive for what you love
  • How to Re-Center Your Energy throughout the Day
  • Keeping Employees Happy
  • Lessons Learned from being in business
  • Life Balance (work and personal)
  • Networking from authenticity
  • Professional Play-novelties, toys, hats, shoes
  • Public Speaking Tips, using your voice in today’s marketplace
  • Retreats, Special Celebrations, Holidays, Traditions
  • Stress Reduction & Relaxation Techniques (easy things you can do at your desk)
  • Supervising others, Teamwork, Cooperation, Trust
  • Tips for working with someone very different than yourself
  • Travel Tips and Favorite Places to Rejuvenate
  • Using Creative Visualization, Guided Imagery, Meditation, Treasure Mapping
  • Youth/Seniors in business – getting started at any age

Suggestions from YOUR perspective?
What would YOU want to read about, being a woman in business?

EMAIL your text or Word.doc to Sheryl@SparklePresentations.com, before July 14, 2008.
Include your company name (optional), position/title (optional), website (company or your own), a potential title and suggested chapter in the book.

Contributors maintain all copyrights to submissions. If reprinting your original submission with permission from another publication, indicate name of publication. There is no fee to participate, and no royalties are paid for submissions.

SCHEDULED RELEASE:  October 1, 2008.

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