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Reflections on the 2018 Professional Women's Conference


By Maggie Rheney, MBA '20

Terry Full-Time MBA students (L-R): Lauren Fendt, Maggie Rheney, Ali Probst and Kaley Tabor
“Let your authenticity shine.”

“Forming relationships is the key to successful business.”

“Your work reflects your character.”

These were just a few of the wise words attendees of the 2018 Terry College of Business Professional Women’s Conference heard from a robust lineup of accomplished and encouraging professional businesswomen. Held at The Home Depot Store Support Center on November 29, the conference was a time to hear from panelists and speakers from various professional backgrounds. The event was not only an opportunity to hear from distinguished guests, but also to network with fellow attendees.

A general theme that was iterated across the day was the importance of being fearless and taking risks. Illustrated by anecdotes and personal experience, the day’s speakers discussed how to live out fearlessness in work and in life, and shared some of the secrets and advice from their own career journeys, including:

Carol Tomé, Chief Financial Officer & Executive Vice President, Corporate Services – The Home Depot

Carol discussed how to find the right person for a job position and urged attendees not to rush a hiring decision but take the time to make sure it feels like the right hire for the opportunity. She also shared that feedback is a gift and we must be willing to accept it. As for the competition that can, unfortunately, arise between women, she stressed the importance of women celebrating sisterhood and supporting each other.

Diversity & Inclusion Panel featuring (L-R): Beatrice Grech-Cumbo, Nina Boone, Tanya Counter, Kim Hoefer and Mary Moore. Photo Credit: Terry College of Business
Diversity & Inclusion Panel

Following the Q&A with Carol Tomé, we heard from a panel of speakers for the diversity and inclusion panel. A popular topic of the day was the discussion of the elusive “work-life balance.” Rather than discuss how to weigh one over the other, Nina Boone, Co-Sales Leader for Mergers & Acquisitions and Chair of Diversity & Inclusion at Aon, shared that “every minute of every day is a work-life balance.” Mary Moore, CEO and Founder of The Cook’s Warehouse, added that “balance is in loving what you do.” Nina also shared how we can each play a part in supporting others to achieve their dreams, noting, “There’s room for all of us. If you focus on helping others, it will help you. Focus on results, collaboration and mentoring and bringing people up along the way.”

Dr. Taz Bhatia, BS ’93, Physician, Best-Selling Author, International Lecturer, Acupuncturist, Certified Nutritionist

Often seen on The Today Show, The Doctors and The Dr. Oz Show, Dr. Taz illuminated just how detrimental the “superwoman syndrome” can be to our health. She shared different personality types and how each of those respond to stress while also giving us warning signs that it’s time to reevaluate our schedules and reevaluate what we’re doing to care for ourselves. As we heard inspirational words from other women about careers and the balancing shuffle between work and life, it was an important reminder that we also must take care of our personal well-being in order to give our best to others in work and in life.

Ceree Eberly, Former Senior Vice President & Chief People Officer – The Coca-Cola Company (retired)

Through ten lessons, Ceree illustrated what it means to have strength, live authentically and support others, including: be your own advocate, let your voice be heard, be who you were meant to be on the planet and support other women.

As we left this year’s conference we were all challenged and empowered to lift others up, to lift ourselves up and to live authentically as we navigate work and life.

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