Charleston Reporter

Balancing a successful career with a fulfilling personal life is a challenge that many women face, especially in today’s fast-paced business world. The demands of work, family, and personal well-being can often feel overwhelming, leaving little room for the balance many strive to achieve. Every woman’s journey in finding this balance is unique, shaped by different challenges, experiences, and strategies. From managing time effectively to setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care, the ways in which many navigate these demands offer valuable insights. Whether just starting out in a career or as an established professional, hearing about the real-life experiences of others can provide both inspiration and practical advice for creating one's own path to balance.

Members of the Thrive Advisory Council shared their insights into the challenges they individually face during their careers and the actions they take as they work toward finding balance.

Amy Stasiukaitis, Chief of Staff & Head of Finance at Low Country Case and Millwork stated: "The challenge I face most is finding equilibrium between my ambitions & my peace of mind. There’s something about the feeling you get with another win, another achievement, another accolade. But all of those things often come at the expense of something else. Whether that expense is something as simple as sleep or as important as my motherhood, every ambition costs something." She added: "Don’t be fooled by women telling that they don’t struggle with the same. Every high performing woman is driven in some way or form by ambitions." Stasiukaitis concluded: "The recurring question is what is more valuable & energy giving and when you can answer that question, that’s where I find my equilibrium."

Tracy Sigler, PhD., Associate Professor & Department Head of Leadership Studies at The Citadel remarked: "My challenge: Finding time to recharge as an introvert. I took on a leadership role two years ago that requires me to interact with people all day long. I enjoy the work and the ability to help others grow and succeed but it can be emotionally exhausting work." Sigler's solutions include getting up early every day to have time alone before starting her day and spending time with her puppy.

Brenna Lawrence, Business Development Coordinator at Brown & Brown Insurance shared: "Deciding where and when to spend my time/energy is a huge challenge sometimes! My FOMO is real and it’s difficult sometimes to decide when it’s the right time to tune out the world and tune in self-care/family time." Lawrence emphasized giving herself grace while balancing business opportunities with family commitments.

Nikki Kuniej, Director of Digital Strategy at Charleston Media Solutions noted: "I’m a doer… I love to be learning, tackling new projects...the only downside? I stretch myself thin and forget the word 'no'." Kuniej highlighted working on stepping away from non-essential commitments to focus on professional growth while maintaining a healthy home life.

Liz Ashley, Founder & Chief Aligner at Align explained: "As a business owner...One of the most significant challenges I face is...meeting client expectations...or addressing responsibilities...making it challenging to carve out time for self-care..." Ashley has implemented strategies such as prioritizing her schedule for both work and personal activities along with practicing mindfulness through meditation and yoga.

On September 12th, the Thrive Luncheon will focus on balancing well-being and success. The panel discussion will feature Caroline Brown (Chief Strategy Officer at MUSC), Natasha Lee (CEO at Floyd Lee Locums), Kellye McKenzie (MPA Co-Founder & Managing Director at GOODSTOCK Consulting) moderated by Diamond Curry (Chamber’s Manager of Government Relations). Each panelist will share their insights on finding their balance between career priorities and well-being.

A limited number of tickets are still available for this luncheon event aimed at fostering conversations around managing hectic lives while achieving personal fulfillment.

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