by Utah Women's Networking Group | Nov 14, 2017 | Ambassador, Member Feature, Utah Women's Networking Group
Meet Ms. Monique! She is one of our lovely Ambassadors and a rockstar Interior Designer. Not only is she great at creating savvy spaces, she is one saavy business lady! Sitting with her and chatting business created more dynamic ideas than I knew what to do with! Go get on this lady’s schedule for coffee, don’t forget your notebook-because you are going to want to take notes!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
I am French Basque. I am first generation here in the United States, I have an incredible work ethic and am very genuine.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My father has been my role model. I always figured that if I could be as honorable as he, I would go far in life! He always put his family first and worked his ass off for us to have everything that he never had, The American Dream.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
I would go to Europe. I love the country, the people and my family.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
Always remember to be true to yourself and ALWAYS be YOU.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
I love listening to Amy Porterfield, Darren Hardy and Alycia Wicker.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
Always remember to be true to yourself, in all that you do!
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Jul 18, 2017 | Ambassador, Member Feature, Utah Women's Networking Group, UTWNG Role
Oh my hell! This sweet, quiet lady is a friggin daredevil! Who knew?!! I love LOVE learning about everyone’s secret passions! Leilani has found that success in business and life is to take time to Breathe as well as to be willing to take the risks to push you further. What a rockstar!!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
I’m a daredevil! I love adrenaline and pushing the limits. I broke the speed record for the Las Vegas Speedway and beat all the drivers in my F1 class (and yes, I was the only girl in my class).
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My mother! She has a keen mind for business and has always pushed me to go further.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
A trip around the world. I would love to spend several months getting to see every place possible. No limits.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
Breathe! I love yoga and through my practice I’ve learned of the importance of breathing. Not just regular but deep, conscious, cleaning breaths.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
I love Marie Forleo! Great vlogs. Music? I love 80’s modern or new wave. No hair bands!
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
The hardest lesson for me to learn has been to know where I am and know where I want to go. Plan, plan, update, plan, repeat. I made mistakes that hurt me and decisions that pushed me to the top. I learned from all of them. Keep a flexible eye on the goal! And remember that self care is a must. If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of business. Enjoy the journey.
Please take a moment to checkout her business for any language, translation, or interpreting services!
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Apr 24, 2017 | Ambassador, Member Feature, UTWNG Role
Today, we get to meet Paula. We all know and love Paula for for being a wiz at websites and all thing’s social media, but, today, we get to get to delight in her wisdom. I think the the thing that strikes me most is her balance between work and play. I know she talks about the WWW as the Wild World of the Web, but I would like to change that around a bit to describe her: She is a Wiz, is super Witty and fun when you spend time with her, and has a lot of Wisdom to share. When you encorperate your values of empathy, kindness, and creativity as main tenets of your business, you build solid relationships. When you give in these relationships from the heart with no expectations, you receive more that you thought possible!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
Growing up, I secretly wanted to be on Broadway, particularly in musicals. I was active in show choir and school plays in high school. My most acclaimed role (in the Vernal paper no less!) was being the wicked stepmother in Cinderella. I still enjoy that creative part of me, but would never want to do it as a living.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
One of my early role models was a manager at the U of U library during college, Walter Jones. He taught me that regardless of what your experiences in life have been, you can choose to remain kind and have empathy for other people. He was a very mild-mannered person who had lived through some harrowing and horrible experiences, but kept his perspective clear and his belief in the worth of others strong. His was a good example of leadership.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
I’ve always wanted to go to Fiji. I loved the musical/movie South Pacific and that vision of a mystical island has stuck with me as a vision of paradise.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
At its most simple, try to walk in someone else’s shoes. Compassion is your gift to yourself.
I’ve always loved the story of the Two Wolves: The old man tells his grandson the story of the two wolves inside of people who do battle. One is evil – anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, resentment, false pride, lies and ego. The other is good – joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, empathy, compassion, generosity, truth and faith. When the grandson asks which wolf wins, his grandfather says “the one you feed.”
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
I love to read for fun and relaxation, so most of my book recommendations are Sci Fi or Fantasy novels. Guy Gavriel Kay is one of my favorite authors, one of those with a book that kept me up all night alternately crying and smiling. For inspiration on a more practical level, Maya Angelou is someone whose perspective on life reaches out and taps me on the heart.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
Build great relationships in your life. What you give to other people comes back in unexpected ways and at unexpected times, but giving without expectations is the only way those times will be able to surprise and delight you.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Feb 1, 2017 | Ambassador, Area Connector, Business Member, Member Feature, Sponsor, Utah Women's Networking Group, UTWNG, UTWNG Role
A Woman of Many Hats… Carina Knecht!
There are various levels of involvement in the Utah Women’s Networking Group, which is great because we aim to create opportunities at all levels. One of our members, Carina Knecht, has managed to take advantage of every opportunity! She is an Ambassador. She is an Area Connector of two groups. She is the Main Sponsor for our Non-Profit Luncheon this month. Shall we go on?
When she’s not wearing her UTWNG hat, Carina is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. She’s not only in the business of helping others pursue their wealth, she is also in the business of helping them grow their financial confidence in the future. She helps individuals balance pursuing their dreams for tomorrow with what is wanted today. In her own words, “I’m here to help you live the life you’ve earned. When you have the right advisor, life can be brilliant.”
Check out Carina’s answers to our six questions:
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
Something that would not be found on my resume is my kids! I have biological kids and six kids who have come to call me mom. Of my biological kids, I have one (almost two) married, two teens and one 10-year-old. My “adopted” kids have come to us by way of exchange programs and other like opportunities.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
Ana Bay is an inspiration to me because not only did she become a BYU Professor while raising four boys, but she exemplified her teachings which were that just because you’re a mom, you still need to pursue your dreams and aspirations.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
If money weren’t an option I would travel to Egypt! I’ve always been very fond of the history and culture there. It’s horrible, neat, and exciting all in one.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
A motto that I and my family try to live by is “BE NICE. WORK HARD.”
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
A favorite author of mine is Agatha Christie. She inspires me to pay attention to details and let’s face it, I’m a sucker for a good mystery.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
My advice to other amazing members of this group, both now and future, is to keep working on all of your relationships because both the good parts and the bad parts can teach you a lot about yourself and the world around you. AND to always STAY POSITIVE!
Since we already know that Carina will be at the next event, and we hope you are too, be sure to thank her for her passion for the UTWNG and ask her what she loves most.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Jan 30, 2017 | Ambassador, Area Connector, Business Member, Member Feature, Sponsor, Utah Women's Networking Group, UTWNG, UTWNG Role
Turn a Light on for… Jodie Turner!
Part of what makes the Utah Women’s Networking Group go around is our dedicated members who support us at every turn. One member, in particular, is Jodie Turner of Eagle Electric, Inc.
Jodie serves as Vice President for Eagle Electric which provides electrical contractor services for new, remodel, residential, and commercial projects. They offer a full 24-hour service department, and believe that no job is too small! Something cool to note, most of their management and key employees have been with Eagle for 10 or more years.
Let’s get to know a little more about Jodie. We put her to our six-question test:
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
Tough question. I love classic muscle cars and can be found at car shows, either taking my car or just to see the others cars a lot of weekends when the weather is nice.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My Dad. He taught me just about everything I know about my industry and continues to teach me. He also taught me that what you put out to the world comes back to you in waves (negative, positive, whatever).
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
Greece and Rome (not all of Italy, just Rome)! I really want to see the ancient ruins of Greece and Rome. I am fascinated with that era.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
I have two: “Service Above Self” the Rotary motto and “Strive not to be a success, but rather be of value” – Albert Einstein. I believe living these two things will make a person rich, not necessarily always monetarily, but in life. But I also believe that you get back what you put into the world and then some.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
I don’t really have any that I follow often really. “You Are a Bad Ass” by Jen Sincero changed a lot of my outlooks about myself, “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy really spoke to me and I’ve been trying to implement some of that. I could go on forever. I devour books usually!
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
Get involved. Talk, listen and get to people in UTWNG and it will be the most beneficial and amazing thing you have ever done. So many women to look up to, support and help you through just about anything, and you will also find the reverse and have many women to help and support. It gives you a whole new world of friends, and who couldn’t use more friends?
Jodie is a bright light (no pun intended) in the UTWNG. And we love that she is a kickass woman helping to lead and running an electric company! At the next event, be sure to seek out Jodie and say hi.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Jan 11, 2017 | Ambassador, Director, Member Feature, UTWNG, UTWNG Role
And We Present to You… Michelle Carman!
As a new feature of the Utah Women’s Networking Group, we are highlighting members each month. To start 2017 off on the right foot, we thought it would be fitting to introduce you to the faithful directors of this dynamic group.
Please allow us to introduce you to our Director of Community Relations Michelle Carman. When Michelle is not actively looking for new organizations for the UTWNG to partner with and support, she is busy managing her company AGF Property ManagementPlus. The company handles both commercial and residential property management – taking the stress out of owning investment properties. They serve Salt Lake County, Magna to the Wasatch Front, and Saratoga Springs to North Salt Lake. They even assist with rentals. As Michelle always says, “Just remember that I am your personal bulldog with lipstick.”
She may be a bulldog with lipstick when it comes to business, and who doesn’t want that? But on a personal level, Michelle is a woman with a gentle heart, great sense of humor, and probably has a hug waiting for you.
We asked Michelle to answer our six questions and here is what she had to say:
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
I love to help people. I like to make sure I can do something nice for someone at least once a day. Whether it be money, food, letting them cut in line, a hug, a smile…. at least something to brighten someone’s day.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
When I joined a BNI group I met a gentleman that found me lost and confused. He taught me how to come out of my box, enjoy speaking, and the love of networking. Not too bad for a wall flower.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
I think if I could just go on a cruise ship and sail all over, I would totally love that. My love is waterfalls and if I could go see more of them, that would make me happy.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
Communication, patience and give.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
I am not a reader or blog follower, but I do listen to BNI podcasts the most and they are done by Ivan Misner.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
Embrace this group, the women, and the lessons that are given you each day. We have incredible women in this group and you can learn so much and gain some amazing friends.
We are so grateful that Michelle is part of our leadership team. She is a great advocate for the UTWNG and the relationships that blossom from being involved. Please be sure to say hello to Michelle at our next event!
