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 we all 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 you’re just starting out in your career or are an established professional, hearing about the real-life experiences of others can provide both inspiration and practical advice for creating your own path to balance.
Members of the Thrive Advisory Council shared their insights into the challenges they individually face during their own careers and the actions they take as they work toward finding balance.
Amy Stasiukaitis, Chief of Staff & Head of Finance, Low Country Case and Millwork
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. (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.) And even on the opposite side of the equation, another hour of sleep, an extra few minutes of meditation, more time with my children…it all comes to an expense of goals & ambitions. The recurring question is what is more valuable & energy giving and when you can answer that question, that’s where I find my equilibrium. My biggest weapons in navigating these tough waters of balance are…
- A strong group of peers, colleagues, and friends that “get it”. I founded a community for Executive Mother’s called “The Helm” and it’s comprised of working mothers in leadership roles who struggle with feeling like they have to choose between ambitions or motherhood. These women understand that for me, one does not come without the other and we all help navigate life together. When you feel like you aren’t alone, suddenly finding balance doesn’t feel so heavy.
- Being intentional with my time. Everything is calendared. From exercise, to date nights, to 1-1’s with my team, to morning reflection time…it’s all scheduled and calendared. If it’s not in my Outlook, it won’t happen. This also allows me to quantify what areas of my life I am focusing on & improve on the areas that need to be a little more “balanced” out. What can be measured, can be improved. If I need to be more focused on my motherhood and my family, my calendar can be adjusted to reflect that intention with my time.
Tracey Sigler, PhD, Associate Professor & Department Head of Leadership Studies, The Citadel
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. I also have a job that can be done anytime and anywhere which is good but can also be bad because I can work all of the time.
My two solutions: One was to get up early every day 5:00 am so that I have an hour or 90 minutes to drink coffee and wake up slowly and in solitude. This helps me start the day with my emotional tank full. Of course I have to go to bed early so I can be rested. The second solution, not really intentional but it works, get a puppy! In the times that I am working with, playing with, and trying to avoid puppy teeth, I am not thinking about the problems at home or at work. I am totally focused on this new little bundle of fur who will someday be done teething! He brings joy into my life every day.
Brenna Lawrence, Business Development Coordinator, Brown & Brown Insurance
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. I worry that I am missing an opportunity if I’m “absent” from an event or if I “clock out early”.
I give myself grace and recognize that a happy life involves SWAY. While I may be “absent” from certain things- I am fully “Present” for my family. While I trust abundance when it comes to business opportunities, I also realize I have a bank of hours to spend while my kids are young and I give myself room to invest accordingly. It makes me a better Brenna.
Nikki Kuniej, Director of Digital Strategy, Charleston Media Solutions
I’m a doer… I love to be learning, tackling new projects, and taking on my responsibility… the only downside? I stretch myself thin and forget the word “no”. This year, I’m working to remember sometimes my “no” gives room for a yes from someone else. I’m also stepping away from commitments that don’t feel as life giving so that I can focus on growing in my professional career and keeping a healthy home life. I keep my Monday night free as a “recharge” night, and I’m working to redefine what recharges me in this season… right now? It’s a cross stitch, a long walk, and a 10 minute stretch!
Liz Ashley, Founder & Chief Aligner, Align
As a business owner, I often find myself navigating the delicate tightrope of balancing work and personal life. One of the most significant challenges I face is the constant demand for my attention—whether it’s meeting client expectations, mentoring an emerging leader, or addressing the myriad responsibilities of running a business. The pace can lead to overwhelming feelings, making it challenging to carve out time for self-care and personal relationships.
When immersed in a client project, it can be challenging to fully engage with my friends, leading to feelings of isolation and guilt. To recenter myself, I’ve implemented several strategies that have made a significant difference. First, I prioritize my schedule by blocking out time for both work and personal activities. This means setting boundaries around my work hours and committing to unplugging in the evenings to spend quality time with loved ones. I also practice mindfulness through daily meditation and yoga, which helps me clear my mind and refocus on what truly matters. Additionally, I’ve learned to delegate tasks and ask for help. These steps allow me to manage my busy life more effectively and create space for joy and fulfillment beyond my professional commitments.
Balancing a successful career with a fulfilling personal life is something so many are trying to figure out and the insights shared show how personal this journey is. There’s no magic formula—it’s about knowing yourself, being intentional with your time and leaning on your community. We’re reminded that finding balance is a constant process of making choices that feel right for you.
On September 12, 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 and Kellye McKenzie, MPA, Co-Founder & Managing Director at GOODSTOCK Consulting and will be moderated by the Chamber’s Manager of Government Relations, Diamond Curry. Each panelist will share their insights on finding their balance and prioritizing career and well-being.
A limited number of tickets are still available for the luncheon, so be sure to join in on the conversation and connect to learn more and share your insights on managing a hectic life.
