WIB Conference 2013: Tatiana Kolovou

Tatiana Kolovou is always welcome at Women in Business' annual Conference. Many WIB members have had Tatiana as a professor or have heard her speak at other events, so every year we look forward to hearing her passion and advice. At Conference 2013, her thoughts on feedback -- how to give it and how to receive it -- failed to disappoint. I found her recommendations on how to ask for advice most useful in my own life. Generally, and perhaps luckily, people won’t confront others with criticism unless directly asked. So, instead of asking, “How did I do?” after a presentation, one should ask “What did you think of my transition between the second and third points? How could those two ideas flow better?” By offering context to the feedback-giver, he or she can return specific, applicable, and constructive criticism. Moreover, Taitana’s interactive presentation allowed us to apply our own feedback skills in a controlled environment so we will know how to integrate feedback conversation in the future. Women in Business would like to thank Tatiana for offering us more applicable advice and we hope to see her back again next year!

WIB Conference 2013: Andrea Dowding

Andrea Dowding from Thirty-One Gifts began Conference 2013 inspirationally. Her advice on leading inTENtionally inspired my own state of mind throughout the rest of the day. Moreover, Mrs. Dowding reminded us all of some humbling truths that will help us excel as we begin our careers: Women interact differently than men, not better or worse, just differently. They rely on stories, compassion, and connection to inspire themselves to excel. Mrs. Dowding emphasized that the only way to succeed is by recognizing how to thrive. Her ways to live inTENtionally include:

1. Know what you’ve got

2. Decide how you’re showing up

3. Walk with intention

4. Be curious

5. Be courageous

6. Share your stories

7. Find a sponsor/Be a sponsor

8. Redefine power

9. Build your community

10. Promote parity in our collective community

Above all else, Mrs. Dowding emphasized how important being yourself is. Although the phrase is used frequently, Mrs. Dowding’s thoughts on leading inTENtionally refreshed its meaning. Knowing who you are, where you're going, and how you will act along the way makes all the difference. Women in Business would like to thank Mrs. Dowding and Thirty-One Gifts for their participation in WIB Conference 2013!

Words from the Wise

As a junior with a Chicago summer internship and the next three semesters of classes set in stone to graduate with two majors, I entered Monday’s “Words from the Wise” panel event with reluctance that I would learn anything I hadn’t already encountered in my time at Kelley.  Internships, I-Core, class schedules, majors, networking – I had been through it all.  However, I was quickly humbled and reminded that one can always be moved if she takes the time to listen.

A special thanks to panel members Taylor Smith, Taylor Exline, Taylor Stinson, Kristina Weber, and Katie Rubak for their memorable words and encouraging stories.  Some of the most impacting advice given at the Professional Development event included: Push yourself.  Go beyond a single major and step out of comfort zones.  Take advantage of the Bloomington community – explore the sites, engage in community service, watch a theatrical performance.  “Confidence speaks volumes,” Stinson preached.  “And most importantly, follow your heart.”

Presentation by Jeff Fettig, CEO of Whirlpool

Throughout Kelley alumni Jeff Fettig’s presentation, he emphasized the importance of people in your career. While reflecting on his company and his career path, he shared inspirational advice that I will carry throughout the recruiting process.

Jeff Fettig, CEO, Whirlpool Corp.

The people at Whirlpool are incredibly philanthropic. The company gives back in many ways, most visibly through Habitat for Humanity. Not only have 1/3 of Whirlpool’s employees participated in a build, every Habitat home is fitted with Whirlpool appliances. As someone who has participated in five Habitat builds, Whirlpool’s relationship with Habitat for Humanity affirmed everything Mr. Fettig said about choosing a career for the people. Volunteering time and money on a regular basis says a lot about an employee’s character, and individual personalities define a company’s corporate culture. This advice for choosing a company offers a great foundation, and his advice for growing in a company rounded out his presentation.

Mr. Fettig’s advice for us as we prepare to enter our careers inspired and affirmed the need for positive mental attitude as well. Multiple times, Mr. Fettig admitted that every year for the first three years of his career he wanted to quit. However, his perseverance and motivation to go above and beyond his job’s description brought him great opportunities early on. Moreover, he prefers to work with individuals who act with a positive mental attitude. The defining line between two incredibly competent individuals comes down to interaction, and showing those around him that he works passionately led him to his current position as CEO.

Overall, the advice Mr. Fettig shared outlined important factors to consider as we enter the workforce. Women in Business would like to thank Delta Sigma Pi for the incredible opportunity of hearing Mr. Fettig speak.

Pumpkin Carving with Enterprise!

 In case you missed it, here are some great pictures from freshman Ellen Ernstberger. The event last Wednesday was an amazing success, thanks you, Enterprise, for coming!

Apple Orchard Social Event!

Back Row: Blair Carlisle, Becca Breier, Kelly Shah, Jennifer Closs, Daina Dangerfield, Caela Reis, Rachel Shapiro, Jamie Barrar, Kristen Reif
Front Row: Taylor Smith, Kristina Weber, Morgan Brown, Samantha Courbanou, Lexie Curtis, Lauren Hirsh, Betsy Dorn, Anna Smedsrud, Samantha Rhodes

This Sunday, Women in Business made the trip right outside of campus to Musgrave Orchard in Bloomington for apple picking. Arriving at Musgrave, the smell of the the warm apple cider was so inticing, so all of us ended up getting some freshly made apple cider and warm caramel apples.  Bloomington is absolutely beautiful the fall, so it was nice walking around the orchard with our delicious treats. Overall, it was a relaxing social event that allowed all of us to enjoy this great fall weather!

JB5K Color Me Run!

This past weekend, Women in Business members had the fun opportunity of forming a group to run/walk the IU Recreational Sports JB5K Color Me Run. The JB5k Color Me Run was created by IU Recreational Sports in memory of Jill Behrman, a former RS student and employee, and all proceeds benefitted the Jill Behrman Emerging Leader Scholarship, which funds assault awareness and self-defense workshops. 

In anticipation for the run the night before, there was a pasta and tutu0making party. We had a great time and had a great turn out making fun and quirky accessories to run in. 

The color run is unique because race participants wear all-white at the start of the race, then at two different stations throughout the 5K volunteers throw colored corn starch at the runners. By the end of the race, every participant was covered in colorful powder and all agreed that they had a blast at the post-race event. WIB freshman Aly Rumel says, "It was really great raising money, exercising, and having fun for a cause." With blasting music, a dance crew, and more colorful powder, the race was definitely a day to remember!