My guest today is Laurie Sedgwick, Director of Career Management for Executive MBA’s at Cornell University. Prior to joining Cornell Laurie’s career spanned roles in executive search, biotech start-ups, nonprofits and a six-year career with the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a jumpmaster, platoon leader, and company commander.
In this episode, Laurie shares about her life growing up as an “Army Brat” and how it influenced her work today, how she came to be the woman whose purpose is helping others find theirs. and why slowing down may be the secret to turning up the volume on the things that matter to you most and leadership longevity. Tune in to this episode to hear Laurie’s practical wisdom on mindful living and sustainable possibilities in how we live and work.
Life Lessons from the Armed Forces
Laurie grew up as an “Army Brat” who learned adaptability from a young age. She is thankful for these experiences because they exposed her to people from all walks of life and all parts of the world. The Army community taught her the importance of having good people in your life, and it also taught her discipline. Those attitudes have been the driving force for every career decision Laurie makes. Laurie’s own Army career only built up her superpowers of adaptability and interconnectedness. Those strengths have served her well in every field and industry, from startups to nonprofits. With these mindsets at your disposal, you too can find success in whatever career you want.
Creating Sustainable Habits for the Whole Adventure
Laurie approaches life like it is an adventure. She has excellent advice to share today with women who want to keep that spirit of adventure alive, while also demonstrating their core values in their career. When it comes to success, Laurie’s first piece of advice is to slow down. We live in a world where we celebrate burning the midnight oil and working yourself to death. Laurie knows that those habits are not sustainable, and she encourages us to create space for a little self-care. Laurie has a unique knack for understanding where people want to go, and why they are so passionate about it. When we operate out of that sense of purpose and passion, there is no stopping us, and the adventure never has to end!
Leading the Way Towards Sustainable, Successful Careers
Laurie is working hard to support women who want to fulfill their potential and have careers that they love. In a lot of ways, that means she teaches women how to be leaders with empathy and personal skills. Laurie claims that leadership is evolving, and we are in a position to inspire others with how we balance work and our personal lives. She will equip you with tools to make waves in the workplace as you lead the way towards a healthy work mindset. Whether you leave the office on time so you can make it to yoga, or prioritize your family in order to stay grounded and balanced, you can be the force of change within your field. It takes courage to stay true to who you are and stand up for a little work-life balance, but Laurie makes it doable. Above all, you have to know what is right for you. It just takes a little trust.
Show Highlights
- 00:30 – Growing up as an Army Brat has reinforced her superpower of adaptability
- 03:30 – Laure was able to live out her love of horses which reinforced her work ethic
- 07:30 – How Laurie found her way into military service
- 13:30 – Laurie found her way from the military to Cornell through a startup Biotech company
- 18:00 – How working in human resources and screening candidates taught Laurie to deeply understand the dreams and desires of her clients
- 24:00 – What makes Cornell the perfect place to work for her
- 31:00 – How you can demonstrate your values at work
- 35:00 – Best advice for leaders working in high-stress environments
- 38:00 – Taking cues from Eileen Fisher and other thought leaders
- 45:00 – Laurie talks motherhood, career balance, and advice for young parents
The Fem Five
1.Favorite Book for Women?
- If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie
2. Favorite Self-Care hack?
- “Meditation every day, exercise every day, and doing things that show you that you love yourself.”
3. Best piece of advice and who gave it to you?
- The woman pediatrician who delivered my son said to me, “Just enjoy your pregnancy and stop worrying. You are the mother, you know your child best. You make the decisions about what your child needs. I take that to mean trust your heart and trust your instincts.”
4. Female CEO or thought leader you’re into right now?
5. One piece of advice you’d give your 5 years younger self?
- “Trust your instincts, have confidence and stop worrying.”
Resources:
Last Time on The NextFem Podcast
Giving a Voice to Children and Fighting Poverty with Dignity
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