by David Chapman
Staff Writer
Members of the Women Business Owners of North Florida kicked off their 2009 slate of monthly educational dinner events this week by learning a few secrets to business success. They didn’t have to go far to find a panel, as four of their own went front and center before 80 of their peers to discuss the secrets and strategies that made them the 2008 Women in Business Awards winners.
The panel included: “Entrepreneur of the Year” Leigh Fogle of Fogle Fine Arts & Consulting; “Corporate Leader of the Year” Diane Raines of Baptist Health; “Pioneer of the Year” Pixie Larizza of HMT; and “Franchisee/Franchisor of the Year” Kathryn Murphy of Comfort Keepers.
“We do this panel each year with our past award winners and it really provides some insight,” said WBO President Kim Knapp.
Panelists were first asked for their top secret for success with the answers having elements of a lesson learned.
“Just because you can speak doesn’t always mean you should,” said Raines. “Wit and humor can be an asset, but also a liability.”
“Being aware of my intuition and acting on it,” said Larizza, who noted she went with her intuition of utilizing her talents in one-on-one client care after she unsuccessfully attempted to be a manager.
“Knowing when you’re a growing organization and knowing when to back off,” said Murphy. “When I started, I wanted to know all the aspects of my business, but it gets to the point as you grow that you have to step back and analyze yourself .... build an effective team that does something well that you don’t.”
“Truly believe in yourself,” said Fogle, who admitted to learning from her business mistakes. “Believe in what you can do, but know your limitations ... and remember to ask for help if you need it.”
Next, each panelist was asked what they gained most from being selected as a 2008 “Women in Business Awards” winner. They all noted how the recognition was affirmation of the work each had put into their craft and its resulting success.
“It helps remind me how far I’ve come along,” said Murphy.
How each juggled work and their personal life was the last topic and each said it was a challenge — one that some are still working on.
“I don’t know that I have yet,” said Raines.
“For those who say they want to have it all, remember you can’t have it all, all of the time,” said Murphy.
“It’s kind of like a Slinky,” said Larizza, of her balance. “But I do schedule time with my friends and family.”
“I’m a bit of a workaholic,” said Fogle. “My children forced me to have a balance and focus on the two things most important: family and business.”
The next monthly meeting of the Women Business Owners of Northeast Florida is Feb. 23 and will feature consultant, writer and former corporate ethics officer Catherine Finamore Henry with a presentation “Do the Right Thing: Workplace Ethics and Compliance.”
For more information on Women Business Owners of Northeast Florida, go to www.jaxwbo.org.
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