Women in Business: Navigating Challenges and Leading with Purpose

In this episode:

00:00 – 08:28: Introduction and How They Have Overcome Challenges in Their Careers
08:29 – 11:03: The Importance of Mentorship and What to Look for In a Mentor
11:04 – 13:12: Advice for Young Professional Women
13:13 – 17:24: What They Look for When Hiring
17:25 – 24:42: Learning About Money and Achieving Financial Independence
24:43 – 34:30: How They Encourage Inclusivity and Women and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Your Money. Your Mission., Kelly welcomes two exceptional women in business, Karla Krehbiel, SVP Regional President, Southeast of Johnson Financial Group and Tamarra Coleman, CEO of Racine Family YMCA. With a combined experience of 70 years, these women share their journeys, challenges and insights, shedding light on the landscape for women in business.

6 Key Takeaways

Breaking Through Male-Dominated Industries

Both Tamarra and Karla have created successful careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. Karla, with 40 years in banking, recounted the early days when encountering skepticism was common. "The owner of the company looked at me and said, 'Wow, they sent a woman out here to deal with me.' I just looked at him and said, 'Aren't you lucky today?'" Her response encapsulates her approach — confidence and resilience in the face of gender bias.

Tamarra also shared the importance of mindset and self-belief in navigating corporate spaces dominated by men: “Have the mindset of: I belong in this space and I know what I’m doing. If you show up like that every day, your mindset will shift, and you won’t have time to think about who in the room doesn’t look like you.”

The Power of Authenticity

A recurring theme in their discussion was the importance of authenticity. Karla and Tamarra stressed the need for women to remain true to themselves in their professional journeys. This authenticity not only fosters confidence but also builds genuine connections and trust within their teams.

Mentorship and Continuous Learning

Mentorship played a crucial role in both Tamarra and Karla's careers. They underscored the necessity of having diverse mentors — people who can challenge, guide and provide honest feedback. Tamarra and Karla highlighted the value of mentors who push for excellence and growth.

Continuous learning and self-improvement were also emphasized. Karla shared how she overcame her introversion by deliberately taking on challenging roles and tasks. This mindset not only helps in personal growth but also keeps one adaptable and competitive in a rapidly changing business environment.

Balancing Strengths and Adaptability

The ability to read a room and adapt one’s approach is another critical skill discussed. Tamarra, naturally an extrovert, had to learn to listen more and not always be the first to speak. Conversely, Karla, once an introvert, had to push herself to be more vocal and present in meetings. This balance between speaking up and listening, they agreed, is vital for effective leadership and team dynamics.

Financial Independence and Empowerment

A significant part of their conversation revolved around financial independence. Both women stressed the importance of having control over one’s finances as a foundation for personal and professional autonomy. Karla reflected on her motivation to become financially independent and Tamarra added that financial literacy and saving are crucial skills that should be nurtured from a young age to avoid unnecessary struggles later in life.

Advice for the Next Generation

For young women starting their careers, the advice from these leaders is clear: be authentic, seek diverse mentorship, embrace continuous learning and strive for financial independence. They encouraged young professionals to take on challenges, be open to new opportunities and not fear failure as it is a part of growth.

As they continue to lead and mentor, Tamarra and Karla’s stories serve as powerful reminders of the resilience, adaptability and strength that women bring to the business world. Their experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for current and future generations of women leaders.