Empowered women empower women. As a women-owned business with an all-female leadership team, that’s a mantra we live by every day. So, when the opportunity arises to practice what we preach, you better believe we’re going to take it. 

Last month, we participated in the Orlando Business Journal’s inaugural Day of Empowerment for a day of mentorship, networking and celebration. Women from all over Central Florida came together to share career expertise, make meaningful connections, and celebrate our community’s Women Who Mean Business––including our COO (and completely unbiased favorite) Sharon Lamantia. 

Since joining us in 2018, Sharon has rightfully earned a reputation as a change agent. Not only has she driven organizational growth, but the operational policies she’s implemented have helped us increase in size and revenue. She keeps us going. In fact, we often refer to her as “the hands" of the company because she points us in the right direction and applauds our successes along the way. Did we mention she also volunteers at a women’s domestic violence shelter and mentors at an elementary school? 

In addition to Sharon, OBJ's Day of Empowerment was filled with many other inspiring women with their own unique experiences and expertise. So, in the spirit of empowering you, here are some key takeaways from the day. 

5 Time Management Tips 

Karen Keene, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Dean Mead 

1. Track your time to assess where your time goes. 

1. Do your most important task first. Try to do it early in the day, before you’re busy and fatigued. 

1. Say “no” to everything that doesn’t support your goals (and successful people always know their goals). 

1. Harness the power of delegation. Practice the 3 Ds: Do, Delete or Delegate 

1. Routinely use the early morning to strengthen the mind and body. Make time for yourself! 

5 Tips to Practice Self-Care at Work 

Annetta Wilson, President of Annetta Wilson Media Training & Success Coaching 

1. Understand that perfection is a trap. 

1. Isolation is dangerous. You can’t do it alone, so build a tribe. 

1. Saying “I’m sorry” beats the best excuse every time. 

1. “No” is a complete sentence. 

1. Self-talk is the most important conversation of the day. 

4 Building Blocks of Leveling Up Your Career  

Cari Haught Coats, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Accendo Leadership Advisory Group 

1. Build an agenda-free, mutually beneficial network of professionals. 

1. Find a mentor; someone who will guide you and talk with you about your goals. 

1. Find a sponsor; someone who will advocate for you and talk about you to other people. 

1. Create a development plan for your career. What are the steps you are going to take to reach your goals? Be bold and share your plan with others. 

Women have worked long and hard to get where we are today, and it’s only by supporting one another that we will continue making strides professionally. Be inspired by the success of others, and use your own success to lift others up. Because in the wise words of Oprah Winfrey: “There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.”