OWA One-Minute Inspiration — View by Subject

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Mentoring

2023

Mentorship Matters – Deb Bulken, 09-01-2023
It's Sunday night, and I've been looking forward to this moment of reflection for several months now. My first-ever connection with the OWA was the One-Minute ...
Be the Light – Carissa Dunphy, 05-01-2023
In several recent conversations I've had with colleagues, peers, and mentors, I've repeatedly been told the same thing, "I'm not sure where you're going, ...

2020

How Can I Help? – Sandra Mohr, 11-01-2020
The October OWA Talks podcast guest is Holly Rush, and I encourage you to carve out an hour to listen to and reflect on the wisdom and advice she offers ...

2019

In the Company of Women – Debbie Myres, 09-06-2019
So many articles lately have been about women who make their female friendships a top priority in their lives. I personally appreciate time together ...
Taboo: What is Your Time Worth? – Lisa Cardone, 08-01-2019
How many hours a week do you work? Do you work on the weekends? How long is your commute? For most of us, work takes up a good part of our days and lives. ...
It's Not About Balance: How to be Effective in Your Personal & Work Life – Kelly Agosti, 05-15-2019
Deadlines, presentations, children, school plays, homework, dinner, sports, laundry, work travel, sick child, aging parents . . . does this all sound ...
Leaning into Fear and Doubt – Jill Johnson, 04-15-2019
When was the last time you took a risk in your career? When was the last time you leaned into self-doubt and landed victorious? When was the last time ...
Life Lessons Learned and Shared – Janice Dody, 04-01-2019
When was the last time you took a risk in your career? When was the last time you leaned into self-doubt and landed victorious? When was the last time ...

2018

An Unlikely Pair? Look Outside the Box to Find the Right Mentor – Galaxina Munoz, 12-03-2018
Finding a mentor is comparable to finding the perfect pair of shoes. First you have to figure out what you're looking for. What style shoe do you desire? ...
If you want something done, ask a busy person. – Nancy Black, 10-01-2018
Is it true that people with lots on their plates find It easier to cope with taking on more? I've heard it said that someone who is accustomed to juggling ...
Seeding the Future - #DOMORE! – Rachel Meyer, Ed.D., 09-04-2018
"Mama, carrots!" My sweet and sassy two-year-old was standing in front of me with both hands full of dirt and big orange carrots. Abigail's excitement ...
Getting Started With Reverse Mentoring – Janelle Pauli, 06-01-2018
A couple of months ago at the OWA events during Vision Expo East, I heard multiple comments and questions come up about the topic of reverse mentoring. ...
When Opportunity Knocks, Answer The Door – Ashley Ellis, 03-01-2018
Opportunity often presents itself at the most inconvenient of times and disguises itself as a problem. Successful leaders will tell you to accept ...

2017

Connecting the DOTS – Karen A. Michaelson, ABOC, 10-17-2017
Five years ago, I was asked to present the keynote address at the Opticians Congress in Virginia on behalf of the Optical Women's Association. It was ...
OWAsohard – Rachel Meyer, 10-02-2017
In my life' s journey, there are magnificent days where I feel that I have a cape and tiara; hitting every goal and high-fiving myself all day long. ...
Focus on Defining Yourself – Amy Robbins, 09-13-2017
"Once upon a time . . ." As a child those words opened the world of imagination through fairy tales and other children's stories. I've always dreamt ...
How to Be a Leader When You're Not "The Boss" – Megan Greene, 07-06-2017
A boss is defined as a person in charge of a worker or organization. They are the decision makers; the authority that employees look to each day for ...
Out with the Old, In with the New – Susan Parker, 02-01-2017
The start of a new year is the perfect time to reflect on the past, consider the present and plan for the future, both personally and professionally. ...

2016

Grow Where You're Planted – Robyn Crimmins, 12-12-2016
A trusted mentor once gave me the advice that you don't have to change jobs or move companies to gain new experiences and skills. She said, "growing ...
Keep Your Options Open – Deb Bulken, 11-01-2016
"Keep your options open". That was the best advice my first and most invested mentor has ever given me. When I was much younger and making even the ...
Jump In With Both Feet – Christie Walker, 09-08-2016
When I took the job as editor of several optical magazines for Frames Data, I knew practically nothing about the eyewear industry, glasses, lenses, and ...
A Positive Reaction – Sherrie Rogerson, 09-01-2016
Everyone has experienced those days, weeks, and months when things don't go as planned. Whether it is personal or professional, it can quickly put you ...
Seeking (and Finding) Your Mentor – Deb Lochli, 07-14-2016
I recall reading an article by Kaleigh Moore on how to go about finding a mentor. I believe most of us would like to have a mentor but not sure how ...
Turning Failure into Opportunity – Barbara Siminerio, 05-17-2016
It is at this time of year when performance reviews are delivered. It is an opportunity to reflect on the past and make plans for the future. As my ...
Believe in Yourself! – Brandie Shaw, 03-01-2016
I am often asked what it's like to manage a sales team comprised solely of men. While I won't say there aren't challenges, I am fortunate to have a really ...
4 Simple Ideas That Can Transform Your Workplace and Your Life! – Corinne McCormack, 02-16-2016
Several years ago, I noticed that my life was not going the way I wanted it to go. I was overwhelmed and unhappy. Fortunately, in this state of mind, ...

2015

Walk A Mile in My Shoes – Glenna Glenn, L.D.O., 11-02-2015
"What you think you know and what you actually know are two different things." Several years ago, I was fortunate enough to hear those words from ...
Reading to Refresh, Learn, and Be Inspired – Sheila Haile, 08-03-2015
Mentor. In. One. Minute. It's August. Dog days and all that. Certainly feels like it today in NYC. I decided to focus my article on one of my ...
Effective Mentoring – Susan Ohneck, 06-15-2015
When I was asked to write an article for the Mentoring committee, I approached the task as I usually approach a new task, which is to gather information, ...
The Power of Connecting – Ann E. Englert, 04-16-2015
Industry buzz and the OWA Star Award events in NYC during Vision Expo provided the platform to exchange ideas on many topics. One of my favorites is ...
Are You In Your Comfort Zone? – Kate Renwick-Espinosa, 04-01-2015
Whether you're just starting a new job or have been in your career for years, stepping out of your comfort zone is one of the best things you can do ...
The Journey to Becoming a Mentor – Deb Lochli, 03-16-2015
It seems like it was just yesterday that I received a phone call from Grady Culbreth advising that I was nominated to the OWA Board of Directors. (It ...

2014

Endings May Also Bring New Beginnings – Karen A. Michaelson, ABOC, 11-17-2014
What happens when something in life comes to an end? Of course, the answer depends upon what is drawing to a close. Even the most extreme of endings ...
Help Along the Way – Charisse Toale, 08-01-2014
Helping and Mentoring. Both require a giver and a receiver, yet many times in life we have passed by opportunities to do both in a single event. As ...
Words to Live By – Amy Spiezio, 07-08-2014
Although most of us are finished with schooling (aside from CE), this season filled with graduations and celebrations can inspire thoughts of what's ...
Curveballs – Karen A. Michaelson, ABOC (Communications Committee), 06-05-2014
Life is like a baseball game. The question is not if, but when, a curveball will come your way. This month's One Minute Mentor was to be written ...
3 Tips for a Great Mentor Relationship – Deb Lochli, 05-01-2014
I recall once reading an article by Steve Cooper, contributor for Forbes Magazine. I've taken the liberty of paraphrasing his thoughts for you, hoping ...
Wisdom For The Ages – Ann E. Englert, 04-04-2014
Recently I attended a dear friend's celebration of 95 years! Yes! This woman dazzles us with her brilliant mind, enjoys a colorful life and loves to ...

2013

Staying On Course – Rebecca L. Johnson, CPOT, COT, COE, 10-15-2013
Everyone struggles with staying motivated and reaching their goals. Just look at how many people go on diets, lose weight, and then gain it back again! The ...
WWCD – Karen A. Michaelson, ABOC, 07-18-2013
I get asked all the time "Are you always this happy and positive?" The answer is yes but it hasn't always been that way. Trust me, after being ...
What Does It Really Mean To Mentor In Today's World? – Sheila Haile, 05-15-2013
When I began to think about the topic of mentoring in today's world, I wondered . . . is mentoring the same thing for today's young women as it was for ...
Things My Mother Taught Me – Debbie Myres, 05-01-2013
Mother's Day is a time for reflection of our Mother, the Mother we have become or the Mother we hope to be. What our mother instilled in us as children ...
Here's To Your Success! – Corinne McCormack, 02-18-2013
I started my own business in 1993. At that time, it was a recession and people advised me not to start anything new or risky. I was told not to launch ...

2012

What Stage Is This? – Sheila Haile, ClearVision Optical, 10-03-2012
This has been a big year for me, both personally and professionally. Looking back, I am astounded on how swiftly life changes and that I am already ...
Tips for Networking – Amy Spiezio, Eyecare Business, 09-05-2012
Whether you're heading to Las Vegas to Vision Expo West or to the rotary meeting in your hometown, knowing how to network can help you make the best ...
Why Women Need to Be Mentors (or Find Them)
Introduced by Dave Beebe We recently subscribed to a newsletter distributed by a website called Next Avenue ("where grown-ups keep growing"). One ...
Leveraging Leadership Advice from Women in Corporate America – Liz Baidoo, VSP, 06-04-2012
Recently, I accompanied fellow OWA member Kate Renwick-Espinosa, Chief Marketing Officer of VSP Global to the San Francisco Women in Leadership Symposium. Kate ...

2011

Investing In Your Knowledge – Rachel Rich, 09-19-2011
An investment in knowledge pays the best interest. — Benjamin Franklin What does continuing education mean to you? To me it means enjoying ...

2010

Preparing to Be a Mentee – Rachel Rich, 09-07-2010
Most mentoring relationships are driven by the mentee. In order to prepare for a mentoring relationship, the mentee must first identify their learning ...
Developing Future Leaders Through Mentoring – Mary Crisafulli, 05-18-2010
Every well-run business should operate with an eye on the future. That's why it's critical for businesses to look at the development of their future ...

2009

The Last Lecture: Lessons Learned Over a Lifetime – Audrey Pavia, 08-04-2009
Understandably, it seems most of us are focused on one subject these days — the current tough economic times. But as our leaders and financial ...
YouTube: Broadcast Yourself – Rebecca Johnson, 04-15-2009
Imagine-you get an email with a title that reads, "You . . . Broadcast". The E-mail has been carbon copied to everyone in your address book! Opening ...
Reasons to Be a Mentor in 2009 – Deb Lochli McGrath, 01-08-2009
As the New Year is upon us, one goal we should set is being a Mentor. We all agree that mentees receive enormous benefits from their mentors. Successful ...

2008

Take the Mentoring Skills Quiz – Deb Lochli McGrath, 12-03-2008
As the year is coming to a close I thought it would be useful for each of us to evaluate individually how we managed mentoring during the past 12 months. ...

2007

How to Handle Negative Criticism – Jodi Groh, 03-01-2007
Negative criticism. It's a fact of life we don't like to hear, and oftentimes occurs when a mistake is made. Our typical response is to feel hurt or ...

2006

Avoiding Office Politics – Amy Spiezio, 10-15-2006
The workplace is supposed to be a professional, dignified place, so why are there so many squabbles? Well, first off, people are human and bring their ...
A Positive Attitude: A Requirement in Today's World – Jodi Groh, 08-15-2006
How often when given an assignment for the first time your immediate reaction is, "I can't do it"? Or you're interested in exploring a new hobby, but ...
How to Get the Raise You Deserve – Sandy Likes, 06-01-2006
Improve your chances of getting the raise you deserve by using these proven techniques. Be Prepared Make a list of your accomplishments that have ...
Mentoring 101: Just Ask. – Sandy Likes, 01-31-2006
When you are at a point in your career and you feel you need coaching and guidance to develop your skills to get to the next step on your career path, ...