by Utah Women's Networking Group | May 23, 2017 | Member Feature, Sponsor
Holy Wow! What an inspiration reading Jenn Kikel’s words! A woman who not only pushes herself, but walks the talk as she inspires others! No Fear, Ladies! Set a goal, scare yourself, and then go for it!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
Something that people wouldn’t know about me from my resume is that my parents are both deceased and have been for the majority of my life. They were both entrepreneurs and raised me to go after anything that I desired so that’s where my drive and ambition comes from.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My role model has always been my mom. She was a single mom when I was 11 years old after my Dad’s suicide. I learned a lot about being independent, goal oriented, driven, and passionate about each of our dreams by watching her struggle in many ways financially and personally as I was growing up, but she was always the best leader, mentor, mother, grandmother to my kids, and businesswoman that a little girl could have in her life. I’m very lucky.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
If money wasn’t an issue, I would travel to Germany with my daughters to research my family history. We are mainly German on both sides and since my parents and all my grandparents are all deceased, I don’t have anyone to ask questions to about my ancestry. My daughters have expressed interest in going there one day.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
No Fear. I set a goal for myself yearly to work towards achieving something that scares me and stretches me in many ways. I tend to run, not walk towards goals that create fear in myself some way. I’ll either learn from failing or achieve something amazing!
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
Barbara Corcoran– I absolutely love her style and the fact that she created a huge empire off of barely any financial resources. She definitely inspires me and we’ve actually emailed eachotherJ
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
Have a vision board and look at it daily- set one uncomfortable giant stretch goal and two small goals for the year. I do this every year and I always achieve my goals because I’m constantly thinking about them and working towards them in everything that I do all year long.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | May 1, 2017 | Member Feature, Sponsor, Utah Women's Networking Group
Have you met Nineveh yet? She’s the BOMB! Girlfriend, go get some time with her, and her experience in media and business will rock your world. I know from experience! The media exposure I have had recently can all be traced back to one event she put on..did you hear that? Game changer with Just. One. Event. What I love about Nineveh is that, yes, she has been on Tv and all that, but she is REAL, down to earth and plain ol’fun to be around. She is relatable, knowledgable, and wants to help women feel confident to push themselves to the next level. She walks the talk, people, inspiring others to do the same!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
The way to my heart is New York Cheesecake!
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My mentor in most recent years has been my Father, Francis. He’s an entrepreneur and always reminds me to stay in the game even when I face what feel like unwinnable challenges. My husband John is my love first and foremost, but a coach to me in so many ways. He teaches me to stay in the moment, and to love life. He’s so positive! I always marvel at that. Role Models – Sheryl Sandberg, Marie Forleo and any woman doing what she loves.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
I’d go for a month long vacation to the Bahamas. Put me anywhere by the beach, ocean and sunshine and I’m happy! I’ve never been to the Bahamas, but it sounds magical. And I’d need a month because I’d love to learn how to once again live without all these devices! Remember when we only had pagers?
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
Do it because you want to. Do it for purpose and legacy. Not for the money. Not for the glory. But for the mission, and to create impact. I’ve learned to shift my focus on those things in recent years.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
Lately, it’s been Gary Vaynerchuck. He is harsh, but sometimes it doesn’t help to be coddled. So he’s like my big brother who will tell me how it is. When I’m feeling sorry for myself, I listen to Gary V.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
You can’t control everything. Learn to let go, and love the journey. Everyone pushes for the destination, but the destination is always changing. So focus on the journey, and the growth that comes with it – and the person you become as a result.
Nineveh Madsen, Founder & CEO of HER Magazine.
We publish daily content at www.hermag.co focusing on trending topics, the latest news impacting women, and business articles.
Our monthly magazine is in iTunes & Google Play. Download our app for free, and sign up for a free 7-day trail. If you love our publication, it’s $5.99/month of $59.99 a year for a subscription.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Apr 17, 2017 | Member Feature, Sponsor
I am blessed to call this lady one of my besties. She says she is shy, but don’t let Ez’s “quiet” nature fool ya! She is such a powerhouse filled with purpose and determination when she is focused on her goals. Sometimes, you need to be a bit of a rule-breaker, get lost intentionally, and go find some adventure. Tha’ts what makes life interesting! Stepping in to support our annual golf tournament, she not only supports a cause, is an example of why we are all here in this group together: as we share each of our own experiences in life and business, our own journey softens as we come together with an unspoken code: Let’s Grow Together, Sister!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
I’m a bit stubborn and somewhat of a rule breaker. Please don’t tell me I can’t do something. You’ll make me prove you wrong.
Fortunately/Unfortunately my kids have the same attitude in life and my new saying to them is, I gave you that face don’t give it back to me.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
I have had many role models and mentors that have helped me along the way. I would even say that it has been my team of mentors that have been the corner stone of my success and having a couple of people by my side listening and problem solving has helped me grow my company.
The one key ongoing theme that is always drill into me or what I seem to hear is;
Believe in yourself.
Intention + Focus = Results.
And when the going get rough… tread water, you got this.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
Everywhere! I am a gypsy blooded soul that loves to wander. I use to go get lost for the adventure of finding something interesting. I love the history and stories that communities tell.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
Life will sometimes break you, allow it to break you wide open because really the only happiness in life is to love and be loved in return.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
Mary Morrissey~ She teaches brain training, how to refocus and rewire your brain to think good thoughts.. Create goals through focus & Intention for best results in life.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
The WNG has been such a corners stone to feeling supported on this journey of business ownership. When you are wrangling the everyday throws of life and business. This group steps in to support and share experiences to soften your journey and the friends made along the way are priceless. I’m blessed to know and befriend many of the women who honor the unspoken code of let’s grow together sister.
*This is a gentle nudge and reminder for you to set some time for yourself to relax and be spoiled! Make yourself an appointment for a massage at Mountainside Spa, refresh and nourish, and then go take on the world!
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Apr 10, 2017 | Member Feature, Sponsor
I first met Kathy a few month’s ago at one of our luncheons. Her smile just draws you into conversation. She is such a lovely combination of ease and grace with a splash of spunky sassiness! I feel as women we forget that we, our life/our bodies/our spirit, are important. Kathy helps us remember that we are all rockstars with uptapped potential! As a golf sponsor for our upcoming tournament, her lessons teach us that life is like achieving that hole-in-one: It doesn’t happen over night, but with guidance, motivation, and commitment (and a little kick in the butt every now and then), we will reach our goals!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
I love home-baked cookies. There is absolutely no nutritional label detailing calories.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My sister-in-law, Susan Kooring, was a mentor to me at a young age. She taught me to always go out of my way to make people feel special.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
Europe. I love the architecture and most of all the history associated with the European countries.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
“Helping others succeed is my success” is on my business card, but personally, my dream is to inspire women that they can be so much more than they can possibly imagine. Most women have no idea of their potential.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
This is a tough question. I love so many authors and get something different from each one. My first exposure to personal development was about 15 years ago to Andy Andrews. He teaches great principles in a story format so it was a great introduction for a newbie like me. I like Brene Brown for spiritual or self-help and Darren Hardy is great for business and personal development helping me make changes in my daily practices. I recently was at a crossroad in life of where to go next and I read The Passion Test by Janet and Chris Attwood. I would highly recommend it for anyone wanting to know their “why.”
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
I’ve always had the firm belief that my business only grows as much as I grow personally and help other people to grow. So if I feel stagnant in my business it’s because I need to “take a look under the hood” and work on me personally. I want to work with motivated, committed and rockstar people so I know that I need to be that same type of person in order to attract those people into my life so that I can help them.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Apr 3, 2017 | Member Feature, Sponsor, Utah Women's Networking Group
Where would we be without Emily and her Sugarhouse Coffee? Her place and her presence is an integral part of our Women’s Networking Group. Her passion for people (and coffee!) create a safe place for people to gather, grow, and relax over a fantastic cup of coffee! She is an inspiration to me as a mom and an Entrepreneur. She has the ability to not only balance the business side as well as maintaining such a close relationship with her kids. Not only is she another one of our golf tournament’s sponsors this year, she is an inspiration to us all to Rise Up, step out of our comfort zone and push ourselves despite obstacles in our our path! Rise up, Ladies!
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
I LOVE being a mom. My kids are my world and I would do absolutely anything for them. I love watching them grow in bright individuals. Jaxon and Aliya Juel are my number one. They are always my priority.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My role model is my mom. She is one of the brightest, strongest and hardest working woman I know. She has taught me the importance of fighting for social justice, for not being afraid for what you believe in. My mom has always been my biggest supporter even at times I may have made it difficult to support. I am lucky to have grown up with her as a role model, a mother and a friend. She is the best.
I have had so many amazing mentors support me these past few years. A key mentor for me over the has been Karin Palle. She wants everyone to succeed and is happy to share her wealth of knowledge. She has been a cheerleader at times that I didn’t think I could succeed. Karin has pushed me to reach outside my comfort zone and conquer challenges in ways that have helped me grow Sugar House Coffee. I am forever grateful for her mentoring and friendship. I also love that if I need help with anything she can refer me to someone, very resourceful.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
Australia, the Land Down Under, need I say more? I have seen so many gorgeous photos that make me dream of visiting one day, for an extended period of time so I can embrace and learn the culture and be submerged into a community there. I have a friend that lived there for a few years and it sounds amazing. I am also intrigued by the Aborigenes and would love to see their homeland and learn more about their history.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
Currently it is “Rise Up”. I always tell me kids to Rise Up! Someone tries to pull you down? Rise Up! Be kind to them and show them they can’t bring you down with them. You have anxiety? Rise Up! Learn to breathe through it and gain control of YOU, don’t let anxiety control you (this one is said daily). Feeling sad? Rise Up! You decide today if you are going to make it a good day. These may be easier some days but I am trying to teach them, as well as myself to gain control of our lives, of our emotions so that we don’t let others decide the day we are going to have. Rise Up, it may just be the best day of your life.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
Currently, the Whole 30 blog and Instagram. I have recently found out I am intolerant to gluten and lactose so I am adjusting what I eat. I love the recipes on Whole 30, even though I am doing it. All the recipes work for my dietary guidelines and most of them are delicious.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
Be ok with getting out of your comfort zone sometimes. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish, learn and who you can meet. I am very shy and terrified of speaking publicly, but am always amazed at how I feel and what I learn after the fact. Stepping out of my comfort zone every once in a while always turns out to be worth it.
I am so grateful for all the women I have met through WNG!
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Feb 1, 2017 | Ambassador, Area Connector, Business Member, Member Feature, Sponsor, Utah Women's Networking Group, UTWNG, UTWNG Role
A Woman of Many Hats… Carina Knecht!
There are various levels of involvement in the Utah Women’s Networking Group, which is great because we aim to create opportunities at all levels. One of our members, Carina Knecht, has managed to take advantage of every opportunity! She is an Ambassador. She is an Area Connector of two groups. She is the Main Sponsor for our Non-Profit Luncheon this month. Shall we go on?
When she’s not wearing her UTWNG hat, Carina is a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. She’s not only in the business of helping others pursue their wealth, she is also in the business of helping them grow their financial confidence in the future. She helps individuals balance pursuing their dreams for tomorrow with what is wanted today. In her own words, “I’m here to help you live the life you’ve earned. When you have the right advisor, life can be brilliant.”
Check out Carina’s answers to our six questions:
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
Something that would not be found on my resume is my kids! I have biological kids and six kids who have come to call me mom. Of my biological kids, I have one (almost two) married, two teens and one 10-year-old. My “adopted” kids have come to us by way of exchange programs and other like opportunities.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
Ana Bay is an inspiration to me because not only did she become a BYU Professor while raising four boys, but she exemplified her teachings which were that just because you’re a mom, you still need to pursue your dreams and aspirations.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
If money weren’t an option I would travel to Egypt! I’ve always been very fond of the history and culture there. It’s horrible, neat, and exciting all in one.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
A motto that I and my family try to live by is “BE NICE. WORK HARD.”
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
A favorite author of mine is Agatha Christie. She inspires me to pay attention to details and let’s face it, I’m a sucker for a good mystery.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
My advice to other amazing members of this group, both now and future, is to keep working on all of your relationships because both the good parts and the bad parts can teach you a lot about yourself and the world around you. AND to always STAY POSITIVE!
Since we already know that Carina will be at the next event, and we hope you are too, be sure to thank her for her passion for the UTWNG and ask her what she loves most.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Jan 30, 2017 | Business Member, Member Feature, Sponsor, Utah Women's Networking Group, UTWNG, UTWNG Role
We Invite You to Meet… Bekka Carlson!
We love being able to feature members of the UTWNG, and we are excited to highlight Bekka Carlson with Bekka Carlson Agency – State Farm.
The Bekka Carlson Agency serves Salt Lake City and surrounding locations. They specialize in protecting your lifestyle, income, and family. The seek to help clients with home, auto, life, and renter’s insurance. Their mission is to insure what’s important to you!
Bekka has moved around. She was born in Utah, grew up in Eugene, Oregon, went to college in Missouri, worked in LA for a bit, and then landed back in Utah. She is a big sports fan (you will have to ask her what teams) and loves animals (who doesn’t?).
Curious minds want to know Bekka’s answers to our six questions:
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
Growing up I was convinced I was going to be a movie producer. I moved to Los Angeles after college and was able to work on a few films; Rush Hour 3, Pineapple Express and Into The Wild.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
When I was in college I was lucky enough to have a basketball scholarship. I didn’t think that my basketball coach would’ve been my long-time mentor, but she ended up being influential by repeating frequently that the two things anyone can control outside of their physical abilities are their attitude and their effort. I find that to be true and I think it’s smart to live by.
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
I would obviously be Diane Lane in Under The Tuscan Sun.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
In the time it usually takes you to complain about not wanting to do something you can usually have that issue resolved. Also, be discerning and kind.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
Jim Dale’s narration of the Harry Potter series. Buy it now and enjoy the journey.
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the associations in the group. Thanks for letting me participate and looking forward to making much more.
Reach out to Bekka and tell her thanks for being such an awesome support of the UTWNG.
by Utah Women's Networking Group | Jan 30, 2017 | Ambassador, Area Connector, Business Member, Member Feature, Sponsor, Utah Women's Networking Group, UTWNG, UTWNG Role
Turn a Light on for… Jodie Turner!
Part of what makes the Utah Women’s Networking Group go around is our dedicated members who support us at every turn. One member, in particular, is Jodie Turner of Eagle Electric, Inc.
Jodie serves as Vice President for Eagle Electric which provides electrical contractor services for new, remodel, residential, and commercial projects. They offer a full 24-hour service department, and believe that no job is too small! Something cool to note, most of their management and key employees have been with Eagle for 10 or more years.
Let’s get to know a little more about Jodie. We put her to our six-question test:
Share something about yourself that can’t be found on your resume.
Tough question. I love classic muscle cars and can be found at car shows, either taking my car or just to see the others cars a lot of weekends when the weather is nice.
Who is/has been your role model/mentor? And what is one key thing they taught you?
My Dad. He taught me just about everything I know about my industry and continues to teach me. He also taught me that what you put out to the world comes back to you in waves (negative, positive, whatever).
If you could travel anywhere in the world – money is not an issue – where would you go and why?
Greece and Rome (not all of Italy, just Rome)! I really want to see the ancient ruins of Greece and Rome. I am fascinated with that era.
What is a motto or phrase you live and/or work by?
I have two: “Service Above Self” the Rotary motto and “Strive not to be a success, but rather be of value” – Albert Einstein. I believe living these two things will make a person rich, not necessarily always monetarily, but in life. But I also believe that you get back what you put into the world and then some.
Who is your must-listen-to or must-read author, blog or video blog? How do they inspire, motivate, encourage and/or help you?
I don’t really have any that I follow often really. “You Are a Bad Ass” by Jen Sincero changed a lot of my outlooks about myself, “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy really spoke to me and I’ve been trying to implement some of that. I could go on forever. I devour books usually!
Any last words of wisdom to share with UTWNG members and future members?
Get involved. Talk, listen and get to people in UTWNG and it will be the most beneficial and amazing thing you have ever done. So many women to look up to, support and help you through just about anything, and you will also find the reverse and have many women to help and support. It gives you a whole new world of friends, and who couldn’t use more friends?
Jodie is a bright light (no pun intended) in the UTWNG. And we love that she is a kickass woman helping to lead and running an electric company! At the next event, be sure to seek out Jodie and say hi.
