The problem with the never-ending struggle for work-life balance is that it is impossible to achieve.
Deirdre Maloney, author of “Bogus Balance: Your Journey to Real Work/Life Bliss,” thinks individuals become stressed out, tired and frustrated because they set themselves up for failure in pursuit of the mythical goal of a work-life balance.
In her book, Maloney urges people to identify what they are most passionate about and what energizes them. Focus most of your energy there, rather than trying to keep what you care about most in perfect balance with what is less fulfilling, she says. In short, bliss is better than balance.
The path to bliss is different for each person, depending on individual talents and priorities. At the upcoming 2023 New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum, powered by NJBIA, four inspiring women who have forged their own path to reach work-life bliss will lead a lively discussion aimed at helping participants identify ways that they too can find fulfillment and feather the proverbial nest.
The “Find Your Bliss” panel discussion will feature insights from:
- Entrepreneur Lauren Borawski, owner and founder of Child’s Play Challenge Courses, a rapidly expanding business pivoted during the pandemic and won the 2023 New Jersey Small Business Award from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
- Shakira Johnson, a communications, social impact and events strategist who is the chief impact officer for Maple & Monroe, a global social impact “think and do” tank (formerly known as Johnson PR & Events).
- June DePonte Sernak, Ed.D., the statewide multicultural diversity leadership officer for the Center for Family Services, a South Jersey nonprofit social services provider.
- Queen Stewart, Esq., a trial attorney with a successful private law practice, whose cancer journey inspired the documentary “Create Urgency” about her mission to find joy and pursue her earlier life passions, such as singing and comedy, after her cancer diagnosis.
The 2023 New Jersey Women Business Leaders Forum will be held Sept. 27-28 at the Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott. The largest professional women’s conference in New Jersey, it brings together hundreds of corporate and nonprofit leaders, entrepreneurs, and students each year to inspire and empower the building of successful businesses and to increase diversity in corporate leadership, both in the C-suite and the boardroom. The event offers something for everyone, no matter where you are in your career.
The two-day event includes executive TED-style talks, multiple breakout sessions led by expert panelists, one-on-one coaching, help with building résumés, LinkedIn makeovers and numerous networking opportunities. For registration information and sponsorship opportunities, go to https://njbia.org/events/wblf2023.
