Grace Steinhagen – Project Management at Turnberry Solutions

What Keeps Me Going? (Resilience & Motivation)

Resilience to me is rooted in my purpose. Aligning my work and personal life with what truly matters—helping others, fostering connections, and continuing to grow—keeps me moving forward. My personal values, like friendships, well-being, and self-growth, serve as anchors, reminding me why I do what I do. When challenges arise, I turn back to what drives me and take the next best step—because it’s never the last.

Work-Life Balance & Creating Intentional Space

Balance doesn’t just happen—it’s created. I’ve learned to use my calendar as a tool to intentionally block time for work, personal commitments, and rest. If it’s not scheduled, it’s easy to let things slip. Setting boundaries and protecting my energy allows me to fully show up for what matters most. Some weeks are full of social energy, others call for solitude—I check in with myself regularly and adjust accordingly.

Words I Live By

“Take the next best step—it’s never the last.”

Maura Koelsch – Sr. Project Manager at Branch Basics 

How can women build meaningful and strong relationships inside and outside of the workplace?

Being intentional with connections and continuing to foster them, not just when you may need something is so important.  I have had the same mentors for years and make it a point to reach out and connect at least 2-3 times a year. Making this connection to catch up and discuss life makes the connections more meaningful and then when you may be looking to switch jobs or need to bounce ideas off of them, it feels less random to reach out. I’ve also found connecting with coworkers to better know their personal lives can help build more trust and relationships in the workplace, which lends itself to stronger working relationships. 

Action Steps 

Building your network can often be intimidating, especially in larger group settings. My advice is to connect and chat with as many people as possible when you attend Dot events. If you really hit it off with someone, even if they are in a totally different field than you, make it a point to exchange numbers or find each other on the Inner Circle afterward and make plans to connect for a coffee or happy hour. Relationship building takes time, but that first step is always the hardest. Once you commit to that first meetup, then you can use those tools as you attend more events. 

Words I Live By

“You are a badass, don’t ever forget it.”

Ellie Breitbach – Mortgage Loan Officer

What Keeps Me Going? (Resilience & Motivation)
Resilience for me is about showing up with heart—especially when things get hard. Whether it’s helping a first-time homebuyer navigate the biggest purchase of their life or juggling a busy season at work, I’m fueled by the impact I can make in someone’s story. When I feel stretched thin, I pause, take a breath, and remind myself: this matters. That mindset keeps me grounded and focused, even when the path gets messy.

Building Relationships & Mentorship
Relationships are everything to me—personally and professionally. I believe in staying connected, checking in just because, and following through on what you say you’re going to do. Some of my most meaningful mentorships and friendships have come from simply being consistent and showing up authentically. Whether it’s a quick coffee, a voice memo, or a DM to say “thinking of you,” small touches build real trust over time. I’ve learned that when you lead with genuine curiosity and kindness, the right people stick around—and those are the ones who help you grow.

Words I Live By

“Lead with empathy. Keep it real. And trust that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.”

Ashwak Hassan (Therapist)

How do you create a plan to pivot when lost job/need something new?

Set a 30-60-90 Day Plan

Pivoting after job loss hits hard, and taking care of your mental and emotional well-being has to be part of the plan, not an afterthought. Before you do anything, pause. It’s normal to feel grief, anger, anxiety, even relief. Suppressing that only slows you down later. Losing a job can shake your sense of stability, so self-care isn’t optional, it’s survival. Start by giving yourself permission to feel what’s coming up without rushing into solutions. Build structure into your day with simple routines: wake up at a set time, move your body, eat well, rest. Set one or two clear, manageable goals per day to keep momentum without burnout. Stay connected—reach out to friends, mentors, or support groups. Limit negativity in your feed. Most importantly, be kind to yourself. This is a chapter, not your whole story. You’re allowed to take care of you while figuring out what’s next.

Words I live By

“You have to believe in yourself when no one else does.” —Serena Williams

Emma Traun – Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual 

What is something you can do today to push your career forward despite challenges? 

I can’t stress enough the importance of who we surround ourselves with. It’s imperative to surround yourself with people who see your vision, who want to help you get there, and who find joy in the success of others. These are all things that you also have to GIVE in order to GET. That’s exactly why I love The Dot – every single person who comes to events, who engages with The Inner Circle, and who reads this blog is here because they are open to a connection. Something you can do today is take initiative to start a conversation – no one here will judge you for putting yourself out there! I consider the 3 C’s of relationship building – Compliment, Congratulate, Console. Be there for people in the way that you want them to be there for you. We are all better together! 

Words I live By

Do the right things for the right people, and the right things will happen for me. 

Ciera Colbert – Agile Consultant/ Scrum Master 

How do you create a plan to pivot in your career?

I’ve pivoted careers multiple times—including from full-time entrepreneurship into corporate—and I always follow the same process: clarify, audit, position, and act. I get clear on the type of change I want, assess my current skills against what’s needed, and close any gaps. Then I position myself strategically—updating my resume, LinkedIn, and network to reflect where I’m headed. Finally, I take action and stay visible. A pivot takes time, but it’s never starting over—it’s building on what you’ve already done to step into something new.

What resources do you draw upon to help you through difficult times in your career or life?

My number one resource for staying resilient—in life and in my career—has always been my mindset. Change is inevitable. Failing at something or being let down will happen. But my ability to shift my perspective—to reframe failures as lessons and setbacks as stepping stones—has helped me get through everything.

Words I live By

“If your dream only includes you, it’s too small.” -Ava Duvernay

Yusra Mohamud- Business Advisor/ Community Advocate

As women, there is an unspoken expectation of doing it all. Having it all together. How do you build a balanced life?

Finding that sweet spot between chasing your dreams and nurturing your relationships isn’t about perfect balance—it’s about intentional presence. Our ancestors knew this instinctively: success means little without community to share it. Make space for spontaneous coffee dates that turn into deep conversations, neighborhood gatherings that build your support network, and late-night walks where vulnerability creates connection. When your schedule gets overwhelming, remember that showing up for your people isn’t a distraction from your purpose—it’s the foundation that makes everything meaningful. The wisdom across cultures remains true: build your career with ambition, but save your truest energy for those who’ll be there to celebrate with you when those dreams become reality.

Words I live by: Show up fully for your dreams, but save your best energy for the people who’ll celebrate with you when those dreams come true