Here at Executive Elements, we like to feature fantastic women we think you should know. Some of these women are clients, some are friends, some are women we’ve only just met. But they all have this in common: they are dynamic, interesting gals who have agreed to share with us their insights and secrets to success.

Marti Taylor (Martha Ann Croll)

My Current Job/Company:
Executive Director, Ross Heart Hospital and COO, Heart and Vascular Center at The OSU Wexner Medical Center

My Birthdate:
July 10, 1964

My Work:
Helping to make sense of health care reform, which I believe in the end will be better for all of us, even though getting there will be a challenge! I oversee all aspects of the Ross Heart Hospital and the OSU Heart and Vascular Center and I work with amazingly talented doctors, nurses, researchers, technicians and other great staff.

My Passion:
My family, my work and my faith. I find that a balance of all three is what keeps me going!

My Family:
My husband, my sons Zachary, 10 and Andrew, 8 and 4 older siblings.

My Heroes:
My parents, my siblings, and a dear friend—all for different reasons. My mother taught me that women have great strength and endurance….she worked full time and raised 5 children. She was my greatest coach, teaching me to be thankful for all the blessings of life, reminding me that integrity is so important, encouraging me to try my best and to always reach for the stars! My father, who didn’t finish high school, taught me that in the end, a hard day of work was well worth it. My siblings are my heroes, too, because they are all successful in their own unique ways. And lastly, Wanda Bride, who is someone who took a chance on me for my first “real job,” pushed me beyond my comfort zone during my early career and continues to give me wise advice.

My Escape:
Most recently, working with a personal trainer. I find it to be tough work, but at the end of a session, I am “ready to go!” I also love Bikram Yoga. It’s 90 minutes of heat and hard work that ultimately results in relaxation.

My Pet Peeve:
Excuses and negativity. The world would be a better place without both.

My Indulgence:
Fine red wine and chocolate

My Roots:
The youngest of 5 children, I grew up on a farm in Oak Harbor, Ohio. I spent a lot of time in the Lutheran Church, played in the band and was always surrounded by friends and family.

My Future:
Probably a little crazy and busy but full of excitement!

My Love:
Beaches, sunshine and time with family! I also love a challenging professional role…status quo just won’t do!

My Movie:
“The Sound of Music.” I have early family memories of watching it together.

My Quote:
“They may forget your name but they will always remember how you made them feel”—Maya Angelou

My Advice to Young Women:
As a nurse by training, one of favorite pieces of advice comes from Florence Nightingale: “Never give up and never accept excuses.” I also like a couple of quotes by Wayne Gretzky: “You will always miss 100 percent of the shots you never take” and “Don’t aim for where the puck is, aim for where the puck is going!” So for young ladies-: don’t give up, take risks and look to the future!

How I Balance it All:
I tend not to get too caught up in the details and try to keep the big picture in front of me. I keep a positive attitude and am thankful that I have amazing friends and family that will help out in a bind. If I am not busy and facing a challenge, life seems dull!