Woman of the Week: Kim Lemke

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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.

Kim Lemke

My Current Job/Company:
Huntington National Bank – Manager, Electronic Disputes AVP

My Birthdate:
5/31/74

My Work:
I manage a team of colleagues who research and resolve customer initiated electronic disputes for Debit Card, Bill Pay and ACH transactions. I love what I do and am passionate about driving change and colleague development.

My Passion:
My family, my faith, my friends, my community, Juvenile Diabetes, and my job.

My Family:
Rob (Supportive Husband), Connor (son – 16), Alex (stepson – 25), Tyler (stepson – 22)

My Hero:
My dad. He taught me about hard work, respect and values. He did what he had to even when it wasn’t easy.

My Escape:
Travel – anywhere with a beach.
A good book I can’t put down.

My Pet Peeve:
People who say, “that’s the way we have always done it.” Migraines.

My Indulgence:
French fries and chocolate.

My Roots:
Loving. Strong. Resilient. Compassionate. Surrounded by Family. Great friendships.

My Future:
One day at a time, active, and fulfilling.

My Quote on Life:
“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.” –Henry David Thoreau

My Accessory:
Earrings – I always have them on. My husband!

My Advice to Young Women:
I like Sheryl Sandberg’s advice: “Be more open to taking career risks. At a certain point, it’s your ability to learn quickly and contribute quickly that matters.”

In my 22 years at Huntington, I have been in many roles in many areas. I love to learn new things and I love a challenge. My diverse experience helps me be successful in my leadership role.

How I Balance it All:
I’m not sure I do balance it all, but I do the best I can and make changes as I go. I have a great support system in my friends, family and coworkers. I practice good time management and maintain a strong focus on work-life balance.

Woman of the Week: Cathy Smith

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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.

Cathy Smith

My Current Job/Company:
Commercial Lines Sales Officer

My Birthdate:
01.01.1963

My Work:
I discover and prioritize sales opportunities for Grange Insurance, and lead teams in finding ways to capture them.

My Passion:
Putting my faith into action.

My Family:
David (Best friend, husband and biggest fan), Erick (Daredevil son – 13), Ben (Charming son, second biggest fan – 13)

My Heroes:
The not-for-profit leaders in Columbus have something special going on and contribute immeasurably to our community.

My Escape:
Being on the water, in the sun.

My Pet Peeve:
Intolerance (ironically).

My Indulgence:
Spa treatments. Red wine.

My Roots:
Southern, active outdoors.

My Future:
Purposeful, focused, with outward orientation.

My Quote on Life:
“If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” (unknown)

My Accessory:
Brighton earrings and my sapphire cross.

My Advice to Young Women:
The world is lucky to have you and all that you will contribute. Know yourself so that you can make the most of those contributions.

How I Balance it All:
Sometimes, balance actually does happen for me. When it does, it’s because of a supportive husband first, GREAT girlfriends second (I love you, Reddy Sisters), a compassionate work environment, and a solid faith that it’s all for a bigger purpose.

Woman of the Week: Diana Tullio

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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.

Diana Tullio

My Current Job/Company:
CIO, Standard Register

My Birthdate:
08.07.61

My Work:
As Chief Information Officer at Standard Register, I am responsible for the technology within the company including networks, PC’s, servers, applications that run the business, and the support of all of these business enablers. I believe in running IT as a business within a business which gives me the awesome chance to create a culture that embraces diversity, focus on the health and wellness of our team members, and maximize value to our customers.

My Passion:
My family, meeting new people, painting, writing, and reading. Oh yeah, and naps!

My Family:
Tim (A stay-at-home dad who knows me better than anyone), Alex (almost 17 and the funniest kid ever!)

My Heroes:
My mom and dad (Gene and Sybil married 53 years) who have always told me I could do whatever I set my mind to and made a college degree non-negotiable. They have supported me every inch of my journey!

My Escape:
Reading. A great book will take you anywhere, and anywhere you go you can take a book.

My Pet Peeve:
Bullies and bad customer service.

My Indulgence:
Wine and naps…not necessarily in that order 😉

My Roots:
Hard working and simple. My parents and grandparents worked hard and instilled that in us. We have always had what we needed and felt loved for who we are.

My Future:
Amazing. There is no limitation to where I’m headed. I plan to increase my community involvement to give back to others what I have so generously received.

My Quote on Life:
“Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans.” (John Lennon)

My Accessory:
Clothing and jewelry inspired or bought in India.

My Advice to Young Women:
Believe and trust yourself. Don’t let anyone else manage your life or career. Your instincts will lead to your passion.

How I Balance it All:
I don’t. However, I take feedback well, so I listen to my husband, son, parents, colleagues, and friends when I am not getting it right. I’m learning to give myself feedback as well (thanks to an amazing and wonderful coach) and to know when things are not in alignment.