Woman of the Week: Mindi Israel

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.

Mindi Israel

My Current Job/Company:
Financial Services Industry Director / Microsoft

My Birthdate:
09-02-74

My Work:
I partner with large enterprises in the financial services industry to help businesses innovate, transform, and grow through the use of great technology. I help connect relevant solutions and resources which align to my customers’ strategic goals and objectives. We’re living in exciting times where all industries, including financial services are undergoing major transformation, the industries are shifting and the technology around us is revolutionizing. It’s a fascinating time to be working in the cross-section of IT and financial services, lots of divergent forces, changing business models, and new customer expectations.

My Passion:
People: cultivating meaningful relationships; beginning with my inner-circle, my family and close friends; my work; being a role model for others; fitness and style.

My Family:
Koreanna, 11; Maren, 8. Being their mom is an incredible gift, I’m the one who is truly blessed!

My Heroes:
I cannot narrow to a single hero. Mine are those that precede me and have pioneered the way, have done the heavy lifting, taken the risks or had the courage to make a difference and pave a path before me so I can experience freedoms, opportunities, and gain learnings to create a better way. I hope in some way I can in turn help pioneer and do the same for others.

My Escape:
I have a few outlets: listening to music, working out, catching a handful of peaceful moments in the still of the night or early am, and enjoying a scenic view in nature, anywhere I can hike, jog, or take a quiet walk to clear my thoughts.

My Pet Peeve:
Closed mindedness; lack of accountability; negativity; entitlement.

My Indulgence:
Vacationing well; a weekend nap during the day; massages a few times a year and great food / wine.

My Roots:
Modest upbringing; hard work ethic; church as a focal point; follow through and dedication; taking time for others; actions speak louder than words.

My Future:
Vibrant; interesting; continually evolving; fulfilling; never losing my sense of humor and laughing a lot.

My Quote on Life:
Don’t wait for inspiration. Become it.

My Accessory:
Love fashion, so it’s a great handbag, shoe, or scarf. A favorite scent: Creed or Coco Chanel. And always my phone.

My Advice to Young Women:
Lead with strength and kindness in all that you do, be gracious. Take time to be reflective daily, know yourself. Never stop dreaming, but ultimately define your goals, write down a plan of action, commit and do. Everything else is a matter of preparation and timing.

How I Balance it All:
There is rarely perfect harmony and balance, something is always a bit lopsided. However, that’s okay. I live by calendaring and planning. I also schedule ‘unplanned time’ deliberately either in my day if possible, or during my week/end. I plan outward regularly and near-term daily, sometimes hourly! What feels balanced is different for everyone. For myself, if I can find time to breathe some fresh air (or exercise), laugh a little, knock the pressing items off the list, have a meaningful interaction(s) and get some decent sleep, life is pretty good!