On November 8th, Erica Collins Host of Blog Talk Radio’s Enterprise (http://blogtalkradio.com/enterprise) inspired women by speaking at the Business and Professional Women of TN’s Annual Board Event about Political Policies, Female Equity, Equal Pay, Non-Traditional Jobs and Work/Life Balance. BPW has received a lot of attention for their “Joining Forces Mentoring Plus” initiative to get veteran women careers and civilian jobs. First Lady Michelle Obama recently spoke on Veteran’s Day 2014 in Washington, D.C.
When discussing Work/Life Balance Erica stated, “According to WebMD, the top 5 health concerns for women are heart disease, breast cancer, osteoporosis, depression and autoimmune disease, when pursuing your passion of business or finding a job, remember to take time for yourself. Remember that you are not only the CEO of a company, but the CEO of Your Life. It is up to you to create that work/ life balance. I’m on the Board of Advisors for a healthy wellness elixir called Jin+Ja (http://drinkjinja.com). We created a concept called the “Jin+Ja Lifestyle”. Although it resembles many healthy lifestyles, the combination of meditation, water, improving my diet, exercise and drinking Jin+Ja to give me a boost has provided that work/life balance and energy needed daily to achieve my goals.”
Erica shared a few health scares while working in the stressful environments of New York City in national news and entertainment companies which are now under control with a healthier lifestyle. Erica continued, “As women we strive to be Superwoman or my favorite Wonder Woman solving all the work problems, friends’ problems, family problems, but do we really take time for ourselves?”
When speaking about entrepreneurship and looking for work, Erica provided this advice “1.) Don’t give up. Often we get sidetracked after something doesn’t work out exactly as planned. Don’t Stop! Learn from it, make a new plan and keep going. 2.) Flip the script! You will be asked to ‘fit in’, and sometimes you just won’t be able to because you’re not meant to ‘fit in’ to that group, company or philosophy. Their purpose is not your purpose. Unfortunately, you will experience challenges because of age, race, gender, culture, creed, or even size. Some may mask it by saying “You’re not the right fit” at this time. So take a deep breath, refocus and Flip the Script! Show them how you will fit better than anyone else or redefine what fits by creating your own business. 3.) Finally, remain passionate about your business. If you don’t like or love what you are doing than you are doing the wrong thing, and it won’t succeed. You have to be passionate about it. You will have to find ways to keep yourself passionate about it. Remember struggle will make you and your company stronger!
Erica’s theme on political policy was “Equality”, where she outlined and provided the group with information about President Obama’s National Equal Pay Enforcement Task Force encouraging an Action Plan for their members. Women are being paid approx. 77 cents compared to men and it creates financial losses into retirement and for social security. The Equal Pay Act was signed by President John F. Kennedy in 1963. Erica noted, “there has been little progress and the concept of who the breadwinner is in the household is changing…women are the breadwinner in many households and less money means less money for the entire family. When women succeed, we all succeed as a nation.”
Erica Collins is the Host for Blog Talk Radio’s Enterprise (http://blogtalkradio.com/enterprise) Twitter @EnterpriseECAA. Blog Talk Radio serves 8 million internet radio visitors. Also, she hosts “Work With ME” on MNN (Manhattan Neighborhood Network) serving approx 700,000 New Yorkers and millions of internet viewers to focus on the untapped talent of New York City and getting New Yorkers back to work.
She is a dynamic personality who has worked for several media companies including Business Week Online, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, HBO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Broadcast studio’s “It’s Your Business” and the “Quality Learning Series”.Erica was awarded the honor to train and work at the U.S. Capitol House and Senate Radio/TV Press Galleries. She has covered local, national and international news, entertainment, business and sports.
Erica has been a plus model for over 20 years; modeling for Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Liz Claiborne (Elisabeth), Boscov’s, Just My Size, Fashion Bug, Cargo Magazine, and served on the Board of Advisors and Spokesperson for Fashion to Figure which was founded by the great-grandsons of Lena H. Bryant, aka Lane Bryant Clothing Stores. As the fmr. Miss Plus America, Erica’s other platforms included the W.H.O Foundation: Women Helping Others .
Currently, Erica serves on the Board of Advisors for Canada Enterprises and was their Media and Public Relations consultant with the success of launching a national media campaign for Canada Enterprises and Jin+Ja, serving as speaker for a Rutgers University Food and Innovation Center.
A graduate from George Washington University, Erica was instrumental in establishing a graduate level course entitled “Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream” and the course has grown into a symposium awarding members of the Washington, D.C. community and beyond, representing the legacy of Jackie Robinson. Contact:
Erica Collins To be a guest on the show enterprise@ecandassociates.com; Twitter @EnterpriseECAA; Facebook Enterprise
Internet Radio show http://blogtalkradio.com/enterprise
