W O W ! I Just had a business breakfast with one of the most fascinating and successful CEO’s in the country, Laura Ann Goldman, the CEO of Spanx, Inc. the ultra-successful, super slimming hosiery company.

Wonder Spanx!

It's not every day one gets to talk "privately" with a woman who grew a company to $150 million in revenue!

Spanx was founded by Sara Blakely just 7 years ago, and today the company boasts over $150 million in retail sales, 55 employees, 100 different styles, four patents, and ASSETS a new brand available exclusively at Target retailers. Additionally, the company is about to launch it’ new, revolutionary Bra-llelujah which is already on pre-order.

Spanx incredible growth and success is due in large part to the dedication and expertise of Laura Ann Goldman. I, along with just nine other business executives, had breakfast and coffee with her as part of the WEC: Women’s Executive Circle. It was an incredible experience.Ms. Goldman shared some of her personal and professional background with us, as well as some of the many challenges she has faced as a female executive in a male dominated world.

Laura Ann Goldman is a young, beautiful, married, mother of three young boys under the age of 15. And as she explained, she is also simultaneously the CEO and driving force behind one of the most successful corporations to come along in a very long time. She’s smart, sassy, knows what she wants and how to achieve it, and oversees the entire Spanx Empire as if it were another child. She is the “woman behind the woman” (Spanx founder, Sara Blakely). In fact, Laura’s most recent brainchild was the Assets line, a less expensive version of Spanx now sold at Target. They conducted over 300 focus groups when deciding whether or not to launch a cheaper version, affordable to the masses. She’s clearly a very detailed, strategic thinker.

She also described her experiences in a male dominated industry and about her decision to leave Coca Cola. Laura had delivered her 3rd child and 48 hours later was required to stand up and give a formal presentation to the Chairman of Coca Cola. I’d like to see a man pull that one off…Anyway, afterward she’s in Saks and upset about the fact that she had JUST delivered a baby and needed to be at a big corporate event. She was with a friend who suggested Spanx. She’s never heard of it before but it was sold out in every color and size. Quite ironically, the COO was in Saks, and overheard the conversation. He asked what the problem was? She began to ask about distribution channels, production, manufacturing, inventory etc… he was blown away. They talked for 2 hours, later he introduced her to Sara and the rest is history. Her story is a testament to being in the right place at the right time. Talk about lucky!

As a working mother and business owner, I often find myself wearing many different hats while trying to juggle multiple obligations at once. So, I was particularly intrigued when she shared her experience of “blending not balancing.” Laura described that with her husband and kids …there isn’t balance but rather blending of responsibilities. Her husband is a successful investment banker with his own firm, but he was the one handling car pool and stomach aches this very morning. Yet still, she was getting calls in the car from her upset husband, “why aren’t you home dealing with this?” As executive women, we all face this dilemma. Ms. Goldman admitted that her husband, while publicly proud and happy for her, secretly wishes she would quit and stay home with the kids. However, she is fortunate that her position with Spanx allows for a lot of flexibility and balancing of work and family…she wouldn’t have it any other way. In her original employee contract she negotiated a clause that when her family needs her, or when her philanthropic duties require attention, that she would be given the freedom and flexibility to deal with these personal issues.

Still, this “blending” seems to be a challenging for her, as it is for all us working women. It’s a comfort to know that I’m not alone in this struggle; that no matter how much success one achieves…nobody can actually be “Super Woman.” But here’s to all the women out there who work hard, love their families and friends, respect themselves…and who just do their best…ultimately, that’s what makes us all Super Women!

~Leslie

Posted by Melody at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, the Thanksgiving holiday has come and gone. I hope that you all had a terrific holiday. Mine was wonderful! I enjoyed spending time with all 21 of my family and friends. I’m so grateful for my many blessings. Ironically one of those blessings happens to be that I now own TWO Internet cards…I guess it can’t hurt to have two just in case one should “temporarily” disappear again.

Yes it’s true…after all the hassle I went through with Sprint/Nextel customer service (see post 11/25/07) I found my original card. Since I ranted on about losing my card and the ensuing chaos that I had to endure in order to get a replacement, I thought it only fair to provide a quick and more upbeat update.

So, it turns out that my son was “playing with my card,” when somehow it grew legs and traveled from my home office upstairs to our formal living room downstairs. How annoyed am I? Finding it however does not change the fact that aforementioned company's "customer service" is horrible and more than deserves J.D. Power’s last place ranking!!

Still, I realize that there are worse things in life…much worse (I’ll save that for another day). At this point, especially given the holiday, I’ll just count my blessings…and my multiple Internet cards. Hey maybe I can “re-gift?” Just kidding, I would never do such a thing.

~ Leslie

Posted by Melody at 04:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Let me apologize in advance but I just have to use today’s post to rant! I am beyond irritated, bordering on needing a sedative irritated, after having to deal with Sprint/Nextel Customer Service this week. The only comfort I take in any of this is that I’m not alone. It seems that back in July, Sprint/Nextel received the prized J.D. Power Ranking for the worst customer service in the industry…for the 4th consecutive year!!

Being a very busy career woman/business owner and mom, I am completely dependant on my Sprint Internet card for my laptop. Everything I do for the company; billing, collections, generating commission reports for our sales associates, payroll, all accounting (payables & receivables), it’s all done on my laptop from virtually everywhere. I schlep my laptop all over the country… on every airplane, to every one of my kid’s karate classes, in the wee hours of the night…

So, needless to say, when I lost my Internet card I panicked. I literally turned my house, car and every relative’s house upside down looking for it, but alas it was to no avail. It had VANISHED! In a state of total unrest, I thought to myself: “Self…Thank God you paid the $7.00 premium insurance every month for total card replacement (after having spent $250.00 for the card itself)." Somewhat reassured, I called Sprint/Nextel “Customer Service” and I use the term very loosely. They informed me that, "YES," the replacement is totally covered, BUT there is a $50.00 processing fee for the claim, Oh, and by the way, it will take 7 – 10 business days to ship. My response: W H AT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I run a business and depend on my card. I need it NOW! So, then I asked if I could simply go to the nearest store and pick one up? Answer: NOPE! Only once a claim is processed, then they can ship it. I asked if I could pay extra for overnight express delivery? Answer: NOPE! We don’t know if you will be eligible to receive it expedited. First, you are required to pay the $50.00 fee, only then can we tell you if we can overnight it. My response: That makes absolutely NO SENSE! I need to know if I can have it next day before I pay the fee because if not, then I’ll just schlep to the store and layout another $250.00 big ones…my business makes more $$$ than that per day, and I can’t wait 7 – 10 business days. This was a circular exchange that was clearly going nowhere.

Fast forward … I had to speak with 3 supervisors and I very bluntly told them how STUPID their policy was and how frustrated & unsatisfied I was. Finally, I paid the $50, got my express delivery and now I’m waiting for it to be delivered. Moral to the story: Sprint/Nextel is very clearly in the lead again to win that special J.D Ranking for a 5th consecutive year if they continue with incompetent policies that make no sense!

Maybe the powers that be at Sprint/Nextel should consider a change toward effective customer service policies if they hope to retain and gain new customers…just a thought!

Thanks for letting me rant ~ Leslie

Posted by Melody at 03:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Thanksgiving is such a wonderful holiday. It’s not about the gifts, the busy malls, the credit card debt, the office politics, or even the eggnog (although eggnog can be quite good). Thanksgiving is actually about giving thanks…about gratitude and I have so very much to be thankful for. I am blessed with a wonderful family; my husband, children and extended relatives, devoted friends, health, a thriving business and much more. I love to cook and to entertain…in fact, it’s my passion, and so the holiday season is my time to shine. However, even though celebrating with friends and family brings me great joy, it’s certainly not without the usual holiday stress.

This year I am preparing to host 21 people at my home for Thanksgiving while simultaneously balancing career, kids, homework, laundry…the basic everyday “working mom” duties. So, you can well imagine that I’m becoming a master juggler. Is it stressful? Yes! Is it worth it? Yes! Are there ways to make it all less stressful? Absolutely!

Thankfully I’ve had years of “Holiday Hosting” experience and I’ve learned a lot over the years. So, if you’re currently experiencing, or close to having, a Thanksgiving meltdown…don’t panic! Take a few deep breaths and continue reading. I’m offering you a lifeline; I call these “Leslie’s Lifesaving Holiday Hosting Tips.” These simple tips will ensure that both you and your guests can eat, drink and be merry…you can thank me later! J

Table & Place Settings –
1.Always set the table in advance! Decide if you will be using your good silverware and china, just good quality disposables OR a combination of both? You can use your own china for the base plates/charger and then supplement the other dishes and utensils with the good quality, heavyweight, patterned paper or plastic options.
2.Decorating the table! At Thanksgiving this part is easy, fun and inexpensive. You can either make centerpieces or just have a few well-placed items scattered around the place settings. For centerpieces fill baskets with fragrant lemons, cornhusks, pinecones, cedar chips, mini pumpkins, or simply place some large unscented candles in the center of the table but whichever option you choose, remember to leave room for the platters of food.
3.Decide if you will be serving a buffet or sit down style meal.
4.Either way, create homemade place cards with pinecones, simply glue the guests name to the pinecone and place it in the center of the salad plate. Assigned seating is typically easier than just having a free for all when it’s time for everyone to find a seat. Also, decide ahead of time if you’re going to have a separate “children’s table.” If so, follow the same as above, except line the table with paper and sprinkle the table with little trinkets from the dollar store (i.e. bracelets, stickers, yo, yo’s, pencils & crayons, playing cards, lollipop rings etc…).

The Meal –
1.PLAN AHEAD!! Settle on your menu and choose wisely…you don’t have to make life harder than it needs to be, so select items that can be safely made ahead of time.
2.If you are looking for menu and recipe suggestions my favorites resources are: The Food Network, Martha Stewart Living and Bon Appetit Magazine online. These sites are full of great recipes, online menu planners, recipe box features, interactive grocery lists and great entertaining tips. I always look for the five star recipes…remember easier doesn’t mean better.
3.Next make a detailed shopping list and double check it against your menu before heading out the door.
4.Clear out your fridge, freezer and pantry to make room for all the items you will be bringing in.
5.Do not wait until the last minute to go to the grocery store. Instead, get everything you need (plus a little extra just in case…better to have too much than too little) a few days prior to the big day.
6.Consider how long each menu item will take to prep and to cook, then make a “cooking schedule” of what has to be done when. You should begin your prep the night before Thanksgiving…prepare as much as you can ahead of time. If you’ve made wise selections this will include most appetizers, dips, side dishes, soups, salads and desserts. This will allow you to focus most of your attention on the “main event,” the turkey.
7.Follow thawing and cooking instructions thoroughly. You should also offer another protein option for those who don’t enjoy turkey…and also as a 911 backup should you have a turkey disaster (which you won’t!), like ham and/or fish (i.e. Salmon, Mahi Mahi, Halibut).

The Party- Finally, the big day has arrived! Only one tip: The hard work is done…Enjoy just being with all your family and friends. Don’t worry about perfection (hint: it doesn’t actually exists) just focus on being grateful for all the many blessings in your life. I know that’s what I will be doing…giving thanks…and probably planning for next year.

~ Leslie

Posted by Melody at 09:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)