BY JOYCE SALLES ‘19

The Institute for Women’s Leadership (IWL) at Nichols College hosted a Lean In Circle event in which nine female students, including myself, shared a dinner with President Engelkemeyer at her house. Each month there is a new guest speaker for a casual gathering for fun, development, and support with other female students. I must say, it was a little hard at first to think of it as a casual meeting since I was sitting in the President’s living room, but she made us all feel very comfortable, very fast.

After introducing ourselves, we had time to ask the President questions on her professional success. She had great stories about her college years and shared how she was actually an Equestrian Studies major because of her love for horses (which was evident by the many horse portraits on her walls). Her path towards business professionalism had some bumps and bruises but that did not stop her. Instead, she took advantage of the setbacks to stir up motivation to be better…and she was! Her story was very inspiring to hear as she reminded us that sometimes the best opportunities come from the hardest situations.

Along with the delicious catered meal, we were given tips and tricks on how to become a successful business woman; there was high intensity “girl power” around the table! We chatted about wage gaps, how to negotiate your salary, chasing your dream job, and being confident in your abilities. Our conversation tied hand in hand with IWL’s mission statement:

Through campus initiatives, industry partnerships, research analysis, and thought leadership, the Institute for Women’s Leadership at Nichols College focuses on the issues and challenges impacting women in business, with goals of

• developing the leadership potential of students, and
• serving as a resource and authoritative voice on women’s leadership for the community at large

Thank you President Engelkemeyer for sharing all your secrets to your success! I left inspired and ready to handle all the situations that may come my way!

Joyce Salles is a senior at Nichols College majoring in marketing and minoring in hospitality. She is also interns for the Office of Marketing and Communications. 

BY JOYCE SALLES ‘19

This week I got an email from the Fisher Institute titled: “Get Off Your Butt.” It was a rainy Wednesday on the hill and the motivation was quickly drifting away. I knew I needed to see what this presentation was all about and I’m so glad I got off my butt to go!

Professor Bill Moylan delivered an innovative, high energy presentation to the room of students and faculty in Davis Hall Auditorium. He has had more than 35 years of business experience, including big corporate companies like the Clorox Company, H.J. Heinz Company, and Nestle Foods.  He also has experience as an entrepreneur and as a Professor at seven colleges, including the University of Hawaii, Boise State University, and here on the Hill.

He started off by asking us how we would answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” The answer he shared on the screen was “I am a highly motivated self-starter with the requisite you desire who can GET THINGS DONE.” If we could believe this sentence and make it our own, we would set ourselves up for success.

It’s that simple.

He then highlighted the Big Four outlined in his book, “Get Off Your Butt.” These tips can help us to achieve the ultimate personal and professional success we all desire. Here’s a quick summary:

First: Have the right mindset

If you think you can, or if you think you can’t, you’re right. Never underestimate what you are capable of doing. Self-limiting beliefs create fearful, unmotivated, complacent individuals.

Second: Determine exactly what you want

Make sure you know exactly what you want because there will be problems along the way you will need to face. If you don’t have a definite end goal, these bumps along the way will keep you from moving forward.

Third: Put together a plan and do the hard work necessary to implement the plan

Your goals should be SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time Sensitive. Write them down and read them daily.

Fourth: Make sure you have the right requisites skills to achieve your plan

Research what you need to know in order to be successful and practice those skills. Be prepared to prove yourself.

If you are interested in learning more, pick up a book written by our very own Professor Molan “Get Off Your Butt.”

Joyce Salles is a senior at Nichols College majoring in marketing and minoring in hospitality. She is also interns for the Office of Marketing and Communications. 

Catherine Hoey and Kate-Lynn Schraffa from the Nichols College Bison Chronicles team went out to interview some amazing female faculty and staff members on campus. Watch the video to hear some incredible stories and advice for females looking into becoming successful business professionals!

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