From Corporate to Founder/Corporate

By Beth Howell

Over the last year I have made some major changes in life. For the first time in five years, I am living under the same roof my family calls home. I do not have an apartment in another state – multiple cable, utility bills, service professionals at vehicle dealerships who seem puzzled that the last three oil changes have been in three different states…multiple times, I might add.

Many people around the planet have inquired what I have been up to since making the decision to leave General Dynamics Land Systems last year. To be closer to home for reasons that mattered at that time, I opted to take a position that turned out to be something very different than presented and what I had in mind. I recall having doubts – let’s just say I ignored that “still small voice” that some people call intuition, but I tend to think of as God. The times I have ignored Him speaking to me I have paid the price. The times I have listened, I have been rewarded …as I have been so rewarded over the past few months! I am truly blessed!

I hear that same voice today assuring me that everything is right with my world and I am exactly where I need to be. This has been a year of reinvention! I am happy with the outcome! Would I take another position elsewhere? Yes, for the right opportunity. Would I travel to locations far and wide? Yes, for the right experience. I once traveled to Fort Yukon, AK (yes, ALAKSA), for fun! Do I still work in the corporate world? In a roundabout way, yes, I most certainly do! While I would gladly welcome and enjoy positions in Culture, Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Acquisition, I have found many worthwhile activities to keep me busy in the interim and will be sharing those on my blog and via social media in general.

For starters, I created Valentine Management Solutions, a management consulting firm focused on Cultural Transformation, Diversity, Inclusion, Talent Acquisition and Leadership Training and recently celebrated the one year anniversary. I evaluated all my activities from my twenty plus years of Human Resources and Business career and created a space in which to work on the activities in which I found the most joy! I once had someone tell me to “Find the joy where you are!” That statement inspired me to live in the moment and I had a bracelet engraved with that phrase. Today, I can say I have found joy and my goal is to help others find it too. Does this mean I am perfect, always smiling and the world is a bed of roses? No, of course not! I can assure you there are thorns on many paths …to include a recent hiking trail! The key is to, as they say, “Keep moving and, if you fall, fall forward.”

From a Valentine Management Solutions’ perspective and from my own personal view, I am a firm believer that any action that needs to be taken at work, at school or in the home can be taken while everyone retains dignity and respect …at least, if we all strive to stand in our excellence and value ourselves, we should make the world a better place.

Am I 100% successful in my actions, words, and thoughts 100% of the time? Of course not! And, I have learned that I am my own worst critic. Most of us are our own worst critics! My goal is to work with countries, communities, organizations, teams, and individuals to create a more positive, progressive, and proactive environment in which all parties can engage on a level playing field of dignity and respect.

Today’s positive thought: “Find the joy where you are!”