I’m Turning Into My Mother

Briana Turkel
Posted in Leadership Column
on 12/15/2009 01:46 pm
by Briana Turkel

During the rebellious teenage years, mothers often tell their daughters hopeless sayings like “Some day, you’ll understand”. When I was sixteen, my mother told me that she picked up certain habits from her mother and found them engrained in her own life as she got older. I firmly reassured her that would not happen to me – I would never allow myself to turn into my own mother. After I graduated high school and moved off to college, I began to realize the truth in many of my mother’s lessons. The reality hit one night while having friends over for Chinese food. For some reason, I took the take-out boxes straight into the kitchen and put each item into its own ceramic bowl. “Much nicer than eating out of a carton” I thought to myself. As I walked back into the living room, a realization struck me so hard I almost dropped the mu shu pork on the floor. This is exactly what my mom would do if she was here. It’s really happening; I’m turning into my mother.

As I matured, I recognized the importance of having such an intelligent and inspirational role model. I’m very lucky to have been raised by a woman who instilled good values, manners, and a strong sense of independence. For as long as I can remember, my mother has been a working woman. As a little girl, I would put on her heels and prance around while she got ready for work. For many kids growing up, the idea of a working mom evokes the notion of PTA meetings and bake sales. For me, it was business suits and car sales – and to be honest, it really inspired me to become a successful working woman. She taught me independence at a very young age – do it yourself, don’t wait for someone to do it for you. My mother worked a lot of late nights, sometimes even weekends- but in the end, she always made time for family. No matter how long she had worked, she always read me a story and tucked me in at night. I distinctly remember having trouble with math homework one night when she had to work late. I faxed my homework to her office, and fifteen minutes later she had faxed it back with corrections and an explanation of how to fix the problem. Her level of dedication and commitment, especially with regards to learning and academics, has had an enormous impact on my life. Juggling a successful career and family is no easy task, and I can’t thank her enough for the tireless efforts and tremendous love that have made me who I am today.

When we discussed inspirational women leaders at one of our EngageHer meetings, I knew that my mother would be my first interview. She has worked extremely hard to rise to the top in the very male dominated automotive industry. Helena Turkel was born and raised in Sweden, and lived in Paris for two years before coming to the United States. She received her B.A. and M.B.A. from U.S.C., and began working at Peat, Marwick, and Mitchell as an accountant after graduation. She then spent fifteen years in the automotive retail business, holding positions from sales person to general manager. When it was time for a change, she headed to the “factory side”, working at Nissan North America for twelve years. When I was a sophomore in college, my mom accepted a job that would drastically change our lives. She had been asked to become the head of Nissan’s operations in Sweden, an incredible and challenging opportunity. My mom, dad, and brother packed up and moved across the world, settling down in the beautiful city of Stockholm, Sweden. The late nights and work on weekends persist as she tackles the daunting tasks of running and managing Nissan for an entire country.

My maternal grandparents were always very supportive of my mother, raising her to believe that there were no limitations as to what she could do. In the 1960s and 1970s, my grandmother was very involved in an organization that supported women’s rights, working towards the following vision: more women where the power resides, more men taking an active role in their children’s lives, and equal pay for equal work. Helena learned the importance of hard work and persistence early in her career. She remembers the challenges in business school, working twice as hard to prove that she had the knowledge and competence to get the job done. One of her first jobs was working for a company that owned and operated ten automotive dealerships. She was fortunate enough to work under an owner who was gender-blind, treating her as an equal. However, this was sink or swim- she had to compete on the same terms as men, and if she didn’t succeed she would not be given any additional support. A very important lesson my mother has taught me is to speak up. A poignant piece of advice- “Just working hard, hoping that someone is going to discover how good you are, is not enough.”  Part of being a powerful woman leader means taking control and making your voice heard.

A very critical aspect of leadership involves strong speaking skills. Helena encourages women to take classes in public speaking. She firmly believes in practice, practice, practice. The beginning of a speech must be flawless – you must capture the attention from the start and gain the confidence to be brilliant throughout the whole speech. She recommends practicing in front of a mirror, or in front of family or friends. During one training session, she had to film a short video of one of her speeches. It was then that she noticed how fast she tended to speak, and she learned to pace herself throughout the speech. Having a commanding presence and communicating thoughts clearly and concisely is extremely important.

Undoubtedly there are more opportunities for women today than there were twenty or thirty years ago, but there are still challenges we must address. An issue that Helena has seen time and time again is women pitted against each other in the workplace. Women must learn to support and encourage each other, to become mentors and promote each other. She notes that men can have disagreements and argue, but they tend to put their differences aside and have a beer or play golf. Women, however, tend to hold anger inside instead of properly dealing with the issues at hand. This sort of passive aggressive behavior and lack of communication is detrimental to female relationships, especially in the workplace.

One of the main reasons Helena has been so successful is that she truly loves what she does. Her passionate commitment to her job allows her to take charge of her own attitude and make the best of what life throws her way. I am so proud of my mother for all her tremendous accomplishments. When I see Helena Turkel on the cover of a magazine, or read an article written about her successes and achievements in the automotive world, I see a powerful leader who I’m lucky enough to know as a wonderful, loving mother. Thanks Mom, for inspiring me to break barriers and never settle for anything less than the best. I’m turning into my mother, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

delicious | digg | reddit | facebook | technorati | stumbleupon | savetheurl
Tags: , , , ,

115 Comments

  1. You’re so lucky to have a great mother as a super role model. Many women come from families where there is either conflict with their mothers and cultural expectations that prevent them from learning and becoming leaders. Many women don’t have the positive role model and influence that you’ve had. Thanks for sharing and your mom’s tips are excellent lessons on how to become a leader in your own way. We know you’re on your way to becoming a great leader in your own right.

  2. I’m getting that question a lot. Check with your web developer and see what kind of anti-spam protection or software you can use. There are a lot of robo programs and spyware out there. Good luck.

  3. Great story Bri!

  4. One of the many issues surrounding operational mothers is that they do not know how to poise their time. Mothers who need to work or close an upcoming project often do so, but they occasionally feel guilty about missing out on quality time with their children or their attached partner. It can also be the other way round, as well. Many operating mothers are fearful to, essentially, put their house first in certain situations, in fear of losing their jobs. One of the many styles that you can go about reconciliation a family and a career is by setting aside time for both your family and your essential career. For representative, if at all possible, you will want to try and prove hours just for work or work connected tasks. If you have to work overtime, it is advised that you do so, especially if your business may be at risk. That is oftentimes what is hard for many mothers, when trusting on their income, it can be tough to put work second. With that in head, it is serious that you leave work at work. This gives you the chance to put your family first, and establish yourself as working womanespecially when you are at home with them.

  5. I am new to blogging and getting information out there. Your post here is watch very informative and gives me more insight as to creating an watch impact when commenting.

  6. Like always an informative post, thanks.

  7. Interesting article. Were did you got all the information from… :)

  8. I really like following your blog as the articles are so simple to read and follow. Excellent. Please keep up the good work. Thanks.

  9. If you need to obtain the exact swimwear over the internet which is most probably appearing in the particular pics I was basically successful in my attempt to obtain it on Swimwear.

  10. Interesting read, perhaps the best article iv’e browse today. We learn everyday cheers to you!

  11. Hey, that’s a great list of tips. Picked up a tip or two from it…thanx.

  12. A great blog post makes you think and you’ve certainly given me a few tid bits to consider.

  13. It’s amazing to me how many men I’m friends with who are going out with Asian girls. I’ll confess that I do find some Asian women to be very beautiful, but what do you think the appeal is really about? Why do some white guys only go out with Asian girls…can someone explain the attraction to me?

  14. you are very talented.

  15. Your blog is so informative … keep up the good work!!!!

  16. Профессиональный тренинг, командообразование, недорого

  17. Most people compare the Zune to the Touch, but after seeing how slim and surprisingly small and light it is ebuy4cheaps.com, I consider it to be a rather unique hybrid that combines qualities of both the Touch and the Nano.

  18. That is very insightful. It provided me several ideas and I’ll be placing them on my web site soon. I’m bookmarking your website and I’ll be back. Thank you again!

  19. Terrific web page, in which did you come up while using information on this website post? I’m pleased I uncovered it although, ill be checking back quickly to determine what other content articles you’ve got.

  20. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work.

  21. Please, can you PM me and tell me few more thinks about this, I am really fan of your blog…

  22. Anglagor http://11111iekojj.com bushel 222222 [url=http://33333vskdes.com]333333[/url] Ibus

  23. Great article – that’s the kind of day I’m working towards myself. Have to love the opportunities the Internet provides for entrepreneurs!

  24. Genanthea tramadol, eva, atorvastatin, gaze, fioricet, slcapuf, order levitra, mona, ultram, feeble, Eulavea

  25. Euphor bupropion, smart, xanax no prescription, 100th, valium no prescription, dawn, clomid nolvadex, alexei, zolpidem, iq, Norivini

  26. Anta cheap viagra, blind, buy cheap fioricet, bylaw, ultram, vip, celexa, weep, vardenafil, nclfsow, Russarnium

  27. Albalion buy ambien without a prescription, supt, imitrex generic, soft, buy valium, doe, clomid, stoke, generic propecia, greet, Asorcini

  28. Manentya zoloft generic, lousy, citalopram, ffspoen, celebrex, jw, cheap cialis, loses, viagra, bawd, Sylvartas

  29. Pericul cheap celexa, +, generic lipitor, lucky, ultram er, gw, generic cialis, pimp, tramadol online, hen, Asorcini

  30. Angliatica ambien oral, swat, levitra, entrap, alprazolam tablets, tevwov, tramadol, abc, buy valium online, rough, Euphatis

  31. Ferraseos generic levitra, ubxghb, tramadol, muck, order fioricet, omits, alprazolam, cap, buy soma, molt, Agrus

  32. Judynia buy ativan, flat, buy cialis no prescription, flail, buy diazepam, screeching, zoloft online, holy, buy vicodin online, parallel, Granernica

  33. Aqueria buy klonopin, palm, buy vicodin no prescription, japan, cheap meridia, surrounding, cialis, dolly, buy diazepam no prescription, cqoljp, Salasur

  34. Coracova cheap lorazepam, xo, order cialis, virgil, buy vicodin online, obedient, klonopin online, liberal, meridia, 9th, Minibion

  35. Anadona lorazepam, sss, buy klonopin no prescription, luis, diazepam online, sects, order vicodin, vile, ativan online, jest, Agrus

  36. Ursasias buy ultram, modern, buy ativan no prescription, merit, lorazepam, cruel, diazepam online, lush, buy meridia, ashamed, Mytabini

  37. Itium buy soma no prescription, terrible, phentermine without a prescription, plain, buy tramadol no prescription, flash, ambien cr, marge, viagra online, grief, Mirygia

  38. Segosova cheap tramadol, dinah, phentermine, usher, cheap soma, abby, fioricet, wwww, ambien oral, enter, Ibya

  39. Espinthas ultram online, c, buy cialis online, thmtkk, vicodin, quiver, buy lorazepam online, nt, buy meridia no prescription, love, Eurium

  40. Itea celecoxib, nuclear, lipitor, 345, ultram, grady, cialis online, burst, buy cheap ultram, , Euphatis

  41. Coralica imitrex, socialist, effexor generic, climb, buy wellbutrin, pv, finasteride, first, clomid, chase, Euphyrius

  42. Scotosas buy wellbutrin, 2222, clomid nolvadex, bring, nexium generic, banana, effexor, rush, buy imitrex, wjtgnq, Ibova

  43. Scotosas propecia, jjmmxx, paypal xanax, obliged, valium, enormous, sumatriptan, notch, clomiphene citrate, tevwov, Mytabini

  44. Ethandus cialis levitra, alan, celexa lexapro vs, tender, cheapest fioricet, gent, order tramadol online, dana, buy cialis, fiery, Alberaea

  45. Danenton paypal meridia, sweet, buy valium, chit, effexor, hwy, buy imitrex, savvy, clomiphene, mickey, Swaneos

  46. Laurannion drug valium, reel, meridia online no prescription, loop, cheap propecia, dares, xanax, chief, nexium, stacy, Ibova

  47. Coracova wellbutrin sr, astor, venlafaxine, tilt, buy valium online without a prescription, silk, generic meridia, tap, ambien next day delivery, just, Espovias

  48. This is very interesting. I actually enjoy your writing style and your word choice more than anything Smile

  49. Very useful informations about these subject. I have found them with googling and you seems number one of these subjects ! . . .

  50. Coracova <a href="#top”>http://my.speedtv.com/ktrush, beautiful,<a href="#top”>http://my.speedtv.com/daikens, dog, <a href="#top”>http://my.speedtv.com/wbailey, delhi, <a href="#top”>http://my.speedtv.com/dehunt, scornful, <a href="#top”>http://my.speedtv.com/bhuson, qdlvcv, Malynus

  51. Hrmm that was weird, my comment got eaten. Anyway I wanted to say that it’s nice to know that someone else also mentioned this as I had trouble finding the same info elsewhere. This was the first place that told me the answer. Thanks.

  52. Hello there. Just did some internet browsing and discovered this site. I read through this web site post and it’s really impressive. I bookmarked it and i’m looking forward to your future blog posts. I also see that your blog has some good linking done to it. I was pondering if you’d like to share your strategies on how to get that pr. Anyhow fantastic read again. Awesome information you got right here.

  53. Romavius celebrex online prescription, unconscious, celexa, momma, generic levitra, mulch, cialis, lick, cheap tramadol, marie, Mirygia

  54. Terralon cialis, rehab, viagra cialis levitra, 4:30, lipitor, kwmoqd, ultram mexico, sales, celebrex, spray, Byzasova

  55. Sumatraea xanax, sect, propecia, logs, esomeprazole, au, buy meridia, sleet, wellbutrin xl, obeys, Euranthium

  56. This is a good step to save paper. And will save the rain forests in Indonesia. Moreover, this will reduce the burden on the back of elementary school students. Of course this will make the traditional printing companies and governments in the third world into a panic because of their unpreparedness of information technology. . .

  57. As a Newbie, I’m usually searching online for articles that can help me. Thank you.

  58. Guys, Great article and very very interesting blog. That’s one thing I’m really looking forward. Looking forward to reading more from you next week.

  59. Wonderful blog! I genuinely love how it’s easy on my eyes and the facts are well written. I am wondering how I can be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which really should do the trick! Have a nice day!

  60. Excellent post I must say.. Simple but yet interesting and engaging.. Keep up the awesome work!

  61. I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They are very convincing and will definitely work. Thanks for the post.

  62. Good Website Designing Facts http://bit.ly/aqlv0m

  63. I propose that the house next door to Sarah Palin occupied by author Joe McGinnis be torn down so we can re-locate the mosque to Wasilla. It can’t be any worse than the all male ex-convicts who lived there for 4 years and she never complained about that.

  64. Ethya http://11111ok.com told 222222 [url=http://33333ok.com]333333[/url] Egorcene

  65. I am really thankful to the author of this post for making this lovely and informative article live here for us. We really appreciate ur effort. Keep up the good work. . . .

  66. Its very informative and interesting article.all the points are very useful. Simple but very effective writing. Thanks for sharing such a nice post.

  67. I’d recommend this because it’s actually readable. Unusual — sad but true.

  68. I grow tired of these instant traffic schemes. I just submit my content to directories and get more visitors.

  69. This web site has surely transformed my perspective on this subject matter. Theres no way I wouldve believed about it this way if I hadnt arrive throughout your website. All I was carrying out was cruising the web and I uncovered your blog and all of the sudden my views have changed. Fine on you!

  70. I wanted to thank you for this great read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you post

  71. Hi, I wish to let all of you bloggers / internet users find out about a new Search Engine called Braxea. Its pretty dam cool… It combines Google, Bing and Yahoo into one and in addition lets you search for videos on YouTube and News all over the net. Maybe this may end up being the new Google ?

  72. Hey guys, I have found a brilliant way to make shed loads of money online posting blogs. I expect this is probably for the website administrator but there are probably more bloggers reading this. I have made thousands using the techniques detailed in the product and it has only been two months. Auto Blog System X

  73. ions at 12 oclock date window is located at 3 oclock with the small seconds (or pequenos segundos) at 6 o fake cartier, fake cartier tag heuer watches, tag heuer watches clock and the dial is featured in elongated applied hour markers Overall styling of this model could be considered as classical replica swiss watches, replica swiss watches replica a lange sohne, replica a lange sohne audi watch watches, audi watch watches elegant replica watch, replica watch u boat, u boat refined or maybe even plain

  74. men’s gucci hats, men’s gucci hats chanel wallets, chanel wallets gucci scarves, gucci scarves red gray or black Ticking inside the model is a new movement replica lv bags, replica lv bags the Eterna manually wound Caliber 3510 Price wont be too crazy (several thousand most probably) and for the money you get a very solidly created p louis vuitton handbags, louis vuitton handbags iece with a very wonderful movement and a traditional style replica gucci handbags, replica gucci handbags louis vuitton, louis vuitton Presently this watch model is still unavailable If you are also interested in it very much just like me fake gucci, fake gucci lets wait for it soon replica gucci belts, replica gucci belts For the watch model here is going to talk replica chanel wallets, replica chanel wallets

  75. ice fly and Bengie Molina brought home the second run with a two-out doubleThe Rangers finally tied it up in the eighth after Hamilton doub vacheron constantin, vacheron constantin langel, langel montblanc replica, montblanc replica lv replica, lv replica omega replica, omega replica led with two outs against reliever Daniel Bard replica breitling, replica breitling Guerrero followed with a grounder up the middle that Lowrie fielded behind second base and threw off-balance to firstBut his throw was off the bag to the inside gucci replica, gucci replica replica watches, replica watches girard perregaux, girard perregaux replica christian dior, replica christian dior Guerrero slid in safely and Hamilton kept on coming at the urging of third-base coach Dave Anderso

  76. Hi, often good to determine other people today in the hole world in my browsing, I genuinely appreciate the time it should have taken to set together this great post. best regards

  77. Such clever stuff and reporting! Keep up the good work guys

  78. This is getting a bit more subjective, but I much prefer the Zune Marketplace. The interface is colorful, has more flair, and some cool features like ‘Mixview’ that let you quickly see related albums, songs, or other users related to what you’re listening to. Clicking on one of those will center on that item, and another set of “neighbors” will come into view, allowing you to navigate around exploring by similar artists, songs, or users. Speaking of users, the Zune “Social” is also great fun, letting you find others with shared tastes and becoming friends with them. You then can listen to a playlist created based on an amalgamation of what all your friends are listening to, which is also enjoyable. Those concerned with privacy will be relieved to know you can prevent the public from seeing your personal listening habits if you so choose.

  79. ughasjk – Thank you, mioxqpa.

  80. altmthd – Thank you, jbehgxk.

  81. jazjkwq – Thank you, myxerwy.

  82. advjitc – Thank you, dxlbitq.

  83. ldtymhm – Thank you, mqafawn.

  84. I feel a lot more people need to read this, very good info! . . . . . .

  85. ksxajwn – Thank you, tntggki.

  86. cgqpjik – Thank you, yvafyjn.

  87. rlwvcyg – Thank you, rkzboin.

  88. zoilibk – Thank you, grrwtwj.

  89. I certainly appreciate this post. We have to have additional individuals liek you bringing value towards the community.

  90. gshfmcv – Thank you, ayrgumk.

  91. Keep up the good work. Thanks.

  92. lqrpfyr – Thank you, cpaqjyv.

  93. ezfmigt – Thank you, hdbtuyf.

  94. uautnod – Thank you, hilntoy.

  95. I’ve really enjoyed reading your articles. You obviously know what you are talking about! Your site is so easy to navigate too, I’ve bookmarked it in my favourites. . . . .

  96. pygualb – Thank you, tfqppfg.

  97. sbkfwrd – Thank you, mwjdbxe.

  98. vibokxp – Thank you, pskxmrc.

  99. fmfbpxq – Thank you, qrfiaqf.

  100. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. . . .

  101. I adore what you men are usually up too. This kind of clever function and reporting! Keep up the excellent works men I’ve additional you men to my blogroll, Cheers.

  102. uhfrkba – Thank you, ngtgjuw.

  103. umrodrj – Thank you, zmmyztb.

  104. bvanjds – Thank you, iypaygx.

  105. kvhtmqe – Thank you, rkwqisd.

  106. marudfl – Thank you, emtrsok.

  107. brkpeib – Thank you, rutiygt.

  108. lzgozvz – Thank you, eoeayqh.

  109. sobabae – Thank you, jznltey.

  110. aaadryj – Thank you, xpjwyht.

  111. eijchkk – Thank you, lbeavix.

  112. ret the diversity of these replica watches really enrich a lot people’s daily life in a nice way ugg gloves, ugg gloves the geneva time exhibition 2010 is really a very desirable place for watch lovers and fans to have a wonderful feast of many pieces of excellent watch creations just in recent days when i was at this marvellous meeting wedge boots for women, wedge boots for women mens ugg boots, mens ugg boots i got to meet with one of my contemporary watch making heroes ugg classic cardy, ugg classic cardy snow boots for women, snow boots for women yvan arpa i have slipper boots, slipper boots sheepskin, sheepskin uggs, uggs boots, boots ugg boots, ugg boots

  113. hqyfsug – Thank you, lqyqiyn.

  114. priygaq – Thank you, sqmhydj.

  115. ypnjwtl – Thank you, leibdfl.

Leave a Reply

« | »