Abby Cornelius, a Director of Sales at Stanley Martin Homes and a podcast host, discusses balancing her career with motherhood. She has two daughters, a 10-year-old and a 7-year-old, and works a hybrid schedule, with two office days and field visits. Abby emphasizes the importance of finding a work-life balance that suits individual needs, sharing her journey from a career-driven individual to a mother who prioritized family time. She highlights the significance of mentorship, particularly from female leaders, and advocates for flexible work policies to support high achievers. Abby also stresses the importance of recognizing that one can have it all but not do it all, encouraging women to prioritize their personal exchange rate and seek support from their communities.
“I can have it all but I can’t do it all”
Key Takeaways
- Flexibility and empathy from employers are crucial for working parents’ success and retention
- Mentorship plays a vital role in women’s career advancement and confidence
- Work-life integration requires analyzing personal “exchange rates” to prioritize time/energy
- Corporate culture shift needed to support diverse employee needs across life stages
Learn More About:
Abby’s Career Journey
- Transitioned from ambitious corporate career to stay-at-home mom, then back to corporate
- Husband became stay-at-home parent to support Abby’s career and spend more time with their children
- She experienced burnout trying to “do it all” as a new mom in a demanding corporate role
- Took 2.5 year break to run her own business and podcast before returning to corporate
- Now Director of Sales at Stanley Martin Homes with flexible, supportive work arrangement and boss
Workplace Flexibility
- Abby negotiated a hybrid schedule to minimize commute time to spend more time with her kids and less in the car
- Company allows flexibility to attend children’s events and make up work later
- Empathetic leadership from female boss with similar family situation
- Flexibility enables high performers to excel in both work and family roles
Mentorship for Women
- Abby’s key to finding a mentor: LinkedIn, managers at work, industry events and reaching out to people you look up to and are a few steps ahead of you in life that you admire
- Mentors provide career guidance, emotional support, and different perspectives
- Women with mentors advance faster and earn more in their careers
- Advice: Be vulnerable, share struggles openly to get the most value from your mentor
Work-Life Integration Strategies
- Mantra: “I can have it all but I can’t do it all”
- Analyze personal “exchange rate” – time/energy input vs. outcomes
- Focus on high-value activities that bring joy and results (e.g. 20 min quality time with kids)
- Let go of pressure to do everything; rely on support system
- Avoid comparison to other parents’ choices
Corporate Culture Evolution
- Need shift from rigid policies to supporting employees across life stages
- Providing flexibility often increases loyalty and productivity
- Consider costs of turnover vs. accommodating valuable employees’ needs
- Apply empathy and human-centered approach to people on your team/ in the business
About the Guest:
Abby Cornelius is the Director of Sales at Stanley Martin Homes, bringing 20 years of experience in homebuilding with experience in new home sales, training, and leadership. A dedicated advocate for women in homebuilding, Abby is passionate about fostering winning teams and cultivating a culture of growth and excellence.
As a people-first leader, she embraces servant leadership, ensuring her teams feel empowered, valued, and equipped for success. Her approach is rooted in mentorship, collaboration, and strategic growth, making a meaningful impact on both her colleagues and the industry. She is also the host of The Rise and Shine Podcast, focused on helping women in homebuilding rise professionally and shine personally.
Beyond her professional achievements, Abby is deeply committed to building success in both her career and personal life, striving to be both an impactful leader and a present, engaged mom to her two daughters.
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