Woman of the Month - February 2010

Past 2009 Awardees: [Sep] [Oct] [Nov]

Name: Anne Witkavitch

Occupation: Strategic Communications Consultant and Professional Writer

Employer: Founder, Press Pause Now

Location: Connecticut, USA

Education:  M.F.A. Professional Writing, B.A. English

Woman of the Month Interview

their vision and goals and how to achieve them. Most women know what they want to do but don’t take the time to pause and figure out how to get there. Sometimes they need someone to facilitate their thinking and help them transfer their ideas into words and/or a plan of action. I offer workshops, retreats, and coaching to empower them to succeed.

I’m also excited to be publishing my first anthology this spring. This inspirational and motivational collection of essays and articles will focus on stories about women and their “press pause moments,” those points of transition when they have decided to take a different path, pursue a passion, or go after a goal or dream. I hope the book will inspire women to go after their goals and dreams.

Q: What role have you played in those efforts?

I founded Press Pause Now after completing my M.F.A. I decided to leave corporate life to spend more time with my family and pursue my dream to become a published writer. I started a communications firm, C-Suite Communications, which gave me the flexibility to write and teach. I noticed that women were constantly asking me about how I made this decision and how they could successfully go after their goals. Press Pause Now was created as a way to offer practical as well as inspirational and motivational coaching and skills training so they, too, could go after their dreams.

I am a continuous learner and a natural teacher. I am always seeking out people and experiences that I can learn from and translate that knowledge to help others professionally and personally.

Q: Is a college degree necessary for success in your profession?

For me, it’s not only the degree but it’s what I’ve learned during my studies and how I apply it in that’s made a difference. I think a degree in and of itself won’t necessarily drive success; but if you apply yourself, take advantage of every learning opportunity, and know how to translate that learning in a practical way that’s what increases the value of an education.  Getting an M.F.A. in Professional Writing was a personal goal but it is a credential that doesn’t hurt when pursuing a writing career. Also, because it’s a terminal degree I can teach undergraduate writing, which I didn’t plan to do but have found to be a fulfilling experience.

Q: What hurdles/setbacks that you faced in your career? How did you overcome it/them?

When my children were born, I was in a job I really enjoyed. The business was growing and I felt I could still make a significant contribution for a few more years, until my children reached preschool age. However, I was concerned that putting this in my three year goals would be perceived as negative. I sought the advice of a mentor and former boss. He told me it would be worse to put down what I thought the company would want me to say and then refuse another position if offered, instead of simply being honest. I followed his advice and a few years later when a position opened with another unit I got the job – and a promotion.

Q: Given a chance, would you choose a different career? Why (not)?

One thing I have learned on my journey is that I love writing and I’m good at it. During my career, I have worked in some exciting endeavors – marketing, agency positions, corporate communications, entrepreneurship, professional writing. The key for me is to know what I’m good at, know what I enjoy, and be open to finding opportunities to apply those skills and continue to learn new ones.

Q: Describe yourself in three words... 

Ambitious, Courageous and Authentic.

Q: What are you best at?

Seeing the big picture and then honing in on the details to help achieve the desired result…and then translating all of it into words that provide clarity and understanding and help make it all happen.

Q: How do you achieve work/life balance?

To me, work-life balance is not really about balance at all.  It’s about the ability to go deep inside and know what’s most important, what my values are, and then make decisions and choices according to those priorities. Many women think achieving work-life balance will bring them into a state of utopia, and when they’re unable to achieve that state they feel defeated.  Instead, it’s having that internal compass help guide day-to-day decisions – even if they’re tough to make, the arrow keeps you moving in the right direction.  

Q:  Do you have/have you had mentors/role models? What role have they played in your personal/professional development?

Mentors are absolutely indispensable! I could not have achieved my successes if not for incredible mentors. Equally important is being a mentor to others. I learn from those I mentor as much as they learn from me. It’s a two way dialogue that is valuable to both parties.

Q: What is your favorite quote and by whom? 

E.L. Konigsburg said, "Finish. The difference between being a writer and being a person of talent is the discipline it takes to apply the seat of your pants to the seat of your chair and finish. Don't talk about doing it. Do it. Finish." This quote not only is true for writers, but applies to anyone who wants to achieve a goal.

Q: What are your interests in your leisure time? 

Hanging out with my family, yoga, working out, photography, travel, tennis, reading.

Q: Are there any goals/ dreams that you are yet to fulfill?

To publish my children’s books and fiction novels.

Q: Networking – What tips can you suggest for successful networking?

Networking is critical in any career, especially if you are changing fields or pursuing a new path, but you’ve got to go beyond the business card. When you attend a networking event or make a contact, know in advance what you want to take away from the experience and don’t be afraid to be open about it. It’s important to invest time to fine tune your elevator pitch and practice saying it in advance. Don’t waste time networking where there is nothing to gain.  Finally, always follow up with a short note or simply a thank you. You don’t want to be remembered as the person who didn’t follow through.