single day. When women lead, transformative change follows – and that’s a mission worth dedicating your life to.
understand why I do what I do and shows them what purposeful work looks like. Life moves in seasons. Some weeks are 80/20 in favor of work, where I’m all in on professional commitments and need to lean heavily on my support system for family responsibilities. Other times, my children need more of me, and I have to trust my team to carry more of the professional load. Both scenarios are okay. I’m also committed to honoring my humanity. There are times when I’m struggling emotionally or psychologically, and I believe acknowledging these moments is crucial. The key isn’t achieving perfect balance – it’s being able to honestly articulate where you are, what your priorities are in that moment, and asking for the support you need to meet your goals. For junior professionals struggling with this, my advice is to let go of the guilt that comes with not being perfectly balanced. Instead, focus on integration. Be clear about your needs and boundaries, build strong support systems both professionally and personally, and remember that different seasons require different approaches. Success isn’t about maintaining a perfect equilibrium – it’s about creating a sustainable way to honor all parts of your life while remaining true to yourself. Cole: As an African American leader, what do you consider to be one of the most difficult obstacles you’ve faced? Ross: One of my most significant challenges has been managing the weight of expectations – both those I place on myself and those that come with being the first Black woman to lead the Colorado Women’s Chamber. This role carries a profound responsibility that I feel deeply in my bones. Being ‘the first’ means more than breaking a barrier; it means shouldering the responsibility of creating lasting change. I feel an intense pressure to get everything right, to make meaningful impact for all women while advancing equity.
Cole: How do you prioritize work-life balance, and what advice do you have for junior professionals who are struggling to find balance? Ross: I’ll be honest – I don’t seek work-life balance anymore because I’ve found that concept can create more stress than solutions. Instead, I embrace work-life integration, which allows for a more fluid and authentic approach to managing life’s various demands. Part of this integration means bringing my children along on my professional journey when appropriate. I want them to see their mom in her fullness – not just as a parent, but as a leader and change-maker. This transparency helps them
Photo: McBoat Photography
26 The Acumen
Powered by FlippingBook