Rebecca Schweitzer, Iowa-based writer, focuses on public policy, civic life, and the issues shaping everyday experiences for Iowa communities. Having grown up in Iowa and built her career there, she brings a perspective grounded in firsthand understanding of how state and local decisions affect people in practice.
Her work centers on making complex topics clear and accessible, helping readers better understand the policies and systems that impact their daily lives. Rebecca Schweitzer writes about issues including education, healthcare, economic pressures, and public accountability, with a focus on how those decisions are felt across communities throughout Iowa.
In addition to her writing, Rebecca Schweitzer has professional experience working with organizations to align systems and processes with broader business goals. This background informs her ability to analyze complex structures while keeping her work practical, relevant, and grounded.
Rebecca writes independently, and her analysis reflects her own perspective. Her writing is not connected to or representative of any organization.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
I usually start my day with a workout. I go to a HIIT class during the week; three days are weights and two are kickboxing, which is honestly the best way for me to get going and stay consistent.
After that I come home, get ready, make my coffee, and settle into work. I work from home most days, but I do go onsite with clients when needed. A lot of my day is a mix of client calls, internal meetings, and follow ups. I try to stay productive by keeping my schedule structured, being prepared for meetings, and making sure I’m staying on top of things so nothing falls through the cracks.
Midday, I try to step away for a bit and take my dog, Bobby, on a walk. He’s a toy poodle and definitely keeps me on a routine. It’s a good reset and helps me come back more focused for the rest of the day.
After work, I’ll take him out again, run errands, or meet up with friends for dinner. At night, I like to just shut my brain off and watch something easy, usually “Dateline” or some kind of true crime.
Weekends are pretty lowkey. I start with coffee (non-negotiable), try to get a longer walk in (usually around five miles), and then just see what the day turns into depending on plans or how I’m feeling.
How do you bring ideas to life?
For me, it usually starts with getting clear on what the goal actually is. Once I understand that, I break it down into something actionable instead of letting it feel overwhelming.
In my role, that often looks like taking a client need or problem and figuring out what the next steps should be, who needs to be involved, and how to move it forward. I really enjoy the collaboration piece of that. I like talking things through, getting different perspectives, and making sure we’ve thought through all the options before deciding on a path.
I’m also not someone who just accepts a quick no. If something doesn’t work one way, I’ll look for other options and make sure we’ve explored what’s possible before closing the door on it.
From there, it’s really about consistency. Following up, adjusting if something isn’t working, and keeping things moving until it’s actually done, not just talked about. I try to keep things practical and focused on execution, which is usually what makes the difference.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One thing I find really interesting right now is how quickly AI is becoming part of everyday life, not just at work but in how people think and make decisions. People are using it for everything from helping with work tasks to even trying to diagnose things on their own, which is kind of wild.
At work, it’s definitely useful, and I think it’s only going to become more integrated over the next few years. That said, I don’t think it’s at a place where you can fully rely on it without some level of review. Most of the time I’ve used it, I’ve still had to adjust or refine things, so I see it more as a tool than a replacement right now.
Another thing I’ve been noticing, which may not be a “trend” in the same way, is how the newest generation coming into the workforce is changing expectations. They’re much more comfortable setting boundaries and saying no to things that older generations just accepted, like consistently working beyond what they’re paid for.
They also prioritize mental health in a way that feels more intentional. It’ll be interesting to see how companies adjust to that and where there’s push and pull. I think it’s going to force some changes in how workplaces operate, but also challenge that generation as they navigate more traditional environments.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that really helps me stay productive is keeping structure in my day, especially around my schedule and follow ups.
I try to go into each day knowing what I have coming up and what needs my attention, so I’m not just reacting to things as they come in. After meetings, I make a point to follow up quickly while everything is still fresh, which helps keep things moving and avoids things piling up.
I’ve found that staying organized in that way makes a big difference. It keeps me focused and makes the day feel a lot more manageable.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell my younger self not to be afraid of failing or making mistakes and to stop judging myself so much. I think I held myself back at times because I wasn’t sure or didn’t feel ready, but the reality is you’re almost never going to feel fully ready.
I’d also remind myself that a single moment doesn’t define who you are. You’re going to grow, change, and become different versions of yourself over time based on what you experience and learn, and that’s a good thing.
I would push myself to get uncomfortable more often. That’s where the growth actually happens, and it leads to experiences that shape you in ways you can’t plan for.
I’d also say to hold onto the people who love and support you and protect those relationships. They matter more than you realize.
And finally, don’t take everything so seriously. Most of the time, you’re way more in your own head than anyone else is, so give yourself some grace and just be human.
Tell us something you believe that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I don’t think you need to have a long-term plan completely figured out to be successful. A lot of people put pressure on having a clear path, but I think being open to change and adjusting as you learn is actually more effective.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
One thing I do consistently and recommend to everyone is always having a trip planned, even if it’s something small.
I try to take at least two trips a year. Sometimes it’s just a quick weekend away, other times it’s something bigger, but I almost always have something I’m looking forward to, even if I’m already on a trip and thinking about the next one.
For me, travel is important because it pushes you out of your normal routine and comfort zone. You’re in a different environment, around different people, and it forces you to be more present. It also gives you perspective. You realize pretty quickly that there isn’t just one way to live or think, and that can shift how you see your own life in a really positive way.
It’s also a reset. Getting away, even for a short trip, breaks up whatever you’re dealing with day to day and gives you space to come back with a clearer head.
And if traveling isn’t always realistic, I think reading can do something very similar. I love to read because it exposes you to new ideas, different ways of thinking, and experiences you might never have otherwise.
Reading can also be its own kind of reset. It lets you step away mentally for a bit, slow down, and come back feeling more grounded.
Both travel and reading, for me, are ways to keep growing, reset when I need it, and not get stuck in the same routine or mindset.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
It honestly depends on the level of what I’m dealing with.
If I’m feeling really overwhelmed, I’m a big believer in actually addressing it and not just pushing through. I’ve met with a therapist before, and I think that’s important. Having the right tools to work through things in a healthy way makes a big difference.
If it’s more everyday overwhelm or just feeling unfocused, I try to reset in smaller ways. I’ll step away and take my dog for a walk or switch to a different task for a bit to give my brain a break.
Sometimes, I’ll also put pen to paper and map things out. It helps me focus because I’m not distracted by messages or notifications, and I can actually think through what I need to do before jumping back in.
I also tend to clean or organize, whether that’s my inbox, files, or even my space. Once things feel more organized, it’s a lot easier for me to settle back in and focus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
One strategy that’s really helped me grow in my career is being proactive instead of reactive, especially when it comes to client relationships.
Instead of just responding to questions or issues as they come up, I try to stay a step ahead. That means checking in regularly, anticipating needs, and bringing ideas or solutions before something becomes a problem.
I’ve found that builds a lot of trust. Clients know I’m paying attention and looking out for them, not just completing tasks. It also opens the door for better conversations and opportunities to add more value over time.
Another big piece for me has been networking and just putting myself in the room. Whether that’s connecting with people in my industry or outside of it, going to happy hours, team events, or anything work-related, those moments matter more than people think.
A good example of that is golf. I’m not a great golfer, but I still go to outings when I’m invited. Those have led to conversations with executives I probably wouldn’t have had otherwise. No one really cares if you’re amazing at it; it’s more about showing up, being part of the conversation, and building relationships.
Especially earlier in your career, that’s how you get exposure and access to opportunities. You build relationships, learn from others, and open doors that you wouldn’t have otherwise.
It’s something I’ve been intentional about, and it’s made a big difference in how I’ve grown and continue to develop in my role.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
One failure I’ve learned from is staying in a role longer than I should have.
It was a great company, I worked with amazing people, and the role felt comfortable and secure. Because of that, I didn’t realize right away that I had stopped growing professionally. I wasn’t being challenged in the same way, and over time, I started to feel frustrated without fully understanding why.
Once I took a step back, I realized I needed a change. I still enjoyed the type of work I was doing, so instead of completely changing roles, I decided to move into a different industry where I had little to no experience.
That pushed me in a way I hadn’t felt in a while. I had to learn quickly, adapt, and get comfortable being uncomfortable again. It ended up being a really positive shift.
The biggest takeaway for me was that comfort can sometimes hold you back without you realizing it. Growth usually comes from putting yourself in situations where you’re learning again, even if it feels uncertain at first.
It was also a reminder that I can step into something new, challenge myself, and still succeed.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
One business idea I think would be valuable is an all-in-one personal organization app that securely stores and manages important life information in one place.
The app would allow users to keep track of things like bills, subscriptions, memberships, banking information, important documents, and login details. Everything would be organized in a way that’s easy to access but still highly secure.
A key feature would be the ability to share access with trusted family members, with customizable permission levels. The user could decide who can view certain information, who can edit it, and who only has access in specific situations.
It would also track subscriptions and memberships, including renewal dates, costs, and how to cancel or manage them. Things like WiFi information, account contacts, and other everyday details could be stored so nothing gets lost or forgotten.
On top of that, the app could provide recommendations to help users save money. For example, it could identify overlapping subscriptions, suggest bundling options, or flag things that may no longer be worth the cost. The goal would be to simplify not just organization, but also everyday financial decisions.
Overall, it would help people stay organized, reduce stress, and make sure important information is easy to access when it’s needed most.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
AI tools have definitely helped me be more productive. I primarily use Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, and Claude.
For work, I use Copilot the most. It helps me simplify and refine messaging, especially when I’m working on client communication or putting together proposals. It’s useful for getting a starting point or organizing information in a clearer way, which saves time.
Across all of them, I use AI as a tool to help think through things. Whether that’s drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, summarizing information, or even pressure-testing how I want to communicate something. I still review and adjust everything, but it helps speed up the process.
On a personal side, I’ve used it to plan trips, compare products, and get quick insights when I’m trying to make a decision. It’s also helpful for things like recommendations, organizing ideas, or just learning something new without having to dig through a lot of different sources.
For me, it’s really about efficiency. It doesn’t replace my judgment, but it helps me get to a better end result faster.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
It was a little more than $100, but I recently bought a new grill, and I’m really excited about it.
My old one was over eight years old and had a good run, but it got to the point where it wasn’t safe to use anymore. Since I grill all the time, especially in the summer, it felt like a solid upgrade and something I’d get a lot of use out of.
I use it for everything—steaks, chicken, vegetables, pretty much anything I’m cooking when the weather is good. It’s also great because it keeps me from having to use the oven, which makes a big difference during the warmer months.
It’s also something I enjoy beyond just cooking. I like having people over, making dinner, and it turns into more of an experience instead of just a routine meal.
Overall, it’s one of those purchases that adds value day to day and is something I’ll consistently use, so it felt well worth it.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I wouldn’t say I have one specific favorite overall, but I tend to get a lot of value from true crime podcasts and books.
I like them because they’re interesting, but they also keep my attention in a way that helps me fully disconnect and unwind. After a full day of work, I don’t always want something heavy, so it’s an easy way to relax while still feeling engaged.
I also really enjoy documentaries. I like learning new things and getting different perspectives, but I do think it’s important to understand who is behind them and what their goal is. That way you’re not just taking in one side of a story without thinking critically about it.
One book that has always stuck with me is “Gone with the Wind.” I read it in middle school, and at the time, it felt really powerful to me. I understand it can be viewed as controversial today, but what I took away from it was the main character being strong, independent, and willing to take charge. Maybe not always in the best ways when I look back on it now, but it still left an impression on me.
Outside of that, I enjoy reading in general because it exposes me to new ideas and different ways of thinking. Even if it’s not always the same genre, it gives me a mental reset and a break from screens.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
One movie I watched recently that I really enjoyed was “Sinners.”
It stood out to me because it felt different from a lot of what’s out right now. It wasn’t predictable, and it kept my attention the whole time.
What stuck with me most was the message around culture and ownership, specifically how Black culture is often taken, reshaped, and commercialized without the same recognition or respect for where it came from. The movie highlighted that in a way that felt intentional without being overly heavy-handed.
I think it’s important because it’s something that still happens today in a lot of ways, whether it’s music, fashion, or trends in general. There’s often a disconnect between what’s popular and where it actually originated and who benefits from it.
It made me think more about awareness and giving credit where it’s due, but also just paying closer attention to the bigger picture behind what we consume.
Overall, I liked that it had a strong message but still told a story that kept you engaged. It wasn’t just entertainment, it actually made you think a bit afterward.
Key learnings
- Building structure and consistency into daily routines helps improve focus, productivity, and overall balance.
- Personal and professional growth often comes from stepping outside of comfort zones and being open to new challenges and environments.
- Strong relationships and career advancement are often driven by proactive communication, follow-through, and intentional networking.
- Taking time to reset—whether through travel, reading, or simple daily habits— supports long-term performance and well-being.
- Maintaining awareness and perspective, both in consuming information and in day-to-day interactions, leads to more thoughtful decisions and continued growth.