Elizabeth (Liz) Simpler, a step-mom, aunt, career woman, and clinical psychology grad student and the co-founder of WMC. Liz was inspired to help other working women after taking on the role of co-parenting three toddlers. Liz has her Bachelor’s in anthropology and biology from Penn State University and her Master’s in Public Health from Grand Canyon University. In addition Liz holds certifications in Worksite Wellness from National Wellness Institute and The National Academy of Sports Medicine. Liz is continuing her education as a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology in hopes of providing more services to women in corporate America. Prior to co-founding WMCPH, over the last ten years of her career Liz worked with clients and populations to improve health, wellness, and preventative health measures in fitness and nutrition services. Liz was inspired by Giana’s initial desire to support working moms of all shapes, sizes, and roles and wanted to partner up to devise a plan to conceptualize what health and wellness support the modern working mother needs from her workplace. After seeing the gaps that were facing the working mother within businesses and organizations it became Liz’s mission to provide more support in terms of policies, wellness, training, and anything else working mother’s need to find their sweet spot in motherhood and in a fulfilling career. Liz can be quoted as saying, “In today’s day and age, women shouldn’t have to choose between career and children. We truly can have it all with the proper support and empathy.”
Where did the idea for WMCPHC come from?
The idea for WMC Public Health Consulting actually came together by the founders myself and Giana Vasconcellos. WMC stands for the Working Mama Collective which is the community that WMC Public Health offers to their mamas. The idea to start this non-profit came after the two discussed the variety of public health issues facing women, namely working mothers. In doing so the two devised a plan to ensure that maternal health issues were addressed on an individual level but also on a population health level, namely the workplace. Why the workplace? For the majority of us we spend 6-12 hours at work, so with this in mind it’s important to provide services to improve culture, wellness, and support for working women. The idea is that through the programs, services, and courses offered at WMC then, health issues that many mothers face in working can be addressed and health disparities reduced. In addition, originally the idea was to become a standard for-profit business however it didn’t feel right to not be able to help those in need if they couldn’t afford services or worked in an un-supportive workplace.
What does your typical day look like and how do you make it productive?
A typical day is an early start around 5 am with exercise, meditation, spirituality, and intentions for the day. The night before I like to set the to do list so I am not scrambling in the morning. From there coffee and breakfast with the kids and off to childcare they go on a normal day. During the COVID-19 quarantine it was a juggle between my partner and I to manage homeschooling, chores and careers. My biggest productivity hack is working from a list and working in blocks of time. If I do not have my list I will not be able to accomplish very much. I also like to set blocks of time to be able to do this so I allow myself breaks as well.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Bringing ideas to life is a really fun part of running a business. Ideas can come from inspiration reading about other businesses, issues other working mothers bring up, to just name a few. Other times inspirations come just relaxing. From there it is all about mapping these ideas out and setting goals to accomplish them. I like to do vision mapping on white boards for large projects or new launches.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The changes that this pandemic will bring. While this is an incredibly challenging, scary, and uncertain time for everyone, one thing that is certain is the manner in which things will be changed in the aftermath of COVID-19.Some positives that have come from people working in quarantine is how it has changed the landscape of flexible working, teleworking, and the realization that women need more support. In addition, with this public health crisis currently underway people are starting to realize how important public health truly is. These changes have been long necessary and it will be great to see these positives come from such a challenging situation.
What is one habit of yours that makes you more productive as an entrepreneur?
Making lists and prioritizing the top few for the month, weeks, and days. This helps me to stay focused and moving regardless of what a day may throw at me.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Time will pass regardless, stop being afraid of it just jump in! I was afraid as a younger woman of how long something would take, if it would work, and the definitions of failure and success. When in reality time would pass, somethings would fail and what would seem that way was really a set up for something much better. So perspective and taming fear have been major areas of personal growth for me over the last 10+ years.
Tell us something that’s true that almost nobody agrees with you on.
I wouldn’t say no one agrees with me but many disagree with me that people can work just as effectively and productively at home as they can in an office. Many debate or disagree with telework or work from home policies but I believe firmly people are happier and more productive if given flexibility from their employer.
As an entrepreneur, what is the one thing you do over and over and recommend everyone else do?
Personal and professional development. This has helped me to grow so much and ensure that I am always looking to grow as a leader and an individual.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business?
Consistency. The tasks are not complicated but they do require a degree of consistency day in and day out. In order to see if something is or isn’t working it is important to continue on until the outcome shows that it works or that it doesn’t. Neither are visible without consistency!
What is one failure you had as an entrepreneur, and how did you overcome it?
Once I created this program, I was wildly passionate about it. Cared so deeply about the topic I could see and think of nothing else but I didn’t stop to think about what others needed or how it would solve their problem. So I spent many many hours creating content and then launched it with minimal participation. Turns out the messaging wasn’t correct for the audience I was targeting and because of this no one I was targeting thought it applied to them so they didn’t get involved. So I tweaked the messaging and did a re-launch but with a pilot group and a waiting list. The testimonials had great results and thus resulted later in more program buy in.
What is one business idea that you’re willing to give away to our readers?
A nonprofit that would provide support to working fathers and advocates for their ability to use family leave and be an equal caregiver.
What is the best $100 you recently spent? What and why?
The best $100 I ever spent was on gear for my triathlon training! Endurance training has become a true passion of mine and it helps me completely disconnect and destress. It also keeps me in great shape mentally and physically.
What is one piece of software or a web service that helps you be productive?
Google suite or habit share. These are all essential tools I use for increased productivity and can access on any device. I also love that my team can access these and we can work together and collaborate from any location. We use these tools to track projects, deliverable tasks, to dos, and where we are in the process with clients.
What is the one book that you recommend our community should read and why?
The Moment of Life by Melinda Gates. This book is an incredible book that empowers women on all fronts- home, work, and community. Inspiring, uplifting, and necessary to continue the fight for women’s equality.
What is your favorite quote?
Be the change you wish to see in the world- Ghandi
Carlyn runs the day-to-day publishing operation here at ideamensch and interacts with our awesome customers and entrepreneurs. She is likely editing this with a cat on her lap.