Episode 74 -- Wendy Parliament -- Prioritization Comes Into Play

A professional career, married and new mom makes for a busy life for this episode’s guest.Meet Wendy Parliament. We talk about her balance of work and being a new mom. Wendy has wrestled at times with mom guilt, but when it creeps into her mind she can look at the time she dedicates to her family and the messages to grow and follow your dreams and passions that she wants to convey to her daughter and all is good. Her philosophy is to put your mind in motion and do what you want to do in your life. The perfect sentiment lies in the idea to not allow yourself to be confined to a box and go after whatever drives you. Wendy is an engineer — a male dominated field — she finds herself in situations that make her either the “first” or in a small group to unify and she goes head strong to meet the goals she sets. Her day-in-the-life varies, but she is responsible for 120-plus personnel in their safety and the job supervision. Her typical day is anything but typical and is always too much to accomplish in a day and that’s where prioritization comes into play…have to do, nice to do or shove it off the day is a format Wendy embraces. She has a great leadership style that involves her team by asking questions and solving problems group style. There are so many people who can provide feedback or knowledge and she sees it as her job is to leverage that experience.When we talk about life struggles, Wendy considers herself blessed and she looks for opportunities. Her attitude is one that she says where it’s important to not see mistakes as such, but to learn whatever lesson that is in the moment. Upfront conversations and being aware is key in her marriage as she pursues a stressful career.Wendy is married to a man who works in the electric industry and we dive a little into what it is like to know the dangers of that career. There is always an aspect of worry, but if you are assured that your spouse, according to Wendy, is not the one to shrug off and cut corners then it is easier to settle your concerns. Being able to say that I’m the reason that you don’t take short cuts is an important conversation have with your spouse.Wendy tries to give back and volunteer throughout high school and college and now in her career with Exxon. She encourages young girls to get interested in science and math and engage in activities that grow the passion. Tune in to this episode.Song used by permission “Stomp” written by Donica Knight Holdman and Jim HuffMusic "STOMP" used by permission of artist Donica Knight Holdman and Jim Huff