I began my professional journey in the world of sales and sales leadership with a prominent global medical device company, after completing my education. Like most high-achieving females, I was hell-bent on excelling in every facet of life, whether as a wife, mother, friend, or employee. However, the constant juggling of these roles began to take a toll on me, leading to persistent feelings of exhaustion and disconnection.
After a decade in the corporate world, I reached a crossroads in my life. I made a life-altering decision to bid farewell to my successful career in pursuit of a more balanced work-life equation-or so I thought. This pivotal step led me to venture into entrepreneurship, I set up a company offering sales training services to the Med Tech industry. Balancing my growing business, with the responsibilities of caring for three young children, however, proved to be overwhelming.
After relocating to California with my family due to my husband’s job, I embarked on a fresh start. However, I continued to grapple with near burnout, especially while managing the demands of, now four children. Our move to California was initially seen as an opportunity for a new beginning, a chance to find that elusive work-life balance. However, as the demands of motherhood, and family life converged, burnout still loomed large. It was during this demanding phase that I had a profound realization: something needed to change.
This period of intense juggling and exhaustion led to a moment of clarity that went beyond the boundaries of my personal experience; it was a recognition that many women were facing similar struggles.
The relentless pressure for women to be ‘superheroes’ to excel in multiple roles – as mothers, wives, professionals, and friends – takes a heavy toll on women’s lives. This juggling act leads to physical exhaustion, chronic stress, and emotional strain. The constant pursuit of perfection erodes self-worth, disconnects us from our true selves, and strains relationships within our families and friendships. The toll affects not only our well-being but also our ability to find happiness and fulfillment.
I observed that many women, like me, were facing similar challenges as they attempted to play the role of ‘superheroes’ across various aspects of life. This prompted me to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. I redefined the very concept of what it meant to be a superhero.
I firmly believe that within every woman lies a SuperHERo waiting to be unleashed—a symbol of their innate power, untapped potential, and uncharted purpose. My goal is clear: to guide women in discovering and embracing their authentic selves, empowering them to unlock their SuperHERo within.
This belief led to the creation of The Thrive by Design Group. Our mission is to empower women to step into their power, pursue their purpose, and actualize their full potential, so that they can thrive. The “Awaken Your SuperHERo Program” that provides women with the guidance, resources, and support needed to thrive in all aspects of life, be it personal or professional.
It was only by embarking on my personal journey to awaken my SuperHERo that I found my way back to authenticity. This transformation allowed me to truly understand and embrace my own value, recognizing that I possessed the strength and potential to overcome the barriers that had once held me back. This journey of self-discovery not only empowered me to break free from the constraints of societal expectations but also inspired me to create a business where other women could undertake a similar transformation.
My journey into dentistry has been somewhat serendipitous. Due to my husband’s involvement in the dental industry, I found myself surrounded by numerous talented female dentists and dental specialists. Female dentists face unique obstacles in their careers and I soon found myself facilitating courses designed specifically to shed light on the reasons why female dentists often struggle and to provide them with the tools, guidance, and support needed to thrive both personally and in their dental practices.
Written by Andrea Smith – Founder of The Thrive by Design Group and Creator of the “Awaken Your SuperHERo Program”