We had the good fortune of connecting with Breanna Naegeli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Breanna, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Early in my career, I dedicated 12-hour days, on 5 or 6 days a week for years. To me, it never felt like an overwhelming 60-70 hour work week because I was passionate about my role, my purpose, and was fueled by the grind and challenge of the start-up work climate. My husband was always very supportive of my career and continually encouraged me, so I kept this pace for years. It wasn’t until I had children that I was forced to redefine “balance.” I now have three children all under age 5, so “balance” is the name of the game. I have had to acknowledge all the roles I play in life – both within my career field, at home and in my personal life. My goal: To be mentally, emotionally and physically present wherever I am and in whatever role I am currently in. I have also come to embrace the concepts of patience and flexibility, while also maximizing all the hours of the day to the best of my ability. Each week, I work to recalibrate and adjust to ensure I am balanced and serving my family, personal relationships and work as effectively as possible. All easier said than done, but to “have it all,” you must be adaptable to the day, week and season of life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
No journey is conquered alone, and my journey took a village of mentors, strong leaders, and a patient and loving family. Personally, I must recognize my husband, Preston, for his unwavering love and support, and my sister, Bianca, for setting the pace and continually pushing me to reach new heights.

Professionally, I have been blessed with ample strong and influential leaders, mentors and managers; including, Sarah, Antoinette, Tacy, Marette, and Kelly to name a few (certainty not all). And, the relationships with those on my advisory board has been an absolute blessing. I have a team of leadership coaches always willing to lend advice and a helping hand, and I learn so much from their wisdom and expertise.

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.