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Penelope Trunk I wonder about this power couple topic: here's something to think about: What couple is not aiming to help each other get what each person wants? What couple is not made of two people who are ambitious about meeting their goals, whatever they are? And when, in the history of business, has there ever been a marriage with kids that survived two extremely successful careers? I think never. I think someone always steps aside to take care of family. Or there's a divorce.

93 weeks ago from Power Couples

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Kelly Whalen: I don't know that I would define my spouse and I as extremely successful, but I know other people would. We work as a team. There are times one of ...MoreI don't know that I would define my spouse and I as extremely successful, but I know other people would. We work as a team. There are times one of gets frustrated by the dedication of the other to their goals, but we are great about "checking" each other and keeping it from being a brewing problem.

Part of the way we have been able to do that is by me putting our kids first, him focusing on his career as necessary, but also at many times putting our kids first. When I started to want to do more work, he has been supportive. We're still finding a balance, and frankly I'm hoping to earn more so I can pay to outsource more of my household duties, but it works for us.

I think we learned very early in our relationship through trial by fire. I have no doubt that no matter what we do career-wise, our relationship and family are always first. This actually makes us more successful since we have good boundaries and only invest time and effort when and where it will help us reach our goals.
91 weeks ago

writeforhr: Can u Please Digg and Comment on "Thoughts on an HRevolution"http://digg.com/d31QcTR Thank you.
91 weeks ago

Anita Mathis Years ago my mother told me, "marriage is like a business." Today I know that business is like a marriage and it takes a lot of work to make it successful. Having the right foundation built on core values and respect is essential. I am married from a family sense but single from a business sense.

94 weeks ago from Power Couples

Kelly Whalen recommended this

Marie McKinney-Oates: I love the marriage is a business analogy. And I think business books typically give much better relationship/marriage advice than most ...MoreI love the marriage is a business analogy. And I think business books typically give much better relationship/marriage advice than most relationship/marriage books do.
94 weeks ago

Aurian Campbell: Right on, Anita. Since both business and marriage are completely dependent on the quality of communication exercised, it makes complete sense to ...MoreRight on, Anita. Since both business and marriage are completely dependent on the quality of communication exercised, it makes complete sense to draw such a parallel.

Interestingly enough, Marie, one of the speakers at a conference I just went to drew a similar parallel between leadership and parenting. She had the entire audience vote as to whether a given quote was from a leadership/management book or a parenting book. Needless to say the audience was split on every single quote! The exercise gave us a new perspective on the skills gained during mat/pat leave and how they can apply to the a return to the office.
91 weeks ago

Welcome to Power Couples and thanks for joining! Something I've been wondering is, do you share ideas with your partner about work? Do you help each other? Is your relationship more of a "working" relationship at times?

94 weeks ago from Power Couples

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Kelly Whalen: The distinction between work and life is fictional to me. It's a part of our goals to succeed in work and in other areas of life. So yes, we talk ...MoreThe distinction between work and life is fictional to me. It's a part of our goals to succeed in work and in other areas of life. So yes, we talk about work and our goals, situations we are in, vent, and ask advice of each other. It's how we approach everything in our relationship.
91 weeks ago

Aurian Campbell: My husband and I absolutely bounce ideas off each other. I often find that he is connected enough to take my drivers/traits/tendencies into ...MoreMy husband and I absolutely bounce ideas off each other. I often find that he is connected enough to take my drivers/traits/tendencies into account while at the same time being disconnected enough to offer a new perspective on a given situation. I think it is really important to be able to have this type of a semi-connected feedback loop in order to balance the realistic and emotional aspects of work.

I agree with Annabel, though. It is important to have some ground rules. Ours is that we never give career advice that is unsolicited. We listen first and foremost, and then if one of us feels compelled to provide advice we first have to ask if the other is looking for a solution. Otherwise it can feel like your partner is pointing out your flaws.
91 weeks ago

Kelly Whalen Love it! @CentsibleLife here. :)

110 weeks ago from Brazen Careerists on Twitter