That’s it. I’ve done it. I’m throwing in the towel. How can I outdo this episode, you guys?

In today’s episode, I’m chatting with our first international guest, Magdalena Schurmann, from a small town in western Germany! She was so gracious and knowledgeable and sweet in our interview, and I’m still pinching myself that we had the opportunity to chat. Plus, I know you will all have at least one good takeaway.

In her business ArbeitsLeben (translated to work/life), Lena helps bring happiness into the work lives of business owners and entrepreneurs. With her tactical tips, she works one on one with her clients to improve their communication skills, clarify their goals, reduce stress, and enjoy what they do every day.

Throughout the episode, Lena shares some of her best tips with us for managing work and life in 2021. She goes into managing expectations and the pressures we put on ourselves, the importance of setting boundaries, and how to be true to what you need.

But we don’t just talk business shop, listener!

Because I couldn’t help myself, we talk about the pressures of being a woman managing the workplace and household, her upbringing and time spent in Minnesota, and her small town in Germany. Their claim to fame is a 1500-year-old oak tree (I could not believe this) and a distillery.

Listen to the full episode for all of Lena’s insights or browse some of my key takeaways below:

Key Takeaways

• People have so much knowledge and skills that they bring to the table, and they use it to make their communities better as a whole.
• While COVID brought challenges and struggles to many, some of the work-related changes may be for the better. Zoom meetings, individualized trainings, 
• Everyone is at a different skill level when it comes to technology. But one of Lena’s favorite takeaways was seeing the eagerness with which people took to new tech opportunities to stay connected to friends and family during the pandemic. Like virtual coffee dates!
• “We have such high expectations when we talk to ourselves.” Lena recommends measuring what you expect of yourself versus what others expect of you and weighing that out. 
• “You just can’t do it all, and do it all perfectly.”

• Saying no can be hard, but sometimes it’s necessary to give a clear “no.” Whether it’s a load of laundry, another Zoom meeting, or coffee date. Do what’s best for you.
• Communication is key. Brene Brown knows what she’s talking about.
• There is no set framework for business owners in their growth. It’s good to have peers to chat with, but as Lena says “trust your gut” because you know yourself best.
• She references episode 24 of Small-Minded with my friend Jordan Trumm where we talk about being welcoming. Small towns feel super close-knit where “everybody knows everybody,” but we as small towners need to be inclusive of others and their life experiences because it makes our towns more vibrant and welcoming.
• Plus a million other things!

Bring some happiness to your work life.

If you want to learn more from Lena and get help in balancing your own personal and professional tasks, visit her website (and it can be translated!) . Or head over and give her a follow on Facebook or Instagram.

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