Mary Helfrich

Non Profit Fundraising Executive and Consultant
Institute of Notre Dame Alumnae Association/School Sisters of Notre Dame

The past year has added a level of stress to the daily lives of business leaders that was unimaginable until last March. As someone who has sustained achievement, what advice can you give to the Top 100 Women on how they take care of themselves while trying to help so many others (home, work, community?

Before the pandemic, and the mandatory shutdown, I was always on the go, go, go! When the pace slowed down 13 months ago, I knew my priorities would be shifting as well. The time spent at home has given me an opportunity to take longer walks, enjoy new podcasts, practice meditation and eat healthier.

It’s hard to believe that taking just an hour a day for myself can do so much good. My productivity and enthusiasm has improved and I believe self-care will become a positive employee benefit once we start getting back to normal.

What do you see as the greatest issue impacting professional women today and how do you and other leaders lead change around this issue?

I believe the greatest issue impacting professional women today is the “one step forward, two steps back” many of us experience with the life/work balance (i.e. child care, aging parent care, etc.). As someone who has been in the workforce for 35-plus years, I know the burden of care falls on the women.

I advocate for the use of technology, remote working, job sharing and career mapping and, of course, having more talented women in management positions to help younger women with their career tracks. We still have a way to go, but it is getting better.