We were lucky to catch up with Annemarie Otanez recently and have shared our conversation below.
AnneMarie, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I looked 1st internally to understand who I was, what is important to me, and who in my circle plays a role in that. Once I was clear on that , I wrote it down and kept it on the forefront of my mind. Then everyone who I interacted with played one of 2 roles, they either support or detract. Based on that I find myself readjusting my circle and sometimes those who detracted where people who I thought were close to me. This is a hard paradigm because it requires sometimes brutal honesty with myself and actions that I didn’t necessarily want to take. BUT if I am in an unhealthy or toxic space, I can’t help those most important to me and I can’t have true self care and then my purpose is lost. This is not one time exercise, it is ongoing. My purpose is to be engaged in activities and with people who respect my peace.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a seasoned Executive Coach and Speaker with a rich background spanning over 20 years in Hi-Tech, Healthcare, Automotive, and Entertainment industries. Her expertise predominantly centers around Staff and Technology-Operations development, cultivated through leadership roles in prominent companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Disney.com, Edmunds.com, and Netscape, among others, as well as significant involvement in the startup ecosystem.
Throughout my career, I have been instrumental in driving impactful global initiatives, notably including the establishment of D&I Programs, Chief of Staff Academies, and the facilitation of Key Partnership Deals. She is the distinguished author of the book, “The Chief of Staff: An Insider’s Perspective to Becoming a Strategic Partner in the Executive Suite.”
As the founder of “Own Your Power with Anne Marie,” (annemarieotanez.com) my enterprise focuses on coaching and mentoring, specifically tailored for Chief of Staff professionals, both aspirants and incumbents, along with principals seeking to empower their CoS with specialized mentorship aligned with business objectives. I also collaborate with program and project managers, providing them with structured frameworks to enhance their skills and capabilities. Additionally, I offer comprehensive career coaching services, aiding clients in refining their resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and other job-seeking materials.
My professional accreditations include PMP, ITIL, and Change Practitioner Certifications. Fluent in French, English, and Creole, her trilingual proficiency adds depth to her international engagements. I am well-versed in Scrum methodologies and proficient in Six Sigma Frameworks, positioning me as a versatile expert capable of driving transformative change and delivering tangible results.
I am married to my love Chris and I was added to his large extended family which has been a delight. One of my best friends is my brother Serge and his 4 nieces are my heart. I feel lucky to live so close to them and have their influence in my life consistently. I am a dog and cat owner which brings us joy daily!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Be true to yourself and develop that muscle NOW. We/I oft times accommodate people/companies at the detriment of myself. It’s not worth it.
2. Know YOUR worth and do not compromise. A person/company that requires you to compromise yourself is telling you exactly how they will treat you today and in the long run.
3. Understand what brings you joy and make that priority over all else. Life is HARD and sometimes during those extremely challenging times we go down the rabbit hole. YOU are a wonder and you have a place and are needed and you will make impact in someone’s life.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
1 Recognize that you are feeling overwhelmed and make space for this feeling. Its real and when we ignore it, it only will persist longer.
2. Lean on your network. Talk to those who you trust and will not downplay the impact of being overwhelmed at that time.
3. Consider therapy. A good therapist goes a very long way.
4. Scream- now this wont make the feeling of overwhelm go away but there is something about letting out sound that can be helpful. Make it even more poignant and include a trusted advocate.
5. If you practice self-care, take this time and engage in that activity. If you don’t, start. Maybe its watching a show, maybe you meditate, exercise, can you walk a dog? Try to figure out that one thing that works for you.
6. Figure out what is on your list and cross it off. Take one thing of your list completely. It will get done ( later).
7. Can you delegate and if so – delegate it.
8. If you dont have one, create an affirmation and repeat it to yourself. There is value in voicing your peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://annemarieotanez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ownyourpowerwithannemarie/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552161132087
- Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/annemarieotanez AND linkedin.com/company/oypwam
