Arquella Hargrove
Chief Culture Officer
Alchemy Consulting Group
Personal Journey
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with personal commitments?
As a CEO with a thriving career, a teenage daughter, and a marriage to maintain, I’ve found that living by my calendar is essential to balancing professional responsibilities and personal commitments. It’s undoubtedly a juggling act, but I’ve developed a system that works well for me.
My calendar is my lifeline, helping me allocate time efficiently between work demands and family needs. I’ve learned to set boundaries, particularly when it comes to travel. I limit business trips to no more than two or three days, allowing me to stay at home and be involved in my daughter’s life during these crucial teenage years.
Having a supportive partner has been invaluable in this balancing act. My partner’s understanding and assistance enable me to pursue my career goals while ensuring our family life remains strong. We work as a team, coordinating schedules and sharing responsibilities to keep our household running smoothly.
While it’s not always perfect, this approach has allowed me to build a successful business without sacrificing my role as a parent and spouse. It requires constant attention and occasional adjustments, but the rewards of a fulfilling career and a rich personal life make it all worthwhile.
Advice for the Next Generation
How important is networking, and what strategies do you suggest for building a strong professional network?
Networking is crucial for growing our businesses and advancing our careers. Building a strong network requires consistent effort and genuine interest in others. It’s like a muscle – the more you work it, the stronger it becomes. This means regularly attending industry events, joining professional organizations like GHWCC, and leveraging social media platforms to connect with peers and thought leaders.
One key strategy is to follow up after initial meetings. Fortune lies in the follow-up, so scheduling time for further interaction is important. This could be a quick coffee, a phone call, or even a thoughtful email sharing an article of mutual interest.
Maintaining these relationships over time is crucial, not just reaching out when you need something. Regularly check in with contacts, share information that might benefit them, and look for opportunities to connect with people within your network. This approach of giving value helps create a reciprocal ecosystem where your network supports you as you support others.
Remember, networking isn’t just about what others can do for you – it’s about building mutually beneficial relationships. By consistently nurturing your professional connections and providing value to others, you create a strong network that can open doors, provide opportunities, and support your long-term success.
Importance of Giving Back
How does being involved in the Chamber benefit both you personally and your organization?
Giving back through organizations like the Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce (GHWCC) is crucial for several reasons, and Tina Turner said it best- “it is simply the best… better than all the rest.“
Under Suzan’s leadership, the GHWCC has created an exceptional platform supporting the community and fulfilling its mission of “advancement and empowerment of women through avenues of leadership, education, advocacy, and mentoring.” This mission resonates deeply with the needs of our society and business landscape.
By participating in GHWCC’s programs and sharing the organization within our networks, we’re contributing to a larger cause that benefits numerous organizations across the Greater Houston area. This ripple effect of empowerment and support is invaluable.
By supporting GHWCC, we’re not just helping individual women; we’re strengthening the entire business ecosystem of Greater Houston. It’s a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of organizations that champion women’s advancement in the professional world.
Additional Insights
How do you stay motivated and continue to grow professionally?
Staying motivated and growing professionally is crucial for long-term success and personal satisfaction. Here’s how I approach this challenge:
Mastermind Group: I’m part of a mastermind group, which provides a powerful platform for exchanging ideas, sharing challenges, and gaining new perspectives. This group of like-minded professionals keeps me accountable and pushes me to think bigger.
Collaborator Community: I’ve cultivated a community of collaborators who inspire and challenge me. These relationships foster creativity, open up new opportunities, and keep me engaged with emerging trends in my field.
Professional Development: I commit to 2-3 opportunities yearly. These might include conferences (GHWCC), workshops, or specialized training programs. This regular investment in learning helps me stay current and continually expand my skillset.
Reading: I maintain a consistent reading habit, focusing on books and articles relevant to my industry and personal growth. This keeps me informed about new ideas and best practices.
Spa Days with Friends and Colleagues: I love co-organizing spa days with a small group of friends and colleagues. These relaxing yet productive sessions allow for informal networking, idea-sharing, and mutual support in a low-pressure environment.
This multi-faceted approach helps me stay motivated by combining structured learning, peer support, and personal rejuvenation. It ensures that I’m continually growing professionally and personally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The formal development and informal connections make my career journey dynamic and rewarding.