Upscale Magazine
May 2009

Wise Woman

By Joyce E. Davis, additional reporting by Nadiyah M. Jett

As the first African-American woman to graduate from Harvard Business School and owner of a $20 million building services company, Lillian Lambert has experienced the challenges of being a CEO and CHO (Chief Household Officer).  Here, she shares some hard-earned wisdom:

1. Accept the fact that you can’t have it all.  Reflect on your values and clearly define what things are most important to you.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.  Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
3. Learn to say no.  Busy people are usually the ones who are always asked to do things.  Sometimes out of a sense of feeling obligated, we commit to things we know we should not.
4. Don’t feel guilty about whatever decisions you make about how you will combine your career and family.  Outsiders don’t know the full story.
5. Demonstrate the behavior you want your child to emulate – hugs, kisses, laughter, patience, etc.
6. Don’t insist on perfection, and be flexible.
7. Take time to reenergize.  If you are unhappy or in a bad mood, your child knows it.
8. Stay connected with your spiritual life.  There may be times when that will be your only solace.