At the July 2025 Business Women’s Forum, attendees were challenged to rethink the status quo and take a fresh look at career development. The session opened with a simple but powerful question: How do you feel about yourself? This led to a discussion about how self-perception directly impacts professional growth.
Presenter Katy Blommer, founder of Women’s Best Life University, explained that “society has programmed women to find value first in how we look, and second in how well we serve those around us.” She noted that when women enter the workforce, it can feel like a conflict with what they’ve been taught to value, creating a constant struggle to juggle work and personal responsibilities.
In corporate environments, Blommer pointed out, people often hear advice about separating work from personal life. But in reality, the two are deeply connected. “We spend a third of our waking hours at work,” she said. “What happens in your personal life will inevitably affect your work, so taking care of yourself outside the office is just as important as what you do inside it.”
She encouraged attendees to prioritize what she calls “healthy non-negotiables,” such as drinking water, getting enough sleep, moving your body, eating well and managing stress. These habits, she shared, made a profound difference in her own life. “As I started valuing myself more, I began tackling things I had been putting off at home… and my career began to grow. Radical self-care leads to career growth.”
Blommer also emphasized the power of a consistent morning routine to set the tone for the day. She recommended incorporating meditation, visualizing your goals, journaling and some form of body movement — all of which can be done in just 15 minutes.
Attendees left with a renewed understanding of how self-care influences every aspect of life, personal and professional alike. Blommer’s message was clear: “When you learn to value yourself, act like it and consistently follow healthy habits, your career starts to take off.”
Learn more about the Business Women’s Forum (BWF) and register for the upcoming BWF on September 9, 2025: From Passion to Policy – Women’s Guide to Civic Participation.
