We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jerisha Hawkins a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Jerisha , we are so happy that our community is going to have a chance to learn more about you, your story and hopefully even take in some of the lessons you’ve learned along the way. Let’s start with self-care – what do you do for self-care and has it had any impact on your effectiveness?
Certainly! As a CEO, prioritizing self care isn’t just a personal choice; it’s a strategic necessity. Leading with a clear mind and balanced energy is crucial for making sound decisions. In the realm of self-care, I’ve embraced a holistic approach. Bleisure has become my travel mantra, seamlessly weaving leisure into business trips. It adds a refreshing touch to my routine. Additionally, practicing yoga for the past two years has been transformative. It’s not just about physical wellness. It has a profound impact on my overall wellbeing, enhancing my effectiveness in both personal and professional spheres.
By incorporating self care practices, I set the standard for anyone I work with, emphasizing the importance of wellness in our high-paced industry. A healthy, energized workforce is a more productive one, fostering creativity and resilience. It’s an investment that pays off in the form of increased employee satisfaction, reduced burnout, and ultimately, a more successful and sustainable business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
My journey began in Romulus, MI, and unfolded through the vibrant landscapes of South Florida. A globetrotter at heart, I’ve always been captivated by diverse cultures and global business practices. As a travelpreneur and Bleisure Strategist, my professional tapestry weaves together experiences in travel, tech, project management, human resouces and administration.
In 2018, I set forth with ‘Love What You Do Travel,’ a venture that thrived until the pandemic prompted a strategic shift. Rethink Bleisure, my brainchild launched in late 2021. Rooted in the belief that travel can be both enriching and cost-effective, Rethink Bleisure emerged to reshape corporate travel dynamics. It’s not just a service; it’s a solution crafted to help employees, entrepreneurs, and corporations travel smarter while saving on costs.
But what truly sets Rethink Bleisure apart is its unwavering focus on employee wellness, a philosophy deeply ingrained in my own life. As a dedicated yogi for the past two years, I’ve experienced firsthand the transformative power of mindfulness and self-care. In the corporate realm, where attracting and retaining top talent is paramount, Rethink Bleisure steps in to not only streamline travel but also prioritize the well-being of those on the journey. I find joy in collaborating with companies, sculpting bespoke corporate travel policies, and devising strategic approaches to trim travel budgets without compromising quality.
This isn’t just about cost savings; it’s about fostering a culture of well-being, incorporating practices like yoga that have personally enhanced my life. What excites me the most is the emphasis on the millennial traveler – the trailblazers in bleisure travel and the future leaders. Rethink Bleisure aligns seamlessly with their preferences and needs, promoting a holistic approach to business travel that prioritizes not just the bottom line but the well-being of every individual. Through Rethink Bleisure, I’m not just offering a service; I’m championing a philosophy of mindful travel, cost savings, and employee wellness – a blend that sets both businesses and individuals on a path to smarter, more fulfilling journeys.”
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that proved impactful were:
Diverse Expertise: My background encompassing travel, tech-prompt engineering, project management, Human Resources, and administration provided a versatile skill set. It allowed me to navigate various aspects of the industry and adapt to changing circumstances.
Adaptability and Pivoting: The ability to pivot when faced with challenges, as seen with the shift from ‘Love What You Do Travel’ to the creation of Rethink Bleisure in response to the pandemic. Being adaptable and open to change is crucial in dynamic environments.
Passion and Personal Connection: The passion for travel and a personal commitment to practices like yoga infused authenticity into my ventures. This genuine connection translated into the foundation of Rethink Bleisure, emphasizing employee wellness and mindful travel.
For those early in their journey, my advice is:
Build a Versatile Skill Set: Cultivate a diverse skill set that spans various aspects of your field. This versatility equips you to handle different challenges and contribute effectively to various facets of your industry.
Embrace Adaptability: The ability to adapt and pivot is a valuable asset. Be open to change, learn from unexpected situations, and use them as opportunities for growth and innovation.
Align Passion with Purpose: Identify what truly drives you and align your ventures with your passions. A personal connection to your work not only fuels your journey but also resonates authentically with your audience or clients.
Remember, the journey is as much about personal growth as it is about professional success. Stay true to your values, be resilient in the face of challenges, and always seek opportunities for learning and improvement
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
In my developmental journey, my book “Rethink Bleisure” has been a cornerstone. It explores reshaping corporate travel dynamics, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, and prioritizing employee wellness. Some impactful nuggets of wisdom from this book include strategies for smarter travel, insights into developing corporate travel policies, and fostering a culture of well-being in the workplace.
Additionally, “100 Days of Yoga: How my practice changed my life” shares my personal transformation through yoga. This book imparts valuable lessons on the power of mindfulness and self-care. It emphasizes the profound impact of incorporating yoga into one’s routine, not just for physical well-being but also for overall life enhancement.
Both books serve as not only a reflection of my experiences but also as resources to inspire others on their journeys, offering practical insights and wisdom for navigating the realms of business travel, cost savings, and personal well-being.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rethinkbleisure.com
- Instagram: Rethink_Bleisure
- Linkedin: Rethink Bleisure
- Youtube: Rethink Bleisure
Image Credits
Sporting my Gold PRIME “We Coming” Deion Sanders Sunglasses by Blenders CUBA Under the Stars
