Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to NATASHA MARCHEWKA. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
NATASHA, thrilled to have you on the platform as I think our readers can really benefit from your insights and experiences. In particular, we’d love to hear about how you think about burnout, avoiding or overcoming burnout, etc.
Extreme Self-Care, usually when I hit rock bottom, is how I cope with burnout, manage it. What that means to me? Sleep. Hydration. Fresh Air. Movement. …tho’ not militantly! Trying to integrate it on the regular now.
Sleep for me is not just at night. Rest. Naps. Early bedtimes. I try to obsess enough so that my mediocre attempts actually help me get some serious sleep. Fairly regular about my sleep routine, getting myself into bed by 7:30pm, if necessary, helps tremendously. Helps me make sure I get those hours in. Or else, a nap is then vital.
Hydration. I’m probably not drinking nearly enough on a regular basis. But when I’m flirting with burn out or am about to go into a super intense time, I drink more water, more alkaline water, more fresh pressed juice, and Athletic Greens. The difference in my energy and alertness is remarkable.
Fresh air seems like a no-brainer. Still, I have trouble getting up from my desk and giving myself that luxury. So, when I can get out for even 5 minutes a few times a day, it goes a long way for me.
And movement. Of course, exercise is touted as the most important thing to do for our overall health. However, some of us, I believe, consider ourselves “non-exercisers”. It’s just not something we are in the habit of doing. So, stretching, moving gently, lots of strolling, or stronger walking is what I dedicate myself to when in desperate need.
Beyond those no-brainers, I do go for massages, and go to the chiropractor and acupuncturist. Those are my go-tos for making sure I’m checking in with someone who has my best interests in mind.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
A good friend of mine once called me, “The Dragon Lady of the Productivity Cult”. I get it. And I don’t mind that moniker. There is something about organizing, lists, and scheduling that is almost an affliction for me. It’s a go-to, to funnel my need to busy myself. Could be worse!
I’ve been doing voiceover from my home since 2006. Unlike the traditional voice actor, I’ve built my business without agents and cultivated a very nice income for myself over the years. It has given me the freedom to break free from being a “Dependant”. For a very long time, I’ve moved around with my husband in Canada, the States, and the Caribbean. With landing a Green Card in 2021, all the seeds I planted over the years, the dozens, perhaps hundreds of clients, and the work and training, allowed the money to double, then triple during Covid.
Many moons ago, I received my BAA in Radio and Television Arts from The Creative School at the Toronto Metropolitan University. As a singer, I have had the honor of performing at Birdland, Windows on the World, and countless other venues. Always wanting to be of service, I Co-created the V123Pros.com course and am Co-Producing and Co-Hosting The “Speechless VO” webcast. I love gentle Yoga and meditation when I’m not busy working or caring for my two teenagers, rescue Great Dane, and miniature poodle.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Strong work ethic. A constant learner. The desire to be a role model.
There are some inexplicable qualities that have helped take me to who and where I am today. Without question, a strong work ethic has led me through the fire of each mediocre job while also helping me “set the world on fire” in my own freelance, voiceover business.
As a constant learner, most significantly for marketing, I continue to grow and improve my numbers and the quality of my product and service. I can’t imagine not continuing to educate myself to continue to make an impact for my clients and for my own sense of satisfaction.
And, the desire to be a role model is an inherent quality that keeps me real and striving for more.
Wanting the best for oneself and for clients and customers means taking what others have learned to heart and implementing them into your own life and business to make swift strides.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
Mary Jane Copps, my mentor and stepmother, has had the biggest influence on me in life and in business. Self-named, “The Phone Lady”, her wisdom as a woman, and as an entrepreneur, has been invaluable to me on every level, whether cheering me on when I felt unsuccessful or when I faced failure, while also guiding me with her invaluable professional know-how. She happens to be accessible to all online as a coach at https://thephonelady.com/.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://natashamarchewka.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natasha_vox/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natashamarchewka/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SPEECHLESSVO
Image Credits
SchlickArt
