In celebration of our May "Ladies" issue and Mother's Day, I interviewed three amazing women and business owners in our community. I wanted to capture a side of their personalities that their clients may not be see in their work environment. Thinking of the questions was such a pleasure but the real joy is in reading their answers!
Dr. Rukmini (Vinaya) Redman, MD - My Houston Surgeons
1. What brings you joy or laughter in your day-to-day work?
Seeing a patient see their results the first time and that mixture of tears and laughter. Nothing feels better.
2. What brings out the best in you in your career and life?
Seeing the difference I can create. In both my work and family life I love seeing that what I can imagine and what I can achieve can both be the same.
3. What was your dream as a little girl? No matter how funny or outrageous!
I wanted to be an actress! I loved making people laugh and performing. But in third grade, my dad took me out to dinner and “explained” to me that it would not be the career for me. Haha
4. What does your "perfect day" look like if you have a clear calendar?
I’m honestly not sure what a clear calendar looks like! I thrive on being busy and on the move. But a perfect day is having a great day in the operating room and getting home on time to spend time with my girls and family.
Dr. Leah Zils, DDS, PLLC
1. What brings you joy or laughter in your day-to-day work?
I find joy in listening to my patients and getting to know them as a person. I learn something new from my patients every day! It’s the people that walk into the practice that make every day interesting and different.
2. What brings out the best in you in your career and life?
My best self is when I am in an environment that fosters lifelong learning, critical thinking and the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. I find myself happiest when I have the opportunity to apply what I have learned for the greater good.
3. What was your dream as a little girl? No matter how funny or outrageous!
I wanted to take care of and raise monkeys.
4. What does your "perfect day" look like if you have a clear calendar?
My perfect day is working out and spending time with the family outside on a cool sunny day. Ending the day with a good dinner is always nice too!
Melissa Young - Owner, Corporate Incentives
1. What brings you joy or laughter in your day-to-day work?
I love people. I enjoy the interactions with my team, our clients, and our community. While we’re technically in the business of selling things, we’re really in the business of relationships and problem-solving, and I get immense joy out of being able to do that every day.
2. What brings out the best in you in your career and life?
I am at my best in both work and life when I get to surround myself with a diverse community of people and interests; where each of us has an opportunity to add to each other and benefit from the relationships that we have. Sitting still doesn’t suit me, so the more opportunities that I have around me, the better I am.
3. What was your dream as a little girl? No matter how funny or outrageous!
My little girl dream is so boring. I wanted to be a lawyer – born out of my love of arguing and believing that I was right, regardless of facts or logic.
4. What does your "perfect day" look like if you have a clear calendar?
I really enjoy getting a mix of the important people in my life, coupled with some time for simple rest and relaxation. Good food, good drinks, and good company make for a perfect day. Could be made better by a private jet. I love to travel.