It’s generally accepted that our work and personal lives should be kept completely separate — especially if you’re a CEO. 

Jackie Stevenson (CEO of The Brooklyn Brothers), challenges this notion by arguing that it is impossible to separate the two. 

Stevenson stated that no one can achieve a balance between work and family. The goal is always to have a good work-life balance. Some days work will be more than others, and other times life is more. 

Stevenson knows this is the right advice and has lived it out. Six years ago her marriage ended. She kept quiet about it at the beginning. “It was something that I didn’t talk to anyone in the business about. “I carried myself,” she stated. 

But the façade could only be held up for so long. 

“When I could share my real feelings, suddenly the empathy that I had for other people in the business really changed. It is extremely important to be able talk about times in life when you are vulnerable and feel out of control. This was something that I discovered in my business career. 

Stevenson believes that this experience helped her to be a proponent of bringing your true self into work. It has also brought together her team. 

You can watch Jackie Stevenson’s video to learn more, such as the lessons in leadership she gained from dancing ballroom.