Balancing Act

By Maureen Borzacchiello, President and Chief Executive of Creative Display Solutions, Inc.

Living in a Woman’s Nation is inspiring and empowering to me as I see women transcending stereotypes and embracing their personal power and potential. It means I get to live each day working with my husband to fulfill our dreams. I am fortunate in my career in corporate America to have “cracked” the glass ceiling and then moved on to create and build my own company, Creative Display Solutions, Inc., into a multimillion dollar enterprise that designs, produces and manages trade show displays and exhibit programs globally.

By challenging the status quo, pursuing my goals and dreams and creating a somewhat non-traditional life for myself—which included hiring my husband—I met challenges, objections, judgment and disapproval from some. Yet I also received support, encouragement and admiration.

Breaking into the top 3 percent of all women business owners by generating more than $1 million dollars in revenue was a significant achievement and turning point. With the support of my husband, my team and the “Make Mine a $Million Business” program, which helps inspire, mentor and assist women in growing their business to the $1 million mark and beyond, I demonstrated that women can have a successful career, a happy family and all of the responsibilities that go along with maintaining both in our lives together.

When I hired my husband as my chief operating officer, some people were shocked that he would work for his wife, and others were skeptical that we could stand to live and work together since we are both such strong, independent individuals. It works for us because we have always had a very collaborative relationship based on trust, support and love. There is no threat; we complement and challenge each other.

When I was at the height of my corporate career, I made significantly more than he did. When I started my business he was at the height of his career and matched my old income while Creative Display Solutions was still a start-up company. As the business grew, he supported the business travel required of me, and “held down the fort” at work and home. The peace of mind that he gave me was significant. And his willingness to support me in that way had a definite impact on our relationship and the growth of the company.

To me, a Woman’s Nation means change, opportunity, acceptance and striving for balance. As the mother of a seven-year old, I believe my son is a well-rounded child as a result of having a working mother. He understands the dynamic of a collaborative partnership between his mother and father and has learned that family equals teamwork.

During a recent play date, my son and my five-year-old niece simultaneously announced they were going to play “business,” and as they walked down the hallway I heard my son ask her if she would like to be “the boss” first or second. I realized a generation with much more acceptance and possibilities is growing up right before our eyes.