Special Guest Feature: Shari Erdman | Purpose Fueled Viking Lakes
Shari once wanted to work in a hair salon, helping people feel more beautiful. She ended up running a manufacturing company instead, but the instinct never left her.
She believes every human being has innate value, no matter the title on their door. And she’s proudest not of what she’s built at work, but of the three human beings she’s raised at home.
This is her.
1. What do you actually do (in plain language), the way you’d explain it to a friend over coffee?
I solve problems, create spaces to collaborate, ensure everyone is heard and it’s a bonus if everyone gets along!
2. What’s the moment or decision that changed the direction of your life or career?
I don’t know if I had a moment or a decision… I guess it did really matter in my career advancement once I received my MBA. I think for me what mattered the most was that worked for mangers that saw my potential and truly loved to grow and develop people. Due to that – I received many opportunities to try new things, make an impact and I grew and I was recognized for it. If you are working for someone that doesn’t recognize your talent, doesn’t work to grow you (assuming you want to grow), isn’t invested in your development, find a new place because you will not grow under that leader.
3. What do you believe about people that most others in your field don’t?
I believe in the innate value of every human being. If I could wipe away titles I would but I believe we’d have chaos. We were all created in the image of God. We all have great value here on this earth. I want people to know how valued they are.
4. What are you most proud of — in life, not just in work?
I’m proud of creating 3 great human beings, my kids. I’m proud of my daughter who every day has to “show up” for her family even though life has been quite challenging for her after getting a disability in her teenage years. (The hardest time of my life)
5. What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to work in a hair salon – helping people feel more beautiful
6. How do your closest friends or family describe you? Who do they say you are?
They’d probably say I’m always ready to have a good time, I love to laugh, I am there for them no matter what. I’m the peace maker of the family. Family first always.
7. What don’t people know about you that they should?
I’m a high trust person but when someone takes advantage of that trust – it’s very hard to gain it back.
8. What does “purpose” mean to you personally?
Purpose to me is why I exist and what I want my impact to be. I want to change lives for the better.
9. What’s one thing you’re hoping people leave your conversation thinking about?
Work can be so much more than “work.” We bring all of who we are to our work regardless of whether it’s allowed or not. Wouldn’t work be more meaningful if you knew you could have an eternal impact at work, or at least the ability to come alongside people and help them grow and help them through difficult times in life? How can we make a difference in our work, beyond just the work itself.
About Shari
Shari is the CEO of Reell Precision Manufacturing. Connect with Shari on LinkedIn.
Join Us at Purpose Fueled
Conversations like this one happen every month at Purpose Fueled Viking Lakes, hosted by Mick White. If you want to be in the room for the next one, reserve your spot here.