Politics always has fascinated Stephanie Bell.
Coming back to her hometown as a college student to work as an intern at the Capitol, she noticed how many involved in state government were lawyers.
"I saw how they influenced the process, whether in private practice or a lobbyist," Bell said.
That's when she added dual master's degrees in public administration and juris doctor from the University of Missouri to her bachelor's degree in political science from Truman State University.
While in law school, she began working for Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch, where she continues today. The firm's Jefferson City office focuses on government regulations and solutions, which drew her in.
"It's a way to maintain my interest in government and politics and practice law," Bell said.
A working mom, she and husband, Chris, have three children. "I enjoy being a mom; it's definitely a different perspective on life," she said.
Growing up with parents who owned and operated a small business, she said "working hard is nothing new."
Sharing domestic responsibilities with her husband allows them both to explore their career goals, too, she said.
Bell spent much of her childhood at her mother's downtown business, Public Office Services. So she was eager to serve on the Downtown Association. She just completed three years as president.
"I feel like service and involvement in the community is important," she said. "And I have a love for the downtown."
Bell also has taken leadership roles with Rotaract, Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and First Christian Church.
"Each opportunity you say 'yes' to, you'll meet new people, and it's a way to grow," she said.
Q. Who has invested in you and your career?
A. "My parents are my biggest investors. Growing up, they were both small-business owners, which meant that I learned the true meaning of hustle at a really early age. My mom earned her degree at Lincoln while running a business and raising a family - showing me the value she placed on higher education. My parents worked as a team to make sure my sister and I were thriving in school and able to enjoy plenty of extracurricular activities. They never suggested a specific career path but always encouraged me to do my best. My dad still regularly tells me that he is proud of me.
"My husband also walked by my side through law school and now does so in parenting. We work as a team when it comes to maintaining our household and raising our children. This allows both of us to devote extra time to our careers when necessary.
"Finally, the firm I work for now, Blitz, Bardgett & Deutsch, has invested significantly in my success. I started with the firm during law school in the summer and then immediately after law school. While law school teaches you 'how to think like a lawyer,' it does not teach you how to actually practice law. I learned how to practice law from the other attorneys in the firm, and I have benefited significantly from their mentoring."
Q. What choices have you made to invest in yourself and your own success?
A. "My biggest personal investment has been in higher education - while I was fortunate to receive scholarships to attend Truman State, the price tag for both a J.D. and an M.P.A. at MU was steep. One of the most important lessons I learned at Truman was to keep re-investing in yourself. Graduating from law school was not the finish line. The law is ever-evolving and so is technology. I am an avid reader and also listen to podcasts to keep up with the latest news, best practices and innovations.
"Finally, especially recently, I have focused on investing in relationships with people who have similar priorities - people who challenge me to be my very best, who will hold me accountable and who I learn from as they also strive for success."
Q. What do you think are the biggest issues still facing women in the workplace?
A. "I think being treated equally. I often find myself in meetings or proceedings where I am not only the only woman but also 10 or more years younger than everyone else. It is hard for me to distinguish whether different treatment is related to age or gender, but I suspect it is a combination of both. While I don't think people intentionally treat me differently, if you were to repeat some things that people have said to me to an older male, the absurdity of the remarks become apparent. I think when possible you can address the different treatment or the remarks head on and that generally, when people realize they are talking to and/or treating you differently, they will make changes."
Q. What drives you most in life and in your career?
A. "My faith. 1 Corinthians 12:7 says, 'To each one is given a spiritual gift for the common good of the community.' I listened to a sermon where the question was asked whether you would want to stand before God in your final days and say, 'Well, I did manage to keep the uniform clean.' Why would you spend your time here but never get in the game? I believe strongly that we are each given specific gifts and are specifically called to get in the game, and whether we strike out or hit a home run, we are called to play again the next day."
Q. What advice would you give to a woman entering the workforce?
A. "Say 'yes' to new and different opportunities offered to you in the workplace and in the community. It's easy, especially for women, to feel self-doubt - perhaps you are unsure or fear that you may not meet others' expectations. Step outside your comfort zone and challenge yourself. You don't need to know it all or be the expert first to make a difference. It is through tackling these new opportunities and challenges with confidence that you will learn and grow and be both a better business person and community member."
See the full October 2016 edition of #jcmo Inside Business here.