Moms in Business: Get to know Sherri Rabinovitch

Sherri was an HR Professional in a Corporate setting and after starting a family and wanting to create work/life balance, she decided to take her skills and experience into private practice in September 2014 and created The People Guru™. Sherri has always been passionate about helping others create their own destiny and fulfill their professional goals- she has created a way to empower people to find their lifes’ purpose. She will take you on a journey of self-discovery and professional growth that will challenge & revitalize you to help facilitate you reaching your target!

First, give us a little background on how you got to where you are now: What did you always think you wanted to do for a career, and how did it lead (or change) to where you are now?

I always wanted to be a lawyer from childhood because I wanted to help children that were being abused, but knew it was not going to make me any money. I thought employment law would so, I went to law school; as I grew older and wiser and learned the law it was determined that this was not my calling but helping people was. I got an HR certificate and began my corporate HR career.  After 14 years and having two young children at home, I knew being stuck in a corporate box and traditional role would not lead me to happiness nor the ever sought after work/life balance.  In 2014, I began my own business so that I could continue to help and guide others but more specifically women who were life me! 

Tell us about The People Guru.

The People Guru is a place where women can take a journey into self-discovery and professional growth.  We provide career coaching and HR expertise in a friendly and encouraging manner.  Our mission is to remind women that they have options outside of what they have always been traditionally told they “should be”. 

Tell us about your family! How many children do you have, and how old are they?

Daughter, 7 & son, 4.5; I have been married since March 2009.

How has The People Guru impacted your daily life, professionally and at home?

The best thing to happen to my family has been the creation of my business. It has allowed me the flexibility needed to nurture young children; be present when they want and need me.  Professionally, The People Guru has allowed me to expand my network and knowledge base beyond my wildest expectations. Since I’m not bound to any corporate NDAs , my help is far reaching. 

How does your experience with helping others professionally impact how you raise a family?

For me, it is the reverse, raising a family has opened my heart & mind when helping others.

Are there specific lessons that you want to impart on your children? 

The lessons I impart on my children are 1) Do unto others as you wish done unto you 2) if you have the choice between being kind or being indifferent, always choose kind!  

Describe what a typical (business) day looks like for you.

Truthfully, I don’t have a typical business day as each day is a new adventure! There are some things that I do each day however that are consistent; writing down my goals for the day, answer emails, post on social media (if I have not scheduled anything in advance), hustle on the business development side which to me is the most challenging.  

How does having children affect your business decisions, if at all?

I work for freedom to be with my children, so if they are home sick or have a pedagogical day I have the luxury of taking the time to be with them! This impacts if I am going to take a meeting or travel for any period of time.

On any given day, what are the biggest challenges you face at work? 

Maintaining a presence and business development or closing the deal; my roster of clients is not as long as I would like it to be.  2018 will be the year that all my hard work and intention comes to fruition. 

What keeps you grounded? 

My family. It is that simple.  I won’t do anything that will create embarrassment or shame should my children ever hear of it or see it.

Do you talk to your children about what you do for a living?  

We talk about it almost every day.  They see Dad leave the house for work; Mom stays home to work and on occasion dresses up to be on TV or meetings. They always ask how I help people! 

How do you juggle your professional life with personal? We’d love to hear your tips on achieving a balance.

I have a family calendar that is pinned to our fridge in the kitchen so that I know when the kids are home from school; special activities or parties, etc…it helps keep myself (and Hubby) organized. It includes my functions, gym time and Husband’s plans.  I maintain that my priority is always my children while building my business.  It is not always easy but I set boundaries for both in order for each not to bleed into the other. 

What advice would you offer to new moms or moms that are also professionals in any industry?

Funny this is being asked as I am holding a workshop on this exact topic at the end of January here in Montreal.  I would tell new moms that they should not be so hard on themselves and that it is OK to ask your peeps for help! There are going to be some days that are going to feel so overwhelming and that is when it is time to reach out to our network.

What helps you to unwind?

Girls night out with my besties; date night with the Hubby or even just watching a great flick on Netflix/good book with a hot cup of coffee!

What is your mantra?

I have two!

I have been saying this to my daughter since she was 3 “you smart, strong & beautiful and I love you” and she must say it back to herself.

This I say to myself, “no one has the power to make me feel bad about myself” and I say this to remember who is in charge or my power and how I view myself.