Lani Click
Palm Beach Director, Work-Life Balance Institute for Women;
Owner & Designer, Palm Beach Purses & EcoChic Purses; CEO Lani Click Consulting
"Passion and a wise heart result in a meaningful life. Remember to have reverence for the earth and its resources."
When you were a child, did you have a hero or heroine? If so, who? A lot of my heroes and heroines came from books. Books were my refuge. I read about Joan of Arc, Anne Boleyn, Winston Churchill. I was fascinated by Mahatma Gandhi. In terms of my family, my grandfather is in the Advertising Hall of Fame. He was an entrepreneur. He was very disciplined, a risk taker but consistent with his work ethic.
When you have a difficult decision to make, do you discuss the issue with others? I discuss all my important decisions with my husband and my sons when it is relevant. I also meditate. I will seek out people with expertise in a specific area and get good solid advice. But life is difficult and it is often said that luck is when preparation meets opportunity. So I always have a plan when I am faced with a difficult decision. But, I am always prepared to change it should circumstances shift. You want to always figure out a solution to the issue.
Has networking with other women had a positive impact upon your professional and personal life?Absolutely. It really has been an honor to work with Susie [Levan] with the Work Life Balance Institute. The variety of women I have met through the luncheons has refocused, reshaped and balanced my life /work philosophy. By talking to so many women, you get to understand what friends are.
Do you believe in the concept of giving back? If so, in what ways do you give back? Going back to my years at Yale, I learned that mentoring and volunteering become a way of life. Giving back has been personal. We donated purses to over 100 charities and with EcoChic and we have been recognized for our green fashion. I grow herbs, orchids and tomatoes and I like to share those as well.
How do you define success and what qualities define you? Have enthusiasm, and be an excellent communicator and leader. The elements that create success are clarity, honesty and a sense of humor. I am constantly reinventing myself to achieve more of my goals and I like to inspire others to use their individuality to define their voice and passion.
What lessons from your own experience would you like to offer other women? Our choices define us. Being an entrepreneur is not simply selling purses. [We have to] inspire and mentor young people as they are the future. Share your ideas and enthusiasm with them. Be generous and explore the fun side of work.
