We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lisa Martens a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear your thoughts about making remote work effective.

As an independent consultant/project manager, I work 100% remotely. I work with clients all over the US, which allows me more reach without the expense of travel. I feel that working remotely allows me to achieve a better work/life balance. I have worked in a corporate environment for many years and I feel like the remote working environment is more productive and fulfilling. As a mom of school aged children, I wouldn’t want to go back to the office. The time I would have to sacrifice for my family wouldn’t be worth it.

Additionally, as a home baker with a cake business, not having a brick & mortar store allows me to minimize my cost. It allows me to regulate my workload so that I do not have to meet a minimum productivity requirement in order to pay for space.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Independent Consultant/Project Manager – I’ve worked as an analyst and project manager for Best Buy, Inc. for several years. Following my departure from corporate and wanting a more work/life balance, I decided to take a chance on working independently. I’m currently working as a PM for a market research firm out of Dallas, TX. This contract work allows me to balance my work and family well.

Home Baker – Baking allows me to use a part of my brain that my “desk job” doesn’t use. I have always enjoyed making cakes for my kids and find it a great creative outlet. For several months I researched local bakeries and local home bakers. Additionally, perfecting a recipe that I loved. I “practices” baking for friends and family and was open to their candid feedback in order better my skill, recipes and pricing. I decided that I would only do cakes. This allows me to create a great network of other bakers that do cookies or cupcakes, while I focus on cakes. Additionally, this allows me to manage my workload.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Prior to even graduating from college I was already set on a path to grow my career and make my career a priority. I remained at each position for several years, knowing that the skills and knowledge I was learning would help advance my career. The longevity of my time in each position was important. I feel like many young career focused individuals don’t stay in a position long enough to learn. Spending 3, 4 or 5 years in a position or with a company can be such a catalyst to big change in your future… as it was for mine.

I was pretty focused and achieving my goals. Then I had my second child and my goals changed. I discovered that it was more important for me to spend late nights with my kids and not with spreadsheets. Surprisingly I was at peace with this decision and excited. Fast forward 12 years and I am so thrilled that I made that decision to put my career second and my family first. As an independent consultant and home baker, these two businesses have allowed me the balance I needed and want.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My reputation is paramount. As is my work ethic and quality in my deliverables. My best source for new clients are referrals.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatCakeTN
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-dickson-martens-0ba89b9/