With more than 25 years of digital communications and marketing experience, Eden helps companies develop programs that transform brands, build relationships and grow businesses in a way that is seamless, smart and strategic.
She is the founder of Spodek & Co., a founding partner of and active contributor to The Big Push, and co-developed the Digital Strategy and Communications Management certificate program at University of Toronto School of Continuing Studies. Learn more.
What do you want our readers to know about you?
I’m passionate about women in the workplace. All women in the workplace should be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.
What would you like to see more of in the workplace?
Tolerance, flexibility, diversity, opportunities for women, less politics.
What characteristics and/or qualities do you admire in the women you work with?
Compassion, empathy, collaboration, problem-solver, results-oriented, leadership, mentorship.
What advice did you wish you were given earlier in your career?
There’s no such thing as having actual work/life balance. Find the formula that works best for you and make sure it includes some “me time.”
Avoid toxic work workplaces!
What you think you’d like to be in your 20s may and probably will be dramatically different in your 40s and 50s. Follow your heart and eventually you’ll get to where you want to be.
How do you think COVID-19 will change the future of work for women?
Women are being stretched more than ever before in many ways. Not only do they need to work (assuming they still have a job) but they also have more responsibilities within their households. Working mothers are typically the ones who are stepping in and filling in for teachers when their children have to attend school online instead of in person. Crazy juggle.
Right now, it’s tough and women are losing some of the workplace gains we made over the last 20+ years. At the same time, the ability to work from home with flexible schedules has become more of a viable option for many as more traditional employers are adapting to a virtual workforce. We’re also seeing more of the four-day week as a reality.
What was one belief you had that you later realized was a myth?
“Having it all includes work/life balance.” Neither exists in reality.
Women need to realize we can succeed simply by working hard and being the best we can be in every aspect of our lives without putting undue pressure on ourselves. You need to make time for yourself and work will never replace family/loved ones, no matter how much you love what you do.
Do you have a mantra or quote that inspires you? If so, please share it below.
“Learn. Share. Grow.”
I’ve been saying this for many years: “Never stop learning, teaching others or developing your skills, abilities and knowledge.”
“Feminism [is the] notion that we should each be free to develop our own talents and not be held back by manmade barriers.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Where can people find you online?