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#MAKEITHAPPEN

Tina Wells, Author, Business Strategist & Advisor

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She started a successful company at just 16 years old. She's written more than a dozen books. She's traveled the world in service of others, including volunteering at a refugee site in Uganda. She's one of the most sought-after business strategists and advisors, on the advisory board for Girl Up. Oh, and she's writing another book, too. Her 20th.

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Meet Tina Wells, a true multi-hyphenate, who's currently deep in the process of writing her latest title, The Elevation Approach. The four-phase guidebook will focus on that thing we're all chasing—work-life harmony. But, please, don't call it "balance".

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"I don’t believe in balance. I don’t think that’s something we can ever achieve, and yet women are always asked to find balance. I believe we can create a harmonious life where family and friends and work mix in the most delightful way," Wells explains.

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Here, we chat with Wells about everything from finding your superpower to her best work-life harmony hacks.

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Q&A

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What are the driving passions that set you on your path?
I am generally a curious person. When I was 15, that curiosity led me to a writing gig that kickstarted my first company. Then, I leaned into my curiosity about content and I’m now working on my 20th book. For the last two years, I have been digging into product design and development. My passions always seem to evolve.

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What does #MAKEITHAPPEN mean to you?
First, it represents what women do every day. We always #MAKEITHAPPEN. To me, it means utilizing every resource available to you to do the best that you can with what you have.

And who or what inspires you to make it happen? 
My mom and all of the women in my family. My niece, Phoebe is only 12, but she is so determined! I learn so much from her.

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And the wardrobe MVPs that help you make it happen?
A goes-with-anything blazer, a white tee, and well-fitting jeans.

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Tips to find your superpower? How did you find yours? 
Lean into the things you like and ask yourself why you like them. Do not judge yourself for what you like. There’s a reason you’re curious about the things you’re curious about.

For me, I finally got honest with myself about what I really liked and really wanted to do and stopped doing the things I assumed people wanted me to do. Life's a lot better this way.

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Share one example of how you made it happen through adversity…
I have written books on the craziest deadlines in some of the craziest places. When you have an editorial deadline you will find a way to #MAKEITHAPPEN.

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What is The Elevation Approach?
It’s a guide to work-life harmony. The Elevation Approach focuses on four phases that help you achieve your goals in a way that just feels better. You’ll do more doing less and feel more like yourself.

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And starter tips to achieve work-life harmony? 
First, what does work-life harmony look like to you? I find if you can paint a picture for yourself it’s a lot easier to work towards.

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Tell us about the one thing or person who changed your life and POV?
Years ago, I was really privileged to produce the Super Soul 100 for the Oprah Winfrey Network. During that time I spent a lot of time with the OWN team and with Ms. Winfrey on a few occasions. I find that her advice to “do the next right thing” resonates with me. I have used that advice too many times to count.

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How do you give back? What are the causes important to you—and why?
I recently joined the advisory board of Girl Up. I am so excited to contribute and bring attention to an organization doing so much to help girls all around the world. 

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I also try to support female-founded and led companies like Veronica Beard. A friend of mine challenged me to do this a few years ago and it’s transformed my wardrobe!

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I think that there are so many ways we can all give back that take such little effort. It’s really about finding what you love. From my trips building houses in Honduras to my time spent in refugee settlements in Uganda, I have loved meeting people, hearing their stories, and realizing that we are all connected in some way.

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SHOP THE LOOK

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SHOP NOW, clockwise from top left:

Miller Dickey Jacket
Slate Dickey
Carly Jean
Cindy Tee

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