The Pursuit for Equilibrium

Employee Spotlight Profile
 

Fiona Lawler, Associate Editor, Additive Manufacturing, Gardner Business Media
 

I have always been a “get-up and go” kind of individual. If a set number of given tasks (written in my bursting planner) are not accomplished within a day I frown upon this lack of productivity. I hand-write grocery lists for increased efficiency at the store, have one day a week where I (deep) clean my apartment, and have Post-it notes teeming with to-do lists covering any open surface. Ultimately, I consider myself a busy and structured person when it comes to life in general. Luckily, in my case, the internal pressures I put upon myself have manifested in positive ways.

Referring to my undergraduate studies at Miami University, I decided on a journalism and English literature co-major, later adding a creative writing minor for fun (because why not pile on more credit hours as a senior?). Upon entering the “real world” I had already secured a job come post-graduation in March of 2021 (for reference, I graduated that May).

While grateful for immediate employment following graduation, the job was not what I had always envisioned. I thrive on writing long-form pieces, sharing and communicating with others, editing and fact-checking. Instead, I found myself enveloped in a world of medical secrecy, technical to the point of monotony. Ultimately, I do consider the experience as a learning opportunity, but at the time, I coveted a career in where I could apply all my skills on a much more meaningful level.

I had just received my teacher training certificate and felt ecstatic my dedication over the past six months had paid off.

Fortunately, while enduring my first post-graduate job, I had rededicated myself to hot yoga practice. I allowed myself an hour every single day to move and breathe without outside distraction or stressors. I hadn’t realized how desperately I needed to give myself uninterrupted time, not tasks. After a couple of months of going to practice, I noticed my studio was offering a teacher training program. Right then and there, I decided to hurl myself out of my comfort zone. I promptly applied for yoga teacher training. I needed a new challenge to tackle. Little did I know this “challenge” would lead me down exciting paths to come.

To preface, I was a painfully shy child. It wasn’t really until late high school and early college that I shed my shy skin and even then, it was difficult to be outspoken. I despised public speaking of any kind; it was my worst fear in a classroom as well as life. If you were to tell me (a senior in college) that just two years later I would be teaching yoga to a full class (about 50 people) I would’ve laughed, quickly followed by turning beet red.

Since beginning to practice yoga again, becoming an instructor became a goal deeply manifested in my subconscious mind. I had always thought this was a long way off and would eventually happen one day. The key term here being “one day.” Even now, I’m unsure what emboldened me to take the plunge, but I am beyond grateful that I did. Once training began, I never looked back. The progress ingratiated itself on many levels: speaking and voice presence, connecting with others on a more personal level, and ultimately becoming someone, I never thought I would be.

Now, I teach one class a week and sub whenever I am available, guiding others in their yoga practice. The confidence in my voice and stature are unmistakable and I feel more comfortable in my own skin, as well as my capabilities. The teacher training journey opened so many new doors to me, some that I now realize were made possible through this experience. I made new friends outside of my usual social circle as I was welcomed by the yoga community with open arms. For the first time in my professional life, I was being paid to do something I loved. Most importantly however, I had a new purpose in implementing balance in my otherwise hectic lifestyle. After adding this newfound confidence and balance to these areas, I then realized how it could positively impact my work life.

I say this because I feel the skills, I gained through teacher training can be attributed to my current role here at Gardner (I am an Associate Editor for Additive Manufacturing). When interviewing for this job, I knew I wanted it from the get-go. I realized additive is a space where innovation is prized and creativity flourishes. The exact type of place where I could apply my skillset. My love for writing and discovery finally had the potential to grow alongside an intelligent and supportive team. Throughout the interview process, when self-doubt plagued me or told me I wasn’t enough, I pushed these thoughts away. Instead, I trusted the process, myself, and my capabilities. I was patient, calm, and above all, ready to prove I was right for this role. I do credit my yoga teacher training experience partly, as my confident composure and voice presence are crucial skills for this job. I advocated for myself in a way I never knew how to before, simply because I know myself and my strengths better now.

After receiving the job offer, I can still remember the feeling of elation (it’s hard to put into words the joy I felt). The absolute cherry on top? I felt, for the first time upon entering the professional world, that I was seen for who I truly was. I wasn’t just words on paper, an entity solely based on my resume or list of internships. I was an individual, seen for the abilities I could bring to this team. I felt my team chose me for the experiences I’ve had leading up to this point in my professional career, and for the person I am (not just the worker).

Over the course of the past two years, I have learned the importance of balance. Equilibrium in both work and social life. I have slowed down (just a bit) in my busy lifestyle, to favor one that encapsulates balance in more ways than one. What does this look like for me? I allow myself days of rest (no yoga, cleaning, or planning) on these days. This serves as a time to destress and entangle myself from the countless to-do lists. It enables me more capacity for creativity, which in turn benefits my work here at Gardner, at the yoga studio, and in the hobbies, I love (reading, quality time with my beloved animals, and thrifting).

I am on my first shop visit, talking with JP Kinerk, founder of startup company OMG Additive. I am currently working on developing a blog post about the informative experience.

I am happy to truthfully be able to say I am doing something I love as an Associate Editor here at Gardner in creating. I spend my days writing, editing, and brainstorming. From interviewing interesting sources to working with a team of extremely knowledgeable and kind people, I feel supported and seen.

The balance I have implemented in my current lifestyle allows me to accomplish my goals, but also replenish my energy as needed. I am excited to move forward with this mentality of balance and see what other opportunities the future has in store for me.

Need more information?
Fiona Lawler, Associate Editor
Additive Manufacturing
Gardner Business Media, Inc.
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About the Author

Fiona Lawler

Fiona officially joined the Additive Manufacturing team in January 2023 as an Associate Editor. A native of Cincinnati, Fiona knows the best place to grab a cup of coffee, peruse books, and thrift. She loves the outdoors and being active. Fiona is a registered hot yoga teacher and enjoys teaching as well as practicing yoga in her free time. An avid reader and writer, you will often find her curled up with a book. She loves spending time with her family, friends, and fur babies.