We had the good fortune of connecting with Annie Potter and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Annie, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I have three young kids, and I had them during a critical growth period for my career– that hasn’t slowed down. Having kids at this exciting time in my professional life was a pivotal moment for reevaluating my approach to work-life balance, and honestly made me push back on the concept of “balance”. Both worlds are never going to be given 50/50. Before kids, I was deeply invested in every aspect of my work, often prioritizing it above all else. However, becoming a parent brought a new perspective. I realized that while career growth is important, it should never come at the expense of living a fulfilling life. No one is able to give their best at work if life isn’t being rewarded.
Over time, I’ve become more intentional about setting boundaries, ensuring that my time at work is productive and focused, so that when I’m with my family, I’m fully present. I’ve learned that success in my career and fulfillment in my personal life are not mutually exclusive. It’s about making conscious choices every day—sometimes work takes precedence, and other times, family does. The key is flexibility and being clear about priorities.
Balancing a demanding career with raising three children has taught me that life and work can coexist harmoniously. It’s not always perfect, but I’m dedicated to never letting life suffer for work. This mindset has not only allowed me to grow in my career but has also ensured that I am fully engaged in the moments that matter most.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is rooted in the belief that innovative, well-designed workspaces can transform the way people work and live. We specialize in creating workplace furniture that not only enhance productivity but also promotes well-being and collaboration. What sets us apart is our disruptive designs, commitment to quality and our focus on meeting the evolving needs of modern workplaces. We’re proud to offer products that combine functionality with aesthetics, helping businesses create spaces that inspire and empower their teams.
The journey to where we are today has been anything but easy. We’ve faced challenges, from navigating market competition to keeping up with fluctuating trends between work from home and return to office. However, these obstacles have only strengthened our resolve. We’ve overcome them by staying true to our values, continuously innovating, and listening closely to our customers. Every challenge has been an opportunity to learn and grow, and I’m proud of the resilience and dedication our team has shown.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. We are growing at hyper speed, and being able to pivot and evolve is crucial for long-term success. I’ve also learned that success doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of persistence, hard work, and a willingness to take risks.
What I want the world to know about our brand is that we are passionate about creating work environments where people can thrive. Our story is one of dedication, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. We’re not just in the business of selling desks or cubicles; we’re in the business of helping people achieve their best, day in and day out.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Keep in mind I moved here from Nebraska only in January! I definitely have my go-tos down in the South Bay, but also love when visitors come so that I can explore more and be a tourist in my own city 🙂.
The first few days would be all about being a local in Redondo Beach/ Southbay and showing them my favorites right around me. one morning we would definitely walk over to Tigres Fuego and snag a Barans breakfast burrito before they run out. We would then head over to Hi-Fi espresso for the best coffee in town before walking down to the esplanade and enjoying the ocean views with our LA classic breakfast. We would spend the day hanging at the beach, maybe renting paddle boards, before heading to a nice dinner overlooking the marina at Baleen Kitchen and maybe a walk along the boardwalk and a stop into Najas for a drink or two!
We would do brunch in Riviera Village one day, most definitely at Rockefeller. Take some time to do some shopping at all of the amazing boutiques. One afternoon we would head to PV and would hike along the cliffs at the ocean trails reserve and then make our way to Nelsons at Terranea Resort for happy hour drinks overlooking the cliffs– you seriously feel like you are in Ireland. It is so stunning.
The remaining days would probably do Venice or Marina del Rey, maybe explore the arts district downtown. Go to Griffith for a hike up to the observatory, spend a day in Hollywood– the touristy stuff! I am always looking for ideas of ways to explore more in this new city of mine so send me your recommendations!
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey has been shaped by the incredible support system around me, and I’m truly grateful for the people who have played a role in my success. First and foremost, my gratitude goes to my family—especially my husband, Adam and three children—whose unwavering love and understanding have been my anchor. Balancing a demanding career with family life is no small feat, but their encouragement and patience have allowed me to pursue my goals with confidence. Adam builds me up and teaches me more about my strengths every day, all while he juggles a demanding career himself!
I also owe a shoutout to the leaders, peers and mentors who have guided me along the way. Their wisdom, insight, and belief in my potential have been instrumental in helping me navigate the challenges of my career and take risks I might not have. I’ve also been fortunate to work alongside some incredible women who have not only inspired me but also pushed me to grow and excel in ways I hadn’t imagined. I can only hope I can pay this forward.
Website: https://versadesk.com/
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