When I first met Alexandra Eidenberg it was at a holiday party for the kids and moms of the non-profit organization she started. I was not only taken in by her kindness and presence, but impressed by how she dedicated herself fully to everything she did, from her family to her work. And my goodness, her work ethic, drive, and motivation is astounding. As she works hard now campaigning to be Illinois’s 17th District House Representative, she took some time out of her busy schedule to share how she gets it all done. She truly is an inspiration, and I have no doubt she’ll help and empower so many people. (update 3/31/18: While Alexandra didn’t win the primary, she continues to be determined to fight for change and to be involved in the legislative process in a number of ways).
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
I am a mom of 4 kids under 5, a small business owner and women’s rights activist. I love to cook, eat and spend time outdoors with my kiddos.
When and how did you first become an entrepreneur? And how do you think that’s affected your move into politics?
I became an entrepreneur when I realized my ability to thrive was hindered by my gender. Being female meant I could have kids and because I could have kids getting the larger salaries and upward job growth was challenging. I left the corporate world to start my own business so I could have a direct correlation between how hard I work and how much money I could make.
My drive to support women and children has always been a part of everything I do. I started We Will, my non-profit organization, to help women and children get involved in legislation. I have been involved politically my entire life and in recent years have cultivated an organization with over 7,000 members working hard in our communities to move the needle forward for everyday people. We have written, passed and negotiated legislation. It is an empowering process and I look forward to being State Representative of the 17th District. My experience building coalitions, and working across the aisle has readied me. I am looking forward to being our voice.
How has your business grown and evolved since it started? How has your business affected your political stances and positions?
Everything is intertwined – family, community and business. Being a business owner allows me the opportunity to participate in our community and do it alongside my children. Being an activist and raising activists is important. Business always evolves. I have a great team and am proud that we have been in a continual growth phase for years. I specialize in health insurance and the Affordable Care Act changed the face of my business. It changed how I do business. It allowed me to help thousands of people. It has also shown me the importance of universal healthcare.
What sort of speed bumps have you hit in your professional career along the way, and how did you handle them?
Everything is a speed bump – that is life – it just depends on how we drive over them. It is always the bad days that define us and the good days that drive us. I always take the hiccups and learn from them. No business is perfect. I give everyday 100% and rest easy knowing I did everything in my power to have a successful day.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Oy! My days are very full as you can imagine. I wake up around 5 am and have a very large cup of coffee while getting my kiddos some juice or chocolate milk then the day is go go go go go from there. We are always out of the house by 8 am. Depending on the day I will have my kids or we have our nanny, our rock, Ms. Eva.
Days with my kids I do classes and play spaces with them. I always work hard to give my kids my full attention when I am with them and pick parts of my work schedule that jive with their needs. At We Will, my non profit, we have a program called Legislative Coffee Date, and I take my kiddos to that programming because we provide food and sitters. It is good for them and me!
Days without my kiddos I go nonstop. Clients, community, calls, campaigning, fundraising, sales, etc. I block off my schedule in 15-30 minute time slots and do not stop until the day is done. I maximize everything that I do. I say YES to the things I care about and NO to the things I do not want or have space and time for.
I always make dinner and bring my family together to eat. We love to cook and eat. We talk about our day and what we want to do the next day. I encourage my kids to feel motivated and excited about life and then we do the bedtime routine – bath, books, bed. 3B!
Once my kiddos are down I either work another 3 hours or take a moment to chat and hang out with my husband, Roger. We like to eat trail mix and M&Ms while watching MSNBC.
Routine is critical for any family and business. Rinse and repeat!
What’s your definition of success?
Closing the book on today and knowing you did your best. I never want to go to sleep wondering what if. I like to go to bed knowing I did everything possible – for my kids, my husband, my clients, our community, you name it. Thank God I have a ton of energy!
What piece of advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business?
Know your numbers! Understand how much you need to make to have the life you want to lead. The cycle of confidence drives business and if you do not know where you are going you can not get there. Knowing the numbers allows you to get there.
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Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions Alexandra! And best of luck to you with your campaign!
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