Life Advice From Laura Schwab
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Life Advice From The First Female President Of Aston Martin, Laura Schwab

A perspective on life from a very successful woman, defying the glass ceiling.

19
Life Advice From The First Female President Of Aston Martin, Laura Schwab
Aston Martin/ABC News

A few months ago, I was absolutely ecstatic when I came across an article detailing that a University of Kentucky alum was now the president of Aston Martin in the Americas. I thought, "How cool that a fellow Wildcat runs one of the most luxurious motor companies in the world!" But, as I delved deeper into the article, I read that it was a woman who now holds the position and that she was the first female president to hold the position in the 105-year history of Aston Martin. I was in complete shock.

Not only was she a fellow Kentuckian, or a fellow Wildcat, she was a fellow woman who defied the odds in a male-dominated industry.

Now THAT is freakin' amazing!

I became fascinated with Laura Schwab. She quickly became an inspiration of mine, as she is an inspiration to so many women.

As a female who loves exotic/luxurious cars and the industry as a whole, I did a lot of research on Schwab. I wanted to know her history, how she went from a Kentucky girl to the president of Aston Martin, and how someone so successful does their morning routine. So, I took a chance and resorted to LinkedIn. I messaged Laura Schwab and asked her if she would answer a few questions, and here were her responses:

Q: How do you start your day?

A: Early! Our Americas' headquarters is a full workday behind the United Kingdom headquarters, so anytime I'm in California, I'm awake at 4 a.m. on emails and calls. It's useful to get a jump on the day and to be "on" when my UK colleagues are on, even if it's only for a few hours when we can easily correspond.

Q: How do you balance normal life and being President of Aston Martin?

A: I try to remind myself that work and life will rarely be perfectly balanced. Someone wise once said, "You can have it all, just not at the same time." Whether I'm at work or at home with my family, I strive to be present, which helps to feel as though the time I'm spending in each place is actually valuable. If I were preoccupied with work while at home, or home while at work, I might always feel as though the time devoted to each weren't well spent.

Q: How has the University of Kentucky helped you in your career?

A: My time at UK was a dream, being a Kentucky fan since birth. To then attend the College of Law was a true honor. Law school taught me how to be analytical, persevere, and that a law degree from Kentucky could open so many doors for me. I credit my degree for opening my first doors into the automotive industry. I also met some of my best friends in law school, and they have been there through all of the highs and lows in my life and been the greatest supporters in my personal life and my career.

Not only was I absolutely thrilled with these responses, but I was also completely honored that she would take time out of her extremely busy schedule to answer questions from a silly college journalist. Laura Schwab is such an inspiration to me and to so many other women out there searching to shatter the glass ceiling.

Laura, congratulations on your position, and we look forward to seeing your successes in the future!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

50410
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

32213
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

955545
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180659
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments