Samantha Anderl

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Interimly | Mangia Pizza Co. | Twitter | LinkedIn

1. Tell me a little bit about you, who is Samantha outside of work?

I’ve grown up and moved around all up and down the west coast but I’ve found myself setting roots in Coeur D’ Alene, ID with my husband Hayden and our baby (dog) Karl. While my work is a big part of my identity, I try to focus just as much time on relaxing and playing. When I’m not working, you can find me exploring, searching for the best seafood, taking long walks, talking someone into planning a trip, or enjoying a glass of bubbly, red, or an EXTRA dirty martini.

2. What do you do for work?

I run a boutique consulting firm, Interimly, with my cofounder Andrea Wildt. We partner with high-growth companies to help them set the foundation for scale, streamline their operations, build their marketing programs and grow revenue.

My husband and I also invest in local, SaaS, and real estate projects. The latest investment and time commitment being a wood-fired pizza restaurant in Coeur d’ Alene, ID called Mangia (check it out if you're ever in CDA!).

Additionally, my business partner Andrea and I are working on a new venture. It's in the ideation stage right now, but stay tuned for more details!

3. As a female entrepreneur and business owner working in a competitive industry, what are some of the biggest obstacles you have faced within your industry / the workplace?

I’ve been exposed to unconscious and blatant sexism several times. I've been involved in situations where coworkers are discussing my weekend activities and swimsuit photos and other situations where individuals discounted my expertise and decision-making capabilities because of my gender. Both are equally off-putting and situations that a male in my field wouldn't likely deal with.

However, I've always had good humans in my corner who have reminded me that I’m where I am for a reason and those people have helped me to be confident and assertive in those situations.

If someone tries to discount my expertise or does something blatantly sexist, I have the power to change the conversation, exit the situation, or take action.

4. What women in your life inspire you and why?

The first is my co-founder and business partner, Andrea Wildt. She’s a force to be reckoned with. Sharp, honest, and well-respected by colleagues, friends, and family. She constantly inspires me to strive for more and reach my full potential.

The second is my friend and confidant Randi Schumacher. Randi is Deputy General Counsel at Nutrabolt. She’s an astrophysicist turned lawyer and not only is she brilliant, but she's also kind, accepting, and an advocate for those around her.

Last but certainly not least is another friend, Jordynn Beutler. She’s a master at balancing work and life (family, friends, social outings, etc.). She's also super in tune with her body and mind and makes excellent decisions based on intuition. She's inspired me to find a better balance in my life and pay more attention to my needs.

These three women in combination were the inspiration for my 2021 mantra.

5. What advice would you give to women who want to pursue a new life direction -- whether that be moving to a new city, pursuing a new career path, starting a side hustle or choosing a new major in school?

Find mentors, friends, and other women you can lean on and discuss your goals and aspirations with. As strong as we can be on our own, we’re always more powerful with support and the right people surrounding us.

6. How do you balance a job, personal life and passions? Is there such a thing as balance?

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION. I’m always striving to find the balance. It’s an ongoing process. Every time I think I'm well balanced, I fall out again.

Overall, I've just tried to become better at listening to my body and mind and giving myself what I need to succeed.

Sometimes that might mean relaxation and a massage, sometimes it might mean a night out with friends to clear my head, sometimes it might be a day in front of my computer to check items off my to-do list, sometimes it's a week away with my husband with no cell phones. What I need shifts and so do my balance tactics.

7. What are some ways you implement self-care?

I've come to find that daily self-care is very important for me to combat burnout and stress. For me, that looks like making time to:

Be active (walk, cycle, barre class, etc.)
Journal my thoughts, emotions, and experiences
Sauna
Take long baths
Read non-work related books

I try to make time for at least 2 of these items every day.

8. What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders, movers and shakers?

Build your network. The more people we have in our network who can help us along the way, the more likely we are to succeed.

Say your goals out loud and say them often. Tell anyone and everyone what you are trying to accomplish and own it. Believe in yourself.

9. What advice would you give to women trying to break into a male-dominated field or an industry where there aren’t as many female leaders?

Don't get down on yourself. Be persistent and find your way in. There are more female leaders now than there have ever been. You have to believe that you can be one of them and continue pushing and asking for that next raise, promotion, or opportunity.

10. How can women advocate for each other?

There are so many ways! Share each other’s stories (props to you Allison!), recommend one another for roles, hire qualified women when you get into the position to do-so, be there when someone needs advice or mentorship - the list goes on and on.

11. What is your power color and why?

Green. For me, the color green symbolizes growth, good luck and it just so happens to be the color of money. Us ladies have to get that money, right? Close the wage gap!

12. What is your female anthem – the song that hypes you up and makes you feel like a girl boss and that you can take on anything in the world?

The Man, by Taylor Swift. Both because of the message portrayed, but also because Taylor Swift herself is a badass female who inspires and takes charge.

Portrait illustrations are by Hailey Coral.

WOMEN ARE MAGIC | Samantha Anderl