Ellen Voie (Voy-a) is an internationally recognized speaker and authority on gender diversity and inclusion for women working in non-traditional careers in transportation. She has been invited to speak to audiences in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, France, Mexico, and Canada, in addition to being a popular speaker at conferences throughout the United States. Voie founded the Women In Trucking Association in 2007, and currently serves as the nonprofit organization’s President & CEO. The Women In Trucking Association was formed to promote the employment of women in the trucking industry, to remove obstacles that might keep them from succeeding, and to celebrate the successes of its members. Voie also currently serves on the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) to provide recommendations and advice to the FMCSA on motor carrier safety programs and motor carrier safety regulations. Voie’s background in the trucking industry began as the assistant and later Traffic Manager for a steel fabricating plant in the upper Midwest. She then worked as a dispatcher for a grain hauling carrier before becoming co-owner of a small fleet. After starting a family, she used her background to become a freelance transportation consultant to carriers in Wisconsin, licensing and permitting trucks for more than 16 years. Voie also served as the Executive Director of Trucker Buddy International, Inc., a pen pal program between professional drivers and elementary students. Voie holds a Master’s in Communication degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where she completed her Thesis research on the complex identities of women married to professional drivers. She also hold a degree in Traffic and Transportation Management from LaSalle Extension University. Voie has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives, the leading authority in association management.

Columnists,Ellen Voie |
February 1, 2024

February is the month of hearts and roses in honor of Valentine’s Day.  While there are many theories surrounding the first Saint Valentine, it wasn’t until the 1400s when the term valentine was used to describe a love note.

Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world in many ways; some recognize it as a day of love and others observe it as a day to celebrate friendships.  Children share candy and cards while adults spend money of chocolates, flowers, and other gifts.

In this world of uncertainty and gloom, let’s take the month of February to spread happiness. I would challenge you to find ways to honor the memory of Saint Valentine by bringing sunshine to those around you.

Consider the benefits of becoming a happier person. When you smile it can lower your heart rate, reduce your stress, and make your brain release happy chemicals. A smile can be one of those “pay it forward” moments if you share it with the clerk at the fuel desk, or the person in the next cubicle.  Add a greeting, like, “I hope you’re having a good day,” and it should raise their spirits as well.

Studies have shown that happy people are healthier because they tend to exercise more, eat better, and get more sleep.  Happy people also have less stress, stronger immune systems, and even increased longevity. However, that could be the effect of happiness, not always the cause.

The National Academy of Sciences found that happier people also earn more money.  Yes, smile more and lift your friends and co-workers up and you could financially benefit. An optimistic person will accept more challenges and take more risks, which elevate earning potential.

An Entrepreneur Magazine article gave these reasons why happy people typically have higher incomes.  Since cheerful workers are usually healthier, they have fewer sick days and are more productive.  This results in better performance reviews which end up as higher salaries.

How can you become a happier person?  Take this short month to focus on your happiness journey.  You know that exercise and healthy eating are good for you, so make it a priority.  Adding a few more steps and eliminating one soda daily will be a great start to a more joyful you!

Be more friendly to those around you.  Make it a point to compliment someone or send a positive note to a coworker.  Focus on them, not on yourself, and you’ll start noticing little things that can make their day better and add to your happiness in the process.  While you’re at it, give yourself a pat on the back when you accomplish something.  Look in the mirror and say, “nice work today self!”

Stop comparing yourself to others, and limit social media.  Most people want to brag about their accomplishments, not air their failures, so you’re only getting half the story.  Set your own goals and standards, their postings probably don’t reflect their reality anyway.

Find time to slow down, breathe, and think.  Call it mediation, prayer or just clearing your head, spend some quiet time to yourself.  You need to take care of yourself before you can help others (think of that oxygen mask dropping from above).

When you’re feeling pressured, try to look at the bright side.  Things could always be worse, so count your blessings and list some things that are positive.  Notice the little things you’re overlooking each day, whether it’s a hug from a child, a twenty-dollar bill in your pocket, or just a plate of cookies in the office, notice these and appreciate them.

Let’s make the entire month of February a happiness experience in honor of Saint Valentine.  Not only will you benefit from the experience, but you’ll make the industry a better place and a happier environment for all of us.  I’ll be watching for your smile!

 

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Ellen Voie (Voy-a) is an internationally recognized speaker and authority on gender diversity and inclusion for women working in non-traditional careers in transportation. She has been invited to speak to audiences in Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Vietnam, France, Mexico, and Canada, in addition to being a popular speaker at conferences throughout the United States. Voie founded the Women In Trucking Association in 2007, and currently serves as the nonprofit organization’s President & CEO. The Women In Trucking Association was formed to promote the employment of women in the trucking industry, to remove obstacles that might keep them from succeeding, and to celebrate the successes of its members. Voie also currently serves on the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee (MCSAC) to provide recommendations and advice to the FMCSA on motor carrier safety programs and motor carrier safety regulations. Voie’s background in the trucking industry began as the assistant and later Traffic Manager for a steel fabricating plant in the upper Midwest. She then worked as a dispatcher for a grain hauling carrier before becoming co-owner of a small fleet. After starting a family, she used her background to become a freelance transportation consultant to carriers in Wisconsin, licensing and permitting trucks for more than 16 years. Voie also served as the Executive Director of Trucker Buddy International, Inc., a pen pal program between professional drivers and elementary students. Voie holds a Master’s in Communication degree from the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point, where she completed her Thesis research on the complex identities of women married to professional drivers. She also hold a degree in Traffic and Transportation Management from LaSalle Extension University. Voie has earned the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential from the American Society of Association Executives, the leading authority in association management.