Flowers are more than just beautiful, they have some health benefits that can make a big impact. A study by Wakefield Research discovered one-in-four women experience stress multiple times a day — and flowers have been found to increase happiness, foster creativity and boost energy as reported by the University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health’s study.
After receiving some thoughtful, but sad roses, from her now husband when they were dating, Seema Bansal recognized that there must be something better. Wanting to do something to fix the industry, Bansal launched Venus ET Fleur, the game-changing floral company behind “eternity rose.” But being a successful co-founder doesn’t come without its challenges, and Bansal knows that, working to improve her well-being all the time. Bansal sat down with Thrive to discuss managing stress and burnout, practicing mindfulness, her advice for good time management, and the importance of open communication.
Thrive Global: What is your morning routine?
Seema Bansal: I always take a few minutes before looking at my phone and make sure to take a quick moment of peace and gratitude before switching to technology and work. Then I look at my phone, prepare for the day, get ready, have coffee, and head into the office. Depending on what’s going on, I make sure to have time to meditate in the morning, as well.
TG: What’s your secret life hack?
SB: With all of the traveling I do, a skincare bag is always ready and packed! It’s a great form of making sure I have a form of self-care wherever I go.
Tell us about your relationship with your phone. Does it sleep with you?
SB: I’m obsessed with my phone. It’s how I stay in close communication with my team, but it’s also a great way for me to do research and stay up to date with some inspiration for the brand.
TG: How do you deal with email?
SB: I do priority emails first – things that need answers. I tackle them in order so I don’t get overwhelmed. Sometimes I even block off two hours just to get through my inbox uninterrupted. I don’t like to let it sit for too long!
TG: When was the last time you felt burned out and why?
SB: I think it’s an ongoing thing, and so you always have to check in with yourself. I try to schedule things and prioritize my emails. I also try scheduling specific self-care time to renew myself.
TG: When was the last time you felt you failed, and how did you overcome it?
SB: As an owner of a company, nothing is going to be perfect; you have to trust the process. It’s a huge learning process, especially in business. I like to look at it like this: Failure turns into a learning moment that helps get you to where you need to be.
TG: Share a quote that you love and that gives you strength or peace.
SB: “What you think, you become.” It shows that you should really believe and focus on what you want, and it will happen!
TG: How do you prioritize when you have an overwhelming amount to do?
SB: I try really hard to just block off time to meditate, respond, review, and stay organized. There’s always a lot to do, so I make sure to always check in with how I’m feeling and what’s best for me. I have to prioritize by making time to do so, and then make time to release stress.
TG: What advice would you give your younger self about reducing stress?
SB: I think being clear with my goals and putting deadlines against them, so I can see things come to light rather than just hoping. Even now, I remind myself to trust the process, don’t be negative.
TG: What small steps do you use to accomplish your ultimate goal? How do you stay on track?
SB: I write everything down – I jot down a deadline and an action plan next to it. It may seem small, but it’s definitely helped me stay on top of such a crazy schedule. I also make sure to create vision boards every year. This helps me set out my intentions and inspiration for the year.
TG: What is one small habit that has improved your life significantly?
SB: Meditation is everything! I love having time to take a moment to decompress and disconnect. It has been helpful, and really changes my outlook on everything.
TG: How do you approach workplace stress?
SB: I wear many hats, so it can get easy to let the stress get to me. I try to prioritize my time and what needs to get done, schedule meetings, and just tackle it one task at a time.
TG: What are three things that help you thrive outside the office? What about inside?
SB: Family, health/self-care, and working out really help me outside of the office. Inside, it’s all about connecting with yourself and others: constant communication/meetings with my team, connecting with the team, prioritizing planning, and managing time. There are not just three things!
TG: What is one key piece of advice for someone newly entering a management role?
SB: I’d have to say it’s mostly about understanding how your role affects the organization, and how certain things can affect others. Being cognizant of how you utilize your time can affect others in the organization.
TG: What type of work environment do you thrive in? Why?
SB: Collaborative, absolutely! I love when strategic plans happen, and when everyone works together and blurts out ideas. It’s really inspiring and makes work fun.
TG: What are your travel tips for staying on track during long trips?
SB: Understanding time zones and scheduling meetings with my team during the appropriate time. Always trying to avoid jet lag and just beat it (by staying up). It’s also little things like making sure the hotel can help get a driver, or set up a translator so there’s always clear communication.
TG: With so many distractions and interruptions coming at us throughout the day, what are your tips to stay focused?
SB: My number one advice is to block off time to get tasks done. Everything else can be dealt with later!
TG: What are some ways you incorporate your company’s mission into the office culture?
SB: When someone is being onboarded, making sure to tell them about how these products bring positivity to people’s lives. If our team understands how much good we’re bringing into the world, they’ll be happy to help spread that positivity.
TG: What is your relationship with feedback? Do you ever struggle to give or receive feedback?
SB: I believe that feedback is vital for growth. It can be difficult to give or receive, but it deeply affects your growth.
TG: What are three things that make a successful meeting?
SB: An agenda, collaboration, and action items/plan.
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