We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Jacobs, RN MSN/MBA and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I believe that the biggest change related to my work life balance was when I discovered how the actual definition of the term “balance” directly applied to my life. There was a point in time when all of my professional and personal responsibilities collided into one another. At that time, I considered myself having a healthy work life balance as long as I was able to complete the tasks that were required of me by the deadline, even if that meant bringing work home with me. Essentially, I had mastered being booked and busy without the balance.

I will never forget the day that I had my “AHA!” moment. I was completing a work task (after work hours, of course) on my cellphone while I was at my daughter’s dance practice. I remember her running up to me with so much excitement yelling, “Mommy! Did you see that? Did you see what I just did?” I replied “Yes, baby! Great job! I’m so proud of you” secretly knowing that I had missed that moment because I was glued to my phone handling business. It was at that moment that I was determined to add more balance, true balance, to my life. In doing this, I had to re-evaluate what balance meant to me and how I can remain balanced under any circumstance.

Over the years, I have learned that a huge component of balance is the ability to prioritize what is being required of you. This calls for one to really sit back and reflect on how time is spent throughout the day and how that time can be utilized. Once I was able to learn what was being required of me, I was able to strategize and prioritize my responsibilities and how I show up in the world. Achieving balance happened for me when I learned the power of saying “no” and became comfortable with knowing the season I am in, what my assignment is in that season and knowing what is not my assignment.

Overall, I believe that balance is very important in order to effectively manage and maintain the various roles and responsibilities you have. Balance also requires you to develop healthy boundaries with yourself and others while constantly evaluating and prioritizing what is on your plate.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The All That I Am & I AM VIV J brand initially started as a podcast in 2020. It was in the thick of the pandemic when God placed it on my heart to use my voice and experiences to pour back into women from all walks of life. I really thought that the podcast would be it for me, but God had other plans! In 2021, I released my first interactive self-help workbook, “And Just Like That She Became”, that guides users into discovering their purpose and achieving balance. After an overwhelming response to the workbook, I wanted to continue to pour into women in a more intimate and engaging setting. Thus, the All That I Am Academy was created. Let me tell you, The All That I Am Academy is my biggest passion project that also made me the business woman that I am today.

The All That I Am (ATIA) Academy utilizes intentional programming and course curriculum designed to provide process and results to each cohort member. The ATIA Academy currently houses two signature courses geared toward women aspiring to be married (Flourish with Grace Mentorship Program) and women who aspire or need assistance maximizing in their lanes as wife, mother, and boss (Positioned with Poise). The ATIA Academy answers the long standing question, “Can women really have it all?” The answer is yes, women CAN have it all – with God and strategy.

I am most excited about seeing women from all races, creeds, and religions show up in the world as their most authentic selves knowing that they possess everything they need to make their wildest dreams come true. Women truly are unstoppable and nothing excites me more than seeing a woman own all of who she is.

I got to where I am today business-wise with the grace of God and a creative team that understands my heart and believes in my vision. Building a business has had its challenges. One thing I have learned along the way is to continue to trust in my vision despite the circumstances.

I want the world to know that the All That I Am brand is for any woman who dares to take a chance on herself. ATIA is all about uplifting and inspiring women to continuously be better and take up space in systems that try to silence us.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Downtown Chicago houses some of the most amazing attractions! From food all the way to the entertainment, downtown Chicago is the place to be.
Whenever visiting downtown, they have to be sure to stop at the Goodman Theatre, grab lunch at Ramen- San, snack at Garrett’s Popcorn and end the night with dinner at Gibson’s Steakhouse.
If they are into interactive/immersive art, a trip to the WNDR Museum would be perfect!
Depending on the weather, they could arrange to go ice skating as well.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I thank God for blessing me with the two people who have always pushed me to be the best version of myself: my husband and my mom. I truly could not be all that I am without them by my side. They are the real MVPs!

My husband … I do not even know where to begin. My husband is wind in my sails. He inspires me day in and day out. Truthfully, I cannot imagine where I would be without his push. Whenever I have an idea, he is right there encouraging me to go for it with everything I have in me. Being his partner is one of my greatest accomplishments and I would not trade it for anything in this world.

My mother is the most resilient and hardest working woman I know. Growing up, I watched her make the impossible, possible, and she continues to do that for me now. She is always there whenever I need her. My husband and I both could not do what we do if it were not for her endless love, support, and encouragement.

Website: www.allthatiamacademy.com

Instagram: ladyvivj

Facebook: Vivian Jacobs

Image Credits
David Dickerson

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