Meet Samantha Siegel | Founder of Sami’s Woof Pack

We had the good fortune of connecting with Samantha Siegel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Samantha, what matters most to you?
This question stood out to me almost immediately. We live in an extremely complex and ever-changing world making it easy to fall into the feelings of being overwhelmed and straining our energy and focus to its very limits. There is a technique that I was taught in therapy many years ago, I refer to it as my Life Compass – steering me through chaos and guiding many of my decisions. In my opinion, values are internal and subjective and may change over time, whereas I view principles as a fundamental truth – more so universal in nature. In this current stage of life, I value a growth mindset and ability to effectively communicate. A growth mindset encourages you to see failures and setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. This resilience helps you bounce back from challenges and keep going, even in the face of adversity. A growth mindset can also positively impact your relationships. It can lead to better communication and conflict resolution, as you’re more willing to listen, understand, and adapt. It’s a powerful tool that has helped guide me on how best to achieve my goals and overcome challenges with a sense of optimism I try to carry through life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I learned about work ethic at a very young age – watching my father work hard and enjoying what he did, gave me the knowledge and power to start identifying what I expected out of myself in my professional life. Though I was extremely lucky with the life I had growing up, I faced many personal challenges and setbacks that in retrospect, enhanced my ability to work hard and always remain determined to get the job done with a smile on my face. I stay committed and steadfast when working to complete projects and take myself to the next level both professionally and personally. A strong work ethic often goes hand in hand with resilience – where through resilience we learn our own strength and then choose how to apply that in our lives.

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?
AHHHH. How much time do we have? I grew up in Old Town, the heart of the city and though things have changed drastically in the last 30 years, there are so many special and unique places to explore and experience. Day 1 is for settling in and exploring the city. We of course would have to make a pit-stop at the Bean, because BEAN there, done that. Day 2 is for art & shopping exploring. The Art Institute is a must-see followed by a walk down Michigan Avenue ending with dinner at Joe’s Stone Crab or RPM. From then on, we would give ourselves a day of pampering and luxury followed by a night of debauchery at Untitled. A little blend of some of the fun and exciting things Chicago has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh my goodness – this is incredible. I have been so lucky with an incredibly strong support system. My parents are clearly foundational in my life story, as they have provided me with love, support, and early life experiences that shaped my identity. Mentors and leaders that I have met in nearly a decade of corporate employment, have taught me both valuable career and personal development skills that I apply in my everyday life. Most importantly, my friends who have become family, have allowed me to open myself to receiving the right kind of support and guidance. To all of them, I am forever indebted.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_.simplysami/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-siegel-60b544b9/