Several years ago, I was talking to a friend about how I was really stressed out and overwhelmed. I had just made partner at the CPA firm I had worked at for several years and in addition to that being one of my greatest accomplishments, it became one of my biggest challenges in terms of stress management. My friend told me that I should go see a therapist and my first thought was “I don’t need therapy”, but then also figured “what the heck, I’ll give it a shot”.
I walk into this therapist's office and of course, start telling her that I was only there because my friend thought it was a good idea, but clearly, I am a Type A overachiever, who does not need a therapist. After 10 minutes of me rambling on about how stressed out I was, her reply was this:
“Well, it sounds like you need some boundaries” And this, my friends, is where my passion and quest for setting boundaries in all aspects of my life began. By far, the biggest thing I have learned over the years is BOUNDARIES ARE HARD. You know what else I have learned? That we, as a society, simply don’t talk about them enough, especially in the workplace.
Add the fact that we are connected ALL THE TIME, setting boundaries now is harder than ever. People literally expect you to be available because why wouldn’t you be? Oh wait, you mean you have a partner, kids, other family members, dogs, and other various commitments outside of work? How dare you! And gosh forbid you want to have hobbies and free time? No, that’s just not possible with all the work you have to do!
This presentation is not only about boundaries and what they are, it gives realistic tips and tricks for how to set boundaries at work. These tips can be put into action immediately and most participants walk away with one nugget that can be implemented as soon they walk out of the room. Setting boundaries is empowering, life changing, and peace protecting.
About our speaker: Melissa Territo, CPA
Melissa joined Faulk & Winkler in 2009 and was promoted to Partner in 2016. She currently oversees more than 250 plans with total assets equaling more than $850 million. Melissa’s core area of focus is to provide consultative services and lead a team of qualified individuals to deliver the highest level of service to her clients.
As Partner, Melissa’s primary role is to consult with clients and advisors relative to the design and implementation of 401(k) plans within our retirement plan division, Sentinel Pension. Understanding client objectives and developing the right solutions is her principal goal.
Melissa serves on the b1Bank Foundation Board and St Joseph’s Academy Foundation Board. She performed as a Star Dancer in the 2018 Dancing with Big Buddy raising over $23,000. She is a member of, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants, and the ASPPA Annual Conference Planning Committee. She is a 2017 graduate of the BRAC Leadership Class and has previously served as the board treasurer of The Safety Place and the Gardere Community Christian School. She was also a board member of Adult Literacy Advocates. Melissa also serves as co-chair of WiPN Arklamiss Chapter.
In 2020, Melissa started a podcast – Louisiana Ladies – wherein she speaks to local (mostly) female members of the Baton Rouge community. Many are entrepreneurs, some are domestic engineers, all are inspiring. She chats with them about their story, it is lighthearted and fun, and has a steady following with over 20k downloads. In 2022, Melissa began her public speaking debut about Boundaries in the Workplace, something she is very passionate about, and has curated perfectly over the years.
Melissa attended Louisiana State University and graduated in 2005 with a degree in Education. After four years of teaching high school math, she returned to LSU part-time to see if she would enjoy the accounting profession. Something about it stuck and she resigned from teaching. She was hired at Faulk & Winkler as an intern in the pension department and completed the courses to sit for the CPA exam. She received her CPA designation in 2012. Melissa’s brief career in the classroom was invaluable in positioning her to be a mentor in the CPA profession as well as giving her the communication skills to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
Melissa resides in Baton Rouge with her husband Patrick and their two dogs. They appreciate the local culture and flavor of the city, especially the culinary offerings. Away from the office, she enjoys reading, riding her Peloton, traveling and spending time with her five adorable nephews.
