At RPM, we celebrate the unique experiences, strength, and beauty of our associates. In celebration of Black History Month, four associates share personal stories about embracing their hair and how it serves as a reflection of identity, culture, and confidence. These stories remind us that hair is more than strands - it’s a form of self-expression, culture, and pride - and that authenticity isn’t expressed only in how we look, but in how we show up as our true selves every day.

Teshia Coleman, Regional Corporate Office Manager (Austin, TX)

Who or what inspires you to embrace your hair the way you wear it?: As a Black American associate, my inspiration to embrace my natural hair or "ethnic hairstyles" comes from a deep sense of pride in my culture and history. Growing up, I was surrounded by strong, confident Black individuals who wore their hair with pride—whether it was in afros, locs, braids or curls. Their self-expression and unapologetic authenticity made me realize my hair is more than just a style; it's a part of my identity and a reflection of the beauty and strength of my heritage.
 
What message would you like to share with others about embracing their hair in a professional setting? I wore braids during both my interviews with RPM. Jenn Trujillo and Matt Hansen didn’t make me feel as if I looked “unprofessional.” I actually felt a sense of acceptance and appreciation for showing up as a confident woman of color. I would want to share with others that embracing your natural hair or ethnic hairstyle isn't just about style, it's about being true to yourself. 

Robyn Andrew, Senior Regional HR Manager (Atlanta, GA)

Who or what inspires you to embrace your hair the way you wear it? I desired freedom from the limitations and expectations of other's beauty standards, choosing instead to define and embrace my own.
 
What message would you like to share with others about embracing their hair in a professional setting? Don't succumb to the pressure to conform to outdated standards; embrace every aspect of your cultural uniqueness. Love your hair, celebrate its beauty, and wear it boldly as the crown it truly is.

Kalon Sharpe, Office Manager (Phoenix, AZ)

Who or what inspires you to embrace your hair the way you wear it? Being my authentic self is what inspires me to embrace my hair. I love who I am, and I love being able to show a part of who I am with my hair.  
 
How do you feel when you wear your hair in a style that feels authentic to you? I feel my best when I wear hairstyles that are true to me. It gives me confidence and makes me feel beautiful.

Chassity Rowe, Community Manager (Austin, TX)

Who or what inspires you to embrace your hair the way you wear it? Moving to a welcoming city like Austin and being a part of RPM. Here, I have never felt any form of isolation due to my chosen hairstyle, nor have I felt any form of discrimination as I have in the past.
 
What message would you like to share with others about embracing their hair in a professional setting? Find a community where you feel seen. My direct community makes me feel amazing. My manager Kelsea once shared she liked my locs in curls (it made my day - it's my favorite style!). If you're ever in a circle or corporation were someone can ignore your beautiful qualities and attributes, you are not in your anointed place. Find your circle. Find your peace. If nothing else, remember: “Indeed the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are far more valuable than many sparrows” (Luke 12:7).

At RPM, we honor what makes each of us unique and know it's our differences that allow us to break the mold and do extraordinary things. Find your place at RPM by searching our latest career openings. 

Accountability isn’t just a corporate buzzword - it’s the backbone of getting things done personally and professionally. It’s about owning your actions, taking responsibility, and understanding the impact of what you do. But here’s the catch: accountability only works if you follow through. Otherwise, it’s just another empty word.  

Many people think accountability means pointing fingers or taking the blame when things go wrong. It’s actually much more empowering. It’s about admitting mistakes, facing uncomfortable truths, and being willing to say, “Yeah, that’s on me,” even when it stings. It’s the same lesson we learned as kids, with higher stakes. 

Accountability can take shape in various ways and is critical in leadership roles. Here are some examples: 

Personal Accountability  
On a personal level, accountability is being self-aware and honest with yourself. It’s about showing up, owning your choices, and realizing what you do affects those around you. No one is perfect and being accountable doesn’t mean you’ll never make mistakes. It means you’re willing to learn from them. This kind of honesty with yourself sets the tone for everything else. 

Professional Accountability  
At work, accountability isn’t just about doing your job; it’s about knowing why your role matters to others. When you understand how your work fits into the bigger picture, you see the importance of meeting deadlines, maintaining quality, and owning the outcome - good or bad. It’s easier to step up when you understand how your efforts contribute to the team or company’s success. Knowing why you're doing something adds purpose to even the most mundane tasks.  

Leadership and Accountability  
For leaders, accountability starts at the top. Want a team that takes ownership? Show them how it’s done - admit your own shortfalls, be transparent, and communicate clearly. Accountability isn’t just about defining tasks and giving direction - it includes open dialogue about the decision-making process and priorities. Leaders need to engage in tough conversations and lean into complex situations, tackling them head-on, with empathy and honesty. Candor is key, and no one grows from sugar-coating. Open, honest conversations build trust and push everyone, leaders included, to improve. It’s not about being harsh; it’s about being genuine and authentic. 

So, you’re a leader who wants to focus on accountability in 2025? Being accountable doesn’t require a big, audacious shift in the way you operate, and it doesn’t start and end with setting expectations. Leaders need to stay engaged, check in regularly and offer support where it’s needed. Holding people accountable doesn’t mean breathing down their necks, it means being there to help when needed and ensuring everyone is pulling their weight. It’s following up, being consistent and open to continuous improvement. 

The Power of Accountability   
At the end of the day, accountability is about taking responsibility, not just for your work but also for the outcomes. Holding someone accountable isn’t about blame - it’s helping them grow, providing support, and setting clear expectations. It’s not always comfortable, but it’s where the magic happens.  
The whole organization thrives when everyone, from the CEO to the intern, embraces accountability. It fosters effort, honesty, and continuous improvement. When done right, accountability drives real, positive change, creating a culture where responsibility is shared, and goals are met.   

At RPM, we’re proud to have some of the industry’s top leaders, and we’re excited to share their Leader POV with you on their areas of expertise and on hot topics in business to help you learn, grow and gain a fresh perspective. Read more on our blog.

Is Work Life Balance Real?   

A common theme among high-performing individuals, in virtually any industry, is that we are all busy. In fact, you might say “busy” is the new “successful” – which makes you wonder, is work-life balance real? Can you be successful and rest in the same realm?  

60% of Americans don’t believe it’s possible according to a Pew Research study, where 6 in 10 people reported feeling too busy to enjoy life. For parents, that number climbed over 70%. 

While it may not always feel like it, I believe work-life balance is attainable and it should be a key focus for everyone. The why is obvious – overextending yourself with obligations and goals has real emotional consequences (think heightened anxiety, stress and depression).  

But people tend to lean towards the belief that an eight-hour day of work means eight full hours of productivity – and judge themselves accordingly. Are you guilty of looking at the rings on your Apple Watch and wondering, how have I been at my desk for four hours without getting up? Ever look up at the clock around 3:00 p.m., wondering why you haven’t had lunch yet?  Me, too.  

Turning work-life balance from a buzz phrase to an applied practice means setting boundaries and incorporating changes – and it starts at work. Go with the low-hanging fruit first: Include breaks in your workday.  

Stand up, move, stretch. Get some fresh air and sunshine. Stay hydrated. The work will always be there for you to come back to.  

In yoga, they say the hardest part of practice is making it to your mat. Well, the same can be said for taking breaks. Make it a practice to go out to lunch with your co-workers and do not talk about work! Put your cell phones away or implement a rule that the first person to look at their phone pays the bill for everyone. Simple practices to break up your workday (including leaving your desk!) help you feel less stressed about going home at the end of the day.   

Now for my favorite part, home life. Your self-care, your relationships, your personal goals, and dreams! You must really consider what you want to do and commit yourself to doing it – plus set boundaries accordingly – to achieve harmony. Whether you want to hike, create works of art, start a second business or volunteer, you must commit to doing those things after work and on the weekends. 

  
Plan ahead, book a trainer, make lunch dates, subscribe to a book club, or buy those tickets now for the concerts you want to attend. Set the tone for what matters most and schedule the time off in advance. PTO is part of your compensation packet for a reason – use it!  Set the example to your team by also setting boundaries while you are out – don't call, email or text. 

At RPM, we’re proud to have some of the industry’s top leaders, and we’re excited to share their Leader POV with you on their areas of expertise and on hot topics in business to help you learn, grow and gain a fresh perspective. Read more on our blog.

The line between work and life isn't just blurred in today's world—it's practically invisible. The old idea of keeping them separate or “balanced”? It doesn’t really fit anymore. While some might manage to compartmentalize beautifully, most of us experience an overlap between work and life. And that overlap, or blend, is where we find opportunities to recharge, refuel, and refocus, whether in an office, working remotely, or on the clock in a more structured setting.  

With the different work environments and the constant buzz of being online, work and personal time boundaries have become more fluid – and not in a good way. This shift calls for a new approach to balancing our time and energy. And here's the thing—this balance is personal. What works for one person might be entirely different for someone else, and that's okay.  

Recharge: Make Flexibility Work for You  
One of the best things to come out of the pandemic was the flexibility of our workday. Corporate offices went from largely in-person workplaces to remote overnight. Work-from-home (WFH) may sound like a luxury, but it comes with some warnings. With the new “flexible” workplaces – we’ve seen an unprecedented uptick in burnout due to the very technology that has enabled the remote employee. Burnout is real, and creating flexibility, whether in the office or remotely, that works for you is the best way to keep it at bay.   

And flexibility isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, especially for those with less control over their work hours. Still, it’s about finding small ways to recharge, no matter your schedule.   
Use your breaks wisely—take a short walk, practice deep breathing, or find a quiet spot to rest your mind for a few minutes. The key is figuring out what helps you recharge—without comparing yourself to others.  

Refuel: Prioritize What Feels Right  
Balance starts with prioritizing your well-being in a way that makes sense for you. If you’re working hourly shifts, this might mean getting enough rest on your days off, fueling your body with healthy meals, or carving out time for activities that bring you joy, even if just for a few minutes each day. And don’t forget to set boundaries—leave work stress at work when your shift ends. Saying no when needed is crucial to avoid burnout.    

Refocus: Connect with What Matters  
Focus on what really matters. Connecting your work with your values and passions makes it more meaningful. Even if your job isn’t your life’s passion, bringing your interests into your day can make work more fulfilling. Whether it’s connecting with coworkers who share your interests, setting personal goals, or taking pride in doing your job well, these small shifts can help.  

Achievable Tips for Work-Life Balance:  
Use Breaks Wisely: Step away from work mentally and physically during breaks. Even a few minutes of deep breathing or stretching can help you recharge.  

Set Boundaries: Leave work stress at work. Focus on activities that help you unwind after your shift ends.  
Prioritize Rest: Ensure you get enough sleep, especially on your days off. A well-rested body and mind are better equipped for work.  

Find Small Moments of Joy: Enjoy little things during your day, like a good meal, a quick chat with a coworker, or a favorite podcast on your commute.  

Recognizing that work and life are intertwined helps us better navigate today’s challenges. By embracing the flexibility that works for you, focusing on your well-being, and aligning your work with your passions, you can find that sweet spot where you recharge, refuel, and refocus. That’s where you’ll unlock your full potential for a fulfilling, meaningful life. 

At RPM, we’re proud to have some of the industry’s top leaders, and we’re excited to share their Leader POV with you on their areas of expertise and on hot topics in business to help you learn, grow and gain a fresh perspective. Read more on our blog.