Originally published on IdeaMensch
Carla Konyk-Tulp is the Vice President and Director of Administration at the University of Science, Arts and Technology, Montserrat.
After earning a degree in Specialized Business from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Ms. Konyk-Tulp studied biology and medicine at the London College of Medicine. For almost two decades, she has served as USAT’s Director of Administration. Providing a quality medical school program to a unique student population has been extremely rewarding for Ms. Konyk-Tulp. Her position includes managing the staff and facilities at the Olveston campus on Montserrat, and the team at the administrative office, providing individual student guidance and assisting graduates preparing for medical board examinations. Under her administrative leadership, the medical school has graduated hundreds of medical doctors and Ph.D. recipients.
When she is not helping students become doctors, Ms. Konyk-Tulp loves spending time watching and learning about the local wildlife or “just doing nothing” with her husband, Orien, at their mountain home. She also enjoys shopping with her two daughters, investing in real estate, and driving fast cars.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
I like making lists because it helps me focus on the priority items for the day.
Sometimes, I make the list the night before. Doing that seems to help me think through the items while I sleep.
I also like being able to make hands-free phone calls in the car. I travel at least 60 miles each day, so there are opportunities to safely talk to people. For me, that makes a more productive use of that time.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t speak too soon. Plan and think things all the way through. Breathe; focus; listen. Finish what you start. Seek out moments of calm.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Build a retirement account, and then just don’t retire. When times are good, invest some of your savings into a few sure things.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Sometimes I take a walk and look at the sky. If that isn’t enough, I visit my chiropractor, acupuncturist, and massage therapist. When I am trying to balance home life and work life, I find that if I make these appointments and keep them, I can recharge and refocus.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
I look for business niches or opportunities that others seem to have missed.I also work consistently to keep the promises I make to others, especially family, and those I make to myself.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Remember to apply the ‘Law of Attraction”. If you aren’t sure what this is, take a minute to look it up, then take a day to learn how it may benefit you.
What’s the best $100 you recently spent?
I have a subscription to satellite radio in the car. I have it set to the comedy channels. Commuting so many miles each day can bring out the worst in a person. I have Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy to thank for getting me out of more than a few tense moments behind the wheel. Larry has this bit about Walmart adding a wedding chapel to their stores. He says, “The line for returns is already too long!” Laughter is one of my favorite ways to decompress from a stressful day.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I found a good-natured podcast called “Stuff You Should Know.” It’s done by these two guys from Atlanta who research historical events or other misunderstood subject matter and explain it. It’s kid-friendly, but not patronizing, and intelligent, but not intimidating. It’s fun and gives you something to talk about later. I enjoy listening to a story when I’m not calling people or laughing out loud.