Woman of the Month
December 2016Meet Lisa Mochel
Strategic Business Consultant at eESI (eEmployers Solutions, Inc.)
What do you do? I consult with businesses to assist them with human resources, workers’ compensation insurance, employee benefits and administration and payroll needs.
Length of time at this job: Over a year.
What is it that you like best about your job? Helping people and the challenge it presents.
Education/Major: Bachelor’s degree in business, and I am currently working on my MBA in management.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to get married and raise a family. I have a beautiful daughter of whom I’m very proud.
What career path led you to where you are today? I was in the banking industry for 20 years and wanted to try something totally different. It was the fact that I would still be working face to face with people and helping them that convinced me to make the move. I was ready to try something totally different.
When did you know that you were in the right place in your career? I’m still not completely certain that I am, but I do like helping people, and I believe that the services eESI has to offer help people. This makes me feel that I’m in the right place.
Who were your mentors? Joe McKinney, vice chairman of Broadway Bank. He was the one that taught me to ALWAYS step outside my box and get out of my comfort zone.
Would you encourage your children to go into the same field? Absolutely, as long as they are happy and enjoy people. I think we need to figure out for ourselves what makes us happy. I believe everybody is different, and that’s what makes the world go round.
What person do you most admire? I don’t really have just one person that I admire. I know and admire several people who have had or currently have difficult challenges they managed to overcome through perseverance, determination and persistence.
What community groups or not-for-profit groups are you involved with as a volunteer? President of my HOA, president of The Builders Exchange, North San Antonio Chamber Enterprising Women’s Committee, North San Antonio Chamber Networking Breakfast facilitator, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, Habitat for Humanity, Elf Louise, KLRN Live Auction, SAMM Shelter, Texas Public Radio, Community Bible Church.
What do you enjoy doing on a day off? Spending time with my husband and four dogs in the Hill Country.
What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to be active. I teach Jazzercise classes four times a week. I also do spin classes and walk 9 miles on Saturday mornings.
What books have you read lately? Many, many college textbooks.
What is your all-time favorite movie? Moonstruck. I’m a Cher fan.
What type of music do you like? I like all different types of music. I don’t like to limit myself, but rock’n’roll oldies bring back some good memories.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life personally and professionally?
My Dad. Unfortunately, it’s too late to tell him, but as I’ve become “wiser,” I realize it was my Dad that gave me my work ethic, truthfulness and just trying to live life to the fullest.
What brought you to San Antonio? My parents. I grew up in San Antonio.
What do you like most about San Antonio? I love that San Antonio is so people- friendly. We have everything at our fingertips, and, of course, our five-time NBA champions, the San Antonio Spurs.
Do you have a favorite restaurant? Bourbon Street rates pretty high on my list.
What is your favorite relaxation strategy? A Grey Goose dirty martini.
Do you have a favorite dish? I just love to eat, period. Presentation can make any dish delectable. I love seafood.
How do you find balance in your life – career, community and home life? I’m not sure there really is a “balance.” I believe in giving 100 percent to everything, but I have to prioritize every day. I know I cannot do it all … all the time. I also make certain that if I cannot give 100 percent or don’t really enjoy giving the effort, I remove it from my plate.
What are your goals? I’d prefer to refer to it as my “bucket list.” No. 1 is to finish my MBA, hopefully in 2016. With the completion of my MBA, I’d like to be an adjunct professor within the Alamo Community College District. Most of all, I want to be happy at whatever endeavor I pursue.
What is the best advice that you have ever received? To treat people like I would like to be treated. Being nice doesn’t cost anything. People would be surprised to know that I have a 10 handicap … just kidding!
