Elizabeth Ries, a prominent figure in the Twin Cities media landscape, is known for her multifaceted career as a host and co-executive producer of Twin Cities Live, co-host of the "Best to the Nest" podcast, and reporter for MyTalk 107.1, in addition to running her blog, "Home to the Homestead." Her journey reflects a constant balancing act between professional aspirations, personal life, and maintaining overall well-being.
Early Aspirations and Influences
Ries's path began in Apple Valley, Minnesota. From a young age, around 13, she felt drawn to television news. Watching local news broadcasts, she recalls a "still small voice" within her saying, "I can do that." This early aspiration fueled her pursuit of a career in media.
She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Mentorship played a crucial role in her development. In high school, she participated in a mentorship program, which allowed her to work with Amelia Santanello at WCCO. This experience solidified the importance of connecting with other women for guidance and support. Ries actively sought out women who could offer valuable insights and from whom she could learn.
Navigating the Challenges of the Media Industry
Starting her career before the prominence of social media, Ries acknowledges the "hard road" she took. Her early experiences instilled in her an understanding of hard work and resilience. Her parents' life, marked by financial constraints during her father's ministry, prepared her for the challenges of forging her own path.
She began her television career in news, working in smaller markets like Duluth and Green Bay. These early jobs, while not financially rewarding, provided invaluable experience. Upon returning to Minneapolis, she took a job at KSTP and began filling in on Twin Cities Live.
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The Demands of a Multifaceted Career
Ries's career encompasses various roles, each demanding its own set of skills and time commitments. From hosting live television to producing podcasts and maintaining a blog, she juggles multiple responsibilities. This requires efficient time management and the ability to quickly adapt to different tasks. She notes that she can "bust through a show and be ready and prep to do the show in five minutes," a skill honed over years of experience.
The Importance of Self-Care and Boundaries
As Ries has matured in her career, she has recognized the importance of self-care and setting boundaries. She emphasizes the need for "maintenance on myself" to sustain her energy levels and overall well-being. This includes being thoughtful about how she spends her time and managing her emotional capacity.
She acknowledges that she can no longer maintain the same pace she did earlier in her career. The ability to "go out for cocktails multiple nights a week" and still perform at a high level is no longer sustainable. She recognizes a decreased bandwidth for "running myself ragged or just go, go, go."
Balancing Family Life
Ries is also a mother, and balancing her career with family life presents its own challenges. She candidly shares moments of feeling "tapped out" and needing to prioritize her own well-being. She acknowledges the common saying, "the days are long, the years are short," capturing the demanding yet fleeting nature of raising children.
Livea Weight Control Centers
Elizabeth Ries has also been associated with Livea Weight Control Centers, a company with multiple locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Livea offers personalized weight loss plans with one-on-one guidance from a team of experts. The company emphasizes education and lifestyle changes to help clients achieve and sustain their weight loss goals. Livea also spotlights client success stories through their "Beyond the Scale" series, showcasing the transformations and experiences of individuals who have used the Livea program.
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Livea's approach is rooted in the belief that weight loss is not just about the numbers on the scale, but also about improving overall health and well-being. They offer a range of services, including private consultations, personalized nutrition plans, and support for managing stress and cognitive function.
The Role of Mentorship and Support
Throughout her career, Ries has emphasized the importance of mentorship and support, particularly from other women. She actively sought out connections with women who could offer guidance and insights. This network of support has been invaluable in navigating the challenges of the media industry and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
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