Would you send this email?

[shakinros]

Warning: lotsa context ahead...

Just before I started working at my current company (3 years ago), I heard the Executive Director speak at a “women in business” thing. One of the things she talked about was discovering together that her husband had a chronic medical condition that wasn’t getting better, and how they had to really re-examine their roles in the family to get to a life that worked for them and their two kids. He became a SAHD; she climbed a corporate ladder; I don’t know how they evolved their home life.

I joined my current company shortly thereafter. It was only 30ish ppl, so she definitely knew who I was, but we didn’t work together. 18 months ago, she left for a high profile job in a nearby city. We’re not in touch, but she left me a “congrats!” comment on LinkedIn when I updated my profile to reflect a promotion.

Here I am now with a husband with ongoing health issues, facing what feels like the increasing likelihood that he’ll never go back to work in the same way (meaning full-time, in a career, making the same or more than me). I’m sure wishing I could hear more of this lady’s story now. What were the turning points, how did it change over time, etc. I understand it might be disappointing, but it might give me some more hope that this will turn out ok.

FINALLY, the question I wanted to ask you all! is there a professional way for me to reach out to this woman and ask?

[traveltheworld]

I would reach out. I think people are generally open to sharing their stories and helping out others, especially if she talked about it in a public forum previously.

I'd send a quick message on Linkedin and just say almost what you said here - that you remember her talk from a few years back and found it interesting/inspiring; and now that you are facing something similar, were wondering if she'd be open to a quick coffee/email exchange discussion whenever she has time.

[CrazyLucky]

I would. I would give her the background of hearing her speak at a women in business event. Tell her that her story really stuck with you, as it obviously has, and ask her if she can give you 30 minutes of her time because now that you're in a similar situation, you'd really appreciate additional details and perspective. Are you close enough to meet her for coffee/lunch?
I think that for most people, when they get through/learn to manage some kind of hardship or adversity, they're more than willing to help others in the same boat. Worst case, she'll just tell you no.
I'm sorry you and your DH are dealing with something like this, and I hope you are able to find good ways to deal with it.

[HeartofCheese]

God, yes, I would contact her. I'd thank her for acknowledging your promotion, then let her know that her presentation always resonated with you. Then "Recently issues in my own family have crept up on us that are similar to yours. I would be grateful to hear from you, if you were willing to share, how you got through such a trying time. Would you be available to meet for coffee or lunch sometime to discuss?"

[waverly]

I think so yes.

[sweetptater]

I would definitely reach out. I like traveltheworld's wording.

[justcheckingin73]

I agree with everyone else. Definitely reach out. I think she’d probably have a ton of insight and/or resources for you. 

[rere]

Definitely. Usually people want to share their experience if it can help others. It couldn't hurt to ask. I would go through LinkedIn if you didn't have any other contact. I have had people contact me through there and have followed up on them.

[shakinros]

Thanks for the input. I would really like to reach out.
LinkedIn message?
Work email?
I have her work email address and if I email from my work address, it would probably help cue who I am. OTOH, she probably gets like 1000 emails/day.

[2chatter]

Totally yes - linked in messages are iffy to me - I never check mine. I think the alerts go to spam and I’m not motivated to fix it. I’d go with email I know she checks.

[sdlaura]

I agree on reaching out by email. If I were her, I would be thrilled that something I said on a panel left an impression, and would be excited to share my experience.

[dglvrk2]

By all means, yes! I agree that she will likely be pleased that she made such a lasting impression. I try to keep in touch with people who have mentored me -extensively or just one time - throughout my career. Based on my experience, don't be surprised if she takes several days to get back to you if she's in an email-heavy job. It's also summer and some people are checked out for vacations etc.