Lessons from... my teachers, my colleagues, my friends
It's Women's History month. Time to celebrate! The list of women who inspire me in my work and feed my curiosity is a long one. Grateful for these incredible women in my life who inspire and support me.
Be a listener AND connector. Sandra Richards is the colleague I go to first when I want to take an okay idea and find the magic. (Speaking of magic, you should check out her children's book Rice and Rocks.) Anyhoo. One of the many things I have appreciated in her is that she is such a good listener ALL THE TIME, and makes connections that I often miss. She is deeply committed to connecting to the audience, and never fails to ground me in understanding how to deliver what they need to hear. Sandra is a generous listener, and I am better at what I do with her at my side. My Takeaway? Speak less. Listen more. Then make sure you have a Sandra in your life to help see the full picture.
Sisterhood is loyalty. It's also about being real. I can go weeks without talking to Vanessa Henley (though to be clear my weeks talking to her are WAY better) and still know she is in my court. Vanessa is the one who will drop everything, and do whatever it takes to help me if I need her. And she is that loyal to so many other women as well. What I love best about Vanessa is that she calls it like she sees it. Having a colleague to tell you EXACTLY where you are going wrong is so important. And we're family, so I know it's coming from her watching my back. My Takeaway? Be a giver. And giving means not just helping and rolling up your sleeves, but making sure people see their blindspots. And Vanessa would add not to forget to let people know you love them.
Be a leader who embraces someone's goals. What do you look for in a boss? A visionary? Someone who is clear, consistent and transparent? Someone who always has your back? Well, how about all of the above? Kara Underwood is the boss who is the consummate champion for all of us. Even if someone doesn't report into her, she makes time to get to know them and put her muscle into helping them go for their dreams. I have done some of my best work while working for her because she believes in me even if I can't see it myself. My Takeaway? Champion people's goals. Get in the boat with them. Don't let them stumble alone. Shine a light on their wins. Kara would add to be kind and generous as your default mode.
Be a Driver. Less Talk. More Impact. After I lived through kindergarten as 1 of 5 Jennifers I learned the truism that Jennifers stick together. And that is doubly true of Jennifer Westpfahl. She sets her mind on something and makes it happen. Marathon? Duh. No problem. Raise awareness and funds to help veterans who are at risk for suicide? Absolutely... What are you doing on your lunch break, she could get you involved! (She is a golfer so I guess she would enjoy "driver" in her headline, not that I understand golf or sports metaphors in the least... nor does it stop me from throwing around sports metaphors I don't understand. I digress.) My Takeaway? Declare your goal and drive yourself and everyone towards it. Think Big. Don't forget to enjoy the journey. Westy says it best: work hard, play harder.
