A colleague of mine sent me an article that declared the glass ceiling has cracked. I smirked.
Yes, I think there are more doors open for women in executive positions. Yet once they get there, they find themselves encased in concrete walls. They aren’t allowed to change the job to fit their strengths, ideals and dreams. They must morph into the role they are gifted.
In my research, I found that many high achieving fabulous women do not have their sites on an executive position unless it would... Read More
“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing.” Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Women Who Run With Wolves
Do you know what brings out your wild side? Is there anything you either need to tame or to express?
How you express your passionate, instinctual self is vital to your happiness. If you suppress it, you will grow numb.
Yet if you allow your quick, passionate and creative mind run wild when... Read More
Last week’s ER episode had a great message for passionate, driven women (yes, I am still watching ER).
Neela, the brilliant British-Indian woman who is finishing her surgical rotation, seemed distracted and close to tears all day.
At the end of the day in the break room, she has a melt down, saying “I can’t do this anymore.” She may seem like she is holding it together on the outside, but inside, she’s a mess (sound familiar?). She finally reveals that it is her 31st... Read More
The U.S. Department of Labor reports only one in five women take a vacation once every six years. I’m betting that if you are reading this blog, you are in that 20% group. This doesn’t mean you took a few days off to get things done at home, attend a friend’s wedding, or entertain the kids. This means taking a bona fide, self-centered, body and mind relaxing week off.
In addition to promoting good mental health, women who take vacations report better sleep, better relationships, and were less... Read More
I was asked by a reporter for the U.S. Business Review if corporations are doing enough to develop women for leadership positions. Here was my answer:
1. Many corporations are offering Leadership Programs just for women. This is good and bad. It is a good way to support women as they rise within the organization. However, it can send the message that they are in need of help (need to be fixed) more than men. These programs should be part of an overall shift in the entire organization. How can companies... Read More
In my research, I found the current generation of high-achieving women in the workplace to be:
Quick thinkers.
Solution finders.
Action-oriented, meaning work always gets done on time or before expected.
Opinionated, and can argue well for what they believe.
Passionate.
Appreciative of recognition and respect for their work and their ideas.
For every strength, there is a blindspot. Can you find yours in each of the strengths named above?
One of my clients realized that she gets very angry... Read More
Yesterday’s post prompted a lively email discussion among a group of young professional women on what “worth” really means. They forwarded the string to me. They concluded that “dating down” was a dumb 50’s concept. “It’s about the person not their checkbook.” Their partners may make less money, but give a whole lot more emotionally. Is there a cultural revolution going on that is redefining healthy relationships?
In my doctoral research, I found... Read More
I received a call from a reporter wanting to talk to me about the trend in “dating down.”
She said that women who choose men who are less educated and make less money than them are dating down.
Honestly, I don’t get that. Does money and education define a healthy relationship?
Women are increasingly the breadwinners in their relationships. According to the Census Bureau data, the percentage of women bringing home the larger income in two-income households has risen from 17.8% in 1987 to 25.3%... Read More
“Until you’ve lost your reputation, you never realize what a burden it was, or what freedom really is.” – Margaret Mitchell
After reading this quote, I asked myself what parts of my work did I choose to do for my joy and what parts to maintain “my reputation?” What did I say “yes” to because it just felt important to do?
I had to admit that there were lots of things I’ve done, do, and wish for that are more about my reputation than the impact. Sigh.
Then I read an article... Read More
Two years ago, I was watching a well-known speaker talk about the difference between men and women. He said that throughout their lives, men shift their focus from career to intimacy as they age. Women focus first on intimacy, then on career. I said, “Not the women I know.”
That’s when I decided to do my dissertation on the current generation of high-achieving women, specifically looking at what personal factors serve or frustrate their aspirations.
I was right. There’s a new generation of... Read More
