Women's Leadership Exchange Blog

Learning Leadership from the New York Yankees

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:24:03 -0500

I�m in ecstasy. My NY Yankees won the World Series. And they did it 9 minutes before my birthday. I got the best birthday gift money can�t buy. My happiness caused me to reflect about why I love the Yankees so much. The answer popped ino my head - because of their leadership. Okay, I am a leadership fanatic, maybe not as much as a Yankee fanatic, but, I am obsessed with always looking at why and how people lead. Small businesses and corporations alike might consider looking at the success of the NY Yankees and ask the same questions. So here�s my assessment on why I believe the NY Yankee team, management, and yes, even, the ownership, show the following leadership abilities: 1. Passion � The New York Yankees have a passion for the game of baseball and for their own teammates. You can see it on their faces, in their enthusiasm and in the fun they have on the field. Their leader Joe Girardi shared a clear vision by choosing the #27 and wearing it boldly on his back for all to see the clear common goal - win the Yankees� 27th World Series. And so they did within 2 years of his taking on the job as manager. 2. Courage � The Yankees never give up. I�m not one for stats, but how many times have we watched the game and they were down, and suddenly they turned the score around in the last few innings, including a record number of walk off runs (9 in 2009). 3. Development of Self and Others � The Yankees are big on self-improvement. Derek Jeter�s ability seemed to be down in 2008, but he worked hard and transformed his own performance in 2009. Look at how A-Rod transformed himself from the weakest link psychologically a year ago to the complete player he is today � mind, body and spirit. The Yankees give their young players every opportunity to develop, sending them back to the farm team, working with the coaches and then finally giving them the chance to contribute, ie Phil Hughes. 4. Inclusiveness. The Yankee team is as diverse as it gets with players from all over the globe, who like each other and support each other. NY Yankees are from Panama, Venezuela, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico and U.S. They are black, white, Asian and in between. They represent all of us and they appear to respect each other . The core four, Jeter, Posada, Rivera and Pettit are the best of friends and the mutual admiration is evident when you see them together. 5. Communication � They listen to each other, they acknowledge each other for their contributions and they are sensitive to each others needs to be effective in their jobs. You see it on the field and hear it in the post-game interviews. I�m proud to have a team that inspires me and others. We can all learn from them. No wonder 2 million people came out in the cold to the NY�s financial district Nov. 6th to celebrate the Yankees winning the 2009 World Series.

Change the World by Changing the Gender Gap

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 13:45:07 -0400

Mathematics and statistics used to be boring to me. Then, my husband introduced me to the TV Show �Num3rs,� which is about how mathematics helps solve crimes. It�s an engaging show, based on true stories, about 2 brothers, one a mathematician and the other an FBI agent, who combine their work effectively to successful solutions, even sometimes saving lives. Recently �Num3rs� has interjected a female mathematician, also the love interest, who gets to show her prowess, solidly disputing former Harvard University President Larry Summers� claim that �women aren�t good at math and science.� However, this blog is not about disputing �women are not good at math, � because we know that�s an old wives tale (or an old Larry Summers� tale). This blog is about the value mathematics and specifically statistics play in changing the world. Math and statistics were a vital component in announcing the results of the Gender Gap Index 2009, presented by the World Economic Forum, which is busily at work trying to make the world a better place, well beyond its annual event in Davos. I attended a recent meeting at which the report was presented by its authors, Ricardo Hausmann of Harvard, Laura Tyson of University of California, Berkeley, and Saadia Zahidi, head of the Forum�s Women Leaders and Gender Parity Programme, and is based on hard data. Why is a Gender Gap Index important, you ask? According to Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, �Girls and women make up on half of the world�s population and without their engagement, empowerment and contribution, we cannot hope to achieve a rapid economic recovery nor effectively tackle global challenges such as climate change, food security and conflict.� This is supported by countless independent studies and reports that show that the gender equality is critical to a country�s economic success. In fact, this WE Forum report demonstrates that engaging women equally with men in all aspects of life is imperative for economically competitive and prosperous societies. As to be expected, there was good news and bad news in the Gender Gap Index. The good news is that the health and education gaps are being closed. The bad news is that overall, the economic and political gaps are not. The good news is that out of 115 countries measured, 99 have made progress in the last 4 years, however, the bad news is that 16 countries have deteriorated. It was good news for the Nordic countries. Iceland holds the top spot, flanked by Finland, Sweden and Norway with Denmark not far behind (#7). New Zealand(#5) and South Africa(#6) and Ireland (#8) are right up there, and surprising to me was the Philippines (#9) considering that most of Asia is quite low on the Index with China #60 and Japan #75 and India #114. Most of Western Europe (with a few exceptions including Italy) is in the top 20. The bad news is that the U.S is a disappointing #31 with Canada ahead of us at #25. In fact, in 2006 the U.S. was #23, so we�ve lost our position in 3 years. The authors of the report generously tell us, that it could be that the U.S. is lower on the list, due to the fact that other countries are doing better than us, not necessarily because we are doing worse. However, if you closely examine the report, it shows that while the U.S. has done well investing in education and health for women, we have not made progress in business or in politics. The fact that the U.S. is not closing the gap, is surely no surprise to many leaders of organizations trying to increase the number of women at the top in government and business. Yet it is truly frustrating and embarrassing when we see in the report how well other countries are doing. To see the entire Gender Gap Index, go to http://www.weforum.org and choose Women Leaders and Gender Gap. Understanding the role math and statistics play in changing the world might be a good way to encourage young women to pursue math as a career. We know women are equally capable, however, their collective interest has not been strong. I predict that when we show women how they can change the world with mathematics, such as with the Gender Gap Index, many more will pursue it as their field of choice --- Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Reinventing How You Sell

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 09:03:37 -0400

Recently I attended a workshop presented by Tony Smith, CEO of VSA Consulting Group,one of the best business coaches I've ever had. Tony had a tremendous impact in my growing my marketing communications company prior to my founding Women's Leadership Exchange. He also gave me the tools I needed to realize my dreams of impacting the growth of women-owned/led businesses which resulted in the creation of WLE.

If Tony is presenting, I never want to miss it. I always gain tremendous value. His presentation was entitled "Loving, Learning, and Mastering the Art of Selling." Tony asked us to first identify the attitudes and feelings we have about sales and what we think we already know about sales. Second, he suggested we think back to our past and identify our first memories of selling. While I'm happy to share my personal process in step one and two, I don't want to color your experience, by sharing mine in this blog. I would rather you go through this process yourself by writing down your thoughts.

After you've gone through the first two steps, take a look at what you've written down and think about how your past experiences and attitudes of selling shape your present attitude of sales. Tony points out that when most people come from their past, their present often doesn't work. Next, Tony brings us into the present and says to make a list of what occurs when selling is working for you. Identify what is happening when the selling process is good.

Now comes the really exciting part of this process. It's your choice to reinvent selling the way you want it to be. So before you read my reinvention, I suggest you write down yours. Fill in the blanks: Selling for me is ___________, ________, _________ and ____________. My new description of the selling process is: "Selling for me is easy and effortless, exciting and rewarding and a win-win for both parties." That statement makes me feel really good. And so I have reinvented selling for myself. And now, before I go through the selling process, which I do in many parts of my life, I remind myself of my new selling statement.

Give it a try and let us all know how you're doing!

And thanks, Tony, for another experience in successful transformation....
Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Do Women Know Their Place?

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 12:08:03 -0400

Today's headlines reminded me AGAIN that things are far from equal in the power suites of America. What's worse is so many men are not even aware of the language they use. It just comes naturally to them. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was told by the National Republican Congressional Committee that she needed to be put "in her place"for her views on Afghanistan. I'm sorry to say I remember being told that on various occasions when I was growing up. I was told that I needed to know "my place" in speaking out in a man's world. Leadership positions in the real world were just not for women, so I was told. "Know your place" as a woman, and you will always be happy. At that time "your place" was being a homemaker, teacher nurse, or secretary (not Secretary of State). Fortunately, for me, my Father didn't agree and urged me on to be whatever I wanted to be. I thought those days were gone, but not apparently in the House of Representatives. On a more athletic note, President Obama failed to invite any women to play basketball on the White House court yesterday. This could just be the President's assumption that Washington women power players don't play basketball, or his desire to bond with the boys. However, it continues to be a reminder, that there are times that the guys just don't want us around. I'm okay with that, as long as they realize that there are times we don't want to be with them either. And girls, here's yet another reason, why we need to learn to work and play together nicely -supporting each other to crawl up the ladder and succeed. If we're not inclusive of each other, then we're just not going to ever be equal in the power suites of America.

It Seems We All Need Anger Management

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:26:36 -0400

After writing in my blog about Serena's on-court outburst and post-apology, it seemed everything I read is about yet another celeb or high-profile person flaring up with anger! We all know it started with Joe Wilson on the floor of the house during the President's speech. Then it was Kanye West grabbing the mike and rudely interrupting Taylor Swift's acceptance speech claiming Beyonce deserved to win more. Of course, the media was abuzz about Jon saying he despised Kate, mother of his eight kids. And then to top it all off my beloved Yankees got in a physical fight on the field at the new Yankee Stadium with the Blue Jays. Can't we all just get along? Everyone seems to be on a short fuse. Is it because of the economy stupid? Is it because most of the country didn't get a full summer vacation (too much rain)? What's your theory? And what's the solution? Do we need to go back to first grade and learn how to behave? And as I've said before, successful leaders channel their anger into passion and change the world! Maybe we don't need anger management afterall. We just need to pause and think before we react! I would love to hear your thoughts on this!.....Leslie Grossman, cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Serena Williams Grand Slams An Apology

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:36:06 -0400

If you are a tennis fan, you probably didn't miss the surprising scene on the courts of the US OPEN during the women's semi-finals. If you are not a fan, you missed seeing one of the world's greatest tennis players, Serena Williams yell at a lineswoman when she didn't agree with a call at a most critical moment. Serena didn't just yell, she volted electricity right through the TV screen. This morning, the sports page reported Serena's apology. This was good news for leadership. The fact that one of the greatest female athletes, a leader in the sports world, and certainly a role model to so many, could say "I'm sorry" is worthy of comment. I hope that her apology gets as much visibility as her anger. It's so important that we all realize that a true leader is willing to admit when she or he makes a mistake. Owning up to it does not make you less a leader. In fact, it shows great leadership. Leaders are passionate and sometimes intense. While most know they should pause and think, before saying something outrageous or inappropriate, once in a while emotion can take over. Apologizing isn't just for emotional outbursts, however. Leaders do make mistakes. An apology is a sign of strength and a willingness to say, "I was wrong" is never a sign of weakness. Bravo to Serena for her apology!

Where Do You See Leadership Today?

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 09:15:06 -0400

Yesterday, I noticed leadership all around me. Justice Sonia Sotomayor took her seat on the Supreme Court. President Obama gave an inspiring speech to school children. U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Eikenberry told President Karzai not to declare victory without certification among rumors of vote-rigging. But perhaps the most striking examples of leadership I experienced yesterday was in the "Anatomy of Leadership" class I was invited to attend at the College of Westchester in White Plains, NY. The story of how I happened to attend this class is quite interesting. Last Saturday I went to my local Apple Store to purchase a few items and check out my MacBook Pro that got damaged with my travel to WLE conferences. I was immediately welcomed to the store by Mike Blank, a Lead Specialist. Upon examining my laptop, he noticed the www.womensleadershipexchange.com home page. "Is this what you do?" he asked. I explained briefly that I was cofounder of WLE. "Wow," he said, "You should be teaching a class at my college." I was taken aback by his comment, because I've been talking a lot to my family and friends about my interest in teaching college students. Had Mike read my mind? Before I knew it, not only had I made my purchases and received advice on my laptop, but I was invited to attend Mike's leadership class, which he obviously enjoyed taking. Last night was quite an exciting evening. I met Mike outside the college. and from that moment on, I knew I was in the company of a leader. He introduced me to practically everyone who crossed our path, making me feel comfortable, and showing me that he was known and respected. He even introduced me to the Dean as a prospective teacher. Once inside the class, I met the teacher Charlotte Ramsey, an impressive lawyer, who showed tremendous respect for her students. It was obvious she was a true leader. But the biggest impression to me were the students, a few already leaders like Mike, others leaders-to-be. I was fortunate to witness them giving presentations about people who they viewed as leaders, and how they exemplified the leadership qualities they had studied. The students were diverse in every way - age, gender, ethnic background. Most were excited, and even moved, by their leadership role models. I learned a lot last night from the students. We can change our world for the better, when we take the time to notice and recognize not only the Sonia Sotomayor's of the world, but the Mike Blank's, the Charlotte Ramsey's, and all the other so-called "ordinary people" who are leaders and are all around us. Last night, I was a student, too. I learned that to acknowledge the leaders in your life, and recognize their qualities, is to become a better leader. I'll be noticing leadership today. Will you?..............Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Can Confusion Lead to Clarity?

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 07:15:09 -0400

Is it just me, or do you feel in the midst of a world of confusion? Nothing seems to be as we believe it should be. Just when you think you may be able to get control, the rug gets pulled out from you. Some economists report that we are pulling out of the recession, yet few are shopping and people's pockets are empty. Small businesses are struggling to stay alive. Even the weather has us off balance - Okay, enough sturm and drang! How do we get clarity out of this confusion and emotional upset? Well, I'll tell you what I'm doing to stay more focused. I'm getting up every morning and doing an affirmation, which sets my day off on a good note and seems to be creating a positive wave of energy for my day. I am not watching morning TV (sorry CBS Morning Show), cause I am avoiding bad news at all costs. I am getting my news from the Internet (WSJ and NY Times) so I can be selective about what I read. I am even more diligent about identifying my daily priorities that will produce results. This enables me to stay focused and on purpose. What are you doing to keep you and your business out of storm? We all need to support each other in these confusing times.....Leslie Grossman, cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Are You a Leader?

Fri, 14 Aug 2009 06:24:57 -0400

I awoke early this morning my head singing the hit song"Tonight's going to be a good night." A strange song to awaken me, yet a good one...a good good one. I internalize it as meaning "today's going to be a good day." I get up with a smile, do my affirmation for the day and then notice the book "True Prosperity"by Yehuda Berg from the series "Kabbalah and Business". I open the book to the sub-chapter "Leadership is Contagious." I realize at 5:45 am, that this is the message the universe is sending to me today. What do I read from the book this early morning? There are 2 kinds of speakers: the motivational professional charismatic speaker who makes people laugh, listen and learn. Then there is the not-so professional speaker, who doesn't make you laugh and isn't nearly so clever. The professional speaker inspires people to listen. The second not so professional speaker inspires people to do something. That speaker is a leader. She or he may not be the biggest expert or the most polished, but after her speech, everyone moves into action...they are motivated. The book reminds us that a leader "inspires people to be more than they are." And it is a full-time job. So today's going to be a good day....a day to inspire those around us.....Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Hooray Sonya and What About Evelyn Stevens?

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 11:00:36 -0400

While we are celebrating the confirmation of Sonya Sotomayor, take a moment to learn what another woman is doing. Evelyn Stevens was working her tail off on Wall Street, a venue that doesn't appreciate the contributions of women, when she opened her mind to a new possibility! She bought a bike to relieve her stress and stay fit and in little more than a year she transformed herself into a serious cyclist. Starting to compete for fun in Spring of 2008, Evelyn is now a serious contender in the Route de France, a six-day race which attracts some the best female cyclists in the world. In June, she left her job on Wall Street and is focused 100% on her cycling career. She has discovered that she is a natural-born cyclist and she loves her new life. So what does this mean to you? Maybe it's time for us to ask ourselves a few questions.

What are you doing? Do you love it? Would you love it if the economy was better? If not, maybe it's time to discover your true calling. What lights you up? What makes you excited to get up in the morning? What new things would you like to try? What could make your life more exciting? The answers might surprise and delight you. I'm inspired by both Sonya Sotomayor and Evelyn Stevens. Tonight I'm going to ask myself the right questions. What about you?

Feel free to share your answers with all of us at WLE. It just may be the time for new possibilities.
- Leslie Grossman, cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Let the Fireworks Start Now

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 10:11:20 -0400

This has been quite a news week - the passing of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon. Just yesterday Sarah Palin resigned. The unemployment numbers went up...not down. There's a lot to be sad about. So let's mourn, be angry, and get it all over with....cause we can't afford to stay in that space. We will not move our businesses forward, nor help our country get out of this mess, if we are in the "whoa is me" mood. So I suggest we use tonight's fireworks to celebrate our lives, our families, our work and kick off the "new" mood on Monday with new ideas, new strategies, new energy and new expectations. Starting now, get out and connect with people. Meet people you trust and like for breakfast, coffee, in your office, in their office, at conferences. Don't just exchange cards. Get to know each other. Explore what you can do together in business. How can you combine your work or expertise in some way to do more, to do things differently. Create something new. Work for each other. Don't focus on the money but on giving, making a difference or doing something better or differently. If we do that, the money will come! Don't think of this as advice, I'm just suggesting to you what I am going to do! If you want to try it, then join me. And let us know how it goes. And by the way, if you're near Philadelphia, PA (Conshohocken to be exact), come join Women's Leadership Exchange on July 14th. It just may get you out of your rut. Introduce yourself to me, and I'll personally make sure you meet people who can help you!!! So enough, let's celebrate today (and tomorrow) and enjoy your family and friends - cause there's nothing more important that them! Enjoy. -- Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Let Your Mind Wander for Your Next Aha

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 14:07:37 -0400

First, thanks for all the great comments on my last blog about the letting the joy of our personal lives interrupt our businesses. And I can't wait to hear more about Judy George's latest exciting venture in home furnishings that she shared in her comments... which leads me to today's blog. After a personally crazy week of the WLE Fort Lauderdale conference (wow, what great S. Fl women), a DC Advisory Board meeting of the extraordinary Center for Women's Business Research and 9 hours of flight delays due to weather, I am experiencing some R&R at the Turning Stone Lodge, Verona, NY (where WLE held its most recent business offsite) with husband in tow. After all, he deserves to see me once in a while. Turning Stone is beautiful, simple and tranquil. Coincidentally, today's Wall St. Journal featured an article: "A Wandering Mind Heads Straight Toward Insight" by Robert Lee Hotz. You've got to read it. You can access it at: online.wsj.com. Finally a really good reason to stop working and let your mind daydream. The article provides evidence that some of the biggest ideas and solutions have come from emptying one's mind and NOT focusing. To quote 2 paragraphs from the article: '"People assumed that when your mind wandered it was empty," says cognitive neuroscientist Kalina Christoff at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, who reported the findings last month in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. As measured by brain activity, however, "mind wandering is a much more active state than we ever imagined, much more active than during reasoning with a complex problem." She suspects that the flypaper of an unfocused mind may trap new ideas and unexpected associations more effectively than methodical reasoning. That may create the mental framework for new ideas. "You can see regions of these networks becoming active just prior to people arriving at an insight," she says.' So if this article is right....and I'm hoping it is. I'm in the right place to do the "work" of daydreaming. How about you? Why not take some time off this weekend...and just sit and let your mind go blank. Let's all see what comes up!

In the Midst of Work...Life Happens

Wed, 27 May 2009 20:52:19 -0400

I don't blog much about my personal life, cause it's my personal life....and like most of you, I want to keep it separate from the 24/7 work life we all live. But I am so excited that I am compelled to share my PL on my blog. My son Josh is getting married this weekend. Wow. I'm thrilled for him and his bride to be Cori. They've known each other since college and are finally formalizing their commitment to each other. I'm delighted that there will be a fabulous celebration to mark the occasion. I believe in celebrating. No matter what - a party is always in order. Even in tough times like these - we must never stop being joyful. There's always great things happening...and to take time to acknowledge those things keeps us focused on the fact that our lives are good even when we're struggling! I don't know about you, but I'm keeping my focus on every little wonderful thing that happens each day. Today, the security guard held the elevator for me for the first time. Hey, it was cool! I'm all for appreciating small things in life....and this weekend, I'm celebrating a big thing, too! Party on!

Thinking Positive Yields Good News

Sat, 02 May 2009 09:06:03 -0400

You may laugh at "The Secret" but I don't. If you're a skeptic, you might want to reconsider. There was a lot of good news this morning - H1N1 Flu outbreak in Mexico may not be as bad as once thought; Obama has a Supreme Court appointment to make and there's many great women candidates; The Yankees beat the LA Angels in a stunning comeback in the 8th and 9th innings (good news for Yankee fans - me); troubled banks are reporting profits; some economists are giving the President an A+ for his efforts to turn around the economy; entrepreneurs are figuring out ways to stay in business. Okay okay, I happen to come by optimism naturally. My Dad was the President of the Optimist Club in Spry, PA. - and I'm not kidding. Just like anyone else, I am sometimes overcome by fear. But I fight it tooth and nail by staying in the present moment. Business is tough for us all. Bringing in revenues to support the continuation - not just the growth - of our businesses couldn't be more challenging. But as Gloria Gaynor says, "We (I) will survive." How do I know? I've been down this road before....at least 4 times since starting my first business at the age of 24. Each downturn eventually yielded a better, more successful business - forcing me to think differently, collaborate with others and innovate. Don't give up. Take one day at a time. TAke one step at time. And use one of my techniques, try to miss the bad news and focus on the good news!

Small is Powerful

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 23:34:07 -0400

After a hard day's work, I like nothing better than unwinding with a glass of wine and watching "American Idol". I love see non-celebs get their chance to courageously sing their hearts out to 10 million people on live TV, with the possibility of becoming a big star. Since it's one of the top shows, obviously others share my passion. What do I love about American Idol? It's a simple, and it's a "small" idea. "Small" town Americans change "small" detailsin how they present themselves - make-up, hair, glasses, clothes - and make "small" changes to the arrangements of popular songs and sing their hearts out for a BIG prize - a record deal.

I was thinking about American Idol when I read the just released book, hot off the presses - "The Power of Small" written by my 2 fave advertising gurus - Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval. You know them. They're the Aflac Duck girls (created the duck, you know). They have done it again with their 3rd book! They manage to inspire us, make us laugh and even make us cry, showing us how "small" can change our lives in a BIG way! I'm sure "The Power of Small" will be a best seller just like "The Power of Nice". That's why we asked them to speak around the country at this year's WLE conferences. You can catch Robin in Minneapolis (May 5) and Linda In Philadelphia (July 14). So first buy the book (you'll enjoy it as much as I did), and then come and meet Linda or Robin at Women's Leadership Exchange. Read more about 2 great women and "The Power of Small" at www.womensleadershipexchange.com and www.thepowerofsmallbook.com. And what about that Susan Boyle? Another "small" person that is huge! This just may be a trend!!!

Expert Advice: Win By Taking Responsibility

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:02:39 -0400

I'm working on WLE's newest soon-to-be launched leadership program and in so doing, I'm reading everything relevant I can get my eyes on...Knowing my thirst for leadership material, WLE Cofounder Andrea March gave me a copy of a summer '08 Leader to Leader Institute publication. I was totally engaged by an article written by the brilliant Rosabeth Moss Kanter, prolific writer and Harvard leadership professor. Her article "Six Opportunities for Renewing America," while published in 2007, couldn't be more relevant. I want to share a few of the article's gems. Kanter shares the following. " In every endeavor - whether in politics, business, sports, or the game of life - Kanter's Law kicks in: 'Everything can look like failure in the middle.' What separates long term winners from perpetual losers is the confidence to bounce back from troubles." Kanter advises: "Take responsibility. Don't waste time assigning fault or pointing fingers; anger and blame are unproductive emotions. We must analyze problems and face our role in them head-on. Winners indeed work harder. They don's whine or deny problems; they seek ways to improve. Get moving. Doing something, anything is always better than doing nothing. Losers tend to feel helpless and passive. Winners favor action. When problems seem overwhelming and when circumstances seem uncontrollable, that's when winners focus on whatever it is they can control. Celebrate small wins. Championships are won one game at a time, one play at a time. Small wins produce confidence to tackle bigger issues." Let the game begin!

Solution to U.S. Economic Recovery: Business Ownership

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 14:13:36 -0400

There seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel - or at least a twinkle of hope. And we're determined to turn it into a starry night! Much like Santa's workshop a week or so before Christmas, the elves - or should I say the entrepreneurs - are busy at work. What are they doing? Coming up with new ideas for doing business differently. Uncovering new revenue streams. Exploring ways to work with their competitors. Wow, exciting times are afoot! Nothing like a recession to get the creative juices flowing. In addition, corporate layoffs have lead to a new stream of entrepreneurs. New business ideas have been unleashed by the very people who have lost their jobs and have realized that they have to take responsibility for their own survival...and perhaps even their "thrival".

Yes, some of these very ideas will not only help people and families get through these tough times, but will perhaps produce exciting new businesses, themselves producing more jobs and creating a new economic stimulus. That's why it's more important than ever, that the government be there to foster small business. At WLE we've decided that no matter how tough it is for us this year, we must be there to continue to provide resources to not only the established small business owners, but the new business owners and the "thinking about becoming" business owners. So like other entrepreneurs, we are moving forward, even with our own challenges, to think out of the box. We will be there this year to help all 3 kinds of entrepreneurs in 9 areas of the country. Starting with our business Off-Site just outside Syracuse, NY (Turning Stone Lodge on April 17), continuing at our conference on May 5th in Twin Cities, MN, then on to Ft. Lauderdale and 6 more cities in '09. Six of our conferences will be held at IKEA stores, a champion to small business.

We will keep doing valuable teleseminars to help all the entrepreneurs out there and offering more resources on our website. Visit www.womensleadershipexchange.com regularly to see the latest we have to support you. All you have to do is "show up"!

Obama Calls OUT Entrepreneurs

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:47:38 -0500

We all heard the President's Address last night.

I listened especially carefully because CNN invited me to comment live on-air on "American Morning" this am.
I was smiling during most of the speech because I liked what I heard and also, because I was happy to be going on CNN. With the new Administration - transparency is the new policy. So I am being transparent, too. I was happy to get the opportunity on CNN to remind the world that it is small business that drives our economy. I was happy they invited a woman for a change. I didn't get much time on CNN, but I got in what I could.

Back to the President's address. It made me smile because in his opening remarks, he called out the importance of entrepreneurs. He said early on in his remarks - that lending would be unfrozen. Right now it's like an iceberg before climate change. Small business can't exist without a consistent flow of credit. So that's a big "yeh" in my book. He said, his focus is on healthcare (your # 1 issue per the recent WLE survey), energy and education - all critical for small business growth. I think "energy" is the "technology" of the nineties - that's when Google, Cisco and Microsoft started. The President talked about everyone taking responsibility! Small business owners do that. We don't sit around crying in our soup - we figure out how to keep doing business on less, how to create new revenue streams, how to reinvent our businesses for the "new economy".

So I feel hopeful, inspired and confident that we will all do what we need to do and that the President
will lead us out of this mess. I'm hoping the Congress feels inspired, too, and does the will of the people rather than political grandstanding from here on!!!

What do you think? What do you feel?

Contact Your Representatives

Sun, 08 Feb 2009 15:15:16 -0500

Women's Leadership Exchange was included at the table Friday, when I was invited to DC to hear a briefing about the Economic Recovery Act. I then witnessed President Obama signing an executive action officially creating the Economic Recovery Advisory Board, a cross-section of smart government outsiders, including small business owners, advocates for business and labor, Republicans and Democrats, appointed to keep an eye on all things related to the economic - a group that has the President's ear. I'm personally excited about this President's leadership style - quite unique and quite, similar to "women's" natural leadership style of collaboration and listening. And I'll be commenting more on this as things unfold. The purpose of this blog is to urge you to urge your U.S. Representatives and Senators via email - their addresses are readily available - just Google them - urge them to pass this ACT this week. We need every day, every minute to get this program going - to do what is necessary to rev up our economy. While the legislation may not be perfect - what is? We need it and we need it now. Each of us can play a role in turning things around. Mercury will no longer be in retrograde by the end of the week.....So as they say, "just do it!" And, if you were wondering -- yes, I did get to meet President Obama briefly and shake his hand! I can't deny, it was thrilling. Leslie Grossman, cofounder, WLE

OBAMA-NOMICS BEGINS TODAY!

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:18:45 -0500

If you're like me, you were mesmerized by every word, every sight, every nugget or information about our new President's Inauguration. Having attended 2 previous inaugurations, I chose to enjoy this one in front of my HDTV. Watching it today, I had regrets about not experiencing the extraordinary energy that I could almost feel emanating from the TV. On the other hand, as an information junkie, I feel very satisfied to have experienced so much of this Inauguration albeit via the tube. Our new President is extraordinarily inspiring....and I believe that he will be an effective leader. That's why I have come up with a new name for our new economy, which begins today -- Obama-nomics. There were two parts of President Obama's "straight-talk" address to all Americans, that I felt particularly addressed those of us leading businesses....you might call them Obama-nomics. Allow me to share with you: "In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of shortcuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted � for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things � some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.......... Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends � hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism � these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility � a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task." Oh, yes, our task may be difficult. But we are up to it. Remember, you don't have to do it alone. We have each other to lend support. Women's Leadership Exchange will be coming to cities around the country to help you. What are you going to do to put OBAMA-NOMICS into action? Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange. --

Honoring Dr. King

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 10:29:21 -0500

Today, the day before one of our country's most historic inaugurations, is the holiday honoring the birthday of one of America's greatest change agents - Martin Luther King, Jr. His life's work, culminating with his speech "I Have A Dream" delivered Aug. 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to over 250,000, changed the course of history. We will celebrate Barack Obama's inauguration due to the work of Dr. King and the millions of blacks and whites whom he inspired. Today I am thinking about how my life would be different would it not be for Dr. King. As a white woman, it's not obvious. In fact, he changed the world for all of us - both personally, and as citizens of America and the world. Let's not take today for granted. I urge you to Google Dr. King and his "I Have a Dream" speech. Take a moment or two to acknowledge and share how his work change you and opened possibilities for us all. And then get ready to celebrate a new beginning tomorrow, when our new President will officially take the reigns of leadership

Ready, Get Set, Go into '09 Eyes Wide Open

Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:57:08 -0500

'Twas the night before the first day back at work after New Year's.... and all through the house, not a creature was stirring except for our nerves.' What are we in for? What's going to be? I have thrown out '08's nerves, fears, and regrets, etc. I've welcomed '09 with a positive attitude. Let '09 set us free. Free to turn things around for our own lives, for our children, for our businesses, for each other. Together, with the leadership of our new President, we can all help turn around our economy and.....our world ! WLE is working on all kind of things...ways to bring more knowledge and more connections to more businesswomen all over the country. Don't hide out. You need to be out there more than ever. Invest in yourself. Put your money into learning, leadership and connections. It's better than the stock market. What are you going to do differntly? What ideas do you have? Please share your ideas and thoughts right here in this blog so we can all benefit. And bring it on!!!!!!

Time to Breathe, Think and Make Your Dreams Come True

Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:59:08 -0500

We all race around as if the more we do, the more successful we will be.....and it's not true. The new ideas, the right connections, come when we breathe, and take time to think about our business. Only then can we shape it to fulfill our dreams and the current market needs. Please don't hate me when I say, maybe this recession is a good thing. The slowdown of business forces us to reassess, rethink and really go deep to say,"is this really what I want my life to be like?" Lack or slowdown of business forces us to take stock of our businesses and our lives. So do it. Use this "down" time to create an "up" business and an even "upper" life. I am. In fact, I did this before....during the Dot comm crash. That's when I invented Women's Leadership Exchange. Thanks to a down economy, I closed down my business and reinvented it. I got to live my passion. Now it's your turn.

Women Rule in International Diplomacy

Sun, 23 Nov 2008 06:59:39 -0500

The buzz about Senator Hillary Clinton becoming Secretary State is so loud that I believe it is "safe" to comment on it. I read that Gloria Steinem says Senator Clinton should accept it and Marie Wilson, head of the White House Project, says she would prefer the senator stay in the Senate, so I thought I'd offer you my opinion so that you can make your comments. When we're discussing the leadership of women in the world - and that's one of the primary things WLE is committed to - I think it's important for us to have a conversation. My thoughts -- I think it's great. Without judging their success, women have been dominating the role of Secretary of State for the last 2 decades - Madeleine Albright, Condoleeza Rice and now Hillary Clinton. And they've been chosen by men! Why? Could it be their willingness to sit down at the table and discuss, explore and look at new possibilities? Could it be their commitment to what's good for the world and not just to be "right". Could it be their desire for world peace and for all people to live a life without poverty and war? I personally think that it's all these things. What do you think? And welcome Secretary Clinton. I'm thrilled that you are willing to take on the arduous task which Secretary of State demands - much tougher than being a Senator. Because more women's leadership, particularly the brand that you offer, is what we need to have a world that is good for all! Leslie Grossman, WLE cofounder

Good Morning President Obama

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:22:52 -0500

Waking up this morning, I smell "hope" in the air, rather than the familiar smell of coffee. What a welcome fragrance! It truly fills my entire body. I usually never use the word "hope," cause for me it is not a word of action - and I like action. But with the economic debacle, we all need hope in order to take action....and thanks to the election of President Obama - which is truly extraordinary for so many reasons - we can all have the hope needed to move forward and get the economy moving again. So let's do it, women business owners, executives, professionals and leaders. With a new leader of our country at the helm, together we can fight this economy and turn it around. As we always say at WLE, let's support each other. Let's not be in fear. Let's go out there and do business. Starting right now! Congratulations, President Obama. And congratulations, America, for being what our forefathers and sisters envisioned, even though they could never have envisioned the huge step we have just taken!

Good Morning President Obama

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 08:58:35 -0500

So let's do it, women business owners, executives, professionals and leaders. With a new leader of our country at the helm, together we can fight this economy and turn it around. As we always say at WLE, let's support each other. Let's not be in fear. Let's go out there and do business. Starting right now! Congratulations, President Obama. And congratulations, America, for being what our forefathers and sisters envisioned, even though they could never have envisioned the huge step we have just taken!

Forgive the commercial - but there's 2 BIG opportunities to generate new business around the corner - the NY Summit (Nov. 13) and the Atlanta Conference (Nov. 18). I'll be there and can't wait to meet you. More at www.womensleadershipexchange.com.

Bad News on the Economic Front Can't Stop Women's Success

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 22:33:17 -0400

This morning we awoke to another crisis on Wall Street....the news that Lehman Brothers appeared to be going into bankruptcy and Bank of America was buying (or saving) Merrill Lynch. All this on the heels of Hurricane Ike's devastation. Fall 08 seems to be coming in ferociously. All this in the midst of a presidential election that is full of attacks, innuendoes and fear. On top of this WLE hosted with Aetna a morning breakfast program featuring NYC Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney discussing her book "Rumors of our Progress have been Greatly Exaggerated" - not exactly a fairy tale. But if there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that you can't make things better unless you face the truth. The Congresswoman's book lays out the facts about how women's progress has slowed down...and stalled in recent years even as we have made cracks in the glass ceiling. The book gives us a sober look at what's not working for women - the non-passage of the Equal Rights Amendment, pay inequity on all levels from blue collar to white and even green collar, ie the Lily Ledbetter case; and much more. But what makes the book great is that she doesn't just complain, Congresswoman Maloney actually gives us action steps to change the situation and make things better for women, families, and girls. Rep. Maloney shared insights of her book passionately with the women in the audience. And if you were one of those women, I know you agree that you left inspired to help change the situation. The Congresswoman herself left the WLE breakfast to attend a press conference with Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and other women leaders to call attention to the wage gap's impact on women in New York and around the country. Congresswoman Maloney said "Equal pay is not just a women's issue, it's a family issue. The wage gap is particularly painful as families are struggling to buy groceries, to fill their gas tanks, and to make ends meet on stagnant wages. The GAO's report shows that the federal government must do more, not only to enforce fair pay laws, but also to strengthen them further. I'm proud of Senator Clinton's leadership on this issue and I look forward to working with her to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, which would empower women to negotiate better pay and would toughen penalties for employers who break the law." To create change, we must know the realities and then commit to make things better. We each can play a role in this.

Good News and Bad News

Sun, 31 Aug 2008 08:20:18 -0400

The news at the start of the Labor Day weekend that John McCain picked a woman - Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska - as his running mate in the presidential race took just about everyone but the McCain camp by surprise. No matter whether you agree with Sarah Palin's stand on various issues or not...no matter whether you think she has too little experience or not....no matter that she represents one of the smallest populated and most isolated states of the Union or not...she is a woman and she is now running for Vice President of the United States. I say "hooray!" And all women should say "hooray." I don't know about you, but I'll take whatever breakthroughs I can get for the future of our daughters and granddaughters. And that includes women being invited to sit at the table.

While no one can deny that she is definitely NO Hillary Clinton, if it hadn't been for the stunning run for president that HIllary made, the tremendous support she received, the Republicans would NEVER have considered such a selection. The McCain camp is thinking that they can grab those votes that Hillary had during the primary and switch them over to McCain. I for one, don't believe that will happen. Women are not empty headed. We don't just vote for women because they are women. And it is truly an insult to all of us, for anyone to believe this.

There are hundreds of differences between Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin. One big difference is their stance on choice. Why would any woman who supports a woman's "right to choose" vote for Sarah Palin who does not believe women have the right to choose? On this issue, along with many others, Palin is in total agreement with John McCain. With the likelihood of three Supreme Court appointments in the next few years, choice is one of many important issues that concern women. Women vote with their brains. We will must each support the candidates that support issues that are in line with our beliefs about the future of this country. And this campaign is critical. In my opinion, this could very well be the most important election in the last 50 years...and we better all make the correct decision....because the decision we make in November will impact our children, our grandchildren and future generations.

The Economy: Batman vs Mamma Mia

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:59:01 -0400

The economic forecast is doom and gloom. But it doesn't have to be your economic reality. It's your choice! Do you choose the Batman or Mamma Mia economic mentality? If you know me, you know I choose the Mamma Mia economy. And if the attendance (over 70) at this week's Women's Leadership Exchange teleseminar " The Business of Attracting Business" presented by attraction expert Deanna Frazier is any indication, many business women are at least longing for the Mamma Mia economy and are willing to learn how to "attract" it. So the way I look at it is, if we all think positive about this economy and think out of the box about how we are keeping our businesses moving forward, we can generate business for each other, and be a major force in transforming Batman into Mamma Mia. Stop with the excuses of how "no business gets done in August - everyone's on vacation." If some people are buying into that assumption, there's even more opportunities for those of us who don't believe that. My thoughts were reinforced by Business Coach Gail Blanke, author of " Between Trapezes", who shared via email a fascinating fact. She said the Chinese symbol for CRISIS is the same symbol the Chinese use for OPPORTUNITY. The Chinese are very wise indeed! Okay, I'm off to celebrate like Mamma Mia, but the subject of this blog forces me to do a bit of self-promotion (something I rarely do). If you need help, and who doesn't, in keeping your Mamma Mia economic mentality in full force, along with tactics to make it a reality, come to the WLE West Coast Summit 8/12 in Long Beach, CA, where we'll be offering multiple tools to ensure the rest of 2008 is a "slam dunk". Check it out at www.womensleadershipexchange.com.

Sex and the City Meets Another Career Women

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 23:23:55 -0400

I was delighted with different viewpoints many of you shared in the Sex & the City Blog! I think this is the biggest exchange of blog entries we've had yet!! By the way, to those of you who disagreed with my blog, I say "thank you." I welcome your disagreement! Please don't judge me or the WLE based on what I wrote! I certainly don't judge you. WLE is an "exchange" of ideas, knowledge, opinions, expertise, support etc....and isn't that what blogging is all about? Let's be open to each other opinions. After all, that's all they are!

Tonight, I feel it's my responsibility to write about another career woman... one who has achieved a high level of significance -- Senator Hillary Clinton. She is certainly not glamourous like Carrie Bradshaw and company.... She's more like us - hard-working, driven and passionate about what she believes in. Congratulations, Hillary! You have made millions of women proud! No matter whether or not you were a Hillary Clinton supporter, there are some things that no one can deny. We can definitely confidently tell our daughters and grand daughters that a woman can be President of the U.S. due to her campaign. No other woman in history has come so close to being President. No matter how the media harassed her and pressured her to drop out of the race, she refused to be a "good girl" and do what she was told.

We now all know that sexism in the media is alive and well. Pundit after pundit behaved in ways that were crude, rude, etc. Did you see the video montage on "The Daily Show" Thursday night? If sexism is alive in the media -- it's alive in business, too!! No matter what, we can't seem to get more than a handful of women CEOs of Fortune 100 companies or 2 handfuls of women on major corporate boards. The number hasn't changed in years! Is this sexism? I don't know for sure, but we have our work cut out for us! So let's all be proud of Senator Clinton and all the women that have taken and will take a stand as political candidates and as leaders in business.

It's a tough world out there and women need to acknowledge the successes of women like Senator Clinton. Just like we all may not agree on Sex and the City, we may not all agree on politics. It's my personal hope that we can all agree to encourage women to stand strong in the face of detractors and stay the course in what they believe! It was Anita Roddick who said, "Be Courageous. It's one of the only places left uncrowded."

Best always,
Leslie Grossman

Sex and the City and Women in Business

Sat, 31 May 2008 16:56:17 -0400

I enjoyed the new film Sex and the City - it was colorful, full of fashion, & silliness - it was entertaining! And that's why we go to the movies isn't it? But now 2 days after seeing it, and after reading an article in the Wall St. Journal about how young teen girls are flocking to it, even though it may have an R rating, I got concerned. And it isn't the R rating that concerns me (though I'm sure that's not good), it's the underlying message that it sends to young girls and women. It's symptomatic of why we women just can't seem to level the playing field in terms of salaries and the highest positions.

The film continues the portrayal of the TV characters, who have barely a touch of reality. Carrie - the writer - now has 3 books, but is still searching for commitment, while she continues to be totally obsessed with fashion and luxury consumerism. Charlotte is finally a mother, with no career, super comfortable on Park Avenue. Samantha moved to LA and represents her lover Smith exclusively raking in $millions from him, her only client - She makes enough money to buy herself a $50,000 ring at Christie's. She has no office, no employees, she simply sits on her deck on the Pacific Ocean fielding telephone calls when she's not shopping European designer shops on Rodeo Drive. Miranda, the lawyer, is never seen working, only being a "witch" to her husband and complaining to the girls over their countless high-priced meals together.

It's a funny film....until I started thinking about the message it could be sending young girls/women. Not only the superficial life these gals live. But did you notice....They have no network of people to help them succeed in their careers... There is no conversation about business challenges, politics, human values, etc. at all. Oh, I know, why would they have that in this film? I agree, but doesn't it get you thinking about the media in general. In fact, these days where in any film or TV show are women ever portrayed realistically in business?

Not since Mary Tyler Moore and Murphy Brown (and they were both TV business women) have women had a shot at looking smart in their job. Now I love Brooke Shields, as an actress and human being, but her character and her friends on Lipstick Jungle are just as ridiculous. Not to mention the sexism that has been displayed by the media toward Senator Hillary Clinton - a real woman, who "dares" to go "all the way" for the Presidency and who actually could inspire young girls to go for the highest leadership positions. Isn't it time the media start sending messages of successful women that girls can aspire to via characterizations in the media?

Maybe I'm missing something. But I'd love to hear what you have to say about this -- Leslie Grossman, cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Follow the Monkey 's Advice

Sat, 15 Mar 2008 23:37:49 -0400

These days, it can be dangerous to one's mental state, not to mention one's business, to read the business pages or listen to the news...Bear Stearns going down, Eliot Spitzer, the Dow Industrial tumble, economists saying that the "r" (I refuse to say the word) has arrived, etc. Therefore, I follow the advice of my stuffed monkey (from my childhood), who has recently been featured in a TV commercial traveling around the world in the briefcase of an executive. He tells me to "hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil." Ok, I admit that I am avid reader of the Wall St. Journal - but I do my best to browse through the front page and the money section - pretending those pages are fiction - and go directly to the Marketing section and Personal Journal where I eat up every word. At bedtime, I doze off listening to the news as presented by John Stewart on Comedy Central. That way I don't lose any sleep worrying - only laughing. I start the day in a positive mood, aggressively planning a successful week - using the Law of Attraction - as I say my affirmation daily. I truly believe, if we stand still in business or expect bad things, we will get them. On the other hand, expecting the best doesn't always yield the best - unless we are pro-active and move into action to thwart the negativity. That's why at WLE conferences and summits this year, we decided to use the "R" word in a positive way - our workshops, speakers and keynotes will all be brimming with information on how to ReCharge, ReEnergize, ReEducate, ReConnect, & ReInvent our businesses to ensure that 08 is a good year for us all. We must think positive, because unlike Bear Stearns, who most likely will be rescued by the Fed Government, those of us leading our own businesses can't expect anyone to rescue us. However, we can all go out there and brainstorm with others in business and work together to avoid the negative before it begins. My message to other women in business is: don't say you are too busy to leave your 4 walls ! This year, more than ever before, you can't afford not to get out the front door and attend events and conferences where you can get fresh ideas and meet people that can help you -- and you can help them, too!! If we all work together and help each other ( like the monkeys in the wilds) , if we're all pro-active and use the positive "R" words, we just might be able to fight the "R" off for everyone!

Got Leadership?

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 18:22:24 -0500

Got Leadership? Who’s got it? How do you get it?

The word “leadership” has recently been batted about the media, especially as it relates to our current slate of political candidates. Journalists and opinion leaders are asking, “Does she/he have the right leadership style to lead America?” What exactly are they talking about?

I believe many of these reporters have two words mixed up – leadership and management. A great leader may not be a good manager, nor is a great manager necessarily a leader. Of course, when you’re running your own business, division or department, it’s quite handy to be both a leader and manager.

What is a leader? First and foremost, a leader must have followers – people who believe in the vision for which the leader takes a stand. The strength of the vision of great leaders like, Gandhi, FDR, Gloria Steinem, to name only a few, moves mountains, changes the world, inspires others to make their vision a reality. A great manager, on the other hand, knows how to get people to execute a strategy, is a motivator and a delegator. The effective manager ensures that goals are achieved by a carefully designed plan.

I don't know about you but I'd rather be an effective leader than a manager. Of course most great leaders need great managers or forgettaboutit! Each of us has the potential to hone our leadership skills. But first we must start with a vision or take a stand for what we believe in passionately. Take time today to think about what that is. Write it down. In fact, write it as an affirmation – as if it already exists. That’s the beginning of leadership!!

One great leader of the moment is Hillary Rodham Clinton. Some may call her angry, some may call her stubborn, but many women can definitely identify with her passion. I can personally relate to her lack of an easy going manner. Sometimes passion can be misunderstood. Senator Clinton has been passionate about creating better lives for all children since she was a young woman. Over the years, that vision has been extended from American children to the children of the world. Women are great leaders, but we’ve barely scratched the surface of how far our leadership can take us. Why is that? I think it is because women leaders are often misunderstood...by other women as often as by men. That's a shame. Because it is women, who have the innate capabilities, commitment and intuitive nature to lead the world to peace and prosperity. Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

How Less Work Produces Great Work

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:57:21 -0500

Maybe it's just the time of the year - post Thanksgiving and pre-Christmas/Chanukah - but it seems to me that everything I'm reading is telling me to work less. Or maybe it's just that I took a breath, following my final business trip of the year - approximately 24 roundtrips - but who is counting anyway - to actually listen to the Universe. Now, I'm very fortunate, because most of my business trips are personal rewards. Not too many people get to travel throughout the country meeting fabulous and brilliant business women. However, even with such a rewarding career, there is more to life than intensive travel.

Maybe that's why reading 2 different articles that appeared in Sunday's NY Times resonated with me. Article # 1: "Kiss Your Wife, Not the Blackberry", NY Times, Dec. 2, revealed the CEO of Empower Public Relations, based in Chicago, issued a ban on employee use of their Blackberry after hours and on weekends. He reports that after 10 months, his company is a "happier, more productive" place. Of course, it's important to relate that CEO Samuel Chapman is married to Laura Berman, the sex and relationship expert. I'm sure he didn't come up with this idea on his own. Whatever. It doesn't matter whose idea it was. It just might be a good one. Albeit, a tough one for me to to implement in my own life. But I'm considering it. Would you?

As it is, I presently, do my best not to use my Blackberry in front of my husband (I'm a closet Blackberry addict), because I don't want him to think he is less important than my work. And in fact, he is much more important than my work, as are our children, but just the same, there is a compulsion to initiate and respond when an important thought comes to mind. Now Article #2: "Hobbies Are Rich in Psychic Rewards" NY Times,Dec. 2. Now this one really got me. Do I have a hobby? Gee, I don't think so. There's just too many "have to's" to have a hobby. Well, this article makes a good case for having a hobby. To sum it up, the many coaches and doctors interviewed said that hobbies do many good things that impact our business success, such as, "enhance your creativity, help you think more clearly and sharpen your focus." They also "energize you", "stimlate parts of the brain associated with creative and positive thinking", "enhance self-esteem and self-confidence". By the time I finished reading this article, I started thinking about a hobby. In my case, I don't want a hobby that my husband couldn't enjoy with me, since I travel so much. What could that be? My first thought was dancing lessons a la "Dancing in the Stars". Not a bad idea...after all it's also good exercise. Whoops, there I go again trying to multi-task and give it a purpose. But at least it doesn't relate directly to work. Now do any of you have hobbies? What do you do to increase your creativity and the like?

Please share your hobbies with us at WLE. Maybe it will help us all give up the Blackberry, have some fun and be more effective at work by working less. Please share with all of us at WLE!! Happy Holidays, Leslie

Hope for Women Business Authors, Afterall

Thu, 07 Jun 2007 06:31:39 -0400

Last night I had an "aha" experience. I missed my train leaving from Grand Central Terminal in NYC to take me home. No, that wasn't the "aha." I miss my train all the time. And as all things that appear to go wrong, it was an opportunity. I had 30 minutes to spare so I stopped by the local book store in the terminal - Posman's - and started browsing. As usual my first stop was the table top display of the latest business books. My browsing technique is to circle the table to see the book titles that catch my eye while simultaneously noticing how many books are authored by women. Usually, I see no more than 2 or 3 books by female authors afterwhich I typically get annoyed about the fact that so few are being promoted (or even written). Last night, after I saw 3 books I was again prepared to get annoyed when I saw 4, than I saw 5, and shockingly I saw 6. Now I was starting to go into shell shock. What was going on? I was already seeing double the number of business books written by women. Now I'm getting really excited and I start circling the table again to gather them up to buy them all (because I want to support women authors as well as read what they have to say) and I'm thinking about going out for a glass of champagne to celebrate. I decide to skip the champagne and quickly buy the books so that I can catch the next train home and start perusing my multiple purchases. Here's what I found: "Smart Women Take Risks" by Helene Lerner; "Am-Bitch-ous" by Debra Condren, PH.D, "Working with You Is Killing Me" by Katherine Crowley and Kathi Elster, "The Girl's Guide to Being a Boss" by Caitlin Friedman and Kimberly Yorio, "See Jane Lead" by Lois P. Frankel, PH.D., and Ronna Lichtenberg's latest book, which I can't seem to find on my book pile in my messy office. I haven't read them all yet, just skimmed them, but I can tell you, that they all seem valuable. There seems to be something going on. I'm not sure if publishers are paying more attention to the business ideas of women because they have finally realized that we are really good at getting our ideas and smart strategies on paper. Or that publishers finally realized that more than half all the managers in corporate America and half all the business owners are women. Or are more women deciding to take the time to write books? Whatever it is, it is truly exciting to see more women getting visibility as authors. Now you may say, "Leslie, give me a break. It was only six books on the table." Yes, that's true, but that's 2 times more than I ever have seen before. And add to that all the great books by women that we feature on the Women's Leadership Exchange online bookstore and things are looking up in the land of Business Literature. One more thing, there was another book that caught my eye. And to tell you the truth, for me right now, it is the most compelling book of all and it was written by a man. It is called "Never Eat Alone" by Keith Ferrazzi. It is a very long book about a very short, but important strategy (not a complicated strategy at all) that all women need to pay attention to. Read it. It is truly the secret to success -- building relationships. It is a strategy that I have practiced for the last 20 years. WLE puts this into action at all our conferences, but we will be exanding on this beginning July of this year. So read the book and than watch your emails and your mail to find out how WLE will help every woman implement what took Keith 300 pages to share. Now I'm off to finish working on the next WLE Conference. Hope to see you in Chicago on June 19th or at a future conference. Check out www.womensleadershipexchange.com for all 2007 conference dates. Have a fabulously successful day. Remember the "law of attraction". Leslie

The Secret: Women are Fabulous at Economics and Math. Now Go Get Your Award!

Tue, 24 Apr 2007 11:28:57 -0400

The news that Harvard University Professor Susan Athey, 36, won the praised John Bates Clark Medal - for the Nation's Most Promising Economist Under Age 40 - defies Lawrence Summers statement that got him fired as President of Harvard. However, most important, her receipt of this award will create new opportunities for women in economics and related fields as it sets the Law of Attraction (of "The Secret" fame) into action.

You, of course, recall that former Harvard Prez Summers, who ironically was also a Professor of Economics, ignited public fury by saying that women may not have the same innate abilities in math and science as men in explaining why fewer women succeed in math/science careers.

First, Congratulations to Professor Athey. (WLE Keyholders and readers, please check out the Wall Street Journal - April 21, 2007 to get the full details of Professor Athey's brilliant work.) Receiving this award is BIG for women in the field of economics and other fields less friendly to women.

Second, please don't tell me that awards are not important. That's the usual female wisdom. Often we modestly say: we don't need to be recognized. We just want to do a good job. Fa-get-about-it! Awards are critical. They make our achievements more visible to the world at large and especially to young women. Those awards trigger the Law of Attraction. If you haven't read "The Secret" yet, it's time you did. The more we believe that we will achieve, the more we achieve, etc. etc. etc. And part of believing in yourself, is seeing others doing it.

Oh by the way, Prof Athey is not someone sitting alone in an ivory tower focusing 100% of her time on developing economic theories. She is a wife and mother to two young children. And she spends a considerable amount of her time encouraging and recognizing women's participation and success in economics. In other words, she has a full life. And like many of us, she is out there supporting other women to be successful.

Again, congratulations, Professor Athey, for everything you've been doing - even before you received this award. And, please don't be modest!!! Shout it to the world!!!

-- Leslie Grossman, Cofounder, Women's Leadership Exchange

Harvard Breaks Their Rules

Thu, 15 Feb 2007 12:38:18 -0500

Congratulations Harvard!

Welcome Drew Gilpin Faust, the first female president of what some consider the top university in the US. After 371 years, since its founding, and a bonfire of criticism of its previous president Lawrence Summers, who suggested that women's lack of ability explained why less women than men are at the top in math and science in the educational arena -- Harvard chose a woman to lead it into the 21st century.

Who is this woman? According to the NYTimes (02/10/07), Dr. Faust, is author of five books, a former professor of history and women's studies at the University of Pennsylvania and is the Dean of the Radcliffe Institute of Advanced Studies, the remains of Radcliffe College, which once upon a time was the women's college at Harvard. The article in the TIMES indicated that "much of the research sponsored by the Institute emaphasizes the study of women, gender and society."

Less than 2 weeks ago, Dr. Faust's name came up on a conference call of the Women's Leadership Exchange (WLE) Multicultural Advisory Board, chaired by Marilyn Johnson of IBM. Members of the board include many prominent women in business and education that help WLE choose women leaders of all backgrounds as speakers, and honorees at our conferences around the country. It was Ella Edmondson Bell, author and professor at Darmouth's Tuck School of Business and a WLE Compass Award winner, who suggested that we contact Dr. Faust, because she has a great awareness of what women of all ethnic diversities are accomplishing, and that perhaps, Dr. Faust should be considered for a WLE Compass Award.

I've always respected Dr. Bell, but now I believe she has an uncanny ability to see into the future. Yes, Ella, Drew Gilpin Faust certainly does deserve to be honored with a WLE Compass Award. The reasoning behind the selection of Dr. Faust has similarities to what women bring to the world of business as well. The Times article goes on to report that those familiar with the Harvard search said that Dr. Faust's leadership style includes a collaborative approach with excellent people skills which will serve the university well during a particularly tumultuous time following Dr. Summers' agressive leadership style.

Whle acknowledging Dr. Faust as an outstanding scholar, the article said that she is an excellent administrator, with a management style that builds consensus. Now that Ivy League schools (women are now leading four) are realizing the benefits of women's leadership style, perhaps we can wake up American business to the same!!!

-----Leslie Grossman

Pelosi first Female Speaker of the House!

Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:23:24 -0500

Nancy Pelosi is set to become the first female speaker of the House. That is clear at 5:52 am (EST) Nov. 8th as I am on the Web searching for the most up to date election news. It�s frustrating to keep pointing out women�s �firsts� but at the same time it is heartening. Because we know that when women lead, change happens. That has been said by many; but most recently pointed out by Carly Fiorina on center stage at the Women�s Leadership Exchange conference in New York City just a few days ago on November 6th. According to CNN, �With all polls now closed after Tuesday's midterm elections, CNN projects that Democrats will pick up 22 seats, more than the 15 they needed to capture a majority in the House. Tonight is a great victory for the American people," said House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who is poised to become the first female speaker of the House. "The American people voted for a new direction." Pelosi�s bio states: �House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has led House Democrats with remarkable effectiveness for four years. Elected in 2003 as the first woman to lead a major political party in Congress, Pelosi has built consensus and unified the Democratic caucus. A recent study by Congressional Quarterly found that �over the past half-century, Democrats in the House were never more unified� than they were under Leader Pelosi in 2005, voting together a record 88 percent of the time. Pelosi brings to the Leader�s role 19 years of experience representing San Francisco in the House, achieving a distinguished record in intelligence and security initiatives, family and child policy, health care, human rights and environmental policy.� Back in 2002 when Pelosi was elected leader of the House Democrats it was predicted that she would unite the Dems. She did just that within the House and now as the results of the midterm election are coming in, it is clear that she also united them in their efforts to getting a majority elected to Congress. The exact number of women actually elected to both House and Senate is not available as of this moment. However, here�s what we know - of the 56 women challenging male incumbents, most were Democrats. And among the competitive races in the country, there are 18 in which a Democratic woman is poised to win. Here�s what we have to say to Nancy Pelosi and women elected in this pivotal midterm election � �You go, girls! Let�s change the world for humanity!�

Women in the News... for Better or Worse

Sun, 08 Oct 2006 18:26:04 -0400

Just like the pledge taken in marriage “for better or worse” we women in business are in it ”for better or worse." And this past week, it may have been “for worse.” Every time I reached for the paper, I had a pit in my stomach. What appeared to be the never ending saga of HP Board member investigations resulted in former Chair Patricia Dunn’s indictment. Almost simultaneously, former high-profile DA of Westchester County, New York Jeanine Pirro – who is running for State Attorney General – was unveiled as having considered illegal eavesdropping on her husband, whom she suspected of marital infidelity. As of today she is still running for office. What’s next? Where’s the good news? Well Carly Fiorina, former HP Chair, ousted from her role as the most powerful woman in business – which wasn’t necessarily good news - is now on the speaker circuit due to the release of her book “Tough Choices” - telling her version of the story. Now that’s good news. We’re fortunate enough to have Carly as opening keynote speaker at the Women’s Leadership Exchange New York conference on November 6th. I can’t wait to hear her myself. Better or Worse? I guess we women have to be ready to take the worse along with the better if we’re going to move up the corporate ladder and build bigger businesses. But I’d like to see some of the “better” stories in the media. I did a Google search and couldn’t find any good news about women out there this week. Help WLE out here - I’d really like to hear from all of you women…and men.. with more ”better” stories about women. Please share them on this blog.

I Won't Say Good Bye to Ann Richards

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 09:26:01 -0400

Ann Richards' Spirit will live forever. However, her presence on this planet will be sorely missed. She told it like it was. She knew the secret of being a successful woman... in politics, in business and in life. She was wise, witty and warm. She spoke with such passion and heart - that whether you agreed with her or not - you were totally captivated by her. She made you laugh and made you cry. Sometimes at the same time. Richards was one of WLE's very first keynote speakers. She was our closing keynote at our very first conference in New York City - November 2002. As she always did when she spoke, she brought down the house. She was so great that Andea and I immediately booked her for our second conference in Dallas - a kind of daring move. Since in Texas she was a somewhat polarizing figure. Richards helped defeat George Bush Sr. in his presidential reelection campaign - and later she was dethroned from her job as Governor of Texas by George Bush Jr. But even at the WLE Dallas conference - she evoked respect and enthusiasm from women no matter their political party. Ann Richards was totally courageous and ordinary at the same time. She started as a social studies teacher and raised four children. She founded the North Dallas Democratic Women to give more power to women in the Democratic Party in the sixties, and managed her first campaign in 1972 to elect Sarah Weddington to the Texas Legislature. Weddington, you may note, " had successfully argued Roe v. Wade before the U.S. Supreme Court." Richards then went on to win several local offices before becoming the first woman elected to statewide office in Texas in 50 years when she ran for state treasurer. When she was elected governor of Texas in 1990, it is said that she brought more blacks, Hispanics and women into public office than ever before. One could go on and on with her achievements. However, it is her voice - gravelly and intense - that I believe so many Americans - women and men - will remember. And it is her voice - that inspires me and so many women - to be courageous, to speak out and to take action on those things in which you believe. Thank you, Ann Richards, for your generosity and for being a role model to women for generations to come.

Sherry Lansing, Billie Jean King and More

Thu, 10 Aug 2006 09:56:14 -0400

First, thank you to the women who have taken time to comment on the WLE Blog -- most recently Sue Moore and Tanis Cornell. It is so great to get the conversation going about issues that are important to women and to comment on how the media portrays those issues. More often than not, those commenting in print seem locked in the past. They even interpret results of studies through "yesterday's" eyes, per the last blog. I URGE all of you, who are reading the WLE Blog, to take a few moments to comment and to take time to read the comments that many of you are taking the time to share. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Now for some good news -- I apologize for not blogging last week, when it occurred. My excuse is that I was too busy preparing for the WLE conference in Long Beach, CA, which was held this past Tuesday, August 8th. And, I have to say in my most biased opinion, it was superb! We've been trying to get Sherry Lansing, former chair of the Motions Picture Group of Paramount, for years. Under her watch, the biggest picture of all time - Titanic - was produced. And finally, Sherry graced the WLE stage as we presented her with the WLE VANGUARD Award. Wow! I pictured a very "tough" woman. Who else could survive many years at the helm of a major motion picture studio. Sherry was the very "picture" of grace, elegance, warmth and brilliance. Today she heads her own Foundation and in addition to supporting tremendous efforts in "health" research is on a mission to stop what she calls one of the current number one causes of bias - ageism. We hope to share Sherry's comments in an upcoming issues of the WLE enewsletter - The Exchange. Watch for it.

Whoops - now for the good news I mentioned before. Last week, a monumental event occurred. It was a front page story in NY, but I'm not sure it was big news everywhere. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that they are adding Billie Jean King's name to The National Tennis Center, in Queens, New York. That, my dear friends, is the site of the biggest tennis event in America - The US OPEN. This is a BIG deal. And is truly a breakthrough for women - not to mention an extraordinary honor for Billie Jean King - who truly deserves it. #1 - To name a public space for a woman - is rare. I'm trying to think of other public places that been named for women - but I can't think of one. Can you? If you can, please share them with all of us.

Surely something must be named for Eleanor Roosevelt (I know there's a statue of her NYC) or Susan B Anthony. Who else? #2 - Billie Jean King was a catalyst in changing the world of sports for women. Besides being one of the greatest tennis players of her generation, she beat Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes" on the court. I for one will never forget that day. As a young tennis player - I found it inspiring and extraordinary - and was one more turning point that helped to changed perceptions about women's capabilities. Billie Jean started playing on the public courts in Long Beach CA (the very city of this week's WLE conference), and has done so much to make tennis a sport of the "people" and to level the "money" playing field for women. (WLE wants to honor Billie Jean, so if any of you know her please put us in touch.) Congratuations Billie Jean! And congratulations USTA!!

It was a ground-breaking move on the part of an association that is led by insightful men...the kind of men we love! This is the kind of happening, along with the leadership of Sherry Lansing, that sends the message that for every step backward there is a step forward. Keep the faith! Let's just keep those steps forward increasing.

Studies Reveal that College Women Work Harder Than Men - Is This Good News for Women?

Sun, 09 Jul 2006 22:59:40 -0400

"At Colleges, Women Are Leaving Men in the Dust" - the front page story in "The New York Times" today (7/9/06) - appears to be good news for women's equality in the workplace. But I'm not so sure. You may think I'm crazy, but let me explain.

The article reports on why women are excelling beyond men in college: Attitude. Work ethnic. Perfectionism. Grades. More internships. More jobs. Completion of degrees in shorter time span. More honor degrees. More motivated. It goes on and on. In dozens of interviews, both male and female college students seem to agree that "the slackers in their midst were mostly male, and that the fireballs were mostly female. Almost all speculated that it had something to do with the women's movement."

"Many male students say with something resembling pride that they get by without much studying" and that getting an "easy B was good enough." "Men were significantly more likely than women to say they spent at least 11 hours a week relaxing or socializing, while women were more lifelyto say they spent at least that much time preparing for class." Buried in the story is a very important point made by Sara Mead, the author of a report for Education Sector, a Washington policy center. "The idea that girls could be ahead is so shocking that they think it must be a crisis for boys," Ms. Mead said. "I'm troubled by this tone of crisis. Even if you control for the fields they're in, boys right out of college make more money than girls, so at the end of the day, is it grades and honors that matter, or something else the boys may be doing." YES, Ms. Mead. I believe it is something else.

We women - even we executive women and professionals - need to pay attention. Because the "something else" is learned behavior that continues to impact our success in the business world. I believe the "something else" that Ms. Mead suggests just may be several things that women don't value as much as hard work. While the women are working for their 4.0, the men are socializing and building relationships. They are learning to network and forming a network which will benefit them in the early years of their careers.

The "young boys network" becomes the "old boys network". Few women leave college and embark on a career with any kind of network - that can support them in entering the work force and continue to support them in continuing their careers. And if they do have a network when they leave college, they quickly abandon it, because they are too busy working hard and juggling a personal life. I'm suggesting that women see the value in hard work but not in the social skills necessary in the sophisticated business world. Now I'm not recommending that women should sluff off - but I am recommending they begin to invest time in creating networks with female and male students, professors and business executives with whom they intern, which can serve them in their future careers.

This, I believe, is one of the missing links in women's success in the business world. And for those of us, who are already embedded in our careers, take heart. It's not too late to build and grow your network. But networks don't fall from the sky - they require time and nurturing - and they are worth it. Because it's when we support each other in the business world - that we can ALL succeed! Your comments, please. Do you agree or disagree with me? What other missing links have you noticed?

Leslie

Who's Hunting Who?

Wed, 31 May 2006 01:00:19 -0400

Last week “The Wall Street Journal” (Jeffrey Zaslow, Moving On column) reminisced about a “Newsweek” cover story, “Too Late for Prince Charming?” which appeared in June 1986. The article fed fear into the hearts of women over 30 by reporting on a study by Yale and Harvard researchers that showed “that 30-year old white, college-educated single women had only a 20% chance of finding husbands. At age 40, the probability fell to 2.6%.” It also noted that Black women have “an even tougher time finding husbands.” Now 20 years later, it is both reassuring, yet frightening, to know that the study, the cover story and the multitude of publicity that resulted from it, is far from reality today. We don’t need to read the census records that show that” less than 10% of college educated women now ages 50 to 60 have never been married,” to know that while huge numbers of women may have delayed marriage, the majority did in fact get married. While reading the article, I found myself quite aggravated. Why? First, because I was struck again (as I have been so many times before) by the power the media has in inciting unnecessary fears, doubts and insecurities into the hearts of the public (and particularly women). And second and more importantly, that in today’s world, the writer continues to use the phrase “finding a husband,” as if women are on a hunt that precludes anything else in their lives (and, of course, that men are the hunted). Getting married is a personal choice. Yes, perhaps the majority of women would like to be in a longstanding relationship (married or otherwise). But so would the majority of men. By the way, at the time of the “Newsweek” cover story, I was married. However, I recall being concerned about my sister, who at that time was single. PS. Today, she’s married, too. And, by the way, our husbands found us.

What Did Betty and Coretta Think About Desperate Housewives?

Sat, 11 Feb 2006 11:28:21 -0500

Betty Friedan and Coretta King are huge icons and ultimate women of substance. Their passings are a true loss. Betty truly shifted the world for women (and men) with her book "The Feminine Mystique." Coretta was committed to social justice, even before she married Martin Luther King. Both were headstrong, outspoken and courageous. Their causes - while different - were very much the same. Both believed that human beings have the right to realize their full potential and not be limited by either society's preconceptions or governments' laws.

While shockingly, we still do not have an Equal Rights Amendment, their work and the work of thousands who agreed, have definitely changed the world we live in.

And here comes the hot TV show "Desperate Housewives." I must admit I was hooked for awhile. Glamorous women and intriguing men fighting the battle of the sexes. It was fun. But suddenly, it stopped being fun for me. And suddenly with the loss of Betty and Coretta I understand why I hate this TV Show and refuse to watch it anymore. For the most part, women are portrayed as the lowest common denominator. I won't take time to analyze their personalities and their weakness. But they are not at all like the women that I know - nor the women that you know. They are the worst possible stereotype of women. And if you know a lot of women like that, you are befriending the wrong crowd. And then, we have the newest characters - a Black upper middle class family (that's good), with a mother who was a concert pianist (that's good), who has a "dangerous" son, chained in the basement (that's bad). Talk about stereotypes.

"Desperate Housewives" is the antithesis of everything for which Betty and Coretta committed their lives. I would have loved to hear their comments about "DH" if they viewed it while they were alive.

And what's worse..."Desperate Housewives" (or perhaps more appropriate, "Dangerous Housewives") is probably viewed or will be viewed all over the world. Of course, this will continue to communicate "the ugly American" image we already have and certainly won't help unshackle the women of the world who continue to be treated as property and third class citizens, nor will it help the prejudices against people of color.

Thank heavens for "Commander in Chief" for portraying a woman as the leader of the Free World. Let's pray that it gets released worldwide and stays on TV for the next 5 years.

Let's make our commitment to Betty and Coretta now, in their memory, to support media that portrays women (and men) and people of color in a way that they truly exist in the world - not just one way - and not in a way that supports stereotypes.

Saying Good Bye To Great Women

Mon, 02 Jan 2006 16:34:39 -0500

We have lost many great women in 2005. Thank you to Beth Polish, a business leader and innovator, for bringing to my attention a news item (NY Times) on New Year's Eve about the passing of author Rona Jaffe. Many of us had the opportunity to meet Rona, when she surprised us by attending a WLE Business Spa Retreat in Puerto Rico. Never having met her, we kept asking each other, is she "the" Rona Jaffe. Well, she was.

Rona seemed quiet, and somewhat introverted, considering that she had broken new ground with her first novel in 1958 "The Best of Everything" which told a dramatic story about career women of that day. That bestseller was followed by 15 more books in a similar genre. Her last book was "The Room-Mating Season" in 2003. They say she was a tough talking woman in her younger years and she certainly was professionally ambitious. Though she came from a wealthy family, she was determined to create her personal success. In her later years, she created the Rona Jaffe Foundation, which provides grants to emerging female writers. Thank you Rona, for forging the way for women by sharing women's inner thoughts in your books, and later by providing for women writers in the making.

As I thought about Rona on New Year's Eve day, I began to think about all the other women that we lost in 2005. So I did a search on the Internet and realized that many extraordinary women left the planet this past year. The effect of their lives will impact us for many lifetimes.

Please join me in saying good bye to a few of them:

Shirley Chisolm - the first Black woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives (1969-1983). I was reminded that Shirley ran for the Democratic nomination for President in 1972 (and received 172 delegate votes). She was a great leader.
Sandra Dee - the first "Gidget" for those of you who remember. I could hardly wait to be a teenager after seeing that film.
C. Delores Tucker - the first Black Secretary of State (PA), a civil rights activist, a founder of the National Congress of Black Women
Barbara Bel Geddes, a great actress and Miss Ellis on the famous TV Show "Dallas"
Shana Alexander - a successful journalist
Nan Kempner - socialite and fashion plate
Ann Bancroft - an amazing, inspirational actress, and life partner to Mel Brooks
Rose Mary Woods, secretary to President Nixon, blamed for the 18.5 minute Watergate erasure from the famous tapes.
Dale (Dalia) Messick - cartoonist and creator of the "Brenda Starr" comic strip about a daring newspaper reporter in the 50's and 60's. Looking back I remember t reading the strip on Sundays when the gorgeous flame-haired Starr was out covering stories -- showing the glamorous life of a career woman - at a time when most women were house wives. I know that reading that strip impacted me, as I'm sure it impacted other young girls in visualizing what they might become as women. Thank you, Dale.
Shirley Horn - a great musician and
Rosa Parks - I have written about Ms. Parks in a previous blog entry and we honored her at a past
Women's Leadership Exchange conference. Good by and thank you, Ms. Parks.

There are so many other great women that have left our midst this past year that I have not mentioned. Please help
us remember all of them by acknowledging other women in this blog so that we all can bid them adieu and thank them for their contributions to all of us.

We must always remember those who have come before us. For without them, what would we be?

A very personal aside: good bye to my Mom, Charlotte, who left this earth the summer before the first Women's Leadership Exchange in November of 2002. Though she never saw WLE become a reality , it is because of her and my Dad, that I was motivated to create change in the world for women. I love you, Mom and Dad.

NYC Transit Strike: Could Women Do Better?

Wed, 21 Dec 2005 07:33:31 -0500

The NYC Transit Strike is on and Women's Leadership Exchange is based in New York City - the Capital of the World.   I say Capital of the World not because I'm an egomanic about WLE's home base, but because it's been said by many others in books, magazine articles, etc.

How is it that the Capital of the World goes on strike? Most of us, who are based here, are still in shock.   Not only
are the subway/bus workers all on strike, which has virtually brought the people of the New York metropolitan area
to their knees, but it's holiday time!! The economic implications and ultimate results are devastating. Devastating to
businesses large and small who depend on holiday shopping for sometimes 20 - 25 % of the year's revenues. Devastating to working people, who need to get to work in order to get paid.   And devastating to the strikers who are following their union.

Who are these leaders of the Union and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), who couldn't work out terms or agree to
extend bargaining talks to AVOID this disaster? And if you've been following the media, you know it is truly a potential disaster.   People are walking miles over bridges and are in crowd scenes on the streets in order to get to their jobs.   The
suburban railways that continue to run are overflowing and creating dangerous situations with people trying to find alternate transportation. And it's freezing!!! Not only are people's livelihoods at risk, their lives are at risk.

All this makes me wonder: could women do better?

Watching the media, hearing the rhetoric, I see not a glimpse of a woman. This Strike is a guy's game. In fact, it's a very TOUGH guy's game.   It looks like a football game to me. Who can be the meanest, the toughest?   No one will give up a yard.   No one will give up a down.

I like football (I'm a big NY Giants fan). However, this isn't football. It's life.

So let's forget the sports metaphors and ask the question again, "Could women do better?" I think so.   Why? My years of studying the inner workings of the minds of women (from a marketing stand point) tells me the following:

1. For women, It's all about the relationship.   We like to sit down, get to know each other, and build trust with the ultimate goal of coming to an agreement.

2. Women tend to look for the win-win for all parties.

3.   Women want to understand all the details, the full picture, and we're willing to take the time so we
can make an educated decision. And understand the consequences of our decisions.

4. Most women are patient.   Not usually impulsive.

5. Women tend to be media-shy. We're not looking to splash our faces on the tube.

6. Women want people to like us. While this isn't always our strong point in business, in the case of a potential strike, this can be a big advantage.

7. We see the big picture. We understand the consequences from many points of view. Our nature as nurturers and caretakers usually enters into our business decisions. We tend to weigh variable factors before making a decision.

These 7 points about women identify qualities that make women excellent leaders.

And so I ask you, where are the women leaders in this negotiation? If the MTA and the Union want to settle this strike FAST, bring the women to the table. Don't waste any more time. The women can get this settled faster than you can say "Happy Holidays".   And we do all want to celebrate the holidays in New York.

Settling the strike quickly would be the best gift that New Yorkers could get in 2005.

Network News Executives: Choose Your Weapon; Male for Female?

Sun, 11 Dec 2005 21:48:36 -0500

It's Sunday night and like many of you, I just got around to reading Saturday's paper.

Maureen Dowd, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, wrote an interesting commentary on the OP Ed pages of The New York Times, "Can Mommy Know Best?"

Madonna's new album "Confessions on the Dance Floor" booms in the background of my home office, while I reread Dowd's piece about the biggest shock of December - that women suddenly are getting a second chance to prove that the nation will trust them anchoring (or co-anchoring) the network evening news. I'm sure most have you have heard that Elizabeth Vargas, a young (43), articulate, attractive Hispanic woman has been selected to co-anchor ABC News with Bob Woodruff. And the biggest rumor of all (I hope it's true) is that Katie Couric is being sought to anchor CBS News succeeding Dan Rather. (FYI, as Dowd reports, both Barbara Walters and Connie Chung co-anchored the news for a time...but no more.)

Anyway back to Dowd's piece. I think what she is asking us to think about - though I must admit I am being terribly distracted
by Madonna's driving beat and even more driving lyrics - is whether America (or is it the Network executives) will ever acknowledge that women can deliver serious news, albeit even super "crisis" news, equally well as men.

What is this all about? My Mother always handled crises in the family better than my Father - though he was a great guy. She stayed calm and knew just what to do to get us through hurricanes, broken bones, emergency room visits, the Cuban Missile Crisis and more. I know millions upon millions of other women that do the same. We don't panic. Why would we not be able to present the news in a way that would gain the confidence of a nation.

Hey Mr. Moonves, don't we have our second female Secretary of State? Not only Bill Clinton, but George Bush, confidently appointed women to lead the State Department.

Let's get over this stereotype that the Network TV Anchor has to be a tough, deep voiced male. I went right to the source of all male opinions - my husband. I asked him how he feels about a woman anchoring Network News. Now, Mr. Mooves, are you listening? My husband said, he might even consider watching the Network News, instead of CNN, if there's a woman anchoring. He says - in a "typical" male statement - "it's much more enjoyable seeing a woman doing the news than a man." And then he added hastily(probably because he saw my eyebrow rise), "Of course, women do everything better."

The first part of his comment, just might jive with most of the men in America. The second comment is probably the result of subtle brainwashing having lived with me for all these years.

But I'll accept both his comments, and hope that the Network executives are listening.

How about you, Ladies, what do you think? Share your opinions!

Another Big Day For Women: NYC Gets First Female First Deputy Mayor

Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:03:58 -0500

When Women's Leadership Exchange conferences are held around the country - Dallas, Chicago, Long Beach, Atlanta and New York City - we always invite the top city officials, to welcome our large crowd of from 600 - 800 successful women business owners. WLE Keyholders are female movers & shakers and their businesses are drivers of the economy in each region. We especially like to feature women public officials, but we also welcome men who support the advancement of women. In Long Beach Mayor Beverly O'Neill welcomed S. Ca. attendees at every S. California conference. In Dallas the first female sheriff of Dallas County Lupe Valdez spent the day at WLE . In Atlanta, Lisa Borders, President of the City Council, welcomed the crowd. And at the recent New York City conference, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was recently elected to his second term, opened the conference with a rousing speech which recognized the influence and power of women in the City and in his administration.

I was delighted to see on the front page of "The NY Times" this morning extraordinary news -- Mayor Bloomerg elevated a close aid Patricia Harris to the position of first deputy mayor, the highest rank any woman has ever held in New York City government. Wow! Mayor Mike really means what he says. A lot of men talk a good game - but to actually appoint a woman to the top position is another thing. Kudos to you, Mayor Bloomberg. Now let me tell you about Patricia Harris. According to the story in "The NY Times, " in her new role, when the Mayor is out of town, Patricia officially runs New York City. She was the person who selected most of the Mayor's administration when he was elected. Not only is her leadership evident in hundred's of situations, (many described in the The Times piece, she is supposedly one of the few people who openly challenges the mayor. He obviously respects her tremendously and that's why he named her to the top post.

This is actually quite groundbreaking in NYC, and could have great impact around the country. Afterall, now we have a strong woman in the second most powerful post in a city that is considered by many to be the Capital of the World. I love it when reality begins to mimic fantasy. What I mean is, our female U.S. President "Geena Davis" on "Commander-in-Chief" is already affecting the hearts and minds of some of our male leaders. You go First Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris! You are a role model for women around the country. And Mayor Bloomberg, obviously we New Yorkers made the right choice in reelecting you. Some might have used this as a campaign tool to get more women to vote for them. You didn't. But you rewarded our great city by selecting the best person for the position. Who just happens to be a woman without being a member of the "boys club". I love New York!

The Woman Who Changed The World

Sun, 30 Oct 2005 23:01:06 -0500

Rosa Parks is a testament that it is small things that can change the world. As the NY Times said:
"By remaining seated, she took a stand." But even more than "a stand, " her action, or refusal to get up from her seat to make room for whites, was a pivotal event in civil rights history. It thrust Rev. Martin Luther King, then 26 years old, into mounting a boycott that lasted more than year, and ended in the U.S. Supreme Court ordering the desegregation of Montgomery, Alabama's buses.

Rosa Park's passing at the age of 92 this past Monday should be marked by all people every where -- for her courage. We must never forget her. She is a role model -- reminding us that we must stand up for what we believe in - no matter what the majority may say.

Again, she is breaking new ground, when she lies in honor in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda -- a tribute formerly only for Presidents, soldiers and politicians -- as the first woman to do so. Her legacy gives hope to every person fighting for civil and human rights.

We at WLE honor her and thank her for changing the world.

It Hurts To Lose

Tue, 11 Oct 2005 00:45:48 -0400

Losing is painful. The NY Yankees lost the American League division tonight and I am hurting. I am a woman first; a wife and mother second.   A business owner third. And a NY Yankee fan fourth.   I am a BIG Yankee Fan. I love watching them. They're cool, confident, warm, charismatic, sometimes intense. Recent years they haven't looked so good during the summer, but by the end of the season, they always pull it together and play like silk....until tonight when they lost to the LA Angels. But I love them. They inspire me.   And the more I watch, the more I understand the strategy of baseball which is truly an engaging game...much more than hitting and catching balls.   Thanks to my hubby Richie for patiently educating me to the game, and never making fun of me when I don't understand exactly what's going on. In fact, he makes me feel smart about baseball and even tells everyone that I am responsible when the Yankees win. (I use my Reiki skills on them to "heal" them into scoring. But somehow the Reiki didn't work tonight.)

The Yankees lost tonight so I'm not feeling so good.   What is this sports thing all about?
Why do so many people, especially men, thrive on spectator sports? Especially, when your team is often losing, rather than winning.   Well, let's face it, the win/lose ratio is probably 50-50. So 50% of the time you're happy and 50% of the time you're sad. And yet we keep watching and hoping. We get to celebrate the wins and feel depressed when the team loses.

Here's my opinion on why we love sports. Human beings love to experience winning and coming back to win when all seems lost.    I think we identify vicariously with our team(s). We remember the times we win. We think about the times, when things aren't going well, but suddenly, miracle of miracles, everything turns around and turns out fine, even great. Of course, there are times that every thing seems to be going wrong, but if we don't give up eventually it turns around; or we change our coarse of action so that things work out. Often that happens in sports. Always that happens in life.

I guess you could say that sports are a metaphor for life.

If you're an optimist and believe you're a winner, then I recommend you become a Yankee fan like me.   Cause the NY Yankees win a lot! And even if they don't win the Pennant ( this year); they always lose with grace and humilty and optimism. Because they know there's always next year when they have the chance to be the big winner again.

I guess you could say, the Yankees are role models to me.

Tell me what you think. Are sports good or bad?    What can we learn from sports to run our businesses (and our lives) better?
Share your thoughts.

Welcome Ms. President

Tue, 27 Sep 2005 23:05:27 -0400

After much anticipation and publicity, a woman -- and a very capable woman, I might add, is President of the United States.

Well, it's about time.

You may think I'm crazy.   "It's only a TV show," you may say. But I've learned that reality often imitates what we see on the media.   The opportunity for millions of Americans to see a woman in action as "Commander in Chief" every Tuesday night on ABC-TV could go a long way in making it a reality.

As young women and girls see Geena Davis in this role -- the reality of a woman becoming President of the United States becomes a real possibility. Hopefully sooner rather than later.   Now, when little girls are asked, "what do you want to be when you grow up?" they can confidently say, "I want to be President." Because they have actually seen a woman in this role, albeit on television.

In the premier show, Geena Davis as President Mackenzie Allen, is decisive, authoritative and bold.   She is also, inclusive, thoughtful, respectful and loving.   With the exception of the rightwing speaker of the House portrayed by Donald Sutherland, the men - including the the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are respectful.

I'm sure that future episodes will include many clashes, disagreements and power struggles, but for now, I'm feeling really good. In fact when President Allen strode into the Capitol to speak to Congress, my eyes filled with tears. It was a truly moving moment to see a woman in that role. For a few moments, I forgot it was a TV show.

I'm a great believer in affirmations. Affirm it and it will be so.   I have used affirmations throughout my life, to create the life I live.   I see "Commander in Chief" as an affirmation.   By watching this show, we will be affirming a female President in our near future.

Watch this show.   And invite everyone you know to share in this affirmation by watching it, too.   Right now, we could use a woman in the White House.   Let's not waste any more time.

WLE Atlanta Welcomes Katrina Business Owners

Sun, 25 Sep 2005 23:00:44 -0400

WLE’s search for women business owners who relocated to the Atlanta area yielded four women who evacuated there from New Orleans. We were very happy to give them scholarships to attend the Atlanta conference on Wednesday, September 21st. Deborah Steinmetz, Linda Nelson, Vienna Abramowitz and Sonia Taylor were able to tap into WLE’s “New Women’s Network” of 600 conference attendees, who were eager to lend their support.

All of us felt their pain, and yet, there's no way we could ever understand what they are going through -- what it is like to be forced to abandon one's home and one's business and to have to start EVERYTHING all over again. These women are truly courageous.

Deborah Steinmetz owns a successful architectural design and space planning company firm based in New Orleans. Just before Katrina hit, Deborah and her husband got out with only the clothes on their back. The next time they saw their house it was on TV in an aerial shot and all they could see of it was the roof. Of their 8 employees they found 3 and got them set up in temporary apartments. The others are in Texas, Tennessee and Mississippi. Deborah was and is concerned about the interruption of business insurance and is asking for help in dealing with that.

Linda Nelson is a clinical social worker. Linda, her husband, their son Todd and their cats got out with 3 days clothing and 38 years of back tax returns. They have been overwhelmed by the generosity of the people of Atlanta. Linda has been able to find some part-time temp work but her husband, who was a physicist at Charity Hospital in New Orleans is looking for a position in the Atlanta area.

Vienna Abramowitz fled New Orleans with her disabled brother, her mother who has Alzheimer’s and 2 cats. She left with medication for her mother and brother, her computer and a few photos. People have helped her get her mother in a nursing home and her brother in an assisted living facility. Vienna owns a special events staffing company and considering permanently relocating to Atlanta.

Sonia Taylor left with only enough clothes for up to three days. She and her husband run Two Dots LLC, a commercial and residential real estate development business and are looking to begin again...somewhere.

Like other evacuated business owners, all four women have so much to deal with personally and emotionally, but all want to restart their businesses.

We invite all of you to share your stories on this BLOG - if you were impacted by Katrina or Rita -- and the stories that you have heard about other women in business who are looking to get started again, so the WLE community of business owners can all lend support. Please include email or contact information so we can reach out to you.

Women’s Leadership Exchange will continue to give scholarships to business owners hurt by Katrina and Rita -- for the WLE New York City conference on November 3rd. Please call us at 888.937.5800 to arrange.

Also, please visit the WLE Help Center for resources, requests for help and offers of support from the WLE community.

We are all here to help. Please spread the word to business owners in need that you may know.

Help for Katrina Women Business Owners

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 08:36:52 -0400

It’s overwhelming. The tragedy in Louisiana continues. Since my last blog, the media revealed the lack of a quick response of the Federal Government. People in New Orleans and other areas seemed abandoned. Finally, however, relief efforts went into the action.   People either escaped or have been transported to many areas of the country, so that they could, first, survive, and now a week and a half later, begin to rebuild their lives.

When the WLE team came back from Labor Day having listened in detail to all the reports, we knew we needed to take action. Yes, we all wrote checks, but we all agreed we needed to do more.   With our Atlanta conference coming up on September 21st, we saw an opportunity to help business owners. We learned from our Atlanta Advisory Board that more than 40,000 survivors were now living in that area – with the number expected to multiple 4-fold or more. So we decided, let’s open up our conference to women business owners who had to abandon their businesses to come to the Atlanta region.

And that’s what we’re doing – we are giving 100% scholarships to attend the Atlanta Conference on Wed., Sept. 21 to women business owners from LA, MISS and AL whose businesses were lost or negatively impacted by Katrina. The hardest part is finding them. So please help us.   They are lost in the maze of hundreds of thousands of people that escaped the region.   We are planning special networking opportunities and resources to help them rebuild. Not to mention the connections they will make with hundreds of business owners who are attending the conference in order to propel their businesses forward. WLE will also give a portion of our registration fees for the Atlanta conference to Hurricane Relief efforts.

Please share this number – 888-937-5800 with women business owners who qualify for a scholarship for the WLE Atlanta Conference. We need to hear from them no later than Friday, September 16th.

We have also put up a Katrina Woman Business Owner Help Center on our website, where you can offer your assistance to affected business owners – and they can ask for help. Please use it. It also has a list of resources.

We all care. We all want to help.   Let’s do it together.   Help us find business owners that need help so they can come to the WLE Atlanta conference.

And share your ideas of what we all can all do to help rebuild these people’s lives -- on this blog. Let’s let the ideas flowing, so we can help…beyond the money.

And, please answer this question -- if a disaster happens where you live, are you prepared?

Are your papers organized – so that you can quickly take everything with you?

Do you have a communication plan with your family?

We, here in NYC, certainly weren’t prepared for 9/11, and even with a warning of a hurricane, are you prepared to leave suddenly?   It’s something we all must think about. It can happen to anyone. Namaste.

Help the Hurricane Relief Effort

Thu, 01 Sep 2005 10:32:24 -0400

The devastation of Hurricane Katrina is shocking. We?ve seen it in other parts of the world ? and it has affected us profoundly. Disasters like the Tsunami have moved us into action to help the people. This disaster is still unfolding. Because of its nature, I?m afraid the worst is yet to come.

The media reports and video footage of people waving for help from their rooftops, messages in red and black paint on buildings, 20,000 people without food, water and hygiene in the Superdome (supposedly a safe haven), entire cities decimated are unlike anything we?ve ever seen. What is more disturbing is what we don?t see. The missing people. The families, loved ones and friends that can?t be found.

If you?re not watching the news reports, you should be. It is important that as humans, we feel for each other and offer support.

Most of us feel the pain of the people of this region and understand that we are, in fact, all in this together. That means that each one of us has the responsibility to do what we can to help the relief effort. All of us at Women?s Leadership Exchange urge you to offer support in whatever manner you can. Give as generously as you can to the relief effort.

The Red Cross is one place to start:

http://www.redcross.org

They are moving people and resources into the region to help.
Donations will provide clean water, food, and shelter for disaster victims. The Red Cross web site also has important information for victims and their relatives across the country.

Many local Red Cross chapters are organizing volunteers to travel to
affected areas -- doctors and nurses to provide medical care, workers to build shelters, first responders to assist in rescue operations.

You can find your local chapter here to learn what you can do:

http://www.redcross.org/where/chapts.asp

The story of this disaster continues to unfold. Join us in taking action now.

Taking on the Sports Establishment

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 22:44:07 -0400

Today I am absorbed in sports news. Though I am a big NY Yankee fan, I don?t usually read the sports pages regularly. But lately I?ve been drawn to the sports? media. Headlines report on the screams of French fans claiming that Lance Armstrong only won the Tour de France because he?s been taking drugs. A statement certainly unproven.   But the biggest news was right here in the USA, in fact, in Ohio.

This morning, when I pulled out of my driveway to go to the train station to begin my commute to Manhattan, my radio was already tuned into a sports station because my husband had used my car. What I heard took me by surprise.   Nancy Zimpher, President of the University of Cincinnati, asked head basketball coach and legend Bob Huggins to resign. It seems that Zimpher wants the basketball program to recruit players with better grades and an aversion to trouble. She also wants coaches that are good role models. But it?s more complicated than that. It seems that during Huggins? 16 years at Cincinnati, the Bearcats had a history of player arrests and violations. In addition, during the 90?s the team had one of the lowest graduation rates in the country. Add on to that the fact that Huggins was convicted of drunken driving last year.

As the details unraveled, I realized that Nancy Zimpher was taking on the sports establishment, in what is an incredibly courageous stand for ethics and standards in university sports and education. There?s no doubt she made thousands angry, including the students and alumni of Cincinnati, since there?s no doubt her decision will impact the state of basketball in that school this year. But Zimpher took a stand in what she believed was important for the University.

Now whether you agree or not with what Nancy Zimpher did, there is no doubt that she is the most courageous woman of the moment. And perhaps the most courageous person in the business of education.   Congratulations, Nancy!!   You go, girl!

Fighting Females

Thu, 11 Aug 2005 18:04:58 -0400

Everywhere I look lately, I keep hearing about ?fighting females.? This alliteration hit me, after returning from the August 2nd, Women?s Leadership Exchange Long Beach Conference, which was focused on women supporting each other. What is all this stuff about fighting females?

I suppose fighting females can be positive or negative depending upon the situation. For instance,   the 800 women business leaders attending the WLE conference had the distinct pleasure of hearing a closing keynote from Gloria Allred, America?s number one female fighter. Gloria defends the rights of women, families and anyone who has been discriminated against unfairly. She does it in the courtroom not in the boxing ring. She uses her brilliant mind and powerful voice rather than a fist or a sword. Hearing stories of her latest cases and how she stands up to murderers, abusers and their defenders without even a quiver is inspiring to all of us. She?s the kind of female fighter I?d like to be.

Three days after the conference, I was surprised by an op ed in the Wall Street Journal titled ?Female Fight Club.? Christine Rosen, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, DC mesmerized me with her examples of a new feminine model portrayed in films that shows women beating men at a game women don?t usually play ? one of violence, brutality and combat. She shares the example of this summer?s hit film, ?Mr. And Mrs. Smith? in which Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, playing husband and wife, compete with equal ruthlessness. Is this the kind of fighting female we want to be?   Will this buy us equality in the boardroom or crack corporate America?s glass ceiling?

And then yesterday I was struck by the announcement that Jeanine Pirro, the powerful Westchester County, NY, District Attorney has decided to seek the GOP nomination to run against Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton next year. What?s that about, Jeanine?   As if our government is overflowing with female elected officials. By Pirro running against Senator Clinton, one woman will be eliminated from public office. Why Pirro decided to take on a successful, popular Senator when her background suits her for a variety of other public offices I just can?t understand. The media is already portraying this potential competition as a cat fight.   Here come those fighting females again. Should Pirro get the GOP nomination, not only will the media revel in a negative portrayal of women leaders, but it will divide the women?s vote and pit us against each other.

Why can?t we women stop fighting each other and support each other?
The more women we get in office the better it is for women, families and men.   We think differently, we lead differently. Our country and our world will be the better for it.

So come on Jeanine?run for Governor of New York or State Attorney General or Congress.   But don?t fight for an office already held by a woman.

I?ve had enough of fighting females?except the Gloria Allred kind, that is.

The Business of Art: Where are the Women?

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 17:57:09 -0400

In the business of art, where are the women?   That?s the question that struck me after visiting the The Museum of Modern Art (MOMA), rebuilt and greatly expanded. in all its dramatic grandeur.

My daughter Sara, was my noble companion on this expedition to a museum that has always inspired me. Sara recently graduated with a BFA from SVA, and holds her first ?real? job working at The Mattress Factory, a highly respected gallery/museum featuring installation art in Pittsburgh, PA.

The new MOMA is phenomenal, overwhelming in fact. There?s so much great art in which to bathe your eyes, your mind and your heart. And we did. But where are the women? Picasso, Matisse, the special Pissaro and Cezanne exhibit, the amazing Lee Friedlander photography exhibit, the latest and the greatest in contemporary painting, sculpture. Now of course, we didn?t cover every square foot of MOMA. But we were so thrilled to see a Lee Krasner painting. And it wasn?t til afterwards that I realized that her work, along with Eva Hesse?s piece, was one of the few works created by a female artist that we viewed.

The business of art is big. Collectors spend thousands of dollars. Investors spend millions of dollars. So where are the women?    Surely, there?s hundreds of great female artists (my daughter says there are). But why don?t we hear about them? Why don?t we see them in the museums or galleries that most ?normal? people visit?

Thank heavens for Georgia O?Keefe. The only female artist to have her own museum (and in my favorite state, New Mexico). And now, because of the film in her name, Freda Kahlo, is being exalted. We saw the London Tate Modern?s special exhibition of Freda?s work and it is extraordinary. Thank you Salma Hayek for bringing Freda?s extraordinary work and life to the attention of the world in film.

So what can we as businesswomen do?   We need to find these women artists. We need to get to know them. I know that Washington, DC has an art museum featuring women exclusively. And obviously, there needs to be a women only art museum, because otherwise, where would we see their work? We need to encourage our children to see their art, encourage galleries and museums to feature their work, we need to buy their work.   An investment in art is a lifelong investment in pleasure and inspiration.

I?d love to hear your ideas of what we can do to bring more female artists to the forefront. They may be there, but they are hidden, just as so many successful women in business are invisible ? not featured in the media. So what can we do? Let?s get the conversation going.

Shake, Rattle the World

Fri, 15 Jul 2005 14:24:49 -0400

I am very excited about doing the first Women?s Leadership Exchange Blog. You may ask, ?Why do a blog for Women?s Leadership Exchange?? Well, it is my opinion that no one out there is translating the events and the news of the day in a way that helps women business owners understand the impact they have on their businesses and on their lives. Another reason for the blog is that I have an opinion on everything and I?m usually too busy to share it with anyone. And now, with oue blog I can share it with all of you. So, let?s hope that you are interested in hearing my opinion. If you are not interested, you won?t bother reading it anyway.

There has been a lot going on internationally. Recently Andrea and I took a trip to London and Italy to explore taking Women?s Leadership Exchange global. We met with business owners, women?s business associations, and potential sponsors; and they all expressed an excitement about the possibility of Women?s Leadership Exchange going global. It seems that women business owners and executives all over the globe have similar challenges and similar constraints.

I also had the privilege of attending the Global Women?s Summit in Mexico City in June. There were almost 1,000 women from 85 countries there, and I met quite a few of them. I learned so much about what?s going on for women executives and business owners around the world, and their challenges are very similar to the things that we have here. Throughout all our trips, we heard the same thing: women have little time to get the knowledge and make the ?right? connections and support needed to grow their businesses or their professional careers. Yet many more of us in the US have learned that investing our time in these pursuits makes all the difference in our businesses.

My head is spinning from the many things going on in the world; I also wanted to share my concern about losing one of our two female Supreme Court justices, Sandra Day O?Connor. She has been an extraordinary asset to the Court and our country. She has really shown the power that a woman can bring to the Court in terms of her neutrality and willingness to listen carefully to the issues, weigh them according to the law and her cautious interpretation. Ultimately often voting in a way that people don?t expect. So, it will be a loss when she leaves and I hope that she is replaced by another woman who comes from a similar place as Sandra Day O?Connor.

I also want to comment on the terrible disaster that happened in London just last week. With so many things going on, both positive and negative in the world, we all have to be sure that we stay focused and continue to live our lives, stay committed to our goals and causes whether it is your for your own business or causes that you care about in your community. We can?t be deterred from accomplishing what we want to do by the negative forces that are out there. I truly believe if we all stay focused and positive, and each put our own efforts, no matter how small, into changing the world, eventually the violence and hatred will dissipate, and the positive forces will win out.

So, there it is ? my first blog commentary. I hope neither too controversial nor too bland for a first effort. I look forward to hearing from all of you to see what you have to say and look forward to seeing many of you at our Long Beach, CA. Conference on August 2nd.

Peace,
Leslie Grossman
Co-Founder, Women?s Leadership Exchange