Inspiring Women Who Drive Results #suwn

Tonight was inspiring. I attended an event, thanks to Miss Andrea Hong, titled "Game Changers: Women Who Drive Results | A Step Up Panel Discussion" - Step Up is a national non-profit membership organization dedicated to strengthening community resources for women and girls. It reminded me a lot of what Mattel and Barbie do with her 10 Women to Watch program as the main goal is mentorship and inspiration for girls helping them set their lives up for success.

It truly was inspiring. Why? Because the women on the panel were real and talked about things that many career focused women talk about. It wasn't a complaint session about women in the workplace, but rather a time to talk about what really matters and how they overcame issues to become the successful women they are today. To be honest, I'm usually skeptical of events like these but this one really got me excited and my head is running with ideas now.

I guess it's also hard to not leave inspired when you look at the list of panelists.

• Lesley Jane Seymour, Editor-in-Chief of More Magazine
• Lisa Garcia Quiroz, Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, Time Warner Inc.
• Julia Goldin, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer of Revlon
• Lisa Hsia, Executive Vice President, Bravo Digital Media (who by the way grew up with a Tiger Mom and now raises her kids much more relaxed)
• Regina (“Regi”) Meredith-Carpeni, Chief Operating Officer for Global Markets/Capital Markets, Bank of NY Mellon
• Mollie Spilman, Senior Vice President, Global B2B Marketing, Yahoo

Their titles and bios say enough of the position they have within these powerful establishments, but I really felt as though I was in a room with my girlfriends just talking about life and careers. They gave some great advice (and hilarious soundbites)

Here are some highlights:

• On taking risks: You dot have to be an expert or stay where you are. To move up: raise your hand to do something new, it helps you move up the ladder. Listen to what's going on around you, find the experts and execute. Women who are successful take risks, you have to to be noticed.
• On family: Family is a manageable risk. Many women get concerned sometimes to the fact that one day your husband will become your husband rather than you being his wife based on the success of one's career path. This one really stuck with me. Amidst a lot of discussions lately on family and women entrepreneurs leaving work to raise a child or a man's concern that the new mother may not be as involved, the opposite was looked at here. When does that point happen, or even that DISCUSSION happen when the woman makes more money than the husband and you are the lead in the relationship. I have a feeling all of these women have a husband, vs. being a wife.
• We are born w two fears- loud noises and falling down. Don't worry about the rest. So true.
• There is a difference between being successful and doing a good job. Everything comes around full circle - always do a good job. You never know who you will work with next.
• Your mental health is more important than work. Remember to balance.
• Women care more about the content of their jobs than what the next job is. Energy and passion and creating great teams is a generalization of women and we can use it to our advantage.
• Older and established women should start mentoring to younger women NOW before they get frustrated and leave. Set a good example within your organization so women can grow and stay motivated.
• Schedule me time. Many of the women turn to sports. Some still need to work on it. It seems as though the balance is a struggle across the board for some.
• Wine can cure bad days.

The event was great and I'm planning on attending many more in the future. More info can be found here.