Women's Leadership IRL

It’s Women’s History Month: a month filled with days that highlight gender issues — International Women’s Day and Equal Pay Day. As much as I LOVE celebrating the stories of great women doing great things – let’s remember during March that women do great things EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. EVERY. OTHER. MONTH.

Ok, there I’ve said it. Back to celebrating women from history and for me my favorite group – women who make history.

After two years JWI gathered in real life to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Women to Watch an event that highlights the work of this organization to end domestic and sexual violence against women and girls, grow their financial literacy and empower their leadership. We also celebrate 10 Women to Watch for their contributions in the world.

And I’m proud to say that I am among the two hundred women who have had this honor (Class of 2017). And that’s not a humble brag, but an actual one. Anyway humility is overrated, as we heard at this year’s luncheon from Rabbi Shira Stutman of Chutzpod when she quoted Golde Meir who once said, “Don’t act that humble, you aren’t that great.”

Still, when I was nominated by someone (as I was busy nominating someone else -  powerhouse Erica Keswin) I had all those negative thoughts come into my head…who am I to stand with these amazing women…what have I done to change the world…can I make an impact and amplify the mission of JWI. You may have had those thoughts yourself sometimes about anything that pushes you into the spotlight.

But I pushed those thoughts aside and joined that class and it transformed my life. I became committed to the mission of JWI, joining the Board in 2019, and most important, I shared my story out loud.

This year I was struck as I was sitting in the audience by the vulnerability and the grace of each of the Women to Watch. They all came from different backgrounds but as a collective have changed the world with who they are. You can learn about all of them at https://www.jwi.org/wtw.

Each of them presented their “pearl of wisdom” to the audience sharing their story with vulnerability and transparency.

Ruth Zuckerman, legendary co-founder of Soul Cycle and Fly Wheel shared her “fish out of water moments” that have changed the course of her life.

Michelle Stravitz of Two Unstoppable a cancer support non-profit shared the power of twos.

Kerrie Brodie, founder of Emma’s Torch putting refugees to work by teaching them culinary skills, shared that this is no such thing as a little idea.

And Rae Ringel executive coach and professor shared a pearl about how the thoughts in our heads become our reality. In her story she realized she had to share her vulnerabilities and imperfections out loud in order to make greater connections with those she wanted to connect and serve. Her pearl was this: “It’s not fake it until you make it. It’s think it until you become it.”

And it was in that moment I realized, it was only when I changed the voice in my head to become one that focused on impact, storytelling, and valuing my presence in the world – that I could make the greatest impact on the work of JWI and those I serve in the world.

Women who are on a mission to change the world work hard to know this: I think…therefore I can DO and BE.

We all have a story that will contribute not only to women’s history, but to all of history,  and that includes all of us no matter our gender.

Just remember, you get to think it, write it, and live it.

Each one of these Women to Watch are Outlaw Leaders changing the world with an EDGE: Explore, Dream, Grow & Excite® and so are you.