“Are you crazy?” My friends asked, not unkindly. I just smiled. After several decades climbing the ladder in the high-stakes world of finance, the question hung in the air: “Why would you leave such a successful career?” That was over a decade ago and my peers, family, even the nagging Read more…
I remember the day I was promoted to managing director at the investment firm where I’d worked for several years. Although my MBA degree had prepared me for elements of the job, it had certainly not guaranteed advancement. Moving up required developing a track record of hitting numbers, building client Read more…
What if the biggest barrier to women’s leadership isn’t a lack of ability, but a lack of self-recognition of their identity as leaders? I’ve seen this phenomenon in action. When I worked in financial services, I had a colleague named Patricia, a talented woman who — even without formal authority Read more…
Throughout my career, I’ve faced my share of challenges. When things got really tough, I’d frequently lean on one of my best friends who was a savvy businesswoman. It wasn’t about complaining, but about having someone who understood my situation help keep me accountable. One time, self-doubt was crippling me Read more…
Early in my career, I received a backhanded compliment that highlighted the pervasive stereotypes women face in the workplace. My leader praised my assertiveness, expressing surprise that a woman could possess such a quality. Ironically, at that point in my life, I was not sure how to respond to a Read more…
NAWBO Iowa honors exemplary local women business owners at 2024 Celebration of Excellence One day last month, I had a typical day of meetings and errands: I had a coffee meeting at a local establishment; popped into a neighborhood salon to get a gift certificate to give to a friend; Read more…
Have you ever stopped to count how many digital tasks you perform regularly? I conducted an inventory of my own digital usage recently and was a little stunned by the number of activities I perform on numerous devices — everything from managing work and personal schedules, documents, emails, texts and Read more…
I once turned down a plum offer to start a new division at an investment firm. At the time, I didn’t think I had adequate experience to take on the challenge. Looking back, I wonder why I didn’t believe in myself, especially when the leaders who approached me believed I Read more…
Soon after graduating from business school, I got a job working at a top asset management firm in New York City. At that time, there were few women in the industry, and hybrid work arrangements didn’t even exist. However, I had a role that required me to be on the Read more…
What was your dream when you were young? Growing up, I always wanted to be a writer and artist, but soon after college, I veered off the creative path. The obstacles I faced were not necessarily a lack of belief in my own talent. At first, I was worried about Read more…