I came across an article the other day that both excited and downright frustrated me. It said that as of June, Fortune 500 companies have more female CEOs than ever – 33 of the high-grossing firms are now led by women. YES!!!! But… still only 6.6% of the total CEOs are women. NOOOOO!!!! (The link to the article is below.)
So what do we do about it? Does it matter?
First, it matters. It matters because kids – both girls AND boys – need to see equality in potential. Today there are little girls sitting in science class or doing a research paper on the stock market, and they need to know that they can createthe seat at any table they desire.
It also matters because women employees need to know right now that you CAN speak up, ask for the promotion, and move forward. We all know the statistic that men make more than us, and the gap is even bigger for women of color. But if we as women learn to speak our strengths, share our wins, and confidently ask for what we deserve and desire, we can work to close that gap.
Finally, it matters because there are feminine leadership qualities that the world needs now. Emotional Intelligence has become a “buzzword” in corporations, but Emotional Intelligence has always been a fundamental feminine strength! For thousands of years, women have been sensitive to others' emotions, feeling our own, and creating communities of compassion!
The feminine is pausing to respond before you react in anger.
The feminine is connecting in compassion and communication.
The feminine is wanting to help others rise up with you.
The feminine is fierce protection of our planet and humanity!
The feminine is following your heart, soul and purpose to make a difference in the world in your unique way!
And make no mistake, Feminine Leadership is needed now more than ever.
It doesn't matter if you're a CEO or manager or you're the lowest woman on the totem pole at work, because a “leader” isn't about having a title.
A leader is having influence.
And one thing I know about us women is that we have influence.
You influence your kids by showing them how to be brave, strong, and bold going for your dreams instead of sitting back in fear.
You influence your community by being kind to every soul you meet.
You influence your workplace by showing other women what it looks like to be a woman on purpose.
You don't have to be a CEO, but you do have to show up in your full purpose potential!
Two weeks ago, on The PurposeGirl Podcast, I interviewed composer Amy Andersson who created the concert Women Warriors: Voices of Change, which chronicles 800 years of women standing in their full potential to make MASSIVE change in the world.
- Fannie Lou Hamer, an African American voting and women's rights activist who was beaten for trying to register to vote in 1962
- Sonita Alizadeh, whose family tried to sell her into marriage as a child bride in Iran and who now does human rights work against child marriage
- Olympe De Gouges, a white poet and political activist who openly criticized the slave trade in the 1700's
- Greta Thunberg, a 12 year old who started a worldwide revolution to fight climate change and just recently spoke at the UN
None of these women were CEOs – but they were PurposeGirls. They are Women Warriors. And we can be just like them! (To hear their inspiring stories, click here to listen to my interview with Amy.)
Then last week, I talked about how to empower yourself and others at work with positive psychology, the science of flourishing. Using examples of work I've done with corporations like SAY Media, Victoria's Secret, and Capital One, I share how you can be the change at work no matter your position. You can be the one who brings Gratitude, Purpose, Kindness, Positivity, and more to your work. (Listen here.)
And right now on The PurposeGirl Podcast, I interview author of Grace and Guts, my dear friend and soul sister, LeeAnn Mallorie, who specializes in feminine leadership. She shows us that it's our intuition as women that makes us extraordinary leaders. She teaches us how to tune into our bodies so that we excel without burnout. (To listen, click here.)
I'm so passionate about women's leadership because WE are the ones the world needs now.
The world needs Women's Influence NOW.
Women's deep love and compassion for humanity, animals and the planet – like a Mama.
Women's deep desire to help others – like the caring Sister and Friend we are.
Women's fierce protection of those who are underserved – like a Lioness with her cubs!
Women's deep heart wisdom – like an elder Wise Medicine Woman!
Women's passion – like a Wild Woman who drums up change!
So it's up to us to show up as leaders and set the values for millions – for employees, for communities, for families, for the stock market, for the economy.
So my questions for you:
*Are you showing up in YOUR full leadership POWER?
*If not, why not? What will it take for you to step up fully?
*What is YOUR unique purpose?
In the meantime, if you want to read the article that prompted this blog article, click here.
I hope it INSPIRES and EMPOWERS you!
With SO much love,
XO,
Carin
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