Ten years ago, I had the opportunity to meet the one and only Gloria Steinem. And I have never been the same since.
Pictured: Katy and me at our book launch, fangirling over Gloria Steinem 🤩👑
I was part of a volunteer group for the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, and Gloria was our guest speaker for a big annual fundraiser. After the event, a small group of us was invited to dine with her. I will never forget that moment because it inspired the dedication of my new book, UP!, and her words have propelled an entirely new chapter of my career.
The dedication
To Gloria Steinem, who at a small dinner party of women leaders in April 2016 asked, “What aren’t each of you doing more?” That question started everything.
And to all the women who came before us–the pioneers, troublemakers, glass-ceiling breakers, leaders, provocateurs, educators, entrepreneurs, activists, and door-openers–we salute you and proudly stand on your shoulders to lift up the next generation of changemakers.
I felt compelled to share this dedication with you for 5 reasons:
- Never forget those who came before you. It’s easy to get sucked up in the mundane drama of day-to-day life. Maybe it’s a lousy manager, a job that lacks meaning, an emotionally absent partner, or a yearning to be somewhere else doing something else. All that can be massively real. Yet, when we step back and acknowledge those who have come before us, removing barriers, fighting for change, and creating opportunity for others, it’s humbling. It reminds us of the power of an individual. The power to make change in our lives and on behalf of others. Find someone who inspires you, and rise above the noise.
- Be open to inspiration at any time–and age. I was 52 when I heard Gloria’s words. I had been at the helm of a company for almost 15 years. I thought I was enlightened about the issues women face in the workplace and in society, but I was naive and living in a bubble. (We still haven’t cemented women’s rights in the Constitution of the United States, despite efforts for more than 100 years. The good news? We are close–get involved. Ten years later, and I am still inspired and driving positive change on behalf of all women.
- Don’t worry that you’re not sure where inspiration will lead. The finish line isn’t important. Each step of learning is what will feed your soul. I didn’t have a plan for a new company, a newsletter, a new book, or a new dimension of my identity. It evolved naturally with baby steps. Once I found myself obsessed with gender equality, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I began in-depth research, meeting different people and receiving invitations to new events and conversations. Now, I’m doing live TV, podcasts, and speaking events. That was never the plan; it is a natural evolution of what I care about.
- Think about the impact you want to have. Earlier in my career, I wanted to be a respected leader and business partner. I wanted to build a successful company that could afford to attract and retain awesome talent. I wanted the organization to be recognized for doing excellent work that delivered business outcomes for clients. I wanted to contribute to the intellectual discourse about the implications of technology on consumer behavior. But now? I want to have a different type of impact: I want to help one million women advance their careers. I want to help them tap into their immense power within to build a career and a life they love. I am not wasting my earlier years; I’m building upon them.
- We can’t change the workplace without more women. Women are still hired, paid, and promoted at lower rates than men at every level. This must change. The world needs more women in positions of leadership, influence, and power. We need workplaces to adapt to make room for women and the multiple roles they play. And as women advance in organizations, my dream is that they use UP! as a foundation to show up, level up, and lead differently–to drive change that benefits everyone, not a select few.
We’re still smiling from last night at Godmothers. What a special evening. ✨
This book took thirty years to percolate, over three years to develop and one year to write. Watching it land in the hands of women (and men) of all ages and career stages was deeply rewarding. To be surrounded by friends and family who showed up to celebrate it, was….well, emotional. 🥹
✨ Here’s a little peek inside the event:
If you’ve already grabbed a copy, thank you. And if you’re enjoying it, we’d be so grateful if you’d consider leaving a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 review on Amazon or Goodreads. Those reviews really do help more women find it.
And if you’re part of a book club, Katy and I are doing virtual author drop-ins for groups reading UP! over the next few months. Spots are limited, so email [email protected] with a few date and time options, and we’ll do our best to make it work.
One more thing: if you send your book order receipt to [email protected], we’ll send you a bundle of freebies, including our workbook, discussion guide, and other resources to help you go deeper with UP!.
You’re equipt to act on inspiration
