Tag Archives: leadership

Ban Bossy

What do you think of the Ban Bossy campaign? Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and author of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, has partnered with Anna Maria Chavez, CEO of the Girl Scouts, and former Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice to encourage girls to strive for leadership roles. Their thought is that girls are discouraged from asserting themselves because they don’t want to be called bossy—domineering, prone to giving orders. The campaign argues that if we take away the stigma by banning the word, girls will take … Continue reading

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Nelson Mandela: Head Pointed to the Sun

Nelson Mandela, whose life was defined by moral courage and leadership, died in Johannesburg, South Africa on December 5, 2013. He grew from rural villager to resistance leader against the apartheid regime, and endured decades of imprisonment as a result. When released from Robben Island prison in 1990 he worked to negotiate a peaceful end to institutionalized racism, which earned him a share of the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize. The first black president from 1994-1999, Mandela was a hero of the 20th century.  I am fundamentally an optimist. Whether that … Continue reading

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Can Women Have It All?

Here it is 50 years after “The Feminine Mystique” was published and women are still struggling with identity. Should we “Lean In” and grab ambition as the book recently published by Facebook’s COO Sheryl Sandberg suggests? Or let go of guilt and create a realistic work/family balance once and for all? Is it time to reignite the smoldering women’s revolution? Probably not. As I look back over 35 years of trying to do it all, I realize that these conversations will likely continue way past my lifetime. You see, there … Continue reading

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President Obama, Survivors of Sandy and Making a Fresh Start

President Obama, in his acceptance speech, talked about building bridges to tackle our nation’s problems. The survivors of Superstorm Sandy also face complicated challenges as they begin to rebuild their communities. When life is difficult and it’s hard to cope, we have to dig deep to find personal strength: It takes time to revitalize. Solitude itself provides a chance to rejuvenate emotionally. In the few free moments you do have, find what feels relaxing and brings you pleasure – listen to music that stirs your soul or curl up with … Continue reading

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