Women As Allies - Part II

Women As Allies - Part II

There’s a common theme underpinning many of the dynamics we’ve discussed: “A system of society or government in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it.” Yes – I just provided a Merriam-Webster definition of patriarchy. It is not women’s responsibility to dismantle patriarchal power structures, but we can understand our options to disrupt patterns that create barriers to equality.

The benefits are priceless. Envision a world in which we consistently find joy in each other’s successes, where we can rely on professional sisterhood for allyship and encouragement, where we pass down knowledge and wisdom between generations, and where we reject outdated stereotypes and biases.

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Women As Allies - Part I

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Women As Allies - Part I

I consistently hear the perception, sometimes mentioned in a shameful whisper, and sometimes with indignant conviction, that women don’t support other women. I hear it in workshops, coaching sessions and over coffee with friends. And reader, let me tell you, there is so much here to discuss! But it’s probably not what you think…

In fact, this topic is so deeply complex and fascinating that it can fill books. So, in this two-part series, we’ll focus on the following basics: What’s actually going on, why it’s happening, and what we can do about it. Before we can talk about the solutions, we need to understand the reality of what’s happening.

My “Pilot Program” for Independence

My “Pilot Program” for Independence

In many ways, this trip is a model for the existence I’ve crafted following a two decade career in the energy industry. I’ve intentionally structured my life in a way that allows me to prioritize the most important elements, but also to make room for unexpected opportunities to flourish.

Let’s Talk About Boundaries

Let’s Talk About Boundaries

“The word boundaries is scary,” mused the executive consultant sitting next to me. “Perhaps there’s a less emotional word you can use.” We were chatting about how best to frame the workshop that I had developed for women in masculine professional environments. Sitting there, on the coast of a peaceful wind-swept Greek island, that word still managed to register a subtle blip of discomfort.