HOW DO YOU DEFINE WOMEN WITH POWER?

Last Thursday I attended a small gathering at Le Rev Bakery in Seattle. Atop Queen Anne hill, Le Rev is my favorite hangout. Besides the perfect cup of coffee, the bakery has authentic French pastries, a unique breakfast salad, and a turkey gobbler sandwich that tangs my mouth. Hosted by Shelly Roberts and Judy Yu of Strategy Clicks, the topic of the morning was “Women With Power.” I didn’t consider myself a “woman with power” so the invitation was unexpected. But I expected the women invited would be handpicked, and I knew the pastries would be scrumptious and plentiful. I knew enough to know that this was an opportunity not to be missed.

After introductions, Andrea, the owner of Le Rev, said, “I have three daughters. I want them to be strong and confidant as they get older. “ What Andrea wanted for her daughters I wanted for mine. I listened closely as Shelly’s energy ramped up.

Over the course of two hours we shared personal stories, descriptions of women who we admired, and considered our female heroes. We compiled lists of words, negative and positive. We worked in small groups and as a large group, sharing it all.

Shelly and Judy led the way, showing us that we must think differently to change the way we lead with power. They focused on the how to think, not the what to think.

At the end of the two hours I walked away with a new definition of power.  I now think of a woman with power as a woman with ENERGY and FOCUS and STRENGTH and CONFIDENCE. That’s true beauty to me. The conversation confirmed that there are “stages and ages,” and that at each stage of life, a woman with power means something different. Another key is being GENEROUS with time. I promise to focus on that trait. Role modeling for other women, especially those young women just beginning their careers, and those still younger who are finding their way through high school and college has to take precedence. I agreed with TENACITY, that being tenacious is how things get accomplished. That work and life must be FUN. Fun keeps the energy alive and life interesting. And that it’s okay to be a BOLD, BOSSY woman who takes charge when taking charge is done with COMPASSION and KINDNESS and HONESTY.

Women are the difference in today’s world. Opportunities are abundant. It’s all in the “how” we go about our business.

How do you define women with power? What words come to mind? Whether you are a stay-at-home mother or in the workforce, how can women lead best? Let our best attributes shine!