Today is International Women’s Day, and tomorrow marks the 7th anniversary of Notch Above. I love that these two important dates coincide. This year’s IWD theme is “Accelerate Action” and with everything going on in the world, it certainly feels like we need it more than ever. Did you know that only about 2% of venture capital funding goes to startups founded solely by women? And that less than 2% of philanthropic giving goes to women and girls serving non-profits? This is our future! And that if you look at female leadership in the tech space, women only hold about 20% of leadership roles? Hope you haven’t choked on that morning coffee. But as I reflect on what we have learned these past 7 years, I thought it appropriate to share some principles that we have seen propel women to new heights in their career. Things that might help you “accelerate action”!
Owning It with Expertise and Authority
Let’s kick things off with a dose of confidence. Wouldn’t that be a nice place to start? Instead of listening to that internal voice that asks, “can I do this?” or “do I have the right skills?” We have had the pleasure of working with dozens of amazing female leaders and consultants over these 7 years and we can’t tell you how many times we’ve seen women doubt themselves, only to crush it! We have learned that to truly drive action, you need to harness your expertise and speak with authority. Trust me, when you do, things will start to happen. Think about it—those questions of “Can I really do this? Am I right for this role?” turn into “I can crush this!” Show up with confidence, or at least fake it until you make it!
Building Networks That Work as Hard as You Do
Next up, let’s chat about the magic of strong networks. It’s like having the ultimate group chat where everyone’s got your back. Whether it’s for advice, networking or even referrals, networks are a key to making things happen. In consulting we have the pleasure of working with many colleagues. When an engagement ends, the relationship doesn’t have to. The people you’ve worked with become mentors, clients and even friends. Invest the time and energy in maintaining these and look for new ways to build networks. Join a club, committee or volunteer. For the past couple of years I’ve been involved with the nonprofit, The Women’s Foundation of Boston. I was initially attracted and motivated by their mission but stayed because of the people. I’ve built an entirely new network of amazing women focused on supporting other women. Your own action will be guided by your network so make meaningful connections that light the way.
Picking Your Battles
Not every challenge needs to turn into a showdown. Sometimes, steering the conversation back to facts and outcomes with a smile can make all the difference. Remember, it’s about scoring wins that matter. A brilliant career coach once said to me “its not about being right, it’s about being effective.” And she’s right. We don’t need to assert ourselves at every opportunity, but the right ones.
Cultivating Resilience with a Side of Adaptability
If there’s one thing more essential than your morning coffee, it’s resilience. The world doesn’t slow down, so neither can we. We’ve found it incredibly valuable to seek fresh perspectives, bringing in thinkers and doers who inspire us to bounce back faster and stronger. Surround yourself with people who are positive, and focus on what’s next. Every setback is just a setup for a comeback, right? (adios 2024 ????) .
Empowering the Culture you Value
As consultants we see all kinds of cultures. Companies where innovation is paramount and people thrive. Companies where cost is king, and operational efficiency drives all other behaviors. Places where leaders liked to be challenged, and others where the leaders are never wrong. The beauty of consulting is we are not tied to the client’s culture. At Notch Above we have established our own culture. A place where everyone feels valued, ideas brew freely, and we succeed together. We hire for potential and passion, making sure every voice can be heard and can contribute to our collective success. As you think about “accelerating action” think about the kind of place you want to invest your talents and what you can do to make a difference. Be living proof of what culture thrives.
Elevating and Inspiring Others
And the most important part? Lifting others as we climb. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing someone you’ve mentored take the lead, smashing barriers and setting new benchmarks. We make it a point to guide, support, and cheer for the incredible women around us, creating waves that will carry us all forward. Think about ways you can do the same for those around you. Give someone praise, help them push their limits. The rewards pay dividends.
Here’s to Bigger Strides and Brighter Days
I’ll close with a toast to International Women’s Day. Let’s embrace the theme of “Accelerate Action.” This isn’t just a call to celebrate where we’ve been— (although these 7 years have been the best yet) it’s a rally to push faster and further towards gender equality. Here’s to another year of making bold moves, empowering each other, and accelerating action towards a more inclusive and innovative industry. Let’s keep the momentum going and make today truly amazing. Cheers to empowering each other and changing the game, one brilliant woman at a time!