womenworking.com Blog

I am so excited, my new book In Her Power: Reclaiming Your Authentic Self will be in bookstores next Tuesday. It took me two years to write and I received a lot of support along with the way from some dynamic women.  It is about the nine facets of a woman’s power and the most common self-sabotaging behaviors — what I call veils — that hold us back from each.

Some of the facets of power are: recognizing your unique destiny; accepting the discomfort of change, acting with confidence, expressing yourself genuinely, cultivating intimacy, and building a Power Web. I had to confront some things about myself that I would rather have left unsaid. I found myself revealing more than I usually do in business circles because I realized that in writing down my own story I could really help others.

The book is filled with exercises and reflections to take you deeper and look at what blocks you from fully accessing your power. It is my hope that women, after reading this book, will step into their power my fully.  There is no time to waste — the world is in a crazy place, and more women leaders are needed.

I took my own advice and just got back from a nine-day retreat, renewal spa trip. It was amazing. I walked and exercised everyday, and met some dynamic women.

Each day I took a mile walk at 6 a.m. and found a majestic oak tree—the tree represented to me strength, resilience, and the ability to embrace my surroundings with open arms.

I wish a similar experience for all of you—the hope that you would take the time out of your busy lives to retreat, regroup and replenish at whatever destination would provide that for you.

To a prosperous, successful and healthy, New Year!

If you’re thinking about taking a calculated risk this year to accomplish your goals, you’ll need to reach out for help. In the third installment of Helene’s risk taking series, she discusses the value of mentors. Don’t miss steps one and two.

Courtesy of State Farm

During the holiday season, it is so easy to get caught up with the stress of it all--the ads are screaming "Buy Me!", the kids are chirping "What are you going to get me?", the gift list may get even longer when you see the BIG discounts in the stores.

And we wonder why we get so stressed at this time.

Unfortunately, I think so many of us get caught in the frenzy that we don't sit back and appreciate the real gift--you.

Do you take the time to acknowledge yourself? All you've accomplished this year, on all fronts: work, family, community... 

Do you take the time to see how much you've grown in your understanding of yourself and others?

Do you appreciate all the good you do in the world?

Now is the time to do just that.

And for those of us who have less than perfect lives, show yourself some compassion.  Holidays are a mixed bag filled with different emotions.  Treating yourself with kindness will go a long way and have a spiraling effect.  If you are kind to yourself, others will sense it, and perhaps be kinder to themselves in turn.

This holiday season, offer a random act of kindness to the most important person in your life, YOU.

Women are incredibly strong. Here are some quotes from my book, "What Makes a Strong Woman?" Take a few minutes away from your busy day to honor and inspire yourself.

Video Editor: Christina Raia

Carol Evans, President of Working Mother Media, is a dynamo—a committed leader who is passionate about creating change in the work/life arena. I attended the Work Life Congress last week. Here are some of the highlights from one of the morning sessions, including a discussion between Carol and Billie Williamson, Americas Inclusiveness Officer of Ernst & Young.

Check out the What Moms Choose report (pdf), which was released today.

Video Editor: Christina Raia

I was at an event last night held by New York Women In Communications—they are a great group. Mika Brzezinski of "Morning Joe" (left) was there speaking about her book, Knowing Your Value.

Bottom line—you deserve equal pay to men and if you don't ask for it, you won't get it. Mika says you have to realize what your worth and what value you bring to the table. You have to find out what men are getting paid for doing the same job, and if there is a discrepancy, don't take it.

Mika was confident with her message. Definitely food for thought.

(Read our review of Mika's book on our Bookshelf.)

I’ve known Denise Morrison for over a decade and I’m thrilled that she is running Campbell’s. When I asked her if it feels any different for her to be CEO, she said “I can focus now on doing the job instead of getting the job.”

As one of four successful daughters, she shared, “When I told my mother and father that I got my dream job, my father said to me ‘That’s great, what’s next?’”

Her strategy for the future of the company is growth: to grow North American soup and simple meals, to expand their international presence and to continue to drive growth in healthy beverages and baked snacks. Denise is also committed to building an inclusive environment at Campbell’s.

We are sure to see great things come from this authentic leader.

Meet Yvonne DiVita, Founder of the Lip-Sticking Society, an online community for women, by women. Below find some highlights of an interview we had with her.

Why did you start the Lip-sticking Society?

In 2004 I wrote a book about marketing to women online called Dickless Marketing: Smart Marketing to Women Online. I started the blog in place of a newsletter because I knew I wouldn’t have time for a newsletter. It was an experiment that worked on many levels. I got the chance to keep writing about women and shopping and marketing, and I got a lot of attention for a focus that was not getting the attention it deserved at the time. My goal was to help businesses understand the women’s market and why shopping online was so attractive to women.

As it grew and as I added guest bloggers (experts in their field), Lip-sticking became the go-to place for women’s issues, marketing, business, and social media – from a woman’s perspective. The women who write to me are happy to have a resource that understands them. The blog has grown from just a focus on marketing to women to a focus on women’s issues, women in business, and women’s voices.

What is your approach to marketing, branding and social media? How has it shifted in recent years?

Interestingly, my approach to marketing, branding and social media has come full circle. I believe in social media’s value and its ability to connect us to each other virtually, whether we’ve ever met in person or not. But, I realize it’s a small piece of the puzzle. Folks need to look at the big picture – the one that includes face-to-face meetings and the importance of the “give-back principle” that dictates we give back to our community on a regular basis, without worrying about being thanked or getting paid back! The more you give of yourself, the more life gives back to you. So, I try to share, share, share – and give my readers a reason to keep coming back.

What new advice can you give women who might want to rebrand themselves?

Get out and meet other women! Find a mentor. Go on a retreat and discover yourself. Be your own best friend. Once you are comfortable in your skin and know who you are, you can build a strong, personal, exciting brand that will attract the right people to you. If you are having a bad day, shake yourself out of that dour mood and go do something for someone else. It’s all up to you. Happiness and success is a choice. Make the choice to be happy and successful and do whatever it takes! If I can help, let me know.

Follow Yvonne on Twitter @y2vonne

Sarah Tobol, Editor

I took the afternoon off on Friday and went to Wave Hill in Riverdale, New York. Its mission is to celebrate the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, to preserve its magnificent views, and to explore human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

It is an extraordinarily beautiful and peaceful place. I needed a little rejuvenation. I thought you might be interested in hearing a little bit about its history…

In 1843 Wave Hill House was built as a country home by jurist William Lewis Morris, then it was owned by publisher William Henry Appleton from 1866 to 1903.

Theodore Roosevelt's family rented Wave Hill during the summers of 1870 and '71, when he was 12 and 13 years old. The future president's time there deepened his love of nature and the outdoors, which would later motivate him to secure the preservation of millions of acres of American parkland.

Mark Twain leased the estate from 1901-1903. He set up a treehouse parlor in the branches of a chestnut tree on the lawn.

George W. Perkins, a partner of J.P. Morgan, purchased Wave Hill House in 1903. He planned the grounds to enhance the property's magnificent vistas. The Perkins-Freeman family deeded the property to the City of New York in 1960.

If not Wave Hill, maybe you have something like it near you that you can escape to!

Women were first-responders at Ground Zero on September 11, 2001. But many of us don't know about them, and the media hasn't been covering their stories. Last night, I attended a screening of Beyond Bravery: The Women of 9/11, a documentary which will air on CNN on Sept. 11 at 10 p.m., eastern. It is a must-watch. The event was presented by Women's eNews, a great organization.

Soledad O'Brien moderated a panel of first-responders after the screening. Brenda Berkman (one of the first women to be accepted into the FDNY) and Regina Wilson (a firefighter for the Fire Department of NYC) were there. Why is it that there are only 29 firefighters that are women in NYC? We need more!

When I asked Regina what special qualities women firefighters bring to the job, she said, "Women are the glue that holds it all together."

On a personal note, I had interviewed Soledad for my of my shows, "Mothers and Sons: Raising Compassionate Men". At the time her twin boys were about two. I noticed a young man sitting up front and later Soledad introduced me to him as one of her sons—now age 7. How time flies!

Let's take a moment to pay tribute to the women involved in Sept. 11, some are still with us, and there are those heroes who have passed on.

Watch the trailer for the documentary on CNN.

Left to right: Soledad O'Brien, Brenda Berkman, Regina Wilson, and Françoise Jacobsohn (project manager for Equality Works)

Labor Day is over, and now is a great time to reexamine your personal and professional goals. Which ones are keepers, which need to be tweaked, and what new ones should be added to the list?

You have important work to do and getting clarity will help you focus. Watch for distractions and energy drainers like:

• Putting something off that you know needs to be done NOW!
• Perfectionism — it gets in the way of your being productive.
• Second-guessing yourself. Make a decision and move on.

For the most part all is well in New York City where my home and office is located. One of our phone lines is out, but aside from that nothing else was really impaired. Yes, we were all incovenienced—public transportation was not available, but we managed, even my nine-year-old cat Mr. CK.  He rarely goes out and he took a spin on Saturday because we were in an evacuation zone. 

I noticed in potential disasters, people talk to each other more—perhaps to alleviate the anxiety of what is to come.

On a positive note, I met some new folks who offered to help me set up a temporary internet connection.  And on Saturday night, I did something not really like me.  It was pouring rain outside and my son and I took two big umbrellas and walked a few blocks to find a Pizza take out. The rain really started to come down heavily—I remembered the movie classic SINGING IN THE RAIN. And guess what, I began singing and doing a few dance steps in the rain.

Now, I don't think that would have happened if I was tucked away and comfortable...

Today Denise Morrison became President and CEO of Campbell Soup Company.

I've known Denise for years—she is truly a leader that only talks the talk but walks the walk.

I included her story in my book, Smart Women Take Risks, where she said, "Im constantly pushing myself to grow, learn and contribute." She advanced through jobs at Procter & Gamble, Nestle, Nabisco and Kraft before arriving at Campbell's in 2003.

"I get up every morning in learning mode, and it just makes work so much more rewardning when I'm continuously growing, improving, and contributing."

Best to you Denise. Looking forward to the exciting ways you will continue leading the company.

Fondly, Helene

Photo from www.campbellsoupcompany.com

Just saw the show. I think it is running for another two weeks on Broadway. Mark Rylance was extraordinary!  I haven't seen this type of creative work in years. By the way, he won the Tony for best actor this year. Definitely worth seeing him in this role.

Ruthie Davis not only creates amazing shoes, but she is also bold and beautiful. And she is not afraid to brag about her brand, after all she is the creator of some fabulous products — not only shoes, but also handbags. (Read our feature on Ruthie here.)

The youngest of six children, her parents were great roles models. "My mother told me I was world class — that whatever I would do would be world class. And I watched my father lead, he was a powerful businessman in our community."

Ruthie struts her power with grace and compassion. For example, her shoes are made abroad and she deals with several vendors in Italy. She told me of a challenge she was presented with, some prototypes weren't made to her specs. Instead of getting bent out of shape, Ruthie asked the vendor to call her after he had dinner — she would have a solution, and she did. "It all works out — it always does. And where would it have gotten me if I got all upset? Not very far."

After having a drink with Ruthie, I feel like I know another great role model, colleague and friend.

Want to win a fabulous Ruthie Davis handbag? Like our Facebook page by August 8. Your name will be placed in a drawing where one lucky person will win Ruthie's "Highline" clutch, worth over $700!

The Center for Work-Life Policy released a study today about Asians in America. This population has long been viewed as a "model minority," and is one of the fastest growing populations.  This highly motivated talent pool seems to come up against a "bamboo ceiling" that prevents them from breaking into upper management.  The research reports that educated Asians struggle to conform to the dominant leadership model within corporate America. They report difficulty in fitting in and establishing professional networks.  Seeing little chance of fulfilling their ambitions, many highly-qualified Asians scale back or have one foot out the door.  Companies that acknowledge the issues affecting these professionals have the opportunity to establish innovative programs and practices to reach this highly impressive population.

Dance instructors Sally and Alex Tchassov want you to know that any woman can dance. Even if you don't have confidence, all you need is a desire to learn and have fun. Take a look at this video for a quick Salsa lesson and learn how dance can help with other areas of your life.

Video Editor: Marie Hankinson

Deb Boblitt is a friend and colleague. I love her energy—she is a born leader. But what many don’t about her is how talented she is as a fine artist. I was invited to one of her homes—she's relocated several times for different business assignments—and she and Ed (her husband) have crafted amazing spaces. They’ve decorated all of their homes, mostly from scratch.  I asked her to share with us her creative process as well as her war stories. In Deb’s words…

Throughout my career with State Farm I’ve relocated seven times. In fact, now when my husband calls the moving company, he tells them the exact weight of our furniture: 36,104 lbs. Through these moves, I’ve had the opportunity to redesign many homes.

A few years ago, I moved to a new house and was looking for the perfect painting to fill a particular spot. After looking for weeks I just wasn’t having much luck. That’s when I decided a better solution was to paint it myself. That was the beginning of a very passionate, creative outlet for me. Not only did I get the perfect painting for the area, I also found a new way to express myself.

I’d never painted before and it was intimidating to take on this new challenge. But as French artist Henri Matisse is known for saying, “Creativity takes courage.” I truly believe this. Not just to have the courage to try new things, like painting, but you must be courageous and think creatively in the workplace as well.

Often when I walk into a room, I get a sense of what’s needed to complete it based on color, design and texture. For example, in my current home, I had the opportunity to showcase my artwork in a new way. My husband, Ed and I repurposed a built-in bookshelf to showcase three of my paintings, two of which are painted solid white, but the texture is what makes them complete the space. 

My next venture is to start working with different materials like rubber, metal and fabric. This assemblage approach will add a three-dimensional perspective to my creations. Although it’s new and different, I can’t wait to get started.

Last night I was invited by Garth Brooks to sit at his table at the Songwriters Hall of Fame when he was being inducted. What a treat — I had a fabulous time. I was so excited to meet Garth's tribe, and his teenage daughters — Taylor, August and Allie — were wonderful.  And yes, his wife Trisha Yearwood was there too (as Garth puts it, she's his soulmate).

Billy Joel introduced Garth as the last inductee of the night. Garth sang solo and was then joined by Billy to perform a number together — well, the house was rockin'!

But what really touched me was when Garth accepted the award, he said "the real success for me, is if my daughters are happy." And during the evening Trisha sang a medley of Hal David songs, which was amazing. When I turned to see Garth's reaction to his wife's performance, tears were running down his face. I can only guess that he was touched by the love he felt for her.

Garth...you are a winner in more ways than one...I am proud to be your friend.

Garth, Trisha and I

Me with Trisha Yearwood and Garth's daughters: from left, August, Allie and Taylor

Other inductees to the Songwriters Hall of Fame were John Bettis, Leon Russell, Billy Steinberg & Tom Kelly, Allen Toussaint. And special awards went to Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, Drake, Chaka Khan, and Hal David.