You’ve heard “the mother of invention is necessity”? Well in many cases so is the mother of success.
As a single mom with nothing more than a high school diploma, no family “name” or trust fund, I am now the proud owner of a successful consulting firm, Trace Strategies, which has grown exponentially in just one year, with some of the most recognized names on the planet as clients.
It’s not unusual for someone to ask, “What’s it like to be a woman in a man’s world?” during those initial conversations we all engage in at airports or dinner parties. Not sure if it’s the fact I’m a former U.S. Navy Diver, owned a successful construction company or am now a political consultant.
Honestly, until the last few years I’d never really thought about it because I never really saw it that way — I just saw it as “Hey, I want to do that,” so I did.
I’ve never admired successful women more than men. Never read all the “hear me roar” articles or ever thought I did or didn’t get a job because I was a woman. In my opinion, articles like “The Glass Ceiling: How women are blocked from getting to the top” do women a disservice, especially younger women, planting excuses and doubt along with focusing on the negative. I don’t need an excuse for failure. I want a path to #win. No one ever told me there was a ceiling, glass or otherwise — thank God!
The American Dream: It’s not just for men anymore (and never was)! Mary Musgrove, Elizabeth Ann Seton and Virginia Apgar, or, better yet, Elizabeth Holmes didn’t throw the woman card or complain about equal pay. They didn’t have images of Forbes “Most Powerful Women” to inspire them; they had a vision for themselves (or their families) and just did it, regardless of the obstacles.
I don’t subscribe to the “Women’s Lib” ideology of fighting “back against male supremacy” because I don’t believe men are supreme nor do I believe the majority of men believe that either. I believe in equality because every one brings something to the table, like how about your qualifications. If you don’t get the job, start a company and show them what you have.
I’m not saying sexism hasn’t or doesn’t exist because it does. What I am saying is don’t make decisions based on perimeters or restrictions set by others. Just like being “offended” by someone — I have to respect someone to actually be offended by them.
Being one of the first women in history to complete U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal training, Navy Dive School and Marine Mammal training, I have standing to say don’t get waivers or favors — compete equally if you want equality.
My list for how to be a woman in a man’s world:
- Don’t play the woman card; if you can do the job, you don’t need it.
- Don’t use sex to get ahead; it does a disservice to the rest of us.
- Be an encourager and team player, not a whiner or distraction.
- Use your God-given femininity as strength; you don’t have to be a man, we have plenty.
- Don’t make it about you busting ceilings; it’s about being the most successful you.
For all of you who still believe there’s a ceiling that needs busting, you’re right; for those of you who don’t — you’re right!
It’s America — git r done!