When asked to write about women inspiring change, the theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, I considered Joan of Arc.  After all, she led a battalion of men victoriously into battle, turning the tides of a war, which waged for a hundred years, and eventually was sainted by the Catholic Church.  Then I remembered:

(a)     She was burned alive at the stake almost 600 years ago,
(b)    She took orders from voices in her head. 

And so I thought better of living by her example.

Combatting sexism – the fight for equal possibility

Instead, I turned inward and evaluated my personal experiences in the modern world, as an accomplished woman professional and a leader in technology, a field so heavily dominated by men.  I found myself marveling at how far I’ve made it, reeling as I recalled some of the more remarkable situations in which success became that much more challenging simply because I am a woman.

Each time I’ve been chided for being too emotionally invested in my work, I found myself relegated to demeaning responsibilities below my peers, or have been rebuked for not being the contrived model of a placid and demure woman; I garnered strength by recalling one of my favorite quotes, which speaks to what it takes to blaze a trail and inspire change:

“Well-behaved women seldom make history….”*

Perhaps I should be grateful that unlike Joan of Arc, I haven’t been burned at the stake (yet) or been labeled a witch, although occasionally I have been called something that sounds awfully similar; but I am not.  I persevere to inspire change, to fashion a world where possibilities are only limited by our aptitude and ambition.

Three essentials for change – passion, vision, confidence

To inspire change you must fully ensconce yourself in your mission as you drive towards your goals.  I challenge you to lead others into unfamiliar territory through the journey that is change, by embracing three essential qualities: passion, vision, and confidence.  Too often, when we hear others doubting our abilities, it’s just so easy to question ourselves.   I offer you these alternatives to gird yourself when you feel broken.  Feel free to adopt these as a mantra and repeat as needed:      

Essential Elements of Change: Passion, Vision, and Confidence

Take action – for yourself and for all of us

This isn’t just an inspirational platitude from a motivational speaker.  It’s not one of those adages that everyone seems to agree with at first; but then they have difficulty fathoming how to put into action.  Not this time.  I’m giving you a homework assignment, and I want to see you show your work when you turn it in!

No more inhibiting your goals:

Don’t fear saying no if you’re already busy or aren’t the right person for the task
Never apologize unnecessarily or blow-off an inconvenience as not a problem
Stop allowing doubt to creep into your tone, because statements shouldn’t sound like questions, right?
Replace your concern of being disliked or upsetting others with resolve to be respected

Adopt a leadership mindset:

Allocate time for the social-side of business, because networking is crucial
Ask for help and delegate to others to share the work and the credit
Find a mentor and be a mentor, introspection and thoughtful guidance focus you on what’s important
Rectify judgmental language and actions, and start by using the mantras you counter with above

Let’s make a deal

Ladies, and gents too, can we agree to support each other and do our best to listen and share?  I bet I can learn something from you and I hope to find inspiration in your achievements.  And, in exchange, just give me a fair chance and prepare to be amazed.

*Though often misquoted:  “Well-behaved women seldom make history….” is originally an excerpt from an essay written by Pulitzer Prize winner Laurel Thatcher Ulrich in an academic paper for the journal “American Quarterly” in 1976.