Give Her Dollars

Who am I? In my teens, I didn’t care to spend time thinking about my identity. In my 20s, I was desperate to find myself and my purpose in life. In my 30s, I’m finally stepping into my true self. Uncovering each layer has been a rollercoaster. But a beautiful and important one nonetheless. Who can relate? ??: Kundalini Vidya

A male coworker once told me: “You seem like a young woman who’s in a hurry.” While wildly inappropriate, he was right. I’m in a hurry to become as successful and make as much money as quickly as possible. So I can get tf away from having to entertain and awkwardly laughing off uncomfortable conversations like these ?? Money is freedom. The freedom to say no. The freedom to get up and leave. And I will die on this hill.

I stopped taking work meetings before 10am and after 4pm - and here’s what happened: Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The world did in fact not stop spinning. Now go ahead and block your calendar already ?? P.S.: I help young women in tech become their own best advocate when it comes to their money and career. If this is interesting, sign up for my free newsletter: sheconomist.com ??

I spent my PTO in a $14,000,000 mansion in Beverly Hills. Here’s what happened ?? Last week, I flew to LA to attend an incredibly special mastermind retreat hosted by one of my biggest role models turned mentors, Danielle Canty, who co-founded and scaled Bossbabe to an 8-figure business. I got to enjoy 2.5 days with incredible women from all over the world (Finland, Bali, Belgium, England, Scotland, the US, Canada) who came together in community to uplevel their mindset and businesses. It was a permission slip to dream bigger and make progress towards becoming the person we need to be in order to turn those dreams into reality. In addition to Danielle herself, we got to learn from some of the biggest entrepreneurs and thought leaders of our time including: ?? Neha Kumar, former COO & CFO of Create & Cultivate + Co-Founder & COO of Full Glass Wine (founded 15 months ago and projected to make $125M in revenue this year) ?? Ashley Stahl, counterterrorism professional turned highly-sought after speaker (Top 100 TEDx talk) & international bestselling author ?? Matthew Hussey, 2x NYT Bestselling Author & Host of the #1 YouTube Channel specializing in confidence and relational intelligence. I didn’t know what to expect going into this experience. And as corny as it may sound, I left New York as one person and returned as a transformed version of myself. I have more clarity and more hope than ever before. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I’d ever get to play in that league. And here I am. Just getting started. ?

I see this one thing happening too often: (and it can be avoided) Too often, women are staying in unfulfilling or even toxic environments. ? Because they are financially dependent on staying. A F*** You Fund can enable you to leave people, institutions, and environments that no longer serve you. And every woman should have one. If you’re committed to building or growing yours, join our community of ambitious women who are working towards financial independence and living life on their own terms: sheconomist.com ?

Of course the media has to pit these two women against each other as well. ?? First women in sports & entertainment. Then women in business. Now women in philanthropy. Even more saddened by the fact that this was written by a woman. Is this ever going to stop?!

????????????????????: Over the next decade, B2C and B2B businesses will find it impossible to ignore the transformative impact of the "???????????? ??????????????”. Companies that don’t have an authentic strategy for engaging women in business risk falling behind. But let’s take a step back. What even is the “female economy”? —— The "female economy" refers to the economic activities, markets, and financial behaviors driven by women as consumers, entrepreneurs, and workers. It encompasses the ???????????????? ?????????? & ?????????????????? ?????????? ???????? in various sectors, including their spending patterns, investment choices, business ownership, and workforce participation. This concept highlights the significant and growing impact women have on the global economy, recognizing their unique needs, preferences, and contributions to economic growth and development. The female economy also emphasizes the importance of addressing gender disparities and creating inclusive opportunities for women in economic activities. —— So why should companies care? Because the female economy represents a powerful source of untapped potential. Women influence up to 80% of all consumer spending. In 2024, more single women are home owners compared to single men. By 2030, American women are set to inherit 30 trillion dollars as part of the greatest generational wealth transfer the modern world has ever seen. More women are graduating from college than men. Women are starting new businesses at the fastest rate we have ever seen. —— Companies (incl. employers) that want to win women’s business will have to: ??solve REAL pain points for women that weren’t addressed historically in order to grow their customer base and increase brand loyalty ???think menopause care, menstrual wellness, maternal health, truly inclusive beauty + fashion brands - no more shaming, no more stigma, no more ageism ??offer more flexibility, agency, self-expression, equitable practices, and purpose ???otherwise women, especially women in leadership positions and Gen Z, will continue to leave workplaces that fail to appropriately address their needs ??invest in more women & underrepresented founders who work on underserved problems ???the world doesn’t need yet another unprofitable SaaS company, what we need are businesses that have a meaningful positive impact on our children, on our communities and our planet as whole —— With the potential to control two-thirds of the consumer wealth in the next decade, the female economy is a dominant market segment that no business can afford to ignore. Women’s needs are no longer a niche. And they never should have been considered niche to begin with. —— P.S.: I write a newsletter celebrating the female economy and helping women become their own best advocates when it comes to their money, career & wellbeing. ?? You can sign for free at sheconomist(.)com ?? #femaleeconomy #womensupportingwomen #genderequality #femalefounders

Did you know that the traditional 9-5 workday schedule was designed to accommodate men’s testosterone levels? Last week, Women@ LinkedIn hosted Alison Acerra MS, RDN for a workshop on hormonal health. And it’s about time we talk about women’s physiological needs in the workplace. — So let’s dissect what most of us have ignored for years and decades. During the 24-hour cycle, men experience a surge in testosterone & cortisol in the morning, which boosts their energy, focus, productivity, and communication. In the afternoon, their testosterone levels decrease, making them more inclined to socialize. Think happy hour. By evening, testosterone levels drop further and estrogen becomes more prominent, leading to a desire to relax and unwind. This daily rhythm aligns well with the typical 9-5 work schedule, which was designed with men in mind. — Women/menstruators, on the other hand, have a ~28-day hormonal cycle that significantly influences their energy levels and mood. Each phase of the cycle brings different strengths and emotional states. The menstrual phase encourages rest, reflection, and decision-making. The follicular phase sparks new beginnings, planning, and creativity. The ovulatory phase boosts energy and social interactions. The luteal phase enhances focus, productivity, organization, and a desire for solitude. Unlike men, women experience only one significant testosterone spike during ovulation, which is when they feel most energetic and social. (and let's not forget about all those symptoms menstruators experience throughout menopause) — This mismatch between women's natural cycles and the standard work schedule can lead to stress, anxiety & burnout, as women are forced to adhere to a rhythm that doesn't align with their biology. Societal norms have long ignored this fact, affecting the emotional and mental well-being of half the population. Don’t get me wrong: Women are MORE than capable of working the conventional 9-5. But during some days of the month, it likely costs them more energy, which brings us back to the question of workplace equity. — Despite the unlikelihood of changes to the work structure in Corporate, it's important to acknowledge that women/menstruators are often working against their natural physiology. Embracing and understanding our hormonal cycle, rather than resisting it, can be beneficial. I encourage all women to become more proactive in advocating for their needs. During our Women@ LinkedIn hormonal health event last week, the chat was buzzing with women sharing resources and how they have normalized discussing their cycles with coworkers. And I freakin’ love that. — Liked this post? I write a FREE newsletter called The Sheconomist where I share tips & resources that help women become better advocates when it comes to their money, career & wellbeing You can sign up at ?? sheconomist(.)com ?? #womenatwork #womensupportingwomen #womenshealth #genderequality #hormonalhealth

???????? ????????????????????, ???????????? ?????????? & ???????????????????????? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????? ??????????????. Last Thursday, Season 3 of #Bridgerton premiered. Millions of fans, myself included, gravitate towards this 19th century Regency era period drama with all of its romance, intrigue & sumptuous costumes. ?? And I found myself wondering what exactly it is that makes this show so appealing, particularly to a female audience. And I think I figured it out. — In recent years, we've seen a powerful shift in how women are represented in media, driven by the emergence of the ???????????? ????????. Unlike the male gaze, which has long dominated cinema and often objectifies women as things to be conquered, possessed, and controlled, the female gaze offers a more humanizing & inclusive perspective. It conveys feelings in a gentle, patient manner, focusing on anticipation, tension, & yearning. In Bridgerton, it's characterized by a far more humanizing sexualization and allows women to express & satisfy their desires in a way that feels authentic and empathetic, making the series resonate with women who see their own experiences reflected. — Similarly, #TaylorSwift's music exemplifies the female gaze. Her lyrics articulate the nuances of female desire—whether for love, success, or self-fulfillment— in an authentic & empowering way. This shift towards recognizing and validating women’s experiences is not confined to entertainment alone. — Female "finfluencers," are redefining financial literacy and independence. Thought leaders like Tori Dunlap, Simran Kaur or Rachel Rodgers motivate women to take control of their financial futures, normalizing discussions around wealth and financial autonomy in a relatable and empathetic manner. By doing so, they provide a framework for women to express and pursue their ambitions on their own terms, much like the narratives crafted by Swift and the creators of Bridgerton. — Speaking of show creators: The one and only Shonda Rhimes (Bridgerton, Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away with Murder) previously shared that a room full of old men (tv execs) had once told her that no one would watch a show about a woman who would sleep with a man the night before her first day of work. It’s 2024 and Grey’s Anatomy is in its 20th season, making it the longest-running scripted primetime series in ABC history. — So what does that leave us with? We need to rethink how we treat women as consumers, (business) partners, employees, & overall contributors to society. Respect over objectification. Listening & acknowledging over patronizing & underestimating. Flexibility, recognition & reward over ticking boxes. The success of the female gaze in media underscores the power of empathy, authenticity, & inclusivity—qualities that should be integral to our professional lives. Ignoring this is not just a missed opportunity - it’s a recipe for failure.

Corporate America is wildly unprepared for this next generation of women. And that lack of awareness and preparation is gonna come at a steep cost for employers. — You see, I’ve coached & mentored dozens of some of the smartest students, recent grads, and peers in tech. Women who graduated from the world’s most prestigious universities. Women who landed jobs at the most desirable companies across big tech, management consulting, investment banking, private equity, you name it. Women from 6 different continents. Women that any company wants. — You wanna know what all of them have in common? They are utterly disenchanted by the corporate world. Why? Unlike the women who came before them and who have had to make considerable sacrifices to have a shot at a successful career (and who were still met with plenty of sexism along the way), sacrificing their mental & physical wellbeing, financial security, or personal fulfillment is not an option for young women anymore. This next generation of women dominating the global workforce is tolerating less and expecting more from their employers. They are increasingly independent, confident, and outspoken. — People tend to confuse this increasing level of self-advocacy among young folks with laziness. Gen Z is often labeled as either too demanding or the generation that doesn’t want to work. That assessment is not only wrong but that narrow-mindedness is completely missing the mark. And it is in fact dangerous because it only further perpetuates the patriarchy. — The debate about the future of work is not about remote vs. hybrid vs. in-person. It’s about young women knowing their worth & finally demanding what they deserve: Equitable pay, meaningful career progression, more advocacy, physical, psychological & emotional safety, a right to self-expression. — And then I hear stories about employers attempting to limit talented employee’s self-expression or consistently denying raises/promotions without proper transparency. Just look at the most recent example from that social media savvy Chick-fil-A employee. Those intimidation tactics almost always backfire. Because as soon as that conversation is over, she will start preparing her exit plan. And she’s gonna tell all her talented female friends. (+ go viral on social right after) — Not meeting young women where they’re at is going to cost Corporate America BILLIONS. Many countries, including my home country Germany, are already suffering from major labor market shortages. Women in the US are starting their own companies at the highest rate ever seen. Often precisely because they want to have more agency. I predict we’re only going to see more young women choosing that path over corporate America. If you are a company leader or people manager above the age of 40, now is the time for humility, to invest in reverse mentoring, and to start listening. #womenatwork #genz #genderequality #femaleeconomy #womensupportingwomen