IWF Chicago

It was awesome to host some IWF Chicago friends last week at the exciting James Bond 007 Exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. We loved the forward looking technology and the Aston Martin cars and fantastic tour and breakfast! Many of us plan to return! Take your kids and grandkids- they will love it! A great cultural treasure in Chicago! Annie Chen, CFA , Peggy Parfenoff ,Lee Ann Hoover , Emily Rice Reynolds Shanda McFadden, CEPA? , Yman Huang Vien , Lynn J. Osmond, CAE , Nicole R Robinson , Marie C. Winters, CFA, CAIA Alexia Jackson, CFP?, AWMA?, CRPC?

We are thrilled to announce that PCI’s clients secured top-of-their-category scores at the PRSA Chicago 2024 Skyline Awards, making PCI the highest-awarded organization of the night and recognition as the Organization of the Year! ?? A huge congratulations to our outstanding clients for their exceptional achievements: ?? AARP Illinois Park District of Oak Park American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) We are proud to partner with such notable organizations to deliver impactful campaigns. Read more about these award-winning campaigns on our blog: https://bit.ly/4eDNW1d

Listen up, the stories aren't true!? ?? It took me two years to close a significant client.? And it taught me a huge lesson.? ? Have you ever told yourself these stories?? ? You'll never be a good public speaker.? You'll never land that big client.? You won't be promoted to president.? You can't get an interview on that news show or podcast.? You won't land that deal.? ? I'm done.? I'm done making up stories.? I'm done talking to myself in a way I wouldn't talk to our clients or my friends.? ? Are you done, too?? ? For two years, while trying to work with one of the biggest companies in the world - I could’ve told myself stories like:? ? ?? "They found someone better."? ?? "My price is too high."? ?? "They’re not interested."? ? But those stories? **They weren’t true.**? ? And we landed the company. They chose us to deliver their executive media and public speaking training.? ? For two years, I kept building the relationship, staying in touch, providing value, and showing up—because I knew we were the right fit. I didn’t let the stories in my head stop me.? ? So here’s your reminder: the next time you're going after something big, don’t make up stories in your head.? ? These stories hold us back more than any external factor.? YOU are your biggest competition.? ? Follow up. ? ? Get the answer. ? ? Don’t get in your way. ? ? Your success is on the other side of the stories you stop telling yourself.? ??? ? #MediaTraining #ExecutiveCoach #SalesTips #BusinessGrowth #JanicekPerformanceGroup #PersonalGrowth #Persistence?

It’s interesting how a milestone like a new role gets you thinking about those early days of your career, when you were just trying to figure out how to make your impact. And here’s what I’ve learned: Uncertainty isn’t anything to be ashamed of. In fact, embracing what we don’t know — and seeking out people who fuel our curiosity — is how we grow. This means asking questions, being intentional about friendships and connections, and putting ourselves out there — uncertainty and all. It’s difficult, but time and again this approach has helped me and my teammates build truly authentic relationships with the people around us. Just take it from the always inspiring Brené Brown, who reminds us authenticity is a daily choice: A choice to be honest and let our true selves be seen. And no matter how many milestones we accomplish, there’s always more to learn and more ways to grow. So, if you’re reading this and you’re facing uncertainty as you start a new career, join a new team, or work with a new client, please remember: You are more talented than you realize. And when in doubt, lean on the person next to you.?

Congratulations Mary Smith, IWF Chicago, for being listed in Forbes' 50 over 50 2024 Impact list as a "woman who is shattering gender norms and age stereotypes around the globe." https://buff.ly/2xgPOxw #ForbesOver50

Thank you IWF Chicago Kristie P. Paskvan, MBA, CPA Joyce Winnecke and Arla Lach for hosting a primer with Megan Bearder on taking more professional photos. Not sure we all perfected it but it was great practice! Chin up, chin down, square your shoulders and be in the moment - a lot to think about!

Today, IWF announced the 2024-2025 Leadership Fellows class that includes 46 diverse, highly accomplished women on accelerated paths to the highest levels of leadership in 8 countries: Australia, the Bahamas, Canada, India, Mexico, South Africa, the United States, and, for the first time, Armenia and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. https://buff.ly/3NcA1DL

Reflecting on the recent Summer Soirée, I am truly excited about the future of IWF Chicago and the incredible opportunities ahead for our community of dynamic women. As I step into the role of President, my goal is to foster a vibrant and inclusive environment where every member is valued and deeply engaged and we unquestionably advance women’s leadership, equality and equitable access to high impact opportunities. Huge thanks to the Chicago Sinfonietta and Violinist Edith Yonkley for a brilliant performance. A warm thank you to Dr. Tasha Green Cruzatand Khalilah Lyons, MHRIR, PHR, HCS, SWP and everyone who joined us, I’m thrilled for the journey ahead and all that we will achieve together!