Gendered Advice for International Women’s Day

I’m probably more acutely aware of this than normal, being nine months pregnant and all, but I’m highly cognizant that I’m among the many lucky women of the world who follow in the footsteps of true trailblazers who wouldn’t take no for an answer. I’m here because while maybe not shattering it as intended, they certainly raised the glass ceiling.?

Now, I still get things like, “your bedside manner is maybe a bit too strong,” or “are you sure about those numbers?” And, yes, I would say I 100% get those because I’m a woman — not because of what I’m actually bringing to the table. But I’ll fight those battles every day in hopes that the next generation has an even easier time achieving the ranks they seek in whatever career path they choose.?

I’m reminded of my great-grandmother in these moments. I had the privilege of knowing her well into my 20s and the story that resonates with me continuously is this:

In the 1930s, when she was going to marry, it was still against the rules to be a married female school teacher. That wasn’t actually made a discriminatory practice until the 1960s. So when it came time, she decided to be a bit of a rebel and elope. She married my great-grandfather, but remained living with her host family and teaching so she could continue collecting her wages. Now, she always said it was so she had say in what she bought for her home — but knowing her, it was because she thought it wasn’t fair. The thing she would tell me in my teen years, which at the time was truthfully lost on me, was: “Never leave the house not ready; put on your lipstick.”?

What I didn’t read between the lines until years later was the real message: Put on your armor, square your shoulders, and face the day head-on. Good advice I heed every day — with lipstick applied.

Today, I bring a few things that I’ve picked up along the way that I’d like to share for those younger women seeking to grow in their own ventures. Not because I’ve hit the peak of my learning — I’m a long way from that, hopefully — but because I think some of these are just plain lessons to live by as you take the path less traveled, straight toward that glass ceiling or whichever one feels right to you. Take what you will, discard the rest, but maybe start thinking about the list you’d leave for the next generation.?

Some random pieces of advice for the next generation of women entrepreneurs:?

• When something feels right, it probably is. When something feels off, it probably is. Listen to your gut, your intuition, the universe, your God — whatever it is, pay attention.

• No matter how many times people ask to see all your cards, hold something back. When it comes to big ideas, creativity, sharing your beliefs, I’ve found honesty is necessary… but keeping a few cards up your sleeve goes a long way once you’ve sorted out who is really on your side.?
• Travel. And put your phone down. The best memories will never be captured in a photo. Seeing the world opens your eyes, and keeping your eyes open, opens the world to you.?
• The greatest lesson is humility. When you get a little too big, the world will remind you where you stand — so you might as well try to remain humble in the first place.?
• You’re never completely f*@ked. Nimsdai Purja climbed all 14 mountains above 8,000 meters in only six months, something everyone said was impossible. So, he called it Project Possible. In fact, he climbed Kanchenjunga while hungover. He said when everyone says you’re completely f*@ked, you’re probably only 40% f*@ked. Live life that way — there’s always a way out, just take a breath.?
• Strength is a virtue. In fact, an incredibly underrated one. Hold your chin high against adversity, give the middle finger to failure, and do what needs done today. Be strong because someone else is probably going to need your strength to be strong themselves — you probably don’t even know they’re watching.?
• A girl should know how to use power tools, how electricity works, AND how to apply eyeliner. Gender is defined by us, not for us. Do whatever you want. But take the time to understand the basics of things. Never wear eyeliner again. Hire an electrician. But understand the basics so you COULD do it, if you wanted.?
• Work. At everything.?

At the center of it all, be proud of who you are. Never take lightly how hard someone ahead of you had to work to make what feels difficult to you, this easy. And keep going. Always. Whomever your mantra comes from, be it The Little Engine That Could or Dory, just keep going — and choose your armor intentionally.?

Here’s to all the women who forged this path, the ones continuing the journey, and the ones yet to come. Happy International Women’s Day.?