Grateful for The Women In My Life

Grateful doesn't even begin to cut it when I look at all the women in my life who have given me purpose, strength, direction and support.

Let's start at the beginning shall we:)

Grateful to come from a line of women who were all considered "A bit much" during any of their times.

My grandmothers were bootleggers in the early 1900's, Vegas dancers in the 30's, New York Models and Actresses in the 30' and 40's, single mothers in the 50's-70's (and beyond), first female teachers in inner-city schools in the south and first female real estate agents and owners of their own brokerages in the 80's.

My mom was the first female sales rep in Higher Education in Canada and the first travelling sales reps in the 80's (when leaving your kids was frowned upon). She showed me that even though she travelled - she LOVED what she did and loving work and loving your family could co-exist.

This line of women taught me to go for it, ask for it, get it because no one was going to give it to you.

To my first boss who became a great friend and mentor - thank you for pulling me into a room at 23 and telling me to "fake it until I make it". I'll never forget that conversation. Up until then, I was so grateful to have a place in the meeting room, I was trying to take up less space so I apologized non-stop. You told me "Enough - do you think I know everything? Do you think I am confident in every situation?" I assumed you were so I vehemently nodded my head and you said "No - I am terrified often but I speak up, I speak with confidence and if I don't know it, I figure it out. You will do. Stop apologizing and get back out there"

I got back out there and never looked back.

To my mother-in-law who told me "Good luck - he's a handful but you're perfect for him. Push him and keep being exactly you". Thank you for showing me how someone raises a great man - I hope our son is a little like the man you raised.

To the women, I met when I had children. I didn't think I could continue being "me" and still be a mother. You showed me my "too much" still had value and this version of myself and a mother, could co-exist. Thank you.

To my current partners at LinkedIn, thank you for giving me chance to be here at this table. The women at LinkedIn are strong, encouraging, supportive and so smart. Thank you for demonstrating a true partnership and modelling psychological safety in a way that makes us so much better together.

And finally to my daughter. You're fierce, feisty and strong. You're definitely a little "too much" sometimes but I love it when you tell me "I'm the leader now - you follow me". Keep it up darlin' the world is waiting and we need more "too much" if we're going to make a difference.

Happy IWD day!