Honoring the past, present and future

One of my favorite movies is Hidden Figures, about the women of color who were instrumental in the US space program.  What impressed me most is their tenacity. Their determination and their confidence in the fact that they had a right to be where they were and that they knew they had an important role to play inspires me every time I think about it.  

The picture to the right shows 5 astronauts. I won’t diminish their accomplishments by adding the caveat 5 African American or even 5 women astronauts. They are astronauts. Their accomplishments are the result of the women known as human computers who came before them.  The result of the education they expected and probably fought to get. These women represent the past and they represent the present.  More importantly, they represent the future because by their example young girls will not have to break as many barriers.

{pictured above: Mae Jemison stands in the middle of the five ladies. L-R: Stephanie Wilson (NASA Astronaut), Joan Higginbotham (NASA Astronaut), Mae Jemison (NASA Astronaut), Yvonne Cagle (NASA Astronaut), Sharon McDougle (Spacesuit Team Manager). Not pictured is Dr. Jeannett Less}

Today I invite you to look at your business through the lens of past, present and future. What obstacles did you overcome?  What barriers are you still breaking? Celebrate the fact that you are a woman business owner by getting WBENC certified as such. Once you’re certified you can use the Woman Owned Logo for further celebration and recognition.

Who has influenced you?  I’ll bet if you really thought about it you could come up with at least 50 names.  Not sure about that?

Start by considering people you know in broad categories:

• Family
• Friends
• Teachers
• Bosses
• Colleagues
• Authors
• Speakers
• Experts and thought leaders

What was it that they did or said or encouraged that influenced you?

Who and what are you influencing?  I’m reminded of a great quote ...

“You make a living by what you get, you make a life by what you give.”  -Winston Churchill

I’m a big believer in giving back and paying it forward. I wrote a 3-part article if you’re interested in how to be or find a good mentor, coach or sponsor.

^Nancy

PS - be sure to check out the member-only checklist to help you honor the past, present and future by logging in here. If you're not yet a member, click here to join HERcommunityMembership.

BTW, if you want more information like this, I invite you to check out the Business Development Toolbox archive here.