"I Don't Want to Ignite my Superpowers"

Yesterday I had a terrific networking breakfast with a newfound friend and colleague. I shared with her my passion for helping women “ignite their superpowers.” Yes, a cliché phrase, but I truly meant what I said.

Anyway, this experienced, bold and successful woman said to me:

"I don’t want to ignite my superpowers.

I want to be able to put in a good day’s work and be successful.

Why should I need superpowers?"

Shit. She had me and was, of course, right. I had a hard time focusing for a few minutes, thinking about her comment. Why do we need superhuman powers to achieve success? I started to have flashbacks of the many midnight walks to my car in the company parking lot and the times I was so torn between being in one place for work and another (2 hours away) for my daughter. I somehow pulled off being Stretch Armstrong a decent percentage of the time but was I tired? Yes, like a teenager after back-to-back sleepovers.

Business is competitive and positions are won in part by working hard. If working hard was the only prerequisite, diversity at the highest levels would not be an issue.

Even famous, female superheroes with greater than human powers, have had some tough challenges. Wonder Woman had to dress in a skimpy leotard, barely half-dressed to get the job done. I once saw Lynda Carter (the original TV wonder woman in the LA airport and fortunately she was not wearing the costume – imagine flying in that thing?). Flight attendant to Wonder Woman: “Ma'am, you are going to have to cover up.” Yeah, that would not have happened only because WW would not have made it through airport security with those metal things on her wrist.

And then there is Invisible Girl/Woman. This character was pregnant twice and lost both babies. As a result, she became depressed and temporarily evolved into the character, Malice, who turned on her friends and colleagues. Fortunately, Sue Storm-Richards (the character) fought back and returned to the good side. And, why was is her superpower being invisible? And why is the Mother of Dragons on Game of Thrones turning into an insecure leader one moment and a rage-filled person the next? These are questions to ponder over a few glasses of wine.

I still want superpowers – like curing the sick or being able to predict winning lottery numbers. But I admit it, I was schooled by my new friend yesterday. Women and others not fairly represented in all aspects of business and society should not have to be superhuman to be successful. Flame On.