Let's Celebrate Women Who Raise Each Other Up!

I've spent a lot of time over the past week looking at ways to #ChooseToChallenge gender equality. One of my action steps is to use my voice to raise other women.

So, today, on #IWD2021, I'm going to attempt to start a wave. Let's celebrate the women who have raised us in our careers. Let's use today to share these stories on social media.

Start by getting in the zone... close your eyes for a second and take a deep breath. Now, think of the feeling of being lifted by a wave in the ocean. The feeling of weightlessness as the water surrounds up and lifts you. That's what it feels like when someone supports you, and how is it when it's another woman?

Here are some of my stories, in the hope to inspire your own.

1. I've had only two female managers in my 20-year career. Both offered continued support, opportunity, challenge, and they listened to me. They heard me. Marybeth and Jenny - even though our time was brief you broke the stereotype of female managers and inspired my own leadership style.
2. Two incredible female leaders who co-founded one of the boutiques I've worked for saw something in me. They put in extra effort to secure a work visa and that was the launch of my love for MMM. They could have easily passed on to the next candidate but they choose to support me.
3. It was one of my direct reports, a young female roughly 5 years into her career, who pointed out to me the authenticity in my leadership style. Those words have remained a powerful voice in my head that I listen to anytime Imposter Syndrome tries to creep in.
4. I'll never forget the day I was chosen to represent a former employer as a member of the NEW (Network of Executive Women) Toronto Chapter. I was chosen by a female SVP in the business and she would have had dozens of individuals to choose from but she chose me. That act sparked a passion and connected me to one of the most supportive communities available to professional women.
5. During my time in the US, I worked on a team of all females, aside from our male boss. The camaraderie and help we offered each other is something I'll never forget. We were one diverse team of females - being born in four countries (Canada, China, India, the USA) and very different personalities. We taught each other understanding, empathy, and inclusion.
6. In my latest corporate role, I had the opportunity to collaborate with one of the most knowledgeable leaders in ROI. The respect she garners in our field has nothing to do with her gender. She showed care and compassion during the difficult early months of COVID but also challenged me more than many other leaders. Working with her reminded me of how female leaders can be bold and ambitious but also soft and human.
7. I've worked with MANY wonderful, talented female clients. Each time one of them trusts me to speak in front of their management it is a huge lift. I'll never forget the first time one of them asked me to present to their Global President. I was 3 years into my MMM journey and my client gave me the last section of the presentation. She said it went well and for the next project, she gave me even more content. Each opportunity built my confidence to stand in front of senior audiences.
8. My daughters raise me every time I hear them say, "Mom, you're the greatest mom in the whole wide world." I am incredibly blessed to have them. It moved my husband and me to tears this weekend when we read the lyrics to a song our 8-year-old daughter Beatrice Borndahl wrote. With her permission, I am allowed to share it with you as we celebrate #IWD today.

On this #IWD2021, are you ready to share who raised you in your career?

~ Hilary