A Tribute to the Women Who Light My Path

As we gear up for International Women's Day 2024, I want to reflect on the profound influence of three remarkable women. Their visible and invisible contributions are a testament to the power of female guidance, wisdom, and partnership.

Celebrating the Women Behind the Scenes

My mother is a beacon of unwavering support. She believes in the power of education. She is steadfastly committed to my growth, never wavering as my career ebbed and flowed from computer programming to opera singing to professor. To this day, she still offers to pay for any new books I might want or need.

My wife, Jessica Giannoumis PhD , is one of the most insightful and wise women I've ever known. Her intuition and belief in my potential profoundly shape my career path. Her words have helped me confidently change career paths as she reminds me "This is exactly what you should be doing".

My relationship with Anne Igeltj?rn , co-founder at Inclusive Creation , has evolved from student-teacher to mentor and now business partner. Our journey from the classroom to the boardroom focuses on our shared mission - championing inclusivity. She reminds me every day of the importance of our work and never hesitates to give me a pep talk when I'm feeling discouraged. Without her, the things I get to do, wouldn't be possible.

Empower, Elevate, Embrace

As we celebrate International Women's Day, I want to acknowledge women's roles in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. Here are three key takeaways from my experiences:

• Celebrate Unseen Contributions: Recognize and appreciate the often-unacknowledged efforts women make, both in their professional and personal lives.
• Dismantle Gender Norms: Challenge and dismantle the societal and institutional barriers that perpetuate gender disparities.
• Foster Inclusive Growth: Encourage environments where women's voices are heard, respected, and valued, leading to richer, more diverse outcomes.

I invite you to further explore the principles of inclusive leadership as detailed in "The Sins and Wins of Inclusive Leadership," co-authored with Sumita Kunashakaran . This book embodies our collective insights into fostering a world where inclusivity is not just a goal but a reality. Discover how together, we can make a difference and honor the women in our lives not just today, but every day.