The Value of Supreme Partners
I have struggled with a heavy heart this past week following the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg who has been a role model and icon for me throughout my career. As I mourn her death, I am also reflecting on what she taught us about life, leadership, equality and partnership. One of the lessons I was speaking to my teenagers about last night after dinner was the importance of choosing a life partner. As you might imagine, this discussion was met with a major eye roll, l but hope it will stick someday.
Throughout her career, Ruth was aided by her life partner, whom she described as “her best friend and biggest booster.” Marty Ginsburg’s remarkable devotion to her, his tireless support of her career and their family was fundamental to her success.
Their incredibly inspiring bond had me thinking about my own husband and how he has championed my career and journey through motherhood. Years ago, when I was offered a huge promotion to become head of strategy at Pfizer, I had two young toddlers and thought, could I really handle this new role? I asked my husband Bob -- my own best friend and biggest booster -- “IF” he thought I could do this. He paused and said, “I don’t think that is the right question to be asking…You should have asked “HOW” you could take on the opportunity.” Together, we could figure out how to make this opportunity a success: like, how could he help at home...or how could my boss and other mentors help me be most successful?
Changing “IF” to “HOW” over the last 10 years has made all the difference in following my passion for animal health and in my success at Zoetis. It’s clear that Ruth and Marty Ginsburg had the “how” well figured out too. Especially for women leaders breaking through in their career journeys, the constant support of a great partner can fuel our ambitions – and help fulfill our dreams.
CDO l Digital Health l Life Sciences l Innovation
4 年Well said and couldn't agree more..
Chief Development & Marketing Officer, AIF
4 年What a thoughtful and truthful piece, Kristin. The unwavering support of our loved ones, mentors, colleagues, and leaders may be the most powerful asset we have as we strive to embody our fullest potential in this life. Not everyone has it; hopefully everyone realizes that they deserve it for themselves and have a duty to offer it to their loved ones.
Operations Leader
4 年Hi Kristin, Thank for you sharing. It’s time for me to implement the “How” and remove the “IF”. I enjoyed reading your perspective. I hope you and the family are doing well. Wishing you continued success.
VP of Sales - iHeartMedia Asheville
4 年This was a great read. One of the first moments I realized I wanted to marry by boyfriend (now fiancé) was when I was spouting off some far-off career dream, following it by saying, "But, I'd probably have to move and... whatever." And he said something like, "I can do what I do anywhere, and I'd gladly follow you." He jokes often about how he's quitting his job and letting me be the breadwinner, which is (kind of) funny, but it is also such a big confidence boost for me. He trusts that I could single-handedly run our household and doesn't doubt my abilities for a second, while also reassuring me that whatever path I want/need to take will be fully supported. He also checks me when he can feel me doubting myself, which I have desperately needed in a sales role in 2020. Just someone reminding me, "You can do this." To know that my partner takes my career as seriously as he does his is immensely gratifying.