What I Learned From Powerful Women in 2020

This recent Forbes article discusses how female leaders of certain countries are responding better than others to COVID, and it is certainly no surprise to me. I get the honor and privilege of talking to incredible female leaders daily. And being around these women is honestly what’s gotten me through the past several months. Surrounding myself with the support, guidance, advice and strength from strong women has always helped me get through tough times. And with the Colorado Women’s Chamber’s next Powerful Voices Conversation series coming up on October 15th, I thought I’d share a few life lessons in leadership from our past speakers leading up to this month’s inspiring leader, Leanna Clark. 

Here’s what I’ve learned from Powerful Women in 2020:

1)      THERE’S ALWAYS SECOND CHANCES AND A NEW LEASE ON LIFE.

--Frannie Matthews

When I was first divorced and became a single mother, I never thought I could manage being a CEO and raising a child. And finding love again? No way. Frannie spoke about being a single mother and raising children, all while working in her incredibly demanding corporate role. But what stood out to me, was how strong she was. She was able to work her way to CEO of one of our community’s most impactful organizations, raise a family and find love again. I want to be Frannie.

2)     WE CAN AND WILL OVERCOME BIAS.

--Simone Ross

Simone is one of the strongest and smartest female leaders I know. And she demands an environment she knows we all deserve. There have been so many times professionally that I have second guessed bad treatment and horrible cultures thinking I could have done something or been better to get a different outcome. The simple fact of the matter is sometimes we can’t change cultural bias and we have to demand better for ourselves. Simone lives and breathes this and I am so thankful for her lessons. 

3)     THERE ARE LEADERS OUT THERE WHO WILL BELIEVE IN YOU, EVEN WHEN YOU DON’T BELIEVE IN YOURSELF.

--Dawn Bookhardt

If you haven’t seen or heard Dawn’s story, you need to. It’s one of the most powerful, jaw dropping and inspirational stories I’ve ever heard. When getting ready to sell her business, a package that would have included her leadership along with the sale, Dawn received a diagnosis that she was losing her vision due to a very rare disease. She was honest with both potential buyers. One turned her down, while the other one told her that it was her mind and brilliance that he was impressed with. Smart man. The sale went through and Dawn continues to rock leadership and her business today. She remains one of the nation’s top legal experts in her field. 

4)     WE HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE THE WORLD AND THE ANTIQUATED SYSTEMS THAT EXIST FOR WOMEN.

--Stephanie Donner

You know how there’s that one famous person that you would do anything to have an hour-long lunch with because they just seem like the most amazing human to get to know? That’s Stephanie Donner for me. Except I’ve had that lunch and heard her speak. Stephanie’s book “When Women Vote,” co-authored with Amber Faye McReynolds, is going to change the way we vote and the impact we make when we do. When you hear Stephanie speak or when you sign-on to the causes she represents, you know she’s going to change the world…and she’s bringing all us women with her.

I look forward to learning from and being inspired by our last two Powerful Voices of 2020 - Leanna Clark, CEO of Girls Scouts of Colorado on October 15th and Former Lt. Governor, Donna Lynne in December. If you haven't attended our Powerful Voices series yet, its a must! If you have, join us again because we can always use some inspiration! Here's a sneak peak for next week with Leanna Clark here. Register for the event here.