Women and Their Resilience: Life Doesn't Get Easier, You Get Better at the Hard Stuff

I recently had the honor to present to over 300 women at the M-Live Women's Summit held at the end of April in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and then again in May in Cleveland, Ohio with cleveland.com. Speaking on women and their resilience, I knew I had to deliver a message that resonated deeply with my audience. Drawing on illustrative cases from my new, co-authored book with Edie Fraser , "Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success," I found fresh ideas and inspiring role models to share. The audience was ready for the wisdom we had learned writing the book. And we loved their open minds and generous spirit.?

The purpose of my talk was clear: to help women rise. As I shared the stories of some of the 102 extraordinary women featured in the book, I realized that many, if not all, had faced and overcome significant challenges in their professional

journeys. Their stories, rich with practical wisdom and real-life experiences, inspired and empowered the attendees -- and even for me!

I highlighted how resilience is vital for success, especially in the face of the challenges women often encounter in the business world. From managing personal health issues and navigating societal barriers to building robust professional networks and embracing one's identity, the women in the room began to realize the importance of adaptability and determination.

The audience left the summit with a renewed sense of purpose and a toolkit of strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve their professional goals. My talk was more than just a presentation; it was a call to action, urging women to harness their resilience and rise to new heights in their careers.

Here is a synopsis of my remarks. Share them and connect with me to discuss building resilience to overcome life's challenges. Yes, you can rise above the hurdles. Read more about the wisdom of these women in "Women Mean Business."

The Multifaceted Challenges Women Face

Women have long demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. In the business world, this resilience is tested and proven repeatedly. The journey to becoming a successful woman in business is fraught with a myriad of challenges—ranging from personal health issues to societal barriers, from navigating professional networks to overcoming prejudices related to sexual orientation. Despite these obstacles, women continue to rise, showcasing an unparalleled determination and adaptability. Our new book "Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success" highlights the stories of 102 women who have faced these challenges head-on, offering over 500 pieces of wisdom that serve as a beacon for aspiring female leaders.

The road to success for women in business is a complex path. It involves overcoming numerous hurdles that are often unique to women. One of the significant challenges is the need for more mentorship and guidance. Compared to their male counterparts, women usually need a mentor to navigate the complex business landscape. This gap in support can lead to feelings of isolation and uncertainty. However, the women featured in "Women Mean Business" have turned this challenge into an opportunity by creating networks of support and mentorship, proving that collective wisdom can empower individuals. As Shelley Zalis tells us, there is Power in the Pack. There is no need to go it alone. And Subha Barry reminds us to believe in ourselves, know who we are, and go for it!

Overcoming Societal and Cultural Barriers

For many women, societal and cultural expectations pose significant roadblocks. For instance, growing up in immigrant households can come with a set of cultural and economic limitations. These women often face pressure to conform to traditional roles or struggle with limited financial resources. Despite these constraints, many have harnessed the values of hard work and resilience instilled by their backgrounds to achieve remarkable success. We love to tell the story of Clara and Roseann Sunwoo who created a successful women's fashion line after coming to the U.S. with $1000 in their pockets. Or Esther Aguilera , who shares with us how she came to this country as an child immigrant so her parents could provide for their family. So many stories reflect these women's optimism, vitality, hard work, and persistence.

Moreover, women from various cultural backgrounds often encounter biases and stereotypes that can hinder their progress. The stories in "Women Mean Business" illustrate how these women have shattered these stereotypes, using their diverse perspectives as a strength rather than a limitation. They demonstrate that embracing one's unique identity can be a powerful tool in achieving success and inspiring others to do the same. Whatever you do, remember to raise your hand and believe you can do the job that opens up for you.

Resilience Comes From Building and Leveraging Networks

A critical element of business success is having a robust professional network. Unfortunately, many women start their careers with limited access to such networks. The lack of a "good ol' boys" club equivalent can make it challenging for women to find opportunities, gain visibility, and advance in their careers. The women in "Women Mean Business" have shown that building and leveraging networks is crucial. They have shared strategies for networking effectively, from attending industry events to leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn.

These women emphasize the importance of not only building networks but also nurturing them. Relationships in business should be mutually beneficial, and the stories highlight how supporting others can lead to long-term professional growth. By fostering a culture of collaboration rather than competition, these women have created supportive environments where everyone can thrive.

Navigating Sexual Orientation and Identity

Sexual orientation and identity can also present unique challenges in the business world. LGBTQ+ women often face discrimination and bias, which can impede their career progression. The book sheds light on the experiences of these women, showcasing their resilience in overcoming such barriers. They have demonstrated the importance of authenticity and standing firm in one's identity, even in adversity.

These stories provide valuable lessons on creating inclusive workplaces where diversity is celebrated. They highlight the need for policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ employees and foster an environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work. By advocating for inclusion, these women are paving the way for future generations to succeed without fear of discrimination.

The Resilience of the Wisdom?on?Women Who Mean Business

The 102 women featured in "Women Mean Business" offer over 500 insights that cover a wide range of topics, from leadership and innovation to resilience and adaptability. These insights are not just theoretical but are grounded in real-world experiences. They provide practical advice on navigating the often tumultuous waters of business.

For instance, many women emphasize the importance of resilience in facing failure. They share their stories of setbacks and how they used these experiences as stepping stones to tremendous success. Their insights underscore that failure is not the end but a part of the journey. Learning to pivot and adapt is crucial; these women provide a roadmap for doing just that.

Additionally, the book highlights the significance of lifelong learning. The business world is constantly evolving, and staying ahead requires a commitment to continuous education and self-improvement. Whether through formal education, professional development courses, or self-study, the women in the book demonstrate that investing in oneself is critical to success.

Conclusion

The resilience of women in business is a testament to their strength, adaptability, and determination. Despite facing a wide array of challenges, from health issues and societal barriers to network limitations and discrimination, women continue to rise and succeed. The 102 women featured in "Women Mean Business: Over 500 Insights from Extraordinary Leaders to Spark Your Success" provide invaluable wisdom and inspiration for aspiring female leaders. Their stories are a powerful reminder that, with resilience and the proper support, women can overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary success.

Women Mean Business? is a registered trademark of the National Association of Women Business Owners? (NAWBO)