Women’s History Month: A Letter to Leah

Women’s History Month is always a reflective time for me – and for many others, too. 4 years ago, I started my global worldwide role. I have written about incredible women who have shaped unbelievable impact, I wrote about my mom and how she shaped my views of the world and my belief that I could contribute something great to it. Last year at this time, I wrote about women who’ve made an impact in the technology space – this vibrant and dynamic industry we find ourselves a part of at Microsoft.

As we are nearing the end of March, I’m once again reflective. But this time instead of looking back, I’m looking ahead to tomorrow. The next generation of women leaders inspire me with their ability to bring about tremendous change. And one woman in particular stands out – my daughter Leah.

Below is a letter to you, Leah, as you begin to come into your own and to shape the world around you.?

Dear Leah,

I can’t believe you’re about to complete your first year of college. You’ve made your dad and me empty nesters this year – and we survived! You had a fantastic year, you’re thinking about the future, and you’re preparing to meet the world in an entirely new way.

You know I am always one to say it how it is, just like you, and I have to say the world you’re stepping into as an adult is a fast-moving, dynamic and fragile place. Already in your young life you’ve seen our world grapple with wars and injustice, a global pandemic, and economic instability. When I was your age, I never thought about these things. Sure, the world wasn’t perfect, but I never contemplated my role in it the way that I know you and other people your age have.?

Your generation has instant access to every bit of the world’s information. You’re passionate about your beliefs, doing what you think is right and taking a stand. You value authenticity and expression.?And you are absolutely capable of changing the world. The world today needs all the things you and your generation bring to the table. More kindness. More caring. More authenticity.

Leah, you are so aware and so knowledgeable. You care about the things happening around you and the people they impact. You have opinions – great ones – and you’re confident in expressing them. You’re forthright about what you think and why. Not content to sit on the sidelines, I’ve watched you get involved in issues that matter to you – reading the news, educating yourself, and attending events that show you getting engaged in what is happening around you.?

I hope you keep that passion for righting what you see as wrong; for caring enough to want better. And for believing – as I know you do – that there is always a solution to the problem at hand. You just have to find it.

As you begin this new chapter, Leah, I want you to know these three things:

• Your ability to learn is vast. Bigger than you can imagine. Always recognize that you’re never fully using all of your brain’s potential. The brain is elastic. The more you condition yourself to learn, the more naturally learning will come to you. And it will become easy and automatic.
• When given the opportunity to travel, take it. The more you can explore new cultures, see new places, and have new experiences, the better off you’ll be. Even if you’re uncomfortable – that’s the point. You’ll gain perspective that you wouldn’t have gained otherwise.
• Relationships should be rewarding. The way you treat people matters, and I always want you to be kind. But the way people treat you matters, too. Be selective about who you build relationships with. Invest your time and energy in long-term friendships and work to make them work. When you do, the genuine bond you’ll have will last a lifetime.

Leah, I believe that each one of us has within us an incredible superpower. We can see what others don’t see in themselves, and sometimes we can be the mirror they need to believe in their own potential. I believe so strongly in you and your potential, and I can see, already, the mark and impact you’ll make on this world.

So, as you step out into it, please know that being your mom is my favorite job ever. I’m so impressed with you. I’m in awe of who you are and who you will be. The reality is I can’t even adequately put into words how much you mean to me, but I hope you’ll always know how much I love you.

Love,

Mom??