Take the Lead

Arizona State University is home to more than 100 centers specializing in distinct disciplines and initiatives, 28 of which are led by a female director.
As such, twice a year, ASU’s Center for Gender Equity in Science and Technology (CGEST) and Center for Biodiversity Outcomes gather these ASU female-led centers with other local female leaders to share best practices and network. Through this gathering, a community has emerged that shares a common goal of advancing gender equity by working collaboratively on a host of initiatives.
Last night, the Centers – in partnership with our long-time client Quarles & Brady LLP, who opened its doors as the host venue – welcomed former president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation Gloria Feldt, who today serves as president of Take the Lead Women, as their special guest. Take The Lead Women is the most comprehensive initiative to prepare, develop, inspire and propel women to take their fair and equal share of leadership positions across all sectors by 2025.
I was lucky enough to join Quarles & Brady office managing partner Nicole Stanton, who was recently selected to serve on the Steering Committee for 2020 Women on Boards 2017 Event, Upward Projects’ Lauren Bailey, ASU’s Dr. Kimberly Scott and several other local female leaders at the event and in the discussion.
My favorite discussion centered on Feldt’s new book, No Excuses, which delves into nine immediately actionable ways women can change how they think about power. Among them are the concepts of:

• Defining your own terms BEFORE anyone else does. In debate, Feldt says, it is all too often the one who sets the terms who win the debate.
• Telling your story. This concept hits especially close to home as our team focuses on helping people effectively tell their stories. We wholly agree with Feldt’s sentiments on this, with an emphasis on one major element: Telling your story authentically helps you lead (not follow) your dreams.
• Carpe the chaos. This is a tough one for people – especially generationally. But, according to Feldt, in chaos there is opportunity. Chaos means boundaries become more fluid, and opens people’s eyes to innovation, evolved roles.
• Use what you’ve got. For women, this tends to be tough to believe, especially the second part: because it’s enough.
• Employ every medium to lead. Again, this is spot on in line with how we help our clients – both male and female. Working effectively with personal, social and traditional media every step of the way is critical in leadership, business, political and otherwise.

For more, grab a copy of No Excuses, out now. And, stay tuned next week for a follow-up to the above – HMA is going to take several of Feldt’s principles and apply them to marketing communications best practices.