I think I might be a female CEO’s groupie – starting with Anne Mulcahy. My god, this woman’s presence was electrifying. She smiles so wide you can see it in the back of the room and the way she gestures and uses her body language to command presence is awe inspiring. Just being in the room with her was unbelievable.
When asked what her advice is for young people in business, she said, “Build followership.” Following that statment, she elaborated that you must be open, honest and forthcoming with your followers and ensure you’ve earned their followership.
Now I know she wasn’t talking about blogging, but I kind of felt like she was. I am blessed that so many people stop by to read my thoughts and goings-on every day (even if it gets me dumped). And as someone who aspires to be where Ms. Mulcahy is or was, I believe blogging is a lesson in leadership – being forthcoming, honest and true, even through the bad.
My other favorite tidbit came from panelist David Gergen, CNN Commentator and Harvard Kennedy School Director. He said, “Having mountain top experiences sure helps when you’re in the valleys.” And conversely, having valley experiences sure makes the mountain tops all that much better.
Overall, an amazingly inspiring evening.
About the Author: Marcy Twete
Marcy Twete is the Founder and CEO of Career Girl Network and the author of the book “You Know Everybody! A Career Girl’s Guide to Building a Network That Works.” At Career Girl Network, Marcy provides women with information, resources, and networking to empower them in their careers and to advance the work of women in business as a whole. Prior to launching Career Girl Network, Marcy worked in numerous nonprofit organizations and as a consultant in the field of nonprofit fundraising, marketing, and community relations. Marcy is a graduate of the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, Minnesota, and a native of rural North Dakota. She is the Vice Chair of the Chicago Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network in Chicago and a member of the Advisory Board for Girls on the Run Twin Cities, and is dedicated to advancing the work of organizations that move the needle for women and girls worldwide.
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