Spirit of Purpose · When Might the U.S. Achieve Gender Parity? While women are about 50% of the US workforce, on average, we still earn 20% less than men for the same work.  Gender-based inequality remains a reality.  Not enough women lead companies or have a seat at tables where policy is established, and resources allocated.   When […]

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For many women, saying “no” leads to feeling guilty. New York Times contributor, Jessica Bennett, says always being expected to say yes is not a figment of their imagination. Research shows that when a woman says no, it is perceived differently than when a man does the same.   Bennett cites research from Rice University that […]

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According to New York Times contributor Jessica Bennett, research shows that it’s hard for women to say no at work, which in turn, takes time away from tasks that increase their visibility.  But two groups of women are addressing this problem. “The No Club” was founded by a professor at NYU who noticed that women would […]

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I am a proud member of a local women’s collective giving group. Impact100 South Jersey is one of an increasing number of such groups around the country and the world.  Ours is volunteer-run, made up of diverse women, and is growing every year.  Besides being a philanthropic multiplier, Impact100 is a powerful networking and leadership building tool.  Members […]

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Imposter Syndrome — that feeling that you don’t belong or aren’t qualified – is heightened for women and people of color.  The New York Times’ Working Women’s Handbook says it disproportionately affects anyone who feels the pressure of accomplishing “firsts.” The handbook offers four ways to combat Imposter Syndrome.   Make a list of 10 things that show […]

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Former First Lady Michelle Obama is quoted as saying, “Eventually, I just got tired of always worrying what everyone else thought of me.  So, I decided not to listen.” She stopped reacting to the real or perceived opinions of others. She achieved something most women haven’t.  Over eons, women have been conditioned to see and present […]

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Olympic gold medalist and World Cup soccer champ Abby Wambach is turning her attention to building women leaders. The author of the new book, “Wolfpack,” says it’s time to update the rules that governs how women approach leadership.   She told the New York Times that she wants women to:   Champion each other.   Power, success and joy are […]

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New York TimesColumnist Maya Salam wrote recently about the unintended consequences of the ‘Me Too’ movement, and the harm it could be doing to women in business.  Salam says she’s increasingly learning of men who refuse to have any contact with female colleagues for fear of being accused of inappropriate behavior.   Since men still dominate leadership […]

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In a recent blog post, Dr. Anne Litwin responded to eye-opening findings from LeanIn.org and the McKinsey group.  The report found that 1 in 5 of the women they surveyed at 279 US companies consider themselves “Onlys” — meaning they are often the only woman in the room. Half of those women say they must provide […]

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Stop Apologizing and You’ll Instantly Boost Your Credibility Do you apologize for everything? For mistakes others make? Or expressing an opinion that seem might be seen as unpopular? For walking into a room? Do you take the blame for things that have nothing to do with you? Or when something is clearly someone else’s fault? […]

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A recent study conducted by researchers in Tel Aviv and the Netherlands confirmed that nice women earn less than their assertive female counterparts. They interviewed a random group of 375 men and women at a Dutch electronics company and concluded that women who clearly express expectations and do not retreat from their demands are compensated […]

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In preparation for a speaking engagement at the African American Heritage Museum of Southern New Jersey in Atlantic City, NJ, I had the pleasure of a private tour of the current exhibit. It’s called, “The North Side: The Way We Were.” Ralph Hunter, the founder and curator of the museum – and a true Spirit of […]

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Guest Blog by Suzy Egan “Women are better investors.”  That was the headline during the evening news last week; the same week that the market reversed direction more than some of the most famous roller coasters in the world. I thought this needed a little more investigation. Over the past few years there have been […]

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When we look at people who play BIG, they talk about feeling called to do what they do.  They speak about feeling energized and fulfilled by whatever they’re giving themselves to.  Their genius is evident when they do what they do.  We admire them for the amazing quality of the contribution they make. Who are […]

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