Can SHE Do it?

Hidden Stash, a chestnut colt will be one of the longest shots – 50-1 – when the field of 20 is sent on their way today in what is known as the most exciting two minutes in sports:  The Kentucky Derby. If he were to win, Hidden Stash would be the newest member of the Mount Rushmore of improbable Derby winners.

Here's what makes this race special.  Ms. Vicki Oliver is Stash's trainer and SHE has that chance to put her name into the thoroughbred record books. She is the 18th woman to saddle a horse in the Derby.  And, yes, she is quite aware of the history lesson she could teach if Hidden Stash finds his way to the winner’s circle.

“It’s unbelievable how much work she has put into this,” [Braxton] Lynch [one of the founding partners and the racing manager at syndicate group BBN Racing] said. “She has been doing it for over 20 years. I tell you, it’s not an easy business being a woman. It wasn’t an easy business 25 years ago when we both got into it. It’s hard work. Man, woman, whatever. You have to put in the work."

Can SHE do it?  Race on ...

Dr. Egel's Guide to Self-Leadership: Become an Agent for Change

Our friend and esteemed colleague Dr. Eleftheria Egel (pictured) talks about the 3 stages to a transformational process, which involve the following:

1. Stage 1:  Identify who you think you are.
2. Stage 2:  Unfold who you really area.
3. Stage 3:  Live meaningfully your purpose.

She says, "Self-leadership will empower you – regardless of your work position to become an agent for change and contribute to the greater good of all."

We are a big fan of Dr. Egel's and very much admire and respect her work.  Read the entire article: First You Lead Yourself!  Then You Can Lead Others!

Lilibet

With the passing of Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth honored him in the following manner at his funeral today, April 17, 2021:

In a loving gesture to her husband of 73 years, the Queen placed a handwritten note on top of the Duke of Edinburgh's coffin throughout his funeral services on Saturday [April 17, 2021]. The monarch signed the note with the nickname "Lilibet" — a nickname she was given as a child. 

Philip is thought to be the last person who called by her childhood moniker. 

Queen Elizabeth may have lost her husband but she has gained additional love and support from people all over the world for her leadership, courage and strength.  She will never be alone.

We salute and honor "Lilibet" with the duty and public service she has shown her country and the world.   May the Duke of Edinburgh rest in peace.  May "Lilibet" carry on.

Unstoppable Female Leaders

These female leaders in business and noted below in link, guide the way with their motivating courses, podcasts, and transformational advice. 

Working their way from the ground up, they show that everything is possible with a little determination and belief. 

Have a look at these inspirational female leaders and try on some of their ideas yourself.  Then get ready to live an extraordinary life, both personally and in business.

Who Made It Possible to Make Beautiful Bonnets?

Every Easter, people all over the world unknowingly pay homage to the first woman to obtain a U.S. patent in her name in 1809, Mary Dixon Kies.

A professor by the name of Autumn Stanley believes it was a machine patent which automated the manual techniques of weaving straw with silk that previously enabled women to make hats in their homes. 

Read the entire story on how a cottage industry was born.  

Meanwhile, put on your mask and fancy bonnet, and have yourself a very Happy Easter.

It's Her Time

Don't we know it.  Female entrepreneurship is skyrocketing, especially in Massachusetts.  What they need more of to grow is the ability to collaborate and share resources.

The Women’s Entrepreneur Initiative (WEI) Study concludes that for them to continue to make gains, women business owners need better access to resources, financing, expertise and networking.

Constance Gamache of Deloitte Consulting says, "Women are the fastest growing, highest performing and most economically underutilized subsegment of entrepreneurs."

Enough said.

We've always known that women need an entrepreneurial hub (or cafe) to share experience, resources, challenges and opportunities.  We have had one going on since March, 2020.  Won't you join us?  It's every Tuesday at 4PM CT.  Everyone is welcome.  Don't let the global part throw you – most of our tribe are startups that have the world as a market on their mind.  See you there because I facilitate the discussions every week.

Female Entrepreneurs Work Every Bit As Hard as Male Entrepreneurs (Maybe Harder)

The story goes like this from 2019.  

Alyson Saxe ran into an old friend at Costco, who – upon learning Saxe had children – inquired whether she worked outside the home.  Saxe explained that she'd founded a PR agency. "My friend said, 'How great! You're a mompreneur!'" recalls Saxe. "'You get to work and have time for your kids and family!'"

Saxe, later, went on to raise north of $2 million for her second company, the brand-management platform IrisPR, based in Phoenix. "I work every bit as hard as male entrepreneurs.  "I am not a mompreneur," says Saxe. "I am a mother. And I am an entrepreneur."

Read on to appreciate how business language – like much other language – is de-gendering.