Ever wonder what it would be like to get paid for doing something you're passionate about? You know, turn your passion into an actual paycheck? For most people, following your passion seems like an unrealistic fantasy. But not for you, my pretty lady! Let me give a few real-life examples. Jess, a food and travel writer, parlayed her blog into a full-time job creating … [Read more...]
5 Key Traits for Focus for Your Next Board Director
Now that the worst of the financial meltdown seems to be behind us and we begin conversations around modernizing our current form of capitalism, boards may begin to contemplate this new normal and what traits for new directors are essential. Here are my five traits for this new normal: 1. More World-Centric America's identity as the most powerful capitalistic market in the … [Read more...]
Why Consultants Suck
I know what you’re thinking…I’m a consultant so either this is a self-loathing mea culpa or I have a point. Bear with me because I do in fact have a point. The thing about consultants is that we generally are really skilled at something, that’s why we’re consultants. But we are workers, fixers, problem solvers. We aren’t business owners and that is something that I have come up … [Read more...]
It’s a thankless job (but it doesn’t have to be)
Penning a blog post about gratitude on Thanksgiving Eve is far from original, however it’s a topic that most of us can benefit from exploring each and every day. Especially in relation to that so-called Daily Grind, a part of our life oft void of gratitude for anything other than a paycheck. Or, a Facebook “like.” Whether you’re running your own business or coughing up … [Read more...]
Women Offered Fewer Career Advancing “Hot Jobs” Than Men
According to research from Catalyst, women get fewer of the high visibility, mission-critical roles and international experiences (i.e., “hot jobs") that are necessary to get ahead at global companies. The Catalyst report, Good Intentions, Imperfect Execution? Women Get Fewer of the Hot Jobs Needed to Advance, suggests that this unequal access to those “hot jobs” may be an … [Read more...]
Growth and Struggles of Women-Owned Businesses [Infographic]
American Express released its second annual State of Women-Owned Businesses report that provides insights into the state of women-owned businesses in the United States. The study shows that the growth of women-owned businesses has exceeded any other group over the past 15 years -- 1.5 times greater than any other business counterpart. The growth rates are impressive. As … [Read more...]
Statistics Reveal Congressional Hearings Exclude Women
Women and women-owned businesses are some of the fastest growing contributors to the United States economy, but their voices aren't being heard by Congress. In a new report, Women Impacting Public Policy (WIPP) released some startling statistics that shows just how much women are excluded in Congressional Committees and committee hearings. Following are some of those stats. … [Read more...]
The Church of Business
Starting a business is optimism incarnate and we have all had that moment when the question” what are you working on now?” seems to be an indictment of our failure as an entrepreneur. I’ve noticed that there are some silver linings when warm leads dry up and you have to roll your sleeves up to stay in business. You learn what you are made of Failure isn’t for everybody … [Read more...]
Research Identifies Green Ceiling for Women Seeking IPO Investors
In a study conducted by the David Eccles School of Business, a male and female research team found that investors are less likely to back an IPO from a company led by a woman than a company led by a male. This is being referred to as the "Green Ceiling" in the investment world. In Skirting the Issues: Evidence of Gender Bias in IPO Prospectus Evaluators, the report authors … [Read more...]
1 in 2 Independent Consultants are Women [Infographic]
Statistics show women are joining the growing independent consulting sector at a rapid pace. Women make up less than half (47%) of the traditional workforce, but they make up 53% (8.5 million) of the independent workforce. A new study from MBO Partners reports that 77% these women are satisfied and 74% plan on remaining in independent work. The top reasons women cite for … [Read more...]