Woman Owned: The Growth Podcast for Women Entrepreneurs

Taking the business to the next level is always one of the objectives of passionate and thriving entrepreneurs. To do this effectively, you need to be mindful about how and where you spend your precious time. Keeping the big picture in mind, you have to be honest with yourself about the tasks you need to focus on as well as the ones you need to let go of and delegate to others so you can zero in on your expertise and continue being the visionary your company needs you to be.

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"You can't just outsource. You've got to keep an eye on things." - Eleanor Beaton

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• How I effectively delegate the creation of slide decks while keeping my original content.
• Tools I use for booking meetings and appointments.
• Examples of logistical details you can assign to others.
• Examples of original content to create for social media re-purposing.
• Different ways to re-purpose original content you create.
• Back-end tasks to leave to the experts.
• Delegating email communications to get out of email jail.
• Delegating travel and appointment booking tasks.
• Why investing in a designer is a significant and important investment to make.

Resources Mentioned:

• TimeTrade
• Slack
• The Power Play Series: Email Management: How To Get Out Of Email Jail (For Good)

Fierce Leadership Quotes:

• " If your brand is sort of more high-end, taking that extra time or making that extra investment to invest in working with a designer who can really help you make your stuff look good." - Eleanor Beaton
• "Everything looks doable three months, four months, five months out until you get there." - Eleanor Beaton
• "It's really important that your organizational strategies change particularly when you start outsourcing things like bookings." - Eleanor Beaton

Join the Exclusive Incubator Program!

Are you ready to build, leverage, and scale your business to the next level? Ready to maximize your leadership skills and grow your business to 7-figures and beyond? Join our Incubator Program - the 12-month high-octane program that blends leadership strategy, accountability, and business building support to help you propel your business to the next level and increase your earning power. Head over to EleanorBeaton.com to learn more about The Incubator Program and submit your application today!

Dial-Up Your Impact, Influence, and Income in 2019

Are you ready to take your leadership and influence to the next level in 2019? Join the Impact & Influence Leadership Lab for Women with Eleanor Beaton – the world's premier leadership training and implementation program designed specifically for female leaders! This is an 8-week mentoring program for professional, ambitious women in business who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and truly step into their power. Visit the Leadership Lab for Women website to see all of the amazing content, tools, and services you will receive by registering today to claim your seat at the table!

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/discover.

Corporate boards – the prestigious, upper echelon seats of corporate companies and organizations around the world. Thousands of women around the world dream of having a seat at these tables, to have a voice during these important meetings, and to make an impact for their company or organization.

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But, how do you get a seat at the big tables where decisions are made? How do you get your voice and ideas heard and respected by your corporate peers?

My guest today is Deborah Rosati, an accomplished corporate director on a mission to help women take their rightful place at the big tables. She is an entrepreneur, professional accountant, and certified corporate director with more than 30 years of experience in technology, consumer retail, private equity, and venture capital. Deborah is the co-founder of Women Get on Board – a leading member-based company that connects, promotes, and empowers women to corporate boards.

Deborah joins me on the show today to share the tools, strategies, and insight on how to find your voice, challenge ideas and ask thought-provoking questions – in a group setting – in an effective way. She also shares her career advice to help you step up your game and take a seat at the big tables within your organization.

"Use your confidence to embrace change." – Deborah Rosati

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• Why it is important to have more women serving on corporate boards.
• Deborah's opinion of mandated quotas for women on corporate boards.
• Career development tips to advance your career and have a seat at the big tables.
• Why it is important to arrive early or stay late at board meetings.

3 Critical Strategies for Women to Get on Boards:

1. Be fearless.
2. Get involved in your community.
3. Challenge yourself, explore new opportunities, and ask questions.

Connect with Deborah Rosati:

• deborahrosati.ca
• Women Get on Board

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/Discover.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

This episode was made possible by our wonderful sponsors, BMO – Bank of Montreal – The Bank for Women

As entrepreneurs and fierce feminine leaders, making mistakes and facing failures can sometimes be excruciatingly painful. But in order to continue to learn, grow, and achieve the success we truly deserve, facing your fears and learning from your mistakes is critical for continuing to grow.

Keep Reading >>

If you're not experimenting, making mistakes, and experiencing failure, then you're not thinking big enough to break through the glass ceiling to achieve your next level of success.

On today's episode, I share how making mistakes and experiencing failure encourages a growth mindset. I share why many fierce feminine leaders are afraid of experimenting, making mistakes, and experiencing failure and how this fear prevents them from achieving their success goals. I also explain why it's critical to measure your success as a fierce business owner based on the validated learnings you have acquired and how it helps you make better decisions to move your business forward.

"When you acquire validated learnings - that is really the key to the kingdom." - Eleanor Beaton

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• How avoiding mistakes and failures impacts your ability to learn and grow.
• Why mistakes and failures are critical for thinking bigger.
• The importance of taking risks and experimenting.
• The impact that internalized perfection can have on your growth as a female entrepreneur.
• What is validated learning?
• How measuring validated learning metrics impacts your ability to make smarter business decisions.
• The relationship between acquiring validated learnings and thinking in math, not in drama.

Fierce Leadership Quotes:

• "If you are growing, and you are not making mistakes and experiencing the sharp pain of failure from time to time - you are in trouble." - Eleanor Beaton
• "Learning is painful. It really can hurt sometimes - experimenting can hurt sometimes. Failure hurts - but it is so critical." - Eleanor Beaton
• "The amount of validated learning you acquire needs to be one of your core metrics of success moving forward if you want to create long-term, sustainable success." - Eleanor Beaton

Fierce Resources:

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

Join the Exclusive Incubator Program!

Are you ready to build, leverage, and scale your business to the next level? Ready to maximize your leadership skills and grow your business to 7-figures and beyond? Join our Incubator Program - the 12-month high-octane program that blends leadership strategy, accountability, and business building support to help you propel your business to the next level and increase your earning power. Head over to EleanorBeaton.com to learn more about The Incubator Program and submit your application today!

Dial Up Your Impact, Influence, and Income in 2019

Are you ready to take your leadership and influence to the next level in 2019? Join the Impact & Influence Leadership Lab for Women with Eleanor Beaton – the world's premier leadership training and implementation program designed specifically for female leaders! This is an 8-week mentoring program for professional, ambitious women in business who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and truly step into their power. Visit the Leadership Lab for Women website to see all of the amazing content, tools, and services you will receive by registering today to claim your seat at the table!

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/discover.

Happy Thanksgiving! Since this is a great time to give thanks and express gratitude, you can take advantage of this festive mood to thank the people in your life. While handing out individual handwritten notes is one of the classic ways to do this, exploring different methods of saying thanks can put a big smile on other people's faces.

Keep Reading >>

On today's episode, I'm going to share six fun, out-of-the-box ways to express gratitude to those you care about. These people can be your family, friends, clients, or employees. I also explain what makes each approach unique and share some practical ways on how you can execute each one effectively.

"If you really want to express gratitude to somebody, make it count."

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• Making unexpected gratitude phone calls
• How to send audio emails
• Sending bouquets of flowers
• Why not give out Amazon gift cards
• Giving recommendations on LinkedIn
• Sending referrals

Dial Up Your Impact, Influence, and Income in 2018

Are you ready to take your leadership and influence to the next level in 2018? Join the Impact & Influence Leadership Lab for Women with Eleanor Beaton – the world's premier leadership training and implementation program designed specifically for female leaders! This is an 8-week mentoring program for professional, ambitious women in business who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and truly step into their power. Visit the Leadership Lab for Women website to see all of the amazing content, tools, and services you will receive by registering today to claim your seat at the table!

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/Discover.

We live in a world of increasing uncertainty. This uncertainty is primarily due to how quickly various situations and circumstances can frequently change. It is not uncommon for fast-changing environments to quickly lead fierce feminine leaders to begin feeling overwhelmed and start harboring limiting beliefs, negative self-talk, and paralyzing doubts.

Keep Reading >>

So, how do you curb feeling overwhelmed and develop a strategic plan of action when faced with significant uncertainty and increasing change?

By thinking and making decisions from a place of solid math rather than a place of high-drama.

On today's episode, I discuss what it means to think in math instead of drama and how focusing on drama can negatively impact your ability to scale your business. I explain how identifying and reviewing your results and revenue can help you take strategic action when faced with uncertainty. I also discuss the importance of finding a balance between innovation and focusing on what's already working well for you and your business.

"When in doubt - think in math, not in drama." - Eleanor Beaton

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• How focusing on the math can increase your impact - and your revenue.
• Identifying the high-income activities in your business and doubling down on them.
• Finding a balance between innovation, and learning new skills, and focusing on what's already working in your business.
• What it means to be a student of your results.
• Identifying your highest value in the marketplace.
• How focusing on the numbers can help you make better decisions and overcome limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and negative self-talk.

Fierce Leadership Quotes:

• "Leadership is essentially the art of creating certainty and direction out of massive uncertainty." - Eleanor Beaton
• "So many of the problems and confusions that we experience in business is so much simpler when we start looking at things through the lens of math." - Eleanor Beaton
• "You've got to be a student of what's actually working for you. The best way to be a student of what's working for you is to take out that trusty calculator." - Eleanor Beaton

Join the Exclusive Incubator Program!

Are you ready to build, leverage, and scale your business to the next level? Ready to maximize your leadership skills and grow your business to 7-figures and beyond? Join our Incubator Program - the 12-month high-octane program that blends leadership strategy, accountability, and business building support to help you propel your business to the next level and increase your earning power. Head over to EleanorBeaton.com to learn more about The Incubator Program and submit your application today!

Dial Up Your Impact, Influence, and Income in 2018

Are you ready to take your leadership and influence to the next level in 2018? Join the Impact & Influence Leadership Lab for Women with Eleanor Beaton – the world's premier leadership training and implementation program designed specifically for female leaders! This is a 8-week mentoring program for professional, ambitious women in business who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and truly step into their power. Visit the Leadership Lab for Women website to see all of the amazing content, tools, and services you will receive by registering today to claim your seat at the table!

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/discover.

Tracking your time can be an effective way to track your productivity. In fact, I often recommend my clients to track their working hours to give them an overview of exactly how productive they are and track how many things they actually do while at work. But have you ever thought about tracking you're your personal time – the time outside of working for your organization or business? Many people do not realize just how powerful and valuable tracking their non-working hours can be.

Keep Reading >>

I recently experimented with tracking my time, both at work and at home. This experiment has opened my eyes to many lessons about how I spend my time, my true productivity level, and even taught me how much time I actually spend with my family and friends.

In this episode, I'm going to share with you the 5 lessons I have learned after tracking my time over a 14 day period and why you should conduct your own experiment to help you identify where you could improve how you spend your time each week.

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• Why tracking your personal time, as well as your working hours, can help you identify areas to improve
• How tracking your time can help you overcome "mom guilt"

5 Things Tracking Your Time Each Week Can Teach You:

1. Identify if you're truly getting enough sleep
2. Identify if you're eating enough to fuel your daily, intense ambition and energy level
3. The amount of time you truly spend with your children
4. The number of hours you actually dedicate to work
5. Identify if you're lying to yourself about not having time to do fun or important things

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Episode 186: The Lies Women Tell Ourselves About Time with Laura Vanderkam

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/Discover.

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

This episode was made possible by our wonderful sponsors, BMO – Bank of Montreal – The Bank for Women.

Join the conversation at BMO for Women to gain the insight, knowledge, and support you need to succeed and to truly understand how to manage your money!

Many fierce feminine leaders spend so much time focusing on their future goals and ambitions - creating the strategy that will take their businesses or careers to the next level to achieve success. And while being future-focused is certainly important - there are many other factors that contribute to achieving your goals, realizing your dreams, and improving your chances of success.

Keep Reading >>

On today's episode, I explain how being too future-focused can impact your success. I explain how debriefing can help you improve your chances of achieving your goals and realizing your dreams. I also explain why many fierce leaders often overlook the importance of disciplining themselves to spend time debriefing, how it can help you learn and grow as a leader, and how it can help you make changes and improvements to take your career to the next level.

The discipline of the debrief is a really critical success factor that many future-oriented leaders overlook." - Eleanor Beaton

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• What it means to be disciplined to debriefing.
• What the concept of 'the debrief' is.
• How debriefing can help you identify what's working, what's not working, and create an action plan to help you move forward.
• When you should spend time debriefing.
• How debriefing impacts your chances of success.

Fierce Leadership Quotes:

• "If you don't debrief, you're really missing out on a powerful opportunity to learn and improve." - Eleanor Beaton
• "Never overlook the discipline of the debrief." - Eleanor Beaton

Join the Exclusive Incubator Program!

Are you ready to build, leverage, and scale your business to the next level? Ready to maximize your leadership skills and grow your business to 7-figures and beyond? Join our Incubator Program - the 12-month high-octane program that blends leadership strategy, accountability, and business building support to help you propel your business to the next level and increase your earning power. Head over to EleanorBeaton.com to learn more about The Incubator Program and submit your application today!

Dial-Up Your Impact, Influence, and Income in 2018

Are you ready to take your leadership and influence to the next level in 2018? Join the Impact & Influence Leadership Lab for Women with Eleanor Beaton – the world's premier leadership training and implementation program designed specifically for female leaders! This is an 8-week mentoring program for professional, ambitious women in business who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and truly step into their power. Visit the Leadership Lab for Women website to see all of the amazing content, tools, and services you will receive by registering today to claim your seat at the table!

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/discover.

Are there things in your life, business, or career that you want to achieve, but require you to step out of your comfort zone? You know what you need to do, but you're not comfortable with doing it – so you don't.

Keep Reading >>

When we get right down to it – most of us have the same desires. We want to be financially secure, healthy and have great relationships with those around us, but what really makes us unique are the challenges that we face and the difficulties we are willing to deal with.

Ladies, it's time for a little tough love. Today, I want to talk to you about the importance of picking your pain – and doing it wisely.

All too often, it's not the scale of our dreams that undoes us. It's the pain that we choose.

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• Why women often don't step out of their comfort zone.
• Common ways women avoid leaving their comfort zone to achieve their desires.
• Going after what you want won't be painless, but can often be more rewarding.

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/Discover.

Register for Your Million Dollar Message Women's Leadership Retreat

Are you interested in creating a powerful signature speech, owning your leadership presence, and leveraging it to receive breakout business results in 2017? Register for Eleanor's Million Dollar Message Women's Leadership Retreat – an exquisite, 3-day face-to-face retreat with powerhouse women leaders in Toronto, Canada.

If you'd like to explore how you can deliver your message to the world and use it to take your business to the next level, join our group of powerhouse female leaders on May 26-28 in Toronto. For more details and register for this amazing, powerful event, visit YourMillionDollarMessageRetreat.com

A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors

This episode was made possible by our wonderful sponsors, BMO – Bank of Montreal – The Bank for Women.

Join the conversation at BMO for Women to gain the insight, knowledge, and support you need to succeed and to truly understand how to manage your money!

One of the most common fears that prevent truly amazing entrepreneurs from stepping into their power and breaking the glass ceiling is their fear of bothering or "annoying" people when it comes to marketing and sales. They fall for the misconception that if they market their products or services as much as they think they should - they will begin to annoy their audience and potentially "dry up" their sales funnel.

Keep Reading >>

On today's episode, I share why it is critical for entrepreneurs to get over their fear of bothering or annoying others. I explain how the fear of annoying people can actually hold you back from achieving your goals and the importance of understanding that how people feel about what you do to market your business is truly none of your business. I also explain how giving in to the fear of annoying others can impact your ability to communicate effectively and sufficiently as well as why it is critical to consistently promote your business to achieve the success you deserve.

"The fear of annoying others can absolutely hold you back, as an entrepreneur, from being able to communicate effectively and sufficiently with people." - Eleanor Beaton

Today on the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast:

• How the fear of bothering people can hold you back from achieving the next level of success.
• How your fear of annoying others impacts your ability to communicate effectively and sufficiently with others.
• The importance of understanding that how people feel about what you do isn't your business.
• Why it is critical for entrepreneurs to market consistently.

Fierce Leadership Quotes:

• "When you are worried about annoying people, you are placing the needs and feelings of the 2% over the masses." - Eleanor Beaton
• "If someone is annoyed with you - it is not your business." - Eleanor Beaton
• "The biggest enemy of most entrepreneurs is obscurity." - Eleanor Beaton

Join the Exclusive Incubator Program!

Are you ready to build, leverage, and scale your business to the next level? Ready to maximize your leadership skills and grow your business to 7-figures and beyond? Join our Incubator Program - the 12-month high-octane program that blends leadership strategy, accountability, and business building support to help you propel your business to the next level and increase your earning power. Head over to EleanorBeaton.com to learn more about The Incubator Program and submit your application today!

Dial Up Your Impact, Influence, and Income in 2019

Are you ready to take your leadership and influence to the next level in 2019? Join the Impact & Influence Leadership Lab for Women with Eleanor Beaton – the world's premier leadership training and implementation program designed specifically for female leaders! This is a 8-week mentoring program for professional, ambitious women in business who are ready to take their leadership skills to the next level and truly step into their power. Visit the Leadership Lab for Women website to see all of the amazing content, tools, and services you will receive by registering today to claim your seat at the table!

Love the show? Let us know!

Are you a fan of the Fierce Feminine Leadership Podcast? If the tips and interviews we share in each episode have helped you gain the confidence and inspiration to become a better, more powerful leader, head on over to iTunes, subscribe to the show and leave your honest review to let us know! Each month, one lucky podcast reviewer will be selected to receive a free coaching session with me – Eleanor Beaton!

What are you waiting for? Head on over to iTunes, subscribe and leave a review to enter your name into this month's drawing!

And, if you really want to ramp up your fierceness…

Reach out to us for a free 30-minute Bold Women in Business Makeover Session with me or one of the fabulous coaches on my team!

Explore your path and discover how you can be the fiercest lady-boss possible. Visit EleanorBeaton.com/discover.

On This Episode of Fierce Feminine Leadership...

How willing are you to engage in politics in the workplace? Bonnie Marcus, author of the Politics of Promotion and international speaker says that learning to successfully embrace and navigate workplace politics can give you the leg up that you need when it comes to reaching success.

Keep Reading >>

More About Bonnie Marcus

• Bonnie has 25-years of experience in corporate America.
• Bonnie's wake-up call came early on in her career she was passed over for a promotion because she didn't position herself properly.
• Politics of Promotion arose from a keynote Bonnie did called "Anatomy of a Blindside"
• She has spoken at major events such as; the Dynamic Women in Business Conference at Harvard, the MIT Sloan School of Management, and the Massachusetts Conference for Women.

It takes more than great performance to get ahead in business. You need to know how to position yourself, build advocates and build influence across the organization.

How can you increase your political savvy?

• Build a relationship with yourself- take the time to understand how you and your work contributes and adds value to the organization. This is the foundation for you to promote yourself and build influence across the organization.
  • Own your ambition- recognize what it takes to move your career forward and make decisions that support your ambition going forward.
• Develop an awareness of what is going on around you and what your organization and bosses are trying to achieve
• Build a network in a strategic way- It's not only about who is in your network, but it's also very important that you are selective in how you spend your time. Consider:
  • How powerful is each person in your network?
  • And how strong is your relationship with each of those people?
  • How you can build visibility with the powerful players?
  • Do the people in your network understand how you bring value to the organization?
• Understand the dynamics of your organization. How are decisions made, who makes the decisions, & who influences the decisions?
  • What does it take to get ahead in your company?
    • Have there been other women who have reached leadership roles? did they have relationships with
    • What kind of assignments did they get?
    • Did they have a sponsor, a mentor, and or a coach?
    • What was their executive presence like?
  • What kind of behavior is condoned in your organization?

What can companies do to retain female talent?

• The underlying problem isn't addressed- women don't necessarily want to leave work when they have small children or when they have elderly parents to care for, but they have little choice because there is little flexibility in corporate America to understand and support women throughout the entirety of their career.
• Don't make assumptions about what women want and need, ASK them what they need to be successful.
• Individual women and their companies need to identify ambitious women who want a long-term career and then have an individualized career track that the leaders in their company will be held accountable for.

Connect with Bonnie Marcus

Womenssuccesscoaching.com