A Letter
From the President
Did you know that I probably would not be IPWS President if it was not for the WLAs? Well it is true, but more on that in a second.
First, April is here!!! The flowers are blooming, the weather is nicer and we are so very far from where we all were last year.
And now, four months into 2023, I think we all have figured out what our current pace is … insane! Whether it is returning markets, building markets and just life, it’s a little bit crazy out there!
While I HIGHLY encourage you to make sure you are taking a break, it does feel amazing to have so much energy in our vibrant Shanghai! This is critical success factor in our collective healing.
And celebrating and recognizing each other, what we have been through, IS also fundamental in our healing. And THAT is where the WLAs come in.
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins
Realizing some of you may be new to the WLAs, they began in 2006 as way to recognize the most fantastic women in Shanghai, from all nationalities and industries, who have immerged as leaders and change makers in their fields or in their community paving the way forward. In addition, since 2016, IPWS included men supporting women! And although there was a brief pause in 2022, it remains one of the longest running campaigns here in Shanghai.
So where do I come into the picture?
In 2019, I was nominated and received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Fantastic right? Absolutely!
What many people don’t know is that I was really struggling at that time. I was in a dark place, incredibly broken and almost zero confidence for several reasons. In fact, 30 minutes before my 25th anniversary with my company, I was telling my SVP that I couldn’t do it anymore, that I had nothing left.
I was so immersed in the day to day and frustrated with my path, I was lost. Every day I was showing up fighting so many things, but not for myself. And to me, I thought I was failing, even after all I had accomplished.
And to top it off, I did not have any real connection with women outside of work. Heck, I was not sure I could have a conversation that did not have something to do with my work.
We all know how important connection is. So I went online and searched “women’s organizations in Shanghai” … that is where IPWS popped into my life. The first event I attended was a Thought Activator “Is Feminism Tainted?” Having such different conversations than my day to day, I came home and told my husband, I am not sure I “fit in.”
Behind the scenes, I didn’t realize that my team was looking for ways to show me the impact and the difference I was making in their lives. They found IPWS and the WLAs. And they went to work on nominating… and from what I understand, put in paper what they saw in me every day, what I was forgetting to honor in myself. That even though I didn’t have it myself, I was creating the space that allowed them to be the best version of themselves, authentically. To further solidify this feedback, they also reached out to my former team members in HK and encouraged them to share as well.
When I was notified… I didn’t believe it. Like many of us … I did not think I deserved it. But when I went on stage to give my one minute speech (that if you know me was really more like five), and having my team in the audience beaming back at me. It clicked. I won this because I am me. Unapologetically me … and that ME making a difference. I just needed that mirror to see what they see!
“Surround yourself with the dreamers and the doers, the believers and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.” – Edmund Lee
And that really was the inspiration I needed to put myself out there more. To share my stories on leadership… and to continue to grow as leader no matter what we would face. By being more open to this possibility, it allowed me to welcome amazing opportunities within our community by making the connections with the most fantastic and encouraging women who show me the light when I need it.
This is what IPWS and the WLAs brought to my life … a team, a community who challenges me, teaches me and pushes me to be my best self. It was never about “fitting in” but being authentically you and celebrate that in others.
I am incredibly blessed for this path I am on with all of you and leading this organization. Every event, every interaction, every conversation I have with ALL of YOU inspires me and keeps me moving forward, even on the most overwhelming and difficult days! And I want to share that energy with ALL of you! And show that you ARE making a difference.
“I don’t get my inspiration from books or a painting, I get it from the women I meet.” – Caroline Herrera
To summarize because I REALLY WANT you nominate someone, including yourselves. It could be life changing or it could just be the little push that is needed to take one more step. What I can promise you that letting someone know how much they are impacting you or the community, well that can make all the difference to that person.
“And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same!” – Marianne Williamson
Last days left to Nominate today!!! Please use the link to shine the light on someone YOU believe in today!!
And who knows, you could be nominating the future IPWS president
