Every human has a unique purpose and important contribution to make to this world. And hands down, we are in serious need of all the potential developed and no solution to the tricky problems we face untested and unrealized. Yet, across the world women refrain from bringing their unique perspective and ideas to the table. Too often cultural norms, structural barriers and all the practical impossibilities of everyday life stand in their way when it comes to taking the next step to following their own vision and dreams.
Take for instance the corporate world. After long years of continuously climbing up the career-ladder, working in different roles and leading teams of 6 to 600, many women feel empty, exhausted and stuck. They wrestle with question like: ’Is this still worth it?’ and ‘Can I really make a difference here?’.
Making it through the long workdays without breaks while juggling family-life, navigating office-politics and meeting one revenue goal after the other - this is just one side of the coin. The other points to an unsatisfied hunger, a nagging longing to shape and impact the world differently and to make your own mark. Asked the magical question: ‘If money wasn’t an issue, what would you do next?’ many of those smart, witty women in corporate careers articulate very clear ideas of what they would want to build, produce or shift outside of their organizsation.
One of my friends, a marketing professional at a large corporation, embarked on the journey of buying and redeveloping a beautiful old, run-down train station into a place for healthy living, community and entertainment. Before this project began however, she went through years of waiting for the right circumstances and the permission of the people surrounding her while struggling with self-doubt and fear. ‘You have no training for this!’, ‘What about the kids?’ or ‘Isn’t that too risky?’ were the reactions she regularly got. Fortunately, she did it anyway.
Life is too short not to plant the seeds we have as gifts, visions and ideas in some form at some point.
Of course, there are real risks and downsides to every dream and idea. Not every woman has the resources or support for that kind of transition or an investment in a costly endeavor. Assessing those risks realistically and planning or the downsides is not only rational, but responsible. Also, not every idea will work out and not every project is made to fit a certain season of life.
Still, life is too short not to plant the seeds we have as gifts, visions and ideas in some form at some point. If we can ignite and draw on that mysterious power of creativity, imagination and intuition that lives within each of us, we might find the smallest steps forward even in unlikely conditions. For me, this first step is starting this newsletter and sharing stories, insights and lessons around using this power to bring to life the ideas and solutions of women. So come and join in on this journey!