Recently I have had the good fortune of being introduced to an incredible author. Fawn Germer is a Pulitzer-nominated author of two best selling books, “Hard Won Wisdom” and “Mustang Sallies”. Fawn has been recommended by Oprah Winfrey, so how much more can I say? When I obtained my copy of her latest book, “The New Woman Rules” (More than 50 trailblazers share their wisdom) I could not wait to sit down and read it. It has been more like devour it!
This book is the personal stories of extraordinary businesswomen who have more than succeeded, they are at the very top! These women vary in background and education, but they are all leaders. In reading their stories, they seem like my friends, sisters and colleagues. So, what makes them so different? Why did they get to the top when so many don’t? Fawn carefully explains the lessons they share from don’t hesitate to raise your hand to ask others for help.
I think what struck me the most however, was the amazing ability that each of these women had to rely on their inner wisdom. They explored their inspirations and allowed whatever was meant to be, be. I am not saying they ran wildly into the night spending foolishly at the expense of the company they worked for. It is just that they also did not over analyze their instincts. Not every experiment was a success, either.
Cathy Green, the COO of Food Lion tells of an experiment to expand a store she was managing early in her career. She was successful in increasing sales and needed more space for product. So, she decided to add a tent outside. The town council required a $15,000 sidewalk installed for this tent, she had the expense of Muzak, lights and shelving. When it was finished, she says it was debatable if they even made $100 from it. Here is her take on it,”Someone looking in might say it was a failure. But it gave me broad learning about working with town politics, driving business and bringing a vision to life. You learn from everything. Failure is not an option.”
Over and over I read those sentiments in the book. Each of these women had the vision to see what lessons they learned and keep on going. Many of them made lateral moves along the way, some even stepped down in order to step up later. These women were able to “re-frame” the events in their lives in a way that benefited them, their co-workers and their companies.
Fawn sums the lessons up so well in her conclusion. To quote her, “Be your true self. You are your greatest asset, so work it.” Later she states,”See yourself as belonging at the top, and you will belong at the top.” In other words, release fear and visualize the life you desire now!
Thank you Fawn for writing this incredible book!
Debbie,
I had the opportunity to see Fawn speak recently at Raymond James Financial on Risk-Taking while also promoting her new book. Fawn is captivating and dynamic in a down-to-earth and genuine style. One of the many things that resonated with me from her lecture was when she stated “The Magic Is In The Risk…Risk Is A Choice…The Only Way To See Your True Potential.” And, “Success is the ability to take a risk and bet on yourself!” I like that!! I, too, have learned like Cathy Green about having to stumble and then regroup to find your niche…but only recently looked at “my failure” as a learning tool and growing experience. I had taken a step and started a business in which there was no passion…and with no passion there is not sufficient effort…and then it IS WORK…not Fun. I now have found my absolute passion and have taken steps towards developing this passion…while using my second passion to support myself while the main passion is growing. I am now grateful to have known and FELT what this lesson taught me.
The woman in Fawn’s book that spoke the loudest to me is Bobbie O’Hare (page 169). I had dog-eared that page so I could go back & read her wisdom every now & then! She speaks of networking and connecting with people and how she learned how to effectively and GENUINELY do this while giving great examples. She speaks of how important mentors are to get you to the next level. And how taking action HAS to go along with vision. Her story of going back to college at the age of 51 and how she helped rewrite a difficult to understand section in the finance textbook brought tears to my eyes.
Fawn speaks of the importance of leaning on your sisters…about not standing timidly at the sidelines waiting for your big chance…to go get your mentors. I have known Fawn for a few years now…and she is both a valuable mentor and awesome friend. And you, Debbie have also shown and taught me the value of having mentors in my life. I am blessed to have both of you cross my path!