Being Comfortable Talking About Money is Empowering
It is easier for people to talk about sex, religion, and politics than it is to talk about money.
But we need to normalize our conversations around money.
Because when women have a handle on their money they are empowered.
Money can provide security, allow for options, deliver satisfaction, grow one’s wealth, pull a person out of debt, and it can give a person access to people in positions of power.
Money can feel triggering to many of us. If you grew up without money, had money used to manipulate you, or watched your parents struggle with money, you may have issues you need to address. You may feel shame for having been poor. You may feel shame that money was used against you. You may feel shame because your family had money and lost it.
Ambition and the Caregiving Dilemma
Culturally, women are the caregivers. As children, we [women] are taught to care for our siblings. Many of us babysat the neighbor’s kids. We fed dogs, cats, and hamsters when our friends were out of town. We watched out for roommates in college as young adults.
As mothers, we carry the burden of being the primary caregivers to our children. As our own parents get older, the burden falls on us to ease their troubles. We carry the weight of housekeeping and emotional labor.
I know the birthdate of every child I raised, my husband’s social security number…
Shift Gathering: A Safe Space for Ambitious Women
Shift Gathering is a safe space for ambitious women.
Ambition can look very different to every person. But at Shift, we welcome all ambitions, in varied forms.
One Shift Gathering member might be chasing the C-Suite. Another might be trying stand-up comedy. A third might be working to build an online business. And a fourth might be making more quilts than last year.
Goals
I love transitions as they allow for dreaming, planning, and goal setting. I have always been a goal maker.
When I was young I loved the start of the school year in the fall, the start of the new year in January, and the start of the summer each May. These seasonal shifts allowed me to check in to any progress I was making on goals, acknowledge goals achieved, and to set new goals that I was excited about.
Three Ways to Cultivate Generosity
Being generous is an important principle to cultivate in business, at work and in life. Not only does it spread kindness and understanding in the community, it benefits your mental health. Generosity often breeds generosity. But untethered generosity can be overwhelming, expensive and exhausting unless paired with these three things: knowledge, boundaries, and skill.
Tis the Season to be Generous
Thanksgiving, Small Business Saturday, Giving Tuesday, and the gift-giving of December holidays make the end-of-year months the perfect time to think about and give generously to businesses, clients, friends, associates, non-profits, strangers, and family members.
Here are five ways that show real generosity at varied price points.
Five Things to Consider When Collaborating
Collaborations speak to my heart. I love them. I learn so much about myself and about others when I collaborate. Collaborations are interesting because they bring something and/or someone new onto my radar.
How to Grow Your Circle
I just got off the phone with someone I mentor. She was in tears. “How can I grow my circle? I feel like I’m hitting my head against a wall. It is so overwhelming.”
We talked about how frustrating the process can feel but I reminded her that she was in a transition and transitions can feel scary, new…
Finding a Mentor
Mentors can be invaluable—offering guidance, inspiration, perspective and motivation. How do you go about getting your own?
Do business cards still matter?
As you plan your business card, consider what you’re most passionate about and what you want to communicate. What’s the association you want to create? What’s the benefit to the recipient? What’s the message you’re hoping to send?
Making the Most of Opportunities to Connect
Conferences and networking events provide an unprecedented opportunity to connect with like-minded people, potential business partners, mentors and even people who’ll become lifelong friends. Make sure you’re in the best position to make those connections by being aware of how you make your best connections.
Successful Events Start with Purpose
Hosting an in-person event can have serious advantages for yourself, your career, or your business, and you’ll be most successful if the first thing you do is answer a simple—but often overlooked—question: What is your purpose in creating the event?
Ten Questions to Ask Yourself About Your Work
Occasionally slowing down to measure your success may feel like taking time away from your career or business, but it’s actually an essential part of being successful. Take regular time to ask—and answer—straightforward questions about the health and success of what you are doing. Click through to a few questions that will get you started.
Learning from Jealousy: The Green-Eyed Monster is an Excellent Teacher
Whenever we experience strong emotions, there’s usually a lesson waiting to be learned. Jealously can teach us a lot if we’ll let it.
Building Blocks of a Strong Mentoring Relationship
In a mentoring relationship both the mentor and the mentee contribute to its success and longevity . Create the most productive relationship by using specific building blocks. .
Easy Steps to Writing a Great Bio
Consider this easy template for a great bio: I've been a _______ (your hobby or profession) for ___ (number) years. My specialty is _______. Simple, right?
Four Ways to Celebrate Others’ Successes
You may be familiar with a sinking feeling that grips your gut when you hear about the great new book deal or amazing content campaign another woman just landed. Feelings of jealousy are common, even when it’s someone you truly love or admire.
Take a deep breath. You’re going to be all right.
Introducing Yourself Like a Pro
Leading with enthusiasm and passion tells your story in a powerful way. Your passion for your work will help others remember you and your work, so talk about what you love most and what makes you feel alive.