Chicago's Top 10 Takeways

Here are my top 10 take-aways from the first of our 5th Annual Fall Empowerment Series of events presented by MetLife. This is just some of the wisdom offered in Chicago by America’s most influential women in business who graciously shared their time and wisdom by being on our lunch panel. Here are the answers to some of questions asked by our moderator Cassandra A. Gaddo, the Managing Editor of Today’s Chicago Woman.

1. “Remember you can overwhelm your male counter part by talking for 17 minutes straight.” – This from FedEx SVP Laurie Tucker who said her “most embarassing moment” came when she realized she hadn’t let the boss get in a single word during a conversation.

2. “You know what you need to do – so put your hand up.” – Maria Morris, MetLife EVP of Technology and Operations on the importance of women taking action based on their good intuition.

3. The women said they are successful because they:

• Build relationships
• Take action
• Can influence other
• Are trustworthy
• Don’t settle
• Aren’t afraid to ask for what they want

4. The trick to balancing – is focusing on results, realizing it important to be a whole person, use technology to enjoy flexibility.

5. “If you don’t get something done today [don’t worry] it’ll still be there tomorrow.” – PepsiCo Marketing VP Danielle Vona says this approach keeps her from getting stressed out.

“Eat well and exercise,” adds Nancy Brown, the American Heart Associations first female CEO.

6. “Take six weeks off after having a baby. Your direct reports will get a lot more work done!”

7. “Take more time to connect with other women. That’s partly how men get ahead and get things done.”

8. Recession opportunities come to those who know what they want in their career and ask to take on more leadership roles. Say, “coach put me in.”

Also MetLife’s Maria Morris said employers are looking for, and willing to pay for, the best talent. When it comes to negotating pay and benefits, “understand your value and set the bar for what you deserve.”

9. Enjoy the journey.

10. If you don’t know the answer… say “please help me understand.”

By Cynthia Good