It’s a Wrap: Petals of Wisdom for All

Wow, what an event yesterday! Every moment of hard work and preparation for this event was totally worth it. We had an outstanding group of panelists who were inspirational and eager to share their success stories with our guests. A special thank you to Lacrecia Cade, CCO of Morehouse College; Tricia Conahan, CMO Brookdale Senior Living; Paula Larson, Chief HR Officer for Newell Rubbermaid; Debbie Simpson, CFO of BCG and our moderator, Maria LaRosa, Broadcast Meteorologist for The Weather Channel. It was a true privilege to be in an environment where it was safe to tear down those walls and have those, sometimes difficult, discussions. Thanks to women like these, our voices are getting louder and our stories are gaining momentum.

Some highlights of yesterday’s conversation included quotes such as, “Every meeting, email, and conversation you have is a job interview; you are being considered for your next role,” says Conahan, Brookdale CMO. Conahan also shared with us her best advice. She said after watching a car race, one always notices that “the guy who finishes first isn’t the one who went the fastest on the straightaways, but rather the one that maneuvered the corners best.” What a great example!

Lacrecia Cade, CCO of Morehouse College, held back no personality when addressing the audience, and this made her that much more relatable, endearing and strong. She credits her success to “working for the team” and not choosing! “You can be the rock star in your family and in your work,” she says. “Approach networking thinking about what you can do for them, because they will reciprocate.”

Paula Larson, Newell Rubbermaid’s top female exec adds, “Treating people well and driving shareholder value are not mutually exclusive.” Larson shares that the best way to “accelerate one’s career” is to “go fix something!” Dealing with a global position, Larson is a strong believer in using new technology as she sees its usage everyday as a medium through which communication can now break all types of barriers.

Debbie Simpson, CFO of BCG, comically shared her early college experience as an engineering major and described the importance of linking the work that you are doing with what you enjoy. “When there’s good and interesting work, never say no!” she says. She also added, you aren’t always going to like all the women you work with, and “you don’t have to!” Very focused on splitting time with team and self, Simpson encouraged the power of negotiation as a means of competing with men in the workplace.

Our lovely moderator, Maria LaRosa, Broadcast Meteorologist for The Weather Channel, engaged both the panelists and the guests in meaningful and memorable conversation. She credits her road to success with surrounding herself with people smarter than her. By doing so, she says, “There is always something to learn.” You could feel the exuberant amount of confidence from the panelist members. Some have had that drive since the first grade while others found that spark well into their careers.

Our lovely venue, 103 West, was decorated with elegance and, of course, some PINK accents. The charm of the room was amplified by the presence of Everywhere Agency, Jewels with a Purpose, London Med Spa, A Daily Diva and designer, Abbey Glass. A special guest of ours, Intimacy, partnered with us to prepare a bra collection for the nonprofit, Free the Girls, which combats human trafficking. We had an incredible turnout for this fundraiser, received in abundance and are thrilled to see women lifting up these other women.

Thank you to our sponsors for your unwavering support and encouragement: Intimacy, Southwest Airlines, Room& Board, 103 West and Everywhere Agency. We are truly thankful to have had your presence at this event.

In closure, our panelists who spoke yesterday are wise women sharing their voices in the business world; they are not going to quiet this discussion anytime soon. You too, can build both a beautiful career and a beautiful life! And remember, it’s up to us to be the change we want to see.

Don’t forget that October 19th, our fall lunch event, will be here before you know it; save the date and register soon. Please share your favorite quotes and advice from yesterday via Twitter @littepinkbook and Facebook. May you always be in the PINK!

By Sydney Welch