As we begin the month of March, we are six days into Women’s History Month.  Plenty of pioneers and trailblazers are still inspiring other women toward excellence.

 

This year’s 2023 National Women’s History Theme is “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories.”

 

To all the great women who have made history over the years, I want to start by giving them their flowers.  In doing so, let’s all lift them higher today.

 

Throughout the years, there have been plenty of observances, yet sometimes they come and go without any fanfare.

 

My intent this week is to kick it up a notch by providing you more to look it and celebrate all women worldwide!

 

Let’s start it off with the article written by Harvard Business Review, reference Diversity and Inclusion about Research: Adding Women to the C-Suite Changes How Companies Think

 

by Corinne Post, Boris Lokshin, and Christophe Boone (April 06, 2021) it’s clear times are changing.

 

For those unfamiliar with what C-Suite stands for, it refers to the company’s executive-level managers. Typical c-suite executives include the chief executive officer (CEO), chief financial officer (CFO), chief operating officer (COO), and chief information officer (CIO). C-level members work together to ensure a company stays true to its established plans and policies.

 

I believe you, and I agree that since the pandemic, we’ve noticed significant resignations, with companies taking more risks.  Not only are they taking risks, they are also challenged to communicate better with the customer.

 

Research: Adding Women to the C-Suite Changes How Companies Think (hbr.org)

I also know that today’s workforce continues to change as developing professionals navigate and advance their careers.

 

However, it’s not just women in C-Suites; it’s women worldwide making a difference.

 

Take a moment and discover for yourself the pioneers and trailblazers that have made a difference throughout the year. For your ease, I’ve provided three months; however, clicking on any months will expose you to all twelve months of the year.

 

Feb — Today in Women’s History (todayinwomenshistory.org)

 

Mar — Today in Women’s History (todayinwomenshistory.org)

 

Apr — Today in Women’s History (todayinwomenshistory.org)

 

My favorite is Maya Angelou (located in April).  Maya Angelou is an example who inspires.  She is one of many pioneers and trailblazers I admire for her leap of faith and courage. If you have ever listened to her poem “Still I rise,” you would know the meaning of still I rise.   Maya Angelou was indeed a pioneer and trailblazer.

 

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou | Poetry Foundation

I’m grateful that President Barack Obama awarded Maya Angelou the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 before her death on May 28, 2014, giving her time to enjoy her flowers.

 

When was the last time you took time to honor the Women who played an essential part in making this world or country better than yesterday?

 

To all the mothers that continue to make sacrifices in and out of the home, I honor you.  Today my mother is not here; however, without her taking care of the household and being the role of the mother-figure in the family is undeniable.

 

Every day as I sit at my desk, I can look at my mother’s picture on the wall.  I may not know all her sacrifices; however, I know there were many.

 

Although Mother’s Day is not until May, it’s Women’s History Month, and my mother and the mothers like yours made history. The fact that my mother was a voracious reader rubbed off on me. What contributions can you claim from your mother that made you a better person?

 

As you and I all enjoy the freedoms of a post-pandemic, women, particularly in the healthcare arena, are experiencing burnout symptoms at work.  Unlike the great resignation, we have the great attrition of Nurses, and we have depended on them for so long that there is a shift in their needs in healthcare.

 

Nurses and the Great Resignation podcast | McKinsey

In addition, today and in years past, advocating for women’s empowerment is taking the forefront in every nation.  Still, there is work to be done globally, especially in poverty.

 

Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Are Key to Addressing Global Poverty – Center for American Progress

Not to mention gender equality and women’s rights as a human.

 

Gender Equality | United Nations

As a Soldier, I was fortunate to work for several women officers and leaders.

 

The U.S. government leads the way in honoring Women’s History Month thanks to the official site, WomensHistoryMonth.gov.

 

Various branches of the United States Military make the observations their own, but in general, you’ll find organizations such as the National Museum of the Air Force featuring the roles of women in uniform as military volunteers, activists, pilots, researchers, and many other critical areas.

 

Finally, as a leadership coach and trainer, I was provided a list of the World’s Best Leadership Speakers last week.

 

“It’s A Man’s World” by James Brown, and Betty Jean Newsome doesn’t apply to the three top female gurus. Times have certainly changed since James Brown recorded it on February 16, 1966, in a New York City studio and released it as a single later that year.

 

I’ll close by inviting you to click on the link for the top 30 leadership coaches internationally and review the list for yourself: The World’s Best Leadership Speakers Trainers Thought Leaders – Top 30 (globalgurus.org)

 

Today it’s my honor to celebrate all women around the world!

 

As a man, who has worked for many women, I agree with Michelle Obama’s quote “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.”

 

Better yet, “Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women.” — Maya Angelou‍