All new world for women in business - Pink Coloured Glasses

Taken from the Vancouver Observer. If you haven't already checked out this amazing article on the Vancouver Observer, please do! Steph and Katie are both bright, ambitious and true trail blazers. Steph is part of the YWiB team as our Chaper development officer and Katie is part of our SFU team. Take a read!

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Stephanie: The business world is evolving. Ambitious young women are kick-starting their careers with an insatiable drive and hunger to reach the top, eager and ready to make their mark on the world. We are a part of the next generation of emerging leaders that, in a few years time, will take the reins in molding the world around us.

Yes, we want to be industry experts that are called upon for decisions of great magnitude. Yes, we worry about being able to balance our personal aspirations with our ambition to reach the top. Yes, we do care about whether we wear the black patent leather pumps or the red power heels to the next big meeting (hey, we love fashion too!).

Through our column, we hope that you will gain a genuine understanding of the things that are important to us as aspiring young professionals, while learning, growing and exploring alongside us. We promise to be authentic, raw and open hearted. Join us – see the world as we see it, Through Pink Coloured Glasses.

Katie: We would like to begin by sharing some inspirational thoughts that we have come across recently, which have particularly resonated with us. The following is a compilation of quotes and videos that have fueled conversations and helped shape our individual outlooks on career goals, personal aspirations, and individual growth. We hope that these ideas can be equally as thought-provoking and inspiring for all of you, and that they will help introduce you to our opinions and perspectives.

Video #1 – Aimee Mullins and her 12 pairs of legs

S: Aimee Mullins is the epitome of the perfect woman – stunningly beautiful, articulate, athletic, intelligent, charismatic, and to top it all off, she boasts a dynamic personality and a great sense of humour. There is, however, one thing I forgot to mention: Aimee Mullins has no legs. In a compelling seminar for the TED2009 conference, Aimee explores the concept of beauty and ability, and redefines how society should identify those with physical barriers and challenges. Most importantly, Aimee reminds us that our perception of our own strength and ability is rooted from within.

“To dare is to lose one’s footing momentarily. To not dare is to lose oneself.”

– S. Kierkegaard

K: I stumbled upon this quote the other day, and it really left its mark on me. As an undergrad student, especially in a field like business where career options are as numerous as they are daunting, I feel that this message is an important one. To me, it’s about staying true to yourself, being confident in your abilities, and making a commitment to discovering and pursuing your true aspirations – regardless of how wildly impossible they may seem.

We are fortunate enough to be entering the workforce at a time when the word impossible seems to be heading towards extinction.

We have paper thin, powerful, handheld personal computers that serve as everything from a television, to a game console, to a personal office; women are making their way into the ‘C-suite’ (though this is certainly still a topic deserving of attention); and one of the most celebrated and controversial entrepreneurs of our generation created his fortune by connecting the world through a website.

The world is what we make of it – there are so many opportunities to do something great. However, we often get so caught up in the idea of “risk” that it paralyzes us from pursuing our passions. I recently attended a conference for the Young Women in Business (YWiB) network, and attended a workshop delivered by Ken Sim, co-founder of Nurse Next Door. He said something during his workshop that really stuck with me, which was that “there really is no risk in anything - worst case scenario, you can live in your parents’ basement”. Certainly everyone’s circumstances are different, and it’s important to plan, prepare, and assess ideas, but I think Mr. Sim has it right. We shouldn’t let the fear of failure hold us back from pursuing an opportunity – career or otherwise – that could be seriously satisfying. Consider it a dare.

Video #2 – Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders

S: Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook, pitches three ways she believes women can get to the top: sit at the table, make your partner a real partner, and don’t leave before you leave. My favourite message delivered through this talk is crystal clear: keep your foot on the gas pedal.

K: We hope that this compilation has served as an introduction to the two of us, as well as our attitudes and opinions. Before we sign off, we wanted to leave you with one more thought that really hit home with us, which is this:

“To be successful, the first thing to do is fall in love with your work”.

- Sister Mary Lauretta

Like many other young women, we’re still searching for this type of true love relationship. We hope that you’ll join us for some insightful conversation, advice, and ideas as we set out on a journey to find it.

Katie & Steph