Twenty-five years ago, when I started in the mortgage and real estate business, there were few women. I didn’t have female mentors to guide me. Instead I was often excluded from important conversations with my peers that could’ve helped my career.
But I chose this industry because I saw tremendous opportunities for personal and professional enrichment. I persevered and I have been successful (I was officially out of the rat-race by 29 years old).
It has always been important to me that I help guide, mentor, and uplift other women. Especially women who work for me. I always encourage them to pursue their next goal no matter what it is.
I recently reconnected with one of my old assistants who told me how grateful she is that I would tell her, “You are more than this.”
It warms my heart to know that I had an impact on helping her to create the beautiful life she has now. It’s also wonderful to know that I’ve been able to help other women rise in a male dominated industry.
In the past, I’d hear that being ambitious isn’t “pretty” or feminine. This statement was an attempt to shame me for wanting more in my life.
My experience has been that it’s beautiful to be ambitious. And no one should feel ashamed or hesitant at developing their ambitious instincts thereby improving her life and the making the world a better place.
“I ask you to reclaim the word ‘ambition.’
Face the world with a healthy, sparkling dose of it. Come from a why-not-me mentality.
You can make a difference to your team.
To your workplace.
To your neighborhood.
The world needs you to bring it.
We’re counting on it.”
― Michelle Kinsman, Real-World Feminist Handbook: Practical Advice on How to Find, Win & Kick Ass at Your First Job
Happy Women’s History Month! And Happy Birthday Dr Seuss!
