a Better World…One Woman at a Time
“Creating Executive Presence Course” now available anywhere in the world. Click here to read the press release on CNBC.
MBA Women International announce the Executive Presence program. Click here to read the news release.
University of Wisconsin launches the Executive Presence – Strengthening Professionalism Course. Click here to read the announcement.
Click here to read an excerpt from the Creating Executive Presence Program Handbook.
Or Click on the Executive Presence Program tab for the program description and information about how to register.
OTHER STORIES:
Over the past few months, as I discussed my book with other professional women, I discovered that gender issues in the workplace are a hot topic for almost everyone. Many of my colleagues had stories that were fascinating, unique, and sometimes heart-breaking. I call these “Stories from the Belly of the Beast.”
For example, one woman told me that she was considered “high potential” when she joined her first company after college and was assigned to a female mentor (a CFO, as it happened). This mentor advised my colleague to 1) cut her red hair, and 2) not wear shoes that showed toe cleavage. Good grief. Why is it that our advice tends to focus on appearance instead of on substance? Is it because it’s easier to talk about what’s obvious and visible instead of more subtle behavioral or performance issues?
As another colleague pointed out, if a junior male employee were assigned to a male mentor, you can bet he wouldn’t waste his time talking about toe cleavage…
See more at the Stories tab.
Do you have a story from the Belly of the Beast? I’d love to hear it. Leave a comment below or email me at
stories (at) discreetguide (dot) com
Tweets
Audiobook now available at audible.com! Click
Dana Mead
/ April 27, 2012Thank you for writing your book! I just finished the audio version, and really appreciate the service that it provides to so many women who need to hear “real talk”.
I’m not new to the corporate world, but it is always helpful to be reminded that as women we go through an extra layer of challenges that most men do not experience. It also helps to be reminded that they have their own set of challenges, and that we must also remain compassionate about that. Your tone was right on.
It was a great refresher course, but I learned some new things as well. And, I’ve shared your book with some junior colleagues whom I know will benefit. Where were you 25 years ago when I needed to hear these things?
Congratulations on the well deserved success that this effort is bringing your way. I look forward to your next book!
Anonymous
/ March 20, 2012Listened to your book on audible – good work. First time I ever wrote an author, appreciated your book and point of view. Am thinking about quitting my present position- it was really timely to have the chance to listen to you. Thanks.
jennifer
/ March 21, 2012Hey thanks. On one hand, I was happy to read my book aloud because I felt as though I could say things the way I wanted them to be heard. On the other hand, I felt pretty sorry for someone who had to listen to me for six hours! Thanks for sticking it out. Good luck with your job decisions.
Judy Lindenberger
/ February 15, 2012Jennifer, this looks to be a great book … interesting topic and useful to women wanting to rise in the work world. Here is a tip for how women can learn to “work well with men” – become a member of a board. I joined the YWCA of Trenton, which is a non-profit board that accepts only women as members of the board. In that venue, I learned to find my voice … to speak out and to speak up. I went from there to become a board member of my local school district where, at first, I was one of two women on a nine member board. On the school board I learned to stand up for my beliefs even if that meant that I was standing alone. On the school board, I ended up enjoying my relationships with the men board members more than the women … because, for the most part, I could disagree with the men, discuss our differences openly and move on. Some of the women, on the other hand, took differences of opinion personally and could not move on. Do you write about this in your book?
jennifer
/ February 15, 2012Great advice, Judy. Neat way to get some experience and self-confidence before going up against some tough school board member. In Chapter Four, I write about The big C’s: Competition, Challenge and Conflict, areas that can be difficult for aspiring female executives. It’s somewhat freeing to work with guys who are able to move on after an argument. If you can still have a relationship after a big shouting match, then it’s not that big of a deal. For women, on the other hand, it’s more likely to be instilled in us that when there’s an argument, it’s *very* personal. Because many women shy away from conflict, they’ve had fewer opportunities to learn how to deal with it in ways that don’t threaten their relationships. They just don’t have those skills yet. But, with practice, just as you have, they can obtain them. And their work lives will be happier. Thanks for writing.
Tammy Boling
/ February 8, 2012Hi Jennifer,
I have just discovered your book and I was fascinated with the Table of Contents and the except, as well as all of the comments by the other women. It is such a relief to have support among us. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I can’t wait to order the book today and read it front to back. Tammy Boling
Rachel
/ February 2, 2012I would love to read this book , when is it going to be available? I see it says available on Amazon, etc but the link is not functional (yet?) . Thank you!
jennifer
/ February 2, 2012Thanks, Rachel. I’ve added some links now. As usual, it takes a Marketing person to explain to a Finance person how to sell something
Suzanne Castro
/ February 2, 2012I so enjoyed reading your intro above, can’t wait for the book to come out.
Thanks!
Anonymous
/ January 27, 2012Thank you for the opportunity to read a draft of this book.
Although I am not a businessperson, I found the advice in this book sound and helpful for steering my career. Plus the book is fun and easy to read because of the entertaining and enlightening stories.
I look forward to reading the final version.
Jill Crittenden
/ January 27, 2012I recently went to a luncheon for women at the Society for Neuroscience. The chief of neurology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. Anne Young, was the guest speaker. For her strong and supportive leadership of a research institute (MIND) that she built, she is an inspiration to numerous women and men that I know. She gave a lot of good advice at the luncheon, but one thing that I thought particularly informative (and easy to remember) is based on her experience as chief. She said that men in the department would frequently come in to her office to ask for more research space and money. In contrast, women would often state how satisfied they were in their position. So, women, “ASK FOR MORE STUFF!”
Inga
/ January 21, 2012Thanks Jennifer! I can’t wait when your book is out, I’m buying it for sure.
I’m surrounded by men in my workplace, actually I’m the only woman in the office so your book will be a great manual for me.
Micheline Zion
/ January 15, 2012I loved reading the excerpt and can’t wait for the book to come out. Thanks for some really useful observations!