http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2011/apr/01/david-willetts-feminism-lack-of-jobs
Only in a zero sum world, could one think that feminism has negated egalitarianism. If you believe there are a set number of opportunities, then as one group's power rises, another's falls.
But if you understand that the set number of opportunities can grow, and that the system can enlarge to create more opportunities, then you don't look at win/lose, you understand the power of what I call 'Ecosystem Economics' - win/win, align interests, create a bigger not just a better mousetrap, be a net contributer to the system, grow the system, figure out how to make it work for everyone, don't think linear - think network, and understand that the winners are the people who understand where the world is going, and get there first. We all become richer as everyone becomes richer.
This Willets quote counterpointed perfectly the vibe at the Financial Jam session run by the very chic Zoe Couper on Friday at the lovely Connaught Hotel where I was a moderator of a panel graced by Britt Lintner, Divia Cadbury and Amber Aitkens. They shared their wisdom on how they do it, how they've done it, and how they keep going. Positive energy key. Turn the channel if you feel negative in the morning. Ask for help. Keep going when difficult.
As a 1966 baby, I grew up in the 80's, and it's fair to say that there was a somewhat male bias to society - ish in the US at that time. I was brought up not to pay attention to those kinds of things, so I never thought about it. I was told my father I could be anything I set my mind to become. Full stop. But as a 44 year old professional today, I am struck by how feminine the world is becoming. Not anti-men, but feminine. The values that are considered feminine - collaboration, think of how to make it work for the team, listen before you speak, multi-tasking etc - are all in the ascendancy.
I'm convinced that feminine strength will be understood this decade by most of society. And that men who are going to be successful over the next two decades will have high EQ's - witness Alastair Lukies - CEO of Monitise, a man's man, total Rugby nut, but very high EQ, or Steve Lewis, CEO of LivingPlanIT - also a man's man, top of his game, but very high EQ.... I think what's also clear to me when I meet any man today in the business world - you can tell within about 2 minutes whether they like women. Men like Rob Lewis of Omniphone or Rob Hersov of MediKidz or Michael Jackson of Elderstreet - you can just tell that they like women and are comfortable with them. And boy can you tell when you meet a man and they are not comfortable around women and don't like them.....
So how cool is that t0 be living in a time when the world is becoming more feminine, and female strength is finally being understood and appreciated. My biggest fear going through the whole women in the board rooms consultation and reports is that people will understand what an amazing advantage we have in being women. Premium not Discount folks.... shhhhhhhhhh
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