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It was early this past Friday morning when my friend and I pulled into the back parking lot of the Harvard Club. We’d been eagerly waiting for the day to come as we were excited to hear Sheryl Sandberg speak. We entered into the back of the club and as we approached the lobby we could hear the hum of the crowd.
We checked in and headed for the breakfast buffet. The hall was packed and we had about 15 minutes before Sheryl was to speak. I nudged my way in front of the continental breakfast (I’m never one to pass up food) and was somewhat annoyed by the others around me. I typically don’t like crowds as I get anxious however I’m not shy to elbow my way around.
I was doing my usual ruses to move the others out of the way to insure I got my grapes, cantaloupe and pineapple before Sheryl went on stage. My bag of tricks includes wedging myself between people or standing a little to close behind someone taking too long. You really know you’re in my way when I turn just a little too fast and my purse knocks you over. I need a purse big enough for my lap top, but that thing comes in handy for many other uses. I realized this time was different, my antics weren’t working. The ladies around me weren’t having it. Instead of moving and being pushed out of the way, they were nudging back. At first my instinct was to be annoyed and then it dawned on me. What else did I expected? If there were ever to be a self-selected group of strong and driven women, this was it! Instead of being annoyed I felt proud (and a bit hungry). I took a deep breath, appreciated the moment and grinned. I was amongst my peers.
I already had an important take-away before Sheryl even appeared. She’s igniting a movement. Talking about a subject that has been resting dormant for years and she’s capitalizing on it. She’s become the face of the next women’s movement and she owns it. As she entered the room she took the stage with a swagger. She was funny, confident and eloquent. She’s also authentic as one can sense she really cares about women in the work place. She’s reaping the rewards because she’s passionate about the topic.
While her speach was passionate and inspiring, my other take-away was not something she really touched upon. Leaning in is not going to be easy. Women can make it to the top positions and have career advancement but it’s going to be harder for us than men. Set the expectation with yourself that we’re going to have to work harder. The road will be bumping and there will be more obstacles for you than your male colleagues. Just get out there and do it, nudge your way to the top. Take your seat at the table and keep raising your hand. You can only depend on yourself to make it happen, no one is going to do it for you.
Thanks @pistachio for putting the group together!
