I’m in a room full of power women and I’m feeling scared and inspired at the same time. Inspired to make it my future but scared of the thought of getting there. Where does this power come from and how do I get it?
These were all thoughts rambling in my head as I sat in on the panel discussion at Bisnow’s Power Women of Atlanta event at the Hyatt Buckhead. Four women executives, all powerful in their own right, discussed their career highs and woes, balancing work and home and breaking the glass ceiling. I sat in my chair thinking 20 years from now I want to be just like them, successful in my career, happy life at home and an influential member in my community.
The problem is the thought of being a superstar in all three areas is absolutely overwhelming and intimidating. What eased my mind was that 20 years ago these women felt the exact same way. I was thankful for all the excellent advice offered during the discussion, but one comment stood out.
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“You can’t let society tell you what success looks like, you have to figure this out on your own,” Shirley Powell, executive vice president of corporate communications at the Weather Channel, said.
How enlightening! My definition of success is going to be different from the next person’s, and that’s OK. Our needs, wants and goals are different, and it doesn’t make anyone more or less successful or more or less powerful when we reach those goals. It is me who has to determine my balance. I’m the artist in this painting. I make the masterpiece. I hold the power.
