Earlier this week I was copied on an email from Candy Brush.   A student had forwarded her the article from Monday's WSJ which presents a "ranking of influential business thinkers" compiled for the Journal by Babson's own Tom Davenport.  Professor Davenport used a methodology he developed earlier for his book ," What's the Big Idea," and measures according to Google hits, media mentions, and academic citations.  I'm not reproducing the list here - but even the WSJ asked where the women were.  The one woman on the 2003 list (Rosabeth Moss Kanter) has fallen off and no woman entered into the list. 

Well, a flurry of email followed among a group of female academics.   All of us wished there were some women on the list, but I think we started asking the right questions.  We talked about the methodology, and thought we might be able to help with a different starting list next time as to the 100 leading business gurus.  We wondered about the definition of "business guru" and certainly "top business guru."  I'm challenging us all to continue that debate, so my first question is - how would you propose as female "top business gurus?"  And if we are struggling with the list - that is a different question. 

So, I emailed Tom Davenport and asked if he'd be willing to be part of a blog discussion on this.  His answer came back almost right away - absolutely.  Therefore, my friends,  please share.  Why did this list hit us so hard?  Are women really not in this arena at all?  And if so, why not? 

Patti

Posted by Patricia Greene
At 18:37
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The Significance of Women's Entrepreneurship Globally is Staggering
May 02, 2008

Women's Entrepreneurship matters—women are creating and running businesses around the world, contributing to economies that represent more than 70% of the world's population and 93% of global GDP (2007).

The Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report 2007 on Women and Entrepreneurship was formally launched today during the full-day symposium for thought leaders, Growing Sustainable Businesses: Best Practices for Women Entrepreneurs sponsored by Ernst & Young LLP, 5 Times Square NY, NY.

To read the report click here!

To read more details in the press release click here.

Posted by Sarah Sykora
At 11:40
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I Didn't See it Coming...But Now I Will
November 09, 2007

I just left a really informative and actionable session featuring three authors of the best-selling book I Didn't See It Coming.

Amy Kopelan, President, Bedlam Entertainment Inc. and former Programming Manager, Good Morning America, Nancy Widmann, Broadcasting Hall of Fame inductee; first woman president at CBS and Babson's own Elaine Eisenman, Dean, Babson Executive Education walked us through the steps to create our own personal exit strategy and how to deal with career situations that can take you by surprise.

A few key takeaways:

1. What is your value proposition?  You are your own brand!

2.Develop an "Exit Strategy Skill Bank"

• Talents I possess
• Targets to best apply my skills
• Skills wish list
• Action steps

3.And my favorite...develop a personal board of advisors. 

For more great tips, pick up the book and also visit http://www.ididntseeitcomingthebook.com/

Posted by Allison Lawlor
At 16:26
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Reach for the Stars
November 09, 2007

 

Dr. Sally Ride, first American woman in space, entrepreneur, author, and educator addressed a packed luncheon sesssion.  She has had an amazing career and focused her speech on the importance of introducing young girls to math and science at an early age.

Her recent enterprise, Imaginary Lines, is an organization founded to provide support for girls interested in science, math and technology. One instrument of this mission is the Sally Ride Club, created for upper elementary and middle school girls across the country.

Posted by Allison Lawlor
At 12:33
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Gender is a good predictor of height - but not a good predictor of leadership capability.
November 09, 2007

Ilene Lang, President of Catalyst Inc., opened the 10^th Annual Women's Leadership Conference with a riveting session discussing what we all should watch for, moving into the next decade.

Two studies she referenced sound particularly interesting -- both indicate that men AND women stereotype women.  Women and men think that women are good at "taking care" behaviors and men are good at "taking charge" behaviors.  So no matter how much women achieve, men are still considered better leaders.  She called this "think leader, think man".  The research also suggests that women put in the same efforts as men to rise to the top - taking risks, putting in the time, making personal sacrifices. Yet, the barriers they face are different - lack of networks and lack of role models...and this gender-based stereotyping.

By 2014, over 65% of new entrants to the workforce will be women or people of color.  And women will be just under 35% of the workforce.  These new entrants have grown up in a very different world - comfortable with technology, globalization and expect a different kind of workforce. 

 

Let's not disappoint them with the status quo.  Let's "take care" of them by "taking charge" and eliminating this gender-based mindset!

 

 

Posted by Allison Lawlor
At 10:07
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