Part 2 of the WIN reframe – Inviting Gratitude. It’s easy to think about “having gratitude” or “always be grateful.” But, inviting gratitude is a deeper level. Inviting gratitude is deeper than the “always be grateful” line of the Barbie monologue. It’s soul-felt, hard-won thankfulness for the wonders and set-backs of life. When I’m in my “inviting gratitude” energy (and I still have to work at it), I feel the flow.

Last week, I shared how “taking the win” is difficult for me and reframed “WIN” to “Welcoming achievements, inviting gratitude and noticing accomplishments.” This week, I’m breaking down “welcoming achievements” because we all need to welcome the experience of winning into our lives. This week, I’m saying to Achievement “Come on in. Sit and stay awhile.”

When weeks turn into months and you find yourself suddenly almost to your 47th birthday, one can fall into the trap of looking back without feeling, experiencing or really enveloping the successes of the year. Not that I’m speaking from experience or anything. 😊

I’ve had a revelation this week. Amongst my corporate leader friends, we talk A LOT about executive presence. But this week I had a big a-ha moment: Executive presence is elusive because the measure of what it is changes based on the person who’s judging you. It’s elusive because saying that there is one model of what an “executive” is outdated and, frankly, summons bygone eras of leaders being historically pale, male and stale.

Reese Witherspoon said “I believe ambition is not a dirty word.” And, the data says when women have more decision-making power, they bring up others behind them. When women have more money, they donate more. Let’s reframe “ambition” to impact – to creating more for the betterment of others.

Since escaping from the corporate ranks of wealth management in late 2023, I’ve been talking with women advisors, and I’ve been blown away by what I’ve learned. But, there is a stark distinction between those who are owners/independent advisors vs. those at captive firms. To unleash the full power of women advisors, corporate leaders at captive firms need to listen and get out of the way.

I’m one. Are you? “Lunching” (aka relationship building) is no longer just about fashion and family life. It’s about growing your expertise, confidence and earnings. As a breadwinner (sole or joint), you owe it to your family to GO to lunch.

We’ve all had those tough interactions with other women in the workplace…the ones where we feel that a woman has blocked us, cut us down, etc. and we’re infuriated. If you’re a woman who is behaving this way, consider yourself put on notice. We’re coming for your crown.

I've been lucky enough to cross paths with some incredible women who SPARK life – and they're doing it with audacity and embodiment.

I was a victim of the double-bind. If you’re a woman in business, you’ve likely heard this term. We must be warm, but not weak. We must be competent but not aggressive. We need to bring the cupcakes and rock the strategy.

When we think about personal value propositions, it's often all work-focused. The value we bring to the 9-to-5 in exchange for payments from our clients or the corporation. Yet, there’s so much more to us as people. It’s time to take control of our complete narrative.

I’m currently obsessed with the word “flourish.” Merriam-Webster defines “flourish” as more than just growth - it’s about thriving, abundance, and boldness. I want to flourish, and I want you to flourish too.

I was a typical white woman who believed my work would be enough. Why was the realization that the system was rigged a news flash? Cultural norming. Learn what I would say to my 27-year old self now that I know more.

Why closing the wealth gap for all women starts with creating safe, collaborative communities for women working in finance to come together, learn and support one another.

Get the real truth about why it’s important to check in on the effectiveness of your personal network, when to plan ahead and why it’s vital for every woman working in finance to pay attention to her connections.

More women are working in finance that ever before, yet the number of female financial leaders is pathetically small. The key to beating this unsettling trend starts with understanding its origins.