Happy Women’s History Month! As educators, mothers, leaders, and visionaries, women assume a variety of roles to design a world in which our children can grow and thrive. We’re taking time this month to express gratitude for the women in our life and reflect on the ways that women have contributed to Moving This World.
Here are 8 lessons that our founder & CEO Sara Potler LaHayne has learned from the women leaders in her life. We hope they empower you and inspire you to reflect on the lesson you’ve learned from the women in your life, too.
- Focus: “My mom’s most important lesson was to give full focus to your priorities to succeed in any of them. She was always fully present with us, and the same goes for her time with her students.” We often have many things on our plate. Focusing on the task in front of you can help you bring your best self to every part of your life.
- Play: “My mom demonstrated her ability to turn every situation into an opportunity for play. I use play to move through the day and as an opportunity for learning and meaningful connection.” Adults need to play, too! Find times to play with your kids, your family, your colleagues, your friends, and bring playfulness into the difficult moments of your day to inspire connection and creativity.
- Laughter: “My Auntie Beth showed me the power of laughter in reframing challenges. Through every low point, my husband and I count on each other to laugh through it before diving into another troubleshooting conversation.” Laughter is the best medicine and is a powerful way to stay grounded in the face of challenges.
- Empowering Others: “My board chair has shown that I should only do the tasks that only I can do. There are many talents my growing team has, and they need an opportunity to be lifted up and developed.” There are many parts of your life that only you can do – anything else can be an opportunity to empower and uplift the people around you.
- Owning My Time: “My board chair has also empowered me to take the reins on my time and focus. To keep up with the creative demands of my work, I must give myself space to do so.” Scheduling time for yourself includes scheduling time to care for and attend to your many responsibilities. Prioritize this time so you know you can focus on what matters.
- Being fulfilled by my work, interests, and sense of self outside of motherhood: “Loving my creative work and believing in its importance, taking dance class regularly, and finding quiet time for meditation helps to make me a stronger mother and a better leader.” Becoming a mother shifts your main focus to your children, but continuing to feed your interests and passions is critical. Don’t ignore the things that make you you.
- Never showing my CEO face: ”No matter what fires I’m navigating with Move This World or what city I’m traveling back from, I won’t let that change how I show up for my daughter.” It’s not easy to wear many hats, but it’s easier when you only wear one hat at a time. Keep your CEO hat for the office and work calls.
- Accepting help: “Another woman mentor has shown me the power of asking for help. This goes a step beyond being willing and open to receive help and requires me to identify gaps and seek guidance to fill them.” Knowing when and how to ask for help is one of the best ways to continue to grow and develop your personal and professional interests.
What have you learned from the women in your life? We’d love to hear from you! Send us your lessons on Twitter @Move_ThisWorld.
Read more from us to celebrate Women’s History Month:
Women in Business: Showing Empathy #LikeABoss
