Leadership Lessons from #PostElectionSeries Featuring Rebecca Herold

As I announced in my commentary about the 2024 Presidential election, during November and December, I have featured a timely #PostElectionSeries with a number of inspiring women authors, leaders, and influencers. To read the previous Q&A's in the series, search #PostElectionSeries on this blog.

Today, to conclude the series, I've invited Rebecca Herold to provide commentary about the election, leadership, gender bias, misinformation, and more. But first, a brief introduction.

Based in Des Moines, Iowa, and with over 30 years of IT, security, and privacy experience, Rebecca Herold is the founder of The Privacy Professor Consultancy (2004) and of Privacy & Security Brainiacs SaaS services (2021). She has authored 22 published books so far, and co-authored NIST catalogs NISTIR 7628, NISTIR 8259, SP 800-213, NISTIR 8425 and TN 2066. She has served as an expert witness for cases covering HIPAA, criminals using IoT devices, social engineering, stolen personal data of retirement housing residents, and tracking app users with Meta Pixels. Rebecca hosts Data Security & Privacy with the Privacy Professor, and since early 2018, she has hosted the Voice America podcast/radio show, Data Security & Privacy with the Privacy Professor.

QUESTION: In Lyn Chamberlin's article entitled, "When Brand Betrays Us," she wrote, "Branding is supposed to be about truth, or at least a piece of it. At its best, branding is storytelling, the kind that resonates, inspires, and speaks to who we are. But what happens when a brand warps into something sinister, built on lies, misinformation, and manipulation? What happens when a brand betrays not only our trust but our institutions?...Branding can empower, but it can also deceive. Trump's brand isn't just a lesson in how to build an indelible image. It's a cautionary tale — a reminder that without honesty and accountability, brand can become a weapon that betrays us all."

What are your thoughts?

(Read the full article here:

https://lynchamberlin.substack.com/p/when-brand-betrays-us)

REBECCA HEROLD: I completely agree about honesty being absolutely necessary for branding. Particularly in my business that helps organizations create effective information and data security and privacy compliance programs. Every action that relates to security and privacy must be defensible with supported verifiable facts and evidence. Also in my work as an expert witness supporting legal cases where judgments usually depend upon such verifiable facts and evidence. I believe for my business fields this is still true. Other businesses that have not been honest, even if it was because of an error or some other type of situation, have often had their brand value and reputation significantly damaged. Often beyond repair.

Just look at CrowdStrike. It built up a reputation of dependability and cybersecurity excellence over the years. And then on July 14, 2024, it caused a huge, global outage that had widespread repercussions across various industries across the world. It was basically caused by a sloppy software update for a sensor configuration update for Windows systems. It has caused over $5.5 billion in losses, and has spawned huge numbers of legal claims, significant customer losses and reputational damage. Many class-action lawsuits are also going through the courts. CrowdStrike’s value was quickly cut in half. Their customers felt betrayed; they depended upon CrowdStrike to provide dependable security, and yet, their vulnerabilities in their software update process resulted in a huge security incident that caused business stoppages all over the world.

They are now trying to demonstrate accountability, and regain trust, dependability, and build back their customer base.

While there are certainly similarities, business organizations are generally different from celebrities-turned-politicians who have been in the public spotlight their entire lives, and have even managed to gain fans despite demonstrable dishonesty. 

QUESTION: In Katie Rogers article in THE NEW YORK TIMES, she wrote, "The United States has been led by men for all of its 248 years, and that will continue for at least four more. On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris became the latest woman to fail to break the gender barrier to the presidency, and the second to be defeated by Donald Trump...The United States lags behind several other nations — Britain, Germany, Israel, India, Canada, and, this year, Mexico — which have chosen women as leaders. Men do still run the world, numerically. Only about a third of the countries in the United Nations have ever had a woman head of the government. Just 13 of the body’s 193 member countries are currently led by women, according to the Pew Research Center." 

(Read the full article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/us/politics/harris-woman-president.html)

In Dana Theus' post-election article entitled "Women, Power, and Fear," she wrote, "Three times in twelve years, an old white man, now a convicted felon, has run for the highest office in the land. When he ran against another, more qualified old white guy, he lost. Both times he ran against vibrant, more qualified women, he won. Looking at the pattern, I don't think it's defensible to blame the female candidates or their campaigns. I truly worry that the majority of our nation — women and men alike — simply do not trust women enough to give us power."

(Read the full article here:

https://inpowerwomen.substack.com/p/women-power-and-fear)

What were your thoughts about the election results?

REBECCA HEROLD: When I was in 6th grade, in a rural school where my 20-students class was the largest in all the school's K-12 grades, and we shared a large classroom with the 13-students' 5th grade class, I was nominated and ran for the 5th/6th grade student body president against a fellow male 6th grader. We “campaigned” for four weeks, with the teachers asking us each to make speeches to the students throughout that time. I didn’t only lose; I was obliterated, 31 votes for the winner, and 2 votes for me…one my own vote, and the other vote from a male 5th grader, who I didn’t even know hardly at all, who told me I was smarter and nicer than the newly elected president. Even the persons who nominated me voted against me. And my own close female friends voted against me. Everyone I asked as to why they didn't vote for me basically answered, "David is a boy. Girls aren't presidents." That has stuck with me my whole life.

Throughout my 35+ years career, there have been multiple times when I was told by potential clients on more than a few occasions, who asked me to submit a proposal but gave the project to another business, that I didn’t get the contract by saying something generally similar to, "We're just more comfortable working with a business led or owned by a man."

So quite frankly, even with 34 criminal convictions and one count of being accountable (guilty) of sexual assault, I was not surprised that the person with the Y chromosome won; he has been in the public eye for his full adulthood, and perpetuating a wide variety of false statements throughout that time that his long-time followers have always seemed to believe or accept without fail. However, I was greatly disappointed for a variety of reasons.

That statement from decades ago is inexplicably still the view of over fifty percent of voters of all genders: "Girls aren't presidents." I will not be surprised if a woman has not been elected president in my lifetime. However, I will die disappointed in addition to being very sad in not having been able to see that result. I hope I'm wrong.

QUESTION: Katherine Spinney wrote an article entitled, "Silence Is Not the Answer," during a national crisis, however, her words deserve attention now. She wrote, "Silence is not the answer. If fact, it is one of the most damaging plans of action you can take. Despite hopes for the contrary, silence during this time will not shield you or protect you and it will not go unnoticed. Your staff are watching, waiting, begging for you to speak up. This moment in time is going to determine not just how others view you as a leader, but how they view you as a human being. Your words and actions during this time will not just impact your legacy as a leader — they will define it...What is true for all of us is that we must speak up."

How should leaders address the Presidential election results?

(Read the full article here:

https://katherinespinney.com/silence-is-not-the-answer/)

REBECCA HEROLD: Every kind of leader needs to be and stay aware of the initiatives being pursued by the incoming government and how it will impact their organization, employees, customers, clients, consumers, patients, etc. The election is over, and now, instead of dwelling on the same messages that were being made before the election, attention needs to shift to the current reality. 

Even if certain government programs are eliminated, an organization’s leaders can still choose to create equity in how all individuals are treated, and the opportunities that are made available to them. Related policies and procedures may need to be tweaked, to remove such references to the programs and to change the related terminologies, but the concepts can still be practiced. 

After all, in the United States, it is not illegal to treat everyone with equal respect and consideration. But, if a business, especially small to mid-sized businesses, has clients who have extreme views, they likely will not be able to lose such a client if it means also losing their business. Such situations need to be considered, and addressed tactfully. This will be recognized by employees, especially if they realize that they could lose their livelihoods. The key is for leaders to make strategic decisions and take subsequent actions in accordance with their values and beliefs in ways that will not require compromises in those views and supporting actions. Could this be challenging? Of course. However, anything worthwhile must be addressed through thoughtful planning and consideration. It will likely not be easy, and could take more time than you’d like. But then, most things worthwhile are not accomplished by taking knee-jerk actions or making off-the-cuff statements.

QUESTION: In Barbara McQuade's article in TIME Magazine, she wrote, "The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don’t know what to believe." Instead of looking at leaders' actions, let's swap the perspective. How can employees keep their leaders honest?

(Read the full article here:

https://time.com/7173492/second-trump-term-misinformation-essay/)

REBECCA HEROLD: Employees should never be discouraged from asking questions. Good leaders encourage their employees to ask their leaders questions, applicable to work activities, whatever those questions may be about. This includes their beliefs regarding what may be hot-button topics that are related to how the business is run, impacts business decisions, etc. 

Business leaders should be straight-forward and honest in their answers. If for some reason they cannot provide an answer, such as, for legal reasons, to protect privacy of associated individuals, etc., they need to clearly explain the reason why they cannot provide an answer. Ideally, they could consider providing some related information that could address some of the related topic. Some employees may think this is avoiding the question, but if leaders have taken time to consider the question and then how to best explain the response, this can usually be accomplished. Some employees may still not be satisfied, but rarely in such cases will everyone be satisfied with complex and difficult topic discussions.

SHARE THIS: Employees should never be discouraged from asking questions. Good leaders encourage their employees to ask their leaders questions, applicable to work activities, whatever those questions may be about. ~Rebecca Herold #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: In the years to come, what will you remember most vividly from the 2024 Presidential campaign and election?

REBECCA HEROLD: There are many things; some very good, some very bad (involving lies, hate, and violence). One moment I will always remember is when Tim Walz made his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in August, and his son's reaction. It was all so spontaneous, real, and touching. And it was completely joyful and kind, without the vitriol, threats, and hate of some of the other speeches that occurred throughout the campaign from all parties.

My gratitude to Rebecca for sharing her thoughts about leadership and the election as part of my #PostElectionSeries. It's times like this that we can all gain strength and learn from like-minded individuals.

Image Credit: ClipartLibrary.com.

Connect with Rebecca at these links:

Websites:

Privacy Security Brainiacs: https://www.privacysecuritybrainiacs.com

and

Privacy Guidance: https://www.privacyguidance.com

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/privacy-and-security-brainiacs

and

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccaherold/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.herold.1/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@PrivacyProfessor

Check out Rebecca’s previous appearances here on my blog:

OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Rebecca Herold (August 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/08/olympics-leadership-series-featuring_0274490879.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Rebecca Herold (May 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/05/spring-leadership-series-featuring.html

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Rebecca Herold (October 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_01678868989.html

Leadership Lessons from #PostElectionSeries Featuring Michelle Redfern

As I announced in my commentary about the 2024 Presidential election, during November and December, I will feature a timely #PostElectionSeries with a number of inspiring women authors, leaders, and influencers. 

Today, to continue the series, I've invited Michelle Redfern to provide commentary about the election, leadership, gender bias, misinformation, and more. But first, a brief introduction.

Michelle Redfern is a globally recognized gender equality, diversity, and inclusion strategist based in Australia (and therefore, shares a unique perspective about the recent American Presidential election). She advises organizations in the business and sporting sectors on DEI strategy development and implementation and works directly with women leaders to advance their careers. She has been recognized as one of Australia’s Top 100 Women of Influence and has won awards for her contributions to women's advancement. She is passionate about what sets her soul on fire, closing the global leadership gender gap, and enabling women to have a career that soars!

That bio may describe Michelle, but in her own words, here are the three things she does: "I fix workplace systems that prevent women and organizations from reaching their full potential. I help women navigate the systems in their workplace to reach their full potential - I am like a human compass to guide women towards success. I advocate for the rights of women and girls, particularly in the sporting sector."

QUESTION: In Lyn Chamberlin's article entitled, "When Brand Betrays Us," she wrote, "Branding is supposed to be about truth, or at least a piece of it. At its best, branding is storytelling, the kind that resonates, inspires, and speaks to who we are. But what happens when a brand warps into something sinister, built on lies, misinformation, and manipulation? What happens when a brand betrays not only our trust but our institutions?...Branding can empower, but it can also deceive. Trump's brand isn't just a lesson in how to build an indelible image. It's a cautionary tale — a reminder that without honesty and accountability, brand can become a weapon that betrays us all." 

What are your thoughts?

(Read the full article here:

https://lynchamberlin.substack.com/p/when-brand-betrays-us)

MICHELLE REDFERN: Trump has garnered the support of over half of the voters in the USA. This indicates to me that, despite my beliefs regarding his lack of ethics, trustworthiness, and ability to unite people, the majority feel that he resonates with them, inspires them, and speaks to their needs. The more important question is how his opponents can create a stronger brand and narrative for the future.

QUESTION: In Katie Rogers article in THE NEW YORK TIMES, she wrote, "The United States has been led by men for all of its 248 years, and that will continue for at least four more. On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris became the latest woman to fail to break the gender barrier to the presidency, and the second to be defeated by Donald Trump...The United States lags behind several other nations — Britain, Germany, Israel, India, Canada, and, this year, Mexico — which have chosen women as leaders. Men do still run the world, numerically. Only about a third of the countries in the United Nations have ever had a woman head of the government. Just 13 of the body’s 193 member countries are currently led by women, according to the Pew Research Center." 

(Read the full article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/us/politics/harris-woman-president.html)

In Dana Theus' post-election article entitled "Women, Power, and Fear," she wrote, "Three times in twelve years, an old white man, now a convicted felon, has run for the highest office in the land. When he ran against another, more qualified old white guy, he lost. Both times he ran against vibrant, more qualified women, he won. Looking at the pattern, I don't think it's defensible to blame the female candidates or their campaigns. I truly worry that the majority of our nation — women and men alike — simply do not trust women enough to give us power."

(Read the full article here:

https://inpowerwomen.substack.com/p/women-power-and-fear)

What were your thoughts about the election results?

MICHELLE REDFERN: I am devastated, angry and despondent at the election of yet another OWD (old white dude) to the highest office in the land. As a lifelong feminist and now as someone whose mission it is to close the leadership gender gap, this is a body blow. 

I am angry with white women for voting for this man, and it tells me that the USA's individualistic capitalist society has been validated once again. In other words, I am OK and will vote for someone who will solve my problems and, if I am ok, stuff the rest of society, particularly those less fortunate and privileged than me. For older white women, the issues around women's rights and bodily autonomy didn't affect them, so they voted on issues that affected them, like the cost of living and bought into Trump's rhetoric. This individualistic mindset is worrying for America. Where is the social justice and fair go mentality? 

The fact is that women in power are still an anomaly and not the norm. Powerful women are terrifying for those who have enjoyed the status quo for a long time. I think society is lucky that we women are seeking power, not revenge.

SHARE THIS: Powerful women are terrifying for those who have enjoyed the status quo for a long time. ~Michelle Redfern #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Katherine Spinney wrote an article entitled, "Silence Is Not the Answer," during a national crisis, however, her words deserve attention now. She wrote, "Silence is not the answer. If fact, it is one of the most damaging plans of action you can take. Despite hopes for the contrary, silence during this time will not shield you or protect you and it will not go unnoticed. Your staff are watching, waiting, begging for you to speak up. This moment in time is going to determine not just how others view you as a leader, but how they view you as a human being. Your words and actions during this time will not just impact your legacy as a leader — they will define it...What is true for all of us is that we must speak up."

How should leaders address the Presidential election results?

(Read the full article here:

https://katherinespinney.com/silence-is-not-the-answer/)

MICHELLE REDFERN: I advise clients across many industries and geographies, and at the heart of my advice is to understand what you stand for as a leader. If you stand for transparency, honesty, and inclusiveness, then as a leader, you will already have ways of working and communicating honestly. Make space for people to share their thoughts and feelings, and where there is conflict, manage it skillfully. Society, in general, has lost the art of respectful debate and honouring differing points of view. Effective leaders cultivate environments where that diversity of thought is welcomed and where consensus can't be reached, understanding can.

QUESTION: In the years to come, what will you remember most vividly from the 2024 Presidential campaign and election?

MICHELLE REDFERN: I choose to remember the greatness and joy of Vice President and Presidential candidate Kamala Harris' campaign She and Governor Tim Waltz were a breath of fresh air, and I hope to see their brand of hope, joy, and a vision for the future proliferate in politics worldwide.

My gratitude to Michelle for sharing her thoughts about leadership and the election as part of my #PostElectionSeries. It's times like this that we can all gain strength and learn from like-minded individuals. Tune in again soon for another installment of my #PostElectionSeries.

One final note, save the date and tune into my blog on December 16th to read Michelle's contribution to my #HolidayLeadershipSeries!

Image Credit: Freepik.

Read the other posts in my #PostElectionSeries:

Susan Friesen:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/leadership-lessons-from_01001360938.html

Dana Theus:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/leadership-lessons-from_01500022866.html

Lyn Chamberlin:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/leadership-lessons-from.html

Series Introduction:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/sharing-some-thoughts-about-2024.html

Connect with Michelle at these links:

Website: https://michelleredfern.com/

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/michelleredfern

and https://www.linkedin.com/company/leadtosoar/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AdvancingWomeninBizandSport/

and https://www.facebook.com/LeadToSoar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleredferndotcom/

and https://www.instagram.com/lead.to.soar/

Check out Michelle's previous appearances here on this Blog:

All Women Need a Leadership Compass! (May 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/05/all-women-need-leadership-compass.html

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Michelle Redfern (November 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/11/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_01085647309.html

Start Listening to Women = Removal of Barriers for Women Leaders (June 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/06/start-listening-to-women-removal-of.html

Tips to Create Gender Equality in Your Workplace (March 2022)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/03/tips-to-create-gender-equality-in-your.html

Leadership Lessons from #PostElectionSeries Featuring Susan Friesen

As I announced in my commentary about the 2024 Presidential election, during November and December, I will feature a timely #PostElectionSeries with a number of inspiring women authors, leaders, and influencers. 

Today, to continue the series, I've invited Susan Friesen to provide commentary about the election, leadership, gender bias, misinformation, and more. But first, a brief introduction.

Susan Friesen is a visionary brand strategist, entrepreneur, and founder of British Columbia's premiere boutique web development and digital marketing agency, eVision Media. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, she's an expert in helping businesses to establish their online presence and create a strong brand identity. Her passion for empowering female entrepreneurs to succeed in the digital world has earned her a reputation as a leading authority in the marketing industry. As a Canadian, Susan shares a unique perspective about the recent American Presidential election.

QUESTION: In Lyn Chamberlin's article entitled, "When Brand Betrays Us," she wrote, "Branding is supposed to be about truth, or at least a piece of it. At its best, branding is storytelling, the kind that resonates, inspires, and speaks to who we are. But what happens when a brand warps into something sinister, built on lies, misinformation, and manipulation? What happens when a brand betrays not only our trust but our institutions?...Branding can empower, but it can also deceive. Trump's brand isn't just a lesson in how to build an indelible image. It's a cautionary tale — a reminder that without honesty and accountability, brand can become a weapon that betrays us all."

What are your thoughts?

(Read the full article here:

https://lynchamberlin.substack.com/p/when-brand-betrays-us)

SUSAN FRIESEN: As a Canadian, I find myself astonished by how Donald Trump has continually leveraged his brand positioning to amass such significant power. Dare I say, it's almost genius how he has managed to manipulate half of the U.S. population into believing his falsehoods. Watching this unfold, I've been gripped by a growing sense of incredulous fear as a dangerously misinformed movement seemed to take shape before my eyes. It was — and remains — deeply unsettling to see how this was even possible.

This is a stark example of brand positioning being wielded for harmful purposes, exploiting the deepest human fears and amplifying them to such an extent that even some of the most rational people I know are convinced Trump is the one to save America from impending doom. Ultimately, branding is merely a tool — a double-edged sword that can be used for good or as a weapon, as Lyn aptly points out. This sobering reality should serve as a wake-up call for us all to recognize how easily we can be influenced, for better or worse.

QUESTION: In Katie Rogers article in THE NEW YORK TIMES, she wrote, "The United States has been led by men for all of its 248 years, and that will continue for at least four more. On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris became the latest woman to fail to break the gender barrier to the presidency, and the second to be defeated by Donald Trump...The United States lags behind several other nations — Britain, Germany, Israel, India, Canada, and, this year, Mexico — which have chosen women as leaders. Men do still run the world, numerically. Only about a third of the countries in the United Nations have ever had a woman head of the government. Just 13 of the body’s 193 member countries are currently led by women, according to the Pew Research Center." 

(Read the full article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/us/politics/harris-woman-president.html)

In Dana Theus' post-election article entitled "Women, Power, and Fear," she wrote, "Three times in twelve years, an old white man, now a convicted felon, has run for the highest office in the land. When he ran against another, more qualified old white guy, he lost. Both times he ran against vibrant, more qualified women, he won. Looking at the pattern, I don't think it's defensible to blame the female candidates or their campaigns. I truly worry that the majority of our nation — women and men alike — simply do not trust women enough to give us power."

(Read the full article here:

https://inpowerwomen.substack.com/p/women-power-and-fear)

What were your thoughts about the election results?

SUSAN FRIESEN: From a Canadian standpoint, I feel our nation still has a long way to go for gender parity; however, if feels as if the U.S. is even further behind. I remember when Hillary Clinton was running for President and many of us felt she was not just the perfect candidate for the job, given her expertise and experience, but the polls also promised she would be the next president. But as we know, that wasn't the case, and it was devastating to watch the results come in on election day.

For this year's election, we knew it would be a closer race, but what I found the most disappointing was how many women were not only supporting Trump, but also vehemently hated Harris. And what I heard the most from these women were almost direct rhetoric quotes from the Trump campaign. I watched in disbelief how brain-washed they were who absolutely refused to see the facts and adamantly believed the lies, name calling, and bullish attacks that came from the MAGA Republicans.

If Trump has created a long-lasting movement that uses brand positioning for evil, manipulative ways, then democracy is definitely in peril, even for Canada where there are many fans of Trump's approach to undermining the government. 

QUESTION: Katherine Spinney wrote an article entitled, "Silence Is Not the Answer," during a national crisis, however, her words deserve attention now. She wrote, "Silence is not the answer. If fact, it is one of the most damaging plans of action you can take. Despite hopes for the contrary, silence during this time will not shield you or protect you and it will not go unnoticed. Your staff are watching, waiting, begging for you to speak up. This moment in time is going to determine not just how others view you as a leader, but how they view you as a human being. Your words and actions during this time will not just impact your legacy as a leader — they will define it...What is true for all of us is that we must speak up."

How should leaders address the Presidential election results?

(Read the full article here:

https://katherinespinney.com/silence-is-not-the-answer/)

SUSAN FRIESEN: For many years, I have taken a neutral stance on contentious issues, fearing that I might "offend" someone who disagrees with my opinion. It's often advised to avoid discussing polarizing topics, like politics, on social media to prevent alienating potential clients. However, after witnessing the flood of hateful rhetoric on my social media feed during the recent U.S. election, I believe it's time to take a stand and lead with conviction — especially when it comes to women's rights.

This moment in history is pivotal for women's rights, and staying silent out of fear is no longer acceptable. This is an opportunity to use brand positioning for a purpose greater than simply increasing profits. It's about leveraging it for the greater good, creating a movement that attracts like-minded individuals to your brand and fosters positive change on all fronts. Leaders have a responsibility to speak their truth about the election results and should not hold back out of fear. Now is the time to stand up and lead with courage.

SHARE THIS: This moment in history is pivotal for women's rights, and staying silent out of fear is no longer acceptable. ~@eVisionMedia #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: In Barbara McQuade's article in TIME Magazine, she wrote, "The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don’t know what to believe." Instead of looking at leaders' actions, let's swap the perspective. How can employees keep their leaders honest?

(Read the full article here:

https://time.com/7173492/second-trump-term-misinformation-essay/)

SUSAN FRIESEN: When examining the state of employment from a broad perspective, I feel employees can generally be grouped into three categories: (1) those who are on a career track and are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve their ultimate goals; (2) those who feel trapped in their current workplace regardless of how their leader behaves; and (3) those who let their values and convictions guide their decisions about where to work.

In my view, it is only employees in the third category who are likely to hold their leaders accountable. These individuals are unafraid to speak out and voice their concerns because their decisions are rooted in their principles rather than fear of job loss. Interestingly, since they choose to work in environments aligned with their values, they are less likely to face retaliation from leaders who would behave in a manner consistent with those shared values.

The real question, then, is not "how" employees can keep their leaders honest, but whether they are willing to step outside their comfort zone, engage in difficult conversations, and potentially risk their position to uphold their principles.

QUESTION: In the years to come, what will you remember most vividly from the 2024 Presidential campaign and election?

SUSAN FRIESEN: As a small business brand strategist and someone deeply passionate about the power of messaging and values, what I'll remember most vividly about the 2024 Presidential campaign and election is the stark contrast between leadership rooted in integrity and manipulation disguised as strategy.

Watching the campaigns unfold, I was struck by the sheer polarization in rhetoric, particularly how some leaders skillfully tapped into fear and misinformation to build loyalty. It reminded me of the immense responsibility that comes with influence and how it can shape not just individual perceptions but entire movements. Equally memorable was the role women played — both as candidates and as voters — whether through their support or criticism, highlighting the ongoing battle for gender equality and the complexity of societal expectations.

What will stay with me, though, is the urgent reminder that staying silent is no longer an option — not for women, not for leaders, and certainly not for those of us who value integrity and want to leave a meaningful impact. This election reaffirmed that values and principles must guide our decisions, whether in politics or business, and that the courage to speak truth and stand for what's right is what truly defines leadership. It's a lesson that I'll continue to apply in my work, helping small businesses position their brands with authenticity and purpose in a world that desperately needs both.

SHARE THIS: Staying silent is no longer an option — not for women, not for leaders, and certainly not for those of us who value integrity and want to leave a meaningful impact. ~@eVisionMedia #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog 

My gratitude to Susan for sharing her thoughts about leadership and the election as part of my #PostElectionSeries. It's times like this that we can all gain strength and learn from like-minded individuals. Tune in again soon for another installment of my #PostElectionSeries.

One final note, save the date and tune into my blog on December 26th to read Susan's contribution to my #HolidayLeadershipSeries!

Image Credit: Wordswag.

Read the other posts in my #PostElectionSeries:

Dana Theus:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/leadership-lessons-from_01500022866.html

Lyn Chamberlin:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/leadership-lessons-from.html

Series Introduction:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/sharing-some-thoughts-about-2024.html

Connect with Susan at these links:

Website: https://eVisionMedia.ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/susan.evisionmedia/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evisionmedia/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eVisionMedia

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/eVisionMedia

Check out Susan's previous appearances here on this Blog:

OLYMPICS LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Susan Friesen (August 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/08/olympics-leadership-series-featuring_01233314215.html

SPRING LEADERSHIP SERIES – Featuring Susan Friesen (June 2024)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/06/spring-leadership-series-featuring.html

FALL BACK TO READING SERIES – Featuring Susan Friesen (October 2023)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2023/10/fall-back-to-reading-series-featuring_02107667638.html

Digital Engagement Tips to Attract Customers and Fans (November 2022)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2022/11/digital-engagement-tips-to-attract.html

The Importance of Brand Identity (November 2021)

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2021/11/the-importance-of-brand-identity.html

Leadership Lessons from #PostElectionSeries Featuring Dana Theus

As I announced in my commentary about the 2024 Presidential election, during November and December, I will feature a timely #PostElectionSeries with a number of inspiring women authors, leaders, and influencers. 

Today, to continue the series, I've invited Dana Theus to provide commentary about the election, leadership, gender bias, misinformation, and more. But first, a brief introduction.

Dana Theus is an executive and career coach specializing in helping women unlock their highest potential to succeed and to shine. With her support, women aspiring to greater levels of leadership and entrepreneurship learn to retell the stories they must heal so that they can emerge into their full potential and find their authentically confident voice. Leveraging a 25+ year career on the front lines of business, Dana has worked for Fortune 50 companies, entrepreneurial tech startups, government/military agencies/non-profits, and she has taught graduate-level courses for several universities in the Washington, D.C. area. She writes on multiple leadership sites to bring an INPowered voice to leadership development. 

QUESTION: In Lyn Chamberlin's article entitled, "When Brand Betrays Us," she wrote, "Branding is supposed to be about truth, or at least a piece of it. At its best, branding is storytelling, the kind that resonates, inspires, and speaks to who we are. But what happens when a brand warps into something sinister, built on lies, misinformation, and manipulation? What happens when a brand betrays not only our trust but our institutions?...Branding can empower, but it can also deceive. Trump's brand isn't just a lesson in how to build an indelible image. It's a cautionary tale — a reminder that without honesty and accountability, brand can become a weapon that betrays us all." What are your thoughts?

(Read the full article here:

https://lynchamberlin.substack.com/p/when-brand-betrays-us)

DANA THEUS: Lyn asks a powerful question: Have the tools of our trade (branding) betrayed us? She's right that Trump's brand is more powerful than facts and truth. I think we knew the first time around that this was the case. But more than just reminding us of the dark side of branding, we need to remember that branding is based on human psychology. A brand does not exist because we say it does and pay a lot of money in advertising, it exists in the mind of the audience. All human minds are able to be manipulated by brandings' core power: "repetition, narrative, and consistency," to tell a story. But if the story is out of alignment with what people want to believe, it won't be effective. Trump's branding victory is a reminder, not so much of branding's dark side, but of so many Americans' desperate need to believe what Trump is selling. 

QUESTION: In Katie Rogers article in THE NEW YORK TIMES, she wrote, "The United States has been led by men for all of its 248 years, and that will continue for at least four more. On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris became the latest woman to fail to break the gender barrier to the presidency, and the second to be defeated by Donald Trump...The United States lags behind several other nations — Britain, Germany, Israel, India, Canada, and, this year, Mexico — which have chosen women as leaders. Men do still run the world, numerically. Only about a third of the countries in the United Nations have ever had a woman head of the government. Just 13 of the body’s 193 member countries are currently led by women, according to the Pew Research Center." What were your thoughts about the election results?

(Read the full article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/us/politics/harris-woman-president.html)

DANA THEUS: I do believe gender was a dominant factor in the election, though there were obviously many others. As indicated in my own article (highlights shared below), I believe that gender was the "last straw" for too many swing voters who might have talked themselves into voting for a more centrist and liberal man, but who just couldn't do it for a woman. 

I have wondered for years why Americans cannot get over the bias against women in power that the other countries Katie lists have. My conclusion is that it's because our Presidential elections have turned into popularity contests, and when it comes to popularity, bias is a strong force. Biases against giving women power are unique among the biases against us because they hold us back from the kinds of authority and influence we need to make true change.

(Note from Debbie: Dana wrote a post-election article entitled "Women, Power, and Fear." She wrote, "Three times in twelve years, an old white man, now a convicted felon, has run for the highest office in the land. When he ran against another, more qualified old white guy, he lost. Both times he ran against vibrant, more qualified women, he won. Looking at the pattern, I don't think it's defensible to blame the female candidates or their campaigns. I truly worry that the majority of our nation — women and men alike — simply do not trust women enough to give us power."

(Read the full article here:

https://inpowerwomen.substack.com/p/women-power-and-fear)

QUESTION: Katherine Spinney wrote an article entitled, "Silence Is Not the Answer," during a national crisis, however, her words deserve attention now. She wrote, "Silence is not the answer. If fact, it is one of the most damaging plans of action you can take. Despite hopes for the contrary, silence during this time will not shield you or protect you and it will not go unnoticed. Your staff are watching, waiting, begging for you to speak up. This moment in time is going to determine not just how others view you as a leader, but how they view you as a human being. Your words and actions during this time will not just impact your legacy as a leader — they will define it...What is true for all of us is that we must speak up."

How should leaders address the election results?

(Read the full article here:

https://katherinespinney.com/silence-is-not-the-answer/)

DANA THEUS: Asking how leaders should react in the face of major political upheaval and division is a fraught question, but one that needs asking. There's a reason that religion and politics are typically left outside corporate conference rooms. And despite the truth of her advice, that leaders need to stand up for values and engage in constructive conversations relevant to employee and stakeholder needs, I don't advocate for leaders to turn their organizations into activist communities unless it’s very on-brand. 

I agree that leaders must speak up for values and demonstrate what it looks like to host important conversations where not everyone agrees, but people are in many organizations for common purposes outside of political views. In this sense, many organizations are the last bastion of civil dialog across such divisive issues, and they are a place we get to remember what it's like to have common purpose. Organizations who serve customers from every political background can work to center their businesses and brands on values all customers have in common. When they're successful, the bring us together – and we need that.

QUESTION: In Barbara McQuade's article in TIME Magazine, she wrote, "The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don’t know what to believe." Instead of looking at leaders' actions, let's swap the perspective. How can employees keep their leaders honest?

(Read the full article here:

https://time.com/7173492/second-trump-term-misinformation-essay/)

DANA THEUS: In an organizational context, employees have more power than they often believe. Just look at the huge failure rate (consistently around 70 percent) of change management initiatives championed by leadership. Employees — especially middle management — are the core of corporate culture. That said, corporate culture tends to be shaped and changed by leader/executive action (or inaction). I do think employees, like all of us, bear the responsibility to speak up for what is important and truthful. However, some organizations, like some segments of society, are less interested in truth. In the context of organizations, employees can leave those who don't stand for values they respect. This is harder to do when it's your country. Yes, I think employees need to stand for the truth, but if the leaders above them don't respect that, it's in the employees' own interest to find employment elsewhere.

SHARE THIS: Employees — especially middle management — are the core of corporate culture. ~Dana Theus #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: In the years to come, what will you remember most vividly from the 2024 Presidential campaign and election?

DANA THEUS: I think my main takeaway from this election is that our society is more fractured than I thought and that the institutions that have carried us through for generations are not up to the task of bringing us together. If we are to come together in the future, it will be around new ideas and new messages we have not yet discovered. It will be because a new generation of leaders step forward and speak to both the problems and the opportunities in ways that not only give us hope, but give us the energy to take bold action and remake our democracy. If that doesn't happen, we have lost democracy. If that happens, I fear we deserve to lose it. It makes me very sad for the generations behind me. I hope they can come to our aid in ways my generation has not been able to.

My gratitude to Dana for sharing her thoughts about leadership and the election as part of my #PostElectionSeries. It's times like this that we can all gain strength and learn from like-minded individuals. Tune in again soon for another installment of my #PostElectionSeries.

Image Credit: Pawel Czerwinski via Unsplash.

Read the first Q&A from my #PostElectionSeries featuring Lyn Chamberlin:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/leadership-lessons-from.html

Connect with Dana at these links:

Website: https://www.InPowerCoaching.com

Blog: https://inpowercoaching.com/blog/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/inpower-coaching/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/inpowerdimension/

Leadership Lessons from #PostElectionSeries Featuring Lyn Chamberlin

As I announced in my commentary about the 2024 Presidential election, during November and December, I will feature a timely #PostElectionSeries with a number of inspiring women authors, leaders, and influencers. 

Today, to kick off the series, I've invited Lyn Chamberlin to provide commentary about the election, leadership, gender bias, misinformation, and more. But first, a brief introduction.

Lyn Chamberlin's career began in journalism, where she worked as a reporter and television producer - and her series "Women in the Arts" earned an Emmy. She is an award-winning brand creator, consultant, and executive brand coach; and has built a successful career developing unique and impactful brands for individuals and organizations. As Lyn explains, "I help people and organizations tell their stories in ways that inspire and inform, driving the kind of lasting relationships that traditional approaches to marketing and branding often overlook."

QUESTION: You wrote an article entitled, "When Brand Betrays Us," and explained, "Branding is supposed to be about truth, or at least a piece of it. At its best, branding is storytelling, the kind that resonates, inspires, and speaks to who we are. But what happens when a brand warps into something sinister, built on lies, misinformation, and manipulation? What happens when a brand betrays not only our trust but our institutions?...Branding can empower, but it can also deceive. Trump's brand isn't just a lesson in how to build an indelible image. It's a cautionary tale — a reminder that without honesty and accountability, brand can become a weapon that betrays us all." Please share more.

(Read the full article here:

https://lynchamberlin.substack.com/p/when-brand-betrays-us)

LYN CHAMBERLIN: Here are highlights from the article:

Branding is supposed to be about truth, or at least a piece of it. At its best, branding is storytelling, the kind that resonates, inspires, and speaks to who we are. But what happens when a brand warps into something sinister, built on lies, misinformation, and manipulation? What happens when a brand betrays not only our trust but our institutions?

Donald Trump created a brand that made him more than a businessman or even a politician. It was a brand so powerful, so relentlessly crafted, that it enabled him to shape reality for his supporters and make bold moves that, for anyone else, would seem absurd or laughable. It became a brand that bulldozed its way into the American psyche, in part because it was built on the very foundations branding experts understand: repetition, narrative, and consistency. But unlike the brands we aim to build on values, Trump’s brand was anchored in something far more dangerous: a disregard for truth.

The gravest act of this branding betrayal was his attempt to subvert the very Constitution he swore to uphold. Trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election was more than a political move—it was a direct attack on the framework of American democracy. 

For months, Trump’s brand machine churned out claims of fraud, broadcasting messages designed to erode public trust in the election system, even though there was no evidence to support his claims. It was a manipulation of power, a way to cling to authority by undermining the truth, and it worked because his brand had trained people to accept his version of events without question.

Branding is supposed to be about helping people find their voice, discover their values, and communicate in a way that feels real and impactful. Yet, Trump’s brand hijacked the tools of our trade, twisting them into a tool of misinformation and division. It leaves us questioning: Is this the power of brand, or a reminder of how it can betray us?

This is the ethical dilemma for anyone in this field: branding can empower, but it can also deceive. Trump’s brand isn’t just a lesson in how to build an indelible image. It’s a cautionary tale—a reminder that without honesty and accountability, brand can become a weapon that betrays us all. And yes, I’m furious about it.

QUESTION: In Katie Rogers article in THE NEW YORK TIMES, she wrote, "The United States has been led by men for all of its 248 years, and that will continue for at least four more. On Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris became the latest woman to fail to break the gender barrier to the presidency, and the second to be defeated by Donald Trump...The United States lags behind several other nations — Britain, Germany, Israel, India, Canada, and, this year, Mexico — which have chosen women as leaders. Men do still run the world, numerically. Only about a third of the countries in the United Nations have ever had a woman head of the government. Just 13 of the body’s 193 member countries are currently led by women, according to the Pew Research Center." 

(Read the full article here:

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/06/us/politics/harris-woman-president.html)

In Dana Theus' post-election article entitled "Women, Power, and Fear," she wrote, "Three times in twelve years, an old white man, now a convicted felon, has run for the highest office in the land. When he ran against another, more qualified old white guy, he lost. Both times he ran against vibrant, more qualified women, he won. Looking at the pattern, I don't think it's defensible to blame the female candidates or their campaigns. I truly worry that the majority of our nation — women and men alike — simply do not trust women enough to give us power."

(Read the full article here:

https://inpowerwomen.substack.com/p/women-power-and-fear)

What were your thoughts about the election results?

LYN CHAMBERLIN:

Katie Rogers' article highlights a stark reminder: despite progress, the U.S. remains entrenched in a narrative where leadership is seen through a gendered lens. This isn't just about politics; it's about the stories we tell and the brand we project as a nation. True change in leadership representation starts when we challenge entrenched perceptions and craft a new narrative — one where leadership is inclusive and reflective of the society it serves. Until then, the brand of American leadership remains incomplete.

SHARE THIS: True change in leadership representation starts when we challenge entrenched perceptions and craft a new narrative — one where leadership is inclusive and reflective of the society it serves. ~@TheBrandDame #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Regarding Dana Theus' article:

The recent election results have sparked another wave of reflection, and Dana Theus’ observations resonate deeply. Her piece, “Women, Power, and Fear,” underscores a stark and troubling pattern: when the race came down to old white men, the more qualified candidate won. But when these men were challenged by vibrant, highly capable women, the outcome shifted in a way that defies simple analysis. The implications go beyond partisan debates and into the heart of societal perceptions.

I agree with Theus’ assertion that it’s no longer defensible to place the blame solely on the female candidates or their campaign strategies. The uncomfortable truth is that we, as a collective society — women included — still struggle with trusting women to hold the highest levels of power. This isn't an indictment of individual voters but rather a sobering reflection on how ingrained biases shape our decisions, often below the level of conscious awareness.

The cycle repeats, raising the question: what will it take to break it? How do we confront the complex interplay of power, gender, and perception that continues to tip the scales? These results serve as a reminder that while progress has been made, the journey toward true equity in leadership remains an uphill battle, demanding introspection, action, and change from all of us.

SHARE THIS: How do we confront the complex interplay of power, gender, and perception that continues to tip the scales? ~@TheBrandDame #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Katherine Spinney wrote an article entitled, "Silence Is Not the Answer," during a national crisis, however, her words deserve attention now. She wrote, "Silence is not the answer. If fact, it is one of the most damaging plans of action you can take. Despite hopes for the contrary, silence during this time will not shield you or protect you and it will not go unnoticed. Your staff are watching, waiting, begging for you to speak up. This moment in time is going to determine not just how others view you as a leader, but how they view you as a human being. Your words and actions during this time will not just impact your legacy as a leader — they will define it...What is true for all of us is that we must speak up."

How should LEADERS address the Presidential election results?

(Read the full article here:

https://katherinespinney.com/silence-is-not-the-answer/)

LYN CHAMBERLIN: Women leaders facing the election results must heed Katherine Spinney’s powerful reminder: “Silence is not the answer.” In moments like these, silence not only erodes trust but signals complacency. Leaders need to show courage, speak up, and confront the biases that persist. Their teams, peers, and communities are watching closely, yearning for acknowledgment and guidance.

This is a defining moment. By addressing these results openly and honestly, women leaders can inspire others, foster meaningful dialogue, and champion the push for equity. The impact of their words and actions will shape how they are remembered—not just as leaders but as agents of change.

QUESTION: In Barbara McQuade's article in TIME Magazine, she wrote, "The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don’t know what to believe." Instead of looking at leaders' actions, let's swap the perspective. How can employees keep their leaders honest?

(Read the full article here:

https://time.com/7173492/second-trump-term-misinformation-essay/)

LYN CHAMBERLIN: Employees play a crucial role in keeping their leaders honest, fostering a culture of accountability and transparency. Open communication is key—speaking up when inconsistencies arise and asking direct, thoughtful questions can prompt leaders to align their actions with their words. Establishing trust requires employees to remain informed, question half-truths, and seek clarity when narratives become unclear. By encouraging dialogue and challenging conflicting claims, employees contribute to a workplace where integrity is valued and misinformation struggles to take root. In this dynamic, mutual accountability helps ensure that leadership remains credible and grounded in truth.

SHARE THIS: Establishing trust requires employees to remain informed, question half-truths, and seek clarity when narratives become unclear. ~@TheBrandDame #PostElectionSeries #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: In the years to come, what will you remember most vividly from the 2024 Presidential campaign and election?

LYN CHAMBERLIN: In years to come, what I will most vividly remember about the 2024 presidential campaign is the deep uncertainty seeded by a torrent of half-truths and conflicting narratives. As Barbara McQuade aptly put it, "The real danger when a leader traffics in half-truths and conflicting claims is that people don't know what to believe." This campaign will be remembered for its erosion of trust — how the fog of misinformation left many grappling for clarity in an environment where the line between fact and fiction was increasingly blurred. It's a reminder that when truth becomes malleable, democracy itself stands on shaky ground.

My gratitude to Lyn for sharing her thoughts about leadership and the election as part of my #PostElectionSeries. It's times like this that we can all gain strength and learn from like-minded individuals. Tune in again soon for another installment of my #PostElectionSeries.

Image Credit: Dreamstine via Wordswag.

Read my blog post about the 2024 Presidential election:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/11/sharing-some-thoughts-about-2024.html

Read my post entitled, Five #PersonalBranding Lessons from Kamala Harris:

https://www.debbielaskeysblog.com/2024/07/five-personalbranding-lessons-from.html

Connect with Lyn at these links:

Website: https://thebranddame.com/

Blog: https://lynchamberlin.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynchamberlin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_brand_dame/

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@the_brand_dame

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebranddame/

Twitter/X: https://www.twitter.com/thebranddame

Let’s Celebrate Boss’s Day!

Are you fortunate to have a good boss? Does your supervisor ask you for feedback and recognize your contributions in public? Well, today’s the day to celebrate awesome bosses!

First, a little history: National Boss’s Day was started by Patricia Bays Haroski, who was an employee at State Farm Insurance. Her boss was also her father, and to honor him, she registered the date of his birthday with the United States Chamber of Commerce in 1958 as a national holiday. By 1979, the holiday became popular across the United States and also spread internationally. Today, it’s celebrated in Australia, India, Ireland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

Here are some ideas as to how to celebrate:

* Send your boss a card with a meaningful message, perhaps, sharing details about something you learned from him/her/they

* Post a note about your boss on social media

* Bring some doughnuts or other sweet treat into the office to share with your boss and colleagues

* Bring some flowers into the office

* Make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of your boss

Of course, if your boss is not the greatest boss in the world, you can stick with a simple “Happy Boss’s Day” greeting when you enter the office first thing in the morning. They’ll get the message!

Image Credit: Mountaineer eNews.

Inspiring Reading As We Approach Women's Equality Day

As we get ready to commemorate and celebrate this year’s Women’s Equality Day on August 26, one might wonder, how can I become more enlightened about women’s equality on this important day? How about reading eight amazing books?

According to Melanie Gustafson, a professor at the University of Vermont, who writes about the women's suffrage movement and women in politics, “The date of August 26th was chosen to commemorate the day in 1920 when Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby signed the proclamation granting American women the constitutional right to vote.”

While the first two are meant for young readers, they tell timeless stories about two American heroes, or in this case, SHEroes:

I DISSENT - RUTH BADER GINSBURG MAKES HER MARK
Written by Debbie Levy and illustrated by ELizabeth Baddeley, this book chronicles the life of RBG in a memorable way. Its illustrations capture the imagination and bring RBG to life for young minds. It's a must-read for young girls.

HER NAME WAS MARY KATHARINE - THE ONLY WOMAN WHOSE NAME IS ON THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
Did you know that there was a woman's name on this important document? After reading this book written by Ella Schwartz and illustrated by Dow Phumiruk, you'll know all about this inspiring woman who ran a printing press, printed and ran newspapers, and served as the postmaster of Baltimore. At the bottom of the Declaration of Independence, it reads: Baltimore in Maryland: Printed by Mary Katharine Goddard. According to the book, "She knew the risk. By adding her name, she was putting her life in danger. But that didn't matter. Mary Katharine wanted the world to know that being a patriot was a sacrifice worth dying for."

GLASS WALLS - SHATTERING THE SIX GENDER BIAS BARRIERS STILL HOLDING WOMEN BACK AT WORK
To quote co-author Amy Diehl from a previous Q&A post here on my blog: "Co-Author Dr. Leanne Dzubinski and I are so excited to bring this book to readers. It will help leaders, allies, and individual women learn how to break down gender bias in two ways. First, we break down gender bias by explaining the six barriers and their subcomponents. These barriers are male privilege, disproportionate constraints, insufficient support, devaluation, and hostility which lead to women’s acquiescence. In the book we tell stories of women who have experienced these barriers. Second, we provide strategies that leaders, allies, and women themselves can use to break down and eliminate each aspect of gender bias."

INVISIBLE WOMEN - DATA BIAS IN A WORLD DESIGNED FOR MEN
Author Caroline Criado Perez sets the tone for this book with her dedication, "For the women who persist: keep on being bloody difficult."

FEARLESS WOMEN - FEMINIST PATRIOTS FROM ABIGAIL ADAMS TO BEYONCE
Author Elizabeth Cobbs' spirit was seen with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's quote that accompanied the prologue: "The fundamental purpose of feminism is that women should have equal opportunity and equal rights with every other citizen."

And here are three books from last year's post:

RBG’S BRAVE AND BRILLIANT WOMEN – 33 JEWISH WOMEN TO INSPIRE EVERYONE
While written by journalist Nadine Epstein, the list of women included in this book were chosen by former Justice of the Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg during the final year of her amazing life. The women featured include Deborah, the first woman judge in the bible; Emma Lazarus, a poet whose words adorn the pedestal of the Statue of Liberty; Golda Meir, the first and only female prime minister of Israel; Anne Frank, whose diary during World War II became famous; and many more.

SISTERS IN LAW – HOW SANDRA DAY O’CONNOR AND RUTH BADER GINSBURG WENT TO THE SUPREME COURT AND CHANGED THE WORLD
Written by lawyer and cultural historian Linda Hirshman, this book is a story of law, women, and most of all, friendship. Here’s the description in a nutshell, “The relationship between Sandra Day O’Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Republican and Democrat, Christian and Jew, western rancher’s daughter and Brooklyn girl – transcends political party, religion, region, and culture. Strengthened by each other’s presence, these groundbreaking judges, the first and second women to serve on the highest court in the land, have transformed the Constitution and America itself, making it a more equal place for all women.”

READ MY PINS, STORIES FROM A DIPLOMAT’S JEWELRY BOX
Written by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, this book is a combination of storytelling, history lessons, and images of wearable art from all over the world.

Albright explained, “A foreign dignitary standing alongside me at a press conference would be happier to see a bright, shining sun attached to my jacket than a menacing wasp. I felt it worthwhile, moreover, to inject an element of humor and spice to the diplomatic routine. The world has had its share of power ties; the time seemed right for the mute elegance of pins with attitude.”

“As my pins became more expressive and drew more comments, I had cause to reflect on the relationship between appearance and identity. To what extent, to adopt the old saying, do pins make the woman or, for that matter, the man? After all, the display of pins has never been confined to one gender. Medieval knights wore elaborate jeweled badges that defined their status and conferred a group identity…George Washington sometimes wore a spectacular diamond eagle that included no fewer than 198 stones…Finally, our armed forces also use pins – in the form of ribbons and medals – to convey messages about accomplishments, stature, and rank.”

So, what will you read to celebrate Women’s Equality Day? While you consider your choices, get ready for the Q&A on my blog this Saturday. Amy Diehl will appear here for the third time and share her thoughts about women's equality, the advances made, and the work yet to do. Tune in!

Image Credit: Debbie Laskey's Library.

Take Flight and Lead!

On this date in history, or HERstory to be more precise, October 23, in the year 1910, Blanche Stuart Scott became American's first woman pilot to make a public flight - in an era when women still could not vote! As the hashtag says, "SheDidThat." This happened 18 years before Amelia Earhart's flight across the Atlantic. After Scott's flying days were over, she became a consultant to the U.S. Air Force Museum, served as a screenwriter for RKO and other movie studios, and was a popular radio personality. A decade after her death in 1980, she was honored by the U.S. Postal Service with an air mail stamp commemorating her aviation achievements.

To quote Matthew Kobach (@mkobach), "Twitter is a key that unlocks thousands of doors, some of which you never even knew existed." As a member of the Twitterverse for 13 years, I always enjoy meeting new people and learning from them. I recently connected with Joni M. Fisher from Florida, and invited her to appear here on my Blog in a Q&A discussion about leadership and women's equality. Highlights of our conversation follow a brief introduction.

Author and journalist Joni M. Fisher is an instrument-rated private pilot who believes flying is the most fun a person can have with their clothes on. She was a staff writer for a Fortune 500 bank and taught at a police academy before devoting herself to writing suspenseful crime novels and reporting for General Aviation News. Her fingerprints are on file with the FBI, and her fourth book in the Compass Crimes series will be published in 2023.

QUESTION: You explained your inspiration about writing about strong women in a post "The Story Behind the Strong Heroine." Can you provide highlights for those who have yet to read the full post?

(Read the full post here: https://jonimfisher.com/the-story-behind-the-strong-heroine/)

JONI M. FISHER: I write suspenseful crime stories featuring role models for women because we need more of them. The difference between the heroines in the books I grew up reading and the heroines I longed for is the difference between the traditional Cinderella story and the 1998 movie Ever After, played by Drew Barrymore. Both portray a young orphan being victimized by greedy relatives, but in the movie version, the heroine rescues herself and the prince.

Women have been culturally groomed to be passive, polite little victims and to settle for less. I grew up questioning authority, rebelling against injustice, and fighting to find my own path instead of trying to fulfill the expectations of others. One of my favorite questions is What would you do if you knew you could not fail?

That bold approach to life appeals to me. We don’t get a do-over, and this life is not a practice run. Memento mori. Remember your death. Make the most of this journey because it will end.

My novels feature women whose lives get overturned by a crime. Their stories show how they fight for justice. Characters overlap from book to book, connecting their stories. The crimes involve murder, kidnapping, the felony murder rule, and embezzlement.

QUESTION: You are a passionate advocate for women in leadership roles, so on a related topic, what is your favorite RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg) quote, or in the alternative, other inspiring quotes?
JONI M. FISHER: I don’t have a favorite RBG quote.

But I do have one from the first woman on the Supreme Court, Sandra Day O'Connor:
"You have a job to do, and it doesn't mean succumbing to somebody's emotional pitch made out on the sidewalk."

As a pilot, I am inspired by Amelia Earhart’s quote on leadership:
“Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done.”

When Amelia and other women pilots wanted to enter a cross-country race, the men refused to allow them. In 1929 Amelia Earhart and her friends created their own cross-country race, which men labeled the “Powder Puff Derby.”

This year, I volunteered to work on the continuation of that race. Now it’s called the Air Race Classic. The oldest racer is in her 90s, and the youngest is seventeen. It’s a 2,500-mile route flown over four days in daylight only. The aircraft are handicapped, so the efficiency of flying is a bigger factor than the speed of the plane.

The racers and the host committees at each route stop rely on sponsors to fund them. It was my job on the start committee to attract media to cover the race. Though my duties put me in a leadership position, I treated it as a position of service. It was a joy to use my journalism experience to promote the racers and the sponsors. After the race, I documented how to identify and notify local media so other committees could repeat our success. In this way, leadership serves to empower others. Like they say in medicine, “Watch one, do one, teach one.”

QUESTION: If you could have dinner with any three people from history or the current era, who would you choose, and why?
JONI M. FISHER: The three people I’d love to dine with are Michelangelo, my grandmother, and Mother Theresa. I believe these three dinner guests would generate lively and wonderful discussions for an evening of a lifetime.
(1) Michelangelo was a thinker, dreamer, and such a creative soul that he saw connections between things others didn’t. He envisioned man in flight long before it became commonplace. He was an artist of vision and beauty.
(2) My grandmother was a loving woman with a history that needs to be told. Her parents were from different tribes (Chickasaw and Blackfeet). They were taken from their tribes to be raised “civilized” by white families. They were not allowed to speak their native languages and were forced to accept the religion of their adopted families. They found each other and fell in love. My great grandfather’s real name was Pierce-Arrow, but it was changed to Pierce. Despite their childhood trauma, my great-grandparents were patient, kind, and generous people who raised their daughter to be the same.
(3) I’d love to meet Mother Theresa because her selflessness inspires me. She was famous for her devotion to helping the poor.

QUESTION: One of my favorite leadership quotes is from human resources expert and Army veteran Ed Wood (@cewood08 on Twitter): "Build such a strong team that no one can tell who the boss is." What does this quote mean to you?
JONI M. FISHER: In my first job out of college, I worked as a staff writer for a Fortune 500 bank in New Orleans. Bev Fortenberry taught me teamwork. The whole team assumed responsibility for the results. We all failed or succeeded together, whether we launched company-wide training on new software or ran the annual stockholder’s meeting.

In preparing for one stockholder’s meeting, we were tasked with writing the CEO’s presentation to the stockholders. This was the year the bank would expand nationwide, but we weren’t even leading in our state. Because it involved writing, everyone turned to me for inspiration, but it was a team effort. Bev told us to make it so memorable and inspirational that people would remember it for years. Oh, and it must be no longer than three minutes. No pressure. Stockholder’s meetings are generally dull events featuring slide after slide of numbers and pie charts.

What we came up with was to dress the CEO like General Patton and project an American flag on the wall behind him. It was a stockholder’s address like none other. His speech about taking on the competition as if we were at war electrified the crowd. The company soon afterward dominated the market in the state. Within a few years, our bank merged with Capital One.

Bev mastered the most challenging role of leadership: to lead by example. She gave us room to go big.

Leadership that is selfless brings out the best in others and creates an atmosphere of joy and energy. It takes time and effort, and sensitivity to coach others to do their best. It takes patience and maturity to nurture someone through failures and mistakes. Like parenting, great leadership leads to excellence and grooms people toward independence. If you can celebrate the success of others, you can lead. When others surpass you, outgrow you, or start their own business based on what they have learned with you, then their success is yours, too. When we empower one another, we make our lives more meaningful.

TWEET THIS: Leadership that is selfless brings out the best in others. ~@JoniMFisher #LeadershipTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

TWEET THIS: When we empower one another, we make our lives more meaningful. ~@JoniMFisher #LeadershipTip #DebbieLaskeysBlog

QUESTION: Another of my favorite leadership quotes is from author and consultant Mark Herbert (@NewParadigmer on Twitter): "Leadership doesn't require you to be the smartest person in the room. It requires you to block and tackle for others." What does this quote mean to you?
JONI M. FISHER: Mike Zidziunas is the director of the largest teen flying club in the world When he and a group of club members flew their Piper Cubs from Lakeland, Florida, to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it was a huge accomplishment. People weren’t used to seeing teenagers perform such long cross-country flights One of the aircraft developed a problem, which required the engine to be removed and loaded on a truck for repairs. Mike sent the male and female club members to get tools from the airshow administrators. The administrators refused to loan the tools to teenagers because, well, they were teenagers.

Mike marched down to the administration building and invited the good folks there to watch the teens remove the engine and load it on the truck. The students accomplished the task in record time while Mike stood back and explained that the teens regularly repair and build engines. After that, the Lakeland Aero Club members were allowed to check out tools on their own. Mike is the kind of leader who treats students like adults, and they respond by behaving like adults. He blocks and tackles obstacles on behalf of the students so they can get things done.

I believe young people gain arrogance by being told they are wonderful. They gain confidence by accomplishing things, by challenging themselves to achieve higher goals—like flying aircraft--and by doing their best at whatever they do. The Lakeland Aero Club is building aircraft and the next generation of leaders.

TWEET THIS: A good leader inspires people to have confidence in the leader, a great leader inspires people to have confidence in themselves. ~Eleanor Roosevelt via @JoniMFisher #DebbieLaskeysBlog

Image Caption: 

Joni M. Fisher shares this Cessna 210 with four other pilots. She earned her private pilot's license on June 1, 1996, and her instrument rating on March 23, 2000. Of all the aircraft she's flown, this is her favorite. It's also featured in her first novel, South of Justice.

My thanks to Joni for sharing her amazing leadership insights and for appearing here on my Blog.

Image Credits: Jason Leung via Unsplash; and Joni M. Fisher.

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