Extraordinary Talent

I recently attended the FORTUNE Most Powerful Women Summit which is the world's premiere gathering of women leaders in business, government, academia, philanthropy, and the arts. The theme this year was “Extraordinary Talent” and I certainly left the meeting very inspired and motivated by women who are truly extraordinary and have been trailblazers in their fields. 

Like many women, I felt a little intimidated entering the room with superstar women such as Dr. Sally Ride, Melinda Gates, Martha Stewart, Billie Jean King, and Meg Whitman. All I could think was “WOW” and what an honor to be in the same room as them.

One of the most powerful messages that I heard during the Summit was from Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo Chairman and CEO. When asked “how did she get here,” her immediate answer was that she “had no idea.” All kidding aside, she was so very humble and paid tribute to the many who had given her a “gentle push” through their encouragement and guidance throughout her career, and, in many instances, took a risk by giving her an opportunity.

Her words resonated with me as I know that I would not be here today without the help of great leaders and mentors who took an interest in me and truly “owned” my success by giving me a chance, perhaps even taking a risk. Most of those opportunities were given to me at a time when I didn’t feel ready to take the next step, however, with their help, I was able to succeed. 

What I learned from some of the most powerful women in the world is that we are not alone—we all need help along the way, and, in the end, there is nothing more gratifying than sharing our success with others.

How are you owning another woman’s success?

Barbara

By blogger Barbara Adachi, Deloitte LLP

Comments

[Rise Smart]

Women do indeed inspire each other, sometimes even unintentionally. I can think of several who have left indelible impressions on my life, though I may not have thought to tell them - until reading your post. Whether it's being a great boss, standing up to the boss and protecting underlings, or pushing each other to do bigger, better things, we all lean on each other.

[Diane Dutton]

Although I don't personally own another woman's success I have mentored many through my 28 years as a CPA, CFO, VP Finance and Senior Staff in the world of Public Accounting.

From my former secretary who rose to run a major financial department in a publicly held Las Vegas Casino Family group to a controller who became a CPA and kept moving forward with my prodding of a CPA firm to give someone in the non-traditional firm route a chance.

Here on Main Street, the mentoring is happening all the time, its just not as front page as Pepsi.

At CFO Rising West I met several high profile women, CFO of Applebees and the Global Finance Development Manager for The Coca Cola Company. Both amazing women who worked their way up the ladder and broke many a glass ceiling.

Women everywhere have stories to tell, I can't wait to find them and tell their story so more can be inspired to achieve great results!

[Zoe]

Nicki Gilmour was also very inspired by Indra Nooyi when she attended the Catalyst Awards, this year. Gilmour (nominated for the Stevie Awards) wrote a piece entitled "Indra Nooyi, PepsiCo CEO on Mentors, Meritocracy and Maternity".