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“I think we are born with gender equality and the only thing that makes it unequal is inequality of opportunity. We need to promote equal access to education and push against glass ceilings and institutional or cultural barriers that limit full participation. Parents, teachers, and coaches need to instill in both boys and girls that they have the ability to achieve anything they are willing to work for; managers and community leaders need to be vigilant that there is no gender bias determining success in the workplace or society.”
What city best describes your personality?
I don’t think any one city best describes my personality. I like the vibrancy, the energy, and the diversity of New York City. However, I also enjoy the serenity of Greenwich, where I live, and even the slower pace of New Berm, North Carolina, where I grew up. So many cities offer very different things, and my personality is a reflection of each of them.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever ignored, and the worst advice you’ve ever taken?
Best: Politics is different from anything you have ever experienced. Go lightly.
Worst: Don’t have children after reaching the age of 30 because the chances of having a child with a deformity are so much greater. My husband and I love children and wish we had more.
What is your best read? What book would you want to be a character in?
I recently read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and found the story of the dual character development entertaining, intriguing, and very clever.
I read fiction for entertainment, and I read nonfiction for information. I have never wanted to jump into a book as a character. I much prefer to sit back, escape into a story, and let the author take me on a journey.
How do you define power? Do you enjoy it? How do you live with your success?
I define power as leadership. It is not about imposing my will on others; rather, it is about creating an environment in which all opinions are valued and considered and having the ability to guide decisions that are in the best interests of the company, organization, or whatever group I am leading. I respect and trust other people, and I believe whatever power I have is the result of other people respecting and trusting me. I enjoy that relationship. I love hearing from other people, particularly women and small business owners, who tell me that my success has inspired them. Success comes from hard work, sacrifice, and taking risks. I enjoy sharing my story–the blessings I’ve had and the mistakes I’ve made–because it shows goals are attainable if you believe in yourself and work to make them a reality. I have truly lived the American Dream, and I want more people to have the opportunity to achieve the success I achieved. It gives me great joy to know that financial contributions I am able to make to community organizations, scholarship funds, and other philanthropic causes can help others achieve their own goals.
When do we stop asking questions about gender equality? When will it be Power People instead of Power Women? Is gender more important than politics?
I think we are born with gender equality and the only thing that makes it unequal is inequality of opportunity. We need to promote equal access to education and push against glass ceilings and institutional or cultural barriers that limit full participation. Parents, teachers, and coaches need to instill in both boys and girls that they have the ability to achieve anything they are willing to work for; managers and community leaders need to be vigilant that there is no gender bias determining success in the workplace or society.
What do you think of social media?
Social media is the new word of mouth and an incredible tool for sharing information and insights. I love that it enables us to create and maintain relationships. But, it must be used with appropriate discretion. Once something is disseminated online, it generally cannot be underdone. As a mother and grandmother, I worry about cyberbullying and the use of social media by people who do not understand its power.
What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit on your travels?
When the Middle East is less tumultuous, I would love to visit the pyramids in Egypt. The history, the majesty, and the incredible technology behind how these magnificent structures were built simply amaze me.
When sending a child out to see the world for the first time, where would you send them?
I would send them to a place where nature abounds, whether it is their backyard, a grassy meadow, or at the foot of a mountain where wildflowers grow and animals roam. I would want them to experience the total majesty of nature in a world open to discovery.
What advice would you give to a young woman starting out?
Be realistic about your strengths and your weaknesses. Be confident and utilize your strengths, but don’t worry about making mistakes. We all make mistakes and they can be some of our best teachers. If people were afraid of making mistakes, they would never take risks. Understand that you can and should have influence. Don’t be afraid to speak up and express your opinion. Don’t try to be “one of the boys.” Be yourself. Let your own personal power emerge.
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