2013 Honoree

Robin Dolch

Founder and President at Hundred Stories PR

“I think the question is being resolutely answered by Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Indra Nooyi, Marissa Mayer, etc. However, the percentage of women CEOs at Fortune 500 companies is still extremely small–only 4.2 percent. And even though last year’s election saw a record number of female U.S. senators–twenty–we still have a ways to go before there is an equal power structure. Until that is resolved, I think it’s only natural and fitting to celebrate women’s achievements.”

What city best describes your personality?

New York City. I am very much a New Yorker, always working and striving to get to the next level, immersed in all that I do, always on-the-go, never content to rest on my laurels.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever ignored, and the worst advice you’ve ever taken?

Best advice: Start at the end and ask yourself where you want to be and then work backwards to get there; solve problems backwards–start at the end.
Worst advice: Don’t rock the boat, although, I never followed that advice.

What is your best read? What book would you want to be a character in?

I like to read a little of everything, from classics by William Faulkner, to modern fiction: John Irving, Philip Roth, and Lionel Shriver. I admire Scout from “To Kill a Mockingbird” for her toughness and strong moral compass. Also, Rosalind from “As You Like It,” who exemplifies strength, smarts, beauty, and decisiveness.

How do you define power? Do you enjoy it? How do you live with your success?

I think “power” is a loaded word. If you have power, then inevitably, that leaves others “powerless.” Rather, I see it more as having a great responsibility, which, in my case, involves helping to create new buildings and shape the contours of the city. It’s a great responsibility and also very exciting!

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 the question is being resolutely answered by Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Indra Nooyi, Marissa Mayer, etc. However, the percentage of women CEOs at Fortune 500 companies is still extremely small–only 4.2 percent. And even though last year’s election saw a record number of female U.S. senators–twenty–we still have a ways to go before there is an equal power structure. Until that is resolved, I think it’s only natural and fitting to celebrate women’s achievements.

What do you think of social media?

I think it’s completely transformed our world by empowering the individual, both from an economic and societal standpoint. We all know how a single review can “make or break” a brand on social media. And, of course, Facebook and Twitter were integral to the Arab Spring.

What’s one place you’ve always wanted to visit on your travels?

I’d love to visit the Chopin Museum in Warsaw, or the horse races at Palio di Siena. Also, St. Petersburg for its art and architecture.

When sending a child out to see the world for the first time, where would you send them?

The Lower East Side. It’s a great place to learn about different cultures, and they would never go hungry!

What advice would you give to a young woman starting out?

Think of your life and what you want to achieve long-term. Between work and family, circumstances change very quickly, so what seemed like the right decision at one point might look different later on.