womenworking.com Blog

I was recently at their annual awards luncheon.  I love this group.  Girls Inc. is teaching young women to be Strong, Smart and Bold. The young scholars introduced the honorees.  I had an opportunity to talk with both groups.

I asked the scholars, how can we get girls to be more confident?  The gist of what they said to me was that girls need to get involved in activities, not to watch too much tv, and not to judge themselves by what others think of them.

Some of the honorees: Gail Boudreaux, President of UnitedHealthcare, Kim Sharan, CMO Ameriprise Financial, and Kathy Waller, Controller, The Coca-Cola Company talked to me about the importance of mentoring--women supporting other women and the need for honest feedback from people you trust.

What a wonderful event. Joyce Roche has given wonderful service to Girls, Inc. This will be her last year. She has led with conviction and enthusiasm.  Thank you Joyce.

Helene

Isn't that great--there are so many talented women directors and producers that I have worked with through the years.  They should be acknowledged for their great work.

Fondly, Helene

I am writing a book right now on women and power and I have decided to share sides of me that many of you may not know about. I did that because I thought it might help other women.  I have been maintaining a substantial weight loss for years, and that is something I talk about in the book, among other important learnings.

Writing the book has been a very interesting process--going inside alot and tapping into my sprituality.  It will be out next year, hope you will read it..To authenticity!

fondly, Helene

I was away this weekend with a group of people--the topic of the retreat was spiritual intimacy and that is one of the things I am writing about in my new book.  So it was timely.

It is so important to get away--take time to reflect, walk in the woods, be in "good company".  It was just what the doctor ordered!

fondly, Helene

I saw James Cameron's new film today...it is amazing and a must-see.  It's spiritual, imaginative, and has a powerful message.  And when was the last time you've been to a three hour movie?

Fondly, Helene

Andrea Zintz is a colleague I respect. We'll again be hearing from her in the coming months, but I thought her remarks about using social networking media would be valuable at the start of the year. Hope you do, too. And be sure to check out the new WomenWorking group on LinkedIn.

Using LinkedIn:

Seek out recommendations from people you’ve worked with, and fill out the “Interests” section with pursuits such as charitable projects. Use a good head shot of yourself, and use the same photo on other social networks for consistency and branding. Expand your network by joining industry discussion groups.

Using Facebook:  

Facebook is also rife with professional groups. Type your profession or industry into the search bar for a list of relevant groups. While these groups are sometimes not as active and professionally focused as those on LinkedIn, they still can be a good way to meet new people.

Using Twitter:

Many professionals use Twitter to build their professional visibility and make new contacts. Limit yourself to short messages that are useful (or at least entertaining). With Twitter, you can change your Twitter settings so your tweets automatically sync with your LinkedIn account.

Yesterday, I attended the MUSE awards sponsored by New York Women in Film and Television, an association I belong to.

They were honoring some terrific women. Here are highlights from their acceptance speeches: 

Andrea Wong (CEO of Lifetime Television) talked about her grandfather who taught her to strive to be the best.  She has 12 nieces and nephews--they keep her laughing and on her toes. She helped to create"Dancing with the Stars." No one thought it would be the hit it is--but she had faith in the project.

America Ferrera (of Ugly Betty fame) grew up in California--now lives in New York.  She shared about one of her elementary school teachers who gave her a part in the 5th grade musical "Oliver." She played the Artful Dodger (an unlikely role for a girl).  But her teacher had faith in her playing a non-traditional role.  Says, America, "she knew our imagination has no limits."

Allison Silverman has written comedy sketches for the late night shows.  Stephen Colbert was there and introduced her.  Her acceptance speech was incredibly

funny.

Last to accept was Julianna Margulies--sounded like she had a bad cold.  She certainly has played complicated roles that have paved the way for other women actors and directors to get meatier parts.

It is wonderful to be around these daring women!

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we're busy buying gifts for other people.

What are you going to give yourself this holiday season?

It doesn't have to be something expensive. It could just be spending time with a friend who you haven't seen in a while, or stealing a few minutes by yourself to read a book, meditate, exercise or get a massage.

Last night I saw The Blind Side.  The theme that ran through the movie was LOVE. Sandra Bullock gave a good performance.  Tears came to my eyes several times. The movie left me with a good feeling--we need more movies like that.

I had such fun last night. I was invited by a terrific woman LaVerne Council, who is the CIO of Johnson & Johnson to a fund raiser for the March of Dimes.  There were severel celebrity chefs milling around (all to raise money for the children). Guests were tasting dishes and dessert delights. LaVerne is an amazing IT leader--not only is she smart but she leads with heart. And that was evidenced last night.

I also met Greg Gumbel, CBS sports who lives in Florida.  We spoke about his pool and how when he comes home from a long trip, he jumps right in to heated 80-degree water.  He loves to swim. I can relate to that.