Advice to My Younger Self

International Women’s Day 2014Katrina Klier

@KatrinaKlier

Professional Women in 2014

Norway has the highest rate of women on boards at 41%. The US is merely at 17%.

Sources: Catalyst; The Atlantic; Stanford University; National Women’s Business Council

US Women, employed full time, earn only 77% of what their male counterparts do.

57% of Bachelors and 60% of Maters degrees are awarded to women.

28% of all non-farm businesses are owned by women.

I was fortunate to have great mentors and role

models. Now, being in a position to help a new generation of very talented women…

some advice to my younger self.

Breaking molds is how the world gets better.

Never let anyone else define your dreams or tell you your dreams don’t matter, are too hard, need to be sacrificed for something else, etc. Live your life, not

some life defined by others.

Never be afraid to lead.

When your industry is undergoing massive, ground-breaking change, insert yourself square in the

middle of it and lead.

Don’t Fear Fear.

Fear simply points out where you need to give yourself a pep talk or learn something new. It is

useful and need not be limiting.

Embrace the power of femininity.

You will often find yourself in meetings where you are the only woman in the room, but you will have more guts than all

the men put together. Let that be empowering rather than frightening.

Let your intelligence by inspiring.

Never cede to requests to “dumb it down” and instead be inspiring so others want to

learn and catch up to you.

Ask for what you need and want.

In business, men (or anyone in a position of seniority) are not the enemy, but they often do need guidance to know how to help you, so be specific and ask for what you want

and need.

You’re not intimidating, you’re brilliant.

Brilliant men are simply called brilliant.

Brilliant women are often called intimidating.

If you are called intimidating disarm them with a warm

smile and say “Well I’m very good at what I do. Thank you.”

Don’t accept the intimidating label – it is overused describing

brilliant, talented women.

Authenticity is irresistible.

Be the bar others aspire to reach. You will do this simply by being yourself.

Rest is strength.

Rest is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength that you know when and how to reenergize yourself.

You are not a stereotype.

Being decisive does not make you a bitch and knowing what you want does not make you a diva – instead it means you are smart, focused and passionate

about your goals.

Be a modern leader and lead like a woman not a man.

Kindness and compassion do not make you weak, instead they are some of the most powerful capabilities a leader can have.

Gratitude is essential to success.

You will have a big, amazing life and be blessed with fantastic people in it. Be grateful for this; dream big;

and never stop learning new things.

Katrina Klier@KatrinaKlier