A day of celebration!
Celebrating International Women’s Day. Celebrating three years of Inspiring Women. Celebrating 150 episodes of amazing conversations with incredible women doing important work who are leading and making this world a better place. And celebrating progress. Women are advancing in the C suite, in the boardroom, and at the funding tables.
And yet. Progress, all of which should and must be celebrated, is slow. Gender parity remains elusive.
So as we celebrate International Women’s Day, we look to accelerate, amplify, and lift up the voices of Inspiring Women. We aim to advance more women to leadership. And then once there, to keep them there.
“Women play a powerful role in advancing missions and businesses. And Inspiring Women is accelerating the velocity of our progress.”
–Stephanie Mercado, CEO, NAHQ
Where it started
In 2021 at the height of the pandemic, I read the latest McKinsey Women in the Workforce report. Published annually since 2015, Women in the Workforce is the largest comprehensive study of the state of women in corporate America. The headlines were familiar. Some gains for women on several fronts…. Progress exists, but remains slow and uneven….
But then this headline news: 1 in 4 women were considering downshifting their career or leaving the workforce all together. ….Corporate America at a critical crossroads…. Gender parity remains painfully out of reach…
And that news bothered me. A lot.
I have been in leadership positions for a long time. I have been a role model, a mentor, an ally, a sponsor, a friend, a coach….. to many. And yet. Here we are.
And so. I started this podcast, Inspiring Women. To lift up the voices of amazing women, at all stages of their career journeys, to inspire others to advance into leadership. And for those who are already there, to keep them there.
And on International Women’s Day 2021, we launched. With Inspiring Women Episode #1 with my inspiring daughter, Chelsea Pauga.
“Highlighting women’s unique perspectives and experiences is fundamental in breaking down barriers and cultivating more inclusivity at the leadership level.”
-Dr. Jennifer Schneider, Home[ward] Grown
Where we are. With sincere gratitude.
150 episodes later. Incredible women!! Amazing discussions! The Mentoring Series. The Chelsea Clinton Episode. The TedX Talk.
And now many organizations that are putting their name and brands forward to further amplify the voices of Inspiring Women. Thank you to a16z, Executive Podcast Solutions, FCA Venture Partners, Hashed Health, Health Podcast Network, HLM Ventures, and Project Healthcare for visibly supporting Inspiring Women!
And to WBL, Women Business Leaders of the U.S. Health Care Industry Foundation, a tremendous partner to Inspiring Women.
And with so much gratitude to these financial partners who not only are visibly supporting and amplifying the work of Inspiring Women, they are also providing resources for additional Inspiring Women programs AND scholarships to WBL. Thank you to 7Wire Ventures, Chameleon Resumes, home[ward] grown, NAHQ, Newfire Global Partners, PeriGen, and Reimagine Care.
“Through partnership and mutual support, we work together to advance women leaders and pave the way for more inspiring women.”
–Eleanor Rosiak, CEO, WBL
Celebrate and Stay Tuned
So Happy International Women’s Day!!! I hope you continue to enjoy hearing from so many Inspiring Women.
Please subscribe BELOW to receive updates and insights from Inspiring Women every month.
Oh, and one more thing. In the world of very happy coincidences, International Women’s Day is also my birthday. It is an absolute gift to know that the voices of Inspiring Women are resonating with you.
“At 7wire Ventures, we believe in empowering and uplifting women in healthcare and beyond. … By championing initiatives like this, we strive to foster a more inclusive and equitable future for all.”
– Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner, 7Wire
Thank you for listening, supporting, sharing. and amplifying.
We make progress together.
Laurie McGraw
