GLOSS Issue 23 JULY 2015 | Page 51

about how to get the best out of people by understanding what it is that motivates them and makes them tick. The conversation that ensued instead was littered with presumptions, assumptions and judgments about a person we had never met. The really interesting observation in this situation for me was that the conversation was preceded by all of us listening in awe to the drive, passion and incredible intelligence level of corporate organisations; heading up divisions; having roles created for them because they are so driven to succeed and contribute; taking their knowledge and immense skill base to the not for profit sector so they can make a real difference; starting networking groups; writing books; inspiring women in business; and running their own business in their spare time outside of work. They are taking initiative and creating THESE WOMEN HAVE DRIVE, AMBITION, VISION, AND COURAGE IN SPADES. THEY WORK HARD. THEY CONTRIBUTE TO BUSINESS AND SOCIETY. a fellow dinner guest. Who, it so happens, is in her late 20s. Oh yes, she sits squarely within Generation Y. I have the fortune to meet, work with and be inspired by women of all ages doing amazing things in their career and lives on a daily basis. In the last few months I have met countless women in their 20s and early 30s who are: running massively successful businesses; leading teams in huge life on their terms. One Generation Y woman I know just made a complete career shift in a new area by proving she had the skills and smarts to work in that field. She didn’t just say she could do it, she went out of her way to prove she could do it. These women have drive, ambition, vision, and courage in spades. They work hard. They contribute to business AND society. And they inspire me GLOSS JULY 2015 51