1) Alumni Profile
 Toni Riccardi
PricewaterhouseCoopers
My team and I have definitely benefited most from the concept of context . It provides a great framework for analyzing one's thoughts and approach to things. It's also great for understanding the framework others bring so you can meet people where they are to develop an appropriate approach to each person.
For instance, in the US, many people still think of diversity as something you HAVE to do and something apart from the business. The context my team members and I share is that diversity is PART of business and critical to the sustainability of our firm . All we really have to offer is the intellectual capital of our people. More.
2) Coach's Column- Successfully Navigating 'Difficult' Conversations
by
" Have you ever faced what you considered to be a difficult conversation? You know, times when you were giving critical feedback, asking for more money, time or resources, voicing a disagreement or confronting a friend, partner or colleague?
A leader's ability to communicate effectively is crucial to navigating difficult conversations successfully." More.
3) Coaching Success *NEW*
When Susan McConkey joined Women Leading Change (WLC) in November 1999, it was during low ebb for her. Susan felt she'd hit a roadblock as to where to go next in her career and her life. Before WLC, she'd been contemplating leaving Compaq.
Afterwards, with new-found clarity and purpose, she decided to look for a new position within Compaq that would make better use of her interests and talents. More
4) IWL Community Update
We're glad you're enjoying the alumni updates! Update us and share what's new with you!
5) Resources
A. News You Can Use
New Catalyst Study Reveals Financial Performance is Higher for Companies with More Women at the Top
A new study released in January 2004 by Catalyst demonstrates that companies with a higher representation of women in senior management positions financially outperform companies with proportionally fewer women at the top. These findings support the business case for diversity, which asserts companies that recruit, retain, and advance women will have a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. More.
Survey: For Businesswomen, Making a Difference Trumps Being 'The Boss'
Shattering the myth that most businesswomen shun top-level leadership positions at work, a new survey finds that the majority of businesswomen want to be influential leaders in their workplace, with nearly half aspiring to the highest level of leadership in their organization. More.
B. Read
Closing the Leadership Gap
by Marie C. Wilson
Women comprise half of the U.S. population and workforce, yet they hold only 14% of seats in the U.S. Congress and 12.4% of Fortune 500 board positions. More embarrassingly, the United States ranks 60th in women's participation in government, behind India and tied with Andorra. Wilson, president of the Ms. Foundation for Women and founder of the 'Take Our Daughters to Work' day, argues that the future could be a brighter place for all by "changing society from a system built on the labor of women to one led equally by their vision."
Discover the 'Closing the Leadership Gap' newsletter and email list. Check out Marie's upcoming events calendar for appearances across the US.
C. Take Action
Learn about and support the National Women's Health Network. It's dedicated to improving the health of all women by developing and promoting a critical analysis of health issues in order to affect policy and support consumer decision-making. The Network aspires to a health care system that is guided by social justice and reflects the needs of diverse women.
D. Refresh
Check out the upcoming Strong Women Summits. Two-day opportunities to refresh and reflect.
6) Upcoming Events
IWL 2004 Programs:
We invite you to attend, visit, review, or send a friend or colleague to our public programs.
Women Leading Change (WLC)
Executives Leading Sustainable Change (ELSC) *
Session 1 September 27, 28, 29, 30 Palo Alto, CA
Session 2 February 16-17 Palo Alto, CA
* Six-months of executive coaching included.
Programs Calendar
Online Registration
Other Events:
Through a partnership with Women in Technology, IWL alumni will receive a special 5% individual discount to any of WITI's conferences in 2004 if you notify the IWL office 650.556.8803 or Heather Hinrichs () in advance of registering.
May 4 Professional Businesswomen of California 15th Annual Conference San Francisco, CA
May 5-6 Women in Technology Southwest Regional Conference * Houston, TX
May 10-11 Women Leaders 2004: A Symposium for Women in University Settings; UCSF ** San Francisco, CA
June 4-6 Strong Women Summit West Berkeley, CA
June 8-9 Women in Technology National Conference * San Jose, CA
October 20-24 Women in Technology Midwest Regional Conference * Chicago, IL
November 12-14 Strong Women Summit East New Paltz, NY
* Rayona and Jody will be presenting.
** Rayona will be presenting.
7) A Note from Rayona
"I've been watching the tiny little blossoms on the bulbs pop out and marveling at what a miracle is present when Mother Natures gives us the first signs of Spring . Imagine those crusty little bulbs buried under all that dirt, surviving torrential rains and freezing temperatures, and then one day these gorgeous, fragrant flowers burst out like popcorn. I'd like to share a metaphor of how this relates to me personally and my on-going discovery of what it takes to live a contextual leadership life." More
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