Hey there!
On today’s Java with Jean blog we will discuss female empowerment, voices, drinking the company Kool-Aid, and being a changemaker.
When was the last time I tasted the company Kool-Aid? Well, let's just say I've had my fair share of experiences where information wasn’t always effectively communicated, accurately conveyed, and instances when plans didn't quite pan out. Sometimes, individuals aren't readily convinced; they are not believers. They might not align with the same vision and may have their own ideas or agendas. Fear of venturing down a different path, taking risks, or driving change can often prevail. It's a scenario all too familiar, isn't it? But you know what? The concept of drinking the "Kool-Aid" has often been associated with adopting a deadly, deranged, or misguided ideology or concept based solely on the overwhelming influence of others. It's also used in an ironic or humorous sense to denote accepting an idea or altering preferences due to popularity, peer pressure, or persuasion.
Today, we will explore why entrepreneurship involves being that “changemaker” — juggling multiple tasks, multitasking to your heart's delight, and all hands on deck, in all the pots. Driving change, leading, and making decisions not just for yourself, but for your business and clients. Which leads us to make a difference everyday. As a business owner or entrepreneur, we must be accountable every step of the way, working diligently to make change happen with proven results.
In fact, according to WBENC (Women Business Enterprise National Council), a group of over 400 of the nation's largest and most successful corporations, there are 13 million women-owned businesses in the U.S. and counting. This accounts for 42% of all American businesses. It's intriguing to note the increasing number of women venturing into the entrepreneurial arena. I happen to own two of them and joined forces over ten years ago in this global marketplace, working in collaboration with female entrepreneurs across diverse business sectors.
It makes you wonder, doesn't it? Maybe they, like me, had a bad taste of that corporate Kool-Aid and decided it was time for a change, to be inspired to make a difference, to spread our wings with creativity and innovation. Nevertheless, today we discuss how women need to be vigilant, savvy, and more outspoken. Whether it's in the corporate workplace or as entrepreneurs, our voices and words should be heard loud and clear. Our call to action can make a measurable difference.
Last year, I penned a book about Female Empowerment – using voice to take action in ‘Hear Me NOW!’ available on Amazon Kindle. I outline short stories to show readers how to rise above adversity and reclaim their power through voice. Whether it’s pervasive issues such as gender-based harassment, assault that too many women face, or an unwavering call to action, women need to be heard and to speak up! It’s a manifesto for empowerment, and a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit, and a heartfelt plea for a world where every woman’s voice is valued, respected, and heard.
While I certainly support company rules and policies, let's be honest, many require room for improvement or adjustment, particularly from time to time. That's why I consistently engage in upskilling and showcase new and emerging trends and technologies to highlight advancements in my areas of expertise. I've come to understand the importance of AI in this new era, recognizing its vital role in staying ahead of the curve while fostering the expansion of any franchise or business. It's not just about understanding the technical aspects of AI tools; rather, it's about acknowledging the profound influence AI can have on constructing and sustaining our infrastructures.
Providing positive feedback and offering constructive criticism are always helpful when making suggestions and recommendations for improvements about how to advance in the global marketplace. I believe being a mentor or coach is also useful to upskill your talent and demonstrate your leadership traits while change becomes a healthy landscape for the pathways to success.
So, why not join forces and drink the plain water? It's healthier, after all. By embracing a different perspective away from the corporate norm, you may discover inner satisfaction and make a notable impact along the way. Remember, "if you don’t ask, you don’t succeed."
That's it for today's blog. Let's keep pushing for progress and making our voices heard!
Java with Jean – a blog series featuring storytelling articles on Entrepreneurship by award-winning author, writer, innovator, and mediapreneur, Jean Criss. Jean is the Founder and CEO of multiple e-commerce companies, a published author with five books available on Amazon, and is deeply passionate about sharing heartfelt stories. Jean leverages her extensive expertise in digital media, coupled with creativity and innovation, to emerge as a global leader in technology, media, and fashion. Dive into these engaging discussions on our Java with Jean blog series. We look forward to hearing from you.
Hear Me NOW! is on sale in e-book and paperback on Amazon Kindle.
Contact Jean Criss at info@jeancrissmedia.com | JeanCrissMedia.com
