IWD 2025: What I am (or hope to be) instilling in the next generation
Last year as part of International Women's Day I reflected upon a 30+ year career, talking about lessons I've learned and things that I might tell my younger self. This year, as I think about International Women's Day, I find myself realizing that I actually have younger versions of myself… my two sons and my daughter. At 22, I see so much of my own drive, compassion, and authenticity in my daughter, and it makes me realize how important it is for us as parents to guide our children in ways that will shape their perspectives for the future.
Here are a few of the key values I hope to instill in all three of my children while I continue to learn myself from them along the way:
Control Freak…Don't Sweat the Small Stuff
Perfectionism often leads to an obsession with the minute details. When you're a perfectionist, you try to control every aspect of a task, believing that only your way is the right way. However, over the years, I've learned that it's not always about how something gets done, but whether it gets done. Life doesn't always follow a set path, and there are many ways to reach the same destination. As children, each of them was motivated differently. And I learned from an early age that while each had a different way of tackling challenges than I do, letting go of control opens up new opportunities for growth and innovation. What I've tried to instill is that it's more important that something gets done, not necessarily how and that there are often many paths to the same result.
Your Way is Just One Way
One of the most important lessons I've learned over the years has come from both my kids and my work experience. People are motivated by differently and bring their own life experiences to any situation. At times, I've had to watch my kids or team members do things in ways that I didn't understand, and while that used to frustrate me, I've come to realized and appreciate that everyone's perspective and approach is not exactly the same. In the workplace, I've learned to step back and let others contribute in the ways that make sense for them. Once everyone understands their role and is empowered to execute their tasks, I've learned to trust them to get there in their own way.
Be Respectful, No Matter Who You are Talking To
Respect is a cornerstone of any thriving community, whether it's a company, a team, a family, or a group of friends. Everyone plays an important role in the success of any group, and no one is less important than another. Unfortunately, I've often seen people dismissed or not included, simply because their role isn't as visible or viewed as "important." Over the years, I've made it a point to treat everyone with the same respect, regardless of who they were within the company. This isn't just a professional value but a personal one as well. It's important to me that my children understand that every person, no matter who they are, have earned and deserves respect. And I'm proud when I see them practicing this value in their own lives
You Have to do the Work, Experience is Still a Valuable Skill
As technology continues to evolve and AI becomes more prevalent in areas like marketing, there's a temptation to rely on these tools for faster, smarter results. While AI can automate repetitive tasks, it can't replace the invaluable skill of first-hand human experience. I've worked in marketing for years and have seen technology transform our workflows, making things faster and easier. But no technology can replicate the understanding of why certain strategies work, or how to pivot when they don't. That's something only experience can provide. I encourage my children to value real-world experience, to understand the process behind what they're doing, and to not be swayed by the idea that technology can solve every problem. Understanding the "why" behind actions is a skill that will continue to serve them in every area of life.
Details Matter, and Sometimes They are Tedious
While technology and automation continue to streamline many processes, I still hold that the smallest details matter. This might seem like an old-school approach, but I believe that the difference between success and failure can often lie in the details. Whether it's ensuring that an email is personalized or taking the time to proofread a report, attention to detail shows that you care about the task at hand. For example, when I receive emails, if my name is misspelled, I won't even read the content. It's a simple thing, but it speaks volumes about the sender's attention to detail. I've tried to teach my children that how you do something is just as important as what you do. The small, often tedious tasks can be the ones that make the biggest impact.
By imparting these lessons, I hope to shape the future for my children and others around me in a way that fosters respect, values experience, and emphasizes the importance of embracing different perspectives. These values will help them navigate not only the professional world but also their personal lives, creating a foundation of integrity, empathy, and growth.