“Women systematically underestimate their abilities.” Sheryl Sandberg. In wanting to continue my new weekly posting on an innovative, influential women, I chose this TED Talks video from Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg.  I first saw the video earlier this year but it seems that I needed to watch it again; so many phenomenal talking points covered in 15 minutes!  It was just the kick in the pants I needed.

Her points that resonate crystal clearly for me: women tend not to negotiate for themselves, they take the first offer,  Women attribute their success to others, and to luck and hard work, not because they are talented or “awesome” (as men are oft to state).  I know that I have a great difficulty taking a compliment, learning to simply say ‘thank you’ is a challenge.  The most important point that she brings up, however, is the negative correlation between success and likability…that is if you are a woman.  In men, there is a positive correlation. How do we change this? How do we embrace our ambition and our success and not be socially ostracized?  

A piece that examines this question is a phenomenal article from ELLE (a fashion mag of all things).  Leslie Bennet examines the scarlet letter A - no not adulterer but ambition.  Ms. Bennet recounts shocking examples of the world’s most intelligent, inspiring women downplaying their talents, success and drive during interviews, and then analyzes why.  It is a fantastic read - it opens your eyes to this issue and makes you step back and analyze how you present yourself, and the judgments that you may instinctively make towards others when it comes to drive and ambition, regardless of your sex.  

Hope you enjoy these links and let’s raise a glass to being ambitious.  Because from ambition comes action, and from action comes accomplishment.