Happy International Women's Day!

As March 8th is International Women’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on this year’s theme “Choose to Challenge”.  I’ve given tributes to just some of the amazing people who gave me ‘lift’ throughout my career. What I came to realize whilst doing this though was, over half of them are men. That’s right – MEN.  Sometimes men get a bad rap for not doing enough for women, I think this is sometimes unfair because often its good men in our lives that help lift us up as much as women. That’s certainly the case in my experience and I am SO grateful for their support.  

That’s why I’ve posted this photo of me and my dad, because when I think back to my childhood, it was my dad who gave me a voice early in my life.  He was a hardworking, blue collar man, who ran a successful roofing business.  I spent the summers driving around all day with him while he worked, but what I remember most is every year, he would choose charitable projects and build big backyard size dollhouses for the Make a Wish foundation or homes for Habitat for Humanity.  Even today he helps his neighbours, whether it’s repainting someone’s house or fixing a roof leak. 

He never forced me to help others but he modelled the behaviour for me and its stuck with me all my adult life.  He’s always been my number one supporter, telling everyone about my good grades or my career achievements.  I’ll never forget one day he sat me down, when I was at my lowest and he told me, “Don’t you take S*** from that person.  You stand up for yourself.” It was what I needed to hear when I was at my weakest.  My dad taught me to “Choose to Challenge” even before the Me Too movement. I want to say thank you Dad, for always encouraging me to work hard and claim a seat at the table, to take charge of my career and go after opportunities and to not forget to use my voice.   

So, even though it’s International Women’s day I want to call out the good men in my life. The kind, respectful colleagues, the leaders who took a leap of faith on me and the family men who stood by me no matter what the situation. Without them I wouldn’t be able to help empower women and do what I love doing. Thank you and Happy International Women’s Day.