Introverted Hero
May has arrived and along with it much introspection here in the Victory Circles on the Master Mind Principle of Leadership. Today I want to pay homage to a very special breed of leader that I have come to highly respect over the years: the woman entrepreneur.
Not just any women entrepreneur, but rather the ones who are actually out there doing more by growing their business AND raising the next generation of human beings. The women I have the great joy and opportunity to work with in the course of my work.
Having played this dual role of mom and entrepreneur for 25 years now, I know firsthand how difficult it can be. The torn desires, staying up all night caring for a sick child, and/or a business deadline that must be met - only to be back at it bright and early the next morning. The constant battle between making a living and making a life for your family.
Where the Mompreneur (as the term has been coined) differs from other entrepreneurs is the vast amount of additional responsibilities they must face each and every day. If not careful, this lifestyle can lead to a major burnout. As with anything where we are burning the candle from both ends, close attention must be paid to the element of taking good care of the core elements that make you tick.
As I sit here reflecting on the many working moms I know, the thought of an introverted hero comes to mind. The one who says little yet makes their point crystal clear in the actions taken for the betterment of those they care most about. To me that is the ultimate leader.
This weekend while sitting in the sunshine sipping on a chai at a local coffee house I watched with fascination as a mom dealt with her four year old daughter who was having a bit of a behavior issue. The little girl - who was cute as a button - didn't get her way and had a very loud fit in the middle of the coffee house.
Her horrified mother sat her down at the table next to mine and in no uncertain terms told her daughter the behavior was simply unacceptable and that there were consequences for her actions. They had some pretty deep dialogue back and forth… until in the most loving way that nearly broke my heart – the little girl stood up and said, “I am so very sorry Mommy.” And hugged her mother tightly around the neck.
I was trying not to stare at what was unfolding before me, yet, it was difficult because I was so compelled in the art of mothering that was revealing itself right before me. It reminded me how important our role as women is to nurture and teach those in our lives of all ages.
It is so vital to fully complete the task we were put on this earth to do. And that is true whether we are leading our children, our clients, employees or those anyone really who is paying attention to our actions as we guide them along the way.
To all my entrepreneurial female colleagues and working moms reading this, I wish you a wonderful Mothers Day this coming Sunday. To my male colleagues who are reading this letter – know that I respect and honor your nurturing ways as well. :)
I would like to dedicate this Mirah Carey song, Hero, to each of you in my wish for you to fully honor the work you do. Please share below a moment in your life where a mother made all the difference.
And, as you embark into the month ahead keep in mind those leaders who have changed your world for the better and remember to respect yourself enough to follow your own lead.
For those of you in Boulder - Join me on Thursday for a free Lunch and Learn at Boulder Digital Arts. We will be discussing this topic of Leadership and the tools to get your expertise out into the world. Learn about this and our other upcoming events here.
Take good care of yourself as you take a look deep inside so that your introverted hero can fully come out to play.
To Your Successes and Victories,
- Cheri
Cheri Ruskus
Author, Business Growth Coach,
and Founder of the Victory Circles
www.VictoryCircles.com
