DARE-ing points of VIEW! Over-40 Women in Corporate America
To wrap up our theme in August of DARE-ing points of view, we must take a look at those vibrant, successful, powerhouse women over-40 who lead corporations here in the U.S.
Andrea Jung, CEO of Avon, is a dynamic example and my hat is off to her. Confident, innovative and assertive, she reworked Avon’s outdated image. She implemented the ad campaign, “Dare to Change Your Mind about Avon” and took the company international. Jung said about the changes: “I want to keep it hip. We have to be able to change in a snap, to have an edge.”
She also has helped raise money for breast cancer, the disease that took her grandmother’s life. Under her leadership, Avon has really done well by over-40 women.
This is a DARE-ing and impressive woman – a woman who DARES to have another point of view, and make it happen. Yet throughout her success, Andrea remains warm and human, following her father’s advice, “Cultivate the absence of arrogance and boastfulness.”
Another woman I would like to bring to your attention is Indra Nooyi, CEO of Pepsi. Pepsi had been under attack, along with other soft drink manufacturers, with the complaints that they make kids fat, their products play havoc with blood sugar, etc. Indra steered the company ship to shed KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell, in favor of acquisitions such as Tropicana, Quaker Oats, and Gatorade. Company earnings soared, as did her reputation. This DARE-ing woman has achieved the best results for the shareholders by accenting making kids healthy!
Lauren Zalaznick
And I also must mention Lauren Zalaznick, President of Bravo Television. She survived, even thrived in the ranks of NBC, having to deal with major male attitude. She was not fazed. With her mane of silver hair, and her distinct “take no prisoners, I am not fooling around with you” style, she has taken Bravo to the #1 ranked network for the affluent viewer. Bravo has been winning on all fronts with five Emmy Award nominations for series such as “Project Runway,” “Inside the Actors Studio,” and “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.”
We may grow up thinking following the crowd and fitting in is the answer to success. These over-40 women have proven that it is sometimes better to follow another path and DARE to hold a different VIEW!
I enjoyed reading some of yourstories of women leaders in Corporate America. I am working with the actor Quinton Aaron “The Blind Side” and Bethany Hamilton “Soul Surfer” to inspire students throughout our schools, to believe in themselves and their dreams despite the obstacles and challenges they may be facing. The program is titled, “Quarterbacks of Life”. Would any of your stories have an interest in partnering with our initiative?
Thank You!