Find Your Invisible Team
Happy Friday to all of my forty and fabulous women out there! As I reflect on all that has happened this week, I have a question for you: Who is your Invisible Team?
If you’re wondering what I’m talking about or why you should even care, it’s OK. Let me break it down for you…
I recently had the opportunity to attend the Bethany College Women & Leadership Symposium at my alma mater.
It was an incredible experience to be surrounded by so many inspiring women – professionals, entrepreneurs, educators and even brilliant young students- all of whom came together for the purpose of sharing, connecting and empowering each other.
The keynote dinner speaker at the event was a Bethany alumna Jennifer Grondahl from the Class of 97 who is the Senior Vice President of Community Development and Communications for the Baltimore Orioles.
I’ll admit, I don’t know much about major league baseball, but Jennifer is one of the ONLY female senior executives in the industry today.
Now THAT is bad ass.
I’d like to share a few takeaways from her keynote address to all of those successful women that really resonated with me, and hopefully will resonate with you, too.
Find Your Invisible Team.
One of the key takeaways from Jennifer’s keynote address is about finding your invisible team. She talks about finding those people who will not only root for you and support you, but also who will give you a good kick in the ass when necessary.
So, it really got me thinking about who those people are in my life who continue to move me forward, empower me, inspire me, and check me when needed – which seems to be a lot.
I have to say that I personally am extremely lucky in this department.
Family, Friends, Colleagues & Mentors.
I’d like to introduce you to my Invisible Team.
I have my daughter, husband and parents who are always encouraging me and supportive – no matter what creative idea or “vision” I come up with next. (My last vision was a new kitchen remodel that cost us upwards of $50K – thanks for seeing that one through, babe).
My mama is my biggest cheerleader of all. She gives me roots and wings. She kicks me in the ass and kisses me on the forehead. Thank you, mama.
I have my friends, my “tribe”, who without even realizing it, inspire me every day to be the best version of myself. These women are more than just friends – they are professionals, mothers, entrepreneurs, confidants, risk-takers, mentors and general bad ass bitches.
I have those friends from childhood, who , although we may not see each other for weeks or months, would have my back in a second (you know who you are, Sweet Pea).
I have my “person” who, speaking of bad asses, is not only a cancer survivor, but is also one of the few women in this world (other than my mama) who can handle my crazy. Much like my mother, “my person” is really good at keeping me reined in when my Italian temper takes over (or when I’ve had a few too many glasses of wine.)
More than anything, what I have come to realize after reflecting on Jennifer’s message, is that my Invisible Team is responsible for helping me become the woman I am today. But even more than that, my invisible team is also influencing the woman I will evolve into tomorrow.
Find Yourself Friday Challenge
So, my Find Yourself Friday challenge to you, fabulous friends over 40, is to take a moment and think about those individuals who make up your invisible team. They’re the ones who have your back, lift you up, and keep you grounded when life gets a little too crazy. They are the ones who say, you want to write a blog for women over 40? That’s a GREAT idea, go for it! Take some time on this Find Yourself Friday to identify and thank your invisible team. I know I will.
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