Hello everyone, this is Chris of Lysydesign.com, and The Frontier’s cartoonist in residence (that’s a thing, right?).
This September’s RTP180 topic is Women in Business. So over the next few weeks I’ll be posting a series of cartoons inspired by interviews with female entrepreneurs in and around the triangle. I just asked one question, “based on your experiences, what advice would you give to other women entrepreneurs?”
This is very much an open series, so if you are a woman in business with advice for other women in business, please leave a comment. Maybe you will inspire a cartoon for next week’s post.
Anna Rhyne
Programs Manager, The Research Triangle Park
Okay, so Anna does not run a business. But she has organized all of the RTP180 events over the last four plus years. As I start this process I was curious about how she goes about finding presenters for an event like RTP180.
It usually starts by going through connections she has made over time with local universities and companies. Then as she moves forward and starts scheduling presenters, gaps start to appear. So her next step is to fill those gaps.
So I’m going to copy Anna’s process and do the same. Starting with who I know, the women entrepreneurs who I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from during my last year working out of The Frontier’s home base.
Megan Hannay
CoFounder and Product Designer, ZipSprout.com
“It’s advice I got from a speaker once. Karen Holtzblatt, a UX professional and advocate for women in tech, gave a talk at the American Underground about the experiences of being women in tech companies. She mentioned that, at moments of insecurity, she feels like she has a little devil on her shoulder, that’s watching her live her life, and commenting on it, like “oh that person at that event doesn’t *really* want to talk to you.” Or “you’re not good enough yet to take on that project.” Or “you’re not interesting enough” “you’re not experienced enough” “no one wants you here” etc. And she said she’s learned to see that voice as a devil, so she can tell him to be quiet.
And I think she even mentioned that she felt she’d conquered the devil when she was younger, but then a few years ago, when she moved to a new city, and she was the new person, he came back.
Anyways, that really resonated with me – I DEFINITELY have experienced that little devil, and I think it can be something that keeps women (and men) from pursuing challenges, or from speaking up, etc.”
Ryan Pack
President, Impackt Squared Solutions
“My advice is to be willing to surround yourself with a good team, know your outcomes, when you fail pick yourself up quickly and keep moving in the direction of your dreams. No matter what, bet on yourself.”
Beth Livingstone
Work & Life Coach
“Find the people who want you to succeed and let them help you see the resources that you have within you and in your external world.”
Sudha Meghan
Cofounder & CEO, RozieAI
“There are two elements; confidence and passion.
With those two sentiments you can embrace anything as an expert. Surround yourself with people who challenge you and inspire you.
With any startup there will be highs and lows, but there needs to be a sense of perpetuity. The more you delve into something the more passionate you will get.”
Your Turn
Are you a woman in business? Do you have any advice for your fellow businesswomen based on your own personal experiences?
Let us know in the comments and maybe you’ll inspire a cartoon for next week’s post.
And don’t forget to claim your free tickets to this month’s RTP180. I have a feeling they are going to sell out quickly.