By Tessa Greenspan
I recently spoke at the Greater St. Charles Chamber of Commerce in honor of American Business Women’s Day. It’s hard to believe that not all that long ago, women did not have the right to vote (thank you, suffragettes), or earn equal pay (still fighting that one).
Thanks to my mother’s early teachings and encouragement, I have been a successful business owner, serial entrepreneur and mentor to many business women. I’ve had the honor of being named one of the top businesswomen in America and am an active member of Women’s President Organization and E-Women.
American Business Women’s Day honors the accomplishments of businesswomen across the nation. It’s amazing to stop and reflect on the contributions and achievements of the millions of women in the workforce and women business owners in the United States.
The day also brings together businesswomen of diverse occupations to collaborate and network. The opportunity provides insight into platforms and inspirational ways for women to help themselves and others grow personally and professionally. Workshops and seminars offer leadership, education, networking and national recognition.
Through small businesses and corporate leadership, women provide a variety of skills in the business world. They set examples for young women driven to become leaders themselves. Generation after generation pave the way for new and inspiring professionals. This day honors each and every one!
In honor of American Business Women’s Day, I’d like to give a shout out to 10 women I consider to be tops in their field. Everyone of these American business women and leaders strive or strived to improve the world with their foundations and philanthropic projects. For them, it’s not just a career; it is (was) a mission. I share their drive and vision.
- Oprah Winfrey Bravely speaking out on topics, fighting for the underdog, giving people the language and power to make a difference in their community and world, all beautifully articulated. And she’s growing her garden, one veggie at a time.
- Maria Shriver A powerful dynasty, an extraordinary woman who defies aging and guides us through the labyrinth of physical and mental health issues.
- Jane Pauley “CBS Sunday Morning’s” host is flawless, an amazing journalist and graceful storyteller. It’s an encore chapter for her, leading to extraordinary discoveries by us.
- Maxine Clark In 1997, she founded Build-A-Bear Workshop, a teddy-bear themed, retail-entertainment experience. Today, there are more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide. In June 2013, Clark stepped down from her chief executive bear role to apply her entrepreneurial skills to her passion for improving K through 12 public education and to invest in and mentor women and minority entrepreneurs.
- Arianna Huffington Arianna Stassinopoulos Huffington is a Greek-American author, syndicated columnist and businesswoman. She is a co-founder of “The Huffington Post,” the founder and CEO of the mind-body-spirit cutting edge website, Thrive Global, and the author of 15 books.
- Sarah Blakely This American businesswoman, entrepreneur and philanthropist is the founder of Spanx, an American intimate apparel company with pants and leggings that comfortably shape us as we engage in our professional lives.
- Eleanor Roosevelt An American political figure, diplomat and activist, she was the longest-serving first lady of the United States from 1933 to 1945, during her husband President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s four terms in office. She advocated for expanded roles for women in the workplace, the civil rights of African Americans and Asian Americans, and the rights of World War II refugees. Following her husband’s death in 1945, Roosevelt remained active in politics for the remaining 17 years of her life. She pressed the United States to join and support the United Nations, and became its first delegate. She served as the first chair of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and oversaw the drafting of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
- Sandra Yancey Award-winning entrepreneur, No. 1 bestselling author, philanthropist, founder and CEO of eWomenNetwork, Yancey has been featured in “Chicken Soup for the Entrepreneur’s Soul” and has four other No. 1 bestsellers.
- Laura Herring A pioneer in career and life transition support, psychologist Laura Herring is founder and chairwoman of IMPACT Group, a leader in the human resource consulting space. Under Herring’s leadership, IMPACT Group received numerous awards, including the Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies list, the Golden Plate Award by the Old Newsboys Day organization, the distinguished Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business Award, the Top 500 Woman-Owned Business award from diversitybusiness.com and the St. Louis’ Top 50 Award from the St. Louis Regional Chamber.
- Deb Carlin, Ph.D. Deb Carlin’s “K Factor” hosts my “Tuesdays with Tessa” weekly blog and talk radio podcast. Founder of Partners In Excellence LLC, Carlin based this consulting company on her proven method for achievement. She has a methodology for listening, watching, engaging, talking, and then making recommendations while working side-by-side with individuals to ensure their growth and success – personally and professionally.
In addition to this powerful group, I want to acknowledge the female first responders, health care professionals and essential workers who are on the front lines daily, from grocery store employees to city workers, all making it possible for us to care for ourselves, friends and family.
Even after #AmericanBusinessWomensDay, give shout outs to businesswomen you know. Attend a seminar, workshop, Ted Talk, or tap into other resources to increase your business knowledge. Sponsor a leadership conference or speak at a local school. Attend a career fair and offer your expertise as a businesswoman to aspiring youth.
Support businesswomen in your area, whether they’re experienced or just starting out. Join forces with other business leaders and create a positive environment for women in business. Share your business style, strengths, and creativeness using #AmericanBusinessWomensDay to post on social media.
Greenspan is a motivational speaker, author and entrepreneur. Her book, “From Outhouse to Penthouse: Life Lessons on Love, Laughter and Leadership,” is available at amazon.com. Her podcast, “Tuesdays with Tessa,” runs at 10 a.m. CDT on bogtalkradio.com. She can be contacted at tessa@tessagreenspan.com.
