Sunday, June 30, 2013

Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders

Sometimes the best way to save money is to make more money, to reach for more responsibility, to work harder. That's why I love this speech given by Sheryl Sandberg.

Sandberg on the cover of Time Magazine

In this eye-opening TEDtalks event, Sandberg reveals a study that shows that like-ability and  success in women are reversely related, due to sociological patterns and viewpoints that continue the growth of career inequalities between men and women.

A few key quotes & paraphrases:

- Career choices for women are better than they were 50 years ago.

- "We still have a problem: women are not making it to the top of any profession anywhere in the world."

- "Of all the people in Parliament [level governmental jobs] in the world, only 13% are women."

- In the corporate sector, board level jobs for women "tops out at 5%- 16%."

- Because of social expectatons, women are stuck with harder choices to make between careers and personal fulfillment: "Of married Sr. Managers 2/3 of male Sr. Managers have children and only 1/3 of female Sr. Managers have children."

- "Women systematically underestimate their abilities & do not negotiate for themselves in the workplace."

- Men typically attribute their success to themselves. Women typically attribute their success to others who helped them along the way, to luck, etc.

- "Success and likeability are positively correlated for men and negatively correlated for women." (watch the video to hear more about the famous study).

Sandberg's Tips:


1. Sit at the table.

2. Make your partner a real partner.

3. Don't leave before you leave.

You will need to watch the video to understand what she means by each of those. The video is about 15 minutes and is well worth the time. I highly recommend it!

VIDEO: Sheryl Sandberg: Why we have too few women leaders



This rings true for me especially because I am someone who cares about people and wants to be successful. I hope one day we can change perceptions so that women can also be successful and be liked for it as well.

How do we change this? How do we as individuals affect these numbers so that one day it becomes a 50/50 percentage of men and women in leadership roles? How do we encourage women to reach for success?

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Save Lives: billboard produces potable water from humidity in the air

MAYO DRAFTFCB / UTEC VIA TECHLAND.TIME.COM
I am all about saving- saving money, time, and the Earth through green(er) living. But I don't believe in saving things just to save (otherwise you end up with a closet -er, garage- full of junk you don't need). What it boils down to is this. Saving money and time, and making things last longer helps us so we can use our time and money for enjoying and supporting our lives. And being greener is really about saving our future. This is why I absolutely loved this short video when I saw it. I am amazed by technology and all that we can accomplish simply because of ingenuity, a little determination, and hard work. What a great way to promote education, by supporting the local people at the level of their basic needs. Brilliant!

It sounds like magic, right? But it's not! Here's a basic outline of how it works:
MAYO DRAFTFCB / UTEC viA TECHLAND.TIME.COM

This is a short video introducing the billboard water source! This could revolutionize the lives of people living in places with a clean water shortage. Please share!

 What are your thoughts on this?

I believe that doing the right thing, and helping people can in fact be profitable and save money and resources. How could these and other similar technologies be implemented in a business setting to be both financially stimulating and philanthropic without charging the people for water outright? 


Saturday, June 8, 2013

The Modern Day Leaf

Back when I was in high school, I decided my final GT Art project would be a dress made of soda pop bottles. I spent the entire semester saving up supplies and the whole school donated. I called it "The Modern Day Leaf." It was a statement about how we cover ourselves. Adam and Eve covered themselves with leaves, to cover their sins. One day, if we don't care care of our world, all we will have to cover ourselves is our trash.

I went on to make a few more recycled "couture" pieces- a dress made from packing material and office supplies, a bra/skirt set made from packing tape and discarded gift tissue, and another from food packaging.

 I decided to pay a little visit to memory lane and share these old images with you. I hope you enjoy them!