It’s International Women’s Day. Lots will be written today about the ladies who have made and/or are making a difference. And others will say that it shouldn’t take this annual occasion rolling around for those countless individuals to be recognized. I agree with that since I’m often heard making a similar claim about holidays such as Valentine’s Day or Thanksgiving.
Nonetheless, this is also an opportunity to learn about people who maybe you weren’t aware of before and the stories that they are writing.
Of course, the tough thing about this exercise is you always worry about the people you’re leaving out. The nice thing is, don’t put undue pressure on the March 8th spotlight. You can always tell someone that she’s awesome, any time, be it a quick comment on a social media post, a sincere mention in a phone call, or some other gesture (card, breakfast/lunch).
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For now, these are the first five people that came to my mind when I started thinking about who I would single out when reflecting on International Women’s Day. (Never mind that the occasion is meant to celebrate ‘the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements’ of women. These ladies are dominant whether they fit into one or more of those or none.)
1. My mother. C’mon, how could I not, right? But seriously, though, I moved to Florida more than 20 years ago and despite being 1,300 miles away, I am reminded regularly that she still loves me and takes an interest in all my personal and professional pursuits just as much as she does my brother who is right there in the same city and my sister who is “only” 400-plus miles away. I’m also amazed at how she refuses to let age slow her down and what a fantastic memory she has.
2. My wife. Even though we’re only approaching our five-year wedding anniversary (in June), I can remember “as far back” as late summer 2014 when she was already throwing her support behind my weekly podcast, ready to do whatever she could and whatever I (and the show) needed – just like she still does today. While, yes, she has helped book some guests, it’s also the taking of pictures, being a sounding board for my ideas, listening to the episodes she wasn’t around for the recording of, telling other people about the show, and, bigger picture, being so (so) supportive of my company itself. AND, during all this she has not only put in full-time hours, but, launched two other ventures of her own – teaching on the side, and maintaining an online inventory of resources for teachers – both of which are on the long, long list of why I’m so proud of her. Did I mention her role as a mother too?
3. Carolynn Smith-Jones. One of two people on this list who I met thanks to the local business community, she is the CEO and owner of Seven Marketing + PR and a person who I am blessed to call not only a colleague but a friend. As of last month, she is now a mother of three yet still is an absolute trailblazer. I continually find myself in admiration of her accomplishments, including her pursuits to give back. Carolynn is someone who you stand in awe of and say, “Has she figured out how to get more than 24 hours in a day?!”
4. Katie Krimitsos. This is the other gift that the Tampa Bay area has given to my life. We both started our podcasting journey in February 2014, and I don’t mind saying that Katie was sprinting down the track while I was still getting out of the starting blocks. I have watched with amazement as she has not followed but set trends and built an amazing worldwide community. I don’t know her middle name, but I hope it starts with S because I only think of success when I think of Katie, who has also added ‘mom’ to her title along the enviable journey I’ve been honored to be a witness to.
5. Reneda Cross. The founder and organizer of the annual Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival, she gets help and support from her devoted and loving husband, but he would be the first to tell you that she is who makes the event happen. And in her humble way, Reneda would tell you it’s the volunteers and the sponsors and the venues and, of course, the songwriters that make it happen. In other words, anyone but herself. Yet, she makes time to get to know everyone involved and their story. And, year after year she manages to successfully navigate the onslaught of applications that far surpass the number of slots that she has available. And when you ask her about scaling such a mountain each year, she’ll smile and tell you how much she loves the songwriter family. That’s the sign of a special heart. And for the record, just like the others on this list, she too is a mom.
I think what’s equally impressive is that not only could I have listed five more, but probably 25 more. Thank you, ladies. All of you. And not just the five above, but those of you who know you have made and/or are making an impact on my life.
Who’s on your list? Tweet to me via @NHT_tweets or post on Facebook or LinkedIn with the names and why. Alternatively, use email to write to me that way instead. And if I can help you, let me know. If you have questions in your music career or your podcasting journey, let’s have a private, one-on-one video consultation so I can share my years of experience to benefit you and what you’re doing.