Powerful Partnerships And Networks For Women Leaders (Inspiring Women, Episode 35)
The relationships which spring from powerful partnerships and networks are vital for both professional success and personal growth. On this edition of Inspiring Women, host Betty Collins assembled a mastermind group of dynamic leaders to discuss the power of partnerships: Mary McCarthy, Women’s Small Business Accelerator, Michelle Casper, NAWBO Columbus, and Rachel Winder, Benesch Law. Inspiring Women is presented by Brady Ware & Company.
Betty’s Show Notes
The underlying issue of this topic is that partnering means that you are not alone while trying to build your career, your business.
My greatest times, professionally and personally, have been when I started these powerful partnerships and networks for women. It continues to play a major role in my life as a leader.
I wish I knew this when I was 20 something, even in my 30s. But I didn’t really get it until I was in my late 40s.
No matter what age you are, or at any point you are in your professional career, it’s really key to have powerful partnerships and networks.
And by the way, it’s not just a professional thing. This continues to be so huge for me personally. Be open to making sure you’re establishing these types of relationships.
Less is better with relationships, because they’ve got to be correct for you. They need to be strategic, lining up with your why.
I’m not talking about connecting with big names people. I’m talking about people who have similar goals and ethics as you. And they get out there, and they influence.
Never underestimate the power of those partnerships. It takes work and commitment. You’ll need to be consistent and persistent to build these relationships. But the dividends are huge in your personal and professional development and impact.
With me on the episode is Mary McCarthy, Co-founder and President of the Women’s Small Business Accelerator.
The Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA) is a non-profit accelerator founded by successful women business owners for women business owners. They provide education, peer support, mentoring, and accountability to help women on their entrepreneurial journey – to start and grow their own businesses.
I am also joined by Michelle Casper, past President and board member of NAWBO Columbus.
Established in 1996, NAWBO Columbus has a longstanding history in the greater Columbus area. They are currently the largest chapter in the nation and pride ourselves in elevating women business owners through connections, advocacy, and mentorship.
And last, but not least, I am honored to have Rachel Winder, Government Relations Manager with Benesch Law, on this episode. She is the advisor for the Columbus chapter of NAWBO.
Benesch is an AmLaw 200 business law firm and limited liability partnership with offices in Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Hackensack, San Francisco, Shanghai and Wilmington.
The firm is known for providing highly sophisticated legal services to national and international clients that include public and private, middle market and emerging companies, as well as private equity funds, entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizations.
These three women are willing to give, with a blind eye to how it helps them.
This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.
TRANSCRIPT
[00:00:00] Betty Collins
So, today, we’re going to talk about powerful partnerships and networks for women in business, women leaders, women who own businesses, women in general. And I’ve got just a really, really cool guest, I think you’re going to like them. But I want to talk about powerful partnerships and networks. When I say that, it sounds so mighty, like you could conquer whatever is brought your way. Then this mightiness, on top of that, is just really for women.
[00:00:31] Betty Collins
Even better, right? So, I want to have this podcast today for all of you, because this has been so impactful in my professional and personal life. The underlying issue of this topic is that, partnering implies not being solo or by yourself. My greatest times, professionally and personally, have been when I started these powerful partnerships and networks for women. It has played, and continues to play this major role in my life as a leader. So, I wish I knew this when I was 20 something, hey, even in my 30s.
[00:01:07] Betty Collins
But I did not really get this, and be part of it till my late 40s. So, I really want to communicate to my audience today, to the women in the audience, no matter what age you are, or at the point you are in your professional career, it’s really key to have powerful partnerships and networks. And by the way, it’s not just a professional thing. It has been so huge for me personally. So, really, be open to making sure you’re establishing these types of relationships.
[00:01:41] Betty Collins
And I’ve been in all types of networking groups, we’re not talking about networking today, throughout my career, but it was more like the right thing to do, which is part of my job. It really wasn’t that impactful, but powerful partnering is not having 1200 Facebook friends. It’s not name-dropping. That’s just called connecting or fantasizing that you know all these people. Less is better with relationships, because they got to be correct, and they got to be strategic, and they’ve got to line up with your why.
[00:02:12] Betty Collins
Betty Collins’ why is, when the marketplace works in this country, the world works. And when I know that employers can pay those employees, those are households and families that make up communities. So, my partners have to line up with that. And because women are so, right now, the ones starting businesses, and such a dominant presence in the marketplace, it all comes together. So, today I want to talk to you, first, why powerful. Powerful means to me, it’s not having this great power or prestige, but its influence.
[00:02:50] Betty Collins
I’m not talking about big names, I’m talking about people, the ones who have my similar goals and ethics, and they get out there, and they influence. Powerful, meaning to me, that they don’t know just- that they support my why and my purpose. So, today, I want to talk to you about three organizations that have had powerful partnerships in my life. And the impact has been overwhelming, I am extremely grateful. Partnering with these organizations is, really, partnering with its members. It’s developing relationships within the organization, one relationship leads to another, and that’s why I can add the word powerful to it.
[00:03:30] Betty Collins
My company in 2012 merged into Brady Ware, and I met these two women, Caroline Worley and Mary McCarthy. These women have been powerful partnerships, and introduced me to an entire network of women. I’m very grateful for them. And they also founded the Women’s Small Business Accelerator, which is an organization that is pretty easy to understand. It’s women in small business accelerating. And so, today, Mary McCarthy is going to join us.
[00:03:57] Betty Collins
Then they introduced me to the Columbus chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners in 2014. And I will tell you that my world changed, not because I was a member of this organization, but because of the members, and what the organization stood for. And so today, Michelle Casper, who is the current president of our chapter, will join us. And then lastly, I met Rachel Winder of Benesch who advocates for women. She is the advisor for the Columbus chapter of NAWBO.
[00:04:31] Betty Collins
I was so awed by her connection and networking, got really hooked when I went to Advocacy Day in Washington, DC, when I was the president of NAWBO in June of ’19; when Washington, DC was a fun place to go do so. But during COVID-19, she just started this Friday call. And I will let her talk about that, and in that Friday call, became this organization, the Ohio Women’s Coalition. I’m going to call it, I have a powerful panel today that represent these three wonderful partnerships and networks for women leaders in Columbus, Ohio, and really outside; all of the state of Ohio, for some of them. We give our time, and our treasure, and our talent to them, and it’s all good, but I really am Betty Collins today because of them.
[00:05:19] Betty Collins
And never underestimate the power of those partnerships. It takes work and commitment, you got to be consistent to have these relationships, but the dividends are huge in development and impact. And by the way, my business also just happened to triple as I started being in these groups. But that is a byproduct. So, I’m not talking about powerful partnerships that you can network and grow business.
[00:05:43] Betty Collins
Oh, by the way, that happens. I’m talking about powerful partnerships that really get to your core, they help you with that why, they have impact, and you get some clients along the way, and have some fun. So, we’re going to just talk about these organizations, and we’re going to start with Mary. Mary, just give me your 30 seconds, if you can, it probably is going to go longer, on the WSBA, and then expand on the impact it’s had on you as a leader. So, welcome, Mary.
[00:06:15] Mary McCarthy
Hey, Betty. Thanks for having me on the podcast. So, the Women’s Small Business Accelerator. What we do is we empower women to dream, and to dream big. And then we help them achieve that dream. So, that’s a really important statement, it goes beyond just wanting to be a business owner, but being successful at it. So, we accomplish this by providing tools. And the tools include our education, our training or mentoring, and even the most important, our ongoing support, so that they can be very successful. Our end goal is to monetize our business culture, so that it meets every woman’s big-picture dream of caring for themselves, their families, and their communities.
[00:07:00] Mary McCarthy
So, when you’re talking partnership on this podcast, that’s a very important part of what we do, because we do not believe you should struggle alone. So, we encourage all women, regardless of income, or education level, to include us as a partner in their business ownership success. So, how does this impact me as a leader? It’s very interesting when you think about what leadership means. It means looking at the big picture, surrounding yourself with like-minded people that can help you accomplish your goals, and most importantly, asking for help. So, you believe in that as well, Betty, right?
[00:07:43] Betty Collins
I do, I do.
[00:07:43] Mary McCarthy
We like to think that we can do it all ourselves as women, but the more we ask for help, the more we accomplish.
[00:07:51] Betty Collins
And I know that I have actually utilized the services of the WSBA, because I was a mentee and I needed a mentor. Betty Collins just doesn’t know everything, I know that’s hard to believe, but it’s true. And I really- it was impactful to have this woman who could see my world differently, and then help me understand it. It was really good. So, explain a little bit more, how has this organization impacted you, Mary, as a woman leader?
[00:08:21] Mary McCarthy
There are a number of things that, throughout my career, have impacted me as a leader. And I think that’s an important point we always have to remember. But how did it really help me? When I first realized the desire to create this organization. I took my own advice, and I reached out into the community, and asked people what they thought, what were the needs, what could they use if an organization was created. And by listening, it was amazing to me, all of the incredible ideas that were brought forth, all of the needs that were uncovered. And I have to say, we’ve been around for eight years now, and the incredible women that have supported us, and shared that what we’re doing has really helped so much. It’s amazing to me, but I’m leading by listening.
[00:09:16] Betty Collins
Well, I appreciate your thoughts. We’re going to move on to Michelle Casper, who is the NAWBO president, and she is an attorney. So, Michelle, give us your 30 seconds, if that’s possible, it might take longer, on NAWBO Columbus. And tell us about that first day you walked into that lunch, I always love to hear you talk about that, and then the impact that it’s had on you as a leader.
[00:09:39] Michelle Casper
Thanks, Betty. And thank you for having me on this podcast. I’m really excited to be here, and I’m excited to be in the company of other great women. And I love this question about the first day you walked into a NAWBO lunch, so let me set the stage. This was about five or six years ago. I had moved from Chicago, where I was, at the time, an associate in a Midwest law firm. Moved to Columbus, Ohio. It was an out-of-the-blue move that came with a job opportunity for my husband.
[00:10:09] Michelle Casper
We packed up our young family, we moved to Columbus, Ohio. I knew not a single person. There was nobody in the city that I knew, other than my husband. And a colleague in my Indianapolis office said to me, “Hey, there’s this organization called NAWBO. I think you should go and check it out.” And I said, “Okay, great. I don’t know anybody. I’ve got to start to get to know some people.”
[00:10:33] Michelle Casper
And I was a little nervous, because I didn’t know anyone, and I was going to go to this event. So, I called up a friend of mine and I said, “Hey, let’s go to this NAWBO event.” It was a good-to-great event. So, our good-to-great is when we bring together inspiring, influential women in the community, and we give other business owners, and women in business an opportunity to roundtable with them. So, I remember that day so distinctly, and I walked into the room knowing nobody, with my friend by my side, and people just started coming up to me, people that I didn’t know.
[00:11:11] Michelle Casper
And they’d say, “Hi, my name’s Sue. What’s your name? What’s your business? Tell me about your life. How can we help you?” And this happened over and over at this meeting. And I left there, and I was just so blown away, and so inspired. And when I look back at that meeting, I realize that it taught me why it’s so important to give as a leader. And I think when we’re in a leadership position, and we have built up those connections and partnerships, we gain more by sharing them.
[00:11:45] Michelle Casper
We gain more by connecting people through introductions, strategic alliances. And I think when you get to that point as a leader, it’s really important to listen to what people need, and Mary touched on that a little bit. And it’s important to provide a path for them, that perhaps, they didn’t know existed. And that was really what was done for me when I walked into that first NAWBO meeting. And quite honestly, it solidified my belief and my passion in the organization.
[00:12:14] Michelle Casper
And it’s why I’m sitting where I am now as the president, trying to get back. It’s because somebody gave to me in the first place. And when we look back, we really have no idea, the power of our kindness, and our time, and our resources until we start to give them away. And that was really the foundation of building powerful partnerships in my life here in Columbus, where I knew no one. And now fast forward five, six years later, we just opened up our very first office here in Columbus, Ohio, for my firm, Smith Ahmanson. And these things would not be possible had I not walked into that NAWBO meeting, and started to meet the women that would really change the path for me.
[00:12:57] Betty Collins
And you know what I love with the first two of you? First of all, by the way, Michelle is the president of NAWBO during a pandemic. She has just really been this amazing leader through this time, but anyway. But what you’re hearing from the first two guests, and you’ll hear from the third is, when they’re talking about powerful partnerships, they didn’t bring up that, “My book of business grew.” They didn’t bring up that, “Hey, look what I got.” They’re talking about the giving factor, which is awesome.
[00:13:28] Betty Collins
So then we go to Rachel Winder. And Rachel is, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t know Rachel in Columbus, Ohio, or in the state, because she is such an advocate for women and what we could-. We have a long way to go, and she’s just really in the fight with that. And I met her through NAWBO as well, and then we attended the advocacy day together. So, Rachel, give the audience a feel on how this Friday’s at noon, during a pandemic, we formed this amazing organization.
[00:14:00] Rachel Winder
Absolutely, yeah. Thank you, Betty. Thanks so much for having me. So, this all happened organically in the middle of a pandemic. It was March of 2020, and the Ohio governor, Governor DeWine, had, basically, shut down the economy here in Ohio to help keep us healthy. But he put together a commission coalition of individuals that were called the Economic Recovery Committee, or Economic Recovery Commission. It’s a group of businesses that were going to help open up the economy back up.
[00:14:41] Rachel Winder
A number of organizations were concerned that the individuals that were serving on this economic recovery committee weren’t necessarily representative of the businesses in Ohio. There were zero micro businesses, or businesses that had less than twenty employees. There were limited women that served on this recovery committee, and there were limited minorities that served on this recovery committee, and that wasn’t right. And there were a number of organizations that were concerned and wanted to, for lack of a better word, put out a scathing letter condemning the acts of the governor.
[00:15:21] Rachel Winder
And they came to NAWBO Colombus, and I’m so fortunate I’m the public policy adviser for NAWBO Columbus. And they asked our opinion, do we want to join this letter? Do we want to sign on? And it was of my opinion and many others that, “Hey, why don’t we pull back? Why don’t we see if we can find a seat at the table? Why don’t we find a way if our voices can be heard? Instead of just complaining or being upset that they’re not, let’s just make sure that they are.”
[00:15:51] Rachel Winder
And so, I called the governor’s office, and I managed to get somebody who was willing to talk with us, who was an adviser to the governor that was putting together this economic recovery. And all of these organizations came together on a Zoom call. This was when Zoom- this, maybe, was my second Zoom call ever. But all of these organizations came together, and we had this individual from the governor’s office. And all of a sudden, the light bulb went off that, “Holy moly, look how energized we are. Look how powerful we are. Look at all of us together here in this room making our voices heard, in this virtual room.”
[00:16:36] Rachel Winder
But anyways, it was so inspiring, and so successful that- it happened to be Friday at 11 o’clock that week. And we immediately were like, “Well, who else could we get to join this call? Who else needs to hear our voice?” And lo and behold, every Friday at 11 o’clock, we started inviting people to the room, and what was so, and almost surprising to me, was that they came. And another light bulb moment was when, I hate to be surprised that they came, but I was surprised that they came. I’m no longer surprised, now I expect them to be there.
[00:17:15] Rachel Winder
But we asked a division of the Development Services Agency, which is a cabinet in the governor’s office. And there’s a small division inside of it. And we asked that director to join us, and they instead, bumped us up to the governor’s cabinet member, Director Lydia Mihalik, and said, “She should be on this call, not me.” And that, again, was a light bulb moment, like, “Holy moly, I cannot believe we’ve been bumped up to the director.” Normally, I’m bumped down to the assistant, to the assistant.
[00:17:46] Rachel Winder
So, here we are getting bumped up, and we realize the power of this collective voice. And so, long story short, we incorporated, and we became the Ohio Women’s Coalition, and we’re the first statewide organization fighting for women’s economic growth and women’s businesses on a statewide level. And I’m so proud of Betty and Mary on this call, both who have joined the board, and who are there with me fighting all the way.
[00:18:22] Betty Collins
So, those are three of my favorite organizations, the WSBA, NAWBO Columbus, and the Ohio Women’s Coalition. These are organizations and partnerships. This is not networking. These are partnerships, powerful ones that you get to have impact, supports your why, and you do get to meet more people and network with the right people. So, I have some questions for each one of them.
[00:18:51] Betty Collins
So, thank you, first of all, for describing your organizations. I wanted people to get a feel for that. So, I’ll go to Michelle. Michelle, and probably, if I ask all three of you this question, you answer it fairly same. So, give me your definition of a powerful partnership and network. Outside of NAWBO, you’ve described that, but give me that definition.
[00:19:12] Michelle Casper
So, I really think this goes back to people who are willing to give, particularly when they don’t see what they may gain in return. And when I think about a powerful partnership and network, that’s something that takes time to grow and cultivate, it doesn’t happen overnight. And it’s really much like a deep friendship; you have to grow it over time through trust, devotion and care, and it can’t be one-sided.
[00:19:41] Michelle Casper
When I think about the partnerships and networks that I’ve developed over the years, I see the growth over time, and how I grew that mutual respect. And I really had to take the time to do more listening in the beginning. And to a large extent, that still rings true today; we have to listen to learn. So, when I think about a powerful partnership, I think that that is a group of individuals who have your back, but who also challenge you to be better than who you were the day before.
[00:20:12] Michelle Casper
The people that have been really instrumental in my life have pushed me out of my comfort zone, and they’ve pushed me to places that, maybe, I didn’t even think was possible in my own head. And I think if you ask really successful people what their secret is, that’s a common topic among top executives and top women in their field. “What’s your secret? How did you get there?” They almost always tell you a story about someone else great who believed in them, and who helped them build a powerful network. And I think that’s especially true for women. The mentors that we can develop through these partnerships and networks can really change our path.
[00:20:53] Betty Collins
That’s really good. Great points in there for sure. Rachel, when you’re looking for that partner or, “Hey, let’s go build a coalition.” What characteristics must be there in the people that you’re bringing together?
[00:21:10] Rachel Winder
So, I thought about this. Three came to mind, but there’s lots. But the top three that I thought about right away were, passion. Just listening to the three of you, you all have such passion for what you do, it’s so obvious. I have to have that in my network, so I have to know that they’re passionate. I need to know that there’s authenticity, that it’s an authentic belief in what you’re doing, for the right reasons
[00:21:44] Rachel Winder
Like Michelle was talking about, just giving back. How Betty is so generous with her time, Mary creates organizations to help people. You have to be authentic about what you’re doing, and why. And then, also, I need to be inspired. So, I need to- I think I’m, just by nature, a little bit lazy. So, I really need to be inspired to action.
[00:22:11] Rachel Winder
I need to just- you need to- so, I guess that’s part of the passion and part of the authenticity, but I just need to be inspired by what the organization is doing. I need to just believe that they are doing it for the right reasons, and it’s the right fit for me.
[00:22:28] Betty Collins
Well, Michelle and Mary, do you see Rachael as being lazy?
[00:22:35] Mary McCarthy
Did you hear me chuckle in the background?
[00:22:37] Betty Collins
I did. I did.
[00:22:40] Mary McCarthy
No, Rachel. I think you’re the only one that sees that in you.
[00:22:44] Betty Collins
Yeah. Yeah.
[00:22:45] Rachel Winder
Wow, that’s nice. Well, thank you.
[00:22:48] Betty Collins
Well, knowing Mary in the partnership of the three of us, or the four of us on the phone today, I gave this question to her because she can do things so well. And so, you’ll like the question; when do you not partner and network, and how do you politely divorce yourself? I think only Mary can do that well. So, what would you say? Because there’s times you don’t want to partner and network, right?
[00:23:10] Mary McCarthy
So, Betty, first of all, I cracket up because that’s the question that you gave me of the three, right? So, I’m going to say, I love what I was hearing from everybody, such great advice so far. And you’re right, there are times that we need to either not partner or we need to, maybe, decide that we need to move on. And like everybody else on this call, I’m a very strong believer in partnerships; together we can be unstoppable.
[00:23:41] Mary McCarthy
But if we find that a partnership is not working or that, maybe, we’re not going in the same direction, then the best advice that I can give, truly, is just to be honest. So, start with communicating, and see if you can work out the differences. Because oftentimes, we think we’re communicating, when we’re not really saying the same things to each other. So, we have to listen to what the other person is saying, to make sure we’re on the same page.
[00:24:12] Mary McCarthy
And if we can resolve that first, then great. But if we can’t resolve it, then we do need to look at, potentially, moving on. There’s a really great book that I read, it’s my all time favorite, and I recommend it to everyone. It’s called Essentialism, The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, by Greg McKeown.
[00:24:33] Betty Collins
Great book. Love that one.
[00:24:34] Mary McCarthy
Isn’t it? A fabulous book. He talks about being realistic with your time. Because sometimes partnerships don’t work just because you’ve overcommitted, and you’ve added one more thing to your to-do list, that you really just don’t have the time to do. So, if it doesn’t fit- so, his concept is not less, but more, it’s less, but better. What can we be/do that we can be the best at? So, if we’re going to partner, we want a partner well.
[00:25:03] Mary McCarthy
We want to communicate clearly, and we want to really make sure that we work together to the hit end goals. And if it’s not working, and the communication doesn’t work, then we just have to, again, honestly communicate and say, it just doesn’t work. And you need to move on. So, you don’t want to be passive aggressive, you don’t want to just disappear and not communicate, because then they don’t understand. So, as long as you communicate honestly, they may still be mad at you, but that’s okay, because at least you communicated, and with a positive intent.
[00:25:36] Betty Collins
This year, one of my themes in my life is, for my mental state, is you’ve got to know the difference between branches and twigs. Branches give life, and twigs are good for firewood, and they burn and they’re done. And I think it even speaks for itself, but you do have to make those decisions sometimes, of this is just not- this isn’t lining up for me.
[00:25:57] Betty Collins
And then you waste a lot of time in a partnership or in a network that’s not alignment, and time is too precious. So, Rachel, can you give us an example of your best powerful partner? And you don’t have to say NAWBO, and you don’t have to say- but it could be a person, it could be whatever. But who is that best that you’ve had, and why?
[00:26:19] Rachel Winder
Wow. So, I hope this isn’t cheating, but it is NAWBO.
[00:26:24] Betty Collins
Okay, good. Michelle we like that, right?
[00:26:27] Rachel Winder
Absolutely.
[00:26:29] Michelle Casper
Yes, we do.
[00:26:30] Rachel Winder
It’s absolutely NAWBO Colombus. They introduced me to just finding that passion. Before I was introduced to NAWBO, I’ve done lobbying my entire career, and most of my career was lobbying for the large Fortune 50 telecommunications companies. And they were great jobs, don’t get me wrong, great opportunities, telecommunications are really important, but I don’t think I ever realized I was missing something from that opportunity.
[00:27:05] Rachel Winder
And in 2014, I had the opportunity to work with NAWBO Columbus, and it was from you all that I just learned about how inspiring, and exciting, and fun it is to accomplish something, and be passionate about it. And the Organization of Women, I have a similar story to you, Michelle. My first time walking into a NAWBO meeting, it blew me away. Mine was a big visionary award event, it was unbelievable, I’ll never forget it. But it’s absolutely NAWBO Columbus.
[00:27:36] Betty Collins
Thank you so much. It’s been extremely impactful for all of us on this call, for sure. But that’s a good example. Michelle, we’re in 2021. What powerful partnerships and network is going to help women in leadership today, outside of the three that we’ve talked about? Maybe something else that you’re familiar with.
[00:27:59] Michelle Casper
So, I’m going to pivot this one a little bit, and answer it with almost a question, but I’m going to tell you why. So, I think this is a great question. And I really sat with it for a long time, as I prepared for today. And the three organizations that we’ve highlighted on this call are just influential, wonderful organizations, and places where women who are developing leadership, growing their businesses can absolutely look to, and get involved in, to really further what they’re trying to do in their lives.
[00:28:31] Michelle Casper
And I think women, in particular, and I think that this is highlighted since the pandemic hit, are facing an incredible shift in the demands placed upon us. And it’s absolutely affecting us disproportionately to men. I saw a statistic that in December of just this past year, we lost 140,000 jobs. And all of those were jobs that women lost. And even more alarming is that the job losses disproportionately affected black and Latino women, far more than they did white women. But the job losses didn’t affect men. They actually gained in jobs.
[00:29:09] Michelle Casper
And when we think about what we need for women in 2021, I think we need to start talking more about how we provide resources to women to help them grow, both successful careers and successful families. Back in the 1960s, when the women’s lib movement was really taking root, and we saw these women slip on their heels, and go out to work, and become professionals, what we didn’t see was society and government provide the support that they needed; things like family leave, help with childcare, flexible work hours.
[00:29:44] Michelle Casper
These are all things that we continue to struggle for, and they’re the reasons that we see a lot of women, especially since this pandemic hit, leaving their current jobs. Because we’re really having to juggle a lot with our careers and with our families. And I say that from the perspective of a woman in her early 40s, who has young children at home, with virtual school going on, and really trying to balance a lot, being a partner in my law firm, the managing partner of our Columbus office.
[00:30:14] Michelle Casper
So, when I think about what leadership women need in 2021 and moving forward, I believe, very strongly, that we need flexible options, and we need to start having some conversations about what employers and government support can give to that flexibility, to give us a real shot at not having to choose between family and career. And that’s the question that I leave for the group; what organization is best poised to have those tough conversations, to make sure that the gains that we’ve made as women in business are not something that we lose with all that we’re juggling, especially now during this time, and in our history?
[00:30:55] Betty Collins
Really awesome pivot. Really, really good. I’m going to let Mary and Rachel, do you want to add to that, or respond to that? Because that’s just perfect.
[00:31:06] Rachel Winder
I’m still sad about the statistic, and that we just keep, continuously, being hit, and we’re not getting the support that we need. I tell this story, but if you look at the state budget, which is a two-year 41-billion-dollar budget, two years ago, women were only mentioned in relation to rape crisis centers, and domestic violence, and infant mortality. And so, the support we’re getting from the state is, all these social issues where we’re victims.
[00:31:43] Rachel Winder
And maybe if they invested a little bit up front to help women in businesses and to help this network of organizations that support these, provide direct support services for women’s economic growth, if they just, maybe, looked at the front-end a little bit, it could make a big difference.
[00:32:01] Betty Collins
Any insight, Mary?
[00:32:03] Mary McCarthy
I’m going to join in on that one as well. I think, Michelle, you just said it so beautifully, and Rachel brought up a really good point. And I hear [INAUDIBLE] a statistic that I haven’t run across. And the statistics stated that one percent growth in entrepreneurship can decrease poverty by two percent.
[00:32:25] Betty Collins
Wow.
[00:32:26] Mary McCarthy
Right? So, when we think about what Michelle was saying, the greatest challenge for women is trying to balance all of these different things. And well, my children are growing, because I can work from home, I’m now babysitting. So, along with Michelle, I’m trying to work, and take care of kids, and help with the school work.
[00:32:48] Mary McCarthy
And I’m lucky that I can help, but what do you do if you don’t have that support system, so the majority of things still fall on us, and women have been disproportionately impacted by the current situation, and the businesses that are closing the most are women’s businesses. And when you think about the term lifestyle, they say that most women create lifestyle businesses, as if that’s a negative thing.
[00:33:20] Mary McCarthy
Well, the definition of lifestyle is a business that cares for the business owner, their family and their community. I think that’s a great thing to create a lifestyle business, if you can accomplish those three things. But there are the stylists, the massage therapists, the caterers, and they have been really harmed in this situation. And we have to look at what we can do to support them, because it supports their families, which supports our communities.
[00:33:49] Betty Collins
Well, I could stay on with you ladies all day, but we do have to go. And I cannot thank you enough; the WSBA, NAWBO Columbus, as well as NAWBO National, and the Ohio Women’s Coalition for being here today, first of all, for sharing your perspective, and sharing that impact that it had on you as well as our communities. I’m truly grateful. You all are part of my powerful partners and network, and certainly made me better, professionally and personally.
[00:34:25] Betty Collins
And my leadership skills and influence have, hopefully, had some impact, and I can’t thank you guys enough. And I want to end on one thing that was so positive, that I would challenge anyone who’s listening today. Amanda Gorman, who spoke at Joe Biden’s inaugural, I have read her poem over and over. And I look at that 22-year-old and say, the powerful connection and partnerships that she probably developed that day, but in her life, there’s just impact that will happen.
[00:35:02] Betty Collins
That’s what it is all about. And by the way, you get to know people, you get to have lifetime friendships, you get to have a business that grows. And then you, really, can look back and go, “Yeah, this was really a cool ride.” So, I really appreciate all you guys coming on today.
[00:35:19] Betty Collins
I am Betty Collins, and I’m glad that you joined me. Inspiring women is just what I do, and I leave you with this; being strong speaks of strength, but being courageous speaks to have a will to do more and overcome.
Betty Collins, CPA, Brady Ware & Company and Host of the “Inspiring Women” Podcast
Betty Collins is the Office Lead for Brady Ware’s Columbus office and a Shareholder in the firm. Betty joined Brady Ware & Company in 2012 through a merger with Nipps, Brown, Collins & Associates. She started her career in public accounting in 1988.
Betty is co-leader of the Long Term Care service team, which helps providers of services to Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and nursing centers establish effective operational models that also maximize available funding. She consults with other small businesses, helping them prosper with advice on general operations management, cash flow optimization, and tax minimization strategies.
In addition, Betty serves on the Board of Directors for Brady Ware and Company. She leads Brady Ware’s Women’s Initiative, a program designed to empower female employees, allowing them to tap into unique resources and unleash their full potential. Betty helps her colleagues create a work/life balance while inspiring them to set and reach personal and professional goals.
The Women’s Initiative promotes women-to-women business relationships for clients and holds an annual conference that supports women business owners, women leaders, and other women who want to succeed. Betty actively participates in women-oriented conferences through speaking engagements and board activity.
Betty is a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and she is the President-elect for the Columbus Chapter. Brady Ware also partners with the Women’s Small Business Accelerator (WSBA), an organization designed to help female business owners develop and implement a strong business strategy through education and mentorship, and Betty participates in their mentor match program.
She is passionate about WSBA because she believes in their acceleration program and matching women with the right advisors to help them achieve their business ownership goals. Betty supports the WSBA and NAWBO because these organizations deliver resources that help other women-owned and managed businesses thrive.
Betty is a graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene College, a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants. Betty is also the Board Chairwoman for the Gahanna Area Chamber of Commerce, and she serves on the Board of the Community Improvement Corporation of Gahanna as Treasurer.
“Inspiring Women” Podcast Series
This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. The show is hosted by Betty Collins, CPA; Betty is a Director at Brady Ware & Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware & Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home. For more information, go to the Resources page at Brady Ware & Company.
Remember to follow this podcast on Apple Podcasts and Google Podcasts. And forward our podcast along to other Inspiring Women in your life.
The complete “Inspiring Women” show archive can be found here.
