In the lead up to International Women’s Day, it seemed appropriate that the next book chosen as my companion for a few delicious weeks would be Hiliary Clinton’s autobiography “A Woman in Charge” written by the Pulitzer winning journalist Carl Bernstein.

It’s been a fairly hefty undertaking to get into the book, given that most nights as I retreat to that lovely place of respite with it’s pages I’m struggling to keep my eyes open long enough to digest even a chapter. It’s been worth the effort though, as I’ve glimpsed some real truths around this intriguing woman who is a modern day leader in the world’s most powerful government.

One of the things that stood out to me the most was the revelation that born to working class parents, Hilary was not the smartest kid in the class, and had to work hard to achieve acceptable grades. Just like most of us!
Some of the defining factors in her success today she attributes to her mother’s urging her to always speak her mind and pursue her goals, no matter how lofty they were. I loved the story told of Hilary who decided at the age of 14 that she wanted to be an astronaut, so promptly wrote to NASA to volunteer her time in work experience, only to be told that women need not apply. She certainly moved around that obstacle!

I loved too, the revelation of her character strengths that balanced the fact she wasn’t the highest performing student – Hilary was known for her capacity to make deep friendships throughout her childhood and teenage years, she was self assured and generous and these characteristics have defined her today. Again I reflect on how important the ability to form strong relationships and networks is to our own successes. How trust, integrity  and confidence are integral to success and the way we choose to respond to outside forces and influences will set our path. Hilary refers to her ‘carpenter’s level’ which she imagines is inside of her and she is always ensuring the ‘bubble’ is sitting centre of the balance – when it swings way off to one side it’s important to bring it back to the centre.

These were delightfully realistic insights into what shapes one of the world’s most powerful women – and delightfully relatable. Each one of us can attest to the power of our character as women in leadership here on the Sunshine Coast, and each one of us can be inspired to move around an obstacle whatever it may be, and each one of us can learn to centre ourselves continually and find balance.

As we celebrate International Women’s Day I hope you’ll reflect on those things that make us great and I’ll look forward to sharing the day with you and another great and inspirational woman Amanda Gore at the beautiful Hyatt Coolum – make sure you book now to ensure you don’t miss out.
Until then I hope your ‘bubble’ is centre.
Kind regards,
Sue