Doing it differently

We need to start talking about the women in the world who are showing up and doing it differently.

We need to make "heros" out of the women who are saying no to working 80 hours a week. Who are getting angry and trying something new. Who are not building their businesses to make a billion dollars but to make the world better for their customers and for their staff.

When did we start celebrating the cult of perfection designed by....men?

When did we start viewing other women's success as detrimental to our own?

This month Moms at Work is celebrating women who are doing it differently. To kick things off, I would like to give some shout outs to a few women who have stepped up for me.

These are the women who have understood what I am trying to do with my business. Who were willing to tell me the hard truths when I needed to hear them and who stood by my side during a damn pandemic. These women have impacted me more than they likely realize.

So, in no particular order here they are.

1. Eve Rodsky - this woman has no idea I am writing this. I am so privileged to know you as a human and honoured to have you in my corner. Thank you for the emails and for the community you have created.
2. Nora Spinks - to my mentor and the woman who I am just in awe of. You have done the things I dream of. You have made change. You lead with kindness. Thank you for your support when a complete stranger on the internet (me!) asked to meet for coffee.
3. Janelle Benjamin - your story, your fire and your drive make me feel like I am not alone. We have only chatted a few times, but I see you. I will scream your name in rooms you don't even know. You are doing it.
4. Rachelle Bensoussan - I am awestruck and have found my brain crush. You are so much more than any job could define you. Change-maker does not even begin to cover it. Never will.
5. Katherine Goldstein - I have read your work, listened to your words and absorbed your wisdom. You are a gifted writer. I know you are likely exhausted, but your words have meant more to me during the pandemic than any other writer out there.
6. N.K. Jemisin - When I had to relearn how to read at the age of 35 after a brain injury, reading your brilliant stories one more time was my strongest motivation. They are that good. I love so many writers, but the worlds you have created are all I will ever need.
7. To all my Moms at Work Collective members (and to all my former Insiders). I am only here because you chose to be here with me. I am not lying when I say that without you, Moms at Work would not exist. You helped me get through a pandemic with my job and dignity intact. You make it possible for me to say all the things that need to be said in a very loud way. Without you, we are nothing. I will never forget that.
8. And finally to my friends. The ones who have watched and cheered as I have done the things I set out to do. The ones who have stayed with me while I healed. Who have supported me through hospital stays and my endless daydreaming. You believed in me even when I did not believe in myself.

I am doing it differently because of all the people who have supported and inspired me.

Thank you,

Al