#3 "Risk"

IPG & WLN:
Waking up an hour earlier for day three was worth the extra shot of espresso. The day opened with IPG & Women's Leadership Network was an inspirational experience for women of all ages and races. Martha Stewart, Soledad O'brien of CNN, Kimberly Kadlec of Johnson & Johnson, Gail Heimann of Weber Shandwick, and Carol Lam of McCann Erickson Shanghai reflected on the struggles for females in the creative world. Although frightening for my dad, I was proud to learn that women control 85% of purchases around the world; ladies have more buying power than India and china combined! One would think that the gender holding so much power would sweep the high powered positions in this industry; however, this is not true. Stewart reported that while she was growing up, she never was intimidated about working in a high powered position, "work is work". Kadlec, a mother of three, stressed the importance of mentors throughout life. 
She assured that male mentors can provide valuable information to women, if not better than fellow women. "They are wired differently, and put a whole new perspective on life." She stressed the importance of having a confident swagger, and not second guess yourself. 


Yahoo:
Yahoo was the next seminar, and there were yahoo advertisers sitting next to us! Ross Levinsohn introduced actor, director, producer, creator of Sundance, and my new hero, Robert Redford. His eloquence filled the room when he calmly walked onto the stage. Two  of my close friends attended Sundance and raved about this festival that opened opportunities to undiscovered film producers. When asked his advice on becoming so successful, he advised, "risk. I see risk as not a dangerous thing. It doesn't have all positives, but it's life and you experience new things." 
He also told the crowd that you must have persistence. "Go to the other corner" was his adapted philosophy describing his inspiration for success. You must bring the undiscovered to the limelight. I also really enjoyed his mindset while he was going through college (which obviously would never work for me). He explained that he knew college was not his thing, so he left and went to learn through experience. He traveled around Europe, hitchhiking as much as he could in order to broaden his perspectives. In his opinion, everyone needs to get away from society and be alone in nature and simply...think. Towards the end of Redford's interview, he explained, "we don't know what happens after life so why not take risks, take chances". I admire his fearless fashion. Maybe if I take on his mindset, I will be as successful as he is. Maybe. 


Speakers:
Julie Winski, Global President Porter Novelli was interesting. She advised to be well rounded and be optimistic. I thoroughly enjoyed Noelle Cottrell, Creative Director for Fitzgeruld & Co in Atlanta, Ga. He stressed the importance of social media and making your own website. I might look into the advertising schools that he had mentioned as well. 
Nancy Seller of Fleishman-Hillard and Greg Pinelo of GGMB in Washington DC advised to stay current and connected. They also gave interviewing tips. Great people!