A week of inspiration and invaluable learnings!

Date:Saturday, 27 April 2013

Place: Started in Washington, bulk up in the air, finishing touches in New York :)

This morning marks the end of the incredible orientation week of the Fortune/U.S. State Department Global Mentorship program!

The week was spent engaging with prominent leaders from the U.S. State Department; determined and passionate business and social entrepreneurs; inspirational CEOs, Directors, Presidents and Chairpersons of a multitude of amazingly successful companies, organisations,initiatives and institutes; various charismatic media and communication specialists; and the incredibly dedicated Vital Voices team - all working towards the common goal of empowering women and encouraging positive change for women around the world. 

Then there was, of course, the amazing dining- lunch at Nora's (an incredible entrepreneur herself), getting a feel of downtown Washington at Zentan, and being welcomed into the beautiful home and being graciously hosted by the CEO of Vital Voices herself, Alyse Nelson. And then, without a doubt, the highlight event of the week: The Fortune's Most Powerful Women's Dinner hosted in the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Room at the U.S. State Department and attended by an incredible array of special guests.

Fortune journalist Nina Easton interviews Senator Barbara Mikulski, the longest serving woman in U.S. Congress (Left); Passionate and charismatic Vital Voices Chair Susan Davis being interviewed by Bloomberg corespondent Indira Lakshmanan (Right)

But yes, as mind-blowing as all that sounds,this week was just so much more than the glitz, glamour and big names. It was about incredible women leaders, taking time out of their jam-packed diaries,stepping out of their fancy corner offices and high-powered boardrooms to engage with us - a group of 27 ordinary individuals from around the world,wanting to make a difference. 

And yes, I specifically use the word"engage" because that's what it was! It wasn't just about these phenomenal women standing up behind a podium and presenting their message to us.  Rather it was us, together, talking about stories that resonate with each other, participating in interactive conversations, open and honest Q&A sessions, and these amazing women simply making themselves accessible in a way that made us feel like peers, friends sharing experiences over a good cup of coffee. I, personally, was taken aback by their humility, generosity,authenticity and passion, but mostly by their openness and enthusiasm to learn from us! 

Engaging with the State Department Leadership panel: Assistant Secretary of State, Ann Stock; Chief Economist, Heidi Credo-Rediker; and Counsellor to Secretary Kerry, Heather Higginbottom

Conversations ranged from how each of horsewomen became the success stories that they are; to the challenges they faced and sacrifices that were made; to the role of determination, passion and resilience not to stray from the course; just to having the self-belief to know that you can. The stories were all so different, yet all the same. There was certainly a golden thread that ran through every story - it was the message that Anythingis Possible!

Another integral commonality that every single woman not only spoke about, but showed she had made it a way of life,was the message of Paying It Forward! No matter how successful you become, how busy your schedule is, how powerful your story is, it only becomes real and meaningful when you commit to helping others succeed. For me this really stood out, mostly because one of the main enemies to success that repeatedly come up when speaking to women about the challenges they face is not that men aren't ready for it, or that their families hold them back, but rather the epidemic of "PHD (Pull Her Down) syndrome" where women are the main barrier to having other women succeed. So it was incredible to hear these women preaching the exact opposite and encouraging the success of their peers and mentees! After all, it was the great Madeleine Albright who said"There's a special place in hell for women who don't help other women." :) 

Panel Discussion with Inspiring Leaders: Kathleen Matthews, Executive VP Marriot Int.; Susan Molinari, VP Public Policy Google; Dr Carol Lancaster, Dean Georgetown University; chaired by Alyse Nelson, CEO Vital Voices

But beyond all this, one of the most inspiring moments was sitting at lunch with 2 incredibly powerful and successful women and listening to them talk about their everyday happenings like their relationships woes and planning their next holiday. It just makes you realise that despite the titles, fame and extraordinary stories, they are just like you and I, which then in turn instills the belief that you and I can be just like them! 

Over and above the inspirational sessions spent with these phenomenal women, time was also dedicated to workshops focusing on our own circumstances, leadership enhancement and grooming as we go forward creating our own success stories. There was a powerful sense of affirmation in not having people look at you strangely or cynically when you say you want to change the world, that you want to leave a legacy of positive change! It really was a space where I felt that I was given an opportunity and a platform to make sweeping statements about the incredible feats I hope to achieve and not only have others believe it's possible, but more so to really believe in myself and what I am capable of. 

I learnt that one of my biggest strengths,and indeed my driving force, is the ability to introduce people to their Amazing self! I am committed to going forward and through my work, my life and my everyday doings, bring out the best in people, and go on to leave a legacy as someone who made Paying It Forward fashionable. :)

So after a powerful and inspiring first week,already with so much growth and personal enhancement, I feel better equipped and more ready than ever to continue my learning as I head to New York to begin my mentorship program!