Witches in the C-Suite
Hi Love,
Someone recently asked if anyone had a recommendation for a tarot card reader on a private all women group I belong to. She is hosting a party and would like to hire a reader for entertainment.
Members come forth with recommendations aplenty. The popularity of this thread prompted conversation and astonishment, "look at all of us, witches and pagans in hiding."
It's important to note that this list is exclusive. The women here are C-level executives, big-time investors, famous media personalities, award-winning journalists. In a word, led-git.
Despite all of the professional credos, we still hold back these deepest part of ourselves, parts that are perceived to be fringe, woo-woo, unscientific, therefore women's business.
Why is that?
Is this just the double standard women feel like we must live with? We've worked so hard to be taken seriously, we do not want to risk it by admitting to our obsession with the esoteric.
Yet, there is no shortage of male investors and entrepreneurs bragging about their latest Ayahuasca ceremony or attending Burning Man with gusto.
Meanwhile, I've been asked to help review some incoming applications for the Edmund Hillary Fellowship (FULL DISCLOSURE, I am a fellow). In the review guidelines, we are asked to not only consider the idea for the venture but also who they are as a person.
Out of the eight applications I reviewed, only three people filled out the personal section of applications, the rest left it blank, and only one provided sufficient and compelling materials on who they are. Only ONE application out of Eight had enough confidence/trust/vulnerability to share who they are with the reviewers. The rest of the applications I had to evaluate the ventures alone.
We hear this said all the time by VC's, that they are investing in the person and not the idea.
Yet, there are still many who are reluctant to put who we are out there, front and center. Even in this oversaturated world of personality brands and influencers, even when it is culturally acceptable, encouraged by investors.
Why do you think that is?
Happy Easter!
Charlie
IDEAS YOU CAN STEAL
We talk about the importance of diversity in companies, C-suits, and corporate boards, really, everywhere. Recent research fromColumbia Business Schoolshows that living abroad and dating someone from another countryimproves our own creativityand creativity tests in the real world. All the more reason to get out of your comfort zone and date someone with a different cultural perspective.
WORTH A READ
Keeping in themes with this week's note...
Venture Capitals are Investing in Astrology, via The New York Times
Amazon Prime is using Astrology to Sell You Stuff, via Fast Company
The New Age of Astrology, via The Atlantic
And if you want something fun to read and still on-topic, I recommend A Discovery of Witches Trilogy.
I'm flirting with a full stack of books right now, some new, some old. I haven't landed in one just yet...when I do, we will return to long-form reads.
WANDERLUST
Thanks to all of your nudges, I will be heading to Oslo for the Oslo Freedom Forum and spending a few extra days there as well. So keep your Norway recommendations coming. I know it's an expensive country...What was the highlight to your Norway Adventures?
DON'T MISS
Stranger Magic, A Podcast about all things Tarot.
And of course, if you are not in the mood for 600 pages, try the TV adaptation of A Discovery of Witches. Matthew Goode is still ever so handsome and enjoyable to watch.
