High Wire Acts

The Next Level, Inc. for Women's Advancement
Bi-Monthly Newsletter
March-April 2014

Each issue we raise our binoculars to what is working for women leaders by profiling the tips and tricks of fantastic High Wire walkers in our community. This issue:

Dorothea Grimes Farrow on The Art of the High Wire

Dorothea Grimes Farrow was a candidate in our very first Rutgers Executive Leadership Program for Women back in 2000. She continued to become a program coach in 2001 and a valued part of our leadership panels. Dorothea is a PhD scientist and the first African-American woman to become a Director in over one hundred years at AT&T Bell Laboratories. She's got a way with words, as evidenced by her remarks here from our latest ELP panel.
I like to build great works of art – I am an engineer. To see things go from a to b – is a work of art. To encourage other women – is art. To take initiative and be recognized and supported – that’s a work of art. An artist has to be authentic. When I am not authentic, people know it. You have to live by a script. When you are authentic, people see a reflection of their greatness in your eyes.
Being authentic is a journey. There was a woman whose coat was stuck in the subway door. Someone came over and said, “When your life is in danger…You better make some noise.” I am not saying to speak without a filter, but as a mature adult, asking how do I bring my authentic self to what I do?
I serve up the truth in short simple phrases, unscripted. When my boss was blasting me, I learned to say, “Ouch, that hurts.” When I did that, our whole relationship changed. “Oh, I am talking to a person there, Dorothea...who said ouch.” It became more authentic.
Being authentic means gender intelligence – the reality of gender intelligence. Having the courage to show up as a female - appreciating all that it brings with it. It empowers me, it puts courage into others – that’s my work of art.
Men will be promoted on their potential and women on results. It’s acknowledging the realities of the workplace. As women, we are standing firmly on sand.

We caught up to Dorothea a few weeks ago to talk about the arc of her career and life and how she’s still applying leadership lessons learned long ago. Observing Dorothea’s leadership journey has been a privilege for us and one we want to share. Click here to read the interview.

From Brigid Moynahan, C.E.O., The Next Level, Inc.: Creating Your Safety Network Through Feedback Conversation

Women on the High Wire need a large, dynamic, and flexible "safety network." One of the most powerful strategies in building that network is enlisting regular and candid feedback from folks at work. Yet, holding those conversations can be daunting. For simple strategies to get clear feedback and build lasting relationships, click here.

Sometimes it takes a crisis to discover your leadership.
Watch Michele Lincoln's inspiring Leadership Story from our Fall 2013 ELP Graduation Event

Coaches Corner:
Lucia Brizzi, Presence Coach
Women and the Likability Thing: With women leaders and likability, it's complicated. To explore the balancing act of being powerful and being pleasing, click here .

Safety Network Event:
The Moth Story Slam, May 15th, NYC Love great storytelling? Want to practice your storytelling skills? Come out for a night of great stories and put your name in the lottery to share yours! Theme: Awkward. Click here for details.

Shake It Up: Take a power dance break to Janel Monet's Tightrope!

High Wire Inspiration:
Check out The Five Most Memorable Commencement Speeches Given by Women

To learn more about the many sponsors whose candidates are succeeding at an accelerated rate thanks to our women’s leadership programs click www.the-next-level.com or call us at 973-783-7675.

Big News for ELP Alumnae

Christi Shaw was just appointed US Country Head and President, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. An extraordinary role for an extraordinary person.

Marianthi Ierapetritou, Chair Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Rutgers was just voted best teacher in her department- how are we not surprised?

ELP Take Aways: What They're Saying

Expressing Her Value Proposition

"My leadership offers strength, flexibility, willingness, faith, and a growing mental toughness that helps me move any project forward and collaborate with any group of people." -- Michele Lincoln, Associate Director, Novartis

"I stand for me, because if I can lead me, then I can do a better job of leading others." -- Laura Anne MacEntee, Director, Janssen

"My goals, courage, and persistence drive my leadership every day." -- Karen Baylock, Director, Novartis

"With patience and nurturing, I lead people and animals to get where they need to go." (From her leadership story of saving a dog from a wild river with her grandson)-- Maryann Haberthur, Operational Training Officer, Kearny Federal

Empowering Teams

"You build a cohesive team and you empower them, but then when you ask them what they need, you need to give them what they ask, and sometimes it's just eggs." (From her leadership story on serving as an army commander during the L.A. riots) -- Wendy Mavroudakis, Senior Director, Janssen

Deepening Self Awareness

"In sharing stories and challenges, I learned a lot about myself. My leadership today is deep-rooted, inherent in who I am." -- Cynthia A. Ritter, VP of Finance, Tyco

Creating an Environment for Growth

"It was a safe place. I'd like to take that back to them (women in the workplace). We're there to support them and help them through the organization." -- Gina Newhart, Director, Simplex Grinnell/Tyco

"The power of having a network around you. Learn who those people are and connect with them in many different ways to create a supporting circle." -- Marianthi Ierapetritou, Professor and Chair, Rutgers

To hear from all our Fall graduates, Click here!

Why High Wire Acts? A steep cavern opens up for women when they reach senior manager levels. McKinsey has noted that if just 25% of women managers were to move into senior roles, we could fill the gap that stalls progress to the top. But crossing over between manager and executive roles is a High Wire Act for a woman. Click here for Brigid's article, "It's A High Wire Act For Women."

We love to hear from you! Contact us at (973) 783-7676 or TNL@the-next-level.com.

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