The Gender on the Ballot Team Picks Our Favorite Advice

Definition: Duct Tape, /ˈdəkt ’tāp/ noun

An all-purpose fix-it used to repair anything, including taping up the hem of your skirt that got ripped this morning on your way out the door to the Big Meeting. More generally, and for the purposes of this book, “duct tape” refers to a woman’s uncanny ability to find the quickest, most effective solution to any problem.

The first step in becoming a Woman Leader is understanding: You are one. You always have been. From the moment you realized you wanted more from your life—whether you are the new hire at the store in the mall or the catering manager at an airport hotel or the number three at a Fortune 100 company—you have been moving toward your destination, as imperfect as each step may seem. To get what you want, it’s time to stop expecting perfection from yourself—and from other women. It’s time to stop judging the trade-offs you make in order to make your life work (and that other women make in order to make their lives work). It’s time to stop underestimating your innate talents and skills and believing that you “don’t know how” or “don’t know where to begin.” Because you can do this thing called “success.” Because the tools and systems in this book are road tested and just. plain. work. Because you already have what it takes.

Women Leaders are the women we count on to calm the waters, stir the pot, make some noise, rush in with a hug, and create the strategic plan that’s  intentional about your own success, and start playing a new game called: You win.

Women Make the World Better. Countries that educate girls have seen positive results influencing economic growth, social progress, and health outcomes. In an article about a report on the education of girls, the World Bank Group also mentions the benefits of secondary education: Women with secondary education also have a better ability to make decisions in their household, including for their own health care. They are less likely to experience intimate partner violence, and they report higher levels of psychological wellbeing. They also have healthier children.

Putting women in positions of political power also has dramatically positive results: Research consistently shows that when women hold political office, they prioritize social policies that benefit economic growth—including education, healthcare, paid parental leave and childcare support. These aren’t “women’s issues”—they are economic growth strategies that increase labour force participation, improve productivity and enhance long-term financial stability.

Businesses that put women in the C-suite also do better. Recent research has revealed that companies with female CEOs are more profitable than others…the data showed that 87% of 2021’s Fortune 500 companies with female CEOs reported above-average profits. Studies have consistently found that gender diversity in leadership results in better financial performance.

Research shows that including women in peace processes significantly enhances conflict resolution and long-term stability, with their presence linked to a 20% higher likelihood of peace agreements lasting at least two years and a 35% likelihood of lasting fifteen years. Women’s participation as delegates, advisors, and negotiators is crucial to ensuring that agreements work for all parts of society and that civilian demands are included.

We need women in more seats of power. Establishing ourselves as Women Leaders means we make time for one another, can trust one another, and value one another’s skills. We understand that life is messy and sometimes thankless. We refuse to conspire against one another. We reject the stereotype that women are catty or untrustworthy and embrace each other knowing that women are generous, supportive, and have each other’s backs.

You’ve Got What It Takes. Our civic and cultural leadership is made up of people just like you. The only thing that separates you from the most powerful person in your town, city, or state is that they combined inspiration and consistent effort and got themselves elected.

This is the simple fact: We need more women in positions of power. And it is clear that we need to create our own opportunities. You need to create opportunities for you.

In case you missed it: Emily Lampkin discussed her new book, Duct Tape and White Lies: A Woman’s Practical Guide to Real Life Success, which provides an empowering guide to help women grow in their careers, communities, and lives, with WPI Exec. Dir. Betsy Fischer Martin. Watch the full replay here.