Author: Shannon Cassidy

The Impact of a Certified Woman Owned Business

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Shannon Cassidy and Agnes Doody at ESPN

Shannon Cassidy is Founder and CEO of bridge between, inc.. Shannon combines a keen ability to get to the heart of every matter with a proven track record.

She is the author of The 5 Degree Principle: How Small Changes Lead to Big Results and V.I.B.E., a discovery of what lies beneath and how that impacts you and others.

I recently had the privilege of speaking with her about her journey and becoming a Certified Woman Owned Business. As one who is eager to empower others and encourage them on to success, she generously shared some specifics on how being a female entrepreneur has impacted her, and why she does what she does.

Who is a female role model you looked to as an inspiration when starting bridge between?

Shannon: Agnes G. Doody, my mentor, former professor at the University of Rhode Island, and dear friend. She joined me at ESPN to discuss Gender Communication and Conflict Resolution to the leadership team last year. What a privilege! My kids call her Aunt Agnes. We visit her every summer. What an inspiration.

Was there a specific moment you felt the push, became inspired and convicted to become certified as a Woman Owned Business?

Shannon: When I spoke with a client at Comcast who said an objective of theirs is to partner with vendors who are women and minority owned. I looked into it and found out how to do it.

What is a company today (big or small, local or national) empowering women and why?

Shannon: Deloitte! They put their money with their mouth is by appointing the new CEO Cathy Engelbert.

Another is ESPN. My friend CFP Christine Dreisen was named WICT’s (Women in Cable Telecommunications) Woman of the Year. She was instrumental in launching espnW, ESPN’s first digitial initiative geared towards inspiring female athletes and fans.

What holds women back?

Shannon: Ourselves. I think we doubt, question, think we need 100% of qualifications before applying for positions, etc. We also aren’t as comfortable gaining sponsors and asking for what we want. We often live by: if I work hard enough that should be enough OR if I want to have kids I need to be okay with a certain title / level. So, ourselves primarily.

The Imposter Syndrome is when you feel like your accomplishments are nowhere near as good as those around you. Alicia Liu wrote an interesting article with the key takeaway “Imposter syndrome is not only an invisible hand that holds people back from attaining the things their abilities warrant, but it is also a blindfold that prevents people from even seeing what those things could be. That is very difference from having self-doubt about one’s real limitations.”

We all make hundreds of choices each day. Every step or decision we make adds up. Some get trapped in overindulging on self and minimally focusing on purpose. There are lots of things about you that you control.

At the end of the day, remember Shannon’s mantra at the end of this video: “I am enough.”

Contact Shannon and her team with help in connecting your potential to performance.

Celebrating Leadership through Women’s History Month

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Eleanor Roosevelt first lady quote

 

Women’s History Month celebrates the contribution of women to culture and society, and has been observed in the United States annually throughout the month of March since 1987.

From fighting for the right to vote, to being appointed as a United States Supreme Court judge, to pitching a winning game in the Little League World Series, our country has a strong foundation of women who persevere. Women who show up over and over again to fight for their sisters and make a difference for our gender with great resolve.

Women of the Past

Eleanor Roosevelt is a favorite from days gone by. Despite her less than picture perfect past, she stayed true to her passion for social justice. Mrs. Roosevelt utilized her position as the longest-serving First Lady of our country to fight for women’s causes near and dear to her heart. Eleanor used her newspaper column “My Day” to address key events and controversial topics. She was able to reach millions across America with her views on social and political issues, current and historical events, and her private and public life. [American Experience: Eleanor Roosevelt]

Enjoy a small selection of her meaningful quotes:

“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt, This is My Story

“Do one thing every day that scares you.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt

“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt, You Learn by Living: Eleven Keys for a More Fulfilling Life

How has a first lady inspired you? Please share ‘who’ in the comments.

Earlier this year, the White House released an article filled with rich history of women who have made a difference in science.

Listen to women from across the Administration tell the stories of their personal heroes across the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). What a fascinating message of tenacity and drive! From breaking sound barriers to breaking gender barriers and all sorts of barriers in between, how thrilling to honor their legacy by sharing their stories.

Women of the Present

There are several present day women who are making an impact on our lives. Think about those women in your circles – your mentors, your balcony people – what characteristics do you see portrayed over and over again?

One organization to follow is WOW! Work of Women, who is dedicated to making positive changes in women’s lives by empowering and mobilizing females around the world. This organization is committed to changing the world one woman at a time.

Susan Chambers tells us WOW! is a grassroots chain, and when we make a difference in the life of one woman there is a ripple effect. Be sure to follow their story – consider it time well spent learning about and supporting this fantastic program!

Samantha Ettus recently wrote a piece for Forbes that covered lots of motivating quotes from one hundred women. Each of these messages are powerful in their own right and together will cause quite a stir. I ask you to join me and read this list of Inspiring Quotes from 100 Extraordinary Women and think about which two stand out to you. I’ll share mine as well.

Usually one up for excitement, Tina Fey’s imagery struck a chord with me:

“You can’t be that kid standing at the top of the waterslide, overthinking it. You have to go down the chute.” – Tina Fey

Another quote which jumped off the page as I was reading:

“Hold your head and your standards high even as people or circumstances try to pull you down.” – Tory Johnson

Let’s use our innate grit and resolve to go out and do powerful things.

As women, we can have the loftiest of aspirations. A wish list, a someday dream, a desire to do contribute to a greater good. The proof in the pudding is the action. Do something. Get fired up about a situation. Fight for what you believe in and for what you believe to be true. Say it, think it, but do something. 

When you want to move forward in life, you’ve got to take that first step.

Picture yourself on a basketball court trying to make a shot. If you’re too far out and just shoot, the likelihood of you making it is slim. What happens when you move forward? You have a better shot at making it. Give yourself the utmost advantage and line up by taking that first step.

Women of the Future

As we’re looking at women of the past and present, let us not forget the women of our future. How are your words, actions, and impact playing out in a young girl’s life?

Are you showing her a steadfast resolve in making a difference in her community? Encouraging risks in her education and career? Cheering her on for creativity shown when participating in the school science fair? Infusing words of bravery and courage for performing in the elementary talent show? Sharing time with a teenager who is trying to figure out what she wants to be when she grows up? Mentoring a young woman starting out in the workforce?

Think back to your childhood, then adolescence, then young adulthood. Who inspired you and how can you pass that on? Looking back with the gift of experience that comes from time and age, what role models would you have wished to have? Be that for the younger generation. Impact the future by giving of yourself in the present with sharing your knowledge of the past.

Let’s work together to support others young, old, and in between to continue changing the future like a girl.

What woman do you know who’s really dedicating her life to helping others? 

I’d love to hear in the comments. Know what would be even better? Tell her. Send her a note of thanks and appreciation for the mark she’s made in your life and how she’s impacted you.

10 Ways to Stand Out at Work

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Bridge Between
Do you stand out?

New to your job? Seeking a promotion? Needing to be noticed? It is important for people to feel satisfied at work, where so much of life is spent.

But sometimes, it takes a little extra effort to find the recognition you desire at work. Adopting the following 10 habits will help you to stand out at work, and experience greater fulfillment and job security as you do:

 

1. Look the part

Physical appearance matters. It is important to dress the part of the professional

that you want to be recognized as. Take some extra time in grooming and selecting

and ironing clothing that command the respect and recognition that you are seeking.

 

2. Show support for the company

Take time to consider what you like and even love about your company, and make a

conscious effort to focus on those elements as you face your work day. No matter

what, never badmouth your employer. Not only will it breed negativity within you,

but you never know who will repeat what you have said. Rather, be a cheerleader

for your company.

 

3. Immerse yourself in the culture

Companies have a culture in and of themselves. Become a part of it. Attend

company events, play on company teams, and show your enthusiasm as you do so.

You will quickly begin to stand out as a team-player who is committed to the

company.

 

4. Consistently offer help

Look for ways that you can help – even if it means making someone else look better.

Volunteer for the committees and responsibilities that others may not want to do.

Again, you will be recognized as someone who cares about the company, its

employees, and its overall output.

 

5. Care about your coworkers

Get to know your coworkers. Find out who matters to them. Ask them about their

family members – by name. It will show that you care and that you are not simply

showing up to receive a paycheck, but that you want to be part of the company and

its people.

 

6. Do more than your job requires

Avoid simply checking off what is required of you before checking out for the day.

Develop a habit of looking for small ways to contribute above and beyond what is

asked of you in your job description. Don’t wait to be asked; just do it. Your

company and co-workers will be impressed, and over time, they’ll notice your extra

contribution.

 

7. Offer solutions

Be solution-driven. If you or other coworkers identify problems, be somebody who

develops and voices solutions, especially in company meetings. You will find

personal gratification as you contribute to the betterment of your coworkers, your

company, and its clients, and you’ll stand out for it.

 

8. Model enthusiasm

Enthusiasm can be infectious. Showing that you are happy – even excited – about

the work that you do will make people want to work with you and interact with you.

You will likely be trusted with more because of your attitude.

 

9. Work harder

Look around your place of work. How many people are working as hard as they can

to make the company better? Often, not many are doing so. If you really want to

stand out, put in the time and effort to make your place of work and its clients

better. There is value in hard work, and you will be valued for it.

 

10. Show gratitude for your job

Being employed makes you an individual who gets to contribute to society. Because

of your job, you are able to take a paycheck, make a living, and help the economy.

No job is perfect, and work is, well… work. But work is also a gift. Treat it as such.

Your attitude will infect how you approach the workday and others will be grateful

for you.

Become more Impactful through Sustainable Leadership

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bridge between green arrow sustainable

Sustainability is a concept that is growing rapidly in the business world. No longer

focused on solely “being green,” sustainability is about looking to the future and

seeing a grander vision beyond a company in and of itself. It is about responsibly

managing and coordinating the ongoing success and prosperity of the environment,

the community, and society at large. Businesses who are practicing sustainability

are growing in success and popularity because they are benefiting so many, and

because stakeholders of such organizations feel a sense of purpose in being a part of

them.

 

As leaders and managers, it is beneficial to model sustainable businesses so as to

make a positive impact on both those who work for us, and on the very organization

we represent. Sustainable organizations have the foundational elements of being

supportive, vision-driven, responsible, growth-oriented, collaborative, and

resourceful. Adopting these elements of sustainability as a leader will ultimately

encourage more effective leadership and make a positive impact on the work

environment.

 

Sustainable Leaders are Supportive

To sustain, by definition, is to support or hold up. A sustainable leader seeks way to

support its team. Encouraging employees to take ownership and to strive for

personal excellence is a great way to support employees. Modeling how to take

ownership and offering praise when ownership is taken are great ways to uphold

them. But more importantly, to truly support employees, leaders need to help them

to seek out and find the resources that they need to achieve excellence.

 

Sustainable Leaders are Vision-Driven

Sustainability is ultimately about looking to the future. It is about seeing the greater

picture. Sustainable leaders enable those around them to thrive by encouraging

them to see beyond the here and now. Whether encouraging others to grow so they

can become a better individual or sharpen skills, or furthering the mission and

vision of a company, sustainable leaders are ultimately focused on empowering

those they lead to lead others.

 

Sustainable Leaders are Responsible

Sustainable organizations are known for practicing ethical responsibility.

Sustainable leaders practice self-control rather than trying to control others. They

proactively consider their actions and behaviors and they take responsibility for

them. They don’t blame when unfortunate circumstances unfold; rather, they take

ownership and seek ways to overcome adversity. People love to work with and for

these types of leaders, and a system of support tends to unfold when people are

surrounded by such behavior.

 

Sustainable Leaders are Growth-Oriented

Sustainability encourages growth. Sustainable leaders are committed to being life-

long learners. They do not ever see their state in life, or in an organization, as static

or complete. There is always more knowledge to gain, more ideas to offer, more

goals to set, and they encourage those around them to follow suit.

 

Sustainable Leaders are Collaborative

Sustainable businesses are constantly working collaboratively within their

organization and with other organizations to ensure betterment for all. Sustainable

leaders equally seek out ways to create a sense of team, where people enjoy

contributing. These leaders create opportunities for team building and

collaboration to take place, therein developing a sense of community and culture.

 

Sustainable Leaders are Resourceful

Sustainable businesses look to make use of the resources they have, rather than

depleting the energy around them. Likewise, sustainable leaders are flexible and

look at the strengths of employees and encourage them according to each unique

situation. Sustainable leaders don’t deplete employees of energy nor of value. They

seek out solutions by using the people and facilities before them and, again,

encourage others to benefit the very organization that hired them to use their

strengths.

 

Working towards sustainability as a leader is sure to bring positive results to the

workplace and beyond.

How to Increase Your Confidence

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Confidence

It is a well-known fact that confidence is an extremely attractive quality. Confidence

comforts people. People who exude confidence easily obtain the trust and respect of

others because they are comfortable in their skin and therefore comfortable to be

around. In the workforce, individuals who are sure of themselves are the ones who

are given more opportunities and who are trusted with greater tasks. People –

bosses, employees, customers, and co-workers, and friends are drawn to self-

assurance. So what can you do to improve your own confidence in the workplace?

 

Smile

People who smile often are automatically assumed to be confident. In fact, clinical

studies have shown that people who consciously work to smile more increase their

own confidence. Smiling tends to stem from positive thinking, which translates into

a positive attitude. Maintaining a positive attitude is a choice, and confident people

emanate contentment. Need to smile more? Start each day recounting the reasons

you are grateful, and insert reminders throughout the day to reflect on what makes

you happy.

 

Count Successes

Confident people are more successful. Yet in order to experience success, it is

crucial to set personal and professional goals and benchmarks, and to recognize

them once they are reached. Write down daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly goals,

and include dates and times that you want to reach them. Be sure to celebrate when

you have achieved them. Measuring successes will increase your confidence, and

you will watch your potential increase, thus causing your confidence to grow.

 

Surround Yourself With Confidence

“You are the company you keep.” “Walk with the wise and you will grow wise.” “It’s

difficult to soar with eagles when you’re scratching with turkeys.” So many adages

remind us that we become the people that we hang out with. If you want your

confidence to grow, seek out confident people – both in your personal life and in

your professional life. Observe how they talk to and listen to others, how they carry

themselves, how they react to setbacks, how they observe life…and emulate them.

 

Encourage

Confident people do not have to hog – nor do they even seek out – the spotlight.

They are comfortable and even happy when others are recognized. Encouragement

is one way that true leaders lead. People grow in satisfaction when they are able to

foster the joy and success of others, and doing so increases the encourager’s

confidence.

 

Increase Your Knowledge

Confident people tend to possess knowledge and wisdom – both about themselves

and about the world around them. If you want to grow in confidence, it is important

to become aware of your strengths as well as your limitations. This helps you to put

your own strengths to work, and it lets you know where you can focus on bettering

yourself. Spending at least 20 minutes each day reading up on areas where you

need to become more knowledgeable will both increase your own credibility and

your confidence.

 

Confidence is an essential trait the business professionals need to possess in order

to achieve greatness. What steps have you taken to build your own confidence?