Understanding the Big Picture, Opportunities and Success for Women

All opinions expressed are solely my own. "The blog" is not an official publication or policy statement of any Melrose organization. 

People succeed in many ways - academically, parenting, athletically, artistically, in their vocation, literally their calling.

As a coach, I shared success stories of women and men.

• Arlene Blum lead an all-women's expedition to climb Annapurna, one of 14 Himalayan peaks over 8,000 meters. Two summitted, two died trying. Women can achieve great adventure with the same benefits and costs that men experience. 
• Frances Perkins, labor leader-reformer and the first cabinet level woman as Labor Secretary under President Franklin Roosevelt
• Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, Bowdoin rhetoric professor turned Civil War hero helping win the Battle of Gettysburg

Their history is our history.

In a high school "mimeograph," certain careers were suggested as available to women - teaching, nursing, seamstress. Yes, it was over fifty years ago that Ellen and I graduated from high school. 

One of the books I'm reading now is "How to Invest" an anthology of interviews by David Rubinstein, including one with Paula Volent, an investment manager at Bowdoin who produced astonishing returns eclipsing those of 'the Ivies'. 

Sharing a few quotes from the article might remind us that women can succeed in any field. 

She began her career in art history and through chance ended up in a business career after working closely with Yale's superb investor David Swensen. While at Bowdoin from 2000-2021, she helped grow their endowment from $465 million to $2.72 billion. She understands risk management. 

Invest in yourself. Read. 

Coaches become experts in asset allocation - practice time, roster formation, playing time. deployment of strategies. 

Success in any field requires self-reflection, understanding your field and pressing your strategic advantages in people, strategy, and operations (how you play). 

Strive to think clearly and communicate well. Present yourself well in speech, writing, and nonverbal communication. 

Changing people and strategies creates a regular challenge for coaches. Supporting a struggling player can yield benefits or failure. When we miss our exit on the highway, we don't drive forever. We look for the next exit. "The next exit" in sports can result in sadness and hurt feelings. But the best coaches know they need to act. 

Lagniappe. Manage the fastball.