On May 4, 2011 BDP International Women’s Group hosted a networking event, Navigating Today’s Business Challenges, with special guest Lynne Abraham (former District Attorney of Philadelphia). The event took place at the lovely XIX Restaurant at the Bellevue Hotel where over 100 women of diverse business backgrounds were treated to post-work cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and an inspiring speech by Ms. Abraham. As Philadelphia’s longest standing District Attorney in history, Ms. Abraham is familiar with tackling business challenges while keeping her integrity intact. She presented terrific examples of the benefits of best business practices while also providing her female audience advice on guiding their careers with their own integrity and ethical fortitude. A spirited Q&A segment followed where the audience shared their own thoughts, advice and questions on the best way to realistically handle business challenges while maintaining honesty and integrity.Some interesting observations and quotes from Ms. Abraham's speech:
“The Big I is missing, there is a total lack of Integrity at some companies.”
“What we need is to start a “movement of ethics” that is practiced all over the world.”
“When presented with the chance to cook the books, don’t do it!”
“One should live their life in a way that states to the world, this is who I am and I am authentic.”
“Lack of loyalty is a FACT of the current world, learn to deal with it.”
“If you want gratitude for anything you have ever done, buy a dog!”
“I want to watch women do smart things.”
“Lack of self confidence should be a motivational event not a debilitating one.”
“Trust is the important underpinning for all business.”
“People don’t want to be managed, they want to be lead!”
Leaders should:
1) exude positive energy
2) posses a passion for excellence
3) love the action
4) energize others
5) clearly communicate your own vision
6) love people and like being around them
7) be inspirational (Mentor vs. Sponsor)
8) have an edge and be bold
9) be prepared to take risk but don’t be reckless (risk makes people uncomfortable)
10) be a problem solver
11) be decisive…learn to make yes or no decisions
12) be nimble…Opportunities only present themselves once
13) Execute! On time!
14) be resilient
15) be innovative
16) love to learn
17) promote teamwork
18) Not over-promise (forces you to do things you shouldn’t)
19) be able to say, “We blew it!”
20) be fair to your subordinates
21) share the glory!
22) give “constructive” criticism
23) be good listeners
24) encourage your teams to be forthcoming
25) be intelligent (Your brain expands, fill it!)
