Business-Women

I was sitting and thinking this morning and realized something; most of the business owners (big and small) that I know are women--especially in Africa. I admire my brothers that hustle and this is not a knock on them, but it seems to me that women have an inner drive and focus when it comes to business that most men lack. 

Sure, the CEO's and owners of bigger companies are usually men. But I think that is more of a testament of this being a male dominated world rather than women being unable to lead. I honestly think and feel that women are naturally better organizers and managers than we are. However, when it comes to leadership, there is more parity. I also feel that as men, we can learn so much from women when it comes to things like focus, prioritization, and drive. No, this is not a status to pander to women and get "brownie points." Some of you that know me personally understand that I am a proud borderline chauvinist (smile). It comes from a very old-school and traditional upbringing (plus my Latino father). 

Anyway, I have to pause here and give my sisters their due credit. A lot of times, we as men put forth effort and when things don't go the way we planned, we sit back and accept failure. However, I see time and time again how women hustle and work and seem to make things happen despite the odds. Recently I have even seen a few of the sisters I know start businesses this year and it makes me so happy and proud. It also makes me question myself and my lack of accomplishment and development in this regard. 

I love you sisters and I will do anything to support you and help your visions become reality. I won't hate--I'll participate. I think that if the drug game was controlled by women, they'd figure out a way to do it without shooting people in the process. It's funny, but you know it's true. Also, how many companies are out there that are owned by men, but when you look at key administrative and decision making positions, they are filled by women? When I was in East Africa, I witnessed countless times, instances where men walked around with so much arrogance because they were business owners (most of the time it was inherited or they were connected somehow) but the people making deals, putting in overtime, watching their backs, and really running the show were young, hardworking, ambitious women. 

I am convinced that so many of our entrepreneurial minded and creative sisters are actually making other men rich. The only reason they are not utilizing their own talents and intelligence is because they don't have the confidence or vision to invest and believe in themselves. Yet, their bosses recognize this and exploit it. If you know a sister like this, give her the best thing you can, confidence. Speak life and vision into her spirit. Encourage her heart. Tell her that she has yet to encounter the greatness that lies untapped within her. Don't allow her to make excuses. If you have to be hard on her and challenge her even to the point of tears--do it! Tell her that she is more than what the mirror shows her, more than how her boss views her, and definitely more than what her family is trying to force her to become. So many of our women have wings but refuse to stop walking. We need to use our words to make them open their wings so they can discover that they're able to fly. Once they fly, they'll soar on they're own.