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International Women’s Day: Inspiration and Advice for Female Leaders

Mar 8, 2017

International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. In honor of International Women's Day, we would like to highlight what inspires our top female leaders at Jeunesse World Headquarters, as well as their advice for other women in business.

What quote inspires you to be a remarkable leader?

Wendy Lewis, Founder & COO
“Leadership is about lifting people up and surrounding yourself with uplifting people.”

Katy Holt-Larsen, Vice President, Global Field Development
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead

Lucy West, Senior Director of Global Field Development
“You can have unbelievable intelligence, you can have connections, you can have opportunities fall out of the sky. But in the end, hard work is the true, enduring characteristic of successful people.” —Marsha Evans

Geri Dorman, Senior Director of Software Development & Research
“I don’t go by a rule book because I lead from the heart, not the head.” —Princess Diana

Debbie L. Kurley, Senior Director of VIP Services/Customer Relations/Corporate Trainer
"Every strike brings me closer to the next home run." —Babe Ruth

Jennifer Luce, Senior Director of Human Resources
“Life is about making an impact, not making an income.” —Kevin Kruse

Cassiah Jay, Senior Director of Digital Strategy
“Give me the courage to show up and let myself be seen.” —Brené Brown

What key piece of advice you would give to women in business?

Wendy Lewis, Founder & COO
“I am proud of having helped build Jeunesse, not just because it has been successful or reached certain milestones, but because it has empowered people to live better lives. That’s what gets me out of bed every morning. Find something that inspires you to get out of bed every morning.”

Meredith Berkich, President of North America
“As we celebrate International Women’s Day, I reflect on the incredible role models I have been fortunate enough to know. Through the investment of their time and love, I have benefitted from wise council and life examples to live by. Although empowerment books are a constant part of ongoing personal development (one of my personal favorites:  the classic “Basic Black” by Cathie Black), there is nothing more powerful than engaging personal mentorship from people you admire and aspire to emulate. Thank you to my three grandmothers who stepped in when my mother stepped out and showed me the path to personal accountability, integrity and the importance of following my inner compass. A thought I’d share for today – find ways to engage your drive, protect your power and ignite your passion. But always remember, the key to happiness – take time to celebrate the smallest of miracles and love without reservation.”

Katy Holt-Larsen, Vice President, Global Field Development
“One of my best friends and female mentors shared her life mantra; my friend’s words struck me to the core, and I have never forgotten them. She said, “Don’t look to others to save the day or to make grand decisions and sweep away the obstacles.” She encouraged me at a young age to pretend the buck stops with me, to assume I am the CEO and decision maker and to make it happen! I remember the day this sunk in. I quit looking behind me, beside me or around me, and I looked within to decide what can I do today to make a change. This has made all the difference. As women, on this great day, look for one way to make a difference in your life.  One action you can take. If possible, connect with a few others to take this action – it is more fun and you are more accountable! And stick with it! You will be surprised what you can do with heart and commitment.”

Lucy West, Senior Director of Global Field Development
“I believe we are all equal — we need to recognize and respect each other’s strengths and work together to achieve the best outcome. Together we come up with the most amazing ideas and programs.

I also know nothing is easy and nothing is achieved by being quiet. If you believe in something strongly, then it is your job to speak up and make sure you are heard. Get creative, get support and be willing to go the distance to push your idea through.”

Geri Dorman, Senior Director of Software Development & Research
“Always reach for the stars and believe in yourself that you are the best and can be just as good as anyone, including a man.”

Debbie L. Kurley, Senior Director of VIP Services/Customer Relations/Corporate Trainer
“I have realized through leadership that I must always listen and process what is being said. A listener is the one who will be able to make decisions on all the facts, thinking outside the box with solutions.”

Jennifer Luce, Senior Director of Human Resources
“Be somebody who makes everyone feel like a somebody! Don’t just sit at the table, talk at the table! Define your fabulous — fabulous is an expression of the uniqueness of you. It’s the confidence you carry in your own professional brand.”

Cassiah Jay, Senior Director of Digital Strategy
“We are afraid, imperfect and vulnerable, but we are also brave, courageous, and worthy of success and connection. We owe it to ourselves to be seen AND heard and to live out our passion and purpose in life.”



Don’t just celebrate International Women’s Day for one day — join us for our Women’s Empowerment Call on the first Friday of every month at 12 p.m. U.S. ET. On the calls, you’ll be inspired by stories and testimonials from top-ranking women in Jeunesse!

Dial (712) 432-7556, and enter code 125056 to join!