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[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZOjfk0Dw9c]

I always start my day with gratitude, reflecting on how truly blessed I am, and have been, in my life.  This morning as I reviewed the people who have had an impact in my life and in my business and in my heart, I was struck by the powerful and amazing women who have paved the way and encouraged and supported me in my journey to today.  Many of them never claim, nor desire, the spotlight; yet each of them faithfully and fearlessly have forged forward, serving their purpose with dignity and grace.

And according to a recent article in the Washington Post, Fixing the Economy?  It's Women's Work  [July 26, 2009] my admiration of women, and particularly women in business, is more than just a touching sentiment.  In fact, my decision to partner with brilliant, talented women is, not surprisingly, one of the smartest business decisions I have ever made, enriching not only the quality of my life but also the quality of my companies.

The studies cited by the Post and presented by accounting giant Ernst & Young show that women "can make the difference between economic success and failure in the developing world, between good and bad decision-making in the industrialized world, and between profit and loss in the corporate world."  Top businesses with the best records of placing women in leadership roles were an impressive 18 to 69 percent more profitable than the median companies in their industries.

It's long been said that the hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.  No surprise, then, that emerging, conclusive evidence is confirming that same hand is rocking the business world. 

"…And it's not only one study, but at least half a dozen, from a broad spectrum of organizations such as Columbia University, McKinsey & Co., Goldman Sachs and Pepperdine University, that document a clear relationship between women in senior management and corporate financial success. By all measures, more women in your company means better performance."

The company you keep, matters to your company, and to the world.

So to all of the Super Women who have rocked my world, thank you and bless you!

With love to Peggy, Kaitlyn, Missy, Joy, Jo, Jasmin, Sarah, Sue, Sherri, and Naoma. 

To Julie, Mickey, Elaine, Cheryl, Tina, Samara, Caron, Patria, Chris, Connie, Ruth, Suzann, Lark, Lisa, Angie, Ayo, Tammy, Terri, Kathryn, and Cynthia. 

Because of  Shannon, Staci, Kim, Cathy, Charlsa, Pam, Heather, Jeannetta, Jennifer, Jessica, Jodie, Joann, Jamie, Maritza, Marla, Marcia, Mary Lyn, Robin and Sabrina.  

In honor of Cleta, Ethel, Fannie, Faye, Kathleen, Denise, LaFawn, Laretha, Laverne, Leigh, and Louise. For Ann, Allison, Amy, Andrea, Barbara, Brenda, Belinda, Claudia, Chelsea, Debbie, Donna, Mary, Melanie, Melissa, Patty, Poni, Sally, Sonya, and Sylvia.  

For all of the fantastic female friends and business partners I have yet to discover, I look forward to our collaboration.

And, above all, with love to my niece Super Kyla, all feisty 4 years of you, as you triumph in your battle against neuroblastoma.  I can't wait until you can take over and partner with us in changing the world, for good.

You are my heroes, Super Women all!

p.s.  The finest and most successful males I've known have always championed not just the beauty, but also the brilliance, of the feminine contribution to the planet.  To the marvelous men who have shown the courage, class and conviction to encourage and empower the women in your corner of the world–my deepest respect and gratitude for your character and strength.