Women Work

Friday was International Women’s Day, an event whose origin goes all the way back to 1909 in New York City.  This served as a catalyst for me to reflect on the many strong women in my life, those with whom I have crossed paths over the years, and the gradual ascendance of women in our society throughout my lifetime.

Last year, undergraduate students in U.S. colleges and universities skewed 55% female.  The ratio of women to men in college started tilting toward women in 1980, and has steadily increased since then.  This appears to translate to at least some increased gender equity in leadership positions.  U.S. News and World Report reports that women now hold about a third of the executive positions in the U.S.  However, the Women Business Collaborative offers that only one in five of the highest “C-Suite” leaders are women, with nearly 80% of U.S. women executives holding posts in HR, finance and legal departments, not the operations roles more likely to lead to CEO opportunities.  Pew Research Center reported that the share of women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies reached an all-time high in 2023 of 10.6%. 

A 2019 McKinsey report revealed that companies with more women in executive roles generated 21% higher profitability.  Women get things done.  I would assert that, all other factors being equal, selecting the female candidate for a leadership role is a better bet.  Women have responded to the extra societal friction that they face in numerous ways that have made them collectively more resilient and high-performing. 

The U.S. has done a better job than some other countries at closing the gender gaps, but trails behind others.  The 2023 Global Gender Gap Report of the World Economic Forum reports on the Global Gender Gap Index, a benchmark of gender parity across 146 countries, looking at four key dimensions:  Economic Participation and Opportunity, Educational Attainment, Health and Survival, and Political Empowerment.  The U.S. ranks 43rd of 146 countries when these dimensions are combined.  Nordic countries of Iceland (1), Norway (2), Finland (3) and Sweden (5) lead the list, with New Zealand at number 4.  You can access the entire report here. 

While we have more collective work to do, I see high-performing women all around me. Whether it’s Sally Heckman leading First Federal Savings, Amy Albery leading Wallick Communities, or my own brilliant wife, Lori Fuhrer, as a Director at her law firm, Licking County has no shortage of impressive women.  You can’t swing a dead cat without hitting someone like Kathy Patton, who has coached athletes at 5:00 am for going on two decades and runs Iron Heart Consulting.  (Why would anyone want to swing a dead cat, anyway?  That’s gross.  It turns out this phraseology originated in reference to swinging a cat-o’-nine-tails in the tight confines of a ship at sea.)  Lori’s close childhood friend and my graduate school colleague, Holly Walters, has ascended to the top echelon of Toyota North America, where she currently serves as Chief Information Officer, through incredibly hard work, dedication and intellect.  These women inspire me and give me hope for our future.

Here’s to Women! Do something extra nice for a woman in your life as a small thank you, OK?

Sunday Supper
This week’s Sunday Supper recommendations works both as a time-intensive dinner plan, but will also yield ample leftovers to carry you into the week ahead.  This is what I’ll be cooking today, too.  First, let’s braise some Barbacoa, a spicy Mexican approach to chuck roast.  While we’re at it, let’s put on a pot of Black Beans and let them simmer all day.  Fire up a pot of long-grained rice, and sauté a bunch of bell peppers (any color) and onions.  The next thing you know, you will have produced all the elements for making some fantastic tacos, or burrito bowls, Ala Chipotle (but even better).  Obviously, supplement with your preferred toppings, like salsa, shredded cheese, guacamole, or whatever else appeals to you.  To satisfy my sweet tooth and welcome our son home for a Spring Break visit, I’m making this simple Baked Lemon Pudding for a sweet finish.  Enjoy!

Sunday Music
I’ve shared this performance by Aretha Franklin at the Kennedy Center’s honors for Carole King previously, but given this week’s theme it feels like a two-for-one special, acknowledging two amazing women at once.  Similarly, here is a performance by Dolly Parton & Olivia Newton-John of Parton’s classic song, Jolene.  Is there any woman more at the top of their game right now than Taylor Swift?  I think not…this drop-in performance of her song Better Man at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville back in 2018 shows just how much talent she has paired with amazing skill development.  And lastly, for no particular reason besides it caught my eye, is Olivia Dean performing her song, Dive last year.

If you know anyone who might like this essay, please send them a link to this page. 

Have a great week ahead!  Offer support to others.  Make good use of this day.  And let me know how I can help.

Peace & Love,