As of today, the following women are serving as either presidents, prime ministers, or chancellors:

• Michelle Bachelet of Chile
• Helen Clark of New Zealand
• Luisa Diogo of Mozambique
• Tarja Halonen of Finland
• Myeong Sook Han of South Korea
• Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia
• Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo of the Philippines
• Mary McAleese of Ireland
• Angela Merkel of Germany
• Portia Simpson-Miller of Jamaica
• Dr. Vaira Vike-Freiberga of Latvia
• Khaleda Zia of Bangladesh

How exciting and refreshing to know that almost every continent now has a women represented as head of state and how telling is it that North America is the one place where this opportunity continues to be elusive. Media commentary on this topic speaks about the glass ceilings that were broken and the change moving forward for all women that will now help make change in all the endeavors that women decide to approach. I do love the idea that such a positive movement forward will now let those that have had a lesser opportunity, clearly see opportunities for growth. Sometimes I do believe that we forget to look around the world and choose instead to focus on our own back yard as a milestone to how such greatness has already been achieved.

I am attaching a video from ABC News that asks the question “Was it the Year of the Women in 2008”. They have selected several noted American women with a broad base of business backgrounds to weigh in their thoughts on the American political process which featured Hillary and Sarah. At the end of the day we like to say that businesses need to address the women consumer, but the modern person and family also come into play. As one of my business partners said in this very discussion from a male perspective, “each man is an individual too and the change is directing conversation person to person”. Take a look at the video and you decide. How will you approach 2009 when speaking to your “women consumer“?

Click here to watch the video.

Best Nicole

In the Huffington Post, there’s an article by Craig Newmark, founder and customer service representative for Craigslist. In response to an apparent reference in the Obama platform to “a craigslist for service”, he goes on to say that “Obama is inspiring millions of people to consider service to others, and to innovate for service.” (Check out what Barack has to say at change.gov)

“When you choose to serve—whether it’s your nation, your community or simply your neighborhood—you are connected to that fundamental American ideal that we want life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness not just for ourselves, but for all Americans. That’s why it’s called the American dream.”

Newmark says that a “craigslist for service” is a metaphorical reference to the need for greater service to others, with the spirit and culture of trust of craigslist. He then speaks from his personal perspective about the possible aspects of “a craigslist for service” and then moves on to discuss this same topic in the context of national service.

My hope is that Obama’s passion for service that starts in your neighborhood doesn’t limit itself to the American Dream, but becomes a dream for everyone. Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and North America: we’re really no different. Each and every person desires life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness—the fulfillment of this desire should apply to everyone. The world was able to watch as the concept of change swept over one of our leading nations and its people—not only in terms to leadership, but in how they work with one another, find ways to connect, respect one another and find a common ground that can benefit everyone.

There are many great global leaders around the globe that have dedicated their lives to the pursuit of a better quality of life for others. I do believe that embracing this wonderful and simple idea of participating in a movement within our respective communities to lift each other up can be the best gift we can all give and receive in the coming year.

I congratulate Craig Newmark and the Huffington Post for giving us an article that reminds readers that doing one thing for the benefit of another is the greatest gift. There is no big or small. Each offering is a giant step towards a civic duty that belongs to each of us.

What will be your civic offering to your community this coming year?

Click here to read the Craig Newmark’s article.

Best Nicole

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