[MAY 10, 2022 – BLOG] When I wrote my book Cowgirl Power, I featured several historic cowgirls and some are pictured above. By understanding the grit, perseverance and determination these women had, my hope is that all of us have the courage to do great things in life. It is like standing on our sisters’ shoulders.
As I look back at my career and what I’ve accomplished so far, I am grateful for the women who came before me. One of those women who paved the way was Ellen Hancock, and last week, with a heavy heart, I learned of her passing.
A business pioneer, Ellen was one of the first female executives in the technology industry who held senior leadership roles at National Semiconductor Corporate, Apple Computer, and a distinguished 29-year long career at the IBM Corporation. Deeply dedicated to her community, Ellen broke barriers, shared her knowledge with others and opened doors for future generations.
But more than anything, Ellen was a mentor and friend to me. When we opened our T3 office in San Francisco, she made a special effort to attend the grand opening. Afterwards, she whooshed my husband and me away in her white Rolls Royce, dashing through the streets of San Francisco to take us to dinner. It was a wonderful memory that I will never forget.
Just recently we celebrated the completion of our first cohort for the Women Who Mean Business program at the McCombs School of Business, with our second cohort graduating in June. As we review feedback from participants, I am reminded of the value of a sister’s shoulder to stand on. Having the opportunity to connect, engage and learn from other like-minded women changed my path dramatically, so that I was not only surviving, but thriving.
That is our mission with Women Who Mean Business. In just a short time, we’ve watched participants take leaps in their careers, start their own businesses and come together as a sisterhood. And we’ve just gotten started!
We are currently recruiting participants for our third cohort starting this fall. Our classes fill quickly, so I encourage you to apply or forward this information to rising businesswomen you know. Individually, we can do great things, but together we can change the world.
Humbly yours,
Gay Gaddis
Founder. Author. Artist. Trailblazer.
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