Words of Wisdom from Women of Influence

 

By Tiffani Murray IT Consultant / Event Coordinator MPN Metro Correspondent tmurray@minorityprofessionalnetwork.com

Atlanta, GA (January 31, 2002) - The Spelman Business Society (SBS) hosted an informative roundtable discussion, “Successful and Prominent Women of Influence in Atlanta” on the campus of Spelman College.   The guests included four of Atlanta’s most affluent, aggressive, and accomplished businesswomen.  Representing corporate executives, entertainment and media moguls, business owners and government officials, these women shared there passions, lessons, and advice freely with the crowd which included Spelman students, alumnae, and business professionals. 

The panelists included Charlene Crusoe-Ingram, Vice President of Diversity Strategy and Culture at The Coca-Cola Company, Rene’ Miller, CEO of Omega Media Marketing Group, Gilda Waters, Director of the Governor’s Small Business Center, and Peggy Duncan, CEO of the Duncan Resource Group as well as the author of Put Time Management to Work and Just Show Me Which Button to Click.  The event was organized by Kimberly N. Rouse and moderated by Tonya N. Fewell, both members of the SBS.

The panel of professional women was asked first how they feel about being tagged as successful black women in Atlanta, a thriving metropolis for many young businessmen and women up and coming on the ladder to success.  Crusoe-Ingram indicated that it is always important to “listen to people you can trust” for advice and feedback.  In her opinion it is essential to be responsive to constructive criticism from all levels.  Peggy’s response in reference to her time working at Georgia-Pacific is that as a minority she “never acted like she was not as good as someone else.”

The panelists also spoke to living and working for a passion: something that you love and that drives you out of bed each morning.  Renee Miller spoke of her military childhood and how it always seemed as if she should join the ranks herself.  However she soon realized that the military was not her passion.

“Whatever you decide to do you have to have passion and pursue passion with a vengeance.” She says.  It was her passion for media and owning her own business that propelled her to begin Omega Media in October of 2000. 

Waters spoke of finding a “career that correlates with your passion” and “putting your passion to work for you.”

The women were also asked to share the most important lesson they have learned while becoming professional women of influence.

Duncan simply said, “Whatever you want to do an expert has written a book about it.”  This statement puts the ball in the professional’s court saying that there is always an outlet to learn and become aware of the steps someone else took to be successful in your area of interest.

“Never get too big.  It is amazing what people will give back to you if you don’t act like so much.” Crusoe-Ingram made this statement that tackles the importance of humility and remembering where we all come from, even in the professional world.

All of the women spoke of the importance not only of just remembering how they got to their own success, but of the overwhelming need for people who reach their goals to look back and help others realize their dreams. 

Watters proclaimed, “Giving back is so very important.  It is so important for the next generation to see you give back.”

Crusoe-Ingram agrees, “When you have the resources, share them, you did not get them alone.”

“It is important to work for the people, not just a corporation.”  Miller concludes.

One of the last questions, but certainly one of the most important dealt with life balance and how these women find the time to take care of themselves, spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally.   Most of them have some ritual they perform or a favorite hobby that helps them to retain a psychological balance and takes them into a calm place within themselves.

Watters says, “I take my 30 minutes in the morning.” During her time she reads or meditates to prepare for the bustling day ahead. 

Duncan renounces “debt-clutter, man clutter, all clutter” and as an efficiency expert she stresses the need for people to get organized as the only way to alleviate the bulk of stress.  As far as her outlook on her personal well-being she says, “If I don’t take care of me, who will?”

A couple of the women have learned that taking care of self is the most important job they have through experiences that let them know just how much they had been neglecting themselves.

“No more will I give anyone else all of my time.”  Miller states.

Crusoe-Ingram closes with “Nothing is more important than yourself.  What good am I to anybody if I am stressed out?”

 As the panel discussion drew to a close it was evident that all in attendance had been enlightened in some way.  The panelists even mentioned that they were able to learn from each other.  The SBS put together a wonderful program and event that spoke to the needs of students on the verge of entering corporate America, graduate school and the like, as well as to those who are already out there trying to make similar marks of excellence.

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