Over the weekend, I watched the Tony-winning musical, Suffs, written by Shaina Taub on PBS Great Performances. It follows the final seven-year push for women’s suffrage leading to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. During the final song, I found myself fighting back tears. I felt a sense of community with the women who fought for equality before me, and the song’s call for us to march on. 

Here are a few of the lyrics: 

The path will be twisted and risky and slow

But keep marching, keep marching

Will you fail or prevail? Well, you may never know

But keep marching, keep marching

‘Cause your ancestors are all the proof you need

That progress is possible, not guaranteed

It will only be made if we keep marching, keep marching on

Those words landed differently for me than expected. 

Over my career, I have empowered women and their advisors, as a clinician, educator, and coach. I am not done yet, but I am clear about what one person can achieve in a lifetime. It’s up to the next generation to keep marching toward equality; and based on what I have seen, I know they will. 

For now, here are the steps I will continue to take:

• Educating advisors on how to better serve women and their families.
• Advocating for women to be treated equitably in the workplace.
• Mentoring professional and business women to pursue their career dreams.
• Consulting with male leaders on how to recruit and retain more diverse talent.
• Empowering women, families, and advisors to break money silence and talk more openly about the human side of finance.

What does “keep marching” look like for you? 

If you work with clients.

• Take a closer look at how you communicate with women clients and make sure every voice at the table is heard and respected.
• Mentor a younger advisor or advocate for a woman’s advancement within your firm.
• Have more meaningful conversations about the emotional side of money, not just the numbers.

If you are building your own business or career. 

• Speak up when you see inequity instead of staying silent.
• Ask for what you deserve, whether that is compensation, opportunity, flexibility, or support.
• Reflect on where you may be playing small and take one courageous step forward.

That’s what marching means. Will you join me?

Fun Fact

Shaina Taub grew up in the small community, often referred to as the Mad River Valley, where I live in Vermont. I never met her, but many of my friends watched her grow up and develop into the amazing talent that she is today.

Since winning the Tony for Suffs, she has collaborated with Sir Elton John on the stage version of the Devil Wears Prada. Pretty impressive!