As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s fitting to highlight the inspiring story of Josie Cox, author of Women, Money, Power: The Rise and Fall of Economic Equality. I had a great conversation with her on the Unleash Your True Value® podcast about her journey to writing this important book, and her hope for women to find their power to make her a voice worth listening to.
Josie’s inspiration for writing Women, Money, Power was born from both personal experience and professional observation. Early in her career, as a young journalist covering financial markets during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, Josie quickly realized that the world of finance was overwhelmingly male-dominated. She was struck by how few women were given a voice in discussions about money and power. Determined to make a change, Josie made it her mission to include more women’s voices in her reporting, a commitment that would eventually lead to her writing this book.
However, the defining moment that set the book in motion came years later. During an interview with a prominent Fortune 500 CEO, Josie was told that women who took time off to have children often lacked the same professional ambition upon returning to the workforce. This outdated and unfounded belief fueled her drive to write Women, Money, Power, offering a much-needed rebuttal to such misconceptions and highlighting the systemic inequalities that continue to hold women back.
The story of the CEO’s comment is pivotal not only in the book but also in understanding the challenges that women still face. It is a reminder of the persistent stereotypes that women encounter in the workplace. Rather than allowing this moment to discourage her, Josie turned it into fuel for change. That night, she wrote the prologue of her book, channeling her frustration into a powerful narrative that challenges the status quo and invites readers to rethink how they perceive women’s ambition and value in the workforce.
Through her writing, Josie hopes readers walk away feeling both inspired and equipped to advocate for themselves. She emphasizes that money is not just about wealth; it is about respect and power. Her stories of historical and contemporary women who have stood up against inequality serve as a call to action for women to be bold, to question inequities, and to demand what they deserve.
The one action Josie wants readers to take is simple but profound: be bold. Whether it is negotiating for fair pay, advocating for systemic change, or simply believing in one’s own worth, boldness is the first step toward creating lasting equality. As Josie puts it, this isn’t just about individual success—it’s about pushing society forward, ensuring that future generations of women do not face the same barriers.
As we honor Women’s History Month, Josie’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make. Her journey from a small Swiss village to the forefront of conversations about gender equality is a testament to the strength of boldness and perseverance. Women, Money, Power is more than just a history lesson; it is a manifesto for change. Let it inspire you to take that bold step, whether big or small, toward a more equal world for all.