LETTER FROM OUR CHAIR
PWH® CULTURE Be a Champion of People Spring has sprung and travel season is in full swing! Whether you’ve had an opportunity to visit an interesting city on holiday, or attend an off-site partner meeting or conference, it can be a lot of fun to explore that area’s culture and see what it represents. My recent journeys got me thinking about the culture of PWH® , how we are perceived and what it takes to foster a culture that attracts and retains top leaders. Since you – our members – are the most important asset to PWH® , I felt it was important to address this topic because you help define our culture and enhance it. Culture can’t be a fancy buzzword floating throughout Corporate America. It’s how an organization views itself and wants to be viewed by the outside world. So, you may ask – what is the culture of PWH®, and how do we want to be perceived? PWH® Core Values were established 15 years ago by a group of visionaries who had a dream to empower women, provide growth opportunities and achieve gender partnership. An unspoken culture naturally developed from the beginning. There was a relentless desire to champion one another and create a safe place for career development while mentoring each other along the way. We could have simply plastered our core values across the website, but in order to create a lasting culture, we put our values into action. PWH® members learn from the beginning how to take care of one another and the importance of being present for coaching, mentoring and friendship. Culture also constantly changes because and leadership experiences with one another. I people change. This is not a bad thing as it fosters would love to hear from you. Set a goal to lift up PWH® CORE growth and creativity. New faces and diverse another person to help them move forward. If we VALUES member groups are joining our organization right all remember to be a champion of people, serve • Inclusion and Diversity ® now - and they will make PWH even stronger! one another and put these things into action, we •S upport and Members, you are part of the fabric that will constantly be on an inspirational learning and Promotion of Others • Compassion weaves together our culture. I am asking each leadership track – and our purpose will be much • Respect and every one of you TODAY to contribute to higher. These actions will enhance our culture. • Commitment to Education ® this building effort, for PWH and our industry, Building the PWH® culture requires us as • Leading by Example by finding one person – female or male – to leaders to motivate, engage and inspire one empower. Your contribution can be demonstrated another versus just putting the words out there. in an informal manner, such as giving someone else the floor to Let’s keep empowering and inspiring each other today! speak on a call or at a company meeting. Brag about one of your Cheers, co-workers. Or, take the time to ask someone, “How can I help?” Rachelle Ferrara This building work can occur at home by empowering our children PWH® Chair 2019-2020 and family members too. Share your development, best practices
June 3–5, 2020 | Minneapolis, MN
Save the Date: June 3-5, 2020 PWH® Leadership Summit returns to the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis, MN www.mypwh.org • Issue 2 • Summer 2019 3