Things My Boss Said To Me

"Debra, Just don't talk in these meetings. You talk about things and you don't know what you're talking about."

The irony of the statement above is that I get now paid for people to listen/read what I have to say. But when Boss Bob said this to me it was even more shocking because unbeknownst to him, the people that attended this weekly meeting frequently complained about HIM. They'd ask me afterwards, does Bob even listen in these meetings? We have to say things over and over. We have to repeat what happened in the previous meeting because he never remembers what happened. He never seems to know what's going on.

Luckily, due to these post meeting conversations, I promptly ignored his nasty comment. I knew that I knew what was going on. I knew that my contributions to the meetings were valued by the other people at the meeting. But had I not known these things, that comment could have really affected my self worth and confidence. And even better, when I was getting divorced from Bear, this very group of people offered me a job. Good thing I didn't be a good little girl and keep my mouth shut!

I used to entertain my non-Wall Street friends with these stories. They were always amazed at the rude things my bosses at Bear Stearns would say to me. So, I think I'll make this my Friday special and call it "things my boss said to me." Feel free to send me the rotten things bosses have said to you.

Ladies Night - 4 for 1

The World Economic Forum in Davos Switzerland is such a sausage party, that the WEF is offering a fifth "slot" to companies if they bring a chick. The number of women attending Davos this year may be close to 20%, up from 16% last year. That's not shocking since Davos is primarily attending by heads of companies, CEO's and such and we all know there aren't that any female corporate leaders.

I think it's great that they are trying to get more women to attend, even if they have to sweeten the pot for the companies. It's a great way for a woman to establish credibility by saying she went to Davos. Plus, if there are panels about empowering women, then its probably a good idea to have a few there.

There were so many times when I worked at Bear Stearns, that I was the only woman in a meeting. Or there were those occassions when, say three or more women were in a meeting and we would be amazed. Pleased.

Forced invitations suck, but if eventually it gets the guys used to having some gals along, then send me my engraved card. Admittance: One Broad from Wall Street.

It's a Start

As a journalist, I kept seeing stories about women in business that rarely saw the light of day. Mostly because the demographics for most financial websites is predominantly male. Ok, so that means no one wants to read about a woman owned business or about women on the trading floor at the New York Stock Exchange. I decided that I would create that place for those stories.

There will also be some personal observations. But no budget/coupon clipping posts, I would hardly want to tell anyone how to budget. There also won't be any financial advising. I don't do that and don't make any money doing that, so you won't come here for financial advice. On occasion I may relate a story about a product, but don't expect to do product reviews.

What I do want to have is a place to read about other women who have started a business, written a book or just work in the financial industry. I want readers to feel at home and be inspired and maybe I can tell some stories that you can relate to. I hope you enjoy my blog. Wish me luck!