As we approached #internationalwomensday someone I work with mentioned an idea that guys take a moment to write a thank you letter to a woman who has inspired them, helped them, or who they simply admired in the workplace. I thought it sounded like a fantastic idea until I realized how LONG that list is for me. Like, seriously, LOOOOOOOONG! Long enough that no matter where I started the list and whom I tried to include, there's a 100% chance I'll leave someone out. (Likely many someones!) Do I start that list with my wife, Angela Netherland McBride, since we met at work and I have always respected the way she approaches work and her career? Or do I start with the woman I've since lost contact with who supported me as my manager when I needed help with a mental health crisis way back when I worked at Bank One in Columbus, Ohio in my 20s? (Before social media so I have no idea where she is now but thank you Erin Williams (Roberts), wherever you are!) Do I start with the women who have been my boss over the years, and taught me so much, like Charlotte Patin, Debbie Westwood, Michelle Kovitch, CEDS, CPLC, Erika Namnath, Annie Oman? Do I start with the women I've worked with and have watched do great work with their amazing talents? (Carlyn Milla-Imbuido, Rebecca Roberts, MBA, Melissa Jester, Laura Prael, Melissa Hollinger, CEDS, Tamika Bailey, MBA, Jessica Solano and more!) or the ones who have been in a leadership position and taught me by their example. (Royce Cohen, Julie Wagner Feasel, - More tags coming in the comments!) Do I include the coworkers who worked their asses off to be successful but were still willing to help me when I needed them? How do I include all of the amazing women lawyers and eDiscovery experts I've had the privilege of learning from as I moved throughout the industry without leaving one of the many super smart women I've worked with out? Or the many talented women I've met all over the world in one of my training classes? Do I mention the women in my family who've started businesses, work as teachers, or just plain rock at what they do? What about the women my wife has worked with, and who I've been lucky enough to become friends with, who have all these same admirable qualities? Finally, do I include all the women I've never worked with directly, but follow online and learn from every day? Seriously, LinkedIn won't even let me tag all of them. There's zero chance I won't forget to include someone. But, I hope you all know that I appreciate each of you and what you bring to the workplace. #embraceequity Feel free to tag the amazing women in your professional life in the comments too, especially the ones we should be following!
Mike McBride
1y
Finally, do I include all the women I've never worked with directly, but follow online and learn from every day? CAT CASEY, Maribel Rivera, Lauren Howard, Limor Sylvie Kessem, CISM, CCISO, Kara Hardin, Sara R. Ellis, Kassi Burns and on and on...
Mike McBride
1y
Do I mention the women in my family who've started businesses, work as teachers, or just plain rock at what they do? Brei Stevenson, Heather Stevenson, Evelyn McBride, others not on LI! What about the women my wife has worked with, and who I've been lucky enough to become friends with, who have all these same admirable qualities? Erika M., Kathy Bickel, Taryn Fitzpatrick, Michelle Rucker, Hannah O'Leary and many more!
Mike McBride
1y
Also, that feeling when you see reactions from people you should have included in here somewhere, but like gotta work today sometime too. LOL Suffice it to say I have been privileged to know, personally and professionally, a lot of remarkable women.
Wow! Where do I begin? I’m so honored to be included your list. Some of whom I’ve also had the pleasure of knowing and working with. I love how you recalled the many different interactions in which you’ve recognized the women in your life. Such an impactful and wonderful message. I’m so blessed to know you!! Love you, my friend.
It was a pleasure working with you and so thoughtful of you to include me on your list.
Such a beautiful spirit you have Mike McBride . . . Your words are a window to your heart, ❤️ thank you for including me, always start with your wife!!
Annie Oman
1y
Mike, I'm so honored to be included in this list. This has been - by far - the most impactful IWD post I have seen. What stood out to me was the effort you made to honor the many different interactions you have had with influential women over your whole career. You identified the many different ways they have taught, coached, encouraged, helped or collaborated with you. Reading it gave me the opportunity to be thankful for those women, too. You made my day...and likely many others. To hear someone say that our impact has been noticed or felt is powerful. Thank you!
So many incredible women on this list, proud to be among them. I want to give a shout-out to the fabulous women on my current team, Danielle Basilica, Bridget Conrad, MBA and Leigh Ann Charles. This is a trio that always has my back and keeps me laughing.
Mike McBride, Thank you for all of your kind words and including me in your list of other great women, some of which I've also had the opportunity to work with. Just know you are an inspiration to me and others. It was a pleasure working with you.
M365, eDiscovery and Training expert
1y"Do I include the coworkers who worked their asses off to be successful but were still willing to help me when I needed them?" Karin Redelberger, Sherry Heffner, Mandy Trotter, Allison Moss, Tracey Lamb, Diana Crawley, Amy Monett, Lynn Hardesty, Erica Carr - and far too many to count! "How do I include all of the amazing women lawyers and eDiscovery experts I've had the privilege of learning from as I moved throughout the industry without leaving one of the many super smart women I've worked with out?" Natalie Furniss, Laura Anthony, Bridget Purdue Riddell, Sarah Anderson, Wendy King, Michelle Lange, RCA, Jessica Engler, Tanya Glaser, Melissa "Missy" Cresson Or the many talented women I've met all over the world in one of my training classes? Amy Koski, CEDS, Brigid Volk, Laura Geddes, Madeleine Trezise, Leeann Nicolo, Léa Youyou, Maureen Holland, and many others!