Life by Design

Today is International Women’s Day, and I find myself thinking about the women who quietly shaped the paths many of us now walk.

Women who spoke up when it wasn’t welcomed.
Women who showed up when they weren’t expected.
Women who led in rooms where leadership didn’t yet look like them.

Because of them, more doors exist today.

But the story doesn’t stop there.

Each of us is writing the next chapter — in our workplaces, our communities, our families, and our leadership.

✨ The question for today:
How will the way I show up make it easier for the next woman?

Here’s to women who lead with courage, grow with intention, and design lives that reflect who they truly are.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💛

Every night, she tells me, “My mommy’s dead.”

Every morning, she asks, “Is my mommy alive today?”

My 4-year-old granddaughter is navigating a loss far too big for her age. And in her tender rhythm of naming pain at night and reaching for hope by morning, she’s teaching me something sacred: Grief isn’t always loud. It doesn’t always come with rituals or casseroles. Sometimes it looks like quietly missing what once was—and still hoping.

We grieve in little ways every day.
The dream that didn’t unfold.
The friendship that faded.
The self we thought we’d be by now.

What are you quietly hoping will come back to life in this season?

I spent the weekend with my favorite 3 year old. On Saturday morning, she declared, "I want to go to school." Her Daddy's answer, "Today is not a school day." She made her declaration again, another calm reply from Daddy. After about 10 repeated declarations she got distracted and moved on.

Hours later, maybe even a day later, she says to me, "Mishma, I sorry I upset about school." Keep in mind she is only one month into being 3. School has never been mentioned again. She did not cry or throw a fit during the conversation about school, only persistently declared her desire. Of course, I responded, "It's okay. We all get upset sometimes." Then she turns to her daddy, "Daddy, I sorry I upset about school." He says, "It's okay. We are all sad at times."

WHAT just HAPPENED?!?!? Emotional intelligence in a barely 3 year old. She was able to state her concerns until she felt heard. Then she was able to come back to it and recognize her response was more passionate than the moment called for and own her need to regulate.

A recent study says leaders at top organizations have in common self-awareness. This awareness is what has made them phenomenal leaders.

Lead on my favorite 3 year old!