Debbie Sipowicz
Boulder, CO
I facilitate Women’s Writing Groups (online) and Women’s Speaking Groups for those women in midlife who are ‘ready for change’, ‘searching for something’, or playing with the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?”
The groups are about the inner journey as much as they are about the outer one. Each woman does become a better writer or a better speaker, but most of the transformation comes from feeling more confident about who you are in front of others, from finding your voice, and from simply being ok with being yourself.
I became motivated to do this work because as an introvert by nature, and a leader by experience and background, I was once in the same place as so many women are today. I was often very reluctant to speak up, even though I had a lot to say. I was often hesitant to lead in the way that felt natural to me, because it was so different than the conventional wisdom and/or the status-quo.
As an entrepreneur, I co-founded a software company (that grew to over 65 people), I co-owned an independent bookstore for over 10 years and I founded a health coaching business. One of the best tests of my leadership skills, however, was when I home-schooled my kids for over 8 years. Finally, I got to lead in a way that felt natural to me.
Today, more and more women are saying yes to entrepreneurship and still there are not a lot of role models (women leaders) out there. Personally, I would love to help and encourage this group in any way I can, because I believe from the bottom of my heart, that as more women start sharing their gifts with the world, start feeling empowered and start stepping into leadership, the whole world benefits.
In these times of quick fixes and instant gratification, there is something so beautifully perfect about the wisdom that comes from someone who has been on the earth for a while. I love working with women who have stories to tell, gifts to share and truths to express. These women enrich my life on a daily basis. Like the women I work with, I don’t consider myself, an “older worker”, but simply someone who has a lot to offer the world and is happily ready, willing and able to share it.