Embodying the spirit of the musical Wicked, the second day of the Fortune‘s Most Powerful Women Summit showcased not just brains, heart, and courage, but also the challenges and triumphs that women face in today’s society.
The day concluded with a captivating performance by Lauren Samuels, who beautifully portrayed the character of “Elphaba” in the North American Tour of Wicked. Following the performance, attendees indulged in an array of culinary delights, masterfully prepared by an all-women team of chefs.
Challenges Women Face in Midlife and Beyond
One theme that took center stage during the day was the courage required by women as they navigate their 50s and the joy, and sometimes disappointment, that comes when age discrimination becomes more apparent. Debra Whitman, executive vice president and chief public policy officer at AARP, emphasized that older women form a significant part of the workforce.
However, these women often face ageism that forces them out of jobs, leading to financial instability in their later years. This is further compounded by gender and race-based pay gaps, which result in lesser savings for them. “Age discrimination is pretty real and it affects women more. Ageism times sexism equals loss,” Whitman explained.
AI Advancements and Women’s Health
- Women are keenly interested in the potential of AI to advance areas that have been historically lagging, especially those that directly impact them.
- Arianna Huffington, as reported by Fortune‘s Beth Greenfield, highlighted the importance of employee wellbeing, calling it a “productivity multiplier.”
- She argued that CEOs who dismiss employee wellbeing as a “soft” aspect and solely focus on productivity and business metrics are missing the point. If employees are stressed or depleted, their performance will suffer.
Social Media and The Younger Generation
Women are also concerned about the impact of social media and apps on their digital-native children. Emmy Award-winning documentarian Lauren Greenfield reflected on the stark differences between her sons’ upbringing due to the addictive nature of apps.
Greenfield believes that the tech industry and the government need to regulate these platforms better. In the meantime, she argues that it’s crucial to shift the blame from the victims – in this case, the children – and put it where it belongs.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Despite suffering a sudden stroke at age 34, Rachel Romer, founder of Guild, demonstrated immense courage and resilience. During her first public appearance post-stroke, she shared how she used the experience to learn more about the nurses’ career paths.
Another woman who embodies the spirit of resilience is Sallie Krawcheck, the trailblazing founder of Ellevest. Despite facing continuous criticism throughout her career, Krawcheck chooses to wear the negativity like a badge of honor, reminding us all that “pressure is a privilege.”
By showcasing these stories of strength, courage, and resilience, the Fortune‘s Most Powerful Women Summit continues to inspire women from all walks of life, reminding them that they are not alone in their struggles and that they too have the power to overcome their challenges and succeed.
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