On Wednesday, I met Governor Haley. She looked me straight in the eye, shook my
hand firmly, greeted each of the panelists to whom I had been speaking, and
took a question I had prepared for her.
“We were just about to share the best advice we’ve ever received,” I said.
“Would you like to offer some?”
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| Governor Nikki Haley stops by Lean In Columbia |
She smiled and there was a slight pause as she gathered her thoughts
during which others in the room chuckled awkwardly that I’d put her on the
spot.
This couldn’t possibly be the
hardest thing anyone has ever asked her.
She said, “I use a 24-hour rule.” Whenever there is a decision to be
made, she explained, she gives herself 24 hours to ensure it’s the right one.
“We have talked before about emotion being one of the challenges to
women leaders,” I said, indicating the group, my Lean In circle, about forty of
whom were in the room.
“But it’s also what makes us great,” she said. “We’re passionate.”
Our Lean In circle is gaining traction.
My co-founders and I bonded over Sheryl Sandberg’s book and we’ve been
taking to the stage in Columbia to publicly encourage dialogue about issues
facing women in business.
