Hi Susan,

I look forward to your articles every month.  I always find them thought provoking, or find something that resonates with me that I need to hear someone else say.   It is healing. 

I agree.  Not only are women abused in religious groups, they have been abused in society and other areas of our lives (as your programs help us see and overcome).  Not only does this abuse come from religion and male dominated hierarchies, but also unexpectedly and surprisingly, from other women.

This can make for a sense of loneliness at times, as when we protect our lives, values and dreams, we often choose a solitary path of our own design.  At least that is how it has worked for me.  I wouldn't change my path, but being lonely at times, or feeling I have to protect myself to live the life of integrity and purpose I desire has had more than it's share of challenges.

For the better part of my life, I avoided organized religion and women in certain places and communities as well.  It wasn't always "safe", and often still isn't, to be in places where women are criticized and pushed to keep a status quo that does not meet or respect everyone's needs.   

I have found more solace and kinship having found some wonderful female friends in life.  I have many acquaintances and friends, but there are only a handful of friends I hold dear.  They are my sisters.  It has taken me a lifetime to cultivate honest, caring, and open relationships with my "sisters". 

It isn't that my "sisters" don't challenge me, but there is an absence of criticism designed to keep the status quo.  My friends at this stage, support me without judgment, but we have each other's backs and the "honesty" doesn't have any motive, but to care, support, and be like minded where able.  The level of trust is something I cherish.

Women share so many similar issues and challenges and carry the joys and the burdens of their families.  We make a significant contribution to the lives of others and that is something that should be honored, not shunned.  By religion, at home, or anywhere else.   

Men have developed an easy rapport in business that is natural.  Women have no such established support system, unless we build it.  I'm for building more, healthy support systems for women in all areas of life.  You inspire me and make me think.   

Thanks for all you do to support women.  I am grateful to have you in my life and inbox. 

A Women Moving Forward® Graduate 

As we enter our 33 year it is getting easier to merge two VERY strong personalities into one. I can't imagine how to do that as gracefully as we have if John was the President of the US!  Just imagine your husband or wife or partner becomes the US President and your prior privacy is stripped away and you and your kids now live in a fishbowl. 

It looks like Michelle is to Barack as Susan is to John - she is his moral compass and gyroscope when he goes off course.  In the ideal marriage that is what we are for each other in long term relationships.

I have it easier then Michelle.  I live with AND manage John so I don't have to care what others advise him, as she did, my voice is the last one he hears since I am the President of the company he works for.  Michelle has to work through or around the "advisors" close to The President.  Her advice is not necessarily the last advice he hears.

I'm not sure I could live with that so I give her major props for finding her way in a very difficult situation.  I think the book does that, it makes her look like the strong, capable, intelligent, loving woman she is.  It also presents her as not a wimp thank you very much!! Regardless of my politics, I think they are doing very well in a very crazy unreal situation!

So let's stop making problems where they don't exist -  The Obamas are fine and so are The Van Vleets!

Each webinar  $195/person. Buy the whole series for $995 save $565  if you purchase by 12/20/11.  For more details on each session and to register go to our website www.svanvleetconsult.com.  Only 20 slots available in each session.  Register Now!   

• 1/5/12 - Noon EST Staying Sane in today's ADD workplace.
• 2/27/12  - Noon EST Sexual Harassment: How it effects the workplace.   
• 4/2/12 -  Noon EST Managing up: Getting those above you to act.
• 5/21/12  - Noon EST Burnout Part 2: Most popular Webinar of 2011, Now the Advanced Session!   
• 6/4/12 -  Noon EST Should you be loyal in today's corporate environment?
• 9/12/12 - Noon EST When is it time to move on?  From your job, team, company!
• 10/29/12 - Noon EST Brain Sex: Maybe the problems between men and women are mostly neurological!
• 12/11/12 - Noon EST Work and Personal Relationships setting healthy boundaries.

Susan's Schedule in 2012 Limited!!

I will only be able to lead 6 Women Moving Forward® Workshops in 2012 and I am already scheduled to lead 4.  That means there are only 2 more I can schedule in 2012.  If you or your company want to hold a Women Moving Forward® in 2012 please contact Susan ASAP!!!

If you have a question you would like answered  

you can submit it to us via E-mail.

Observing is attending the workshop and looking at how far you have come since taking the workshop. It also helps you to keep the learnings you got as impactful as they were when you took the workshop. 

The side benefit of Observing is supporting the women attending by modeling what it is to complete the workshop.

If you would like to Observe any of the community based workshops in 2011 all you need to do is contact us to make a reservation and pay the $250 fee.