It was still dark out, and the house was quiet. The dog ignored me as I walked by her bed. Too early for everyone…As I left the house, my son came down the stairs asking where I was going so early. “To my game 7 of 
the Stanley Cup.” My husband later told me he was quite confused, and just went back to bed.
I had reached my Stanley Cup Finals. This was the pinnacle I’d been waiting for. I was launching the Women’s Catalyst Network. An idea that had been stewing for over a year, and a program in development for 6+ months. I had 11 women, eager to bring their careers to the next level, eager to get to their success destination yesterday. The excitement, and nerves, were palpable in the room. More excitement than nerves.
By the end of that first 2-hour session, I knew I had won my Stanley Cup. I loved the conversation we had, the vulnerability of the participants, and the support they each had for each other. Trust built over the first few sessions, and by the final morning, they wanted to know how they could continue the relationships, learning, and support. We had 11 new women walking out the door on that last day – renewed confidence, vigor for their careers, insight into themselves and their strengths. Their heads were held high.
Following the election of 2016, I realized we still lived in a male-lead world. I recruited my friend and esteemed colleague, Evan Roth, to co-facilitate the next version of the Women’s Catalyst Network. He brought a wealth of experience and knowledge from the c-suite from his previous career. When a question is brought up, Evan immediately responds with honesty and insight into a male’s reaction and response. He loves being that voice of encouragement and insight.
So why the energy vampire? No matter how early I need to get up for the Network, I do so eagerly. I am fueled by the conversations and the energy and eagerness of the participants. Evan and I love witnessing our participants’ growth, taking the reins on their careers, and reaching their own success. The Women’s Catalyst Network fuels Evan and my days. But it also fuels those of the participants. Every participant shares they would never have ____ [fill in the blank] without the support of the Network.
What is your energy fuel? What is your energy vampire? How do you spend more time with the fuel and less with the vampire?
The Women’s Catalyst Network is for driven aware professional women who want more from their careers. They want a safe place to air their challenges and vulnerabilities, learn and test new skills, and gain support.
Want to learn more? We are offering a free webinar on July 25, from 1-2pm (Mountain Time). Join us as we talk about strategies to Combat Imposter Syndrome, the feeling of not being deserving of your accomplishments. Sign up here!