Pioneers of the Possible

The Power of One Person It is one thing to research and study...

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:23:00 -0400

The Power of One Person

It is one thing to research and study the life of a person you admire and quite another when you get to see them face-to face and collaborate. I had first met Somaly Mam, CNN Hero—and one of Time magazine’s ‘Top 100 of the Most Influential Women in the World’, six years ago. She took the stage at the Governor’s Conference and had her speech had all 9,0000 women in the convention center simply rapped.

Today, Somaly Mam is a shining example of love, resilience and courage. She has transformed her painful history as a child who was sold into sexual slavery and who eventually broke herself free to rescue others. She and others from The Somaly Mam Foundation risk their lives continually to go into the dark hidden places where young girls are locked up, help them escape and provide a safe haven for them to rehabilitate. For me, these are true heroes.

One of my favorite speaking topics is about the power of one person. One person, or small group of likeminded individuals, can accomplish anything. Likely, they have more power than mega-organizations. And Somaly Mam is one of those people who, single-handedly, has brought sex trafficking to a global platform.

When she came to Los Angeles for work in early November, I invited her to a small afternoon tea with a few of my close friends. What touched me the most from our time together was the deep level of joy and love she radiated. All the guests that afternoon walked away feeling uplifted and utterly moved by the gracious presence of this woman.

I tend to believe that one of the most powerful ways to unleash the potential a group of people is to hold salons and conferences, where ideas, issues, and experiences can be discussed in a meaningful way.

A quote by Margaret Mead comes to mind:

“Never underestimate the power of a few committed people to change the world.”

Invigorated by this simple truth, I along with my partner Beth Friedman, decided to organize a formal salon as a platform for Somaly Mam to share her story with a broader audience. The response was overwhelming. Press came, donations were given, and even one woman I heard contacted Somaly’s organization to replicate their operations in another country. Truly the power of one life, of one story, Somaly’s, yours and mine, has the ability to impact the world!

Continuing on this theme, Beth Friedman and I have co-founded Women Aspire. Respond. Engage. (Women A.R.E.) and we will be hosting our inaugural day-long conference on November 7^th at the SLS Hotel in Los Angeles.

Above is a sample of the discussion at our first Women A.R.E. Salon.

Danica Patrick: One Fast Woman!

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 18:38:14 -0500

Cheers to fast women! Usually people snicker when they hear the words “fast” and “women” in one sentence, but this fast woman is no joke. I saw her on CNN just this morning sharing her news with the entire world. Danica Patrick, race car driver, just won the poll position of the 55^th Daytona 500 time trials, posting a lap of 196.434 mph making her the first female to do so in history. You may recognize her as the beautiful brunette from the website company GO DADDY’s advertising campaigns. If being a beautiful racecar driver, model and spokeswoman wasn’t enough now she’s making national headlines.

For those that aren’t familiar with the sport, the poll position she just won is the strategic leading position to earn on a racetrack. To start on the inside edge, first row – gives the driver a logistical advantage over all the other stock cars. Although she’ll have a starting advantage during the “Great American Race”, history shows that it doesn’t guarantee a win. No poll winner in over a decade has won the Dayton 500 – not since Dale Jarrett in 2000, said NASCAR spokesman Scott Warfield. But she will have the fans cheering for her.

Danica’s love affair with racing started early. At age 10 she began go-kart racing in 1992 in Wisconsin not far from Roscoe, Illinois where she grew up. She never looked back. Along the way, both of her parents have been supportive of her career, and today are involved in the daily operations of her businesses. A media darling, she has been acted in TV shows, been featured music videos, and commercials. Now with this new poll-win under her belt, all eyes will be watching. Regardless if she wins the Daytona 500 or not, she is a winner. Her drive, focus and passion is a lesson for us all.

[Here’s a racy picture of her — no pun intended!]

Photo: Jill Iscol and Angella Nazarian, Los Angeles When I was...

Wed, 13 Jun 2012 20:49:07 -0400

Photo: Jill Iscol and Angella Nazarian, Los Angeles

When I was a young teenager, transplanted from the Middle East to the U.S., I was searching. While raising my kids, teaching at the university and going about my life, I was searching. Even before I knew what I was looking for, I was searching.

I sensed early on that I needed markers and role models in my life who could inspire and lead me to a life that I always wanted to lead for myself.

As I come to think of it, if there has been one common thread weaving itself throughout my life, it has been my search for connecting with people who embody a passion for life and a genuine yearning to live a life of meaning.

All of us need role models at every stage in our lives since we are constantly reevaluating our lives and redefining our roles. Sometimes we need to search outside of our immediate circles for that spark of inspiration.

This is why I embarked on writing a book on visionary women called Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World — to inspire us all to reach higher and dig deeper.

I recently read a book called Hearts on Fire which showcases the stories of 14 visionary young leaders around the world; and in true Angella form, I seized the opportunity to meet with the wonderful author, Jill Iscol.

I had the great privilege of interviewing her among other visionary women in the field of social impact at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference and felt her story was so compelling that I wanted to do a special interview for MariaShriver.com.

This video highlights the key lessons learned from our discussion on “Visionary Leadership.” No matter where you are in your life — whether you are in the thick of your career, or someone who is contemplating the next step in your life — it is a good time to think about how you want to lead, mindfully and with heart.

Remember, all of us have that seed of greatness within us that we can cultivate for the greater good.

Key Lessons Learned:

Visionary leaders embrace the feminine qualities of leadership as well as the masculine. Demonstrating love, kindness, hope, and patience all have their place in a successful organization.
Visionary leaders demonstrate dignity and respect for all people, regardless of status. “Leveling the playing-field” is essential to connecting, and connecting with others is at the heart of leadership.
Visionary leaders are confident in the power of their vision.
Visionary leaders and not afraid to have confidence in themselves.
Visionary leaders are not afraid to ask for help, and practice this trait often. We as women do not have to feel that we must “go it alone” to get things done. We are not created to be a “one-man or one-woman show.” (We don’t get to where we are going on our own. We get there because of others. – Jill Iscol)
Visionary leaders are open to the idea of recreating themselves, and are not afraid of re-inventing themselves. (Being flexible and generous with the roles we give ourselves is essential in good leadership. – Angella Nazarian)

Click here to watch the entire interview with Jill Iscol. For more information on Visionary Leadership please visit: www.angellanazarian.com or www.heartsonfirebook.com.

Follow Angella’s journey…read her past blogs here.

Reposted from “The Open Field Network” on mariashriver.com

How Vegas Changed the Way I Think About My Mom

Mon, 14 May 2012 15:02:00 -0400

“Well, I am sure I won’t lose you in the airport with the color pants that you are wearing today!” That was my mom’s way of greeting me - and my fuchsia pants - the day I met her at the airport to catch our flight to celebrate her 80th birthday in Las Vegas.

Don’t get me wrong. I took no offense. Us feisty women in the family have no qualms about teasing each other and poking fun of ourselves for a few moments of giddy lightness and laughter.

I kissed my mom on both cheeks, and pursed my lips to stop that defiant smile that was about to come across my face. “Oh. Just you wait until later today when I will wear my electric blue pants I have packed for our trip,” I thought to myself.

You would think most moms her age opt for some calm, relaxing get-away, maybe a trip to a nearby spa. But not my mom! “How about we go to Las Vegas again,” she suggested the week before. Yes, again…for the 7th year in a row that is.

As for me, Las Vegas is simply overwhelming. Who can ever relax with those bright lights, the throngs of people walking around from one hotel to the next, and the ever-present clink clink sound of slot machines? But relaxation is not what my mom is after. She wants excitement.

I remember one year, when we had all gone to Maui on a family holiday, she told us on the second day, “I am all done with this boring place. There is nothing to do but sit around. When can we head back home?” We were sitting in our bathing suits on the white-powder sand beach, in front the gorgeous turquoise water, thinking what is mom talking about?

So, it was no surprise that once again my sister, niece, and I found ourselves chasing after our mom at the Burbank airport this past February to catch our flight to Las Vegas.

“Hurry up. We will miss the plane,” she warned us.

All 5’ 1” of my mom was focused on getting to the gate as soon as possible. We had plenty of time, of course, but that was not the point. To tell you the truth, I have never seen my mom take a leisurely walk or a stroll…ever. She rushes from one place to another, even from the dining room to the kitchen with such determination and agility that you think she is training for a speed walking competition.

At the airport, too, she zoomed to her target location, her torso slanted 20 degrees in front of her, and there she went— armed with the most fashionable version of orthopedic shoes.

From the minute we landed and got into our limo, my mom was full of laughter and jokes. She played the slot machines, and by the way, we made her sit and play on one that had the image of the “Sex and the City” women plastered on the front. She willingly posed and we snapped pictures of her, joking which one of the women she most resembled.

We went shopping and I found her running toward me, waving her hands to get my attention. She came over to show me her wonderful find— a screaming-yellow pair of skinny pants. “Angel, this is so your style,” she told me. “Mom, I think I would look like an overripe banana with these pants,” I responded. And I guess that was enough for her to run back in the racks to look for another find.

We topped off our evening with a five course dinner and wine and headed for the Elvis show at Aria. There I sat next to her and marveled at my mom. She was clapping along with the music and by the end of the show she was up on her feet, dancing and swaying.

Some say people don’t change, but I disagree. My mom wasn’t always this way. She was serious and stern when she was younger. She, like most others, has had her share of ups and downs but what is remarkable is that instead of being bogged down and diminished by the weight of memories, she seems to have made up her mind to be happy.

I call her everyday early in the morning to see how she is doing. For the past few months, I even see some special sparkle in her tone of voice, a real vibrancy to her personality. When I ask her, “How are you?” She answers, “Just fantastic. Great. Even better than you!” She laughs and I laugh along.

But is there something I am missing here? With every year, she seems to bloom into a better, happier person.

“I am turning 80, Angel. Just remember, youth is fugitive. I have no time to cling to the petty stuff. I’ve got to enjoy everything while I can,” she proudly told me the other day when we were booking our flights to Vegas. Who says old age means lack of enthusiasm? Who says you can’t change your attitude about life, even after decades of behaving a particular way?

We had had a full day on our first day in Las Vegas. It was past midnight when we decided to head back to our rooms. This time around, I was sharing a room with my mom, while my sister was sharing a room with her daughter. As I was getting ready to go to bed, I realized that I had not shared a room with my mom for years. Come to think of it, the last time I shared a room with her was when I was eleven years old, and I had just emigrated to the U.S. from Iran.

Shortly after, my mom went back to Iran to help my father liquidate some assets to support the kids who were now living in the states. They ended up getting stuck in Iran for five and a half years, which my mom recounts as one of the most trying times of her life. When my parents finally escaped and made it to the U.S., I was sixteen and a junior in high school.

I went to college and married at age 20. So, in many ways our typical mother-daughter growing up years was cut short at an early age. Then life took over and we focused our attention on what life demanded of us: my mom looked after my father for many years when he was not in good health, and I looked after my own growing family.

Then, before I knew it, here I was—as a 44 year-old, having my first sleepover with my mother in Las Vegas after 33 years.

There was a lot I didn’t know about my mother. For example, I didn’t know my mother moves around so much in her sleep. Nor did I know how intimate it could be to listen to someone’s rhythmic breathing. I got up early in the morning and laid in bed listening to her breathe. The room seemed womb-like to me, and I wondered if this is how babies feel do when they are inside their mothers and the only sound they hear is their mom’s breathing or heartbeat.

By six in the morning, it was getting light outside and I saw that my mom was stirring in the bed next to me. She stretched out her arms and mumbled something in Farsi that caught me by surprise. I knew what she said was not rehearsed and in her daze, she wasn’t even aware that I was in the same room as her.

Even with her arthritic shoulder, her major back surgery, a torn meniscus in her knee and with all the aches and pains that old age brings, she still reflexively mumbled, “Khodaya Shokret”. It is hard to translate this in English, but simply put it means “Thank you God.”

The woman that she is came into clear focus—she is so deeply grateful for the moments in her life that she reflexively even says it before she opens her eyes.

On that trip to Las Vegas, I made a promise to myself that I would hold these precious moments with my mother close to my heart and use them to remind myself and those I love to live each day with gratitude.

*********

Angella Nazarian is the best-selling author of Life As A Visitor (Assouline 2009), and motivational speaker covering topics such as personal growth, identity, and fulfillment. She is also a regular contributor to Huffington Post, More Magazine, Intent.com, and has had her award-winning poetry published in New Millennium Writings, as well as several other works in MO+TH publications. Look for Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World (Assouline 2012) available February 21, 2012.

Strong Women of the Week

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:58:39 -0400

For those of you who follow my blogs, you know that I had been in NY for another book event last week. It really is one of my favorite things to do—to connect with my readers and create a dialogue about topics that have meaning to me. I was lucky enough to plan some meetings with some exceptional women during my stay in NY. Pat Mitchell, who is a pioneering woman in every sense, (she was the first woman to become president of PBS and she also organizes TED Women Conferences) extended an invitation for a lunch and an interview at the Payley Center. I had the distinct pleasure of watching Pat interview Nancy Pelosi. Who would have ever thought that a mother of 5 kids decides to run for office in her 40’s and later become the first female speaker of the house? Her story was really inspirational! I did also get a chance to chat with Pat and talk about the many projects that I am working on in the coming year.

Dina Powell, the director of Global Corporate Engagement for the Goldman Sachs Group, is another dynamic woman that met with. First of all, when you meet her, you think she should be on the cover of some magazine! She is absolutely stunning and at the same time brilliant. What a combination. Dina leaders the 10,000 women program at Goldman Sachs which helps women start up their dream business all around the globe. As a matter of fact Dina had just come back from a trip to Delhi and was energized by all that was happening in women’s start-ups.

I guess you can see that the theme of the week was about strong women. And to cap it off, I made sure I visited Cindy Sherman’s exhibition at the MOMA, which is a must see! For years I have been following Cindy’s work, but I have to admit, I didn’t get some of her photographs. It was only last week, when you see decades of her work, side by side, that you truly grasp the evolution of this gifted artist. And speaking of gifted artists, I paid a visit to the new studio of Shirin Neshat and Shoja Azari. Shirin is indeed a good friend of Cindy’s and I am proud that we have such a prolific artist representing Iranian Women today. Shirin was excited about her upcoming project with Natalie Portman and LVMH for Dior. Her idea for the short film is provocative and insightful. Can’t wait to see it!

With all that was happening all around me, my heart was with a dear friend in Los Angeles. Desiree Kohan was a dear friend of mine who had been struggling to stay alive in the face of stage IV cancer for the past seven years. I knew she was not doing well, and I made frequent calls to LA to check in with her. I came back to LA on Wednesday evening, and Thursday morning I was at her side. It pains me to think that such a vibrant and wonderful human being is no longer with us. I hold her deep in my heart for her courage, her relentless grace, and for the light of her soul. These past few days have not been easy to say the least and this Sunday I will speak at her memorial. I am holding her memory close to my heart as she was a spectacular woman.

Whirlwind New York City Tour

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 14:08:13 -0400

It all started with a red eye flight to NY. “You must be out of your mind to start our such a busy week of book promotion with a red eye flight,” everyone warned me. But for someone like m, who needs very little sleep and is always scrambling for more time, the red eye flight was the answer! No bloodshot eyes or energy drinks for me…I was ready to go! Part of the excitement comes from not knowing how the week unfolds and but a big part of it is connecting with all of the wonderful people I had planned to see.

Diving right in, Monday was an important day. I met with my publishers at their big office in the city — Assouline — to sign three-hundred books in preparation for the two big upcoming events.

I remember a few years back, before my first book was even an idea, going into Rizzoli’s and looking at all the beautiful books on display. I started to think back then how great it would be if I could one day write a book that would be sold in such a special place. Now here I am on my second book tour for “Pioneers of the Possible”, signing many books, prepping for parties, and am able to walk by Rizzoli’s see my own book in the window. It is such moments so personal that nobody sees that have such significance for me. These are the moments that make my heart full and remind me that anything is possible. The power of our dreams and of dedication is the magic that makes all the difference.

Tuesday, March 6th in the evening there was a packed book signing event at the Leila Heller Gallery followed up by a special dinner at the Americano. The very talented Shirin Neshat, photographer and filmmaker, was there as were many wonderful friends and some new faces.

Photo Courtesy: [Tory Burch, Jacqueline Novogratz, Dawn Ostroff, Angella Nazarian, Melissa Berkelhammer via BFA]

Wednesday was another huge day for me. That evening ( March 7th) Tory Burch & Dawn Ostroff co-hosted a glamorous Book Launch Party at Tory Burch’s Flagship store on Madison Avenue. What a delight for the senses! And what a turnout—250 people in attendance. One of the greatest gifts was that Jacqueline Novogratz, who is featured in the book, came and spoke. She is literally changing the face of philanthropy with her Acumen Fund. Featured on the Forbes cover in December 2011, she has created a new model for philanthropy, which combines venture capitalism in industries that support sustainable life in third world nations. For example, brining in clean water to a community, and electricity, etc. It was nothing short of a magical event with some of the most inspirational people that work in media, philanthropy and women’s organizations all there in one room with the same heart beat — to make a difference in the world.

Thursday, March 8th, marked the eve of International Day of the Women. Tina Brown’s Women of the World Summit was in New York and drew in pioneering women from all around the world to speak. Among them, Meryl Streep, Hillary Clinton, Sheryl Sandberg, Diane Von Furstenberg, Leymah Gbowee, and Christine Lagarde.

Hillary happened to speak on the importance of women to living fearlessly. This, yet another common thread weaved through the lives of inspiring women who have changed the world.

I left New York full of inspiration. There were so many precious moments and seeds planted that I know will tie into the greater message of my life… “We really can all pioneers, visionaries and accomplish great things in our own lives”…. But the first step is courage—developing that fearlessness inside of us!

Seven of my dearest friends came on this trip to support me and to celebrate the launch of my new book, which was so kind, and I have to give them a public thank you for being what Arianna Huffington refers to as “my fearless tribe”. This is a group of women who all support one another in pursuit of our dreams, and are always there to celebrate one another’s achievements. Thank you my dear friends — you know who you are!

Photo Courtesy: Nadia Mateen [Angela Nahai, Angella Nazarian, Nadia Mateen]

The BRAVE Collection: Where Fashion Becomes Social Action

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 01:01:00 -0500

Fashion, jewelry and accessories have been used socially for generations to help others understand a part of our story. In some cases, it becomes like a second skin, reflecting our values, passions, interests, or industry. Whether artistic, formal, protective, casual or ever-changing — our fashions are always leaving clues and whispering hidden messages of who we are, or who we want to become.

THE BRAVE COLLECTION, created by Jessica Hendricks is a line of bracelets with a message of its own. Made of sterling silver, 14k gold and recycled brass bombshell castings from the Cambodian Civil War, the bracelets proudly display the word “Klahan” which means “Brave” in Khmer, the language of Cambodia. After being charmed by the sweet designs of the bracelet, the obvious questions that arise are “what does that say?” and “what does it mean?” propelling the inquisitor into the heart of a terrifying and tragic story, one that’s all too real, but one that offers a call to action that can be as simple as wearing the fashion.

Now for Jessica’s story…

Jessica was an English teacher working abroad in Thailand. Having the opportunity to take some side trips, she ventured into Cambodia and fell in love with the culture and people until she learned of the horrible human violations plaguing the country as a result of the sex-trade industry. Amongst the horror stories, she learned that Cambodia is among the worst solicitors of sex slaves, and although now a global problem, Cambiodian children, especially girls, are among the worst targeted. Like all sex slaves, they are stolen or traded and sold for enormous profits at the cost of their personhood. According to Jessica’s research, girls as young as four years old are being sold to brothels, are terribly abused, and sometimes forced to serve up to 30 “clients” a day. Unable to escape these enormity of the problem, she came back with a vision to make a difference. She discovered Cambodian schools and artisans that offered exploited women new opportunities, and this was perfect point of connection for her and the dream in her heart to take shape. Jessica’s company has helped bring girls and women over to New York to be a part of “THE BRAVE COLLECTION” team. This happens when brave individuals like Jessica unite to create awareness. She has developed a beautiful line, and given voice to a cause that needs our immediate attention. By wearing the bracelet, one not only supports an ethical, love-driven business, but helps share the story and raise awareness.

For me, Jessica Hendricks is a pioneering woman. Her passion to make a difference is contagious, and it’s one of the markers of a successful leader. This coincides with a message I’ve been passionately pursuing in my own life journey. I’ve just released my second book “Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World” (Assouline), with the desire to encourage women to live their best lives, and follow the guidance of their conscience, regardless of how difficult a journey it seems. “Pioneers of the Possible” is a collection of stories of women who in their own right, have changed the world to make it a better place for us all, and what better examples can we give ourselves than the inspiring stories of other great women?

For more information on Jessica and “THE BRAVE COLLECTION”, please visit: www.thebravecollection.com and to learn more about other pioneering women, please visit http://www.assouline.com/9781614280392.html or my blog at www.pioneersofthepossible.tumblr.com

The First Week of Pioneers of the Possible Book Launch

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 16:49:46 -0500

I woke up Tuesday morning especially early. For those of you who know me, it is of no surprise when you receive an email from me at 5:30 am! For the past few years, I have been waking up automatically at 5am, and quite frankly this is the only time in the day that I feel I can get uninterrupted work done. So just imagine, here I was—wide awake at 4:30 in the morning, in the pitch dark—thinking of my big day ahead. Yes. It was my book launch celebration that Tuesday.

I tiptoed out of my bedroom to my home office and saw a message flashing on my screen. Women’s Wear Daily had just printed a full-page article on my book, Pioneers of the Possible, the very day of my book launch on Tues. Feb. 21^st! I hoped that this wonderful review is a good omen for things to come for my book—my labor of love for the past 2 years.

You never know how a book is received by the public; as a writer you do what is most fascinating to you and you only hope that you transfer that excitement to the reader. That Tuesday morning, I stepped into the SLS Hotel to find 350 eager readers and supporters greeting me.

I don’t know if I have the words to describe the special bond one creates with the reader; but most certainly it is an intimate one, because the book becomes a medium for both the writer and the reader to take a journey together.

People who have been following my blogs, who had read my previous book were there in full support. And may I add with such enthusiasm that there was a certain kind of electricity in the room.

I not only have created a bond with my readers, but I also have formed a special connection to the 20 pioneering women I have showcased in the book. While researching their lives, reading their memoirs and going over interview clips, I felt as if I was getting to know a new friend, or an admired mentor. Their lives, their presence in the world inspired me. I posted their pictures on a board in my office and wrote down the quotes that resonated in my life.

My wish is that Pioneers of the Possible, and the lives of these visionary women around the world opens that door for the readers to once again take that special journey of discovery with me. These are stories of hope, resilience, creativity, and the joy in celebrating the achievement of women.

Carmen Amaya: Flamenco Dancer — Gypsy Queen

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:11:32 -0500

Swirling fabric at lightening speed, clicking heels and dramatic movements, Carmen Amaya, known both as a Spanish Gypsy dancer and singer, was electricity in human form. Her movements were magical, capturing her audiences, and catapulting them to an almost otherworldly place.

Born in the Somorrostro slum of Barcelona in November of 1913, she would go on to inspire a generation of Flamenco lovers both nationally and abroad. She began as a child, and would perform with her father accompanying her in the guitar in the waterfront bars in Barcelona. Then, in 1919 she made her debut in Paris and was warmly received with great accolades. In 1936 she would move to America where she had the opportunity to dance on the silver screen in “Romeo and Juliet” and “Los Tarantos”. She was then invited by then US President Franklin Roosevelt to dance in the White house in 1944, and also by President Harry S. Truman in 1953. It seemed that everywhere she danced, she won hearts.

Although perhaps not the most famous dancer known today, Carmen Amaya was one the most loved and admired of her genre and time. She had the respect of presidents and the public in America, France and Spain. Her life story reminds us that talent and passion know no economic or social boundaries, and that when nurtured and put on display, doors open, and a new journey for life can enfold.

Margaret Thatcher: If You Want Anything Done, Ask a Woman

Mon, 26 Dec 2011 18:10:00 -0500

“In politics, if you want anything said, ask a man — If you want anything done, ask a woman.” — Margaret Thatcher 1982.

Margaret Thatcher, known best as the ‘Iron Lady’ and former Prime Minister of Great Britain (from 1979-1990), will forever be remembered as the United Kingdom’s most powerful Prime Minister since the days of Winston Churchill.

She entered government during difficult times, and is largely credited to turning things around. Labor Unions were on strikes for various reasons, and the nation’s economy was facing recession. As the first ever woman Prime Minister, and leader of the Conservative Party, Margaret Thatcher put a plan into action. She privatized public housing and formerly nationalized enterprises such as coal, iron, steel, gas, electricity and water supply, and restricted some of the power of trade unions. Her riskiest move of all was the way she tried to control inflation. She believed inflation was a disease of money and only controlling the money supply could cure, and that she did. During her tenure, inflation fell from 27% in 1975 to 2.5 % in 1986.

She never lost an election, and won wars — most notably the Faulkland Islands. She forged a key alliance with President Ronald Reagan, where Britain and the US became the most powerful allies in fighting the Cold War.

Born into a middle-class family in Grantham, Lincolnshire (13 October 1925), Martha neither knew great lack or great privilege in her youth.

Margaret’s father, Alfred, was the single biggest influence in her life.

He stressed the importance of handwork and duty, and always asked her to form her own opinions on matters. She graduated from Oxford in 1947, with a degree in Chemistry, and was the first in her family to go to University. In 1951 she met Denis Thatcher, a wealthy divorced businessman, with whom she married and had two sons. He funded her continuing education, which enabled her to become a barrister. This man must have been an incredible man for knowing and understanding who Margaret was and supporting her in her dreams. And she was also quite grateful.

When she finally resigned as Prime Minister, she asked the Queen that Dennis not she, be given an honorary title, as Sir Dennis.

As much as she didn’t have many close women friends and enjoyed the company of men, she had no qualms about her identity as a woman. When running for premiership, she explained, “Any woman who understands the problems of running a home, will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.”

Respected by Presidents, World Leaders, and civilians Margaret Thatcher will be remembered as a strong politician who was never afraid to put up a fight for her country. I can’t wait to see the new movie coming out that features Meryll Streep as Mrs. Thatcher. I hear that the movie is not so kind to her, but in the world of politics, even the kindest of women is fair game.

Marchesa Casati: A Living Work of Art

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 19:14:00 -0500

When we think about pioneering women, we think of women who have broken boundaries in different arenas. But pioneering women have many faces. Take for example the first American dare devil woman, Annie Edson Taylor, who was the first person ever to go over Niagra Falls in a barrel. The good news is that she survived, and went on to make a career for herself. Yes, you might wonder “what was she thinking about?” But, there is no rhyme or reason to following what takes hold of you.

Luisa, Marchesa Casati was another one of those eccentric women who marched to the beat of her own drum. And, in the meantime, she became a fashion icon, a muse to many of the most well known artists of her era. She invigorated European fashion, and will be forever remembered by her striking visage, ensembles, and entourage. In 1881 she was born into a world of privilege and grandeur. Her father was given the title Count Amann by King Umberto I himself. An Italian heiress of incredible wealth, her parents died when she was only 13 years old, leaving her and her sister an immense fortune — one that she would spend creating her fantasy dream world.

She bought a grand villa in Venice, which would later become the home of another extravagant woman, Peggy Guggenheim. There she would have some of the most talked about masquerade balls in Europe. Imagine Luisa Casati entering the room in her characteristic cadaverous makeup, shocking red hair, and coal-rubbed-eyes and her fantastical clothing ensembles that resembled costumes. Think Cher 1980s but on steroids! Of course, Cher never dared to walk around town with a leashed cheetah or wear a boa constrictor as a necklace. But Casati’s famous words encapsulate her philosophy on life, “I want to be a living work of art.”

She wanted to create a life and image of herself that was beyond convention, but purely based on imagination. As the famous Laurel Thatcher Ulrich used to say, “Well-behaved women rarely make history,”— and this one-of-a-kind woman sure made an imprint in the annals of history.

Never mind the big parties, and the grand lifestyle, Casati was able to inspire generations of artists, poets, and fashion designers. In September 2003, Karl Lagerfeld provided a portfolio of sketches and photographs of Marchesa Casati for for The New Yorker magazine. Yves Saint Laurent and Tom Ford have also looked to Casati as a muse.

Although I am not one that is drawn to fantastical or extravagant life, I can still appreciate Casati’s choices because she showed a certain kind of boldness and confidence that is rarely seen. The lesson learned here, is that when you are truly being yourself and expressing your individualistic style, there is a level of authenticity that resonates with people. And this, in turn, moves others to do the same.

Becoming an Ageless Joy-hunter

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 14:40:13 -0400

I will never forget that Wednesday afternoon in my writing class where a group of us writers were editing each other’s work. Samantha, a gorgeous woman with an effervescent personality, was sharing a chapter in her memoir. Heads turned when we stumbled upon a paragraph describing her family life and kids. No, she was not a molester; she was not in an abusive relationship; she had a thirty-two year-old daughter!

We are all guilty of this. The minute a mother says how old her child is, we immediately do the math to find out her age. Well, it didn’t take us long. We all looked up in disbelief, and Scott, a fellow writer blurted out, “What? You must be fifty something? I mean, you look fabulous—I mean, you look like you could be 40 or something!”

Samantha looked up and smiled. But, you could tell from the look in her eyes she was dead serious. “Well, I am 53 years old to be exact. And no, I don’t look younger. This is what a fifty-three year-old looks like,” she told Scott.

While I put my head down to smile, I heard the woman sitting next to me say, “Yeeeessss,” under her breath. This was the first time I saw a woman not be flattered by “you-look-younger-than your-age” compliment. Samantha was making a point that nowadays fifty-year-old look fabulous too. Gone are those stereotypical images of 50 or 60 year olds as dowdy women, settled into a habitual and boring life.

So what made Samantha so attractive? For sure, Samantha was endowed with good looks and probably great genes, but what made her particularly attractive was her magnetic presence. To put it simply, she radiated a vitality and love for life that was ageless.

I have been intrigued by this ever since. After having done more than two years of research on an international group of women for my upcoming book: Pioneers of the Possible: Celebrating Visionary Women of the World, one characteristic seems to shine through their remarkable lives. It was Passion.

Passion is that fire inside that fuels us, adds depth to our lives, and brings the glow of vitality on our face. And this phenomenon holds true for all people— and not just women. When Henry Moore, the famous sculptor, was asked why he was still continuing his work so richly into old age, he replied that he had a passion so great that he could never chip it all away.

Indeed those who have a strong life force streaming through their veins seem to go about doing what they love and continue doing it into their old age— quite happily. For example, Martha Graham’s went on her dance company tours well into her 80’s and 90’s. Critics believe that the most joyful work was the one she created at the ripe old age of 96!

Estee Lauder, who built a multi-billion dollar cosmetic empire, worked well into her 70’s and was noted to say, “It wasn’t youth that made me so energetic—it was enthusiasm. That’s why I know a woman of any age has it within her to begin a business or life’s work of any sort. It’s a fresh outlook that makes youth so attractive anyway, that quality of anything is possible. That spirit is not owned only by those under thirty.”

These people were what I call “joy-hunters”—guided not only by the goodness of their heart by the fullness of their courage to take a step after another, to reach beyond the confines of age, background, and cultural conditioning, to become the larger, happier person that they were meant to be.

This does not mean that we should have started a successful career in our youth. As a matter of fact, most successful women tell you that they made sense of their career trajectory in hindsight. While making decisions, they did not have every bit of information to move forward, but they moved forward nonetheless.

Two lessons learned from happy, successful women is that they trust their instincts and they have no qualms about fine tuning or readjusting their direction when it doesn’t resonate with them. Remember: it is much easier to change direction when a bicycle is moving than at a standstill.

Jack Canfield’s book “The Success Principles” offers another piece of good news. He notes that venture capitalists rarely invest in business start-ups, because so many of them fail. But there is one exception. In the case of entrepreneurs 55 years or older, the business odds of success skyrocket. Those who are 55 years or older are “Simply a better risk because through a lifetime of learning from their failures, they have developed a knowledge base, a kill set, and a self confidence that better enables them to move through the obstacles to success, ” Canfield notes.

Anais Nin was very perceptive to note this subtle way we all age: “We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in.

We carry bits and pieces of younger selves into our present life. Perhaps joy-hunters instinctively know how to harness their greatest reservoir of untapped energy later in life.

They dare to dream, listen to themselves, and most importantly give themselves permission to discover those overlooked or underdeveloped parts of themselves that they had no time to nurture, in the hopes of recapturing the lost feeling of being in love with life itself.

Our culture is picking up on the reality that there is no expiration date on passion. One can have it in their nineties, while some loose it in their youth. Finally we are accepting a greater truth: age no longer defines us. It’s time to let our passions do the talking.

Transitions: Why is it So Tough to Get Through Them?

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 19:44:32 -0400

By Angella Nazarian

It is late September and hundreds of wide-eyed freshman girls, all dressed up and huddled in groups of 4 or 5, are lined up UCLA’s sorority row. I take this road often and each fall I am reminded of when I was among those girls once. Nervous and excited, I found myself among thousands of people on a vast campus and I spent most of the first quarter figuring out what I was going to make of myself in this new place.

But last week, when I was driving past the sorority houses and the crowds, I asked myself, “How did time go by?” How can it be that I can still feel so close to that person I was then and yet have a child that is literally the age of the girls that I see before me?”

It feels as if change—or life for that matter— sweeps over us whether we are prepared or not. Research indicates that every 7 years we go through some type of transformation. Moving out, getting a new job and marriage are big markers in our life. At around age 30 we go through another major upheaval where we reassess our commitments. Of course everyone has heard of the infamous mid-life crisis and its seismic changes. However the big misconception is that once we get over the mid-life years, our lives become an unbroken plain of constancy. This is not so.

Transitions are simply the way in which our life unfolds, where we go through a series of expansions and contractions. So if changes and transitions take place at every juncture of our lives, why is it so difficult to accept it?

Change, in its essence, initiates a process of saying goodbye to a part of our lives. And that process triggers a host of responses, some good, and some that will delay or inhibit our growth.

It’s useful to ask ourselves, “What were our experiences in endings before?” How we dealt with childhood transitions and changes may give us insight into how we deal with transitions today. When something in our life comes to an end, old coping mechanisms automatically reactivate and we are dealing with some of our residue feelings and responses from an earlier experience.

For some, change is met with resistance, it triggers old patterns of fear of the unknown, confusion, and insecurity. If we don’t allow ourselves to process these feelings while making transitions, our unfinished business will reappear later on. And we all have had our share of feeling like we are spinning our wheels over and over again.

This explains why then, it isn’t a coincidence that we tend to resist the transition itself, which has to do more sense of self, than the external change. In order for this transition process to take place, we are forced to give up our old pattern of living, mindsets, and ways we respond to ourselves and others. We find ourselves in an unknown territory that in the well known, best-selling book by William Bridges, “Transitions: Making Sense of Life’s Changes” calls “the neutral zone.”

The neutral zone is a place to be embraced and worked through because its a time of emptiness, inactivity, or restlessness. It is an important stage not to be skipped over because it prepares the ground for new growth and activities—a renewed source of energy and identity. It is a place where we learn to see ourselves with new eyes, and become inspired to dream new dreams.

This can be the scariest place for those who don’t deal with transitions easily for it is a place of risk and opportunity. It changes relationships, it challenges the status quo, and leads you to uncharted territory. Our first instinct is to make this distress more comfortable for ourselves. We may revert back to the safety of the way things used to be, or jump into some kind of project, activity or relationship to avoid this awkward in-between stage. But the famous saying is “You have to be lost enough to find yourself.” And as much as we wished we could whizz through this awkward in-between period, we can’t. This period may take weeks or months or even years.

A Rabbi once said one of the wisest words to my son on the day of his Bar Mitzvah, which marks a child’s entry into adulthood. He put a hand on his shoulder and looked in his eye and said, “Remember, my young man, life is about beginning. Yes beginnings. You will have many beginnings such as this in your life.” (To tell you the truth, I thought I needed to hear that message more than him!)

Yes, beginnings too are markers in our journey. It’s important to become aware of the ways in which we personally begin new stages in our lives —is it through relationships, new projects, or does a new attitude first emerge? For some there may be a flash of an “idea” or an “inspiration” or an “image” that tickles us or calls us from a deep place inside.

What works against us is that we often buy into the idea that we should keep the same dreams and aspirations that we had when we were younger. The natural developmental pattern is not for people to keep the same dreams but to relinquish old dreams and generate new ones throughout their lives. Many of us do not come into our own by the time we are well into our 40’s or 50’s. Consider Abraham Lincoln, Ghandi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Walt Whitman — there is a long list of names of famous people who began anew in the midst of adult life transition. So why not us?

I was once asked in an interview, if I had to start over, what would I do differently. I have started over many times; I went from teaching at the university to facilitating women’s groups, and then becoming a writer and speaker. What would I do differently? My answer was not about a change in activity but a change in attitude. I would have been kinder and more patient with myself. I would have given myself more completely to whatever I did, even if they were false starts. I have come to realize that the degree to which we give ourselves away to people, to life and its ensuing changes, the more fully we embrace our own unique journey.

The 'Woman in the Mirror'

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 16:53:00 -0400

It’s been six years that I’ve been conducting women’s workshops. And it was just recently that I sent out this intention into the universe “I want to talk about inspirational topics with women from all different walks of life.”

What fuels my life is being around likeminded women who support me in figuring out who I am. So it was only a couple of months ago when I had gone to visit my publisher in New York that I stole two hours for myself to venture out and see great art.

And Voila! This is what you get: Woman in the Mirror, by Picasso.

There is so much to say about this image that captivated me.

How many times have we been the culprits that limit our own growth? When I first wanted to write a book, all of these negative and fearful thoughts came to my mind —Why would anybody be interested in what I have to say? How dare I change my work from being a psychology professor to becoming a writer! It’s too late. How can I manage the workload with my family’s needs? I’m too old. Am I going through a midlife crisis?—You can just imagine the laundry list of all the reasons I came up with.

I’m sure all of us have gone through this at some point of our lives or another. And magically, when I was doing research for my second book Anais Nin’s quote hit home:

“We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are” — Anais Nin.

As we go through life’s journey, we stumble upon ourselves over and over again —our deepest desires, the important relationships in our lives, our career choices, strengths and limitations, force us to reexamine who we are and where we are heading.

Our life is seldom a straight path, but rather a series of unfolding takings and turnings. Do we check in with ourselves to see if we are headed in the right direction?

In the hopes of creating meaningful dialogue for us women who are embracing the journey, I will be posting thoughts, discoveries and topics that may interest you. But most importantly, I would like to create a forum where we inspire one another to experiencing greater and deeper lives. Just remember, re-visioning ourselves does not require us to tear down all that we have worked for, but to refocus our energies on what invigorates us most.

Here is a great quote to think about “A little change is all it takes to make a big difference,” —Editor at O, Magazine.

-Angella Nazarian www.angellanazarian.com