Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

March 8, 2021

For International Women's Day, Maine leaders offer advice to the next generation

By Diana Nelson, Black Fly Media

As a journalist-turned-publicist, the weight of my words has always been the centerpiece of what being “good” at my job means. In my 16-year career in Maine, I have been fortunate to meet Maine’s strongest, most influential women and on their behalf, I’ve helped tell their stories with purpose. 

COURTESY / BLACK FLY MEDIA
Diana Nelson is a principal and director of communication at Black Fly Media in South Portland.

I’ve had the unique responsibility of creating national platforms for female leaders to share business accomplishments, advice, industry knowledge and personal stories. 

I am a mother and business owner. I’m raising my six-year old daughter to be extraordinarily kind, but also to speak up whenever necessary. My advice to her and to my strong female creative colleagues: Find the finesse in delivering your opinion and never hold back because you’re afraid of how it will land. You are strong; you are smart; and you know what you’re doing — own it.

It has never been more important to support women in the workforce. As the pandemic continues to present working mothers with challenging choices between their careers and their children, let’s show up for one another. Ask your friend to watch their kids while they work; call your colleague and tell them they’re doing great; ask your neighbor to go for a walk — we are stronger together.  

To celebrate International Women’s Day, I am humbled to share some of the most useful and inspiring advice I’ve received from some of the strongest women I know: 

 “As a woman in a very public role, I used to worry about how my words were perceived. But over the years I’ve learned that as much as words matter, women need to speak confidently, celebrate their individual talents, and know that whatever you are, is enough.” — Meghan Torjussen, anchor for WMTW and 20-year career journalist

“You are ready — that is what I would tell women starting their careers and what I would tell a younger version of myself. In my early professional years and later as the CEO of one of Maine’s largest trade associations, I always doubted whether I’d prepared enough; whether I’d researched enough; whether I’d done enough homework on this issue. What I’ve learned now, after my 35-year career is that if you trust yourself, you are ready too.” — Suzanne Guild, CEO of Maine Association of REALTORs, with 5,600 members and $12.2 billion in revenue

“As a manager in a male-dominated industry, I remind female employees to never be afraid of challenging the status quo. When I started my career in trucking and transportation 20-plus years ago, I sometimes found it difficult to voice my opinion, especially in a larger group. Over the years I’ve learned that giving respect opens the door to earning respect — that matters more than you know.”  — Susan Smith, human resources director at Core-Mark, a Fortune 200 company with 460 Maine-based employees

“Leading starts with listening. You cannot successfully treat a patient or manage a challenging employment situation if your analysis doesn’t start with a sincere desire to learn what’s at the root of the problem. Listen with an open mind and the resolution will present itself.” — Nancy Charlebois. As co-owner of Jade Integrated Health, she has cared for over 50,000 patients in a 25 year career as a physical therapist.

About the author

Diana Nelson is a principal and director of communication at Black Fly Media in South Portland. She can be reached at diana@blackflymedia.com.

Sign up for Enews

Mainebiz web partners

Most Recent

Most Recent

2 Comments

Anonymous
March 20, 2021

Outstanding Diana!

Anonymous
March 8, 2021

To recognize and appreciate greatness in our female colleagues makes you a truly great champion of professional feminism.

Order a PDF