A.S.A.P. As Southern As Possible
Being a Southern girl in the business world can be difficult at times. Balancing my friendly, carefree spirit with my ambitious drive and professionalism leaves some people confused.
Sometimes I feel like it weirds them out. It’s like they aren’t used to people actually caring about what they have to say about anything besides work. It’s not like I am asking them about their deep emotional insecurities. I just want to know what your hobbies are and maybe how exactly you got the name “Ester” or “Frankel”?
As times change and the roles of women change I think we all need to make sure that we don’t lose the personality and characteristics that make our culture so great. We must have a balance. It is an art and can not be forgotten.
Now, I am no feminist but I do know and have seen the power and influence women have on society. This is because women are relational beings. We were made for conversation. I feel that women in the South have an ultimate advantage - Charm and Intelligence.
There’s nothing like it anywhere else. Where else can you be having a meeting with someone and one minute be talking about business development strategies and then the next talking about a great new recipe you tried the night before from the Junior League cookbook? Southern women are well-rounded as well as too the point. We are social ninjas - all our front porch, brunch after church, Social Inc. experiences have socialized us to be this way.
I have met a variety of people over the years. I have lived in other countries, cities, poor, rich and middle class neighborhoods and one thing will always remain the same - Have a genuine interest in others, listen to them and you will be surprised at what you will experience. I love knowing what makes people tick, what motivates them and makes them get up in the morning - and if that is what makes me a Southerner then we need more of us in the world. So I will continue to be thankful for “split personality” for now and see what good it may (or may not) cause later.
