Marsha L. Clark - Embracing Your Power: A Womans Path to Authentic Leadership and Meaningful Relationships

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Copyright 2021 by Marsha L. Clark

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Embrace Your Greatness by Lynette Ann Lane. Copyright by Lynette Ann Lane.

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First Edition

This book is dedicated to my grandchildren, Georgia, Jackson, and Margaret. May they live in a world where women and girls are valued and treated equally.

W hen I was in the process of developing the Power of Self Program more than twenty years ago, I sought and received plenty of feedback. To my knowledge, there was nothing in the market similar to what I was designing. I passionately shared my vision of what elements the program would be comprised of and the benefits it would offer to participants, their organizations, their clients, and society on a larger level. I would describe the responses as fitting into two distinct categories. The first category was avid support and a belief that I could make it happen. The second was more of great idea, and good luck with that. The skepticism was palpable. Both were most helpful. The former gave me the courage and confidence to keep going. The latter prepared me for the naysayers, critics, and less-than-willing prospects that were an inevitable part of selling the program.

I would like to start by thanking my family. My husband Dale was an extraordinary supporter and teacher. He helped me to see things from a male point of view that was instructive rather than superior. He spent many head and heart hours encouraging me, helping me find my courage when things were scary, and keeping me balanced when I found myself on the extreme edges. My son Brent was part of the Clark team. He offered a perspective that reflected a younger generation. He eventually even participated in forums where he described the experience and the value of being a supportive and strong man by acknowledging and valuing the contributions of women on all fronts. Brent married his wonderful and powerful wife, Claire, and they are now parents to my three amazing grandchildren: Georgia, Jackson, and Margaret. Admittedly, they are my extra special lab experience. I see them playing out some stereotypes and contradicting others. They make me proud and give me hope for a future world that values women and girls as amazing and valuable contributors the world over.

My extended family also includes Natalie Hollingsworth and Misty Moore. They are my left and right hands. I could not do what I do without them. They organize my life, support all aspects of the business, and are truly good people who live the values and principles described in this book. A special thanks to Clete Smith for his encouragement and unwavering support.

The people who helped design and develop the program that led to this book are: Denice Autry, Nadine Bell, Janice Burres, Brent Clark, Jennifer Cobo Cannon, Michelle Davidson, Ann Cohen, Mary Dean, Nancy Long, Ann Lau, LeeAnn Mallory, Renee Moorefield, Phil Novick, Kathy Palmer, Denise Renter, Lynne Sheppard, Tracie Shipman, and Lynn Womble. This team was instrumental in making sure we covered the right topics in a way that resonated with women. They did curriculum reviews to find or create the best content. They helped design the interactive exercises and the helpful tools. They were a great team to work with and made sure we got the job donethe job of creating a superior quality learning experience.

My associatesboth coaches and facilitatorsreflect the very best. They are pioneers in their own rights and ensured we kept the principles of the Power of Self current and rich. They are: Michelle Adams, Rita Andrews, Eddie Batten, Patricia Berger, Jane Cocking, La Rue Eppler, Dottie Gandy, Denise Kirkman, Judith Leibowitz, Anne Litwin, Peg Long, Lee Ann Mallory, Amber Mayes, Mary Lou Michael, Renee Moorefield, Patricia Parham, Cindy Pladziewicz, Valerie Prater, Denise Renter, Lorna Rickard, Tracie Shipman, Amy Rojas, Susie Vaughan, Suzanne Zaldivar, Suzanne Zeman, and Meridan Zerner.

I also want to thank the many great leaders I worked for at Electronic Data Systems (EDS): Jeff Heller, Dean Linderman, Jim Meler, Gary Rudin, and Stuart Reeves, in particular. You taught me so much and believed in me when I didnt believe in myself. And you afforded me opportunities to lead in ways I could never have imagined. I would be remiss if I didnt thank Peter Koestenbaum. Though he wasnt an EDS employee, he was an amazing mentor to me while I was there. He deepened my knowledge and my skills regarding leadership. I also want to call out the great team I had in my first account executive role. I called this time a leaders Camelot experienceall things were so good! My time at EDS shaped my leadership beliefs and principles, and those have served me well in my lifetime.