In honor of International Women's Day 2014, some advice I would give my younger self, and often do give to both young women and men.

1. Advice to My Younger Self
International Women’s Day 2014
Katrina Klier
@KatrinaKlier

2. Professional Women in 2014
Norway has the highest rate of women on boards at 41%.
The US is merely at 17%.
Sources: Catalyst; The Atlantic; Stanford University; National Women’s Business Council
US Women, employed full time, earn only 77% of what
their male counterparts do.
57% of Bachelors and 60% of Maters degrees are
awarded to women.
28% of all non-farm businesses are owned by women.

3. I was fortunate to have
great mentors and role
models.
Now, being in a position to
help a new generation of
very talented women…
some advice to my
younger self.

4. Breaking molds is how the world
gets better.
Never let anyone else define your dreams or tell you
your dreams don’t matter, are too hard, need to be
sacrificed for something else, etc. Live your life, not
some life defined by others.

5. Never be afraid to lead.
When your industry is undergoing massive, ground-
breaking change, insert yourself square in the
middle of it and lead.

6. Don’t Fear Fear.
Fear simply points out where you need to give
yourself a pep talk or learn something new. It is
useful and need not be limiting.

7. Embrace the power of femininity.
You will often find yourself in meetings where you are the
only woman in the room, but you will have more guts than all
the men put together. Let that be empowering rather than
frightening.

8. Let your intelligence by inspiring.
Never cede to requests to “dumb it down”
and instead be inspiring so others want to
learn and catch up to you.

9. Ask for what you need and want.
In business, men (or anyone in a position of seniority) are not
the enemy, but they often do need guidance to know how to
help you, so be specific and ask for what you want and need.

10. You’re not intimidating,
you’re brilliant.
Brilliant men are simply called
brilliant.
Brilliant women are often
called intimidating.
If you are called intimidating
disarm them with a warm
smile and say “Well I’m very
good at what I do. Thank you.”
Don’t accept the intimidating
label – it is overused describing
brilliant, talented women.

11. Authenticity is irresistible.
Be the bar others aspire to reach.
You will do this simply by being yourself.

12. Rest is strength.
Rest is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of strength
that you know when and how to reenergize yourself.

13. You are not a
stereotype.
Being decisive does not make
you a bitch and knowing what
you want does not make you a
diva – instead it means you are
smart, focused and passionate
about your goals.

14. Be a modern leader and
lead like a woman not a man.
Kindness and compassion do not make you weak, instead they
are some of the most powerful capabilities a leader can have.

15. Gratitude is essential to success.
You will have a big, amazing life and be blessed with
fantastic people in it. Be grateful for this; dream big;
and never stop learning new things.

16. Katrina Klier
@KatrinaKlier