Part 5: Barbara’s Mission to Mentor
Barbara had spent her life breaking down barriers, ascending the corporate ladder with grit, determination, and a sharp mind that cut through every challenge thrown her way. She shattered glass ceilings, broke stereotypes, and earned her place in boardrooms that had once been the exclusive domain of men.
But now, after decades of fighting the good fight and retiring from her high-powered career, Barbara felt an unexpected and profound shift in her purpose. The drive that once pushed her to climb higher in the corporate world was now urging her in a different direction.
She wanted to give back in a way that would have a lasting impact, to use her wealth of experience to empower the next generation of women leaders.
Her new dream was to create workshops for young women, not just to teach them the mechanics of business, but to guide them in navigating the often treacherous waters of the corporate world without losing their sense of self.
She envisioned a program that would arm these young women with the tools to stand tall, speak confidently, and claim their rightful place in any room. She imagined seminars filled with energy and inspiration, where she could pass on the wisdom she had gained, helping these young women avoid the pitfalls she had encountered and find their own paths to success.
But the idea of starting this from scratch was daunting. Despite all her accomplishments, the thought of building something so personal, so close to her heart, left her feeling vulnerable in a way she hadn’t experienced in years.
“I know business,” Barbara said, her usual confidence wavering for the first time at the MistressMind meeting. “But I’ve always worked within a company. I don’t know how to create something from the ground up, especially something so personal. What if I can’t reach them? What if I fail?”
“You’ve got all the knowledge,” Betty said, her voice steady and reassuring, “and the experience. You just need to package it in a way that’s accessible and relatable. Think about what you would have needed when you were their age—how would you have wanted to learn?”
“And that’s where storytelling comes in,” Ginger added with a nod. “You’ve got a lifetime of stories that these young women need to hear. It’s not just about teaching them business skills—it’s about showing them that they can succeed on their own terms, that they don’t have to compromise who they are to get ahead.”
“But how do I get them to listen?” Barbara asked, her brow furrowed with concern. “I’m not exactly the most relatable person—my career was in finance, not exactly the most exciting field for young people.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Linda chimed in, leaning forward with conviction. “Young women need to hear from someone who’s been there, done that. You’ve faced challenges they can’t even imagine, and you’ve come out on top. That’s powerful. Your story is exactly what they need to hear—because it’s real, and it’s proof that they can make it too.”
“And we can help with the marketing,” Marge said, her voice bubbling with enthusiasm. “Maybe start with a free seminar at a local community center. Get some testimonials, build some buzz, and then start charging for your workshops. You can create a real movement here, Barbara.”
Barbara nodded, feeling the wheels begin to turn in her mind. “And maybe I could partner with colleges or high schools—get in front of them early, before they even enter the workforce. Show them the ropes before they’re thrown into the deep end.”
“Now you’re thinking,” Carol said, smiling warmly. “And when you’re ready to scale, we’ll be here to help you every step of the way. You’ve spent your life leading teams—this is just a different kind of leadership, and you’re more than ready for it.”
As Barbara listened to her friends, a sense of relief washed over her. She had spent her entire career proving herself in a man’s world, constantly pushing to be seen and heard. But now, with these incredible women by her side, she realized that she didn’t have to do it alone anymore.
Together, they could build something extraordinary, something that would empower young women for generations to come. And for the first time in a long time, Barbara felt excited, not just about what she had accomplished, but about what was yet to come.