On January 21, Pollen and the Bush Foundation hosted Part I of the Work Redux event series to inspire women to ask questions, spark discussion, and challenge cultural assumptions behind ambition. Taking the topic of the workplace into a vulnerable conversation, the attendees of Work Redux: Ambition closely examined the roll of ambition in Jennifer Ford Reedy’s career as well as their own. Below you will find insights harvested from the event as well as a a form to include your own responses to questions posed to Jennifer. Pollenites, help us continue the conversation.


A transcript of Jennifer Ford Reedy sharing her relationship to ambition: 
About eight years ago I was pushed by a mentor to think about what I wanted to be. I took some time to respond, and came back and told her that I really wanted to be the president of the Bush Foundation. She said, well that’s very specific. It was. But it just so happens that it has worked out for me. I didn’t actually say I am going to be the president of the Bush Foundation, as the write-up for this event states—that is a little stronger than what I would have said. But what that exercise did for me, was give me a vision of what I wanted to be. I really didn’t think it would ever work, at the time. In the past, I had done things that I liked, and I tried to do a good job, and it was all working out okay. But I was not making decisions towards a stated, specific goal. So by saying this is what I want, I was able to picture my path to that goal. And then I did make decisions differently in my career.
So have a goal. But don’t necessarily tell everybody about that goal. I didn’t tell everybody my goal. The most important thing is that you tell yourself. You are the most important person to sell on your dreams. However, you are better off to open up to someone who you can be truly honest with. Perhaps you say, I want to be “this.” Ask, What is the distance between where I am and what I want to be? Question what you need to do in your career to position yourself to be able to realize your goal.
There is a reasonable chance you could isolate yourself if you speak about your ambitions openly. If you do speak to someone who is a naysayer, please try to think of that as a challenge. If someone does not believe in you, let that reinforce your plans for what you need to accomplish in order to follow your dreams. Proving them wrong will feel even better.
I can tell you, when the first draft came for this event, and I saw the word “AMBITION” with Jennifer Ford Reedy, I thought to myself—I am not ambitious. My stomach was sick at the idea of the word connected with my name. And then I had to question why I had that reaction. Why would I feel that way? I have always wanted to do big things. That is ambition, right? So why did I have a problem with that word? I think it is because the word is not kindly associated with women. A woman’s ambition is thought of as negative. If not something you experience in your own career, you see it elsewhere. So much analysis is thrown at us telling us this is true, so we might actually believe that without having had experienced it ourselves. So I think there must be care in how you speak about your ambition. Make sure you have an ally to talk through your ambition. There are plenty of allies out there. If you have concern about how it may come across, say that. But there is nothing wrong about finding someone you can trust and asking them to talk with you about your dreams in order to make sure you are making good decisions for your career.

Seven remarkable women asked Jennifer questions during the event. Provide your responses to their questions, and Pollen will publish them on February 15.  
Nicole Harrison asked
What advice do you give women about stating huge dreams that seem unattainable and how do you tell them to handle the negative comments of people saying “that can never be, that dream is too big” etc.

Diane Fittipaldi asked
 
Why is ambition a value we (men or women) should strive for?


Neese Parker asked

What is the biggest struggle you have faced within your
line of work in regards to being a woman?

Nausheena Hussain asked
As a Muslim, Indian, Hijab wearing female, I rarely see anyone who looks like me in very high leadership positions. Sometimes this translates to “maybe I can’t attain that” or “it’s impossible”. So, how can I be what I cannot see?

Rinal Ray asked
What are your greatest challenges in leading authentically? How do you overcome them?

Courtney Algeo asked

I know a lot of women who have both a successful career and a wonderful family, but looking towards my immediate future as a new mother in a new job, it feels oddly terrifying knowing that I need to step away from my position for a time to focus on something that’s more important. I’m wondering if you have any advice or encouragement for career-focused women who make the decision to maintain their workload while starting a family.

Irene Fernando asked
Can you speak about the concept of maximizing inclusion and diversity within the workplace as it relates to women who lack opportunity or privilege?