Tag: leadership

My #BlogHer13 Conference Recap #1 – My “Lean In” Moment

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Connecting with new friends Pauline Campos and Sherri Good at the BlogHer 13 Expo Hall on July 25 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL
Connecting with new friends Pauline Campos and Sherri Good at the BlogHer 13 Expo Hall on July 25 at the McCormick Place in Chicago, IL

Happy August! Happy Friday!

Last week, I attended the 9th Annual BlogHer Conference held at the McCormick Place and Sheraton Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. What a time I had! It was intense, inspiring, and informative. That’s why I decided to write several blog recaps.

lean-in

Today’s blog recap is about my “Lean In Moment.” The theme is based on Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s book Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead and the impact of her BlogHer Conference interview with Lisa Stone, BlogHer Co-Founder and COO, on July 27. For more information, watch part one and part two of Tracy Baim’s video of the interview.

hotmommaauthorbadge

I read Sandberg’s book earlier this year. It took me a full weekend to inhale her words and wisdom. Her book was filled with many golden nuggets I have used in my life and shared with other women. It also inspired me to write and submit a case study entitled “Lean In and Listen to Yourself” for the Hot Mommas Project. As a result, I was recently named a 2012-2013 author for the Hot Mommas Project case study library.

Sheryl Sandberg and Lisa Stone
Sheryl Sandberg and Lisa Stone

When I learned Sandberg would be a BlogHer keynote, I was thrilled! Here are the key takeaways I received from her interview with Stone.

  • Believe in yourself.
  • I am unapologetically a feminist (inspired by Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments and one of my virtual mentors from the 1990s).
  • Reach for any ambition.
  • Ask yourself what would you do if you weren’t afraid, and then reach for those ambitions.

At the end of her interview, she challenged audience members to write what they would do if they weren’t afraid on paper signs her LeanIn.org provided, take photos with the signs, and tweet and post the photos on LeanIn.org Tumblr. I loved the challenge. Check out the statements I wrote below.

My "Lean In" Statement
My “Lean In” Statement

Writing these statements helped me get clearer on what I really want to do with my passion, gifts, energy, and time. My next step is to lean in and publish my Digital Sisterhood book (you know the one I have been writing since 2009 — what a journey!), create space in my life to write more books and create art, and plan when I will cut my locs and grow my Angela Davis afro (will probably happen during my 50th year on earth which is fast approaching in 2014 — maybe even 2015).

What would you do if you weren’t afraid?

What are you leaning into?

UPDATE: BlogHer posted a full video of Sheryl Sandberg’s interview. Click here to watch it. Also, check out a video of BlogHer’s Lean In Circles session held at the 2013 conference. Enjoy!

#BlogHer13 Social Media Leadership – Meet Enchantista

Posted by on in Ananda's Speaking Events, BlogHer13, digital sisterhood, Digital Sisterhood Leadership ArchetypesLeave a comment
BlogHer.com
BlogHer.com

Calling all BlogHer 13 attendees! Be sure to check out my 30 minute talk on “What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? on July 26 and 27. During my talk, I will introduce the seven Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes that have helped me understand the leadership roles women play in social media. Today, I would like to introduce you to the Enchantista, one of the Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes.

Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com

An Enchantista is a woman who taps into the magic of her spirit as she focuses her energy, opens her heart, trusts her intuition, embraces her fears, and shares her gifts in service to others.

DSoftheyear300

During Digital Sisterhood Month 2012, the women listed below were named Digital Sisters of the Year – Enchantistas. Recognize any familiar names?

Enchantista Manifesto Collage by Ananda Leeke
Enchantista Manifesto Collage by Ananda Leeke

While writing my upcoming Digital Sisterhood book, I created manifesto collages to better understand each leadership archetype. Check out the Enchantista’s key phrases.

Do any of the words resonate with you?

Are you an Enchantista?

#BlogHer13 Social Media Leadership – Meet Flowista

Posted by on in Ananda's Speaking Events, BlogHer13, Digital Sisterhood Focus Group, Digital Sisterhood Leadership ArchetypesLeave a comment
BlogHer.com
BlogHer.com

Calling all BlogHer 13 attendees! Be sure to check out my 30 minute talk on “What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? on July 26 and 27. During my talk, I will introduce the seven Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes that have helped me understand the leadership roles women play in social media. Today, I would like to introduce you to the Flowista, one of the Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes.

Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com

A Flowista is a woman who unplugs from her digital life and tech devices for periods of time so she can recharge and take care of herself; and encourages women to unplug from their digital lives by incorporating mindfulness and self-care practices.

DSoftheyear300

During Digital Sisterhood Month 2012, the women listed below were named Digital Sisters of the Year – Flowistas. Recognize any familiar names?

Flowista Manifesto Collage by Ananda Leeke
Flowista Manifesto Collage by Ananda Leeke

While writing my upcoming Digital Sisterhood book, I created manifesto collages to better understand each leadership archetype. Check out the Flowista’s key phrases.

Do any of the words resonate with you?

Are you a Flowista?

 

BlogHer13 Social Media Leadership – Meet Lifestylista

Posted by on in Ananda's Speaking Events, BlogHer13, Digital Sisterhood Leadership Archetypes, LeadershipLeave a comment
BlogHer.com
BlogHer.com

Calling all BlogHer 13 attendees! Be sure to check out my 30 minute talk on “What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? on July 26 and 27. During my talk, I will introduce the seven Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes that have helped me understand the leadership roles women play in social media. Today, I would like to introduce you to the Lifestylista, one of the Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes.

Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com

A Lifestylista is a woman who lives her life as a work of art; expresses it through her passion for beauty, entertaining, fashion, food, home décor, personal style, and travel; and inspires others to live their lives as works of art.

DSoftheyear300

During Digital Sisterhood Month 2012, the women listed below were named Digital Sisters of the Year – Lifestylistas. Recognize any familiar names?

Lifestylista Manifesto Collage by Ananda Leeke
Lifestylista Manifesto Collage by Ananda Leeke

While writing my upcoming Digital Sisterhood book, I created manifesto collages to better understand each leadership archetype. Check out the Lifestylista’s key phrases.

Do any of the words resonate with you?

Are you an Lifestylista?

#BlogHer13 Social Media Leadership – Meet Creativista

Posted by on in BlogHer13, Digital Sisterhood Leadership ArchetypesLeave a comment
BlogHer.com
BlogHer.com

Calling all BlogHer 13 attendees! Be sure to check out my 30 minute talk on “What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? on July 26 and 27. During my talk, I will introduce the seven Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes that have helped me understand the leadership roles women play in social media.

Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Today, I would like to introduce you to the Creativista, one of the Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes. A Creativista is a woman who gives birth to creativity (art, books, films, products, services, and webisodes).

DSoftheyear300

During Digital Sisterhood Month 2012, the women listed below were named Digital Sisters of the Year – Creativistas. Recognize any familiar names?

creativistacollage

While writing my upcoming Digital Sisterhood book, I created manifesto collages to better understand each leadership archetype. Check out the Creativista’s key phrases.

Do any of the words resonate with you?

Are you a Creativista?

#BlogHer13 Social Media Leadership – Meet Evangelista

Posted by on in Ananda's Speaking Events, BlogHer13, Digital Sisterhood Leadership Archetypes, Digital Sisterhood: Fierce Living Online for 25 YearsLeave a comment
BlogHer.com
BlogHer.com

Calling all BlogHer 13 attendees! Be sure to check out my 30 minute talk on “What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? on July 26 and 27. During my talk, I will introduce the seven Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes that have helped me understand the leadership roles women play in social media.

Meet Evangelista, a Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetype. Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Meet Evangelista, a Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetype. Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com

Today, I would like to introduce you to the Evangelista, one of the Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes. An Evangelista is a woman who supports and advocates a philosophy, a values system, a lifestyle, a cause, or a campaign that improves her life and others’ lives.

DSoftheyear300

During Digital Sisterhood Month 2012, the women listed below were named Digital Sisters of the Year – Evangelistas. Recognize any familiar names?

Evangelista Manifesto collage by Ananda Leeke
Evangelista Manifesto collage by Ananda Leeke

While writing my upcoming Digital Sisterhood book, I created manifesto collages to better understand each leadership archetype. Check out the Evangelista’s key phrases.

Do any of the words resonate with you?

Are you an Evangelista?

#BlogHer13 Social Media Leadership – Meet Empowerista

Posted by on in Ananda's Speaking Events, BlogHer13, Digital Sisterhood Leadership Archetypes, Digital Sisterhood: Fierce Living Online for 25 Years2 Comments
Photo Credit: BlogHer.com
Photo Credit: BlogHer.com

Calling all BlogHer 13 attendees! Be sure to check out my 30 minute talk on “What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? on July 26 and 27. During my talk, I will introduce the seven Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes that have helped me understand the leadership roles women play in social media. Today, I would like to introduce you to the Empowerista, one of the Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes.

Meet Empowerista, a Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetype. Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Meet Empowerista, a Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetype. Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com

An Empowerista is a woman who creates and curates content, shares information and experiences, connects with others and establishes positive relationships, and builds and participates in communities that empower her and others.

DSoftheyear300

During Digital Sisterhood Month 2012, the women listed below were named Digital Sisters of the Year – Empoweristas. Recognize any familiar names?

Empowerista manifesto collage by Ananda Leeke
Empowerista manifesto collage by Ananda Leeke

While writing my upcoming Digital Sisterhood book, I created manifesto collages to better understand each leadership archetype. Check out the Empowerista’s key phrases.

Do any of the words resonate with you?

Are you an Empowerista?

I’m Talking About Social Media Leadership at #BlogHer13 – Meet Empirista

Posted by on in Ananda's Speaking Events, archetypes, BlogHer13, Digital Sisterhood Leadership ArchetypesLeave a comment
BlogHer.com
BlogHer.com

In a few weeks, I’ll be talking about social media leadership on July 26 and July 27 at the BlogHer 13 Conference in Chicago, Illinois. “What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? is the title of my 30 minute talk. During my talk, I will introduce the seven Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetypes that have helped me understand the leadership roles women play in social media.

Meet Empirista, a Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetype. Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com
Meet Empirista, a Digital Sisterhood Leadership archetype. Photo Credit: Leigh Mosley – http://www.leighmosley.com

Today, I would like to introduce you to the Empirista, a woman who thinks of herself as CEO of her own corporation, ME, Inc.; maintains an entrepreneurial mindset; and gives birth to ideas and transforms them into businesses, economies, institutions, networks, and organizations that add value to people’s lives.

DSoftheyear300

During Digital Sisterhood Month 2012, the women listed below were named Digital Sisters of the Year – Empiristas. Recognize any familiar names?

Empirista collage by Ananda Leeke
Empirista collage by Ananda Leeke

While writing my upcoming Digital Sisterhood book, I created manifesto collages to better understand each leadership archetype. Check out the Empirista’s key phrases.

Do any of the words resonate with you?

Are you an Empirista?

Ananda’s Talk on Social Media Leadership Coming to BlogHer 2013 in July!

Posted by on in Blogher Conference, BlogHer13, Digital Sisterhood Leadership Project, Leadership, Social Media LeadershipLeave a comment
Photo Credit: BlogHer.com
Photo Credit: BlogHer.com

Happy Digital Sisterhood Wednesday!

I am really excited to share that I will be giving a talk on social media leadership at the BlogHer conference on July 26. What Type of Social Media Leader Are You? is the title  of my presentation. The presentation will give me an opportunity to share my thoughts on social media women’s leadership and to introduce the Digital Sisterhood Leadership Project to a larger audience. I am so grateful to the BlogHer team for giving me a platform to share my leadership thoughts and work.

The BlogHer 13′ conference will mark my fifth year of participation. BLOGHER-WOW! It’s gonna rock! So get ready Chicago!

Ananda speaks at Spelman College’s Leadership & Women of Color Conference

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Social Media Panel featuring Roland Martin, Patricia Cesaire, James Andrews, and Ananda Leeke — Photo Credit: Lauren Brown Jarvis

Greetings All!

Last week was filled with Georgia peach sweet adventures during my trip to Spelman College’s Leadership and Women of Color Conference, a professional development opportunity for women aspiring to be leaders as well as those who are in leadership positions. The conference theme was “Leading with Purpose.” It was organized under the leadership of Dr. Jane E. Smith,  Executive Director, Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement at Spelman.  Click here to learn more about the conference.

My favorite moments from the conference included:

  • Hearing Dr. Beverly Tatum speak about composite mentoring during the conference opening.
  • Interviewing Tiffani Gatlin, founder of Tastemaker Magazine on day one of the conference. Click here to listen to the interview.
  • Attending the Book Fair and speaking with my digital sister Deborah Owens, “The Wealth Coach,” about her book, A Purse of Your Own (and having her sign my copy of the book!)
  • Hearing Dr. Tatum talk about H.O.P.E. = Having Optimism Produces Effort. Timeless wisdom!
  • Chatting with Dr. Nicole LaBeach and purchasing her book, A Woman’s True Purpose at the Book Fair (getting the Choose Yourself t-shirt too!).
  • Meeting people like Nicole Roberts  Jones, CEO of iDEFINE, during the Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner.
  • Listening to the empowering words of the Legacy of Leadership awardees Shinae Chun,  Former Director, Women’s Bureau, U.S. Department of Labor; Evelyn Lowery,  Founder, SCLC W.O.M.E.N.; Monica Pearson,  News Anchor, WSB-TV, Channel 2; and Vivian Stringer, Women’s Basketball Coach,  Rutgers University.
  • Chatting one-on-one with Vivian Stringer about social media after the Legacy of Leadership Awards Dinner.
  • Having breakfast with my new digital sister Lynn Shareef, a proud Spelman alumna.
  • Learning from Dr. Kym Harris,  President & CEO, Your SweetSpot Coaching & Consulting, during the Coaching Breakfast.
  • Being inspired by the Testimonies from the Field session featuring Kathleen McGhee-Anderson (Spelman Alumna),  Writer/Producer, TV/Film/Theater; Alisha  Thomas Morgan, Georgia State Representative (Spelman Alumna); Tisha Tallman, President  & CEO of the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of  Commerce; and Jue Wong, CEO, Astral Health &  Beauty, Inc.
  • Attending a leadership development workshop facilitated by Tai Beauchamp,  CEO/On-Air Host, BluePrint Group, LLC.
  • Meeting Dr. Tatum, Dr. Jane E. Smith, and Patricia Cesaire, Director of Social Media at Black Enterprise.
  • Seeing the Faith Ringgold exhibit at the Spelman Museum of Fine Art during one of the breaks. AWESOME! Ms. Ringgold is one of my favorite artists. Love her memoir too!
  • Hanging out with some of my favorite social media peeps: Lauren Brown Jarvis (Spelman student), Lauren Thomas, and James and Sherrelle Andrews.
  • Sharing my experiences and lessons learned as a blogger and the Digital Sisterhood Network founder during the Social Media Panel.
  • Spending time with the awesome Spelman Media team: Tomika DePriest, Terrilyn Simmons, Joyce Davis, and Kia Smith
  • Meeting my new NYC sistalove Theresa at the end of the conference and chatting about our favorite moments.
Social Media Panel – James Andrews, Ananda Leeke, Patricia Cesaire, and Roland Martin

On day two of the conference, I served as a panelist for the Social Media Panel – Purposeful Posts: How Social Media Can Shape Your Leadership Brand.  Click here to learn more about the panel discussion.  Journalist Roland Martin moderated the panel.  Patricia Cesaire, Director of Social Media at  Black Enterprise, and James Andrews, Founder of SocialPeople.TV, served as panelists.  During the panel discussion, I shared my experiences as  a blogger and the Digital Sisterhood Network founder, insights on taking care of yourself online with a digital diet, tips on how to use social media tools, and the power of women online.

Check out several tweets about my comments below.

Lynn Shareef
Lynn Shareef‏@lynnshareef

#anandaleeke it’s about the quality of the social media conversation

SC Women of Color
SC Women of Color ‏@SpelmanWOCConf

.@anandaleeke advises us to take good care of ourselves. You can overdose on social media. Go on a social diet. #SpelmanWOCC #fb

Beverly Daniel Tatum
Beverly Daniel Tatum‏@BDTSpelman

@TastemakerMag RT! @anandaleeke says sometimes you have to be on digital diet #SpelmanWOCC

Joyce E. Davis
Joyce E. Davis‏@enjoyceinglife

@anandaleeke scheds tweets & says shes #radioshack girl likes real cameras > #instagram, sold 4 $1B-@jamesandrews #SpelmanWOCC #SocialMedia

Spelman College
Spelman College‏@SpelmanCollege

@awarriorssoul: @anandaleeke determines her tools based on where she is, how much time available, quality of convo #SpelmanWOCC #socialmedia

Spelman College
Spelman College‏@SpelmanCollege

RT @JSmithSpelman: @anandaleeke says she has suffered from #tech schizophrenia but also goes on digital diets  #socialmedia #SpelmanWOCC

mikkdepriest
mikkdepriest‏@mikkdepriest

@anandaleeke says writing her first book led her to blog. #SpelmanWOCC

Dr. Jane Smith
Dr. Jane Smith‏@JSmithSpelman

#digitalsisterhood is the brand @anandaleeke has developed via her #digitalsisterhood network. #SpelmanWOCChttp://via.me/-17jmtak

Lynn Shareef
Lynn Shareef‏@lynnshareef

#spelmanwocc woman are a powerful presence in the digital world #anandaleeke digital sisterhood! 69million strong

Jacquie Hood Martin
Jacquie Hood Martin‏@Jhoodmartin

#AnandaLeeke says take time away from social media as not to become ‘a social media schizophrenic’ it’s ok to back away #SpelmanWOCC

Jacquie Hood Martin
Jacquie Hood Martin‏@Jhoodmartin

Women view the Internet like its ‘social tv’ we use it as a mean of community and connectivity says #AnandaLeeke #SpelmanWOCC

Here are more photos from the conference. Enjoy!

Ananda, Joyce Davis, and James Andrews
Roland Martin and Tomika DePriest
Tastemaker Magazine founder Tiffini Gatlin and Ananda
Tai Beauchamp’s Leadership Development Workshop
Ananda and Deborah Owens