Friday, December 5, 2008

Spice Pages & Best of the Season!


I am captured by the sight of star anise resting on top of whole allspice, cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods and whole cloves. Mulling Spice! I think of the gallon jug of mulled wine still under the kitchen sink and know that this 100 gram package is not necessary – in fact not even needed but the aroma guides my hand and I purchase the package. I tell myself “I will find a use for it during the upcoming holiday month.” I may simmer it slowly on the stove while I write cards and letters to family and friends. I may simmer it as I reflect on the past year and the work that we have accomplished to develop women’s leadership.

The new By-Donation approach to services for women leaders has been well received since its launch in late August of this year. We are making a difference.


Canada has slid 13 places to number 31 out of 130 countries on 2008 the global "gender gap index." The biggest contributor to our slide is the low levels of women’s political participation in public office. I offer a special “thank you” to all the women leaders who have supported the Terrill Welch – A Woman behind Women pledge goal for Joy’s List through the By-Donation approach to leadership services launched in September 2008. We have achieved 118% success, and there is still another $200 to be posted!


The second supported charity, Pedder Bay Residents Society, listed on the By-Donation website page has received over $1,000 in just three months. Though the residents of this community lost their Supreme Court case, their homes, and their community itself – they have made a huge contribution to bringing the issue about how the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act (“consumer protection legislation”) does not protect homeowners who rent in manufactured home parks. Your donations have helped Pedder Bay Residents pay for the prohibitive costs of bringing this issue to the public’s attention.


Together we are stretching our wings. This year has seen Terrill Welch- A Woman behind Women receive greater International exposure through Gaia and World Leadership Day. I am honoured to continue as the World Leadership Day Ambassador for Canada and I look forward to celebrating this year’s theme “beyond the surface” on March 20, 2009. I am thankful for the technology that allows me to work with women leaders globally.


Together we are taking centre stage. Workshops such as Discover How to Lead with Brilliance were over-subscribed, speaking engagements like Ditch the Feminine Super Heroes for Authenticity were well-received and Vision Practice Retreat participants left asking for more of such programs. Already, a request has been made for a provincial presentation -- Untapped ROE – increase women in senior management -- in May 2009. Plus a waitlist is started for those interested in the second vision retreat, to be offered at the end of February. Each time I engage an audience about the strength of women’s leadership I am reminded how we can make a difference.


Together we are preparing to shape our future. Individual leadership coaching clients have their New Year’s brag ready and their January leadership coaching sessions are scheduled. I want share a comment from a senior woman leader that warms my heart more than any mulled wine could ever hope to:


If I haven't told you enough - I am enjoying this process SO much and have found it incredibly helpful in reducing my stress, improving my productivity and raising my self awareness and confidence! What a gift that has been, and I sincerely thank you for bringing that into my life at a very important time. I look forward to what's ahead in our work together.


So in all these ways, I celebrate with you. I celebrate and share a special Gernot Katzer’s Spice Pages with you at http://www.uni-graz.at/~katzer/engl/index.html . Spices have a long global and noble history – just like women’s leadership!


Enjoy! And thank you for your part in this year’s success. Thank you to those who have purchased services, made donations, provided technical and professional support, spread the word through your networks, and sent notes of appreciations. I truly believe that together we can do anything and I am looking forward to the upcoming year as we find new and creative ways of working together.


Best of the holiday season!


Terrill Welch
Executive Leadership Coach


© 2008 Terrill Welch, All rights reserved.