Autumn Greco (left) and Moira Forbes (right)

I had the honor of sharing my top takeaways from the 2016 Forbes Women’s Summit in today’s Clover Letter.  Click here to view the newsletter. If you aren’t already subscribed to Clover Letter, the incredible daily newsletter for teenage girls, click here!

The article is reprinted below:

The Forbes Women’s Summit is an annual event that brings together approximately 300 women from diverse backgrounds to participate in meaningful dialogue, learn from one another, and redefine power as we know it. Having the distinct honor of being a member of this formidable group, I found myself amidst women who have impacted history—along with the change-makers of today’s society. The space full of innovators and leaders bustled with entrepreneurial energy, globally focused awareness, and a spirit of sorority in purpose. Here are my top takeaways from this event.

“SLAY THE BATS.”
Ambassador Samantha Power, U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations, spoke about confronting and overcoming self-doubts. Power compared her self-doubts and inner thoughts to a bat cave. In order to “slay the bats,” you have to overcome inner negativity. Begin moving past self-doubt by becoming an expert in one thing. Becoming an expert in something meaningful to you will give you the strength to defeat negative thoughts. Sometimes we hold ourselves back from taking risks because an inner voice tells us not to do so. Trusting your knowledge will give you the confidence to raise your hand, speak up, and reach great success.

Don’t look back.
When asked by Steve Forbes about what she would change if she could advise her younger self, Sarah Jessica Parker replied, “I wouldn’t change any of it.” The actor, producer, and businesswoman sees her disappointments and failures as crucial lessons in her personal development. She learned from her experiences and propelled forward to experience greater success…including all the breakups and agony.

Transform the normal.
Ashley Graham, model, entrepreneur, and body activist, passionately explains how we all wear power differently, yet there are still expectations and constraints that set the norm. “I refuse to be told what I’m capable of,” she asserted. The way we think of our ambitions can redirect the course of our lives. By refusing to embody certain labels, we are redefining the new normal and living beyond expectations.

Money matters (and not just how you think).
“It’s not about change, it’s about evolving.” Rosie Rios, Treasurer of the United States, believes currency is a means of documenting our history. “If what we see on currency isn’t us, how can we dream?” Women depicted on currency will evolve our society into one that is more inclusive and reflective of its diversity. Unconscious bias stems from the invisibility of women in certain career fields. Rios pointed out the lack of women on classroom posters. Representing the women who have positively influenced history enables us to accept the possibilities of opportunity and, ultimately, the way our world works.

Set a bold vision.
Ivanka Trump (who serves as Trump Organization’s Vice President of Acquisitions & Development as well as the founder of her own clothing line) gave her definition of success. “For me, success is about being fulfilled both personally and professionally.” Passion in the workplace will lead to success on a professional scale and happiness. Setting a bold vision includes blocking out the noise while staying solution-oriented.

How do you #RedefinePower?

THANK YOU FORBES!