I wanted to address something that has come to my attention recently – the fact I have hired a male speaker for our NH Conference for Women in November. Why on earth would I do such a thing – after all, this is a women’s conference?! Believe me, I did contemplate how this would be received. But the fact of the matter is, Jack Canfield is world renowned and holds the record for the most number of books at once on the NY Times Bestseller List (7).
I have always vowed to bring the women of the WIW community the best – the best quality, the best of me and my leadership abilities, the best speakers, the best events and so on. He is a personal and professional development master. He is the one that many in his industry have looked up to and learned from. I know how much Jack has touched my life through his writings in The Success Principles and thought he could do the same for you with a presentation based on this book.
I realize that male speakers dominant events – almost every event you go to has male speakers. Women’s conferences should try to feature women. I get it. But honestly, this isn’t about men or women. It is about the best. In this genre, Jack is the best. He will be delivering a keynote and workshop but women presenters will round out the day! The conference is about “education, transformation and celebration.” I can promise you that our goal will remain the same – no matter who is the speaker.
Warmest regards,
Leslie Sturgeon, WIW Founder
P.S. To read more about Jack and the NH Conference for Women, please head over HERE.
My other website: Access4Employment.com
My 5 female colleagues/ consultants will NOT be attending because of your MALE keynote. If females learned from him and succeeded then THEY should be sharing their story. There are amazing / intelligent female professional and personal development leaders and you obviously didn’t look far. Disappointing.
I appreciate that you took time to share your opinion. Thank you.
Leslie, we have yet meet, however, when I saw your post on my facebook news feed I was excited to read about the event. I have read many of Jack Canfields books and admire him. His presentation was a big part of my decision to join and attend the November 13th event. It is short sighted to not realize all that he can bring to both men and women alike. Looking forward to connecting to all of you.
This is going to be an awesome event. I can’t wait. I think it would be short sighted to not consider a powerhouse like Jack for this event. Good move Leslie!
Thanks so much for the feedback, Kathryn. It is shaping up to be a fantastic event.
I have been looking forward to hearing from Jack Canfield ever since he was announced, and I appreciate the fact that once again, you have sought out an absolute star for us this year. The criteria for selecting a keynote should be the message the speaker delivers, and executives and entrepreneurs would be hard pressed to find a more appropriate source. I am looking forward to attending this event.
Thanks, Pal. My goal has always been to bring everyone the best and there is no denying Jack is the best in this arena. For those who are offended, I wish they would be open to experiencing his awesomeness with us.
You’ve brought us some pretty phenomenal females speakers in the past but the thought of having a male speaker be disappointing would have never crossed my mind. I’m thrilled you’re bringing Jack to us, Leslie – thank you!!! The day I decide I can only be inspired and grow from women will shut me off to some pretty incredible people and experiences.
Thanks, Alicia. You have been one of those inspirational women who has wowed our audience before so happy to know that you would not be offended to share the stage with a man. xoxoxo
Leslie, do not be discouraged by others who are not open to enthusiasm, growth and nuggets (read: boulders ) of knowledge from both genders. While I welcome and enjoy women keynote speakers, I feel that pouring a concrete line in the sand of never mixing opposite sex speakers is disingenuous to the group. WIW says “Peer to Peer support for women business owners and professionals in a diverse and positive atmosphere.” It doesn’t get much more positive than Jack Canfield. I have learned not to be judgmental of others choices, it is from that place where I can be in my best sense of self. Thank you Leslie, for the opportunity to learn from an amazing man-person. Can’t wait until the date!
Warm regards,
Laura Blundo
So well said, Laura. I truly appreciate the time you took to share your thoughts on this matter!
Men can empower and lift up women, just as women can empower and lift up men. What a person says and how they inspire people is what it’s all about. Their gender shouldn’t matter. It saddens me to think anyone might miss out on something potentially life changing, both for themselves, and for their businesses, because of the sex of the keynote speaker. WIW is such an incredible organization and I can’t say enough for how wonderful this group, and their events, have been for me and my business! Thank you, Leslie, for ALL that you do!!
I simply adore and appreciate you, Laura!
Leslie, I always gain inspiration from you and the other members of this group but no matter the gender of who is providing the inspiration, it is what you take away from it. Jack Canfield has inspired millions through his writings and the fact that we get “face time” with him for three hours is a great gift. Thanks for giving us that opportunity, and I can’t wait for the conference.
Best regards,
Kim
Thanks so much my friend. I appreciate it!
As a speaker myself, I certainly hope that I get hired based on my message and ability to inspire people; not because I am female. Likewise, it would bother me if an event disqualified me *because* I am female. You have correctly (in my opinion) placed message and inspiration above gender, and I see that as a very good thing. Randy Pierce was actually my favorite speaker of this event last year (even though *gasp* he’s a man.) Perhaps the people who aren’t actively involved in the WIW community don’t realise what a tough decision this was for you, that you did solicit feedback many times, and that you put forth considerable effort to find a female speaker who was available and within a budget that makes this event accessible to us. And oh — lest we forget — you got Jack Freaking Canfield to come to NH! It’s going to be awesome and the right people will be there! 🙂
There are no words for how grateful I am for you, Charlene 🙂
Leslie, I guess all can say about the first woman’s blog is. She has no respect for all that you do. No one has to go to an event if they do not like something or someone. You are not twisting there arms. You can not please everyone,, but I will say that, you have please more ladies and gentleman over the past 5 years. You know who your friends, colleges. Pretty sad they are not open minded. Lov ya See you soon
Leslie,
Thank you for all the speakers you have brought us over the years. Anyone who attended the conference last year and listened to Randy Pierce’s story knows that having a man at a “women’s” event isn’t about gender. Being able to hear Jack Canfield’s inspiring message is at the heart of what you bring to your membership–inspiration. Anyone who feels differently will truly miss out. Thank you for being the force to bring Jack to Manchester, Leslie!
Although I respect and can understand that some people may want a group titled, “Women Inspiring Women” to use only women speakers, I have no problem with a man speaking at the conference, if he is proven to be a huge supporter of women succeeding, which Jack Canfield certainly has done many times over. I believe he will be an invaluable speaker and a rare treat!
As a woman, an advocate of women, an event planner and inspirer of young women, I totally support your choice … especially in light of the theme of the conference being ” education, transformation and celebration”. Jack is the perfect choice. Five years ago, I attended my first live event, Breakthrough to Success, with Jack when I was going through a personal and professional transformation. I was profoundly inspired and my life was forever changed. He is, by far, the most powerful, authentic, heart centered, inspirational and transformational speaker and leader I have ever seen. His work is powerful and needs to get to our young people and the women who nurture and influence them. Today I am honored to be one of his certified Success Principles trainers and to serve on his training team. His work has the power to transform and inspire not just NH women, but, literally, the planet. Thank you for bringing Jack to our home State. I look forward to attending!
I just registered to become a member of this amazing g group of woman! I am so excited to meet many of you on November 13th at the conference! I just wanted to share with you all that my company had the pleasure of Jack Canfield speaking at our National Convention in 2013 and all I want to say is he is AMAZING!!!! To think that he is actually coming to NH, kudos to you Leslie for being able to have such an amazing speaker come to NH! Great Job!!! I just wanted everyone to know you need to be sitting in the seats when Jack Canfield is speaking!!! I can promise you all that just his inspiring words, passion for people and just being “real” and speaking from the heart you will love him!
Hi Leslie
Congratulations and well done for taking a stand on making an executive decision to bring the best of the best to your conference. I receive Jack Canfield’s newsletter and voila there in his calendar is your event. I am so excited that I found out before it is too late. I will be attending and intend to round up some more enthusiastic power women to come with me. I am also purchasing a booth to exhibit my women and youth empowerment programs and books. Excited to attend. 👏👏👏👏💃💃💃💃💃💃
Greetings Leslie,
I just registered for the conference due to your choice of speaker. Jack Canfield is someone i have
wanted to hear for ages. Thank you for striving to present expertise we all will benefit from.
Congratulations. I am looking forward to my first WIW event.
Ms Sturgeon,
I am still coming off the high from attending today’s very inspirational conference. I would like to point out that I was in the absolute minority today. Yet, I am weighing in because of how great Jack, Teresa, et al, were today! Which I am absolutely sure that feeling was shared by everyone present. And although I am not a Member of your organization, I am very thankful that I was not precluded from attending just because of my sex!
Thank you very much, and I look forward to hopefully joining your mailing list so I can participate in any ‘open’ sessions going forward!
All my best,
Glenn Klink
Hey Glenn – thank you so much for taking time to post this comment (and for coming to the event!). I appreciate those who are open minded enough to come to a women’s focused event and listen to a male speaker. We are all in this crazy life together, no matter our gender. Please do come and join us again!