Summary: When you hear the word “networking,” what comes to mind? If it’s a speed-dating-like frenzy where everyone seems to be out for themselves, it’s understandable if you don’t find that appealing. <br><br>But what if you, a woman, were part of a group of women who offer encouragement and ideas? What if you belonged to this women-only group that really “gets” you because they’re in the same boat? That starts to sound a little better, doesn’t it? <br>I’ll dive into a real-world example of such a group in a moment and explore why you’ll benefit from a group of like-minded women because this week’s episode of The Delicious Story covers my interview with Janet Huston. <br><br>A quick search of the web reveals numerous networking groups themed around the concept of women supporting women for specific professions and lifestyles. More and more women from all walks of life are opting into groups where the question isn’t “What can you do for me?” but more “What can I do for you?” <br>These women’s groups are part mentoring, part professional development, and all about building strong friendships that can go the long-haul. <br><br>In 2016, “The Shine Theory” was coined by writers Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman based on the principle of mutual investment. The idea is that “I don’t shine if you don’t shine.” The focus is to raise each other up in recognition, and particularly women among women because in doing so, this support benefits everyone. <br><br>Back in the 1980s, Janet was a freshly-minted attorney in a male-dominated profession who could see the benefits of forming a support group for female lawyers. Although Shine Theory wasn’t the popular concept of the day, Janet and other female lawyers in her community realized they needed each other to succeed going forward. <br><br>It was a man’s world when Janet became an attorney. She describes the push-back she encountered when dealing with her male counterparts and the lack of female judges in Iowa at the time. The climate wasn’t easy, but rather than wallow, Janet was inspired to help other women in her profession. <br>One repeated condescending phrase from Janet’s boss echoed in her ears so loudly for so long that she determined to claim it and turn the table to raise up women attorneys. Together, for more than 30 years, the “Bright Little Lady Lawyers” have joined with each other for an annual luncheon of friendship and wisdom. <br><br>CHICKEN SALAD, ALMOND COOKIES, AND THE FRIENDSHIPS THAT KEEP THEM COMING BACK<br>No matter how much has changed for women, reports of imbalance persist in the workplace from bad bosses to biased co-workers and lousy pay. But for those women circling 30, Janet explains how the challenges were more pronounced in the 1980s. And so the group began. And, as you’ll learn, it’s continued to meet each year, forming and maintaining friendships which have lasted decades.<br> <br>The challenge to find balance in personal and work lives is a challenge inherent for women of a highly competitive and demanding career. Janet explains how some women have been invited to the luncheon for years before their personal demands transitioned enough; they could join with their sisters of the law to connect and brainstorm. <br><br>The Bright Little Lady Lawyers have prevailed, and their numbers have increased in tandem with the swelling number of women who continue to pursue law.<br><br>For professionals who are agenda-driven, the annual luncheon is a welcome respite. No speakers are organized. No program is created. Women gather as friends and cohorts to talk about their work and their lives with those who share the experience. <br><br>The menu has not changed, however, and in fact is a prominent feature of the event. Janet lovingly details the food served, which is its own fixture of the event—warm chicken salad, pineapple bread pudding, mandarin cabbage salad, and pale almond cookies are all out for the picking. <br><br>So,...
