Regroup

Six years ago, I asked a couple of my cohorts at work to join me for grass roots networking and camaraderie. They are all fantastic women, working in a very male dominated environment. I had worked with each of them in some form or fashion, though, because I've had a few different roles in the company, many did not know each other.

I chose them carefully - not to ensure they all got along (though, I knew they would) - but because the dynamic of a group like this is vital to its survival. So, the criteria:

- Intelligent
- Strong
- Funny (or, at least, able to recognize and appreciate humor)
- Company-minded
- Compassionate
- Trustworthy

As an introduction, I sent an email to them all... sharing a little about each one:

Lynn - scrappy, from North Carolina, was poised to become a California Highway Patrol when she lived in San Francisco, but they couldn't handle her (ask her how she got kicked out...). She joined us through Fritz.

Mary - a reluctant debutante, raised in New Orleans, can detail financial and marketing moves we've made through the years, but would much rather be discussing LSU sports and JazzFest.

Eileen - a retired Army Major (joined before she graduated from High School) from Idaho who can hit a target from over 1000 meters... and has the target paper in her office to prove it. She's one of 9 kids (8 of whom joined the Army like their parents). Don't mess with her IT systems.

Brace - Atlanta native - vivacious, stylish, crazy and the best person for the job when customer entertaining is involved. In a word, Personality.

Gloria - Hailing from Detroit, Shopping and her Jack Russell are her hobbies. IT management is her role. She looks unassuming, but beware of any woman who can kick box and keep impeccable nails. (ask her about the door slamming incident...Priceless)

Nora - From Illinois...She's in Ocean Freight Marketing and getting her MBA. Quite possibly the funniest person I know.

Jill - She has an IE mind and works with customers. Originally from South Carolina, she has bubbly personality for sure - she loves traveling and tennis. Wicked serve.

There were 14 total and the group was great. We gathered pretty regularly just to share our experiences with people who truly understand. With Marketing, IT, Finance, Real Estate and Solutions and an age range of low 30s to upper 50s... it was a great group. Over the years, a couple have left the company, others were moved to new locations, and the group stopped being able to meet as often. But, the relationships remain. We've had consulting lunches to discuss the best choices on handling 401k and stock, we've used connections not in place previously to resolve company items and a deeper partnership was formed.

It makes me proud to see the relationships started in this group continuing in other areas. So, now, some of the old group has moved back to my location and a few replacements have been found. I'm starting it up again. I believe in these women and the power of relationships in large organizations. It doesn't hurt that they are also fantastic people.