Page 72 - How We Lead Matters

Reporting for Duty

Within months after the 9/11 attack, I received a letter from the White
House asking me to serve as chair of the National Women’s Business
Council, which advocates for women business owners with the U.S.
Congress and the President.
My sense of duty ran deep, but how could I possibly do this at a time
when my company was suffering so greatly? Few American businesses weren’t
affected, but it was a particularly paralyzing moment for the travel industry
and would remain so for some time to come.
As it turned out, Madeleine Albright really made the decision for me.
In a casual conversation with her at a women’s leadership breakfast, I men-
tioned my dilemma. In a very matter-of-fact way, she recited all the “extrane-
ous activities” she was involved in while serving as Secretary of State. Feeling
somewhat sheepish, I accepted the President’s invitation the next day.
I led the council for the three-year term, and, in the process, I met
hundreds of accomplished and caring women business owners who inspired
me with stories about their struggles for access to health care, capital, mar-
kets, and mentoring. I learned that 99 percent of all businesses are small
businesses—truly the economic engine of our country. As the CEO of a
multi-billion-dollar global company, I was humbled and privileged to stand
with small business owners in support of all of us who have chosen business
as our life work.
Looking back, I am grateful that I didn’t wait to raise my hand until it
was convenient. Rather, I served my country when it called—not when I
could squeeze it in.

Marilyn Carlson Nelson 55