Panel, Conference Presentation
Coming of Age: Women Rise to the Top
Milken InstituteGayle King, Jane Harman, Donna Karan, Sherry Lansing, Sylvia Rhone, Anastasia Soare, Susan
- Women's influence and representation are projected to increase, with expectations that 102 women in Congress are altering institutional dynamics and that the Me Too movement will drive a revolution where both genders become hypersensitive to actions and words regarding women.
- Aging perceptions are anticipated to shift as 70 is characterized as the new 50, with hopes that society will redefine ages 70, 80, and 90 as distinct from "old" rather than viewing them through a lens of decline.
- Professional competence and excellence are expected to serve as primary deterrents to prejudice, with predictions that individuals at age 60 or older, such as Nancy Pelosi at 79, will perform effectively and that experienced private sector workers may become superior educators in subjects like math and science by age 60.
- Business expansion plans include Anastasia Beverly Hills aiming for global product availability and Urban Zen focusing on healthcare, education, environmental change, and global artisan connections.
- Specific career longevity is predicted for Donna Karan, who is expected to never retire or experience weight gain and skin wrinkling, while Anastasia Beverly Hills is expected to maintain her status as the world's best eyebrow shaper.
- The panel anticipates continued relevance for the "Encore Fellows" program to place experienced individuals in educational roles, believing that confidence is a learned trait developed by overcoming fears and that excellent performance will yield rewards despite any encountered prejudice.
- Future societal trends are expected to favor hiring based on comfort and diversity, potentially benefiting women, while young executives are expected to benefit from doors being opened by the current generation of panelists.
- Risks and fears highlighted include potential alienation due to gender polarization, concerns that men may face judgment by modern standards for past acceptable behaviors, the possibility of Gail Sheehy fearing to let her hair grow gray, and Donna Karan's worry about not being able to work with all global artisans.