In the wake of one of the most anticipated debates of the season, every Washington commentator is eagerly weighing in on both sides. While debating Palin's credibility was all the rage this week, and her folksy image the target of the tabloids, I shall pass on judging her performance in contrast to a senate icon.
I'll say this – on the issue of work life balance or concerns, both have faced personal challenges which might make them more conscious on this topic. In a touching moment, Senator Biden aligned himself with those who understand what it is like to struggle as a single parent. He refered to his own family tradgedy when his wife and daughter were killed in an accident in the 1970's. We know of Palin's personal world as well. Her baby son was born with Down syndrome.
Beyond that, without further comment, I'm bagging the idea of deconstructing the debate in favor of bringing attention to some other powerful women who have a steady track record rocking the boat, while being at the top of their game. (That's not a jab at Palin, but instead, an offer through a different lens.)
Fortune just came out with its list of the 50 most powerful women in business. Here' are the top five whose careers have soared. Upon examination of the company websites associated with these women, you will see common threads in their workplace programs:
1 Indra Nooyi - PepsiCo
2 Irene Rosenfeld - Kraft Foods
3 Pat Woertz - Archer Daniels Midland
4 Anne Mulcahy - Xerox
5 Angela Braly - Wellpoint
All of these companies offer some sort of work life balance initiative, flexibility or wellness programs that take the concept of integrating the working and living experience very seriously. One might argue that with women running these organizations there might be a sensitivity to the work life "merge" and the need for balance while juggling the job and family. But that characterization runs short. Remember, these women were singled out in their careers for business performance. Regardless of whether these women are moms or run families - the welfare of their employees (their human capital) is clearly valuable to them.
One may only be able to make an anecdotal case as to whether such work life programs are impacting the bottom line, but you don't have to do a deep analysis to figure out that these women are doing something right. Just ask the people over at Harpo which is headed up by Oprah Winfrey. She came in at number eight.
