The #TimesUp movement addresses the systemic inequality and injustice in the workplace that has kept women from reaching their full potential. The group, powered by women, partner with leading advocates for equality and safety to improve laws, employment agreements, and corporate policies to help change the face of corporate boardrooms and the C-suite. The leadership should reflect the actual world we live in.
Some statistics show 1 in 3 women ages 18 -34 have been sexually harassed at work. 71% of these women did not report it. Nearly 50% of men think women are well-represented in leadership companies where only one in ten senior leaders is a woman. More than one-third of the world’s countries do not have any laws prohibiting sexual harassment at work – leaving nearly 235 million working women vulnerable in the workplace. Time’s up on the imbalance of power in the workplace.
Michaela Boruta, of Boruta Consulting LLC, and Holland Haiis, Speaker, Author, and Connectivity Expect in NYC have joined forces to empower women to speak up and rise up. They have created a full day event entitled “Build On Your Success – Professional and Personal Development.” This event is to empower women in the workplace by giving them the tools to enhance their careers. These tools also transition into personal development as well. We spoke with Michaela and Holland about their thoughts on the #TimesUp movement and how it inspired this conference.
- The #TimesUp movement is gaining traction in the U.S. How are you involved in spreading the aims of the organization in your work?
Our conferences educate women to further define and refine what they want from both a business and personal perspective. The focus is on this moment in time, and how to use their voices for change. When women examine what is not working in life, both on the professional and personal level, this creates an opportunity for change to take place. For example: modifying how women perceive one another and their value within an organization. And by the way, women are more collaborative by nature, however with conditioning we’ve become unsupportive of one another.
- Tell us a little about the program of keynote discussions at your event?
We’re very excited to share ‘Leading With the Power of Connection’. This content will change your life and rock your world. Anyone interested in living and working more “human” needs this ground breaking information. It’s pivotal to understand the elements which give us a deeper connection to ourselves and each other.
- Can men come too?
YES! Why not? (Laugh)
- What else is available at the event?
Setting goals that get results. This is placing the emphasis on your goals and we’ve got a system that shifts your mindset so you can successfully change behavior. This takes a person from planning and preparation to the point of ACTION.
- What do you think are the biggest challenges facing women in the workplace in 2018?
A closed mind.
- Why do you think it is necessary to put on events to empower women?
We actually started before the “Time’s Up Movement” with the belief that everyone deserves to be empowered. As two women we know what it’s like to feel overlooked and disrespected, so why wouldn’t we help other women?
- How would you describe the mood in the U.S. that led to the rise of the #TimesUp movement?
Let’s simply say this is a pivotal point in our history.
- What skills do you think are vital for a woman in the workplace?
Clear communication, positive body language, and the idea that women can be confrontational without creating conflict.
- What do you mean?
Most women haven’t been given the skillset and the internal strength of confronting a team member or an employee, in an assertive and yet positive way, without all the drama. And this skillset translates into our personal lives as well.
- Would you consider doing the same workshop in other cities around the country or in Slovakia?
Yes, are you inviting us to have an event in Slovakia? We’ve had a tremendous amount of positive feedback on the event so we have decided to grow the brand and offer the event in other cities around the globe.
For more information on setting up an event in your city contact Michaela Boruta Michaela@borutaconsulting.com or Holland Haiis Holland@hollandhaiis.com
Peter Fritz
Photos: You Me We Photography