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Will Saying “no” Cause You to Be Less Successful? These Entrepreneurs say…”NO”

A Hot Mommas Project 2008 study – supported by the GWSB Center for Entrepeneurial Excellence - shows that women who are more balanced believe they are more successful.  While many entrepreneurs, particularly female entrepreneurs, make constant lists of goals, to-dos, and family/life plans what is LESS clear is: What DON’T they do? Event information follows:

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In celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week

The Hot Mommas Project presents:

The “To DON’T” List

PRIORITIZATION Secrets of Top Entrepreneurs

High-drive individuals make constant lists of goals, to-dos, and family/life plans. Here’s what is less clear: What should we can say “no” to? This authentic panel uncovers the secrets of successful, busy, and happy entrepreneurs who have learned to say “no.”  Panelists will detail:

  • How to deal with feeling overwhelmed
  • How to determine top priorities
  • Key decision-making frameworks
  • Communication tips for saying “no” gracefully
  • Real stories

Note: While this panel is geared toward women, men are welcome. :)

The “TO DON’T” List will be streamed live by iStrategy Labs.
Watch the event here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/todontlist.


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Where: The George Washington University School of Business, Duques Hall 652 (on 22 between G and H)

When: November 18, 2009 4:00pm to 5:30

Parking/Transportation: Foggy Bottom Metro or paid parking garage on 22 between H and I.

Printable Map

RSVP required – RSVP via Eventbrite: http://hotmommastodont-efbevent.eventbrite.com

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THE PANELISTS

Shana Glickfield_ImageSocial media superstar Shana Glickfield has used her powers to direct tourists around DC, as well as run the blog for a major national broadband company. From feet on the ground, to hands on the keyboard, Shana will share the real story behind launching her entrepreneurial venture and how she’s prioritizing while growing.

Find Shana on:
www.Twitter.com/NextGenWeb
www.Twitter.com/DCConcierge
and see her blog: NextGenWeb.
More on Shana

susanapgoodPublic relations maven Susan Matthews Apgood is the founder and president of NewsGeneration, one of the largest radio PR firms in the United States. She is one of the founding members of the Boss Ladies networking group, “a team of five experienced entrepreneurs who run their own communications-related businesses.” Susan is also the mother of three.

Find Susan on:
www.Twitter.com/NewsGeneration
and visit News Generation’s website: www.NewsGeneration.com

AnnaBirchAnna Birch is a facilitator at heart, entrepreneur by demand. She is the owner and founder of Virginia-based business Adventure Links. Over the last 15 years, Anna has designed and delivered executive retreats, EO Forum retreats, leadership summits, management workshops, and international learning events. Anna and her husband Austin live in the Blue Ridge Mountains with their two daughters, Audrey and Autumn.

Visit Adventure Links’ website: www.AdventureLinks.net

EllicePerezEllice Perez has been the General Manager overseeing Zipcar, DC for over 2 years. Prior to this she was the Managing Director in charge of developing and implementing growth strategies at CakeLove. In a previous life she worked in the world of international development at Chemonics International. There she gained exposure to project management, corporate training and professional development where she designed and reformulated various department strategies for staff both stateside and abroad.

Visit Zipcar’s website: www.Zipcar.com

This panel will be moderated by Hot Mommas Project founder and GWSB Entrepreneur in Residence Kathy Korman Frey

Streaming and social media support from partner iStrategyLabs

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Event space provided by The Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the George Washington University School of Business

About the Hot Mommas Project.

The Hot Mommas Project is an award-winning women’s leadership venture housed at the George Washington University School of Business. Our mission is to increase self-efficacy of women and girls across the globe through exposure to role models.  To accomplish our mission, we have built the world’s largest library of teachable role models for women and girls. Learn more at www.HotMommasProject.org.

Want to get involved? Nominate a dynamic woman (18 or older) to tell her story at support (at) HotMommasProject.org.  We are currently seeking sponsors, contact us here or at 202 237 8000 x10.

Main Blog http://www.hotmommasproject.wordpress.com

Insider’s Blog http://www.hotmommas.wordpress.com

Twitter http://www.twitter.com/chiefhotmomma

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40315025213


“She blurted out ”Ashley Albert has a kids band” and then called me 10 minutes later, hunkered in the corner of her office, saying “Oh my gosh, I don’t even know why I said it- how soon can you put a band together?’”

Student reaction: “The reason Ms. Albert’s case is so inspiring to me is because she doesn’t sugarcoat the truth.”

From the Hot Mommas Project Learning Series: Ashley Albert’s case, “From Dream Job to Dream Job in 1000 Easy Steps

Case themes include: family, confidence, start-up, music , individuality, dreams, change, and balance.

Student contributor: Hot Mommas Project intern and GW graduate Rachel Roizen.

The Hot Mommas Project Learning Series showcases a female role model’s story selected by a student. Role models are tied to women’s success. Read, listen, and learn. More about the Hot Mommas Project here and here. Want to be a featured student? Contact us on Facebook or Twitter.

Continue reading ‘From Voice-over Artist to “Kindie” Rock Star: Ashley Albert’s Case’


“We had no formal business or fashion or marketing education or experience.  We knew we had a product that we strongly believed in and with this knowledge we knew we would not fail.”

Student reaction: “One of the lessons that Parker’s case features is that a person can never be too prepared for what life is going to bring you when you least expect it.”

From the Hot Mommas Project Learning Series: Cindy Christine Parker’s “Dr. Ooh La La – Funky Clothes for Little Monsters and Girly Girls

Case themes include: family, confidence, individuality, dreams, change, and relationships.

Student contributor: GW student and Hot Mommas Project team member Kaitlyn McAuliffe

The Hot Mommas Project Learning Series showcases a female role model’s story selected by a student. Role models are tied to women’s success. Read, listen, and learn. More about the Hot Mommas Project here and here. Want to be a featured student? Contact us on Facebook or Twitter.

Continue reading ‘Doctor Starts Children’s Clothing Line: Cindy Christine Parker’s Case’


This is a good event for women in the DC area thinking of getting their MBA. Theoretically the event is closed, but, we think you could get in by emailing Jade at GW.  Information about the Hot Mommas Project and the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership class taught  by Kathy Korman Frey will be shared (Prof Frey is one of the panelists). (Here is a link to the Washington Post Magazine article on the class and the Hot Mommas Project.)

P.s. GWSB was recently rated #2 in the nation by Princeton Review for “Greatest Opportunities for Women.”

GW Women in Business


“At the age of 15, she had had enough, and did the thing her mother had done, she walked out the door to never return.”

Student reaction: It was stories like that of Delores Williams which allowed me to change my mentality and use the energy I put into justifying my failures to exploring the opportunities I did have and to succeed.

From The Hot Mommas Project Learning Series: Delores Williams’ “Moving From Abandonment to Defining Herself

Case themes include: professional drive and creativity, family, confidence, individuality, dreams, change, and relationships.

Student contributor: GW student and Hot Mommas Project intern Kaitlyn McAuliffe.

The Hot Mommas Project Learning Series showcases a female role model’s story selected by a students. Role models are tied to women’s success. Read, listen, and learn. More about the Hot Mommas Project here and here. Want to be a featured student? Contact us on Facebook or Twitter.

Continue reading Delores Williams’ story and Kaitlyn’s reaction…

Continue reading ‘From Challenging Childhood to Celebrated Writer: Delores Williams’ Case’


Welcome to the Hot Mommas Project Learning Series where we showcase a  Hot Mommas Project case selected by a student team member or  guest.  The series is targeted toward educators and leadership groups seeking authentic role models in addition to business/career lessons.  A complementary podcast accompanies each blog post.  Episodes feature interviews with Hot Mommas Project founder Kathy Korman Frey and student contributors.

Student contributor: Madison Cooke, GW student and Hot Mommas Project intern.

Featured case: Kenya McRae’s “Proving People Wrong; Following Your Dreams.

Case themes include: family, confidence, individuality, dreams, societal pressures, and balance.

Continue reading ‘Childhood Abuse Victim Overcomes Obstacles and Starts Business: Kenya McRae’s Story’


Irene Rosenfeld, the C.E.O. of Kraft Foods, was one of the only female keynote speakers  at the World Business Forum.  Kraft is a huge corporation in the United States; Rosenfeld noted that 99% of U.S. homes have Kraft products in them.  Rosenfeld told the audience about 5 strategic steps to initiate change, and said that Kraft used these strategies when it was not meeting its full potential.  Rosenfeld’s 5 steps for change are:

  1. Raise the bar on performance and get the right people on the bus.
  2. Give people a road map.  Make sure that they know what is expected of them.
  3. Engage hearts and minds.
  4. Move quickly, as people will worry about change.
  5. Communicate frequently, consistently, and honestly.

Rosenfeld was very engaging and provided great insight into the “business of Kraft,” but I personally would have liked to see a few more women speak about business at the forum.  Nevertheless, I believe that Rosenfeld would be a great candidate for a Hot Mommas role model and would love to see her to write her case!

Post by Amber Hunnicutt, GW student and Hot Mommas Project intern. You can follow her on Twitter at @HotMommasIntern.


Last week Kathy, the founder of the Hot Mommas Project, presented me with the amazing opportunity to attend the World Business Forum.  I, of course, took her up on her offer and early this morning I headed to New York City for the big event.  Today was the second day of the forum.  Due to my class schedule, I was not able to make it to any of the first day’s events.  Kathy, however, was in attendance and blogged from the forum on the Hot Mommas insider’s blog.

The first segment of today’s forum was the International Insights Panel.  During this time, many renowned leaders in international business gave their perspectives on economic and other business issues.  They discussed how their industries have been impacted by the events of the past few years and gave global solutions for issues such as the financial crisis and climate change.  To be honest, I felt a little distanced when I first arrived at the conference; I knew that the vast majority of those around me were extremely educated, professional, and experienced in their fields.  As a college sophomore, I have limited experience with business.  However, the speakers on the International Insights Panels included many anecdotes that I could relate to, and I ended up taking away a lot from their speeches.  The following speakers are those who I personally learned the most from.

Francisco Gonzalez, Chairman and C.E.O. of Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria (BBVA), was one of my favorite speakers on the panel.  BBVA is the second largest bank in Spain and the seventh largest in the world.  Gonzalez shared many business strategies for challenging economic times.  He offered BBVA’s solution, which focuses on three pillars – principles, people, and innovation.  His company strives to know its customers and serve them well, invest in technology and provide the best services with the lowest average cost, and take advantage of any new opportunities that arise that will allow BBVA to better itself.  I took these as great general strategies for running a successful businesss.

Peter Voser, the C.E.O. of Dutch Shell, was another speaker who I particularly enjoyed.  Voser focused on energy solutions and discussed the strategies that Shell has employed during tough economic times.  I found Voser fascinating, as I am very interested in climate change and business leaders’ perspectives on the environment.  I will be working full-time in business in a few years and I hope to be committed to personal and professional accountability.  Voser mentioned a convention that will occur in Copenhagen this December – the COP15 United Nations Climate Change Conference.  The goal of this convention is to bring governments and organizations from around the world together to discuss possible resolutions to the effects of global warming.  There is a lot of interesting information on the conference at the COP15 website, located at  http://en.cop15.dk/.

The final speaker on the panel was Roger Agnelli, the President and C.E.O. of Vale.  Vale is  the second-largest mining company in the world.  Agnelli has been called “the best strategist in Brazil” and worked in investment baking before he became involved with the mining industry.  He noted that the primary difference in the banking and mining industries is time; investment banking moves quickly, while the mining industry seems very heavy or slow.  Agnelli was very optimistic about the future of the mining industry and his company.  Overall, he was animated and a very interesting speaker.

All of the speakers in the International Insights Panel gave compelling perspectives on global business and the economy.  As a current GW Business School student, I feel very privileged to here among so many influential leaders in business.

Post by Amber Hunnicutt, GW student and Hot Mommas Project intern. You can follow her on Twitter at @HotMommasIntern.


Welcome to the Hot Mommas Project Learning Series where we showcase a Hot Mommas Project case selected by a student team member or guest.  The series is targeted toward educators and leadership groups seeking authentic role models in addition to business/career lessons.  A complementary podcast accompanies each blog post.  Episodes feature interviews with Hot Mommas Project founder Kathy Korman Frey and student contributors.

Student contributor: GW student and Hot Mommas Project intern Ximena Iacono.

Featured case: Tyra Hilliard’s  “Living with the Professional Itch

Case themes include: family, confidence, moving, careers, change, and balance.

Continue reading ‘Multitalented Woman Searches for Professional Niche: Tyra Hilliard’s Case’


Welcome to the Hot Mommas Project Learning Series where we showcase a Hot Mommas Project case selected by a student team member or guest.  The series is targeted toward educators and leadership groups seeking authentic role models in addition to business/career lessons.  A complementary podcast accompanies each blog post.  Episodes feature interviews with Hot Mommas Project founder Kathy Korman Frey and student contributors.

Student contributor: GW student and Hot Mommas Project intern Madison Cooke.

Featured case: Tina Williams’ “An Every Day Erin Brockovich

Case themes include: social justice, professional accountability, personal accountability, and environmental reform.

Continue reading ‘Mom Crusades for Social Justice and Environmental Reform: Tina Williams’ Case’