"I wanted to be a woman in charge." - Diane von Furstenberg That put words to so
By Laura Meyer · May 15, 2026 · Curated by George's Blog
"I wanted to be a woman in charge." - Diane von Furstenberg
That put words to something I hadn’t fully articulated myself.
Growing up, I used to tell my friends I wanted to be a CEO one day. I remember being in middle school on a school trip to New York City, looking out the window of the Greyhound bus as we pulled into Midtown and spotting a woman in her heels and suit walking confidently down the sidewalk. That image registered immediately. That's who I want to be in that moment.
Years later, I walked into my first corporate job at Amazon’s newly opened NYC offices and thought, “Wow. I actually did it.” Little did I know, it was only the beginning of the journey that would eventually lead me to become “the woman in charge.” My experience in that first role was what inspired me to start Envision Horizons nine years ago.
But here's what I've realized since then.
Wanting something isn't enough. You have to want it enough to take the actions, and yes, the risks, to make it real. I wasn't at the top of my class. I didn't go to an Ivy League school or have parents with connections beyond my hometown in Michigan. What I've come to believe is that having a bias for action determines your success, not your pedigree. Your willingness to bet on yourself. To be bold even when you’re uncertain. And to accept that, at some point, you will absolutely embarrass yourself in pursuit of something bigger.
DVF was a stream of wisdom throughout her entire interview with Jenny B. Fine at the WWD Beauty CEO Summit. A few more quotes that stayed with me:
"Don't compare yourself to others. Be the best you."
"The most important relationship you have is with yourself. Every relationship beyond that is a plus, not a must."
"Honor your life and be grateful."
"Kindness is currency."
She shared that she is almost 80, but is still showing up, still championing women, still building and creating. What an inspiring way to end a summit!
#BiasforAction #WomenInBusiness #Gratitude #CareerJourney