Run to Win
Stephanie Schriock, Christina Reynolds
21 min
9 Key Points
4.1 RateWhat's inside?
Discover empowering leadership lessons and strategies specifically for women, aimed at making significant changes in the world.
You'll learn
1. Winning tips for women bosses2. Dodging hurdles in women's politics3. Why we need more women calling the shots4. Secrets behind women's winning campaigns5. How to rally people for your cause6. Making a big splash in your community.Key points
01Women need to step up and challenge male dominance
Imagine a towering skyscraper, so tall it seems to touch the sky. This skyscraper represents the age-old system of patriarchy, where men hold the reins of power and control. It's been standing tall for centuries, seemingly unshakeable. But here's the thing - this skyscraper won't topple on its own. It needs a little push, a little help. And that's where women come in. The authors of this book are saying that women need to step up and take charge. They need to be more visible, more vocal, and more influential. They need to occupy more leadership positions, make more decisions, and shape more policies. They need to challenge the status quo, break down barriers, and create new norms. In other words, women need to take up more space. Think of it like this: if the skyscraper of patriarchy is a game of Jenga, women are the players who can strategically remove the blocks and bring the whole thing crashing down. But they can't do it from the sidelines. They need to be in the game, making moves. One woman who's been making moves is Stephanie Schriock. She's a small-town girl from Butte, Montana, who found her passion for politics early on. She's managed presidential campaigns and become the president of EMILY's List, an organization dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women. Through her work, she's helped hundreds of women get elected to office, chipping away at that skyscraper of patriarchy, one block at a time. But this isn't just about politics. It's about every area of life. The authors are saying that all women have the power to make changes, to do great things, and to change the world, one step at a time. By taking up more space, women can help bring down the skyscraper of patriarchy and create a more equitable world. So, ladies, it's time to step up, take charge, and make some moves. The skyscraper won't topple on its own. It needs a little push.
02Leadership isn't inborn, it's learned
"Nobody comes into this world with a ready-made guide on how to be a top-notch leader. It's not something you're born with, but rather a skill you can develop and sharpen over time." This is the crux of the message from Stephanie Schriock and Christina Reynolds. They're saying that leadership isn't a trait you inherit, like blue eyes or curly hair. It's more like a muscle that you can build and strengthen with practice, experience, and learning. Imagine a woman deciding to run for a political office. She might not have a background in politics, but that doesn't mean she can't be a leader. According to Schriock and Reynolds, deciding to run isn't about having a perfect resume or being able to predict success. It's about being ready and willing to learn as you go. Once she believes in her ability to do a great job and contribute something valuable, she's already on the right track. That's because, in the authors' view, the most important qualities for a candidate and leader are honesty, passion, energy, dedication, and a genuine willingness to work hard, learn, and ask for help when needed. Schriock and Reynolds also challenge the idea that men are naturally better suited for office. They argue that this is a myth. Anyone, regardless of gender, who has the qualities mentioned above and is passionate about making a difference in their community, can run for office and be a great leader. They also stress that good leadership is about being truthful and guided by moral principles and values. It's about standing up for what's right, even when it's tough or when no one is watching or giving you credit. They remind us that changing the world isn't a walk in the park. It involves figuring out what you're truly passionate about and then coming up with a plan to make a difference. In a nutshell, Schriock and Reynolds' message is that leadership isn't something you're born with, but a skill that can be learned and honed over time. They encourage potential leaders to step up, learn on the job, and make a difference in their communities.
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03Ask yourself tough questions and be truthful with your answers
04Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone
05Your past shapes your present and future
06Trust your team when leading gets tough
07Don't be afraid to ask for help, but do it right
08Keep pushing for change, even if some people don't like it
09Conclusion
About Stephanie Schriock, Christina Reynolds
Stephanie Schriock is the president of EMILY's List, an organization dedicated to electing pro-choice Democratic women. Christina Reynolds is a veteran political communicator, having worked for Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, and EMILY's List. Both are advocates for women in leadership and politics.
