“The first fall of snow

is not only an event, it is a magical event.

You to go bed in one kind of world

and wake up in another quite different,

and if this is not enchantment,

where is it to be found?”

This quote by J.B.Priestley certainly describes a Minnesota morning.  J.B. Priestley was an English novelist, playwright, scriptwriter, social commentator and broadcaster. He is known for his many thoughtful quotes. Read some of them on the internet. I know you will find them thought provoking.

 

World Assembly for Women 2017 organized by Japan’s foreign ministry. Ivanka Trump spoke at this assembly.  There is nothing in her speech that addresses politics, but  urges new technology and policies in changing working styles.  Regardless of your political view, Ivanka’s speech addresses the reality of women’s place in business today and how changing the situation for women would make for a better world for all of us. (Her words make sense to me so I hope you will read it to the end – politics aside.)

Ivanka’s Speech…..”Modernizing the workplace to allow more flexible working styles is the key to women’s empowerment as well as to economic growth. Ensuring 50%of our population can fully participate in the workforce is critical to strengthening our communities and growing our prosperity. That is why I decided to leave my businesses and work in the government to advance policies and initiatives that empower women to fully participate in the economy if they so choose.”

Ivanka raised four “fundamental changes” that the world must embrace: Modernize the workplace, advance public policies, confront challenges with new technologies, and help women in countries that prevent them from living freely.

Referring to the U.S. situation, Ivanka said workplaces “largely operate on a single-earner mindset.” Due to “traditional and rigid business culture,” she said, “working mothers and fathers work long hours and often get little time off.” As an entrepreneur and a mother of three children, “I, too, experienced the struggles of balancing work and family,” Ivanka said. “It is time for societies to find new and innovative ways to make it easier for women to experience the joy of motherhood without facing major setbacks.”

Ivanka pointed our that rapidly advancing technologies, such as automation and robotics, could change the situation as they will transform the way people work. “As technology transforms every industry, we must ensure women have access to the same education and industry opportunities as men.”

In her speech, she touched on the Trump administration’s efforts to help working parents. “In the U.S., we are working to pass a sweeping and long overdue tax reform that will afford families much needed relief.”

Following Ivank’s speech, Prime Minister Shinzo Ave announced that Japan is giving a $50 million addition to the Women Entrepreneurs Finance Initiative fund saying that Japan strongly supports this initiative, which was launched by Ivanka.

Have a great day.

Think about it…..”Money does not make you happy, but it entitles you to be miserable in comfort!”