Perseverance

"Living through the apartheid years, we were forced to move out of our homes and relocate to the rural communities… We kept taking steps forward to a better life no matter how dark our circumstances." — Albertina (Mama) Zuma

Nancy Aossey ON Perseverance

President & CEO, International Medical Corps

Q: What or who in your life gives you the strength to persevere?

A: I am constantly inspired by the people we serve: the mother in Afghanistan, the midwife whom we trained in South Sudan. I have worked with women who have faced unfathomable obstacles - threats to themselves, their families, the loss of children. Yet they are incredibly hopeful and resilient, determined to rebuild their lives or make a better life. These women are ... READ MORE »

Kim Martin ON Perseverance

President & General Manager, WE tv

Q: Is there an example in your life of a time when others were against you or your dream, yet you persevered?

A: When I applied for the role I’m currently in, general manager of WE tv, I was initially rejected. But I refused to take no for an answer. I became an expert on WE tv and kept selling myself internally. Eventually I was offered the job, and it’s been a wonderful six years at the helm of this dynamic and growing ... READ MORE »

Loren Ridinger ON Perseverance

Senior Vice President, Market America & Shop.com

Q: Is there an example in your life of a time when others were against you or your dream, yet you persevered?

A: Yes, my mom passed away when I was only 22, and my daughter Amber was just a newborn. My family and I didn’t have much money and I became responsible for my other siblings. Our business was just starting and we had to figure out how to make ends meet every week. I knew that I had to do whatever ... READ MORE »

Danielle LaPorte ON Perseverance

Author, Danielle LaPorte Inc.

Q: What or who in your life gives you the strength to persevere?

A: You need to have a literal and a psychic nest in order to go out in the world and do great things. My literal nest is my man, our seven-year old wonder boy, and a house that is part temple, part mother ship. And then I have my nest of sisters and advisors. Girlfriends who know my soul, a business ... READ MORE »

Nell Merlino ON Perseverance

Founder & President, Count Me In for Women's Economic Independence

Q: Is there an example in your life of a time when others were against you or your dream, yet you persevered?

A: The original concept for Count Me In for Women’s Economic Independence was born in 2000. It was meant to be a multi-million dollar loan fund to help women entrepreneurs start their own businesses. Through what we thought was an innovative month-long campaign supported by leaders in television, on-line, finance and media, we planned to raise $25-50 million for the fund ... READ MORE »

Shama Kabani ON Perseverance

Founder & CEO, The Marketing Zen Group

Q: What or who in your life gives you the strength to persevere?

A: Definitely my husband, Arshil Kabani. I tend to work in intense bursts, and that means I also allow myself to burn out easily. He is always there to remind me to take it easy, and to show me that life is more than about just work! READ MORE »