I recently came across a phrase I’m sure I’d heard before, but this time, it really stuck with me: progress over perfection. It’s snappy and simple, yet embodying this idea continues to be a daily struggle. While the word “progress” immediately brings to mind the idea of moving forward, the first dictionary definition is actually an expedition or journey. Isn’t that how life is? We expect a destination, an end goal to everything. That’s what perfection looks like. But, in fact, we’re all just strolling along winding walkways, attempting to figure it all out.
WOMEN IN NUMBERS: 15
Perfection isn’t a characteristic you’ll find in any woman because, well, it doesn’t exist. Instead, consider adopting a few of these 15 traits of unabashedly successful women suggested by Success magazine: play to your strengths, be ambitious, stay positive, get organized, always be open to learning, cultivate support, be accepting of failure, remain grateful, work persistently, don’t sweat the small stuff, be conscientious, live by your values, be confident, have a future vision and most importantly, bask in your successes but never think you’re finished.
WOMAN TO WATCH: Kristen Bellstrom, Deputy Digital Editor of Fortune and Editor of The Broadsheet
Today’s Woman to Watch is a self-described news junkie and magazine addict who has made serious leaps in journalism. Her name is Kristen Bellstrom and she’s the deputy digital editor for the acclaimed Fortune magazine, as well as the editor of its daily newsletter featuring the world’s most powerful women, The Broadsheet.
Kristen is a dyed-in-the-wool journalist who’s spent her career working for some of the most celebrated business publications in the world. From her early days as a staff writer for SmartMoney magazine, where she worked her way up to senior editor, to a top editorial position at Money Magazine, Kristen’s career moves hone in on how women can find success doing what they love.
In addition to her editing responsibilities, Kristen often contributes copy to The Broadsheet, which is our go-to guide for business news and advice. There’s a reason just about every woman in corporate America can’t get enough of The Broadsheet. From tackling tough issues like what to do when you’re harassed at work but your company doesn’t have an HR department to complain to, to breaking news about the women filling CEO positions at top companies, Kristen and her team are experts at creating a succinct way to digest essential business information in today’s world.
Kristen was definitely the missing link to widespread success for The Broadsheet. When she got on board with the publication, she grew its readership base by nearly 400 percent in only two and a half years—and entirely without a marketing or ad budget to give it a boost. And The Broadsheet has a higher click-through rate than any other Fortune product, thanks to her devotion and efforts.
This informative newsletter highlighting the world’s most powerful lady bosses has the word “broad” in the title for a reason. And no, it’s not to accentuate a slang word for “woman.” It’s broadly appealing—to both sexes. Being current on what working women are doing is just good business, plain and simple.
In addition to Kristen’s many efforts behind the scenes to cultivate the best possible news stories for Fortune and The Broadsheet, she’s also one of the brilliant minds behind Fortune’s annual Most Powerful Women Summit. Time magazine noted that if women ran the country, that leadership would look a whole heck of a lot like the successful crowd at this event. That’s a ringing endorsement if ever we heard one!
QUITE THE QUOTE
Let’s finish today with a quote from the president and CEO of IBM, Ginni Rometty, who said:
“I learned to always take on things I’d never done before. Growth and comfort do not coexist.”
This is Melinda Garvey signing off until next time. Remember, ladies, empowered women empower other women. Share On the Dot so more women can have a voice. Thanks for getting ready with us.
To learn more about our conversation, check us out at OnTheDotWoman.com and talk to us @OnTheDotWoman on Twitter and Instagram. We’d love to hear your voice.