This clearly is the Year of the Woman. I can feel it. Hilary Clinton’s DNC keynote last night was compelling and inspiring, and Michelle Obama’s speech was – at least in my opinion – more impassioned than Barack’s, who has deservedly been described as one of the greatest presidential orators of our time.

Hilary and Michelle owned the room last night in Chicago. So, who’s flying to FL to give the big guy the bad news? Women are on the move, and they’re done taking “no” or “not yet” for an answer.

Kamala Harris. Taylor Swift. Caitlin Clark. Beyoncé. Amy Edmondson (humor me, Francesca, she’s one of my professional heros), Simone Biles, Maggie Haberman, Greta Gerwig, and MacKenzie Scott, to name just a few of the many powerful women who are moving us forward. They’ve all assumed their rightful places on the world stage of politics, sports, journalism, culture, business, and philanthropy. Each is leaving her mark on the world.

Powerful, intelligent, and courageous women with fierce minds, kind hearts, and brave spirits are leading the way.

The world is changing, and despite the toxic diet of vitriol and violence the media feeds us on a daily basis, let’s not forget that in many ways it’s also changing for the better. I sense more empathy, more compassion, and more courage to raise our voices and speak our truths. In many cases, we have women to thank for this long-overdue transformation of our culture.

Ride the wave, Francesca. You’ve been blessed and privileged to have been born at exactly the right place, at exactly the right time, with exactly the right constellation of passion, skill, knowledge, and street smarts that will serve you well throughout your life.

Now find your rightful place on the stage, make your own mark, and ride the wave.