One has to look at what percentage of the available population is female. If there are no women (or whatever minority) available, then don’t force someone there just be cause you think ought to. But keep in mind that there is a difference between purposeful exclusion and opportunity. We also have to understand that there is ignorance out there; some people may not know where to look for the smart women. So we do have to speak up. Not yell that we deserve something we don’t, but to tell the world that we are out here, intelligent and capable.

I do have one question, why is a new business model needed for women?

This is a phenomenally good point – and appeals to me because I believe that a lot of human behavior is influenced by the structure of our organizations… so why not structure them in a way that takes advantage of the way we want to work? I also believe that if we structure organizations to be better for women, it will also benefit everyone… while I went to a women’s college and believe it is powerful to spend time with people ‘like’ you – whatever that means to you – it is dangerous over a career or a lifetime to isolate either a group in that way. I actually believe that healthy diversity leads to the best organizations. In the work world we’ve got organizations that were build largely by men and have tilted toward benefiting the aggressive and competitive traits. All women’s organizations tend to tilt toward being so consensus driven that it is hard to move forward. Neither is ideal but I think a blend creates a give and take that it better for everyone.

I think it is high time to re-think how we structure businesses in general – so here’s to business model innovation!