A handful of decades ago, it was considered a radical thought if you actually believed women could be entrepreneurs or C-suite executives, let alone leaders of entire countries. And you'd most certainly be laughed out of most boardrooms if you dared to speak that thought. In fact, limiting a girl's imagination of her own potential and suppressing what women could accomplish was very much the way of the world when I was growing up.

But I am lucky. I wouldn't be where I am now, well into a career helping companies find their voices in the global marketplace and raising four incredible children if it weren't for many of the outstanding women in my life. And that includes women I didn't know personally.

I grew up in a family of strong women. Some of them held important jobs, or did important work in the community, and all while raising a family. Their example taught this little girl growing up in the 1970's in Passaic, NJ that she could have a meaningful, professional life outside the home. I didn't realize it then, but we were a handful of radicals! I owe so much of my success to the love, support, and example of all those remarkable ladies.

I am also raising four very precious and thoughtful children, including three young women and a very sweet young man, thanks to a husband who completely supports my career. My children can't imagine a world where women can't dream big and achieve bigger. They're a handful (of treasure) every day! In fact, because my husband is a stay-at-home dad, when they started school and met other kids, it shocked them to learn that there are actually men out there in the workforce.