A Letter from the Chair
Kristine J. Nichols (Kris)
2008 is going to be a big year for Energetic Women. Our very first conference will convene this coming June and this is the year we define ourselves as a group, we test the waters to see where we can best add value, and we explore all the ways we can fulfill our mission. Our mission is all about adding value – recognizing that beyond just supporting female leaders in our companies these women must produce results. Our companies need to be impressed with our growth as leaders, resulting in more women with the skills to be promoted into leadership positions. The balance between support and results is good for us, good for the success of our companies, and good for the industry. As our conference keynote speaker Alice H. Eagly found, leadership positions are definitely available to women and often encouraged. But we don’t achieve these positions by leading as a man would. We have our own style and bring our own value.

It is our intention to identify that style and to develop the skills that our companies need. There are all sorts of examples, role-models, and mentors who are eager to share their stories and life lessons, and plenty more who are anxious to hear them. What a fantastic opportunity it is for me to help bring them together! I know I speak for the rest of the Steering Committee when I say we feel truly privileged to be a part of this. I hope we can get you as excited about joining us – we need you to make this worthwhile. I am very confident that women will continue to play an increasing role in the success of our companies, and with your help, Energetic Women will be a catalyst of that growth. So I look forward to seeing you in June at our first conference, or seeing your name on the on-line forum, or even hearing from you directly. Most of all, I hope you have a happy and successful new year!

Survey Says
Thank you for the overwhelming response to the survey. We are pleased with the excitement for Energetic Women and your input into our upcoming programs. We had a 20% response rate and heard from almost every state in the nation!

Highlights:
52% have been in the industry more than 15 years.
41% are in energy operations and 14% are in engineering
37% are in middle management level and 29% are individual contributors

Click on the graphic for a larger image. The four top requested services are Educational Conferences, Professional Development/Soft Skills, Mentorships/Interest Groups, and E-newsletter/Communications.

Responding to your needs, our first educational conference is focused on professional development and soft skills (see the opposite page for detailed conference information). Already in place is this newsletter and the on-line Energetic Women Forum to keep you connected and informed. Finally, we look forward to expanding the Energetic Women community through mentorships and interest group development, recognition programs and within the next year, a foundation to provide financial assistance for those seeking additional education. Stay tuned!

When asked what topics or issues you would like to have addressed at the upcoming conference, your responses were many and varied, but the top five are in this order: Leadership, Professional Development, Work/Life Balance, Team Building and Communication Skills. More survey results.

Mark Your Calendars, for the Inaugural Energetic Women's Conference!
June 24-26, 2008
Hotel Orrington
Chicago, IL

Your Leadership Team is planning an excellent combination of learning, discovery and of course, opportunities to network with each other.

Alice H. Eagly, professor of psychology, Northwestern University is the Keynote address on her work Women and the Labyrinth of Leadership. Special highlights include breakout sessions on Emotional Intelligence, Executive Image and Protocol, and Energetic Women - Sizzling Brands.
Dr. Travis Sample from Shenandoah University will present on The Increasing Power and Influence of Women in Business, a case study from Xcel Energy on their cutting-edge company program Women Interest Network or WIN, and a panel discussion with women leaders in energy companies, as they share their struggles and achievements. For more and to register.

Recommended Readings
The October 15th, 2007 issue of Fortune Magazine featured article titled “The New Buddy Act – At last! One generation of women leaders is grooming the next.” You can order a reprint by visiting www.fortune.com

The November 19, 2007 edition of The Wall Street Journal featured a special Journal Report on Women to Watch. It noted The 50 Women to Watch, including an article titled “View From the Top – Women executives talk about their careers, the importance of mentoring and work-life balance”. You can get a reprint of this Journal Report for $5.00 by calling 1-800-JOURNAL.

Your Energetic Leadership recommends, “What Got You Here Won’t Get You There – How Successful People Become Even More Successful” by Marshall Goldsmith. It’s listed as one of the best books of 2007 and can be found at most book stores including Amazon.