Own Your Destiny in 2026

©Laurel J. Delaney.  All rights reserved.

"Here's hoping your business funds your dreams (reflects who you really are) and enables you to own your destiny in 2026.  Happy New Year! – Laurel J. Delaney, WPO Chicago Chapter Chair

Happy Holidays 2025 from WPO Chicago!

©2025 WPO Chicago.  All rights reserved.

"On behalf of the Women Presidents Organization Chicago chapter members, may the gift of happiness be yours this holiday season!" – Laurel J. Delaney, WPO Chicago Chapter Chair

Rest In Peace Dear Dr. Marsha Firestone

Founder of the Women Presidents Organization, Dr. Marsha Firestone, passed away peacefully in her home on December 7, 2025.  On behalf of all WPO members, especially in Chicago, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her son Daren, daughter-in-law Nicole, her two grandkids and other extended family members.

She was a fearless leader, visionary, trailblazer, tireless worker, and passionate advocate for women business owners.  Her legacy will live on in all of us.

The Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership

Thanks to the generosity of Frank & Eileen™ founder Audrey McLoghlin, The Frank & Eileen™ Center for Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership is the premier source for business acceleration, global entrepreneurship research, and entrepreneurial leadership. 

Babson educates and empowers leaders to create social and economic impact through industry and innovation as they research and enlighten the global community about the importance of inclusive leadership for prosperity and human progress.

As women build successful businesses, they end up paying it forward for others.   

How to Make Dialogue Constructive

It’s getting hard to remember a time before polarization, self-censorship, and social-media shouting matches. But there are proven ways to make dialogue constructive, and Stanford faculty are teaching them.

Check it out from Stanford Magazine.  And don't disagree with me :-).

WPO's Women2Watch 2025 List

Congrats to all the WPO members who earned a spot on this list.  A special shout out to WPO Chicago I member, AJ Goehle, President of Luci Creative with her #33 position. We are so proud of you! Congratulations!

Good Leaders Blaze Their Own Path

Roadmaps are great for getting from Point A to Point B, but building a business isn’t a predictable journey.

Key takeaways from this article are:

• The Lewis and Clark expedition serves as an example of embracing the unknown, where their preparedness and adaptability led to monumental discoveries beyond their initial mission.
• Business leaders should approach the unknown with care and curiosity, without being constrained by rigid roadmaps that can limit innovation and response to change.
• Entrepreneurial success demands a balance of deep preparation and the flexibility to pivot when unexpected opportunities or challenges arise, much like the historic expedition.

As the author says, "If your goal is to chart new territory and build something truly useful, preparation matters – but so do curiosity and adaptability. Equip yourself for the journey, then let go of the roadmap. The most valuable opportunities will reveal themselves along the way."