Do you have a “TRIBE? In colloquial or informal use “tribe” is group of people or an organization where you feel seen, heard and welcomed. When you are in or reclaiming your life after a major transition, having one or more “tribes” to be a part of is priceless. WBE, Women’s Business Exchange is one of those places where I experience being with my “tribe,” and I have been in active in the organization 11 of its 30 years. WBE is the oldest women’s networking organization in Seattle and it is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month!
In a recent WBE anniversary celebration as members reflected on our collective experience of “tribe” you heard comments like, “The minute I walked into the room and women went out of their way to greet me, I knew I had found my ‘tribe!’” “I have belonged to this organization off and on for years, and I have been seen and welcomed whenever I have attended . One women was attending the event after this above discussion, decided she definitely wanted to join.
Visitors often feel welcome, too, because there is an acknowledgement that wherever we are in our life journey personally and professionally, WBE is a good place to be. Thus, at any given table during our monthly meetings you can find three small business owners, two or three women from corporate or non-profit worlds and a couple in transition. Along with time for networking we generally have an excellent speaker bringing us up-to-date on what it takes to be successful in business and/or as a leader.
Part of what makes WBE distinctive is that it is where “spirit and success meet.” There is an acknowledgement that we are spiritual beings, and we have multiple ways of honoring that fact, the primary one we share is a meditation as we begin our meetings. The meditations are generally just a few minutes long, and they help bring us to the present moment to quiet ourselves and acknowledge our connection. From there everything else generally flows more smoothly.
Two leaders that have been significant in the history of WBE are Donna Nunn, the founder who is a management consultant and trainer, and Cynthia Clay, owner of NetSpeed Learning. Donna was a real pioneer in starting WBE when she did and her leadership lessons are embedded into the structure and stories of the organization.
You are welcome to join us at WBE any second Tuesday of the month, 7:00 a.m. at the Washington Athletic Club.
