For those who thrive on flux, flow, and fluidity.
Welcome to the new Renaissance.
Renaissance means literally “rebirth,” or reexamination. We typically associate it with the grand period between the 14th and 17th centuries, but culturally today I argue we are experiencing another Renaissance: the rebirth of the woman.
The characteristics that typically define the 14th-17th century Renaissance period are realism, humanistic introspection, scientific inquiry, and exploration: this was an ongoing search for enlightenment.
Scholars and writers are noticing similar trends in the today’s women’s movement. Many articles and news pieces focus on women as great visionaries. Sheryl Sandberg boldly spoke up for women at the table. Wharton professor Adam Grant writes about gender stereotypes. Journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn valiantly tout the Half the Sky Movement, advocating opportunities for women worldwide. This is a time in our history where women’s issues (health, business, balance) are safe to talk about and discussion is expected. Is that not a Renaissance? A rebirth of humanistic introspection? A bold exploration?
I think so.
The Renaissance woman of today thrives on the flux of life, like Selena Rezvani, author of Pushback (and profiled in C&W Issue One). Selena grasps the ups and downs of life and business and harnesses them into tools for executive women.
The Renaissance woman is in flow with her talents, whether they be in the home, in the board room, or elsewhere. Like Candan Yazar (featured in C&W Issue Seven) who used her talents of storytelling and translation to start an Alcoholics Anonymous program in Turkey, saving thousands of lives.
The Renaissance woman recognizes the fluidity of art, science, and business and how they blend into what we know is our genuine contribution to this world. Like Elizabeth Kizito (pictured above), a Kentuckian from Uganda who was interviewed in C&W Issue Four. Elizabeth mixes her African heritage with her mad baking skills to not only run a thriving business but to share her inspiration and joy with people. She makes the distance between continents much smaller.
Renaissance Women are artists of life. They are boundless. And they are being reborn.
Bethany Miller is an explorer in life and in business. She’s an airline pilot, military officer, and world traveler. Fascinated by global issues and the business of business, Bethany is a doctoral candidate at Université Paris-Dauphine in Paris, France where she researches extraordinary employees in chaotic work environments. www.GoodGlobalCitizen.com
Imagery from CAKE&WHISKEY Issue 4 by Meagan Jordan