National Woman Road Warrior Day

Celebrating the Unstoppable Force of Travelling Businesswomen

National Woman Road Warrior Day, celebrated on September 19th, is a day that honours the incredible efforts of women who travel extensively for business. It’s a day to tip our hats to these powerhouses who juggle laptops, luggage, and life with remarkable grace. But it’s more than just a day on the calendar – it’s a recognition of the seismic shifts happening in the business world, where women are increasingly taking the lead, one air mile at a time.

A Quick Jaunt Through History

Let’s hop in our time machine and take a whirlwind tour of women in business, shall we? It’s a journey that’s as fascinating as it is inspiring.

The Trailblazers of the Early 20th Century

The early 20th century saw trailblazers like Coco Chanel and Elizabeth Arden building global empires. They weren’t just selling perfume and lipstick; they were redefining what it meant to be a woman in business.

• Coco Chanel: From humble beginnings in an orphanage, Chanel revolutionised fashion, introducing comfortable, practical clothing for women. Her business acumen was as sharp as her scissors, turning a small hat shop into a global luxury brand.
• Elizabeth Arden: Born Florence Nightingale Graham, Arden opened her first salon on New York’s Fifth Avenue in 1910. Her red door became a symbol of quality and innovation in beauty, and she was one of the first to send her saleswomen out on the road.

These women weren’t just building businesses; they were paving the way for future generations of female entrepreneurs.

The 1940s: Rosie and Beyond

Then came the 1940s, when World War II catapulted women into the workforce. Rosie the Riveter wasn’t just a poster girl; she was the face of a revolution.

• Women took on roles in factories, offices, and even the military, proving they were capable of any job a man could do.
• This period saw a surge in women starting home-based businesses, balancing work with family responsibilities.
• The seeds of the modern ‘work-life balance’ discussion were sown during this time.

The Rise of Female Entrepreneurship

Fast forward to the 1990s and early 2000s, and we see a boom in female entrepreneurship. Icons like Madonna and Oprah weren’t just entertainers; they were business moguls building empires that would make any CEO’s head spin.

• Madonna: The Queen of Pop has always been as much a businesswoman as an artist. From her own record label to fashion lines and gyms, she’s the epitome of a multi-faceted entrepreneur.
• Oprah Winfrey: Starting as a local news anchor, Oprah built a media empire that includes television networks, magazines, and a production company. Her influence extends far beyond entertainment into education and philanthropy.

This era also saw the rise of tech-savvy female entrepreneurs. Women like Marissa Mayer (former CEO of Yahoo!) and Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) were breaking glass ceilings in Silicon Valley, proving that tech wasn’t just a boys’ club anymore.

Why Should We Care?

Now, you might be wondering, “Why all the fuss about a day for travelling businesswomen?” Well, let me tell you:

1. It’s a nod to sheer grit: Balancing spreadsheets and family schedules while living out of a suitcase? That’s superhero-level stuff. These women are modern-day superheroes, minus the capes (though I’m sure many of them could rock a cape if they wanted to).
2. It highlights the sacrifices: Success often comes with a side of jet lag and missed bedtime stories. It’s a reminder that behind every successful woman is a story of sacrifice and determination.
3. It’s inspirational: It’s a chance to inspire the next generation of female entrepreneurs. After all, if you can see it, you can be it! Seeing women succeed in business can encourage young girls to dream big and pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
4. It promotes diversity: Celebrating women in business promotes diversity in the workplace, which has been shown to increase creativity, productivity, and profitability.
5. It acknowledges progress: While there’s still work to be done, this day allows us to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come. From a time when women couldn’t even open a bank account without a male cosigner to now, when women are leading Fortune 500 companies – that’s progress worth celebrating!

What’s It All About?

National Woman Road Warrior Day isn’t just about celebrating; it’s about understanding. It’s about recognising that:

• These women aren’t just building businesses; they’re building a more equal world. Every deal closed, every presentation nailed, every barrier broken is a step towards gender equality in the business world.
• Every delayed flight and every missed family dinner is a sacrifice made in pursuit of their dreams. It’s a testament to their dedication and passion for their work.
• Taking care of oneself is just as important as taking care of business. This day serves as a reminder for these hard-working women to pause, breathe, and practice self-care amidst their hectic schedules.
• Networking and mentorship are crucial. This day encourages women to connect with each other, share experiences, and lift each other up.
• The challenges are real, but so are the rewards. From dealing with gender bias to managing work-life balance, the road isn’t always smooth. But the view from the top? Absolutely worth it.

The Life of a Woman Road Warrior

Let’s take a peek into the life of a typical woman road warrior, shall we? Meet Sarah, a sales executive for a global tech company.

6:00 AM: Sarah’s alarm goes off in a hotel room that looks identical to the one she stayed in last week in a different city. She checks her phone – 3 new emails, 2 missed calls, and a text from her daughter asking where her favourite t-shirt is.

7:30 AM: After a quick workout in the hotel gym (because health doesn’t take a holiday), she’s dressed and ready for her first meeting. She grabs a coffee to go – her third travel mug this year, the others left behind in various taxis and airport lounges.

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: A whirlwind of meetings, presentations, and networking events. She closes a major deal, troubleshoots a client crisis over lunch, and somehow manages to FaceTime her son to help with his math homework.

7:00 PM: Dinner with potential clients. She navigates the fine line between professional and personable, all while battling jet lag and thoughts of her family dinner happening without her.

10:00 PM: Back in her hotel room, Sarah prepares for tomorrow’s meetings, answers emails, and falls asleep mid-conversation with her partner back home.

Rinse and repeat, often in a different city every few days. It’s a demanding life, but for many women like Sarah, it’s also incredibly rewarding.

How to Celebrate (Even If You’re Not a Road Warrior)

Fancy joining in the festivities? Here are some ideas:

• If you’re a road warrior yourself, why not plan a business trip? Close that deal, nail that presentation, and then treat yourself to a celebratory cocktail. You’ve earned it!
• Share your stories. Whether it’s a hilarious hotel mishap or a triumphant business win, your experiences could inspire someone else. Remember the time you had to give a presentation with your luggage lost and wearing yesterday’s clothes? That’s the stuff of road warrior legends!
• Spread the word on social media. Use hashtags like #NationalWomanRoadWarriorDay or #WomenInBusiness to join the conversation. Share quotes from inspiring businesswomen or post a photo of your own travelling workspace (airport lounges count!).
• Organise a networking event. Whether virtual or in-person, bring together women in business to share experiences, advice, and maybe a laugh or two about the trials and tribulations of life on the road.
• Mentor a young professional. Share your wisdom with the next generation of women road warriors. Your insights could be invaluable to someone just starting their journey.
• Treat yourself. Book a spa day, splurge on that gadget you’ve been eyeing, or simply take a day off to recharge. Remember, self-care is not selfish – it’s necessary!

Gifts for Your Favourite Road Warriors

Want to show appreciation for the road warriors in your life? Here are some gift ideas:

• A top-notch travel accessory. Think noise-cancelling headphones for peace during flights, a swanky laptop bag that screams ‘boss’, or a portable charger because a dead phone is a road warrior’s nightmare.
• An inspiring business book. Knowledge is power, after all. How about “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg or “#Girlboss” by Sophia Amoruso?
• A personalised item with a motivational quote. Something to remind them of their awesomeness when they’re far from home. A engraved power bank with “She believed she could, so she did” could be just the boost they need during a long day.
• A travel journal. For jotting down ideas, reflections, or simply keeping track of all those loyalty points.
• A subscription to a meditation app. Because sometimes, you need to find zen in a crowded airport.

Or, if you’re feeling particularly thoughtful:

• Organise a virtual meet-up. Nothing says “I appreciate you” like face time with friends and colleagues. Bonus points if you make it a virtual wine tasting!
• Write a heartfelt note. In this digital age, a handwritten message can mean the world. Share a memory, express your admiration, or simply say thanks for being an inspiration.

What’s Next?

So, we’ve celebrated. We’ve gifted. We’ve shared stories. Now what?

• Keep supporting women in business. Mentor someone. Attend women-focused business events. Be the change you want to see. Remember, a rising tide lifts all boats.
• Encourage more women to take the leap into leadership roles. Sometimes, all it takes is a nudge and a “You’ve got this!” to help someone realise their potential.
• Advocate for family-friendly policies in your workplace. Things like flexible working hours and parental leave can make a world of difference for travelling parents.
• Challenge gender bias when you see it. Whether it’s in a meeting room or an airport lounge, speak up for equality.
• Invest in women-led businesses. Put your money where your mouth is and support female entrepreneurs.
• Prioritise your own growth. Keep learning, keep pushing boundaries, and keep reaching for those dreams. The sky’s not the limit when there are footprints on the moon!
• Make every day National Woman Road Warrior Day. Why limit the celebration to just one day a year? Carry the spirit of appreciation, support, and empowerment with you every day.

The Road Ahead

As we look to the future, the landscape for women in business is both exciting and challenging. Technology is making it easier than ever to stay connected, potentially easing some of the strains of constant travel. Virtual reality meetings might soon reduce the need for some business trips, but they’ll never fully replace the value of face-to-face interactions.

Climate concerns are also shaping the future of business travel. Many companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint, which could mean fewer but more meaningful trips. This could be an opportunity for road warriors to focus on quality over quantity, making each journey count.

The gig economy and remote work trends are also changing the game. More women are choosing entrepreneurship or freelance careers, allowing for more flexibility but also requiring savvy self-management and networking skills.

One thing’s for sure – women will continue to be a driving force in the business world, shaping industries, breaking barriers, and paving the way for future generations.

In Conclusion

National Woman Road Warrior Day isn’t just a quirky holiday. It’s a testament to the indomitable spirit of women who dare to dream big and travel far to make those dreams a reality. It’s a day to celebrate the past, acknowledge the present, and look forward to a future where the sky’s the limit for women in business.

It’s for the women who turn red-eye flights into productive work sessions, who build global networks one handshake at a time, and who prove that you can indeed have it all – even if “all” sometimes means a 5 am flight and a conference call in your hotel bathrobe.

It’s for the pioneers who blazed the trail, the current warriors fighting the good fight, and the future leaders who will take us to new heights.

So here’s to the women who live life in the fast lane, who turn airport lounges into offices, and who show the world what it means to be a boss – stilettos, sneakers, or steel-toed boots optional.

To all the incredible women road warriors out there: We see you. We appreciate you. And we can’t wait to see where you’ll go next. The road may be long, but you’ve got this. Keep soaring, keep shining, and keep changing the world, one business trip at a time.

Happy National Woman Road Warrior Day!