At the 2017 Massachusetts Conference for Women, Bethenny Frankel— entrepreneur, reality TV star, best-selling author, non-profit founder, mother, and successful business speaker—described herself in one simple, yet all-encompassing word–
“Woman.”
She explained “being a woman is to wear many hats,” and for a public figure, like herself, these hats need to block out a lot of shade.
Frankel is known for her harsh honesty on multiple reality TV shows and what seems like an inability to restrain her opinions. In her opening-night interview, she discussed how these characteristics are negatively portrayed in the media and are often held against her. But how do you think she got where she is today? It sure wasn’t by allowing other people’s opinions to steamroll her.
Frankel credits the success of her lifestyle and cocktail company, Skinnygirl, to her ruthless ability to demand what she needs and to ignore anything that doesn’t further her upward climb. It’s not something she turns off either.
Her reality TV personalities have many similarities with her business strategy. She believes you should do what you want. Do what makes you happy, what makes you successful, what makes you a powerful woman. And if you’re checking those boxes, who cares what people say.
“You just feel so good when you’re being honest,” said Frankel. Some people may not appreciate her candor, but when it comes down to it she is more focused on building her empire than whether or not she is hurting people’s feelings.
At the MA Conference for Women, speakers like Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, and Gloria Steinem, reminded us that while these traits in women are criticized, they are often praised in men. This double standard often leads to a mentality that supports the gender gap in leadership roles.
She’s too pushy [read ambitious]. She’s too abrasive [read determined] and she’s too loud [read outspoken].
Frankel fought for her now hugely successful business, as it was shot down countless times before finally taking off. She branded herself through the media to boost her products and company. She is a single mother, and now she is giving back to the global community at a time when few were.
Bethenny Frankel is a role model for women entrepreneurs everywhere, and mothers in the workforce alike.
It’s because of her tenacity that she is a boss b**#$ and those who call her anything different will definitely be hearing from her.
