We’ll be in Miami / South Florida this week to attend the inaugural meeting of the South Florida Movement. What an exciting time! Lead by the incredible Barbara Hauser the first Florida group is shaping up to be amazing. Our guest speaker is Joanna Barsh, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company, and author of “How Remarkable Women Lead”. The meeting starts at 3:30 on the 18th, and will be held in Weston.  If you’re interested in attending, register for a Moxie Encounter and we’ll get you the finer details.

We’ve had a lot of people comment on the energy and happiness that surrounds The Moxie Exchange Movement. What a compliment! We really have set out to build an organization where you don’t have to check your fun-factor at the door. Rather, we believe if you’re laughing you’re learning and that we can drive business results faster and farther when we’re in an atmosphere of joy. The person who best articulated what we’re doing was Simone Marean, the Executive Director of the Girl’s Leadership Institute. She looked at me and simply said, “There’s strength in joy.” Yes, yes, yes! That is it exactly.

I’ve had some questions as to whether we can really be a ‘serious’ business organization and still have fun. The simple answer is ‘yes’. I won’t get into the brain science behind laughter and learning, though it’s out there in bulk. Instead, I’ll say this: Life’s too short to go to another boring business meeting, or be a part of a boring organization. Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt. Instead, think of ways you can amp up the joy in your business. Laugh a little, be silly, get creative, drive results. There’s strength in joy!

I want to clear something up right away. We like men. They are our mentors, business associates, friends and allies.

I’ve been asked over the past few weeks why Moxie is just for women. Great question! Some have assumed that we’re anti-guy, or are throwing a huge national pity-party about pay inequity and glass ceilings. Though those do exist, that’s not what we’re about and why we’re a women’s only business organization.

Really, it comes down to two simple factors. First, there are several great organizations out there doing similar things to Moxie that are co-ed. There’s a gap in the marketplace for a national, fun, high-impact women’s business organization.  Secondly, there’s just something unique and powerful that happens when just businesswomen get together. The conversation is a little different, the energy is amazing, and forward progress seems to happen a little quicker. I’m not sure why, and I don’t really know that I care.

Moxie is women-only because we’re here to fill a gap in the marketplace and to harness the power of women in business working together. I can think of no better way to make a positive impact on business than to focus on ideas, insights and planning toward progress, which is what Moxie is all about.

Guys, we love you and we’ll figure out a way to let you in on Moxie down the road.