Does Everyone Have to Be a Brand?

Ladies Who Launch: As someone who runs a women's organization dedicated to launching businesses, there are times when I seriously wonder, "Does everyone have to become a brand?" I think I have ambition-fatigue. Our Incubator program gives a safe and encouraging environment for women to launch their ideas and dreams, offering the resources of an entire community to make them happen. The 4 week course is designed to create momentum and create clearer visions of the future. But occasionally, I find myself looking across the room at some extremely well-meaning but ambitious woman who wants to be the next Martha, Oprah, J-Lo, Tyra...basically the next lifestyle guru.

Why does that have to be the ultimate aspiration? Why can't success look like doing one
thing really and truly well? Why can't the attention to detail, deep knowledge and
shameless passion for one thing or industry to be enough? Does EVERYONE have to have
their own fragrance, line of housewares, TV show and magazine? Why are we consumed
by this idea that one specialty is not enough?

Generally I like to support any woman in her pursuit of her dreams and goals. But as I said, once
in a while I am whiplashed by blind ambition that doesn't seem to respect the pure and simple
idea of rooting one's self in her talent, securely and with longevity, before moving into the next
incarnation. Specialization can be beautiful and rewarding in itself; without all the headaches
of mogulhood!

Comments

[JScott]

Hate to say it but it's the American Way, make a brand to sell junk at ultra high prices, it's all about things and money isn't it.

[fairwitness]

"ambition-fatigue"

This whole culture induces "ambition fatigue". And you've captured in two words my sense of ENOUGH of Hillary and Bill. (Sorry to drag politics in, but, jeeze, did a phrase ever fit better?)