One billion women. One billion women will change the face and nature of the business world as we know it over the next decade.
According to an October 5 Fortune article by DeAnne Aguirre, one billion women (yes, that's billion with a B) will be entering the global economy for the first time in the next decade alone. Needless to say, those women will dramatically re-shape and re-structure our business world and the global economy, in general.
In the private sector, what will be THE key to this "third billion" (as they've been dubbed) connecting, rising and attaining success? In fact, what will be the key to ALL women attaining greater success in the coming decade? We all know there are numerous keys. However, a foundational success factor will be OTHER WOMEN supporting, mentoring, sponsoring, helping this "third billion" and each other.
It's time for us to realize that it is up to us not to protect our piece of the pie. This next decade offers us the opportunity to make the pie bigger. How? By supporting, helping and nurturing each other.
The potential massive leadership impact and contributions women can have is endless -- if, and only if, we learn how to authentically connect, communicate and collaborate with each other. 
Our conversations must change from critical to COURAGEOUS. We must champion other women. Immediately. The energy spent being critical and condescending is wasted and serves no one -- especially not ourselves. Wisely investing your time and words in sponsoring and encouraging conversations about the value of women as leaders, mothers, role models and world changers will reveal legacies that need to be recognized. The contributions that we as women can make and are making are connected to the success of corporate America, society and the world.
Just as our decision this week at the ballot box will directly impact our future generations, so, too, does our willingness to take authentic responsibility for future generations of women in the workforce. To leave it better than we found it.
Hillary Clinton recently provided an outstanding example of taking responsibility. And it was related to a heart-wrenching topic -- the Benghazi attacks. According to an October 15 report by CBS News, she said,
I take responsibility [for the September 11 Benghazi attacks]. Nobody wants to get answers more than I do. These were people who I care deeply about. I knew Chris Stevens. I asked him personally to be in Benghazi during the revolution. I personally nominated him to be ambassador because I couldn't think of a better person to represent the United States: Somebody who understood what was at stake for Libya what was at stake for U.S. I saw how these revolutions could be so positive or hijacked. He understood that. He was instrumental in working with Libyans. I care deeply about what happened that night.
Each of us must follow her example. Not only this week while we practice our democratic right to vote, but each and every day -- each and every minute -- out in the workplace. Take PERSONAL responsibility for our future generations.
We have ONE BILLION WOMEN depending on us.