The recent death of Betty Ford provides opportunity to consider her life learnings and demonstrated leadership. First Lady from 1974-1977, Ford took risks not commonly taken before her time. When diagnosed with breast cancer, she saw her condition as an opportunity to publicly express that it’s okay and acceptable to have physical conditions that cause a person to suffer and need treatment. When confronted by her loving family about misuse and abuse of prescriptive drugs and alcohol, Betty Ford took action, sought treatment and demystified addictions by publicly speaking about her struggles, thus encouraging others to come out of the closet and talk about their real issues as well.

So often women, in particular, are afraid to step into their leadership by being their authentic self …

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