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From mama bears to mama birds, the instinctual ferocity of a mother to protect her young extends to every species. Mothers are hard-wired to protect and rescue their babies, fend off predators and provide a nurturing home environment. Fathers of course, have their own instinctual drives to provide and care for their families, and it is predominantly male attributes that have shaped the world’s businesses and governments. Throughout the women’s movements of the 1960s and 70s, women often took on ‘male traits’ to be successful in a ‘man’s world’. In today’s post-feminist world, however, we see women rising to the top on the merits of their own very female traits.
We’re talking about ‘mamisma’—female strength, resilience and grace under pressure. It’s kind of like machismo, only driven by a female instinct for getting things done in a collaborative, supportive, compassionate manner. Many politicians today bring their mamisma to the table. Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany, is one of the most respected leaders trying to calmly steer the Eurozone out of its debt troubles. Thailand, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Costa Rica, Australia, India, Ireland, Croatia, Iceland and Finland are all countries that currently have female presidents or prime ministers who are leading with their mamisma.
Here in Canada, Dr. Samantha Nutt—co-founder and Executive Director of War Child Canada—exemplifies mamisma in action as one of the country’s most prominent anti-war activists. Dr. Nutt has worked in some of the world’s most violent war zones, providing hands-on help to women and children. She also works at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto and at the University of Toronto in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Named by Time Magazine as one of Canada’s Five Leading Activists, by the World Economic Forum as one of 200 top young global leaders, and by The Globe and Mail as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, the 41-year old Dr. Nutt was recently appointed to the Order of Canada.
So, how can we apply our own mamisma to our roles at work? What are the mamisma traits that make a female leader exceptional? Here are a few tips.
The world needs more mothers
Whether you have children or not, you are blessed with the inner female instincts that can equip you to become a powerful mama-bear, among your friends, colleagues and community. We are fortunate to live in a world today where people of all nations are celebrating the virtues of womanhood and using mamisma to make the world a better place. Now get out there and let’s hear you roar!
