Public Comments | Renee White Fraser, Ph.D

Husband's Egos

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:23:48 -0500

I've been blessed with tremendous spousal support!

I am saddened to hear that other women are not getting the spousal support that they deserve and earned. I agree with Maureen's comment about a team approach to success. I always suspected that I was in the minority with such a supportive husband.

I unfortunately lost my husband to a rare cancer 11 years ago, leaving me with 2 children (then 9 & 10) to raise. We met in business school and he had been my biggest career fan. Over time, my career took off and he truly knew how happy that made me. He gave up an international finance position at a large telecommunications company to move the family to Paris for my ex-pat, global opportunity. He told me if I thought it was the right thing to do, then he would be 100% supportive. It was the best decision we ever made for our family (but did not know it at that time!). As Mr. Mom (and he truly loved this role), he got to spend some very valuable time with the children before he was diagnosed about one year into our stay.

My children are now grown and I'm at a career crossroad trying to convince myself to start my own company. I cannot tell you how much I miss his support at this critical juncture. I do have the skills and experience to start a business, and I am inspired by confidence he instilled in me.

Renee, congratulations on your award! I am surprised about the one-half of one percent statistic for women owned companies @ $25M+. I do like your comments on perseverance and determination vs. winning. I was schooled in the "winning" ways! Thanks for your insights.

Sounds like an excellent idea for an article

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:18:56 -0500

From the publisher of Enterprising Women MagazineThank you for your insights, Renee. We did see a great many women with spouses and children in the audience at the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration, but you are quite right that a number of women did not travel with spouses. Some travel so often that I suspect their husbands are used to having them away on the road. Your comments are food for thought...we'll look into an article that explores this topic and also consider how we can spotlight those very important spouses and significant others as we plan for next year's event.

Husbands

Mon, 24 Mar 2008 17:39:30 -0500

Congrats on your award and all your accomplishments!!

Much of my success is contributed to my husband's love and support. I always acknowledge him whenever I have a successful moment - because it is our team approach with eachother and our son that enables me, and him, to thrive!