In the workplace, politics, and personal life, sometimes someone has to say what many other people are thinking but may be too uncomfortable to say. I say it.

Welcome to “I'm sorry if you don't want to hear this, but...” .

Why should you want to hear what I have to say? Well, I've spent decades helping people and organizations market themselves and raise money.

Which also means that because “I’m of a certain age,” I've been the only female in a meeting more times than anyone should ever have to count.

Because I went to an all-girls high school — or maybe just because I am like I am — I’ve been under the misimpression my entire adult life that WHAT women have to say matters. In high school, the leaders were all women. The people best at science and math were all women. The athletes were all women — and so were the cheerleaders. You get my meaning.

It was kind of a shock when I got into real life and encountered soooo many people — men and women alike — who thought my job was to sit and listen. Do what they say. Keep my thoughts and ideas to myself.

To be honest, I was just really bad a that. Got myself in trouble (good trouble) a few times. But in the end, I think most people throughout life have respected me for saying what I think, because what I think is kinda smart.

So if you’d like to hear what I have to say: about business, about politics, about life, sign up now so you don’t miss the first issue.

In the meantime, tell your friends!