[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ column_width_percent=”100″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ uncode_shortcode_id=”147246″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”2/3″ uncode_shortcode_id=”203950″][vc_column_text text_lead=”yes” uncode_shortcode_id=”180673″]Cleopatra may not seem an obvious role model for young women today, but I think there’s an important lesson in her life story.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”714104″]In the latest retelling of her dynastic rule authored by Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones* it turns out she was one of many Cleopatras, each of whom appears as a dominating force in the story of their time.

The Cleopatras emerge as pioneers for women in how they grasped genuine political power and recorded formidable achievements.  And they were notable for sharing their knowledge to inform and influence those following on.

The seventh Cleopatra is the one we know – as embodied in a career-defining role for movie star Liz Taylor.  She was a tough opponent to the might of the Roman Empire, earning herself a place in history.  And, it turns out, she achieved much of that thanks to the guidance of her earlier sisters.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”121391″ caption=”yes” media_width_percent=”100″ media_ratio=”three-two” uncode_shortcode_id=”160597″][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=”709066″]So you know where I’m going with this, I’m sure… yes it’s an early exemplar for inter-generational knowledge sharing and mentoring by women in the workplace.  And, indeed, for succession planning in family businesses… 😉

Wisdom and innovation is there to be shared in all directions, older women can learn new ideas from their younger counterparts as much as they can pass on their experiences and connections.  That’s the way we can help each other to scale higher.

Although as role models go, we perhaps want to avoid marrying full blood brothers and the brutal removal of anyone seen as a threat, as demonstrated by the Cleopatras.

Now where’s my breastplate and that eye liner brush… Move over Liz!

If you’re interested in sharing your knowledge multi-generationally to ensure we all learn from the past and also listen to the future, we’re looking for you to get involved in our beta phase.  Hit the ‘join now’ link at the top of the page to get on the waitlist.  

*The Cleopatras, the forgotten queens of Egypt: Lloyd Llewelyn-Jones, published by Wildfire

*Picture credit and thanks to @glammzmore – embodying the perfect cat eye together with suitably regal hairstyling and another great example of knowledge sharing in action!  Visit her tutorial here[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”120876″ media_width_percent=”100″ alignment=”center” uncode_shortcode_id=”882602″][/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ override_padding=”yes” column_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1/3″ uncode_shortcode_id=”352502″][vc_custom_heading uncode_shortcode_id=”314528″]

Author

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