In the course of writing her New York Times bestseller, former Clinton Administration spokeswoman Dee Dee Myers arrived at a simple conclusion: “More women in power would make the world a better place.” Myers elaborated on that theme Tuesday to a packed Whitley Auditorium in her second lecture of the month as Elon University’s sixth Isabella Cannon Distinguished Visiting Professor of Leadership.
Her talk, “Why Women Should Rule the World,” was based on her 2008 book of the same name. The energetic Myers added caveats to her talk – namely, that she isn’t being politically correct, and she isn’t criticizing men. Rather, she said, she is arguing that a gender balance is needed in all sectors, from politics to business.
“We bring a different perspective and sometimes different priorities,” Myers said, citing studies that show female legislators can be more effective in their roles than male counterparts, who may not interact with colleagues as often or co-sponsor as many bills. “My argument is not in any way an attack on men.”
Myers pointed to global economics as well, stating that had more women been in positions of leadership on Wall Street, the financial meltdown of 2008 may not have been as severe or, possibly, even have happened. Why? She said that research shows women tend to be less risky in their investment strategies and are instead more research oriented.
In her hourlong talk, Myers also explored the careers of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, noting how both helped pave the way for future generations of female politicians, regardless of ideology. Ultimately, she said, it would be nice for the public to not take notice of how many women may be present or absent from corporate boardrooms or the floor of a legislative body.
“I’d like to get to a point where we can all stop counting,” she said.
Myers, who made two public appearances at the university in early January, was the first woman and one of the youngest individuals to serve as White House press secretary. Since leaving the White House, she has worked as a political analyst, commentator and writer.
She currently is a contributing editor to Vanity Fair magazine and a frequent guest on broadcast and cable television networks. An original consultant to the NBC series The West Wing, Myers contributed story lines and technical advice throughout the show’s award-winning run.
Myers published the New York Times bestseller, Why Women Should Rule the World, in 2008. In her book, and in her lecture, Myers makes the case that the increasingly powerful role of women in public life is reshaping the world for the better.
Myers is Elon’s sixth Isabella Cannon Distinguished Visiting Professor of Leadership. Former visiting professors are John Alexander, William W. “Bill” George, Ben Bradlee, Christine Todd Whitman and David Gergen. The professorship brings nationally recognized authorities to campus to share insights about the nature, potential and responsibilities of leadership.
In addition to offering major public addresses, the Isabella Cannon Distinguished Visiting Professor of Leadership holds seminars and meets with students participating in Elon’s leadership programs. This professorship was a dream of the late Isabella Cannon ’24, who requested that her estate be used to enhance the leadership programs that are central to the Elon student experience.