From Finding My Voice to Amplifying Others: The Journey Behind Great Dames

By Sharon Kelly Hake

At our family dinner table, my father’s voice often rose above the lively chatter of nine voices. “Education is the great equalizer,” he’d say, his voice steady with conviction. Those words weren’t just a lesson; they became a guiding principle, shaping my life.

I grew up in a family that deeply valued education and making a positive impact on the world. My father was a mentor in every sense—his words carried wisdom, but his actions were even more powerful. Watching him lead and inspire others left a profound mark on me, and I aspired to emulate his ability to change lives with one conversation.

In a home full of strong personalities, I learned early on how to navigate challenges to make myself heard. As a pre-teen, I discovered storytelling as my way of breaking through the noise. Sharing quirky, heartfelt, or humorous tales from my day became my voice, giving me the confidence to express myself.

With education as a cornerstone in my family, I earned an MBA in Finance and received multiple job offers from major companies. It was an exciting time for women in business, but stepping into the corporate world felt like entering a completely different universe—one that lacked the nurturing environment I’d grown up in.

My first assignment was to calculate the corporate cost of capital at our Fortune 50 company. When I presented my carefully researched work, my boss dismissed it, saying, “We’ll stick with the number we’re using. You’re excused.” That was the first blow. As I left the meeting, the weight of unspoken words pressed heavily on my chest, each step echoing the isolation I felt in that cold, corporate corridor.

Over my 30-year career, I faced countless moments of being dismissed or undervalued—shut down in meetings, told I lacked experience, or criticized for bringing “too much” to the table. At the time, the corporate ladder was steep, especially for women like me, navigating an unspoken hierarchy that often equated assertiveness with audacity. Despite this, I persevered, determined to crack the code to success.

Eventually, I began to find my footing, earning promotions and even a global assignment. But the journey remained isolating. I still thought the problem was mine alone. My perspective shifted during a pivotal moment when I asked my boss for a higher-level role to be more effective. He cut me off, saying, “I’m not interested in what you need, only in what I need,” and ended the meeting.

That stung. The cumulative weight of so many challenges impacted my confidence. But that conversation was also a turning point. I realized I needed to reframe my approach. Instead of focusing on what I wanted, I crafted a proposal around how I could meet his most pressing needs. By positioning myself as the solution to his challenges, I secured the new position, resources, and raise I had asked for. For the first time, I felt seen and valued.

This experience sparked a mission in me. I wanted to help others—especially women—find their voices and communicate their value in ways that ensured they were seen, heard, and supported.

I started sharing my “Leadership Impact Framework” with women friends and colleagues I met worldwide during my travels. Over and over, I heard the same story: women feeling dismissed, undervalued, and stuck in their careers, relationships, or personal lives. Many believed the problem was theirs alone, assuming something was inherently wrong with them. As I listened, it became clear that these feelings weren’t isolated—they were universal. Whether she was a CEO, scientist, teacher, volunteer, or mom, every woman I spoke to struggled to find her voice and claim her power.

These conversations illuminated the systemic challenges women face, igniting a determination within me to create a supportive community where women’s voices are not just heard but amplified.

In 2009, I decided to do more than talk about it. With the help of my daughters and trusted colleagues, I founded Great Dames, a community built on the belief that every woman has unique value and deserves the support to unleash her full potential.

Since its inception, Great Dames has engaged more than 15,500 women and allies through programs that inspire, encourage, and empower. The Dames create authentic connections, offer peer mentoring, invest in women’s ideas, and provide valuable support and encouragement.

One member reflected, “Great Dames has been life-changing, bringing together a community of women and girls who inspire and support each other.” At its core is our guiding principle: sharing our stories and illuminating our unique value—what we call our “Great Dameness,” our superpower. When a woman embraces her superpower, she becomes unstoppable.

“Great Dameness” embodies the strength and boundless potential within every woman, a commitment to nurturing a community rooted in compassion and inclusion. It’s about discovering your unique strengths and using them to uplift yourself and others.

Looking back, I see how my journey—filled with challenges and breakthroughs—led me to this mission. It’s not just about individual success; it’s about creating a world where every woman feels empowered to make her unique impact. That’s the power of Great Dames.

What’s your superpower? Imagine the impact if every woman recognized hers—a world transformed—one voice, one story, one connection at a time.

Sharon Kelly Hake

February 2025

I believe there is a Great Dame in every woman, and Great Dames can change the world.