The New Year is a time for fresh starts, and for many executive women, one of the best resolutions you can make is to take control of your most valuable resource: time. A cluttered calendar often leads to stress, inefficiency, and burnout. By decluttering your schedule and adopting intentional time-management strategies, you can reclaim your time, focus on what matters most, and approach the year ahead with clarity and purpose. Here are practical steps and strategies to help you simplify your calendar and optimize your productivity in 2025. Step 1: Reflect on the Past Year Before making changes to your schedule, it’s important to understand where your time went last year. Take a moment to review your calendar and identify patterns, obligations, or activities that consumed your time. Ask yourself: This reflection will help you pinpoint areas where you can cut back and set a clear foundation for the year ahead. Step 2: Define Your Priorities Decluttering your calendar starts with defining your priorities. What are the top goals you want to achieve this year, both professionally and personally? These priorities will serve as a guide for determining which commitments deserve your time and which can be eliminated. For example: Having a clear understanding of your priorities will make it easier to decide which calendar items align with your goals and which don’t. Step 3: Audit Your Calendar Once you know your priorities, it’s time to audit your current calendar. This involves taking a close look at your existing commitments and evaluating whether they are truly necessary or valuable. Use the following categories to assess each activity: By categorizing your commitments, you can begin to free up time for what truly matters. Step 4: Set Boundaries and Learn to Say No One of the biggest contributors to a cluttered calendar is the inability to say no. While it can be tempting to accept every meeting, request, or invitation, doing so often leads to overwhelm and reduced productivity. This year, commit to setting boundaries around your time. Setting boundaries ensures that your time is spent intentionally rather than reactively. Step 5: Adopt Tools and Systems Technology can be a powerful ally in managing your time effectively. There are numerous tools and systems designed to streamline your schedule and keep you organized. Consider incorporating the following: By leveraging these tools, you can minimize manual scheduling and create more space for meaningful work. Step 6: Create Buffer Time One of the most common mistakes in time management is scheduling back-to-back meetings without breaks. This not only leads to fatigue but also reduces your ability to process information and make thoughtful decisions. In 2025, make it a resolution to include buffer time in your calendar. Buffer time helps you maintain a sustainable pace and avoid burnout. Step 7: Regularly Reevaluate Your Schedule Decluttering your calendar isn’t a one-time task – it’s an ongoing process. Make it a habit to regularly review your schedule and adjust as needed. At the end of each week or month, take a few minutes to: This practice ensures that your calendar remains aligned with your goals and priorities throughout the year. Step 8: Celebrate Progress Finally, don’t forget to celebrate the progress you make in decluttering your calendar. Each small improvement in time management contributes to a greater sense of control, productivity, and well-being. Acknowledge your efforts and reward yourself for staying committed to your resolutions. Conclusion Decluttering your calendar is one of the most impactful resolutions you can make in the New Year. By reflecting on the past, defining your priorities, auditing your commitments, and adopting intentional strategies, you can create a schedule that supports both your professional success and personal fulfillment. Remember, time is your most precious resource – use it wisely, and 2025 will be your most productive and rewarding year yet.

As we step into 2025, the corporate landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. For executive women, staying ahead requires more than just maintaining the status quo. It demands adaptability, foresight, and the acquisition of skills that not only align with current trends but also anticipate future demands. Here are the top emerging skills every executive woman should focus on to future-proof her career and thrive in this dynamic environment. 1. Digital Fluency and Tech Savviness The digital revolution is far from over. Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, cloud computing, and data analytics are no longer confined to the tech world – they are transforming every industry. To stay competitive, executive women must deepen their understanding of these technologies and their potential applications within their fields. 2. Data-Driven Decision Making Data is the new currency, and the ability to interpret and leverage it is critical for effective leadership. Executives must go beyond basic metrics and develop a nuanced understanding of how data drives business insights. 3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) While technology is reshaping industries, the human element remains irreplaceable. Emotional intelligence – the ability to understand, manage, and navigate emotions – is more important than ever in building relationships, managing teams, and fostering inclusive workplaces. 4. Agility and Adaptability If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that change is inevitable. The ability to pivot, embrace new challenges, and adapt to shifting priorities is a hallmark of successful leaders. 5. Sustainability and ESG Leadership Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly shaping corporate strategies. Executive women who can integrate sustainability into their leadership approach will be well-positioned to drive long-term value for their organizations. 6. Cultural Intelligence (CQ) In an increasingly globalized world, cultural intelligence – the ability to work effectively across cultures – is a critical skill for leaders. Whether managing diverse teams or expanding into international markets, understanding cultural nuances is essential. 7. Creative Problem-Solving Automation and AI are handling routine tasks, but creativity remains uniquely human. Leaders who can think outside the box to solve complex problems will stand out in 2025 and beyond. 8. Storytelling and Communication In the age of information overload, the ability to communicate effectively and persuasively is invaluable. Storytelling, in particular, is a powerful way to connect with stakeholders, convey vision, and inspire action. 9. Resilience and Stress Management Leadership comes with its share of challenges, and the ability to navigate stress is crucial for sustained success. Resilient leaders not only endure adversity but also emerge stronger from it. 10. Collaboration and Network Building No leader can succeed in isolation. Building and leveraging a strong professional network is essential for staying informed, gaining new perspectives, and driving collaboration. The Path Forward Future-proofing your career as an executive woman in 2025 is about more than just keeping up with trends – it’s about leading them. By investing in these emerging skills, you can position yourself as a forward-thinking leader who thrives in an ever-changing world. The key is to approach your career with a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability, ensuring that you not only meet the challenges of tomorrow but also shape the future on your own terms.

In the history of computing, certain names and milestones are celebrated as pivotal. Yet, hidden behind the monumental achievements of early computers like the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) are the remarkable women who played a critical role in shaping the dawn of the digital age. Known as the ENIAC Programmers, these six women — Kay McNulty, Jean Jennings Bartik, Betty Snyder Holberton, Marlyn Wescoff Meltzer, Frances Bilas Spence, and Ruth Lichterman Teitelbaum — were pioneers whose groundbreaking work paved the way for modern programming and computing. The Birth of ENIAC Developed during World War II, the ENIAC was the world’s first general-purpose electronic computer. It was designed to calculate artillery trajectories faster than human computations could manage. The project, led by engineers John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert at the University of Pennsylvania, was a massive undertaking. Completed in 1945, the ENIAC was a behemoth: it weighed 30 tons, spanned 1,800 square feet, and contained 17,468 vacuum tubes. While Mauchly and Eckert are often credited with the machine’s design, the task of programming it to perform its complex calculations fell to a team of six women. These women were recruited from a group of “computers” — a term then used for people, often women, who manually performed mathematical calculations. Their contributions were essential, yet their names remained largely unrecognized for decades. Who Were the ENIAC Programmers? The six ENIAC programmers came from diverse backgrounds but shared a strong aptitude for mathematics and problem-solving: Programming Without a Blueprint The task these women faced was monumental. Unlike today, where programming involves high-level languages and user-friendly interfaces, programming the ENIAC meant working directly with its hardware. The machine had no stored memory, and every program had to be physically configured using switches, plugboards, and cables. The women had to translate complex mathematical formulas into sequences of electrical signals that the ENIAC could process. Their work required an extraordinary level of ingenuity and perseverance. With no manuals or prior examples to guide them, the programmers had to learn the machine’s inner workings from scratch. They collaborated closely to debug programs, often working late into the night to ensure the calculations were accurate. In essence, they invented programming as we know it today. Overlooked Contributions Despite their vital contributions, the ENIAC programmers were largely overlooked in the official narrative of computing history. When the ENIAC was unveiled to the public in 1946, the six women were not introduced or acknowledged. Photographs of the demonstration often show them in the background, uncredited, as they operated the machine. This erasure from the historical record persisted for decades. The focus remained on the engineers who built the hardware, while the programmers’ pioneering work in software was dismissed as clerical or secondary. It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that efforts began to recognize their contributions, thanks in part to the advocacy of computer historian Kathy Kleiman. Legacy and Impact The ENIAC programmers’ work laid the foundation for modern computing. Their efforts demonstrated that programming was not a mechanical task but an intellectual one, requiring creativity, logic, and problem-solving skills. Many of these women went on to make significant contributions to the field: Their legacy extends beyond their technical achievements. As women in a field dominated by men, they broke barriers and opened doors for future generations of women in technology. Today, their story serves as an inspiration, highlighting the importance of diversity and the often-overlooked contributions of women in STEM fields. Rediscovering Their Story Efforts to honor the ENIAC programmers have gained momentum in recent years. Documentaries, books, and initiatives like the ENIAC Programmers Project have brought their story to light. In 2010, Jean Bartik was inducted into the Computer History Museum’s Hall of Fellows, a long-overdue recognition of her role as a computing pioneer. Conclusion The ENIAC programmers were true trailblazers, shaping the future of technology through their ingenuity, resilience, and determination. As we celebrate advancements in computing today, it’s essential to remember and honor the women who laid the groundwork for the digital age. Their contributions remind us that progress is often built on the efforts of those who work behind the scenes, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of women in technology.

As we navigate through the journey of life, we are often presented with opportunities to start anew. These moments, whether planned or unexpected, come with their own set of challenges and promises. A new beginning is not merely a reset; it is an opportunity to rewrite our story, to shed the layers that no longer serve us, and to embrace the person we are becoming. In my years as a coach and counselor, I have witnessed countless individuals embark on transformative journeys. What stands out most is their courage—the courage to let go of the familiar and to step into the unknown. This act of bravery is the first step toward growth. It is in these moments of uncertainty that we often find our greatest strengths. A new beginning requires a shift in perspective. It is easy to view change as a disruption, something that takes us away from the comfort of our routines. However, change is the catalyst for evolution. It pushes us to question our beliefs, to challenge our limits, and to explore paths we might never have considered. It is in this exploration that we find clarity and purpose. The beauty of starting anew lies in the possibilities it holds. Whether it’s a new career, a fresh relationship, or a personal transformation, every new chapter gives us the chance to align with our authentic selves. It allows us to set intentions, to create goals that reflect our values, and to build a life that resonates with our true aspirations. However, a new beginning is not without its struggles. Fear of failure, self-doubt, and the weight of past experiences can often hold us back. It is important to acknowledge these emotions, to sit with them, and to understand that they are part of the process. Growth is seldom linear; it is a series of steps forward, backward, and sideways. What matters is our commitment to keep moving. In my practice, I often guide my clients through the process of embracing change. One of the most powerful tools we can use is self-compassion. Treating ourselves with kindness, patience, and understanding allows us to navigate new beginnings with grace. It reminds us that perfection is not the goal; progress is. Another key element is building a strong support system. Surrounding ourselves with people who uplift and inspire us can make all the difference. These individuals serve as mirrors, reflecting our potential and reminding us of our worth when we forget. As we stand at the threshold of a new beginning, let us remember that it is not about the destination but the journey. Each step we take, each decision we make, shapes the person we are becoming. Let us approach this journey with curiosity, resilience, and an open heart. To anyone who is on the verge of starting anew, know that you are not alone. Embrace the uncertainty, trust in your ability to adapt, and celebrate every small victory along the way. This is your moment to grow, to evolve, and to shine. Here’s to new beginnings—may they lead us to places we never imagined and to the best versions of ourselves. With unwavering belief in your potential,Dr. Zeina Ghossoub El Aswad