Barbra Streisand’s Guide to Being Bold
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Published 2019-02-15
— Barbra Streisand
UCLA Anderson’s Women’s Business Connection (WBC) presents Barbra Streisand with the 2019 Velocity Award (bit.ly/2RXnUAd) in recognition of her extraordinary achievements as an artist and philanthropist dedicated to raising awareness of many of the most pressing issues of our day.
Streisand is the first recipient of this award, presented at UCLA Anderson’s 7th annual Velocity women’s summit, which this year brought together more than 600 dynamic female business leaders, UCLA Anderson faculty, current MBA students and alumni. The day-long event celebrated women’s leadership and success, and explored how women develop momentum in their careers and proactively address challenges. This year’s sold out conference was held at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
The multi-talented star observed, “During the midterms, my friend Nancy Pelosi was demonized. But as she has shown, you don't give up. It's what you do with your voice and your opinions that matters. I'm gratified that more and more women are rooting for each other's success these days, thinking of themselves as part of a sisterhood and recognizing our common goals. We're much more powerful when we stick together and support each other. The world needs more women in positions of power. Women are nurturers, just by our physiology. We come from the heart, and our instinct for love and compassion is something that this chaotic world needs now, more than ever. Women have a unique vision of our future and we need it not just in business but also for the sake of the planet... and our health.
” Nothing's easy! But... nothing's impossible, and that became the tagline on my Yentl poster. When one door closes, another opens, so you just have to keep going until you find the right door. Directing was actually the easy part. And I discovered something... when you have power, it's very humbling. And you have a responsibility to use it with restraint. I tried to create an atmosphere on the set where everyone would feel empowered... free to have opinions. I think people do their best work when they feel respected and know that their voices are heard.”
“We are so proud to recognize Ms. Streisand with our inaugural award,” said WBC vice president Julie Ortega (’19), who presented the honor. “She is such a phenomenal inspiration to women, excelling in every possible way professionally, pushing herself to be the very best at all she undertakes, then giving back so generously — not only financially, but with her time and many talents. The theme of our conference this year is Be Bold. Ms. Streisand is the perfect role model in that spirit: courageous, confident and committed to speaking out on issues important to her.”
Ms. Streisand closed her speech with a ringing challenge: “So where do we go from here? The hill is steeper for us than it is for men. It's even steeper for women of color. The challenges are real, and so are the barriers. We can't control the external obstacles, but we can control our own achievements and preserve our own dignity. So, don't wait decades to believe in yourself. Don't be afraid to use your voice to ask for what you want and question those who say "no." Be bold... Don't be afraid to express your opinions. And don't be afraid to be afraid... it's natural. I often experience it myself. But always keep your mind open. Be generous of heart and spirit... And don't apologize for any of it. Good luck, have fun, and thank you!”
Learn more about Velocity, the UCLA Anderson Women’s Leadership Summit:
www.anderson.ucla.edu/news-and-events/signature-ev…
#leadership #WomenInBusiness #BarbraStreisand
All Comments (21)
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Wow! I have always adored this woman. Respect! 🙏
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Barbra Streisand's indomitable strength of mind and spirit is what has sustained her as an inspirational artist and a generous citizen all these years. She is, indeed, a rare soul.
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This speech is why I've respected and admired her for over 50 years now.
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Barbra will always be attacked because she's a maverick, upsetting their boundaries! Never stop, Barbra!
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I love that when she speaks there’s no bullshit! 💗 No self consciousness , no doubt, no filter, no filler. It’s all her! Lovely human Streisand 🙏🏻
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'Find your passion and then respect it.' Brava. A more potent truth I cannot name. Beautiful speech. Thank you, Barbra Streisand.
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This was so powerful, inspirational and soothing at the same time! Thank you Barbra Streisand!
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I absolutely loved this speech, had to post it on FB for all my friends to sit and listen, she is always looking out for us.. God Bless her loving, caring soul!!!!
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Thank you Barbra. You inspire me to be better, stronger. To be me, to accept me, to be afraid of things sometimes, but to embrace that. Thank you. I wonder if Taylor Swift has been inspired by you also. You said, how much has really changed for women, 30 years on, well Taylor’s latest song “If I was a Man” it seems we all experience the same inequalities. 💐 Sisterhood!
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Babs never surprises me she was born inspirational to all women. She’s non judgmental against colour creed or religion. A true role model for women who today continue to be discriminated against in all areas. As a mother of 3 daughters I pray that will change soon 🙏x
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Such an inspiration.
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A very wise woman, and Excellent Musician and Singer"!!
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My grandmother died of kidney failure as a complication from heart disease and i thank barbra for her work on this issue (as well as many others)
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Truth America" How amazing a person and talent Barbara Streisand is. I love her for so many reasons as a talent and a person
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She is just wonderful how luckey to have her in this world
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I love Barbara Streisand. Thank you for your inspiring message. God bless America.
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What a great person! Thank you for sharing your wisdom! I will come back to this video whenever I feel so down and need to hype up my spirit. ❤️❤️❤️
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Streisand is one of my favorite people, despite me never being able to call myself a fan of hers. I consider her just another everyday person who has done remarkable work. I honor all who able to do the remarkable and those who appreciate them. “I love you, Barbra! I invite you and your lovely husband to tea.”
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We love you, Barbra. Please make more music and more movies.
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I was touched with this. Mind blowing... OMG My Lord, sounds amazing. A miracle...
